You drew stars around my scars

Disapproval

As Jessica settled into recovery, her friendship group at school expanded. She was welcomed into the 'cool' group of kids which she was clearly thrilled about but it worried Taylor – she didn't want the teen to face unnecessary pressure and she knew often those types of groups were highly pressured.

Taylor's intuition was right as Jessica began to skip lessons to hang out with them all because she felt if she refused they would exile her. She was often late to lessons after lunch – instead preferring to stand and chat in the corridors and became generally cocky. She felt invincible and thought she was thriving.

Jessica became very close to Jacob – one of the boys. He was a terrible influence on her but she couldn't see it. Jacob was often left home alone as his parents were out at work a lot so he had lots of parties at his for the group. He also liked Jessica and tried to influence her – trying to get her to 'fit in' with them all.

Jacob slung his arm around Jessica's shoulder "what class do you have next?" Jessica looked up at him, a goofy smile on her face "English..."

He leant down and kissed her gently "skip with me..."

Jessica blushed following the kiss but shrugged "it's the last lesson of the day...Tay will be here to pick me up – there's no point"

He frowned "the point is to spend time with me...obviously you don't want to do that though..."

She sighed "I DO! OK, fine"

They headed out the doors, towards the fields to pass the next hour.

When school finished, Jessica headed back – climbing into Taylor's car. Taylor smiled at her "how was school?"

Jessica nodded "good"

Taylor cocked her eyebrow "you had English right?"

Jessica nodded, rolling her eyes "yeah, boring"

Taylor narrowed her eyes "well why did I have the school on the phone, saying you weren't in your lesson then?"

Jessica's jaw dropped, she opened and closed her mouth, not sure what to say. Taylor's voice was strict now "I lied for you. Said you had a dentist appointment. I won't do it again, do you hear me?"

Jessica nodded, mumbling an apology. Taylor sighed "and you have lost your allowance for this week..."

Jessica groaned but nodded "ok..."

They drove home quickly, in near silence as Taylor fumed and Jessica felt embarrassed at being caught.

A few days later, Jacob invited Jessica to his house on Friday night for a party. She approached Taylor, "Tayyyyy?"

The blonde looked up "hmm?"

Jessica put on her best smile "My friend Jacob has invited me to his on Friday for a party. Please can I go?"

Taylor shook her head, ready to protest but Jessica interrupted "this is the first time I've been invited and if I don't go then they might not invite me again! I'll be an outcast at school!"

Taylor sighed "fine, but be sensible. No matter what anyone else is doing – no drinking, no drugs, no reckless behaviour...I assume his parents are home?"

Jessica nodded, the lie catching in her throat but Taylor shrugged "OK. I'll pick you up at 10pm..."

Jessica smiled, she wanted it to be later but didn't want to push it. She ran and hugged Taylor "thank you, thank you!"

As Friday night came around, Taylor was nervous – the teen had got ready at her friends house but Jessica had confirmed she would come outside at 10pm and text Taylor the address again.