You drew stars around my scars

Trust

Jessica had her weekly therapy session, like usual Taylor was waiting in the waiting room for her, today she was reading a book.

She saw Jessica walking towards her and put her book down, the teen looked more timid than usual so Taylor painted an even bigger smile on her face "ready to go buddy?"

Jessica shook her head, looking down "erm, they want to speak to you"

Taylor fought to keep the surprise off her face but nodded and stood up "ok, show me the way!"

Jessica led them both back to the room where the doctor and therapist were waiting. They smiled kindly at Taylor and Jessica – indicating for them to take a seat.

Taylor looked between them and Jessica "is everything ok?"

The therapist addressed Jessica "can you tell Taylor what's going on?"

Jessica looked up, her cheeks burning with shame – her voice was quiet and shaky as she spoke up "I've lost weight"

Taylor swallowed and nodded "oh..."

The doctor spoke up "it happened last week but it was very minor – this week is more significant. Has there been any illness this week?" Taylor shook her head and the doctor pressed on "any reason you can think would explain it?"

Taylor thought for a few seconds "no, it's been a normal week..."

The doctor nodded "well, we cannot let it happen again. If there is any dip in weight next week, we will be forced to take action"

The therapist spoke up "we would recommend keeping a closer eye on her – ensuring she really is eating, not exercising, not purging..."

Taylor nodded "of course, I'll be sure to do that..."

They walked out quickly, and climbed in the car to drive home. There was an awkward tension between them and after a few minutes Taylor looked at the teen "what's going on buddy?"

Jessica refused to look up, she mumbled a response "I don't know..."

Taylor had to bite back her frustration "are you hiding anything? You're not in trouble but we need to help you..."

Jessica shook her head, her voice slightly more high pitched "No, I really am eating. You see it! I don't know what's going on"

Taylor nodded "OK, well let's see..."

That lunchtime, Taylor and Jessica prepared lunch like normal – the teen had been more involved in meal prep and was really enjoying it. As they ate, Taylor kept a closer eye on Jessica but she really did eat everything without any fuss. Even after lunch, when Taylor asked her to stay with her a bit longer, Jessica didn't moan and they settled to watch some TV. Eventually when Jessica had had enough and began to read her book instead, Taylor pulled out her phone – messaging Tree about the appointment, voicing her frustrations that she thought Jessica was doing well but it seemed they were heading backwards for no reason again.

Over the following week, Taylor kept a close eye on Jessica but she felt she was eating all her meals and she was doing everything she should be. They were very hopeful that the appointment that week would go better.

When they arrived, they took Jessica back first and Taylor settled in. After only about 30 minutes, the therapist came to get her and Taylor's heart sunk, knowing there had been more problems.

As she sat on the chair, she smiled reassuringly at Jessica who practically grimaced back.

The doctor spoke up immediately "I am going to jump straight in, Jessica has lost 1.7lbs this last week. Overall that is a 5lb weight loss and we really need to get it sorted"