You drew stars around my scars

Chapter 33

The next week Taylor monitored the app daily, in disbelief as Jessica was recorded as eating 100% of her meals and snacks – with no supplement needed. When she spoke to Jessica the teen told her that she was beginning to finally see the point in actively trying to recover rather than just wanting to come home.

It was Friday and Taylor was anticipating a good weigh in for Jessica, she logged into the app and saw another 3lb weight gain – she knew instantly she would be approved for a face to face visit but there was no confirmation yet. She waited a couple of hours and her anxiety grew as there was no message inviting her to visit. Just after lunchtime she decided to ring, she was connected to the Doctor straight away "Good Afternoon Ms Swift, I'm glad you've rung as I needed to speak to you. But first – what did you need from me?" Taylor took a deep breath "I haven't had a visit confirmed for tomorrow and I was just ringing to check if it is going ahead, or has something happened?"

The doctor answered immediately "Actually that is exactly what I needed to talk to you about..I wanted to ask you not to come in for a visit tomorrow" Taylor groaned, expecting that Jessica had 'done something' as she waited for the Doctor to continue "BUT it is for a good reason, Jessica has gained weight consistently, she is eating. We think that's a great step forward – we wanted to offer her an overnight stay at home – if that's ok with you? This is the first step in discharge planning."

Taylor practically squealed "Really? Wow! Yes of course. You think she's getting ready for discharge planning?" The doctor hummed in agreement "there are many steps to make sure it goes well, an overnight stay, inviting you in for a meal with Jessica so you can supervise her, her continuing to gain weight. But I think she could be home within a couple of weeks if it goes well. We would like her to carry on with 2 x weekly visits for weigh ins and therapy but yes – we feel she is nearly ready to come home. She is engaging in therapy – she has identified her triggers, she is eating well, she isn't using eating disorder behaviours when eating. It is a fine balance between keeping them here to recover and getting them home to normality. Ideally as soon as it is safe we like to discharge so the parents can continue the progress – it seems we get better results like that as the patients don't rely on staff to 'control' their behaviours. How does that all sound?" Taylor gleefully accepted but had one question "can I tell her on facetime tonight?" The doctor dutifully agreed, she sent over the meal plan for the dinner, breakfast and snacks the teen would need while back at home then the two women hung up.

Taylor wanted to pass the time so she went and got Jessica's room organised – changing her bedding, putting her favourite books out, getting slippers ready for the girl.

She picked out some movies for them to watch and games for them to play.

Soon enough it was time to call Jessica and Taylor bit back her own excitement as the call connected "Good evening Buddy, how are you?" Jessica yawned "I'm ok but tired today – I think where I am eating more and moving more my body is actually giving me the right signals and suddenly I just feel SO tired! I'm looking forward to your visit tomorrow though!" Taylor knew the opportunity had come up "Oh Buddy, I needed to speak to you about that..I can't come tomorrow to visit you – I've got plans..." Jessica's face fell but she recovered quickly "Oh, ok. That's ok. Maybe we can facetime tomorrow night instead?!" Taylor snickered slightly "I don't think you'll want to...SINCE MY PLANS ARE PICKING YOU UP FOR THE DAY!". Jessica's disappointed expression turned into a confused one "Huh?"

Taylor beamed "I spoke to the Doctor today – they're letting you come home for an overnight visit tomorrow!" jessica's eyes were wide in surprise "seriously?!"

Taylor nodded "seriously! You've been working so hard. I pick you up after lunchtime and take you back the next day before lunch. AHHH"

Jessica's face was wide with excitement "Oh my god! They didn't tell me!"