Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
TW- Eating Disorders, Talks of suicide, Rape
-
It's been over a week since you've last eaten something. It wasn't intentional, you just never had time to stop and take care of yourself. Ever since the night at Bryce Walkers party, your world has been crushed and you don't get what the purpose of being here was. Of course you had your friends and family to think about, but you just weren't feeling okay with yourself or about yourself.
At school, you were more quiet than usual. The way you carried yourself changed as well. Clay, Jess, Hannah, and Alex would notice and you would just make up some lame excuse. They never questioned it though. In your first period class, you sat there staring blankly at the ground until you caught yourself. Then you decided to doodle instead of actually paying attention. Zach Dempsey, the most popular and the definitely hottest guy at school sat next to you and you didn't even notice. You could feel him staring at you, but you really didn't think much of it. He reached out and tapped you on your shoulder, and you looked up. "Hey, I know it's like totally not my place to ask but are you okay?" His face had a tint of worry on it. You gave him a half smile, and nodded. "Yeah- yeah, I'm fine. Thank you for asking." You smiled at him again and he nodded almost as if he didn't buy it. When classes was over you walked out immediately, but he ran after you. "I'm sorry for being so weird, I just don't buy it. I don't think you're fine and I know we've never talked before, but I can tell something is wrong." He said, he was hanging onto his backpack straps and looked at you with a hopeless expression. You looked down at the ground. "You haven't been eating, have you?" There was silence between the two of you and you nodded without looking back up at him. "I know we aren't like close or anything, but is it okay if I help you or like be there for you? Something? This is weird, I know but from day 1 I noticed you and I haven't really said anything before because well I thought you might turn me away because I'm a part of that over there." He pointed towards the crowd of jocks, and looked back at you. "We have biology together, and it's no doubt your so smart. I want to be a marine biologist, not some athlete." You smiled, "I actually would really love that. I'm y/n and I'm glad to meet you. From the second you asked me if I was okay, I knew you were different from them." He smiled, and became red. "How about we hangout after school and I'll tell you everything you want to know?" He nodded and agreed. "I'll take us to wherever?" He asked, rubbing the back of his neck. "Sure!" You laughed. You gave him your number and he gave you his. Then went on about your day.
After school, you both met up at his car and you went to the dock. You got out and sat on the ledge. He asked if you wanted to get food, but you declined and it kind of made him upset. "This may come off as straight forward and like definitely none of my business, but why haven't you eaten?" He asked, you looked him in his eyes and then looked down again. "A girl like me, doesn't need to eat. Well, that's what they say at least." You played with your fingers and tried not to cry. "Wait, who's 'they'?" He was confused, but also upset. "Your friends." You look up at him and he stayed silent. "Bryce, Monty, Marcus, Scott. All of them. That's why I'm surprised you even bothered talking to me. I mean look at me. Are they wrong?" A tear fell from your eye. "Yes, y/n. Yes they are so wrong! You're beautiful. You're beautiful just the way you are and that's just that." He said, he wiped the tears that began falling from his eyes. "Why are you crying?" You asked him, your heart broke seeing him so upset. "I want to protect you from them. I don't want them to break such a beautiful soul like yours. Can I ask you something?" You were scared for what he was about to ask but allowed it. "Have you, have you had thoughts of you know, ending it?" He didn't look at you. "I have, Zach. More than once." He put his head down. "I know we just met today, but can I hug you?" You nodded and he wrapped his arms around you. You both cried together for a little bit and then it stopped. "I got you. I'll be here for you and I'll protect you." You paused, "Wait, there's something else you don't know." He looked at you. "Bryce. He raped me the night of his party." You began to cry, but Zach became furious. "I'll take care of him for you." He hugged me again. "I'll be there for you always." You smiled, "thank you for caring so much. I truly appreciate that." You both walked back to his car and got in. "Hey, Zach?" He looked over at you, "Yeah, what's up?" You chuckled, "How does Rosie's Diner sound?" He laughed and drove off. "Amazing."
You guys ended up going to the diner, ate and talked. You didn't know that Zach would turn out to be one of the most amazing and down to earth person ever. He had a special place in your heart. The two of you became super close and he really did keep his promise of staying by your side. Lucky was an understatement.
