Shattered

Leaving day

"Ow." It all happens so fast...

The world spins...

Clutching..

Pain...

No.

No.

This can't be happening...

Jasmine falls...

T-Jay sprints off to get a nurse.

I freeze.

the whole world starts spinning

again

and then it all goes dark.

When I wake up it is 4..

Jasmine is covered over with a sheet. "What is going on?" I ask tugging Lance towards me. "I'm so sorry Elara. She's..." Ahhhh! I run out onto the patio in the garden and fall to my knees. "She is in a coma, she may get better but it isn't likely." Lance told me. "You heard then?" Griffin sounds sad. He is sitting behind a flower pot and walks towards me. "She wants you to fight. All of us have to live our best lives okay? No more bullies or weird food obsessions. No more standing on the sidelines. We have to live right here! Right now! Someone out there is dying at this moment and they have no say in that but we do. So stop mopping and get up! Stand up Elara." He starts balling his eyes out after I get up and I hug him patting him on the back as he sobs more. "Griffin we are going to be okay as long as our spirits burn bright we will do. I promise." And we head back in, they all look so down. Then I realise I can't hear anything but crying. No life machine. "She died 10 minutes ago. I'm so sorry." T-Jay says his voice sounds broken. And he carries Griffin when he goes into another sob and lays him in his bed.

I stay silent. No words can describe this all. No amount of tears or screaming can either. And maybe that hurts but in this numb way. To the point where it all fills up and I am left not doing anything. And I start shaking, then Lance hugs me into him and sits me onto the sofa. "Everything will be okay. I know this sucks and I'm so sorry. I'm here for you, I always will be." And the clock is at 5:59. So I start saying my goodbyes. I start with Pipa and I wish her the best of luck, she says you are a beautiful girl. Then I find Freja and ask her if she knew what happened with Jasmine. "She was a very sick lady. Couldn't keep more than 500 cals in, it's a horrible thing to happen. But she is at peace now. She would want us to fight and stick together so stay in touch, Bird. She was my closest friend for years and I knew in my heart that she was fading out too fast. When it continued I knew it wasn't long. I am always here if you need me, keep your head up Elara. Goodbye and good luck." I hug her and I cry a little. Then I go to the Pica unit, "Griffin? T-Jay?" I whisper. They get up T-Jay first then Griffin. "You are a strong girl so I know you'll be okay. Look after yourself and stay alive. Also make sure that boy treats you like the queen you are. And I will do the same for Griffin, that boy is seriously adorable when he sleeps. Don't tell him I said that." He blushes harshly. "Your secret is safe with me. Goodbye T-Jay best of luck."

Then Griffin walks out his fawn wavy locks are messy and his eyes are still blue but they seem misty. "We will be okay Griffin. I know we will. You'll go to university and study Art and I will study journalism. We can do anything Griffin. We can. Don't you dare start crying now, you'll make me cry. And I have to go soon. What would we be without these demons?" Griffin's eyes are teary and so are mine. "We would be fighting something else. It's hard to imagine you know. But we'll make it Elara I know we will." We are out the front with my luggage with Lance and Jade. "I love you soul sista now you shine bright okay? And comb that fiery hair of yours at least once a day. Goodbye Elara." I nod and hug him.

In the car I realise that my aunt is smiling slightly, "Do you feel better sweetie?" I smile weakly, "A little bit Auntie not completely but I'll get there someday."

I see Griffin's smile. Pipa's laugh. Freja's and T-Jay's waltz. Then Jasmine's calm face. Then I hear it all dance away. I hear beautiful, not horrible, for a moment and it feels amazing.

School paper 2017 September

We all have our problems. But it is who we are despite them that counts. Article by Elara Glass

Everyone will tell you that being ill is horrible but when you are the supposed cause of your illness then they don't care. I had an eating disorder 2 years ago and now I'm better than I ever have been. I want to tell all of you that you have to love yourself the way you are because you are beautiful. Even if you can't see it yet trust me it is there.

One of the most amazing women I have ever met died because a demon in her head made her weaker until her heart gave way. And she taught me to keep my head held high, so I will. You never have to stand alone, no one ever does. Every friend or acquaintance stands with you, every family member cheers you on to make it. But you have to push through the hard walls by yourself. You will have the strength, we all have it. I should know because I never thought I did.

Please send any questions into Elara-Glass.writes. I look forward to hearing from you all. Stay strong fellow gems. The advice centre is starting next week so get posting your unnamed questions.