"What do you think she's here for?" Louis whispered in my ear. We weren't the only ones watching her. Everyone was. The way she walked in, straight and poised. Not as if she owns the place, but as if she is centered, in control, classy. That's what it was, this girl had class, and we aren't used to the people in our circle having any of that.
"Let's bet," He continues- "I say she's a cuter."
"Na.. she's not.. She has an eating disorder- probably bulimia or something," I reply. She is wearing a short sleeve top, her arms are bare, her skin clear of marks, she is not a cuter.
"Sit down everyone, we would like to start," Paul asks of us.
I attend this group every Sunday for the past few months and this is the first time I have seen this girl. This is where I met Louis too. No that's a lie, I met Louis at the hospital, we were roommates for like a day or two before he got released. He was also the one who told me we will be meeting here. See, you get to go back home only if you attend the meetings. So here I am, counting the minutes before I can leave.
"I would like to start by welcoming our newcomer Eden," Paul gestures towards the girl.
"Eden.. Like 'The Garden of Eden' she is rather heavenly don't you think?" Louis whispers, a smirk on his lips.
"More like the forbidden fruit," I say, making Louis sigh in delight. That is when she sees me. Her eyes catching mine. Her eyes are dark though I am not sure what kind of dark- dark blue, dark brown? I just know those are the most lushes eyes I have ever come across, making it hard to look away.
"Eden, why don't you share something about yourself?" Paul asks of her. She turns her head sharply to glance at him, a look of dread on her face.
"None of us want to be here love, the faster you talk the sooner this will all be over," Louis calls out to her.
"Please," Paul snaps at Lou, and I can't help the snort of laughter escaping my mouth and nose.
"I um.. I've got nothing to say," She speaks. Her voice is clear, it doesn't shake like the rest of the newcomers’ voices. She doesn't sound scared. But she is. I can see it. Not in her posture- that hasn't changed from the moment she walked in. She is straight as a ruler. But her foot is bouncing and her hands are closed into fists.
"Ok, maybe next time then.. Does anyone else want to start? Tell us how their week went?" Paul asks the small group of people seated. We all gaze around at one another, wanting someone to start and break the ice like every week.
"Ok fine, I'll go- I had a brilliant week- I didn't cut myself even once," Louis holds up his wrists showing them off with a proud smile.
"This isn't a joke," Some girl calls out. I can never remember her name though.. maybe Cara?
"Cara- why don't you go next?" Paul turns to her. Yes I was right her name is Cara.
"I put on some weight this week.. my mum sitting with me every meal making sure I eat it all, and I think she is paying my friends to keep an eye on me during school hours and make sure I eat.. Which is alright I guess, since they are always around encouraging me," She smiles.
"Well done Cara! And how does this make you feel?" Paul asks.
"Fat," She answers simply, and I need to hold my fist to my mouth so I don't burst out laughing. This group is such a joke, which I reckon is the reason we are ordered to attend it. It's hilarious it can bring any git out of depression.
A few people talk, and then Paul goes into his long and boring lecture about how we are all so loved, and we shouldn't harm ourselves in any way, the body is a temple and that we can get through this together and so on. When it is time to leave I get up and stretch, noticing Eden gliding out the room, her chin held up high, and her shoulders back.
"I think she's a model," Adam says, shifting over to Louis and I while watching after her.
"She's not," I eliminate his theory.
"Why? it makes sense- the way she walks- match it up with an eating disorder and you have a reason for her being here," Louis agrees with Adam.
I reckon they can be right. She is tall and thin after all, she does have a clear pretty face, but something about her shoulders, the way she stands doesn't sit right with what they're saying.
"I'm gonna go lads, see you tomorrow?" I question Louis. Him and I meet every morning for a run, since we were both advised to get in shape which should make us feel better about ourselves which is such bullshit.. However, we do it anyway.
"Yeah mate, see you tomorrow," He bumps my fist.
When I step out of the building I notice Eden standing at the car park looking quite lost.
"Can't find your car?" I ask stepping next to her. She is startled by me, which makes me grin.
"Sorry I gave you a fright," I touch her shoulder lightly, before pulling back my hand and taking one step away, not wanting to get too much into her space.
"Oh hi- no, I didn't drive here," She explains.
"Is someone picking you up then?" I pock.
"No.. I walked here.." She trails off. She turns back to look ahead. She seems so unhappy I feel kind of bad for her.
"So why are you still here? Most of the people leave this place as fast as they can," I try again.
