Chapter Three: Revelations

Alice led the way into the Cullen's large, three-story house, beaming and bouncing about excitedly. She raced up to Jasper and hugged him. He hugged the little pixie back and looked over at Eleanor, grinning.

"Welcome to our home," he said, by way of letting Eleanor know he was there. "I'm glad to see you are feeling better."

"I hear you'll be staying with us for a while," Emmett said, beaming.

Eleanor nodded, smiling a little. "You all are just okay with this?" she asked.

"Of course," Emmett said. "Why wouldn't we be?"

"Y'all aren't normal," Eleanor muttered.

"Oh, you have no idea," Edward muttered.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Eleanor asked, turning to look in his direction.

Edward hesitated before speaking. "I'm sure you'll find out soon enough," he said, looking to Carlisle, who nodded.

"Where's Rosalie?" Eleanor asked. "I haven't heard her yet."

"She's here," Emmett said, nudging Rosalie. "She's not one for talking much."

"I'm next to Emmett," Rosalie said, sounding bored.

"Oh, okay," Eleanor said, shrugging a shoulder.

"We have so much to do," Alice exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "We need to set up a room for you, go shopping for food that you like, show you around the house…"

"I will help you," Esme said. "Rose, will you help too?" Esme gave Rosalie a look that said she didn't really have a choice in the matter.

"Okay," Rosalie said after a few moments, looking at Eleanor, expression unreadable.

Eleanor shook her head. "No, guys, no," she said. "I can sleep on the couch down here, if you have one."

"Absolutely not," everyone but Rosalie exclaimed. Rosalie merely shook her head, frowning at the girl.

Carlisle touched Eleanor's shoulder, not missing the tension he felt as soon as he did so. "Eleanor, what did I tell you?" he chided gently. "Alice and Esme love to do things like this. It makes them happy when they can help someone. Come on, I can show you around while they're running around."

"Wait," Alice said, walking over to Eleanor. "Eleanor, give me your key to your place."

"Why?"

"We need to get your things, silly," Alice said, matter-of-factly. "You need clothes, right?"

Eleanor sighed and dug in her pocket for the key, then handed it over to Alice. "There's not much," she said. "We couldn't bring a lot with us."

"That's okay," Alice said, giving Carlisle a look. "We will get you more things later."

Eleanor looked as if she wanted to protest this notion, but Carlisle spoke just then.

"There's no use in arguing," he said. "Come on. Let's let the girls work on your room."

"Fine," Eleanor muttered, and reached up for Carlisle's arm.

Carlisle started on the first floor, showing Eleanor where the seating area was, as well as the downstairs bathroom. He showed her where the grand piano sat on its platform, then behind that, the kitchen and dining area. He explained how the south wall was all glass, but that it could be covered with shutters, if needed. He then led the way to the foot of the stairs, then paused.

"How do you navigate stairs?" he asked, looking down at Eleanor.

"I usually like to have my hand on the rail," Eleanor said. "I go upstairs a lot faster that way. I can go up with a guide, but it depends."

"Would you like the rail?" Carlisle asked. "It's just to your right."

"Thank you," Eleanor said, finding the rail, switching her cane into her left hand, and placing her right hand on the railing. "It helps me feel more secure when climbing."

"If you had kept holding my arm, how would you have known when to step?" Carlisle asked, as they began the ascent to the second floor.

"Since I walk on the side and slightly behind my guide, I can feel whatever they do. So, if you step up, I can feel your arm raise, and know to step up after you. It's the same if we're going downstairs. When you make a turn, I can move with you, but it takes practice."

"What about going through tight spaces?" Carlisle asked, as they reached the landing.

"If we're going through a tight space, just bring your elbow behind your back. That tells me to get behind you. Then, when we're out in the open again, bring your arm back to where it was before. Oh, and you don't need to always have your arm bent. I can feel your elbow just fine, even when it's straight. Principal Green learned that today too. I don't understand why this whole thing is interesting to people. What's so special about it?"

"About what?"

"Me. How I do things. How I get around. How I do my schoolwork."

