Let Them See You (Joey Stamper/Anthem Lights)

Chapter 24

~Ariana's P.O.V.~

When I looked at the clock next to me, it read 10:05. I probably got the best sleep I've ever gotten, last night. I walked downstairs to find my dad and the guys talking, and eating. Just the smell of food made me nauseous, but I knew I had to eat something. My dad saw me and said, "Good morning, Ariana. Sleep well?"

I smiled, "Yeah, best night of sleep I've gotten in forever." I laughed. I sat next to Alan, and Joey pouted, making me laugh. "What do you want to eat?" My dad asked. I felt all eyes on me, which made me feel extremely nervous. "Can I wait a little while to eat? My stomach is bothering me." I asked. I saw the disappoinment in his eyes, "Just a little while. You need to soon though." He said. I nodded.

"I'm going to get the mail." I said, trying to change the subject. I walked out the front door and down to the end of the driveway. There were a lot of letters in here, but only one was to me. It was from Austin; I opened it up as I walked back to the house. I gave all the mail to my dad, and sat back down. When I read what was in front of me, I screamed. "What is it, Ariana? You almost gave us all a heart attack." My dad said.

"Austin is getting married!" I said. His eyes looked like they were going to fall out, "Isn't she like 19?" I shook my head, "21. The wedding is in a week and she wants me to be a bridesmaid. What am I going to wear? Oh my gosh, this is so stressful." I said. "I'll take you to find a dress." Dad said. I raised an eyebrow, "You don't know anything about dresses though! You'll say I look good in anything because you're my dad." I frowned.

It was times like this I had a mom. I know for a fact that all the guys would tell me every single dress looked good.

I mean, my mom would too. It'd be different though, she could help me find something that flattered my body, not just sit there and nod. Before any of the guys could say anything, I said, "I'm going for a walk. I'll be back in a few." I went out through the garage, got my skateboard, and rode off.

I ended up in the park Joey and I were at yesterday. I didn't understand how I could have such a great day yesterday, and this day suck already. I wasn't even planning on eating, I know it would only make me feel guilty.

I sat down on a swing, and slowly rocked back and forth. My phone buzzed, and it was from Joey.

you know i'm here for you, to talk about anything. but i'll give you your time alone. love you beautiful

I smiled at his words. "Are you alright?" I heard a voice say. I looked up and saw a girl. The first thing I noticed about her were her piercing eyes. They were a mix of blue and green, and were absolutely beautiful. "I'm alright." I said, giving her a smile. She sat down on the swing next to me, "I'm Brittany." She said.

"I'm Ariana. Nice to meet you."

"Do you live around here?" She asked. I nodded, "I live like right down the street. What about you?" She nodded, "Yeah. I feel like I haven't seen you around here though."
"I just got home from being away for a while." I said. She nodded, "Oh, that explains why. I moved here like a month ago."

"Oh, thats cool. How old are you?" I asked. "17." She smiled. "So am I." I said.

"So, are you sure you're okay? You can vent if you want. I feel like its always easier venting to strangers." She laughed. I nodded in agreement, "That's for sure! I actually just got out of treatment for depression and an eating disorder. I'm already struggling. My best friend is getting married and I need to go dress shopping but I don't have a mom and don't have any friends that are girls that could help me. It's just complicated." I laughed.

"Wow. You've been through a lot. I think it's amazing though that you're still here. I can't tell you I understand, but I'm here for you, and I'll pray for you." She said. "Also, I can help you pick out a dress if you want." She smiled.

"That'd be awesome." I said. "Do you wanna go tonight?" She asked. I nodded, "Sure." We exchanged numbers, before I returned home.

I walked into the house to find Joey and Alan sitting on the couch, talking. Chad, Caleb, and my dad where no where to be seen. I jumped right in the middle of them, "Sup homies."

"Whats up girl?" Joey said in a high voice. (see what i did there hahahaha that song is perf ok bye)

"Nothing. I met a friend!" I said. Alan said, "That's good! Who?"

"Her name's Brittany. She was at the park. She moved here like a month ago. We're gonna go dress shopping tonight." I said. Alan smiled, "I'm happy you found a friend. You deserve a good one." I hugged him, "Thanks Alan."

"What do you want to eat, Ariana?" Alan said. Butterflies filled my stomach. I knew regardless of what I ate, I would feel guilty, and I really didn't want to deal with that. I knew Alan would make me eat something though.

"I'm not feeling good." I said, trying my best not make eye contact with him.

"Ariana, look at me." He said.

I did as I was told. "You need to eat something." He said. Through this whole conversation, Joey was quiet. "I got this, Alan. Don't worry, she'll eat." Joey said. Alan nodded, and walked upstairs. I could tell I had frustrated him.

Joey said, "Please eat something, for me."

I shrugged, "Just so I can feel guilty after? No thanks."

"Please, Ariana. Your body needs feul." He said. "What about peanut butter? You love peanut butter." He smiled. I sighed, "On one condition." He nodded.

"You have to feed me." I smirked.

He laughed, "Deal." We went into the kitchen. He got a spoon and the peanut butter out. He put some on the spoon and held it out for me. I took a deep breath, and ate it.

This may seem like the dumbest thing in the world, but no one will understand until they actually go through it themselves. Just eating the smallest thing makes me feel absolutely horrible about myself. In therapy, they taught us different techniques to ignore the thoughts. Some days it worked, other days it didn't. It was one of those days. I ate a couple spoonfuls of it, and then stopped. It was to the point that I wanted to throw up because I felt so guilty.

"I don't want anymore." I said to Joey. He nodded. "I"m proud of you, love."

I gave him a weak smile, "Thanks. I just wish I didn't feel so gross." I tried to stop the tears that were coming, but a few sneaked out. "Hey, look at me, baby." He wiped the tears that were falling, and lifted my chin so I was looking at him. "You're the most beautiful person I've ever met, inside and out. You're by far the strongest girl I've ever known and I'm so blessed to have you in my life. I don't want you to ever feel gross about yourself because you're perfect to me. I wish you could see how beautiful you are."

I was speechless. I didn't know what to say. i just couldn't grasp how I got so blessed to have this incredible person in my life. I know I didn't deserve him, yet somehow God brought us together.

I smiled, "You're perfect." That was about the only thing I could say.

"You got some peanut butter on your mouth." He said. I was about to wipe it off when he did the job for me.

I felt his lips hit mine and I couldn't help but smile.