38

DEMI'S POV

Max and I had woken up in Alex's bed. We both went downstairs to make breakfast.

"Thank you so much for helping with Alex last night, babe." I spoke as he was making french toast.

"It's not a problem. I already love her like a daughter." He replied and kissed me. I blushed madly.

"I do have to search for all of her blades though. It makes me wonder where she keeps getting them." I wondered.

"Already took care of that." Max said as he put a box of blades on the counter in front of me.

"Holy shit. That's a lot. My baby girl doesn't deserve any of this. She's just a kid! She shouldn't have to live in this constant pain of fighting with her own mind." I spoke softly.

"I know, baby." Max stated. "We're going to help her get through this."

"Thank you, babe." I smiled at him. "I might as well throw these away." I said, referring to the box of blades. I got up and as I was about to grab the box, I heard an ear piercing scream. Alex!

"I'll throw away the box. You go handle, Alex." Max said as he grabbed the box. I ran upstairs into her room and I saw her huddled in a corner.

ALEX'S POV

"Look at me, Alex. Come on. Look at me, baby girl!" I heard Mom's voice say frantically. I slowly looked into her chocolate brown eyes and breathed in a shaky breath. "Deeps breaths in and out, baby." She cooed.

"M-Mama, it was bad! T-They all went a-after me! T-They tried k-killing me, M-Mom!" I cried out as I wrapped my arms around her neck.

"Shh, it was just a dream. No one is going to come and hurt you, baby girl." She held me close as she rocked us back and forth.

"I-I feel like a b-baby.. I'm sorry." I stuttered out as I hid my face.

"Don't apologize. You're my baby girl." Mom smiled.

"Mom.."

"Yes, baby?" She asked, looking me in the eyes.

"I feel like the nightmares are getting worse.." I whispered.

"How often are they happening?" She asked worriedly.

"Every night.." I replied.

"I'll have to schedule more appointments with your therapist." She sighed. "Breakfast is ready. Let's go eat."

"I'm not hungry." I gave her a look that said please don't make me, I can't do it.

"You can do it, baby girl. Just a little bit. Please?"

"Fine." I said giving in. We both walked downstairs and Max had three plates set at the table. I gulped looking at all the calories.

Two pieces of French toast is about 298 calories, the eggs are about 91 calories, and the three pieces of bacon is about 132 calories. That's 521 calories in total. Not counting the fruit! Yes, I do my research.

I tried backing away from the food when I felt arms grab a hold of me.

"Don't hurt me!" I panicked.

"Alex! It's only Max and I!" I heard Mom's voice exclaim.

"You have to eat, Alex." Max also said.

"I can't! That's a lot of calories! I can't eat all of that! I need to be skinny! I need to look perfect!" I screamed and let out a strangled sob.

"Alex, calm down. Being as skinny as you are isn't healthy. You need to gain some weight. Please? For Mommy? You don't have to eat all of it." She consoled me.

I reluctantly agreed and sat down at the table.

"Hold me, Mama." I spoke quietly. I saw a small smile on her face as she sat down and held me in her arms. I slowly started eating the food as Max and Mom were joking around. Maybe I can secretly purge it later.