Chapter Two: The Request

Alice turned onto the road, heading towards Forks General, keeping the car at a normal speed, not wanting to startle Eleanor. She had enough to deal with as it was. Using one hand, she pressed the water bottle into Eleanor's hand. "Drink," she said. "Jasper's right. Carlisle wouldn't be too thrilled if he knew we didn't give you water after you had a panic attack."

"Thanks." Eleanor took the bottle and unscrewed the lid, taking a few sips from it.

"Are you feeling any better now?" Alice asked.

"Yeah," Eleanor said. "I'm kind of used to them, to be honest. I'm not used to people helping me though. Jasper did really good."

"I know," Alice said, pride in her voice.

"How does he know how to do that?"

"Like he said, that's a story for another time," Alice replied with a smile. "but it's good he knows how. That was a bad one, huh?"

Eleanor nodded.

"So," Alice said, "if you don't mind me asking, do you know why your mom is in the hospital?"

Eleanor sighed.

"You don't have to answer," Alice said quickly. "I shouldn't be prying."

"No, it's okay," Eleanor said. "I don't mind answering you. The sigh was just me thinking. The thing is, I know she's sick. She knows she's sick. But we don't know what with. We think it's the flu. Because she's been weak and more tired than usual. I'm just worried that it's something more. Something worse than the flu."

"Ah," Alice said softly. "I understand. Well, like I said, our father works at the hospital. He will take good care of her."

"I don't mean to pry," Eleanor said, "but how is he your father? There's what… five of you, and you all go to the same high school?"

"No one told you about us?" Alice asked. When Eleanor shook her head, she said, "Well, we're adopted. Carlisle's wife, Esme, can't have kids, so they decided to adopt."

"That's very nice of them," Eleanor said, smiling softly. "I bet that made Esme very happy."

"Oh, it did," Alice replied, turning into the hospital parking lot. "Carlisle and Esme love us as if we were their own, which is a great feeling. We're here, by the way."

Eleanor nodded and unbuckled her seatbelt, sighing heavily as Alice pulled the keys out of the ignition. She opened her door, stepped out of the car, and unfolded her cane.

"Ready?" Alice asked.

Eleanor nodded, took Alice's arm with her left hand, and they set off. Once they reached the double doors, Alice guided Eleanor inside, past some people, and over to the reception desk.

"Hi, Tammy," Alice greeted the young woman behind the desk.

"Hey, Alice," Tammy said. "Here to see your dad?"

Alice shook her head. "My friend, Eleanor, here got a message from the school saying she needed to come and see her mom in the hospital."

"What's your mother's name, dear?" Tammy asked, turning her attention to Eleanor.

"Marie Louise Whyte," Eleanor said.

Tammy typed the name into her computer and nodded. "Room 110. First floor. Alice, do you know where that's at?"

Alice nodded. "Thank you, Tammy," she said, before turning and walking away with Eleanor. When they reached the room, Alice paused and knocked on the door.

"Come in," came a male's voice.

Alice pushed the door open and led Eleanor into the room. "Hi, Carlisle," she greeted a man standing by the bed.

"Hey, Alice," Carlisle said, turning and giving a small smile to Alice before his eyes landed on Eleanor. "You must be Eleanor. Your mother has told me so much about you."

Alice led Eleanor over to where Carlisle was standing. "This is Carlisle," she said.

"Nice to meet you," Eleanor said, reaching out and shaking Carlisle's gloved hand. "How is she?"

"She's doing okay," Carlisle said, stepping aside. "She's a bit weak, but we're giving her some medicine for that."

"Do you know what's wrong with her?" Eleanor asked, as Alice placed her hand on the chair next to the bed.

Carlisle shook his head. "We aren't quite sure yet," he said. "but we ran some tests, and now, we just need to wait for the results to come back."

"How long will she be in here?" Eleanor asked, taking a seat, reaching for her mother's hand.

"A while," Carlisle said. "We don't know what's wrong, but we need to keep her here for observation and treatment. Based off the symptoms she has already given me, I'd say for a week or two, possibly more. We need to be absolutely sure she will be okay before we can release her."

Eleanor nodded, frowning slightly.

"We'll give you a few minutes with her," Carlisle said, smiling gently.

"Thank you, Dr…"

"Cullen," Carlisle replied. "But please, call me Carlisle. Everyone does."

"Thank you, Carlisle," Eleanor said, as he and Alice stepped out and closed the door softly behind them.

