You drew stars around my scars

Food poisoning

Jessica had been home permanently for a few weeks and was continuing to do well. She was able to listen to Taylor and was maintaining her target weight.

Thursday night was 'challenge' night and tonight they were ordering pasta to be delivered to the house. They had chosen a garlic, creamy prawn linguine with garlic bread to share.

When it arrived, Taylor dished it up for them, ensuring that the portions were equal to stop Jessica having a meltdown.

Taylor knew this was going to be a big challenge – pasta was a fear food for Jessica, combined with the thick creamy sauce which she knew would be a challenge – not to mention it was a delivery so Jessica had no idea of the preparation, ingredients or quantities. Taylor was expecting a meltdown but was pleasantly surprised when Jessica sat up the table without a fuss.

A couple of bites into the meal, Jessica screwed up her nose "Tay...it tastes kind of funny"

Taylor rolled her eyes, suspecting this was the anxiety shining through "it tastes fine to me. I think you're just anxious and it's tricking your brain"

Jessica sighed and tried a few more bites, she put the fork down again "It does taste REALLY fishy to me..."

Taylor picked the prawns out for her but pushed the plate closer to the teen "you need to eat that...I know it's overwhelming but I promise nothing bad it going to happen from one meal"

Jessica nodded, forcing down the rest of the creamy pasta. Once both of them had finished, they curled up and watched a film. As the food digested, Jessica realised Taylor probably was right – it likely was just the anxiety of the difficult meal and she relaxed.

They headed up to bed, Jessica proud of herself for pushing through.

The next morning, Taylor woke up early. She was sweating and felt nauseous. She groaned as she hauled her body up – heading straight to the bathroom where she proceeded to vomit over and over. She laid down on the tiles – needing the coldness against her clammy body. Her stomach was cramping and she sighed as she vomited again. When she had been unable to move for 30 minutes, her body finally felt empty and she crawled back to bed. She grabbed her phone, shooting off a quick text to Tree – explaining she had come down with a virus and begging her to come and sit with Jessica for breakfast while she tried to rest. Tree quickly agreed and headed over.

When Jessica woke up, she turned to Tay "oh you look terrible!"

Taylor laughed slightly "thanks buddy. I bet I feel worse than I look"

Jessica frowned – "what's wrong?"

Taylor shrugged "I can't stop being sick – my stomach is killing me"

Jessica narrowed her eyes "I TOLD YOU that pasta was dodgy last night!"

Taylor shook her head "you're fine so it wasn't the food, I guess I just got unlucky with a virus..."

Jessica sighed but deep down she KNEW it was the food. Taylor explained that Tree was coming over and Jessica groaned, flopping back down on the pillow – desperate to get some more sleep before the redhead appeared.

Half an hour later, Taylor was shaking her awake "Tree is here – time for breakfast buddy"

Jessica groaned, her voice croaky "I feel meh – I'm tired and just feel gross...I really think it was the food Tay"

Before Taylor could respond Tree spoke up "no excuses. Come on – breakfast is ready"

Jessica groaned as she climbed out of bed and Tree handed Taylor a bottle of water "drink plenty and sleep – I have this today..."