Zero

Chapter 3: Elizabeth

~Liz's Point of View~

I hate when people say, "Let me help. I can understand what you're going through." No you won't understand what I'm going through. You may have gone through something similiar, but you won't understand what I'm going through.

I hate it even more when smart-ass says it.

Exhibit A: Ashton

With all these thoughts swirling in my head like a hurricane, I barely even realize I'm home until I'm opening the door.

"Elizabeth? What are you doing home so early?" My mom asks me from the kitchen table. She's been working from home a lot lately.

"I had stomach ache, nurse said I should go home." I say, telling my second lie today.

"You walked? It's four blocks from here to the school." My mom says, still typing away at her computer.

"It's okay. I could use the exercise." I say walking up the stairs.

"Elizabeth, do you want to talk about something?" My mom asks, sounding like she's right behind me.

Her question makes me stop. My mom has never been like those other moms that ask how your day has been, or what boy's heart you've stolen this week. She just saw that I was still breathing and she was okay.

Turning around to reply to her, I see that she already has a phone pressed against her ear and she is walking towards the kitchen.

"No mom," I say trying not to cry, "everything is fine."

Running up the stairs, I try to contain my tears until I'm in my room. As soon as the door closes though, they come pouring down. Seeing myself in my mirror, I look pathetic and disgusting.

This is probably how everybody at school sees me.

I need to be a size zero. I need it. Maybe then people will start treating me better. Maybe then people won't yell "MOO" at me in the hallways.

I promise myself this; before the school year is over, I will be a size zero.

Even if it kills me.