"Pushing home off as much as I can," She glances at me.
"I don't normally do this- but what do you say about coming on a ride with me?" I suddenly decide. She studies me for a moment before nodding in agreement. I am quite surprised to say the least since I am a stranger after all.
"Brilliant," I flash her another smile and start walking over to my car.
I open the door for her and she slides in.
"So are you new? Since I have never seen you here before," I say, as I close the door and reach for my seat belt.
"We just moved here the other week," She says.
"I'm Harry by the way," I remember I haven't introduced myself to her at all.
"I'm Eden, but you probably already know that after what went on in there."
I glance at her as I start the car. There is a light smile on her face, it doesn't reach her eyes, however it is beautiful nonetheless.
"Yeah.. we try to make everyone feel as welcomed as we can," I joke.
"Like your cuter friend?" She questions.
"Louis? Na.. he's not a cuter.. he was playing," I chuckle.
"So why does he come?" She asks.
"He drank poison," I reply simply.
"Oh.." is all she says.
"Where did your family move from?" I make small talk, wanting to know more about her, but afraid of pushing too much.
"From the city.. they decided that a quieter place might be better for us," She says. "So why do you come here?"
"Why do I come? Why do you come here?" I shoot back at her. I noticed from the start she asks more questions than letting on about herself.
She keeps quiet, deciding not to answer.
I take a turn to my old school, and park outside.
"Come I want to show you something," I say getting out. The car park is empty, it being a Sunday.
Eden follows me and I reach out for her hand, closing my fingers over hers, and lead her after me. I wait for her to pull away but she doesn't, which gives me a boost of confidence.
"I used to go to school here," I say as we pass the gates.
"Used to?"
"I dropped out a few months ago, getting home schooled instead," I explain.
"That must be lonely," She remarks.
"Yeah well not for long," I say, though it sounds sad so I hurry to smile at her.
"Where do you go to school?" I ask. We turn and walk to the football field.
"I don't right now.. I might go back though.. maybe not.. I'm not sure.." She sighs.
"Let's play a game.. I'll tell you what I think your story is and you'll tell me if I'm right," I say, letting go of her hand, and tucking my own into my pockets.
She doesn't answer me so I just start guessing.
"My friend thinks you're a model, but I think he is wrong," I start.
"Oh you do now?"
"Yes- not because you don't look like one- it's because you don't walk like one," I explain.
"How so?" She wants to know, and I am happy she is answering me so I keep going.
"Models walk like they own the world, you walk like you glide the walk way- you're a dancer- a ballerina aren't you?" I tell her.
I note her eyes going slightly wide.
"I'm right aren’t I? So you have an eating disorder? What is your story?" I push.
"What is your story? I know nothing about you," She says, looking at the bleachers.
"Fair enough," I agree.
"I used to play for this team you know? My mum used to sit right there every friday game night and cheer me on," I point to where I remember seeing her.
"What happened?" She asks softly. I was never one to share my story or feelings, but the way she asks makes me want to, since it seems like she really wants to know- she really cares for the answer.
I pick up my sleeve and show her my wrist. She doesn't gasp or pull a face like other people do when they notice the scars and cuts. She doesn't look as if she is feeling sorry for me either.
Instead, she reaches out her hands. The right one holding my palm while the left one traces the scars and fading cuts.
Her touch is warm and sensational. I exhale in delight and she smirks up at me.
"It's quite beautiful," She remarks.
"You might be the only one to think that," I sigh.
"But it is."
"You're beautiful," I tell her. She glances back at my arm before letting it go. I let it fall to my side.
"I'm not a ballerina.. Not anymore anyway," She recoils walking to the stands.
"Why not? I bet you were fabulous."
"Maybe I was.. “ She sighs.
“Show me,” I ask of her, knowing she probably won’t, but I had to try.
“I might.. someday..” She flashes another of her rare smiles. She walks away from me and I follow her. We walk back to my car.
“Perhaps I can show you something now?” Her big eyes wide with question.
“Very well,” I agree.
She provides me instructions where to go, and we end up in a little neighbourhood. I park outside a little house, and she gets out.
“Come,” She beckons me, and I hurry to her side.
We walk up to a front door, and she takes out a key unlocking it.
“Is this your home?” I ask, looking around as we enter.

Notes

Hello lovelies

This is part 1 of my short story Shuttered Souls.
I will be uploading the second part since I decided not to keep you waiting for parts of a story.
I will upload a story a week, so let me know what you think and if you like it x