ST STORY {CHAPTER 2 PART 3}

Instructions

The next day, Chrissy was sitting on her bed, alone, listening to The Runaways and reading The Shining. It was one of her favorite books. But she couldn’t focus. She would read one page, then zone out and have to re-read another page, so she gave up. Chrissy laid herself on her bed, staring up at the ceiling covered in different sizes of glow in the dark stars. They’ve been up there as long as she can remember, so she won’t take them down. Her mother says they’re childish, but Chrissy didn’t care what her mother thought. “It's time for dinner,” Her twelve year old brother, Mason, opened the door, peeking his head through. He was the total opposite of Chrissy. His blonde hair was pin straight and fell in front of his freckled face, Chrissy’s dark red hair fell into a wave surrounding her round cheeks. Mason was a normal human being, no mental problems at all, meanwhile Chrissy had an eating disorder and anxiety. Mason was loved by their mother, Chrissy was not. “Okay,” Chrissy said quietly, still staring at the star splattered ceiling. She hated family meals. Her mother insisted that they have breakfast, lunch, and dinner together every day, and on Sundays they would go to church and have brunch with some family friends, and Jason’s family. Chrissy’s family loved Jason. He was perfect in their eyes. Basketball team captain, he was nice and kind, he has straight A’s, and supposedly a good influence on Chrissy. Her brother lingered in the doorway. Chrissy reluctantly sat up from her comfy spot on her bed. Mason walked away, leaving the door open just a crack. Chrissy always hated when people did that. Just close the door. But right now, it didn’t bug her. Maybe because she was worried about other things. Chrissy stepped out of her room in her Rainbow Brite T-shirt and plaid PJ pants. She didn’t do anything all day. She should’ve gone to see Eddie. But she didn’t. The narrow hallway was dark, with family pictures on the wall. Fake. It was all fake. The happiness, the love, the stupid family meals where we sit and act like a happy family. The hallway ended, and into the living room she went, sound from the kitchen spilling in the empty room. Were there other people here? It sounded like it. Chrissy’s mother probably invited someone over, since it was a Friday night. The question was who. She walked into the kitchen and she was flooded with relief to see that it was Jaosn and his family. Not some older moms that were talking to Chrissy about how many children she wanted or marriage when she was only 17. Jason’s mom wasn’t like that. Chrissy quickly went over to Jason and hugged him. Finally, someone that could take her mind off of… everything. “Hey! Sorry, I would have gotten out of my PJs, but,” Chrissy glanced over at her mother. “I had no idea you were coming,” “It’s okay,” Jason smiled down at Chrissy and whispered in her ear. “You look beautiful anyway,” Heat crept up Chrissy’s neck and her face flushed. She smiled and sat down at her seat, with Jason sitting next to her. “So, Chrissy,” Her mother started. “Does the dress fit?” Of course. Did she really have to bring this up now? When Jason and his mother were here? Chrissy nodded and picked at her fingers. “What dress?” Mrs. Carver asked. “Oh, Chrissy found the most beautiful dress for the spring formal!” Her mother looked over at Chrissy. “But, she couldn’t fit into a small size, so I had to loosen up the dress a tad.” Chirssy was mortified. Why would she do this? Why now? Why ever? She glanced over at Mrs. Carver and then awkwardly at Jason. She couldn’t believe this was happening, especially with Jason, here for God’s sake. “Well, I’m sure you’ll look beautiful,” Jason smiled and squeezed Chrissy’s hand. It made her feel warm and fuzzy inside. Suddenly, all of the thoughts about Eddie had vanished. “I’m going to go get the food,” Mrs. Cunningham stood up from her chair. “Chrissy, come and help me,”