The Trouble With Love (SHOEY Fanfic) DISCONTINUED

If You Love Me Let Me Go (Chapter 4)

Together, we jumped in the car.

"Teresa's house, then Lisa's..? Where else could he have gone?? Food somewhere?"

Izzy nodded as she wiped her face from all her tears.

We drive in silence to Shane's mom's house. Why was Izzy so upset with herself? Why was Shane's name etched on her thigh? They seemed so close. Maybe she did something bad to him?

I decided to break the silence.

"You're beautiful, you know."

She looked and me and snorted.

"Yeah right. I'm fat, ugly, and weak. Nothing you say can change that. I'll never be perfect."

I tried to concentrate on the road as my mind exploded with reasons why not. She was my best friend, and I can't watch her cut up her body.

I felt a wave of sickness wash over me as a memory from a few years ago hit me.

~~~~~~~~

"Joey! Where are you?"

I lifted my head from the magazine i was reading and chose to ignore the voice calling from downstairs.

I heard the door open, and a beautiful, small boy with curly strawberry blonde hair stood there smirking.

"There you are! Guess what!"

I rolled my eyes and didn't look up. The boy walked over and laid on my back, looking over my shoulder as I read.

"Get off." I commanded, still reading the video magazine.

The boy stood up and sighed.

"Fine. Since you won't ask what, I'll tell you. Meghan has a crush on you."

I looked up as shock covered my face. I quickly composed myself and pulled my poker face.

Yet again.

"Tell her I'm not interested."

"Why?! Joey, you need to find somebody to be with."

"I don't need anyone." I noticed his face fall. "Go away."

He nodded and walked out of the room quickly. I went back to reading, but stole a glance at the closing door.

~~~~~~~~~

I inwardly cringed and pushed the memory away. I need to be strong for Izzy.

"Izzy, you are not fat. You are a perfect weight. You aren't ugly, you may think you are, but you're not. You are really, really beautiful. And there's no such thing as weak. There are weaknesses, and everyone has their own."

"You don't seem to have any." She replied defiantly.

Shit... I didn't want to tell anyone...

I can't tell her... But I have to... It'll help her.

I mentally face palm for walking into that one. But someone ought to know. I haven't told anyone but Nicole when I still lived in Boston.

"I-I... I have anxiety. I-i can't be alone. I'd get a panic attack." I finally stuttered.

She looked at me funny.

"You? Anxious? Nice one." She said sarcastically. Wow. What an understanding friend...

I just stayed silent and she studied me.

"Y-you're really telling the t-truth? You get anxious?"