Chap 9 is *finally* here! Sorry it's been so long but with finding

out I'm pregnant and school and whatever, I've been very busy and

then my computer packed in! I know this chap is quite short but I was doing at 1am last night! There's only one or two more to this before I start the sequel. Anyway, I hope you enjoy...

To Title: A Hunger For Perfection-Chapter 9.

Author: Carly.

Disclaimer: I don't own anyone involved in this story.



After two weeks in the hospital, Amy left, determined to get better. But that was easier said than done. After talking to the doctors, Matt arranged to take care of Amy. He had asked Vince for a few weeks off and began helping her move in with him. They had talked for hours each day about everything that had happened over the past few months and he had come to understand more of her condition.

One morning Amy woke up to the sun leaking through her window. She groaned and turned over, opening her eyes to see what time it was. 9am. It was the first time in months when she'd been home that she hadn't got up in the middle of the night to exercise. Half of her felt upset that she might have put weight on while the other part of her was happy. It was a sign, even if it was only small, that she might get better. Knowing Matt wouldn't be awake just yet, she decided to have a shower to pass the time. Stripping the covers away, she went to the bathroom and rid herself of her tank top and shorts before climbing under the lukewarm water, spraying down on her body to revitalise her. Amy washed her hair then got out and fished around for a towel. But when she looked at the mirror, she took a proper look at herself. For the first time, she admitted to herself of being too thin and her determination only grew stronger. Slightly smiling to herself, she wrapped a towel around her damp body and walked back to her room to change.

Amy was in the living room watching the TV when Matt came down the stairs, rubbing his eyes. He said good morning to her then collapsed next to her on the couch. They sat in silence for a few minutes before he cautiously asked if she wanted anything for breakfast. He quickly saw a mixed expression on her face, as though part of her wanted to eat but the other half didn't.

"Even if it's only something small. You have to get better Amy," he explained softly, taking her hands in his.

"I know Matt…but it's hard," she replied, tears forming in her eyes.

"Look, I can't really understand because I haven't been through anything like this and it's my first time in dealing with anyone who's suffering from anorexia but I don't want to lose you. You're my best friend and I want…I need you to get better."

"I'll just have an apple or something then." Matt nodded and smiled. He went to this kitchen and grabbed an apple for her and a bowl of cereal for himself. Granted an apple wasn't much but it was better than nothing. And he had to make sure she didn't make herself sick afterwards. After eating, Matt intentionally used the bathroom to shower so she couldn't throw up. He quickly got dressed then went downstairs where Amy was still watching the television. It was eleven o'clock when he suggested going over Jeff's for the afternoon. She agreed and grabbed her jacket. She hadn't seen Jeff in over a week and was beginning to miss him. They got into his car and drove for ten minutes until they reached his house. Nervously, she walked inside. The doctors had made her eat over the past fortnight and she was worried what Jeff would think she was too fat. Even though she wanted to get better, it didn't mean that Amy wanted to put the weight on. She'd fell guilty eating even the smallest amount of food.

"Hey guys. How are you doing Ames?" Jeff asked, greeting his best friend and older brother.

"I'm okay. Things are hard but I'm getting through it all," Amy replied, patting Liger on the head.

"Umm, well I was just making lunch if you want anything…" he offered, trailing off.

"Err, ok but nothing too big," she said, shocking both of them. They all walked through to the kitchen and Jeff prepared chicken sandwiches, making sure to add more chicken to Amy's than she wanted. It was the only way she would gain weight. He carefully set the plate in front of her, hoping she wouldn't notice which she luckily didn't. But it took her ages to consume it all. Most of the time, she picked tiny amounts off the bread off to nibble. Eating smaller amounts would help her body digest the food faster. During conversation, they had arranged for Matt and Amy to stay at Jeff's for the night. They already had clothes there and Cody was staying at Gilbert's so everything was sorted.

After lunch, Amy announced that she was going to shower. Before giving either of the brothers a chance to say anything, she had disappeared up the stairs. Entering the bathroom, she stripped out of her clothes and turned the tap on. Even though she had taken a shower that morning, she was in the mood for a nice relaxing bath. She stood at the edge, leaning over to test the warmth of the water with her hand. Amy flipped her hair behind her shoulder as it kept on falling down and her eyes caught sight of the toilet. Immediately, she pictured what she'd just eaten and all the calories…the temptation was too great. Kneeling down, she stuck her fingers down her throat, crying as the food came up. The running water drowned out the sounds of her splutters and sobs. Flushing the toilet, she fell against the bath, curling into a ball. She'd been doing so well lately, but it was all ruined now.

Days passed again and no one had mentioned anything. She was suspicious that they heard her but they obviously didn't as they would have brought it up. She had made herself sick since then but the guilt still raged inside of her. Not only had she let down herself but Matt and Jeff, even though they didn't know. After another three days, Amy was eating a little more but still found it hard. One night, Matt offered to make her a meal to celebrate the fact that she'd been out of hospital for a month. But after eating, all she could think was the calories she'd devoured. Making her excuses, she stumbled up the stairs and into the bathroom. Her head was so busy thinking that she forgot to lock the door. Just as she started, the door flew open and a shocked Matt Hardy stood at the entrance.

"Why Amy?" he asked in disbelief.

"I'm sorry," she sobbed, falling into his arms. He held her to his chest as she cried uncontrollably. "It was only the second time. I'm sorry, Matt."

"I thought you were getting better."

"I was, I am…."

"Amy, do you want professional help or any help at all?"