You drew stars around my scars

Tree's sleepover

On Monday, Tree picked Jessica up like normal from the centre and took her out for a treat. As they got home, Jessica looked at her "Treeeeee...."

The redhead smirked, her tone playful "what do you want?"

Jessica batted her eyelids "can I have a sleepover soon?"

Tree blinked "at my house?"

Jessica nodded, a cheeky grin on her face "yes! I get so bored stuck here. I go to the treatment centre, then home. That's it. Taylor won't even let me go shopping with her because she says I'm trying to exercise..."

Tree thought about it for a few seconds before smiling softly "I'll do you a deal. If you eat dinner every night WITHOUT any argument for a week, I will take you out Saturday. We can go to the zoo, watch a movie, have a sleepover..."

Jessica grinned "really?!"

Tree smiled "really..."

Jessica frowned "and Tay will agree to this?"

Tree shrugged "I'll work on her. Let's go and speak to her about it"

Tree expected a battle with Taylor but the blonde listened to Tree's request then nodded – her body relaxing slightly "actually that would be great! I am really tired and it would help to switch off for a bit. I could do with a day to myself. Are you sure?"

Tree nodded eagerly "absolutely – it will be nice! As long as you're happy then that's great!"

Taylor grinned at her "I'll let you tell her the news!"

Tree nodded "let's check she eats first, that was part of the deal!"

They didn't have to worry about the teen not keeping her end of the bargain though – she ate every night without any grumbling. She messaged Tree every night that she wasn't there to tell her she'd eaten well. Every night – she received a well done from the redhead with encouragement to keep it up. Although it was something simple, the idea of a sleepover at Tree's house was really motivating Jessica to push through her anxiety.

Friday night, when she told Tree that she had eaten well, Tree sent her a message 'well done honey, I'll pick you up at 9 – have breakfast first. I'll message Tay now'

At exactly 9am, Tree arrived and Jessica quickly said her goodbyes to Taylor and climbed into her car. The teen was buzzing as they headed to the zoo "I've never been here before!", she was mostly excited about knowing how many steps she would get in but she wouldn't admit that to anyone.

As they walked around, Tree's watch buzzed and she checked it "ooh snack time honey!"

Jessica instantly shrunk into herself, glancing around at all the people. Tree sensed her hesitation and placed a gentle hand on her back – guiding her to a quiet bench away from everyone. As Tree handed her a granola bar, Jessica bit her lip "there are so many people around..."

Tree smiled kindly "I know – but don't pay any attention to them. Just focus on me..."

Jessica nodded and hesitantly began eating – glancing around occasionally to make sure nobody was staring at her. She managed it all within 15 minutes then they headed back, wandering around slowly. The teen's guilt was lessened by the exercise but she tried to push that thought out of her head – telling herself she didn't have to 'earn' food.

At lunchtime, Tree guided them to a café, she looked at the teen – trying to figure out how anxious she was but asking gently "what do you want to eat honey?"

Jessica looked at the menu but the choices were all overwhelming. She was torn about choosing something she actually wanted and choosing something because she knew it was lower in calories. Deciding she couldn't make the right choice she looked up at Tree "can you help me pick?"