"It's not common," Carlisle explained. "People are naturally curious. Especially when it comes to things they either don't understand, or don't see often."

Eleanor shrugged. "Still weird," she muttered.

Carlisle chuckled. "Would you be willing to give us all a demonstration on the proper ways to guide you, once things have settled down tonight?"

"Sure," Eleanor replied, as Carlisle led her into his office and placed her hand on to the back of a chair.

"Take a seat," he said, closing the door softly behind them.

"What's this about?" Eleanor asked.

"I wanted to speak with you about some things, while everyone else is occupied," Carlisle said, before sitting behind his large, mahogany desk. "I will show you the rest of the house after, if that's all right with you."

Eleanor nodded. Carlisle noticed how her shoulders were tense, as if expecting horrible news. Or worse. He eyed her for a moment before speaking.

"It's nothing bad." He tried to reassure her, his voice gentle, but her shoulders remained stiff.

"Then what is it?"

Carlisle sighed, thinking. How could he bring this oh so delicate topic up? How could he even begin to say what he was thinking? Better start with the lighter of the two subjects.

"Alice told me about what happened earlier at school today," he began, watching as Eleanor seemed to get more tense as he spoke, "and she noticed the bruises on your arms. No, listen first, please," he said, as Eleanor started to speak. "I'm not going to ask what happened, or who hurt you. I promised your mother I wouldn't do that, and I intend on keeping that promise. I just want you to know that if you ever need to talk about anything, I am here, and I will listen."

"Thank you," Eleanor said, voice soft. "I will try to remember that. I'm not one for talking though, so it will take time."

"I understand," Carlisle said. "Just know the offer will always be there for the taking if you ever need it."

Eleanor nodded. "Anything else?"

"I also know that Jessica bruised your arm and left a mark. Please let me know if it becomes painful."

Eleanor shrugged.

"Does it hurt?"

Eleanor shook her head.

"Are you lying?"

Eleanor shook her head again. "It doesn't hurt anymore."

"But it did earlier?"

A nod.

"I will call the principal tomorrow on Marie's behalf."

"Don't make a big deal out of it, please." Eleanor's voice was soft. "It'll just make things worse."

Carlisle shook his head. "He needs to know," he said.

"She didn't realize she was grabbing me that hard."

"I find that hard to believe. I will call. At the very least, he needs to be aware of the situation and keep an eye on it."

Eleanor sighed. "Is that all?"

"One more thing," Carlisle said, fiddling with a pen. "However, I am not sure how to best bring this up."

"Like you would anything else?" Eleanor supplied.

"It's not as simple as that," Carlisle said. "This topic is rather… delicate."

"How so?" Eleanor asked.

"It's not exactly the easiest thing to say."

"Just try," Eleanor said. "Take your time. I can wait. I'm patient."

Carlisle sighed. "Eleanor, how open are you to the supernatural?"

"Like what?" Eleanor asked. "Like ghosts?"

"Anything," Carlisle said. "Ghosts. Goblins. Fairies. Vampires. Werewolves. That kind of thing."

"Oh, that?" Eleanor said with a small laugh. "I have no problems with it. Why?"

"Do you believe they could exist?" Carlisle asked.

"Sure, I believe in spirits," Eleanor said. "Goblins, I'm not so sure about. And I believe in fairies, in a way. Not what people think of as fairies, but I still believe in them."

"And what about vampires?" Carlisle asked.

"I suppose they could exist," came the reply. "What are you getting at, Carlisle?"

"What would you say if vampires were real?" Carlisle asked, not answering the question.

"Probably 'Cool! Do you really sleep in coffins?' Why?"

Carlisle stared at Eleanor in disbelief. There was no way this kid would be okay with this. Then again, there were those few accepting humans who did believe in the supernatural. But still, could she believe in this? Well, there was only one way to find out.

"Carlisle?" Eleanor's voice pulled Carlisle out of his thoughts. "What's going on?"

"Sorry," Carlisle apologized. "I was thinking. Well, I don't know the best way to say this, so I'm just going to come out and say it. Eleanor, my family and I are vampires."

