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Taylor sat down on the examining table and watched the doctor closely. “So…Taylor…what is the problem?” The doctor asked and looked up from his clipboard. “Uh…I…I…” Taylor stammered. The doctor just looked at him. “Uh…why don’t we examine you, get your height and weight and then we can talk.” The doctor smiled, seeing Taylor’s discomfort. Taylor nodded and stood up. “All right, take off your shoes.” The doctor instructed. Taylor stood on the scale hesitantly and watched as the doctor recorded his height. He could feel his stomach start to go into knots, kn9owing that he couldn’t get out of the situation. “Okay, you’re about six feet tall. Now for your weight.” The doctor said and began moving the weights on the scale. Taylor watched his face and suddenly felt like he wanted to throw up as the doctor began to shake his head. “Taylor, could you please sit down again, we need to talk.” The doctor said seriously. Taylor did as he was asked and watched hesitantly. “Taylor, you are extremely underweight for your age and height. I have to ask you some questions about it…” “All right.” Taylor mumbled. “What are your eating habits, be truthful.” The doctor said, looking him directly in the eye. “I don’t eat much. I try and avoid it.” Taylor answered truthfully. “Do you make yourself get sick after eating?” “Y-Yes.” Taylor stuttered. “How long has this been going on?” “I…I…I don’t know, awhile.” “Would you say weeks, months…years?” “About over a year I’d guess you’d say.” “Do your parents or family know about this?” “The only people that know is the girl in the waiting room and her friend.” Taylor answered. “Okay Taylor…how do you feel about yourself?” The doctor said and put the clipboard down his lap. “I…I…I really don’t like myself…I…I…” "Taylor…do you think you deserve to starve?” “Y…yes.” Taylor stammered as he could feel himself start to well up. “Okay…you really have only a couple options…no one can force you to do anything, Your first option is to go to the hospital and begin treatment immediately, your second is to tell your parents and begin counseling. Your third is to try and do it on your own. I do not suggest the third option unless you have someone close to you that can monitor you.” Taylor nodded and looked down at his hands. “This is something that you shouldn’t be ashamed of Taylor. It happens to a lot of people. I have to warn you though, if you continue living this lifestyle, you will die.” Taylor nodded again, letting the tears spill down his face. “I’ll give you some information about anorexia nervosa and some place you can contact to get some help.” The doctor replied. He got up from his seat and left Taylor by himself, to sit there and contemplate his future. Suddenly, he burst into tears, burying his face in his hands as he cried silently. “Taylor?” Taylor looked up, wiping his face when he saw Phyllis walk in the room. “H…Hi.” He stammered and attempted to clear his throat. Phyllis didn’t say anything just walked over to him and embraced him. Taylor could feel himself start to cry again as Phyllis held him close. “It’s all right. You’ll get this under control.” She whispered as she rubbed his back. Taylor nodded. The door opened and Phyllis let Taylor go as he began wiping his face again. “Here you go Taylor.” The doctor said, handing him several pamphlets and flyers. “I expect you to make the right decision.” He said. Taylor nodded and got up. “Thank you.” Taylor said. “Good luck.” With that, Taylor and Phyllis left the doctor’s office and headed back to the hotel in total silence. “Taylor?” “What?” Taylor asked. “What are you going to do? Are you going to tell your parents?” She asked. “No…I’m not. I’m going to go to counseling, without my parents knowing.” He answered. “Are you sure?” Phyllis asked. “As sure as I’m gonna be.” He replied. “All right.” Phyllis said and leaned her head against the back of the seat. “What do you think?” He asked, turning it around her. “It doesn’t matter what I think, I’m not you.” Phyllis answered. “I want your opinion though, it’s important to me.” Taylor said, glancing over at her. “As long as you get better, that’s all that really matters.” Phyllis smiled. They got back to the hotel and Phyllis followed him in. They both sat down on the couch in silence. “I’m leaving tomorrow to go to our next show…” “That’s great.” Phyllis smiled. “I guess.” Taylor mumbled to himself. “Well, why don’t I give you my number in case you ever want to call or something.” She said and grabbed a piece of paper and a pen from her pocket book. “Here.” She grinned. “Phyllis?” “Yeah?” She said, not looking up at him as she put her things back in her pocket book. “Thank you…for everything.” Taylor stammered. “You’re welcome.” She smiled. Before Taylor could say another word, she hugged him briefly and let go. She stood up, slinging her bag over her shoulder. “Good luck.” She said and headed towards the door. “Thanks…” Phyllis opened the door and just as she left… “I’ll miss you.” Taylor whispered as the door closed behind her. << Previous Page of Story>> << Back to Story Page>> << Back To Index Of Chapters Page>> Back To Main Page>> |