Society Killed the Teenager

First & Final Chapter

Her P.O.V

She sat under the large willow tree next to the small stream that ventured through the park like a vital artery. The tree showing signs of health and happiness, green symmetrical leaves filtering the sunlight and strong branches, getting the right amount of water thanks to the its neighbour, the stream. Its large trunk having seen many children climbing it, many names been carved into it by love struck couples and even a handful of wedding photos captured underneath its canopy of green.

But the girl who was sat against the rough trunk today was far from being joyful and healthy like her natural friend. Her legs crossed, a journal in her lap, earphones in her ears, diet cola sitting to her right and the scar stained arm on the left. From a distance, a perfect image of a perfect teenage girl with a bright future. Everything from her school grades to her illusion of a perfect family adding to the false impression she upholds. On closer analyses, her mask slowly cracking.

She was quiet, not fond of interaction or relationships both platonic and not, maybe because of trust issues stemming from a broken family or self doubt from the consumption of societies bold words. Although she was never found in the company of others, she was intrigued to no end with people. Her journal full of her personal thoughts, quotes and findings of those who she watched. The journal offering a glimpse inside her head. That place in her head consisting of dark judgements and horrid thoughts on herself, diminishing the happy and healthy sides of her almost completely.

The 'happy' element of her consumed by her constant fear of failure, anxiety and judgment. She found it much easier to stay at home or close by to it. The 'healthy' side slowly deteriorating from anorexia. The need for her to be perfect on the outside to continue this facade was slowly but surely killing her. In an attempt to control one element of her life, she would starve herself. Her rebellion against society and her family, all while her body rebelled against her.

Her calorie count of today totalling 10 calories thanks to the 1 cup of lettuce and the diet cola sitting by her leg. She'd gone for a run at 6am this morning for 8km, burning plenty of calories meaning her body was working on nothing as of that moment. She felt it too, she felt like death to be completely honest. She had fasted for the last week and a half, breaking her attempt at a fortnight fast with that god damn lettuce, but after passing out in the bathroom after her run this morning she decided that she needed to give her body something.

Her 18 year old bones were aching from the cold and she could feel her bones protruding through her skin, making many sore spots but adding to her satisfaction that she was skinny enough to have that happening to her, even though it was not enough yet. She'd told her parents that she was off to a friend's house tonight for dinner. Without any questions being raised they let her walk out the front door. She had walked to the park and had sat in the one spot for over 3 hours now. The darkness slowly consuming her surroundings as the night got on. The streetlights over the path were now on, only a few people passing by. Her phone stating it was almost 7:30pm. Her fake reality which consisted of music and her journal was broken when a young man had walked over and attempted to spark conversation with the young girl.

"Uh, excuse me miss" The man, who looked to be aged around 20 or 21 towered over the girls small frame. His bright blue eyes meeting her dark ones. The girl removed her earphones gesturing to the man to continue.

"Not to pry or anything but do you have somewhere to be right now? It is awfully cold and getting darker, not safe for a young lady to be sat in a public park so late in London" He was quiet spoken, almost shy although his look took on a whole other perspective.

Tattoos were laid across his arms, his hair and beard styled like models, body perfectly sculptured and outfit of high standard. The girl questioned why he had noticed her, she usually stayed perfectly invisible.