"How are you doing, Ellie?" Marie asked, squeezing Eleanor's hand.

"I'm worried, Mom," Eleanor said.

"I know, baby," Marie said. "I'll be okay."

Eleanor sighed and rested her chin on her other hand.

"Oh, don't look like that, now," Marie said. "Come on, smile, Ellie. I will be fine. Dr. Cullen… Carlisle is a great doctor. Did you know he adopted his children?"

"Yeah, Alice told me. She's the one that came in with me."

"She seems nice."

"She is. I sat with her family at lunch after one of the girls was being rude."

"What happened?" Marie asked, concerned.

Eleanor explained how Jessica had been trying to get her to talk about the bruises, even going so far as to grab her arm and demand answers. She told Marie how Alice had stepped in and brought her to the Cullen's table, where Jasper had ever so elegantly helped her out of a panic attack.

"That's good he knew how to help you," Marie said. "Did Jessica hurt you?"

Eleanor shrugged. "She grabbed my arm tightly which didn't exactly feel good, but it's fine."

"Are you sure?" Marie asked. "We can have Carlisle take a look at it, if it's that bad."

Eleanor quickly shook her head. "No," she said. "No, Mom, really. It's fine."

"Will you let me see?" Marie asked quietly. "Please?"

Eleanor sighed, but removed her jacket and extended her arm to Marie. Marie gently touched a darkening bruise on Eleanor's arm, shaking her head.

"She bruised you," she growled. "Ellie, how hard did she grab you?"

"Hard enough," Eleanor muttered, looking away. "It's fine. It doesn't hurt any more."

"She left finger marks," Marie growled.

Eleanor shrugged. "I've had worse," she muttered.

Marie sighed and patted Eleanor's arm, eyeing her with concern. "You'll say something if it hurts, won't you?"

Eleanor shrugged. "Maybe. Probably not."

Marie sighed. "Stubborn as always, I see."

Eleanor smiled slightly, as she pulled on her jacket. "I learned from the best."

A soft knock sounded at the door a few minutes later.

"Come in," Marie called.

Carlisle opened the door and stepped in with Alice. "Eleanor," he said. "I need to speak with your mother for a few minutes. Could you wait outside, please?"

"Sure," Eleanor said, getting to her feet.

"Come on," Alice said. "I'll take you to get something to eat. You barely ate at lunch."

Eleanor shook her head. "No, I'm fine," she said. "I can wait in the waiting room. It's not a problem."

"No," Alice said. "You need to eat."

"Help me," Eleanor pleaded, looking towards Marie.

"Eleanor, go with Alice," Marie said. "You had a panic attack. You need to replenish your energy with food."

"But I drank water," Eleanor practically whined.

"Nope," Marie said. "You need food. Not just water."

"I agree with your mother, Eleanor," Carlisle said. "After a panic attack, it is best to drink water and eat something to replenish your energy. Especially when they are as severe as the one Alice described."

"But I want to be here with my mom," Eleanor said.

Marie touched Eleanor's elbow. "Ellie, I'm fine," she said. "Please go with Alice."

Eleanor looked uncertain.

"Do I need to tell you to go eat on doctor's orders?" Carlisle asked.

"You're not my doctor," Eleanor muttered.

"No, but I am your mother's doctor," Carlisle said. "And if you don't go and eat something, I won't let you come back in for the rest of the day."

"You wouldn't," Eleanor gasped, eyes wide.

"Oh, I would," Carlisle said. "We can't have you fainting and ending up in the hospital alongside your mother. Would you like to test your theory? I'd be only too happy to oblige."

"No," Eleanor muttered, pouting slightly. "Fine, I'll go eat some damned food."

"Good," Alice said. "Let's go. I know a nice restaurant we can go to."

"No restaurant," Eleanor groaned, moving towards Alice, searching for her arm with an outstretched hand.

"Yes, restaurant," Carlisle said firmly. "No fast food, Eleanor. I stand by my word of not allowing you to come back in."

"But you said if I didn't eat," Eleanor pleaded.

"Fast food is not food," Carlisle said. "Now, out."

"It can be food," Eleanor challenged. "Food is anything that gives you sustenance or energy, no matter how little that might be. Fast food can do that."

"Fast food can also taste like dirt," Carlisle said.

"Not if you have the right kind," Eleanor said.

"Out," Carlisle said firmly. "To a restaurant. To real, nongreasy food."

