Skinny Love

Chapter 30

Wednesday December 11th

Over this past week or so, things have been getting better for me. Nobody really bothers me at school anymore, Cadie and Harper scared off by Cole's threats and Brodie too occupied with trying to get laid before the Christmas holidays begin. I've been with Cole, Lola or Harry constantly, with at least one of them in each of my lessons. I've never had a group of friends before, especially not one this close to each other. I'm enjoying being a part of it and getting to know each of their personalities.

Harry was a hard person to understand. He's quiet and didn't fully interact with me to begin with but as time went on, he opened up a bit. It's hard to describe him but he's so loving and really cares for Lola and Cole. From what I can tell, he had a hard life growing up, something about a bad relationship with his dad. So, Cole and Lola opened their doors to him whenever he needed to get away. I think he feels like he owes them so much but they don't see it that way. He's like a brother to Cole and something much more to Lola.

Lola was the first one to reach out to me. She's so... eclectic but in the best way possible. She doesn't want to fit into a box or a stereotype. How open she is scared me at first, she wasn't afraid to tell me anything, even though she barely knew me, but I've come to love it. It's such a different attitude than anyone I've ever known. My whole family is so closed off that she's refreshing, like a breath of fresh air. Anyone can tell that Lola values Cole and Harry so much, probably because they love her for herself, not what they want her to be.

Then there's Cole. Again, he was a hard nut to crack but he's so different from what people think. He seems like a complete and utter dickhead from the outside, if I'm being honest. One of those stupid cliches of the popular player of the school. I never would've thought he was like this. All he ever wants to do is protect the people he cares about. If anyone upsets Lola, he gets on the brink of murdering them, anyone makes a comment about Harry, he threatens them and now I come under that protection as well. He just wants us all to do the best we can in life and that's one of the things that makes me feel so strongly towards this group, my friends; they don't expect anymore than you can do.

Things have even been improving slightly at home. For some reason, dad hasn't been home much at all, meaning my mother hasn't needed to be home either, leaving me and Hannah to fend for ourselves the majority of the time. Most of the time, Hannah's out or I'm at Cole and Lola's house but when we are there together, we sometimes sit and eat together. Meaning, we are actually having conversations.

I can't really remember the last time Hannah and I actually hung out together but it's been nice to spend some more time with her and re-get to know her as well. We haven't spoken so much that she feels like a stranger but I'm hoping that's beginning to change now.

For lunch today, I brought a small salad from home. I've been working my way up to eating slightly more. I don't eat breakfast and only have a few grapes for tea if Hannah isn't there but usually now I aim to eat something a little more for lunch.

I think I've noticed a difference in how my body feels since I've started eating slightly more; I'm less tired than I usually am, my stomach hasn't been cramping up as much and the only aches in my body are from working out. I think that means I'm getting better, right? It hasn't been easy with my head and gut fighting against each other in the battle of who knows what's best for my body. My gut is telling me to eat more but my mind screams I'll gain weight if I do.

"Earth to Hattie!" a voice breaks me out of my thoughts. I look across from the table and see Lola staring at me like I've gone insane.

"What, sorry?" I reply innocently.

"We asked if you'd like to come around town with us after school? Mum can drop you back at yours after... I just need a break from school work now that mocks are over." she asks excitedly.