The Outlaws

seven.

Picture: Joe Collier as Daniel Parker

So... I made a proper cover! Yay! I think it looks good. But if I come across a more relevant background, I will change it.

Who else is in love with the picture for this chapter?!

ALEXIS

"I'm really sorry, Lex. You don't deserve to go through all that. I can't begin to imagine how you're feeling," Kayleigh sympathises.

It's been two years. I'm not completely over it and I still cry about it a lot when I think about it and I do get nightmares. But with time- "I'll be okay."

"You will. You're really strong, I know you are."

"Thanks, Kay," I smile appreciatively, even though she can't see me.

I'm laying on my bed, exhausted from today's events. Kayleigh called me once she got home, after going out with Daniel, to check up on me and ask me why I freaked at Isaiah's place.

"And, um... You should know something about me too. Remember when I told you I'm a loner?" She exhales and lets out a sad laugh. "People kind of ditched me-Joanne Smith, Frank Dickens, Greg Till, Lavender Osman... Lex, have you ever noticed what and how I eat?" she asks seriously.

I think for a moment. I realised then that she only eats salads, with the occasional ham sandwich. But even then, she only takes a slice and she doesn't even eat half of it.

Her excuse? The food tastes like shit. I agree, but it doesn't taste half bad. I mean, it's just bread and ham.

"Kay..." I whisper.

"Yeah... I'm anorexic. I mean, I go for therapy now and I am gradually getting better. I've been eating a little more and I've stopped taking pills. I'm trying."

That explains how skinny she is, like when I saw her at Garrett Foster's party.

"I know you are."

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner."

"It's alright, really. I didn't tell you about Nathan until now either. I understand."

And I do. I have trusted people before, only to be let down by them. I don't blame her at all. She's gone through the same thing so I'm glad she's not making the same mistake again.

There's a pin drop-silent pause. "Are you... Are you going to leave like the rest?"

She's got to be kidding me.

"What? No! Of course not. How could you even ask me that, Kayleigh Marie Evans?" I nearly yell. "No. I'm here for you and we'll go through this together. I know you'll overcome this because you're so much better than that. Kay, you don't have to look attractive to be beautiful-you already are. Don't worry about what people might think about you, okay? I know it isn't easy, but you have to. You deserve to be happy."

I think hear a sob.

"Are you crying?"

"No!"

But she sobs even louder and I laugh.

"Thanks, Lex. I love you, you know that?"

"Awww, sweetie. I love you, too."

She sniffles. "Okay, I think we should stop with the serious talk."

"Are you going to bed?"

"Nuh uh. I want to tell you about my date and you have to tell me about what happened with Christian!"