"I'm not even hungry," Eleanor tried.

"Get something small, and if you can't finish it, take the rest to go."

Eleanor sighed. "Fine."

"Go," Carlisle ordered.

"Humph," Eleanor muttered, as Alice led her out and closed the door.

"You wouldn't really prevent her from coming in, would you?" Marie asked, finally allowing herself to laugh, once the girls had left.

No, of course not," Carlisle said with a chortle. "but she doesn't know that."

"You're good with her," Marie said.

"I've had a lot of practice with bratty teenagers," Carlisle said. "Both at work, and at home."

Marie grinned. "I bet," she said. "What was it you wanted to speak with me about?"

"Eleanor," Carlisle said, taking the now unoccupied seat. "Alice told me she saw bruises on her arms earlier at school. And I can see the bruises on yours. Alice also told me how Eleanor had a panic attack when she was asked about them."

"Did she tell you the same person who was asking, left a mark on her from gripping her arm too tight?" Marie asked.

Carlisle nodded.

"So, what's your question then?"

Carlisle sighed, then spoke softly. "Who hurt you two?"

"I don't feel comfortable answering that."

"But someone did hurt you?"

Marie hesitated, looking at the doctor for a long moment before answering. "Yes," she said. "but we're away from that now. And I'd rather not talk about it right now. And don't ask Eleanor, either. She's already been through enough as it is today. Please, Carlisle."

Carlisle eyed the woman before him. "Fine," he said. "But will you answer me this one question?"

"Maybe," Marie said hesitantly.

"Are you safe?" Carlisle asked gently. "Truly safe here?"

"Yes," Marie replied. "I made sure of that much."

"Very well," Carlisle said, sitting back. "That is all, then."

"Carlisle?"

"Yes?"

"Can I ask you something?"

"Of course. What is it?"

Marie sighed, then took in a deep breath. "Well, I'm worried about Eleanor. I'll be in here for a while, and she won't have anyone to help her."

"You should only be in here for a week or so," Carlisle said.

Marie shook her head. "No," she said. "You and I both know this is more serious than you're letting on. You can't tell me you don't. I know you do. That's not the point, though. Look, Carlisle. My daughter is strong, but she gets panic attacks easily because of what she's been through. And I won't be there to help calm her down. Not to mention she won't be able to cook for herself. We just got here yesterday. I didn't have time to unpack the things she needs to label our stuff so that she could make food."

"So, what is your question?" It was Carlisle's turn to ask the question now.

"Eleanor told me how your son, Jasper, helped her with her panic attack. She really likes Alice, and I can see that Alice adores her. And you're very good with her in getting her to do what she needs to do. Carlisle, I wouldn't ask this of anyone normally, but you're different." She paused before continuing. "Could you please look after Eleanor for me?"

"She doesn't have any family she can stay with?" Carlisle asked carefully.

"No," Marie said shortly, giving Carlisle a warning look. "Carlisle, please? I don't want her to be more worried than she already is. She tries to hide it, but I can read her like an open book. She's worried. Stressed. Scared."

Carlisle sighed, thinking. After a few minutes, he nodded. "I will call my wife, and we will see what she says."

"Thank you, Carlisle," Marie said, beaming. "How can I ever repay you?"

"By hopefully telling me your past one day," Carlisle said.

"We'll see about that," Marie said, grinning.

"Fair enough," Carlisle said, standing. "I will call Esme now. If you need anything, buzz and someone will come and get me."

Five minutes later, Carlisle was in his office on the phone with his beloved Esme, explaining the situation.

"That poor dear!" Esme exclaimed. "And her mother won't say what they've been through?"

"No," Carlisle said. "but I suspect abuse of some kind."

Esme growled softly.

"I know, Esme," Carlisle said soothingly.

"I will never understand why people think it is okay to put their hands on others," Esme snarled.

"Neither will I," Carlisle said. "But now is not the time to ask that particular question. Will you come to the hospital to meet them? Eleanor is out with Alice. I made her go get something to eat."

"You?" Esme sounded shocked. "You're never authoritative."

"She hadn't eaten much at lunch," Carlisle explained. "She needed energy after the panic attack."

"And you said that Jasper helped her out of it?" Esme asked.

"Yes," Carlisle said. "That surprised me too, although I understand how he would be the one to help."

"But it's Jasper," Esme breathed. "He's not exactly social."

