"What makes you happy, Charley? Truly, deeply happy?" Dr. Monroe asked.
I sighed. "What if it's something that makes me terribly afraid at the same time?"
"Go on."
"Well, a few months ago I met this boy, right. He's in a band. He does make me so happy, honest! It's just. . . I'm scared to get close but I hate being alone." I sighed. "I like him, and he likes me. He's very supportive of my whole recovery process."
"But he does make you happy?" Dr. Monroe asked.
"Much happier than I've been in ages." I replied.
"You've always been very. . . what's the word? Sheltered. You've never been one to wear your heart on your sleeve. Take a chance, Charley. Youneed to. Push the lines, break a few rules, put yourself out on the line. Do you understand what I'm saying?" He asked.
I beamed. "Yes, doc. I totally do."
"So our session today is about over. Anything else you want to talk about before we conclude?" He asked.
"I've been in such high spirits lately. It's been ages since I've been this happy." I smiled.
"That's great, Charley. I'll see you same time, next week?" Dr. Monroe asked.
"Sure, sure. Of course, doc. Next Thursday. See you then." I waved, heading out of my therapist's office.
"Charley!" My phone began to ring automatically as I left the doctor's office. "You're late for your interview with Teen Vogue!"
"Fuck." I swore. "I'll be there in ten minutes."
**
"So, Charley Carlile; in with the punk rock music scene by day, supermodel by night. Not only is she eclectic, but she's also the newest face of body peace. Charley, tell us a little about your life." My interviewer smiled.
I laughed. "It's actually not as crazy as it sounds."
"Can you tell us a little about your style?"
"I grew up in California, really close to the punk scene. My cousin Austin is in a metal band and we've both always been into that kind of music. We went to Warped Tour every year when we were teenagers. I've always been more punk than pop, I guess. I make wearing black all year look cool." I joked.
"We recently had pop-punk band All Time Low here with us. Aren't you very good friends with them?"
"Actually, Rian owes me five bucks. Yeah, I'm pretty close with Alex especially." I said.
"Charley , you've been compared to people like Demi Lovato, Lucy Hale, and Lady Gaga. Tell us, how does it feel to finally beat your demons?"
"Great, actually. I suffered from an eating disorder for nearly eight years, and making the decision to get better was one of the most impacting decisions I've ever made. I'm going on a hundred days clean and I feel incredible."
"Charley Carlile, everyone. Thanks for being here." She said, dismissing me.
Done. I got in my car and received a call from Mike. "I miss you." He whined automatically wheni picked up.
"Miiiike." I laughed.
"Come eat with us. We're at that restaurant by your apartment." he commanded.
"Sure, sure. I'm tired though." I yawned.
"What did you do today?"
"I went grocery shopping, then I went to the doctor, then I had an interview with Teen Vogue." I said. "And I'm here.I'll see you in thirty seconds."
"Charley!" Mike cried when he saw me.
"Hey, babe." I grinned, sitting beside him. "Boys."
"What's that?" Vic asked, looking at the large envelope I was slipping into my bag.
"Just some print's from today's shoot. Want to see?" I asked. They nodded and I handed over the pictures.
"You look hot." Mike said. "I mean, even hotter than usual."
"The interview was lame. All they asked me about was my 'close relationship with the punk music culture' and 'how I felt about being called obese'." I sighed.
"They really said that?" Jaime asked, shocked.
"'So, Charley, it's no secret that you've been very vocal about your decision to overcome your eating disorder. Obviously, along with emotional help, you've gained weight. Tell us, how do you feel about being called obese and a fat supermodel?'" I quoted, rolling my eyes. "I nearly walked out. As if! I'm not here to talk about that, Teen Vogue. A bunch of fucking idiots. An assistant told me that I would have cute babies with Justin Bieber and then played One Direction songs for the first half of the shoot."
"So, rough day?" Vic joked.
"Very. You think modeling is easy? No. It's not. I'm so tired." I groaned.
"I think you're perfect." Mike shrugged. "Teen Vogue are a bunch of dummies."
I smiled. "You're the best."
"You guys are so cute it hurts." Vic shook his head. "Oh my god, I'm turning into a girl."
"You can come shopping with me." I smirked. "I need to go to Topshop. And Victoria's Secret. And Chanel. And-"
"I'm good." Vic interrupted me. "Shopping isn't my thing."
"I'll come, but only if you let me go in the dressing room with you." Mike said.
I rolled my eyes. "Oh, Mike. I missed you."