Hello

Twelve

And in a moment, Zoe was already planning her getaway.

"Only for a week or two" The woman had said, "It will help you"

She felt like screaming and throwing a tantrum. Nothing was wrong with her, she had changed. Zoe prayed that her dad's hesitance might be sufficient enough to persuade her not to take Zoe away. It didn't matter that she was a certified doctor, it wasn't like she was living in the mind of Zoe.

But it was not enough. Her dad gave in to the sly words of Dr Lynn and she was sent packing in a huff of annoyance. Zoe's sudden outburst of frustration had caused Dr Lynn to raise an eyebrow, forming multiple wrinkles on her forehead. 

"Miss Dashwood, do not give your father grief. Think about your family and how all of this will benefit them" 

Clenching her fists in hopes that it would stop her lashing out at causing a stir, Zoe instead glared at the vicious woman in front of her as she marched her way up stairs. Slowly and reluctantly, she began to pack a suitcase, so very slow in hopes that it might delay her flight or something extravagant like that. But Dr Lynn's words had left a mark on Zoe, a mark that burnt right through her skin...

The 'good-bye' scene was one of short hugs and silent promises to return home safely as Zoe's fragile body and mind was loaded into the psychiatrist's car. It was dead silent and only the hum of the engine could be heard as they sped off to the nearest airport. The flight would only be an hour, a short distance from Liverpool to the heart of London. 

Outside was a blur of grey buildings and autumn trees and the window fogged up with Zoe's warm breath. She only just realised she would miss her date with Aaron. 

A sharp rock planted itself in the pit of her stomach and awful scenarios came to her mind: Would he forget me in a week? Will he think i'm rude and selfish? And even...will he think I'm different?

Zoe promised herself that Aaron will never know about her disorder or even where she was going now. Know one but her family members will know. 

Because it wasn't everyday that you were being dragged across the UK to a counselling group. 

They arrived dead on time. 

Dr Lynn pulled up on the kerb and hastily excited the car, grasping Zoe's luggage tightly as she strutted into the airport. Zoe was still in the car, chewing her nails with anxiousness. 

She didn't like large crowds. 

And their was an extremely large crowd. 

Families, loved ones and friends were bustling around the pristine airport, and the sound of wheels on the squeaky floor rung in Zoe's ears. Her heart beat increased and she tried everything to hide herself from gazes of strangers. Everyone was looking at her, everyone was judging her. 

At least, that's what she thought. 

Her conscious told her horrible things, like a voice in her head that she couldn't quiet. Obediently she followed the exact footsteps of Dr Lynn, and keeping her head down and avoiding all forms of contact.

She wanted to puke. 

So wrapped up in her own thoughts, Zoe didn't remember even taking a ticket form Dr Lynn. She couldn't recall the instructions she was given and she felt like dead weight; a zombie. 

In a flash, she was strapped in. Dr Lynn would not be joining her on her flight, all alone she was. Alone except for her mind. 

It wasn't flying she was afraid of. 

1,2,3...she was off. 

The plane leaped into the sky and so did Zoe's stomach. She had never been completely alone before, not even at the age of seventeen. 

Her hand was clutching a small piece of paper, the only directions she was given. Look out for a man named Julio when the plane lands, it said, in curly and exaggerated neat handwriting. 

The only way Zoe could drown out her thoughts was through music. 

And she was going to need a lot of music