Chapter 20

Christian's POV

'...but at least she talked Ana.'

'She didn't talk per se. She asked questions.' She replied. 'I don't know how long we can keep these things a secret.'

'We'll cross the bridge when we come to it…' I smiled as I helped her put on her coat.

'Mum, dad, are you two ready?' We heard Teddy shout from downstairs. 'Grandma called, she asked us not to be late!'

'I guess we have to get going Mr. Grey.' She teased.

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I clearly don't understand what's happened. Theodore is now becoming a father. If the DNA tests prove the child is his, we are going to become grandparents for the very first time, which in a way is very exciting and scary at the same time, whilst Martina is still withdrawn. She seems to be doing much much worse, and yet, we don't have any control over this. We can't seem to get through her. I know we should just get her the help that she needs, but if we push too much she will further retreat. She needs to want to get better, and at this point, there seems to be no improvement towards that goal.

'Dad, can I drive?' Martina asked, taking me out of my thoughts.

'Do you want to kill us?' Theodore teased.

'Martina, do you know how to drive?' Ana asked.

'Yepp, William's brother taught both Emily and I. I'm a very good driver.'

'I don't think I feel comfortable with you driving an Audi.' I chuckled.

'Come on dad, just to grandma's.' She persisted.

'Let me tell you what, we'll get your driver's learner permit and then you can drive.'

'Come on!'

'If we're pulled over, our licences can be detained. I need to drive Martina.'

'You have no sense of adventure.' She sulked as both Ana and I laughed.

'...and I don't like that you drove illegally.'

'If only you knew what I do!' She teased.

'Martina, do you want to give your father a heart attack?' Ana teased back. 'He's an old man now you know?'

'Yeah, he constantly grumbles.' She laughed as Teddy joined in. At times she did surprise me. It's like she gets these moments where she feels alive. Either that, or she's on something. Which I don't want to think about or face at the moment. I looked at her through the rear view mirror. She was so pale, covered in layers of clothes. It was cold, but it seemed that it hit her more. Ana noticed my momentary lapse, and she pulled me back through her touch. I pulled over in mum's driveway and left Taylor to find a parking spot whilst we all walked up the stairs to the entrance hall.

'There you are!' Mum greeted as she handed Ana and I a glass of champagne. 'Everyone is already here.' She continued as she gave me a look.

'Mother.' I smiled as I hugged her.

'Ana, how are you dear?' Dad continued as he joined us. 'And my 2 favourite people!'

'Grandpa Carrick.' Martina smiled as she moved forward to hug him. He lifted her as if she weighed nothing. I saw his face change as her face touched his.

'You're freezing.' He replied seriously as he let her go from his embrace. 'Are you ok?'

'I'm fine grandpa, it's just cold.' She smiled as she moved forward to hug my mother. Ana and I both gave a look. A 16 year old shouldn't be lifted off that easy.

'Teddy.'

'Grandpa.'

'So, when am I going to meet the little one?'

'In 7 months!' he chuckled.

'Come on, let's join everyone.' My mother encouraged us as she pushed us into the dining area where everyone was already gathered. A huge dog came running to us as if it had no breaks. Martina went forward to hug Fish. It seemed to be a joke, my mother told dad that she got a fish. Instead she got a german shepherd and named it Fish.

'Martina, don't stay too close. He doesn't know you.' I said as I pulled her from it, but the dog seemed to love her already. He was licking her and standing over her shoulders. I could see her smile and laugh wholeheartedly. I decided to let her go and enjoy the company.

'Ana, Christian.' John and Rhian greeted.

'Uncle.' Teddy smiled as they bro hugged whilst Elliot joined in with Kate.

'Come on! Take off your coats and join in' mum excitedly highlighted.

Grace's POV

'Martina, your coat?' I asked gently noticing how happy the dog made her. Maybe she should stay with Fish a little more frequent.