Carlisle was expecting her to laugh. Expecting her to run. Expecting her to call him crazy, and demand to leave immediately. He was not expecting her to simply smile.

"Like real vampires?" she asked.

"Yes," Carlisle answered dumbly.

"So…" Eleanor trailed off. "Do you sleep in coffins?"

Carlisle chuckled. "No," he said. "We don't sleep."

"You don't sleep?" Eleanor asked. "Ever?"

Carlisle shook his head. "Never."

"What do you do then?"

"Whatever we want," Carlisle said. "It gives us a chance to do more things, actually."

"So, what about blood?" Eleanor asked. "Do you drink from humans?"

"No," Carlisle said. "My family is the exception to that fact. We drink the blood of animals. Other vampires, however, do drink from humans. We are, what I like to call, vegetarian."

"Okay," Eleanor said. "That means I am safe then."

"Very," Carlisle said, staring at the teenager.

There was a soft knock on the door.

"Come in, Edward," Carlisle called, voice only slightly louder than it had been.

Edward stepped into the room and closed the door behind him. He took a seat next to Eleanor and peered at her. "How?" he asked.

"How what?" Eleanor asked, confused.

"Most humans would run for the hills, screaming, if they knew they were in the presence of vampires," Edward explained. "How are you okay with this?"

"There's a lot you don't know about me, Edward," Eleanor said. "Suffice it to say that I'm not normal either."

"Clearly," Edward muttered.

"So," Eleanor said. "Tell me. What can you do then?"

"What do you mean?" Carlisle asked.

"Well," Eleanor shifted slightly in her seat. "Which of the vampire stereotypes are true, and which ones aren't?"

"For starters," Edward said, "we have excellent hearing, and can hear from great distances."

"Is that how you heard what I said?" Eleanor asked.

"Yes," Edward said. "That, and I was paying attention to what Carlisle was thinking."

"You what?" Eleanor asked, turning fully to face Edward. "You can read minds?"

"Everyone but yours," Edward said. "Which puzzles me."

"Why?"

"I can hear what everyone is thinking. Constantly. If I'm being completely honest, it can get rather annoying. But I can't hear what you're thinking. That's why I paused before greeting you at lunch today. I apologize if I seemed rude, I was just in shock."

Eleanor smiled kindly. "That's okay," she said. "I didn't think you were rude. I thought you were distracted over something."

"I was," Edward said simply. "Your silent mind. It was very distracting."

Eleanor snickered. "So, you can read minds," she said. "Do the others have gifts too?"

"Yes," Edward said. "Alice can see the future, but it's subjective. She can only see the outcome, only once someone has decided on something. However, if someone were to act impulsively, or switch back and forth between choices, undecided, she would not be able to see it."

"Interesting," Eleanor said. "So, if I decided I wanted to go to the store and get chocolate, and only chocolate, but then grabbed some cereal, she wouldn't see it."

"In theory, yes," Edward said, "but it's more complicated than that. Even she doesn't understand it fully."

"Neat," Eleanor said. "What else?"

"Jasper can sense and control other's emotions," Edward said. "He doesn't usually try to control other's emotions, though, unless they absolutely need it. And it would have to be an urgent situation. He feels that everyone should feel what they are feeling and not have their emotions changed. He will, however, help them if they need it."

"Is that why it was a little easier to calm down earlier?" Eleanor asked.

"Yes," Jasper said, opening the door and stepping in, "but I didn't want to force you to be calm. You needed to come out of it naturally."

"So, you helped me without using your gift?" Eleanor asked. "Sorry. I'm just confused."

"I used my gift," Jasper said, "but I only used enough to get you calm enough for you to focus. It did help to speed up your recovery, but I didn't need to use much."

"Well, thank you," Eleanor said. "It helped."

"I'm glad," Jasper said, smiling warmly.

"Who else has gifts?" Eleanor asked, looking towards Carlisle and Edward.

"Emmett has extreme physical strength," Carlisle said. "Vampires are already strong as it is, but Emmett's strength is that of a newborn vampire's, which is the strongest any vampire will ever be. Rosalie, Esme, and I do not have any gifts, although Edward and the others like to say that my gift is extreme compassion for others, as well as extreme self-control. Not many vampires can be around human blood, but I choose to work as a doctor. I have learned, over time, how to ignore the scent of blood, to the point that it does not bother me."

