"I-I'm sorry," I say before sprinting up the stairs into my room, slamming the door. No, no, no. This can't be happening.

I remove the soiled, bloody sweatshirt from my body. I then put in my CD "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?" by Oasis. My favorite band. I turn the volume all the way up and peel off my t-shirt and sweatpants because I'm sweating profusely. That's when Arlo decides to barge in. I'm sitting on my toilet with the seat down, blade in hand. He stomps into the bathroom and jumps back a bit when he sees my scar-covered, bony body. He stands there in shock until I put the blade to my wrist.

"No!" he screams at the top of his lungs.

He rips the blade from my hand and throws it across the room. He picks me up and cradles me, his hand tracing each scar and cut on my thighs.

"Why?" he whimpers.

"Lots of reasons...."

"You look so fragile. So easily breakable. I'm afraid of breaking you just holding you here. When was the last time you ate?"

"A couple hours ago," I lie.

"Tell me the damn truth for once, Gwennie."

"Breakfast...yesterday...."

"Oh, my little Gwennie," he pulls me closer.

"My mom left spaghetti for me in the fridge, but I'm not hungry," my stomach growls loudly.

"Gwendolyn Renae Rogers, you are eating every last bit of that spaghetti."

"Ugh, fine."

He sets me down gently on my bed. I'm still in my bra and underwear. He gives me a big squeeze but stops quickly in fear of breaking me.

I quickly throw my sweatpants and t-shirt back on. Arlo then walks me down to the kitchen and makes me sit down.

"The spaghetti is in the fridge," I say, annoyed.

"You can't keep doing this to yourself, Gwennie."

"Whatever."

He sighs as he sticks the spaghetti in the microwave. As it's heating up, we sit in an awkward silence. When it's done he takes it out and slides it in front of me.

"Eat," he demands.

I look him right in the eye and say, "No."

"Gwendolyn Renae Rogers, eat or I will take a blade to my skin twice as many times as you have."

I get up in his face and scream, "Fine!"

I then take the first bite.

The tension in Arlo's face releases as I start taking more bites. I hate myself. I disgust myself. I'm purging. He can't stop me. I finish the spaghetti and push the plate at him.

"Thank you, Gwennie," he says as he gives me a tight hug.

"I have to use the bathroom," I say a little too quickly.

"Okay," he says, obviously suspicious. He then releases me from his grip, and I dart up the stairs and into my bathroom.

I slowly get on my knees in front of the toilet. My hair is already pulled back. I position myself over the toilet and prep my two fingers. I shove them down my throat and barely get my hand out of the way before it all comes up and out.

Right before I finish I hear footsteps. I quickly finish up and flush the toilet. I then realize I never shut the door. Idiot! I think to myself. I stand and go to wash my hands. When I'm done I turn to see Arlo in the doorway.

"It smells awful in here. Mind telling me what really happened?" he asks.

I give up on lying to him.

"You know what? I purged. Go ahead and get mad. I don't care anymore. I will be thin."

"Gwennie, you are already skin and bones! How much do you weigh?"

"Too much," I reply, annoyed.

"Where's your scale?"

"By the toilet."

He then walks over, grabs it, and sets it in front of me.

"Step on it," he demands.

Rather than arguing, I agree. I step on the scale, one foot at a time. I start crying as soon as I see the dreadful number.

"Gwendolyn Renae! 92 pounds! You are extremely underweight. You can't keep this up. I can't lose you. I just can't.."

I point at the number, "Don't you see! That's too much! I'll never be good enough until I get to 75," I'm crying harder.

He hugs me tight and says, barely audible, "You're so gorgeous. Why can't you just see your beauty?" he sobs softly, "I love you so much."

I can't find my voice. I slink to my knees.

"I-I l-love you...."

Author's Note ~

Another cliffhanger, loves! I really enjoy writing for all of you. How are y'all liking the story? Be sure to comment. The next chapter should be up tomorrow! I love you, my little bunnies!