'Ohh.. Yes.' she smiled as she started unbuttoning it. She took it off and I felt a sharp knife going through my heart. The girl was emaciated. I felt cold all of a sudden. I could see from underneath my eyes everybody's shock to her physical state. I looked at Ana and Christian. Their face was drained from colour. Her dress was barely fitting if it wasn't for the safety pins that she tried to hide from her back. 'What?' she chuckled as she went back down to Fish.

'Nothing..' I smiled weakly. I realised we had to do something and it had to be done fast. She definitely weighed less than 70-75 pounds. Her hair was dry, her cheek bones were protruding, you could count her sternum bones. Her arms were twig like and her legs were two thin poles. It scared me to see what she has become, and her parents are not doing anything about it.

'Mum, I'm going to the garden with Fish.' she started not realizing we were all staring at her. 'Can I grandma?'

'You're going to freeze honey.' Carrick replied. 'But you can stay in the indoor pool area. It's warmed up.' he suggested as he held me from my shoulders.

'Thank you!' she beamed as she ran with the dog. As she was out of sight I looked at my son in dismay.

'What do you think you're playing at Christian? The girl is dying…'

'We didn't think it's that bad.' Ana replied. 'I knew she was losing weight, and we knew she was skipping meals, but not to this extent!'

'What are you going to do?' John asked. 'Are you still going to turn a blind eye?'

'Funny uncle' Teddy replied. 'They have this fantasy that she'll figure it out on her own or when she is ready.'

'She just started to talk to us!' Ana emphasized. 'We're making progress.'

'... And you call that progress?' Carrick replied. 'I'm sorry but you two are living in denial. She's emaciated, she barely has the energy to keep up. Christian you told us yourself that you feel you're losing her.'

'and at this rate, you don't have a long time with her.'

'We'll talk to her tomorrow.'

'Talking won't solve anything if you don't act Christian.' John emphasized.

'John, stay out of it. She is not your child.'

'You're right bro. Because I wouldn't let my daughter get to that state.' he threw back.

John's POV

I couldn't understand how daft my brother could be. I don't understand what they're waiting for to admit her into the hospital. She shouldn't even be at home. Let alone go to school, exercise and whatever extracurriculars she has, and yet they're so blind to what's happening.

'Uncle..' Theodore called whilst I was pouring some drinks. 'What are your thoughts?'

'About?' I asked probing what he meant.

'Come on, you saw it as much as I did. She's sick.'

'Sit down…' I smiled as I poured him some scotch on the rocks and handed it to him. 'What do you think is happening Teddy?'

'I don't know. She never talks. Lately she's been more overbearing. No one can touch her stuff or bed, she constantly washes her hands. If she touches any food she will wash her hands even more. Runs everyday. She smokes weed stating that it helps her anxiety.' he explained.

'Those are all physical Ted. What about emotionally?' I probed further.

'Are you giving me a therapy session?' he chuckled.

'No, but I want to understand you better.' I smiled. 'Of course, if you don't feel comfortable…'

'I think we're past comfyness at this point.' he replied as he stood up and faced the window ahead. 'She has nightmares, quite frequently. It's not the first time I found her crying or exercising to the point of exhaustion.'

'...and where do your parents fit in all of this?'

'I guess they try to understand and support her. But she doesn't feel close to them.'

'Why is that?'

'Let's face it, if I was sent away for 6 years, I would feel the same.'

'and how are you feeling Theodore?'

'I'm kind of at a loss. I don't want to give up, but I am giving up. And it scares me to think that we might eventually have her funeral. Because at the rate she is going, she won't make it.' he explained. 'Can you do something? Put her on a psych hold? Admit her to hospital involuntarily?'

'Unfortunately my hands are tied at the moment. I am not her legal guardian, and till now she hasn't expressed any possibility of hurting herself or others.'

'Isn't she hurting herself like this?'

'She is, but she hasn't actively tried to commit suicide.' I explained. 'Unfortunately my hands are tied. Your parents on the other hand, can admit her to hospital themselves as she is a minor.'

'They won't do it…' he explained. 'No matter what you tell them, they believe that by giving her space she'll find her own way.'

