Just a short prive-I'm-still-alive update :-) Enjoy!

Pt 7

“Oh wow, are you sure?” Maddie asked, wide-eyed as they came to the door of the fast food restaurant Beth had recommended. “She would never let me eat this stuff, even before she got me registered. Back when I still had friends, the first year or so since she took me out of school, if any of my friends were having a party here she made me say no and, since most of the parties were here, that’s how most of my friendships ended.” She looked very sad at this memory. “You can only say no so many times before people stop inviting you, y’know?”

“I’m sorry.” Beth put her arm around the younger girl and hugged her tight as best she could with her other hand clasping half the shopping bags filled with Maddie’s new wardrobe which included a surprisingly modest swimsuit with a picture of a mermaid on the front and a very cute pair of unicorn pyjamas. The young girl was clearly relishing the opportunity to be a kid for a change. In not too many years, if she lived that long, she would be wanting to go back to teenage and more mature fashions but for now she really wanted to be a child. “But you’re not on any special meat-girl diet now and, even if you do decide you want to be cooked, it won’t be for months yet so today you can eat what you like! Just promise me one thing, ‘though?” She tried to sound strict but the sparkle in her eye gave her away, just as it always did if she had to tell the twins off while she was watching them.

“What’s that?” Maddie asked with curiosity.

“Promise me you’ll eat your dinner tonight! I don’t want to get in trouble!”

“Of course!” the younger girl chuckled. “Wouldn’t want you getting in trouble with Mummy and Daddy! They might wait until the weekend then kill you or something!”

“Yeah!” Beth laughed and stuck out her tongue. “Imagine that, huh?” She pushed open the door of the restaurant and followed Maddie inside. “Go on!” She grinned. “Order whatever you like!” Maddie stood silently for a few moments, looking in awe at the illuminated menu boards above the counter before replying.

“I don’t know what’s good.” She admitted finally and Beth realised this made sense if she had never been allowed to eat in such a place before. “You pick!” This was a task that teenager felt more than equal to and stepped up to the cashier with great confidence.

“Hi!” The young woman behind the counter smiled. “What can I get you?” Beth ordered Maddie one of her favourite burgers with a portion of chicken nuggets and one of cheese bites along with the biggest portion of fries they offered and a Coke to wash it all down. For a moment she contemplated ordering the same for herself but she had been doing so well sticking to her “Eat to be Eaten” diet that she knew she would feel bad if she indulged. Instead she ordered herself a grilled chicken wrap – it wasn’t exactly the special burger but she knew it would be tasty none the less. She did, however, allow herself the luxury of a Coke as she had never really liked the taste of any of the diet options.

As she sat opposite her new friend, Beth realised just how much pleasure it was possible to derive from watching someone else enjoying themselves. For Maddie, having lived such a sheltered life until a few short days earlier, every bite of the fast food was a revelation.

“Hope you enjoy me as much as you’re enjoying that burger!” Beth laughed, setting down the empty cardboard sleeve of her wrap.

“Depends!” Maddie teased. “Are you going to be topped with cheese and bacon?” Both girls laughed together and Beth sat happily sipping her drink and watching the younger girl polish off the mountain of food. Of course she insisted she still had room for icecream afterwards and Beth decided there would be no harm in her having one too.