Glassheart but realistic

part 2 - understanding Red

Chloe pov:

We head to the cafeteria where many people were sitting and eating already. I try to find us a spot to sit.

Red: I see a spot over there.

She points to an empty table in the corner.

Red: I'll go sit there while you grab your food.

I nodded as she walks to thr table. The line thankfully wasn't too long. Once it was my turn I looked at all the food option they had. There was so much food to choose from. I grabbed a piece of steak and some Caesar salad, at the end of the buffet line was where the drinks were. I decided to go with grape juice. Once I had all my food I walk over to Red who was just observing people. I place my food down and sit in front of her.

Chloe: there's so much food to choose from Red, you should get something.

Red looks at me with slight concern in her eyes. I tilted my head in confusion.

Chloe: did I say something wrong? What's with that facial expression?

I see her take a deep breath, looking down for a few moments.

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Red pov:

I felt my core shock when she said that. It sorta spooked me I guess. I don't want to be mean to Chloe but how am I supposed to tell her I have a eating disorder. I don't like lying to her but I also don't want to reveal everything about me to her just yet. Her steak smelt to good. It was intoxicating. I try to put a serious face on

Red: I'm not hungry Chloe.

My stomach growled so loud the people of the table next to us turned around. I cover my stomach up embarrassed. Chloe looks at me with worry.

Chloe: You clearly are hungry tho Red, go pick something to eat before its all gone.

She cuts her steak and takes a bite. I couldn't help but watch her eat. I kinda felt paralyzed at that moment. I was practically drooling over her food.

Chloe: Red?

I didn't hear her.

Chloe: hello? Earth to Red?

She waves her hand over my eyes, I snap out from zoning her food. I look up confused.

Red: hmm

Chloe puts her fork down and sits up straight.

Chloe: you know... now that I mention it, I haven't seen you eat much at all, not even at Merlin.  Is there a reason as to why?

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Chloe pov:

I don't mean to budge but I'm genuinely getting concerned for Red. She's skinny enough as is. How come she doesn't eat? It's not normal for anyone to go this long without a proper meal at least. I see thr concerned look on her face frow as she was about to say something but then shutd her mouth slightly nodding her head up and down. Is she in her head again? She's been acting a little more strange than from what I've seen, I hope it's not anything bad.

Red: Chloe... I have something too tell you....you are my friend now and I think there's a few things you should know about me.

She sighs and looked up at me.

Red: I don't really eat food because... because I have a eating disorder.

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Chloe pov:

A eating disorder? I looked at her surprised. I started to think as to which one it could be.

Red: my mom rarely ever let me eat... and when she did it was mostly vegetarian foods, I was never allowed to eat meat or any deserts.

Chloe: I'm so sorry Red... I didn't know.

Red: it's OK I'm used to it.

Chloe: I don't think so.

She looks at me with a puzzled face.

Red: what do you mean?

Chloe: I saw how you looked at my food, you were practically drooling just looking at it... I'm happy you told me either way.

I can see her smile in relief.

Chloe: but I will need you to eat... for me.

She looked scared, her gaze staring into my eyes, her lips slightly parted.

I grab my fork and knife and cut a slice of my steak and put a few salad leaves next to it. I pushed the plate over to her side not letting go knowing she might try to shove it back to my side.

Chloe: Red, look at me when  I say this.

She looked intensely in my eyes.

Chloe: you need to eat. It's not healthy going 4 days with little to no food. I am not your mom, I won't force you to eat.... but can you at least try a bite for me?

I see Red look down. She looked at the food like it was about to kill her. I couldn't help but lean over just a little to see her face.

Her stomach growled again. She kept parting her lips and closing them again sighing.

Chloe: your safe here, you can take it.

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Red pov:

Chloe put her plate right in front of me. I tried to push it back to her side but she was holding the plate tight not letting me budge it back her way.  The food looks so good, it smells so amazing, I'm starting to feel hungrier and hungrier. This is the first time I ever even been this close to actual meat. I can feel my mouth filling with saliva. I'm so nervous. Chloe said a few reassuring words encouraging me to actually eat her food. She looks at me and smiles. I decide to give in and slowly pick up my fork. I take a small piece of the meat and slowly put it in my mouth. It tasted like heaven, I thought Bridget's cupcakes were good but this meat is next level. I quickly look up at Chloe smiling as I'm eating, I take more and more bites.

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Chloe pov:

I never expected Red to be this starved. Poor girl was rarely ever allowed to eat. I cant even imagine going hungry. I'm happy she's enjoying my food tho. I start to think, what else do I not know about this girl. She ate my whole plate so fast. But I didn't care about that. I was just proud she decided to eat.  I went to get another plate and sat with her talking. She seemed alot happier after eating some actual food.