A/N: Notice that almost every chapter has an author's note mentioning how unsatisfied I am with my own work? Well, this one will be no exception. Self-deprecation is an art at which I excel. This chapter was kind of tossed together and hurried along, because I wasn't exactly sure where to go with it. Most of the Ellie stuff that happened was unfamiliar territory, and I think that was reflected - I rushed through it because I had no idea what should happen. A bit more Paige than usual, though, to make up for it.

X - The Carnival is Over

Paige knocked tentatively at the guidance counsellor's door. Sauve had sent a note asking her to pay a visit during second period, and Paige was doing just that. Surely the counsellor couldn't have found out about the little cutting experiment, right?

"Come on in," Sauve said. Paige did so and took a seat, perching at the edge of her chair.

"Look, Ms. Sauve," she said. "I know it was stupid and I'm not going to do it again, okay? It didn't even work." She'd quickly discovered that paranoia accompanied self-harm, and she understood a little better what Ellie had gone through - what she still went through.

The counsellor gave her a puzzled look. "Paige, I don't know what you're talking about, but I think I should. Can you elabourate?"

Paige mentally slapped herself. No way was she getting out of this particular situation without a fight. She sighed and yanked down her sock to expose her ankle. Sauve raised an eyebrow, waiting for Paige to explain. "It was stupid and impulsive," she said. "And it didn't work. At all. I'm not going to do it again. I practically threw up after I did it." She maintained eye contact, hoping it would help convince Sauve of her honesty.

"You'll come back and see me," Sauve said. "Just to check in. I believe that you believe you won't do it again. I just want to make sure you don't change your mind. But I called you in here to discuss your schoolwork. Your teachers are concerned with how far you've fallen behind."

"I know I'm a little behind," Paige said. "But I'm working hard, honest. I'm not slacking off or anything. I don't think it's fair to take off points for it being late, if that's what this is about."

"It's not," the counsellor said quietly. "Paige, we're two-thirds of the way through the semestre. You're barely past two weeks' worth of work in some of your courses. I think you need to consider dropping a few - lightening your workload. Otherwise, you're not going to end up able to get credit for any of them."

Paige shook her head. "I need these courses. I need them all to graduate next year. I'll get caught up somehow. I'll just work harder. I'm still recovering from being sick or whatever, but when I have more energy, it'll be easy to catch up."

"Are you feeling any better now than when you were first ill?" Sauve asked gently.

"Well no, but... I need these courses. You don't understand. I need them."

"I can't force you to drop any. I can only suggest it. Paige, a lot of teenagers take an extra year of high school. It's not the worst thing in the world to do. You don't have to decide today. But it's something I really want you to considerand I suggest doing it sooner rather than when it's too late. Come back in two days, fifth period, okay? We can discuss it further then, and I can make sure you're all right." It wasn't really a question, and Paige didn't bother protesting. She gave a curt nod and headed to her next class, wishing she'd never gotten sick in the first place. This was NOT the life of a social queen.

Much to her dismay, Ellie was escorted to the office of a certain Dr. Adams, OB/GYN. She wasn't looking forward to the visit. The only thing that redeemed the doctor was the fact that she was female. Ellie absolutely would have refused to even speak, had the doctor been male.

Dr. Adams introduced herself and offered Ellie a seat on a regular chair, much to Ellie's surprise. "Today we're just going to have a little chat," she said. "We can discuss whether or not you're comfortable enough to have a quick examination now, or if it would be better to put it off to another day." Ellie didn't respond. "First off, do have any concerns about your health?"

"No."

"Relax," she said gently. "I don't bite. And this isn't as bad as most people assume it will be. Dr. Cavanaugh sent down your file, but if you'd rather talk to me about it, I don't have to read it."

"It's fine. Easier." A nervous Ellie translated into one and two word answers.

The doctor nodded and studied the file for a moment. "You and your boyfriend are sexually active?" Ellie nodded. "How long have you been sleeping together?"

Ellie thought for a moment. "Six months, maybe."

"Says here you haven't been using birth control. That you were at first, but that you stopped. I think that's something we need to discuss."

"It's not like I'm going to get pregnant," Ellie said defensively.

"Put on a few pounds and you might. It's a dangerous habit to get into. You need to protect yourself if you're going to have sex. You're a smart girl, Ellie. You know that. And from what I hear, Sean's a good guy. He's not going to hate you for wanting to be safe." She gave Ellie a searching look, and Ellie dropped her gaze. "Talk to him. If he's worth his salt, your well-being will be most important to him in this whole situation. And if it's not, you shouldn't be with him at all."

Ellie wiggled uncomfortably in the chair, but finally gave a grudging nod. "Okay. Fine."

"Okay," the doctor said. "Now, did you have any questions you'd like to ask me, before we proceed? I've heard just about anything, so don't be scared to ask."

Ellie shook her head. "Public education system," she said with a slight smile. It was the first time in their appointment that she'd relaxed enough to joke.

Dr. Adams let out a healthy chuckle. "Shall I assume you'd rather not have an examination done for today?" she asked. Ellie again nodded. "I do want to do a few blood tests and a urinalysis, then. But they're pretty non-invasive."

Ellie cooperated, glad to have gotten off lightly, and it wasn't long before she was escorted back to her room in the hospital, feeling surprisingly relieved. She'd been expecting much worse. Unfortunately, Dr. Cavanaugh arrived just as quickly to spread the joy.

"I'll get right to the point," she said, barely stopping to say hello. "Have you considered my proposal?"

"Yes," Ellie said.

"And...?"

"And my answer is yes and no. I have an alternate offer. I will speak to Mrs. Nash, and listen to what she has to say, but only if someone else takes me to see Dad. And that if she's rotten to me, you keep your end of the bargain."

Dr. Cavanaugh contemplated for a moment. "Okay," she said finally. "On one condition. You call her 'Mom' or 'Mommy' or even 'Mother' if you must, but not Mrs. Nash. That's cold, Ellie, even for you."

Ellie took longer to answer than even Dr. Cavanaugh expected, but her love for her father won out this time. "Fine. When can I see him?"

"Tomorrow. You'll talk to your mother first." Ellie started to protest, but the doctor stopped her. "I know you Ellie. I know you keep your promises IF you promise something, but I also know you're damn good at wiggling your way out of things. I'll arrange it. I wasn't supposed to have a session with you right now, anyway, but I wanted to see if you'd made a decision." She offered a brief smile, then left the room, leaving Ellie who was still working through the conversation in her mind. She wished, for the millionth time, that she wasn't in the hospital - and therefore, that Dr. Cavanaugh couldn't control her life.