'Sometimes that works, but in your sister's case she has had trauma over trauma. It doesn't always work like that unfortunately.'

'So what, we wait here idle?

'No, for now support her as much as possible.'

Kate's POV

'Eliott, can you please take Ava?' I asked as I joined Ana on the balcony. The little one seems to have caffeine running through her veins. She is constantly active which does make us tired.

'She's so sweet.' Ana smiled as she handed Ava to Eliott. 'So energetic.'

'Try and handle her for a week! Sometimes I feel like I want to strangle her, metaphorically, but then, she loves us so much.' I smiled. Children are very active, and sometimes they do make you lose sense of time, but they are amazing. I couldn't imagine myself without the two of them. 'How are you holding up Ana?'

'We're good.' she smiled weakly.

'You know you're not alone Ana. I'm here for you if you need anything.'

'I know Kate…' She replied as she turned facing me. 'How did we miss this?'

'I don't think you missed it Ana, I think you don't want to face her reality.' I highlighted. 'You need to do something.'

'I know that.' She hissed. '...but she doesn't want to let us in. It's like she built these high walls around her, and she doesn't want to open a crack for us to get to her.'

'So, you're waiting for?' I asked curiously. 'Because if you are waiting for her to speak to you, or tell you she needs help, you're wayyyy over your head there Steele.'

'Doesn't Laurel speak to you?'

'She does. But she is also an adolescent at this point in time. Which means, she will trust her friends more than us. And it's normal. It's part of life. We did that to remember?' I continued. 'Ana, if you think she is going to come and ask for help, you're definitely going to lose this battle. She is already losing it herself. She's skeletal. If one of my daughters looked like that, I would drag her to a hospital regardless how much she hates me.'

'Well, I'm sorry Kate, I can't let her hate us.' She replied.

'So you're going to let her die on the notion that you don't want her to rebel? Ana, this is a very dangerous game you're playing.' I explained. 'Ana, if this isn't treated, there's going to be a day where she won't wake up.' I continued as Ana wiped some tears that streamed down her face. 'Why are you so scared to take such a decision?'

'Because we've already sent her away once. I don't want to go through that again.'

'You know, as much as everyone opposed your decision, you did that because you thought that was the best decision right?'

'Yeah…' she replied. '... and it wasn't. We were clueless about the corporal punishment that went through, we were clueless about her life. We thought we were sheltering her, we thought we were protecting her. So sending her away to a hospital will not be the answer. Is that her home? No!'

'Is your house her home?' I challenged her as she sipped through her champagne. 'I'm sorry Ana, but the girl doesn't have a home, she doesn't feel like she belongs anywhere.'

'...How do you know that Kate?'

'...because if I was in her situation, I would feel just that Ana, and no matter how much you try to convince yourself it's the right decision, deep down, you know it's true. Deep down you know she doesn't feel close to anyone in here.'

'She is close to Teddy.'

'He's her brother not her parent Ana! He replaced you two, and she raised herself. Eliott and I were more present for her at St Catherine's then you ever were.' I could see she was uncomfortable, but someone needed to face her with the truth. 'You did such a good job with Theodore. I understand the stress of an unplanned pregnancy. But come on, she's 16 now.'

'Kate, I appreciate your concern, but please… let's stop.'

'Ana, if you're going to remain loose on this, you're going to lose another daughter.'

'Kate…' She started as Teddy interrupted us.

'Mum, have you seen Martina?' He asked.

'No, why?' she asked concerned. She loves the girl, but I don't think she knows exactly how to express herself properly with her.

'Nothing, they're serving food, and maybe she could eat something.' He suggested. '...and maybe talk to everyone here.'

'She's probably still with the dog.' I suggested. 'Stay with your mother Teddy, I'll go for her.' I smiled as I squeezed his shoulder and left them together.

Theordore's POV

'Mum, are you ok?' I asked as I noticed her eyes were broken.

'I'm fine Ted.' She smiled. 'Shall we get a Fish as well?' She chuckled.

