Freckles and Constellations

Chapter 10

I hear beeping and in-distinctive chatter but I can't open my eyes. It hurts. Everything hurts. I feel still but I can feel movement all around me. I squeeze my hand into my fist to check I still have feeling in my body.

"Dad, she moved. Zo? Zoe?" I hear Lesley. I begin to pry my eyes open but the lights are bright and hurt my eyes. I open them slowly and try to look around. I see machines and a large window but I also see myself in a hospital gown and Lesley sitting on a chair, holding my hand, my dad behind her.

"Les?" I say but my voice is raspy and hardly there.

"Zoe!" She says. I can tell she's crying and it isn't long before I'm engulfed into a hug from her.

"What happened?" I say through taking deep breaths and trying to sit up.

"You, well, you fainted. We thought you had died! When the ambulance came they said they had no clue what happened and that you would need to go for a scan. Except, when they changed you from your clothes they saw... them. And, well, they asked when you had last eaten and I said I didn't know and dad said he hadn't seen you eat in w while and Zo, I'm sorry! I should've been there to help!" Lesley replies. She is crying a lot and I can feel the tears sting at my own eyes.

"Wha- what?" I say as I feel a tear run down my face.

"Zoe, you didn't even tell us. Zoe, I'm so sorry!" I hear my dad's voice break and a door open and close. I assume he had to get out before we saw him cry. He's never done that in front of us before.

"Lesley, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. It's just, I couldn't take it." I whimper.

"What do you mean. And don't even try hiding it. tell me." Lesley pleads.

"It's Taylor. I couldn't take her yelling insults at me and making me feel like shit. She told me I was fat and I went home and I saw it. I saw it and I hated myself for not realising." I said and curled up on my bed.

"Zozo, I'm so sorry. I should've realised." Lesley said but before I could reply I saw my dad enter the room with a nurse.

"Zoe? Is that correct?" I smile and push myself up onto the pillow.

"Right, I need to have a short word with you. Would you like your family to stay or wait outside?" She asks/

"Stay. Please." I say quickly.

"Okay, right. So, due to what has been happening and what you have done to yourself." She starts and I flinch at the thought of her seeing my stomach. "It has been decided that you are to see a therapist-"

"What?" I cut her off and immediately stare at my dad and Lesley. "I- I don't need a therapist!" I argue.

"You may not think so but he will also monitor your eating habits to make sure you are eating the correct things. It is completely for your well being." The nurse gives an unapologetic smile and leaves the room.

"No, I refuse." I state.

"Zoe, this is for your health and I'm sorry but this is something you will have to do. Just until your better." My dad argues and I sink into my pillow.

"When can I go home?" I ask, getting teary.

"When the doctor comes back and tells us about what is going to happen next and when we get your therapy time table." My dad says and takes a seat.

"Do you want anything from the shop?" Lesley asks the pair of us.

"A water please." I whimper.

"A tea if possible." My dad says before Lesley grabs her bag and leaves us alone.

"Zoe, I'm really sorry you have to do this." My dad says as he moves up a seat to sit closer to me.

"Dad, please, don't make me go. I don't want a stranger to watch me eat and then know all my business." I say as my eyes begin to prick with tears again.

"Zoe, I can't help it. You're going to have to do this. Please. You should've seen the stste you were in. Lesley couldn't leave your side. Please, do it. For her. She needs you right now and knowing your not well isn't going to help what she has on her hands." He says and takes my hand.

"I'll try. I will." I smile and wipe away my tears.

Not long after, I hear Lesley walk back through the door. She hands me a big bottle of water and my dad a coffee.

"I have news." She says. "To brighten our day." She smiles.

"Go on?" Me and my dad say.

"Well, i saw my nurse on the way to the cafe." She says.

"And?" I say, sitting up.

"My first scan is next week. It's happening. I'm going to have a baby!" She says and it was clear she had tears forming in her eyes.

"Les, that's amazing!" I exclaim and take her hand.

"That's brilliant, Love." My dad says and pulls us both into a hug.

Now, I just need to get better. For her. And her baby.