The Self-Harmed

~The truth is a dark and scary thing. Don't you think?~

When the nurse came into the weight room she was holding a clip board and looked annoyed.

"You lost more weight." She shot off. "Mind telling me why?"

"My Dad is cheating on my Mom. I hold that secret with me. It's a little stressful."

"You also went home. Did you eat?"

"Like I said things got bad."

"Well if you don't stop losing weight You'll have to eat with a watcher."
She left the Weight room, and I jumped off the bed.

"What's the verdict?" Owen asked leaning against the wall across the hall.

"Nothing you can help with." I walked over to him, and grabbed the water bottle he held.

"So you lost?"

"It's not that big of a deal." I took a drink. "I'm not skinny like Clara, or Ryder. Losing a few pounds won't kill me."

"Charlie!"

I looked down the hall and Ayelie waved at me.

"I have to go." I held the water bottle out.

Owen still had his arms crossed, and didn't take the water bottle from me.

"I'm fine Owen." I told him. "I'm still standing."

I shook the water bottle and he sighed grabbing it.

"See you."

I hurried down the hall and hugged Ayelie.

"What did he want?"

"He's worried."

"Why?"

"I don't know."

I grabbed her hand and we headed down the hall. I looked back. Owen shook his head, pushed off the wall and headed down the hall away from me.

"So did you..."

"Yes." I pulled open the doors to the food hall. "You going to judge?"

"Nope." She shook her head and went inside. "You coming?"

"I'll meet you in there." I muttered looking out the window leading to the garden.

I let the door shut, and ran down the hall to the door that led to the garden. I pushed open the door twice before it gave. I jogged over to the bench Clara sat on and grabbed her hand.

"What's wrong?"

She looked at me.

"They brought a doctor in today." She sniffed, fresh tears sliding down her face. "To see the kids who had the disorder longer."

I squeezed her hand. Because I knew something was really wrong with her. And I knew what it was. Here it comes.

"And?"

"And I got my results." She hugged me. "I can't have kids."

"What?" I hugged her tighter.

Clara wanted kids. More than anything.

"My body can't carry kids." She pulled back. "Because I'm sick. Even if I get better it's too late."

She laid her upper body on my lap, and I grabbed onto her arm. I looked up to see Ryder leaning against the wall. My mouth fell open, but nothing came out. He pushed off the wall, and sat next to me. He grabbed both my arms tightly like he needed to hold onto me to stay anchored.