'I won't say no, Tina will love it.' I replied. 'Dad on the other hand?'

'He'll get used to it.' She laughed as she pulled me into her embrace. 'You've grown so much Theodore. You're going to be a wonderful father.'

'I hope so mum.' I admitted. 'I'll definitely need help.' I chuckled.

'Your father will teach you the art of diapers.' She laughed.

'...and you?'

'I'll be the fun grandma.'

Kate's POV

'Kate, Kate!' Eliott started as he followed me. 'Where are you going?'

'Fetching Tina. She's been alone for quite a while now.' I replied as he joined me. 'Where's Ava?'

'She's playing with John and Rhian. And Laurel is discussing business law with dad and Christian.'

'You think she's applying for law?'

'That's what things are looking at.' He smiled as he grabbed me from my waist and pulled me into a deep passionate kiss. 'What if, we make another one of them?'

'You want another child?' I chuckled.

'Why not? Ava is great, Laurel is growing up, it's not like we can't afford another child.' he continued. 'Plus I love being a dad.'

'Maybe we can do something about it later?' I smiled. I have been thinking about another child, and I think we can handle three. 'Come on, we're not making one here.' I teased as we went down the stairs to the indoor pool. Fish was barking, and it was strange for him to bark especially when he's playing. We went to the door and Fish came running straight to us barking.

'What's up dog?' Elliot smiled as he bent down on his knees ruffling his ears and top of head, however this dog didn't stop barking. I looked ahead, and I saw Martina throwing up.

'That's why it's barking.' I replied as I ran towards her with Elliot on my tail. 'Honey, what's wrong?' I asked as I grabbed a nearby towel. She reeked of alcohol and Elliot noticed the small bottle on the side table. He showed it to me and I laughed. She's so a Grey!'

'Rakia, really! You know how bad that is!' I scolded as Elliot reached for a bucket and brought it to her. He sat down and rubbed her back. I could see him scared of touching her. She was so thin.

'I'm calling Christian.'

'No!' she said between heaves. 'Get Teddy.'

'Call Teddy…' I asserted. She didn't need a scolding. She's just a teenager experimenting. It made me laugh at the same time. I remember Laurel pushing the boundaries. The only different thing is that I don't know if her body can take this amount of strong alcohol. 'Get me some water.' I instructed as Elliot was instructing Teddy to come down.

Theodore's POV

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'Hey uncle.' I smiled as I picked up the phone.

'Come down, your sister is drunk.'

'What?'

'Just come down.'

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I got the attention of grandma and explained to her what's happening. She excused herself from the crowd and came down with me. There was no way we could hide this from my parents but maybe if she helped, she'll feel better. On one level I was laughing my guts out knowing she pushed the boundaries again, especially seeing her drunk, but on another level, she's too weak to handle this.

'Thanks Aunt Kate.' I smiled as I took over. 'Squirt. You did it again.' I smiled as she threw up again violently.

'What did she drink?' grandma asked.

'Rakia.' Elliot laughed.

'This is not funny Elliot.' Aunt Kate scolded.

'Come on, it's a little funny.' he replied as she tried to withhold her laughter.

'Why are you all laughing? This is no laughing matter!' Grandma scolded. 'Get me a glass of cold water with salt.' She instructed Uncle Elliot. 'There is some salt behind the bar.'

'Martina, how are you feeling?' I asked gently, as she started laughing and hugged me tight.

'I'm so floopy' She laughed. 'Is floopy a word?'

'Apparently it is now.' I laughed.

'I'm sorry. I thought…' She started as grandma handed her the glass of water with salt. '...it's beer.'

'She kind of has a point.' Aunt Kate smiled. 'Who puts rakia in a beer bottle?'

'It makes it taste better.' Grandma notified. 'Honey, this is going to taste really bad, but you need to drink it.' She continued as she helped her drink it. Her face was cringing from the saltiness. I could relate to her, as it's not the first time I was hung over and did the exact same remedy.

'Grace, Grace?' I heard grandpa call as he joined us.