"I know," Carlisle said with a laugh.

"Do you think the kids will be okay with this?" Esme asked, sounding a bit concerned.

"I fear Rosalie won't be too happy," Carlisle said. "But the others should be fine with it. Alice seemed almost too eager to take Eleanor out. As if she knew something."

"You don't think…" Esme trailed off.

"No doubt she saw something," Carlisle said.

"Oh, Alice," Esme said with a laugh. "What about Edward?"

"What about him?"

"Do you think he will be okay with this? I mean, after everything he's been through…"

Carlisle smiled slightly. "I think Edward will be just fine with her," he said.

"How can you be so sure? He's not social either."

"He observes," Carlisle said. "He will be fine, dear. Will you come?"

"I will be there in fifteen minutes. I will talk to the others on my way there."

"See you soon," Carlisle said, before hanging up.

Thirty minutes later found Esme sitting with Marie, laughing, and chatting with her, as if they had known each other all their lives, as they waited for Alice and Eleanor to return. When they did, Esme got to her feet, smiling broadly.

"Eleanor, this is my wife, Esme," Carlisle said as a way of introduction.

"Hello, Eleanor," Esme said.

"Um, hi?" Eleanor said, making it sound more like a question than a greeting.

"I asked Carlisle if he and his family could watch you for a bit while I'm here," Marie told Eleanor. "Nothing is labeled at home, and I'm concerned because of your panic attacks."

Eleanor shook her head. "No, no," she said. "I'll be fine. I wouldn't want to inconvenience them."

"Oh, nonsense," Esme cried. "Inconvenience us? Eleanor, we would be thrilled to have you come stay with us."

"But what about your kids? Don't they have a say in this?"

"They already did," Esme said. "They all agree that it would be lovely to have you stay with us. Jasper specifically told me to tell you that he would like to keep an eye on you, and make sure you don't work yourself into another panic attack. And this is coming from Jasper, dear. He isn't usually like this. He's usually more distant. I think you touched a soft spot with him."

"Oh." Eleanor blushed.

"And I would love to have you stay," Alice chimed in, jumping excitedly. "We can go shopping together. And I can paint your nails for you. And Esme and I would love to decorate your room."

"Don't go overboard," Eleanor said. "Really, there's no need."

"There's no point in telling Alice that," Carlisle said. "Alice loves to decorate, as does Esme. They would love the opportunity."

"Please?" Alice begged. "It'll be fun."

"I don't know," Eleanor said, looking to Carlisle. "You're a doctor. I don't want you to have to come home and have another thing to worry about."

Carlisle shook his head firmly. "None of that," he said, stepping over to Eleanor and gently taking her hand into his. "You don't need to worry about me. I agree with Marie. Your panic attacks are something I would personally like to monitor to make sure that you are all right. And Eleanor?"

"Hmm?"

"You are not a "thing". You are a human being. And you are worth worrying about."

Eleanor looked away, feeling a little awkward, but also touched by the sentiment.

"There," Alice said. "You went through everything. Now just agree, will you?"

Eleanor thought for a moment, looking around the room, though she couldn't see it. Finally, she nodded.

Alice clapped her hands and raced to Eleanor, giving her a hug. No one in the room missed the slight wince at this, and Alice pulled back. "Sorry," she said. "I'm just so excited to have you come live with us."

Eleanor smiled and absentmindedly rubbed her ribs, watched closely by Carlisle, who frowned, eyebrows furrowed in concern.

"Then it's settled," Esme said. "You're coming with us. May I give you a hug?"

Eleanor smiled sweetly and put out her arms. Esme enfolded her gently into her embrace before letting go.

"You should get some rest, Marie," Carlisle said, noticing Marie yawning. "You need to let the medicine do its thing."

Marie nodded. "Okay," she said. "Come here, Ellie."

Eleanor walked over to the bed and leaned down to give Marie a hug.

"I love you," Marie said, giving Eleanor a one-armed hug, as the other had an IV in it.

"I love you too," Eleanor said, smiling. "I'll come back tomorrow, and every day after, to come see you, okay?"

"You better," Marie said. "And be good for the Cullens."

"I won't," Eleanor said.

"Brat," Marie muttered, ruffling Eleanor's hair.

"I know," Eleanor said, stepping back and searching for Alice with her hand.

"Here," Alice said, dancing over and placing her elbow into Eleanor's hand. "Let's go get your room decorated!"

Eleanor groaned.