You drew stars around my scars

I see the light

Jessica's transition to being at home for all her meals was going well and both her and Taylor had adapted to having her back for all her meals.

There were a few hiccups but nothing major, until Taylor decided that one day she was going to try and challenge her – she did a ham, egg and cheese bagel in the air fryer – hoping to mix it up a bit.

Although Jessica had been getting used to eating cheese again – it was still a big fear food for the girl and she especially struggled when it was melted. She could never fully judge the portion size and she hated the greasy texture of it when it was melted.

Taylor knew it was going to be a battle so decided to just give her water with the food. As she sat the plate and glass in front of the teen, Jessica instantly shook her head "nope!"

Taylor glanced at her "excuse me?"

Jessica folded her arms, pushing the plate away "no! I didn't agree to this!"

Taylor pushed the plate closer, a stern expression on her face "you don't have to agree to it – it is lunchtime, now eat"

Tears sprung to Jessica's eyes, her voice more high pitched now "I'm not having that!"

Taylor's face softened "what is wrong with it?"

Jessica glared at it "you know what's wrong!"

Taylor nodded softly "the cheese..."

Jessica gave a single nod, her frustration building "yes, it's not FAIR!"

Taylor sat next to her "Buddy..."

Jessica jerked away from her slightly "No! Don't do that! Don't give me the mum voice. I didn't agree to a challenge today!"

Taylor glanced between the bagel and the teen – wondering if she had pushed too far "you have been having cheese a lot – this is just another exposure to it..."

Jessica pouted "I don't want it!"

Taylor took a deep breath "I know you are anxious but this is one of those times you have to push through"

Jessica crossed her arms again "please give me something else!"

Taylor's strength returned and she pulled the plate closer to the teen again "no – this is your lunch"

Jessica glanced at it for a split second – the disgust building on her face "Please! I can't eat this..."

Taylor smiled softly at her "yes you can, you have to"

Jessica looked around sadly "I will have something else – ANYTHING else!"

Taylor stared at her "you can have a supplement..."

Jessica screwed her face up "no!"

Taylor sighed, biting the inside of her lip "Baby – those are the rules. You eat what is in front of you OR you have a supplement..."

Jessica gestured to the bagel "if you didn't like something you would swap it!"

Taylor sighed again "you haven't even tried it – you don't know if you like it!"

Jessica glared at her "so if I take a bite and I don't like it – will you swap it for something else?!"

Taylor smiled sympathetically "No – because I know you will like it – but your eating disorder will not let you admit to it..."

Jessica burst into tears, her emotions too strong to control anymore "this isn't FAIR!"

Taylor's guilt rose and she placed a gentle hand on the girl's back, deliberately keeping her voice calm "I will sit with you for as long as this takes. I am here, you are safe"