'What's happening?' He said as he bent down next to her.

'She drank rakia thinking it was beer.'

'I told you we shouldn't have stored it in a beer bottle.'

'How could I know someone would actually drink it?'

'If it's in a bottle everyone would.' He highlighted. 'How are you feeling honey?' he asked her as he took the towel from grandma's hands and placed it on her neck.

'I feel better.' She replied, going in and out of sleep.

'I think she should stay here for the night.' Grandpa Carrick suggested.

'How are we going to get her up without anyone noticing?' I asked concerned.

'I'll tell your parents.' Grandma said. 'Your grandpa will take her up to her room from the back door.' She smiled as she noticed my concern. 'Don't worry, she'll be fine. It's not like you have never gotten drunk before and asked me to hook you up to some vitamins.'

'Grandma, not in front of …'

'Don't worry, we all did that.' Uncle Elliot laughed. 'This will not be the first nor the last time she'll get drunk kiddo.' he teased as grandpa Carrick lifted her.

'I'm taking her up to rest. Send Damien to clean up here Kate, will you?' He asked.

Grace's POV

'Not a single word.' I instructed as we all went up. 'I'll speak to Ana and Christian.'

'Mother, where's Martina?' Christian asked from behind.

'Christian, dear.' I started as the other's spread out. I pulled him into a corner and explained gently. 'Martina, got a little drunk…'

'What? How?'

'She thought she was having beer, and it was rakia. We started storing rakia in beer bottles.' I explained. 'She's fine, she threw up but she is drunk-ish… Your father took her upstairs to rest. I think it's better if she stays for the night.'

'I swear that girl keeps pushing all the boundaries.' He replied half jokingly. 'You know she drives?'

'Yes, your father has applied for her learner's permit so she can drive when she is with us.'

'How do you know and we don't?' he asked, surprised.

'...because we listen to her Christian.' I slid gently. 'Listen, let her sleep for the night, and tomorrow we'll bring her home.' I continued as the waiter passed by with some food and we helped ourselves for some canapes. '...maybe she could also stay a little bit longer with us?' I hinted.

'Mother, we're trying to give her some normality for now.' He added. 'I don't think it's healthy to keep sending her a week there and a week here. I think it's better if she stays home with us.'

'You're right, but in the state she is in…' I probed gently. 'Maybe it's better that she has 24/7 care…'

'Are you saying we don't care about her?' He asked defensively. On one hand I wanted to say yes, but on the other, I wanted to get somewhere with him.

'No, no, far from it. I'm speaking medically. I'm a doctor, I can take care of her.' I hinted.

'Mother, I think it's better if she stays with us for now, but I'll speak to Ana, and we'll give you an answer. What do you think?'

'Yes, communicate.' I smiled. 'I'm going up to see if she is settled. Do I have your consent to hook her up to an IV?'

'Yes.' he nodded. 'Whatever she needs.'

I took this opportunity to not only give her some Potassium that she desperately needs, but also some nutrition. I went to my office and grabbed an IV fluid with glucose and other compounds along with a stand, cannula and tourniquet. I was sure she wasn't going to be happy in the morning, but for now this has to be done. I went up and found that Carrick was still there with her tucking her in.

'How is she?' I asked as I hooked things up.

'She's tired, cold…' He started. 'We have to do something Grace. She's wasting away.'

'I know… but for now we're tied. John cannot do anything as yet, and we can't refer her to anyone unless her parents accept.'

'What about child services?' He suggested cautiously.

'You want to do that step?' I asked him as I took a seat beside her.

'Well, if no one is not going to do anything, then maybe we should…'

'Carrick, let's not jump to conclusions as yet. I spoke to Christian and he agreed to talk to Ana about this. Maybe she can stay with us for now. She has a better environment here.'

'You know they are not going to do anything about it.'

'Let's give them the benefit of the doubt. They saw what state she is in. John spoke to them, Kate did as well. Maybe this time we'll get somewhere.'

'...and if we don't?' he challenged.

'I guess, we have to fight for her…'

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