The Outcast

16- Battle

[ quote = perfection ]

A WEEK LATER I am back at school.

But I have to meet with an eating disorder specialist at least once a week, (every Wednesday).

"Hello Cassidy." Hayden greets me as I walk into school

"Hi." I say flatly

I was up pretty much all night last night. I couldn't sleep, picked up my phone to check the time, next thing I knew it was one in the morning.

Stupid Internet.

"How are you?" he asks

"Tired as shit." I complain, rubbing my sleepy eyes

Every time I blink, it's a battle to open them again.

"You haven't told anyone have you?" I ask wearily

"No. Course not. I wouldn't do that without your permission." he says

"Thanks Hayden." I grin

I then feel someone tap my shoulder. I spin around quickly, meeting a grinning face.

"Hi Louis," I smile

He throws his arms around me and hugs me tightly.

"Cass! I haven't seen you in forever! I missed you!" he exclaims

"Missed you too." I grin

"I'll uh, go." Hayden says awkwardly, walking off towards Jordan.

I wave but he scowls and looks away.

I notice Carter with them too and jealousy burns in the pit of my stomach, making me feel plain miserable.

"What's wrong?" Louis asks

"Nothing!" I smile, "I just... I dunno. I'm tired I guess."

"Oh. Okay. Do you wanna go sit down somewhere then?" he asks

"Sure." I say, letting him tug me towards a random seat

I can see my old group and Jordan's group from here which is honestly not helping.

"Cassidy?" Louis asks, waving a hand in my face, "woo hoo? Cassidy?"

"Sorry." I say, snapping out of my trance.

"Wow you really are out of it," Louis laughs

He puts an arm around me.

"Just lean into me and let your eyelids droop. I'll tell you when the bell goes." he says

I lean my head on his shoulder and let my eyes shut. My head spins before falling into a peaceful darkness.

-

"Cassidy?" A voice says, shaking me lightly, "Cassidy bell."

"What? Oh." I groan, sitting up

"How are you?" he asks

"Worse than I was before." I admit

He sighs,

"What if I take you to sickbay. You can sleep there." He says

"Okay." I say

Usually, I hate sickbay but now, I just need to sleep.

He walks me there and I flop down on the seat in the office. Louis talks to the lady and she nods. Louis hugs me again and whispers "see you later" in my ear.

"Follow me love." Heather, the receptionist says kindly

I walk behind her to the sickbay room and I sit on the bed.