"That sounds like a gift to me," Eleanor said. "Not everyone has compassion for others, Carlisle. From what I've seen so far, and how you have treated my mother and I, you are very compassionate, and I admire you for that. As for your self-control, I admire that too."

"Thank you, Eleanor," Carlisle said, smiling gently.

"So, Rosalie and Esme don't have any gifts?" Eleanor asked.

"Some would argue Rosalie has the gift of incredible beauty," Carlisle said.

"What do you mean?"

"Before she was turned, she was very beautiful," Carlisle said. "After, her beauty was enhanced, more than the average turned vampire."

"And Esme is compassionate, like Carlisle," Jasper said.

"Speaking of the girls," Edward said. "They are almost done with your room,"

"Already?" Eleanor asked, surprised.

"They are using their vampire speed to get as much done as quick as possible," Jasper explained. "They want to be sure everything is set up for you so that you will be comfortable."

"And what, exactly, is vampire speed?" Eleanor asked.

"It just means we move a lot faster than humans," Carlisle explained. "If one were to look at us, they would be lucky if they even saw a blur. We are too fast for the human eyes to follow."

"Would you like to see?" Edward asked. "I could show you, if you'd like?"

"Um, sure," Eleanor said. "How? Are you going to run around me? I can't see you, remember? I'd probably feel the breeze though."

"I know," Edward said with a laugh, "but I can run with you."

"I'm not a fast runner," Eleanor said. "Well, I am, but probably not as fast as you."

Edward burst out laughing, as did Jasper, Carlisle, and unbeknownst to Eleanor, everyone else.

"He means he can carry you, and run with you, so you can experience the speed for yourself," Carlisle said. "If you're up for it, that is."

Eleanor thought for a moment. She looked to Edward, then to Carlisle, then to Jasper, a hesitant look on her face.

"It's up to you," Edward said. "And if you're thinking it hurts, it won't. I can either carry you, or you can ride on my back."

Eleanor hesitated. "Could you show me another time?" she asked. "I'm sorry. It's just that I ran into a doorknob a few days ago, and my ribs still hurt from it."

"That's okay," Edward said. "Another time."

"Would you like me to take a look at your ribs?" Carlisle asked, already knowing the answer and not for a moment believing that it was a doorknob she had hit.

Eleanor shook her head. "No, I'm okay," she said quickly. "They don't hurt that bad. I just don't want to risk it."

"Fair enough," Carlisle said, exchanging a concerned look with Edward and Jasper.

"Esme is heading out to the store to get groceries," Edward said. "She wants to know what kinds of things you like to eat."

"I'll eat anything," Eleanor said. "But I love the classics. Burgers. Mac n cheese. Enchiladas. Tacos. Fries. Fried chicken. Things like that. Comfort foods, I guess. I'm not picky. Esme can cook?"

"Yes," Edward said. "She hasn't had a reason to in a while. On occasion, she'll make things for Carlisle to take to his coworkers at the hospital, but that's not all that common. She's excited to be able to cook for someone on a regular basis."

"She really is a mom," Eleanor said. "So, that story about you being adopted?"

"Is just a story," Edward said. "Carlisle turned most of us, except for Alice and Jasper."

"But Esme and I still consider them our children," Carlisle said.

"It's a long story," Edward said. "One that can be told later. In the meantime, would you like to go see the rest of the house? Then, you can see what Alice has done to your room."

"Sure," Eleanor said, getting to her feet. "Thank you, Carlisle."

"For what?"

"For trusting me with your secret," Eleanor said simply. "For inviting me into your life. For taking care of my mom."

"You're very welcome," Carlisle said.

"Hey, Carlisle?"

"Yes?"

"Why did you decide to tell me? Surely you could have went a long time before needing to tell me, right?"

