Mom is standing in the kitchen in a navy blue business suit. She is holding a porcelain mug and is glaring into it.
“I’m ready.” I mutter as I put a slice of bread into the toaster.
“I have to go now. You’ll have to find your own way to school, sorry.” She rolls her eyes and puts the mug into the sink.
I look out the window. Rain is pouring from the sky.
The toaster lets me know that my toast is ready. I ignore the fattening butter, and the jam and swallow a few bites of toast.
I don’t have time to purge now, so I can’t eat a full slice of toast.
I go into the rain and sprint into the street. Water soaks through my hair and jacket.
By the time I reach school, the late bell had rung. The principal corners me in the hallway. [No Sir, it won’t happen again. So sorry, I was running late.]
He gives me a warning as he twirls his thick moustache.
I sigh and head for my class. Thirty pairs of eyes turn on me as I sit in my seat. The teacher stops her lecturing and turns on me.
“Isabelle, why are you late?” She glares at me through her fluorescent pink glasses.
“Because I had to find my own way to school.” I say.
“Don’t let it happen again."
“No, Mrs.”
The teacher, whose name I have forgotten, rambles about some government policies. I tune out.
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Today, I don’t bother eating anything for lunch. Lily meets me in the cafeteria with her Tupperware container filled with fruit.
“Are you going to eat anything? Want a strawberry?” She stares at me with wide eyes.
“No thanks. I ate a huge breakfast.” I lie, though my stomach is
She munches on some strawberries and grapes while I convince myself that I am strong and healthy. What a lie.
