Wendy didn't like that Irene was being so soft on her all of a sudden. All because of her episode. She was sure that if none of this was happening, then the woman would have no sympathy for her and continue to mistreat her as usual.

Either way, it wouldn't matter. Irene would probably get tired of this facade anyway.

She also disliked how Irene was acting like a helicopter parent. I'm an adult, she thought indignantly. The other day, Wendy was happily dozing off in the bedroom after therapy until Irene suddenly burst in demanding why she didn't tell her where she was. 

"If you want to sleep, sleep in my study where I can see you," Irene growled.

The next day, Irene had a new bed that doubled as a couch installed in her study so that Wendy could sleep in there while Irene worked. Wendy felt even worse that Irene was spending more money because of her. I really am overusing my stay, she thought with shame when she sat on the new couch. It was soft and comfortable. 

Irene seemed satisfied with the purchase, but was immediately called away by work. "I have a meeting. We'll have dinner after."

This was one of the things that confused Wendy so much about Irene. The woman could be so heartless, but she did have the capability to be not so cruel and angry all the time.

--

 Wendy did her best to improve and do all the 'homework' and cooperate with the therapist. She wasn't purging anymore, though she did feel the urge at times. She knew she needed to get better so that Irene wouldn't have to take care of her everyday.

Somedays, she almost felt like nothing was wrong with her. She felt ok with her body, which had gained some weight back so she wasn't sickly thin. On other days, her world came crashing down and she felt like she was the worst and ugly person ever. 

Today was a strange day. Irene did not go in to work, and she wasn't even making Wendy do any of her chores. In fact, Wendy was laying in the new bed in the study while Irene was finishing up important business some meeting.

Today, Wendy felt shameful. She felt liek a kid. She felt like Irene was treating her like a child.

BUt also today, Irene was being way too nice to her. 

When she woke up this morning, Irene was watcing her, actually waiting for her. "I made breakfast,' Irene said. "I'll be in my office. When you're done, come find me."

Irene actually made a full meal for her all of which Wendy ate without vomiting up. Wendy didn't have anything better to do and so she did as Irene requested, and the woman was sitting outside on her balcony smoking a cigarette.

"Did you eat it?' Irene asked.

"Yes. Thank you."

The older woman eyed her before taking another drag of her cigarette. "You're getting better."

"T-thanks."

"Have you decided what you're going to do?" 

"I need to call my parents."

"What? Why?"

"So they know I'm still alive."

Irene snorted without thinking. IN her opinion there was no reason to talk about all that had passed. Wendy needed to move on and get her together first if she was going to explain something just to show she was financially ok. "What are you going to tell them?"