Saving Liam

Reunited

Liam had to stay overnight for some tests. He didn't want me to leave, he wanted me right at his bedside all night. I felt so bad, I told him I would see him the next day or maybe just wait until he gets home. He will need some breathing space and his grandparent's help.

I sat on the kitchen table, eating my breakfast. My phone was next to me, constantly buzzing.

"If you don't shut that thing off, I will." Mom threatened as she sat down across from me.

"Sorry. I only have it out for Liam's sake." I quickly yanked it off the table and snuck a peek. It was a bunch of messages from Colin, pleading for my forgiveness, saying he didn't mean what he said, he's better, trust him. Blah, blah, blah.

"What is it sweetie?" Mom asked. I threw the phone onto the table, sighing.

"Colin." I whispered, shaking my head.

"I thought you two were not on speaking terms?" Mom's tone was serious.

"He's apologizing." Was all I said, suddenly my appetite going away. I pushed away my plate of eggs away from me, bringing my hands up to my mouth. I got up and ran to the toilet.

"MELODY?!" Mom yelled.

"Marvin!" She shouted. Sheesh, can't a girl puke and still be okay? I'm not dying.

"Mel, open up!" Mom banged her fist against the closed bathroom door.

I leaned up against the wall, panting, my heart racing. I wiped my mouth with my arm and sighed. I guess I've been so stressed I caused myself to get sick. I stood up slowly, using the bathroom counter for support and brushed my teeth, ridding the horrible vomit breath. As soon as my mom heard the water running, she left me alone. But as soon as I opened the door, she came running to my side.

"Melody.. is there something you would like to tell us?" Mom folded her arms across her chest. Dad came out of the den and did the same. They were now blocking me from going anyway.

"Is this some intervention?" I asked, my tone becoming aggravated.

"Does it need to be?" Mom asked.

It was then like a light bulb went off in my head. She thinks I'm purposely throwing up. Why in the world would I do that? I'm not sick. Not like that at least.

"Mom, I'm just stressed. That is all." I put my hands on her shoulders and moved her out of my way.

"Please Melody, just tell me you're not doing this on purpose." Mom started to cry. She was legit hardcore crying.

I stopped in my tracks and turned around to face her.

"Mom, I would never and if I did, I would immediately get help." I held her close then, sort of confused as to why she is sobbing.

"Your mother... she's just making sure Mel. When she was your age, she was very self-conscious." Dad explained.

Mom was bulimic. Oh my goodness.

"I still struggle with this every day. I didn't want you to know so you wouldn't get any crazy ideas. I didn't want you to think I was a bad role model. I just want what is best for you Mel. I still can't forgive myself for destroying my body but I have God to help me." Mom said and I had to dab my eyes dry.

"You're doing just fine. I'm going for a walk, I'll be back later." I took my phone and slid it into my back pocket.

I breathed in the stale summer air as I walked down the street. As I passed Liam's house, my heart broke. I was becoming irresistible so I hopped onto the porch and peeked inside the windows. I nearly jumped out of my skin as I noticed a figure inside. It was Mr. Gates. I knocked on the door then, hoping he would answer. He did.

"Melody, it's great to see you. Liam isn't home yet, but he will be later. I'll tell him you dropped by." Mr. Gates said, from his wheelchair. It broke my heart to see him so fragile.

"Okay, thank you." I smiled and let him be.

I went down the steps and stopped suddenly on the last step. I had to squeeze my eyes, to get a better glimpse of what I was seeing and I couldn't believe it. It was Colin, pacing back and forth. I ran off the step and over to him.

"Colin!" I yelled, waving him over. He instantly jogged over.

"Oh my gosh Mel, I'm so sorry." He repeated over and over. He kept touching me to make sure I was okay.

"Colin, get your hands off of me." I warned very carefully.

"Right, hands off." He surrendered, putting his hands in the air.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"Looking for you." His voice was shaky and for the first time in a long time, I became very worried for him.

"Why aren't you in rehab?" I asked.

"They released me. They prescribed me medicine. I'm doing really well, I swear." He promised but I still couldn't wrap my head around the fact that they released him.

"Colin, I love Liam." I covered my mouth as soon as the words escaped my mouth. I was shocked from not only telling the boy who also loves me that I love a different boy, but also that I admitted it out loud.

"That's... okay." He said, sighing.

"Wait, what?" I asked, absolutely shocked.

"I need a friend, not a girlfriend. I mean yeah, I'll want one eventually but right now I could really just use a friend. We can go back to old times, when it was just me and you." He said, taking my hand into his. I took a deep breath before answering.

"I would like that." I smiled.

"Can I hug you?" He laughed.

"Yes." I reached up and pulled him close. He inhaled my scent and I laughed.

"It feels so good to know someone cares again." He let go.

"It feels good to have my friend back." I admitted.

"Best friend?" He asked, hopeful.

"Not yet, but we'll get there again." I smiled and linked my arm into his as we skipped down the street like fools.

"Just like old times." He cheered.

"Just like old times." I agreed.