"I could have," Carlisle said, "but I wanted to be sure you were aware of what you were getting yourself into, by accepting our offer for housing. Had you not accepted what I told you, we would have found you somewhere more suitable for you to stay. I wanted to be sure you would be comfortable. For me to do that, you needed all the facts. No secrets."

"I completely accept you and your family," Eleanor said sincerely. "Even before you told me you were vampires. Carlisle, I accepted you the moment I shook your hand."

"You did?" Carlisle was a bit surprised and touched by this statement.

"I've been told I am a very good judge of character," Eleanor said.

Edward led Eleanor around the second floor, explaining where Alice and Jasper's room was, as well as Emmett's and Rosalie's.

"So, they're together?" Eleanor asked. "Alice is with Jasper, and Rosalie with Emmett?"

"Yes."

"What about you?"

"What about me?"

"Who are you with?"

"I haven't found my mate. Something which my family tries not to remind me of, but it's no use. I am reminded daily, every time I see them with one another."

"I'm sorry," Eleanor said softly.

Edward shrugged. "Not a problem," he said.

They walked up the next flight of stairs to the third floor, where Edward showed her where his room was, then headed back to the stairs.

"Your room is across from Carlisle and Esme," Edward said, turning into the first room on the left.

Alice turned as they walked in and ran over to Eleanor, taking her hand and pulling her inside.

"Here's your room," she said. "Here's the bed. We weren't sure which size to get you, so we got you a full."

"I would've been fine with a twin," Eleanor said with a laugh. "You didn't have to get me a bed, Alice."

"Actually, we did," Alice said. "We don't have guest rooms, so we had to get you a bed. Don't argue. You already know what Carlisle told you. And over here is your closet. It's a walk-in. You didn't have much stuff, so it's not full yet. I'll take you shopping soon."

Eleanor shook her head. The closet was huge. She couldn't imagine it being full of clothes.

"Over here is your dresser. It's small, because I figured most of your things would be in the closet, but if you need a bigger one, we can get you one. And here's your desk and a chair. Through this door is the bathroom."

"Slow down," Eleanor said, having trouble keeping up with everything Alice was showing her. "Before you show me the bathroom, I need to familiarize myself with the room, otherwise I'll be covered in bruises from tripping over things and smacking my face on walls."

Alice led Eleanor back to the bed, but Eleanor shook her head. "From the door," she said.

Once she was more familiar with the room's layout, Alice showed Eleanor where the bathroom was, and let her explore inside. It was huge, with a deep bathtub and large shower. Fluffy towels sat on racks by each, and lavender smelling soap sat at the sink.

"How did you get all of this done?" Eleanor asked, as they exited the bathroom and took a seat on the bed.

"On our way back, Esme called Emmett and Rosalie and told them to go and buy the furniture. It didn't take long for us to set everything up. As soon as you went with Carlisle, I headed over to your apartment, grabbed your things, and brought them back here. Everyone pitched in to help."

"Thank you," Eleanor said, knowing everyone would be able to hear her.

"Esme says to come downstairs for dinner," Edward said, making Eleanor jump.

"I forgot you were still here," she said, turning to him.

"I stepped out for a bit," Edward said. "We'll have to remember to make our footsteps more audible for you. Sorry about that."

"It's okay," Eleanor said.

"Let's go," Alice said, getting to her feet. "I bet you're hungry."

An hour and a half later, after a very delicious meal from Esme—baked chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, and punch—and a short demonstration of how to guide a blind person for the entire family, Eleanor announced that she was headed off to her room for the night.

"If you need any of us, call out," Esme said.

"I will," Eleanor said, climbing the stairs with her cane.

"She's such a sweetheart," Esme said. "I hope that your suspicions are wrong, Carlisle, I really do."

"So do I," Carlisle said. "Unfortunately, I know they aren't. I've been keeping an eye on her and watching how she reacts to certain things. I don't like what I see, Esme."

Esme sighed, saddened. "The poor dear," she whispered, looking up at the ceiling.

"Eleanor's afraid," Jasper said, a few hours later, as everyone was doing their own thing. "Very afraid."

"But she's still asleep," Emmett commented. "Her breathing hasn't changed. Unless I'm hearing wrong."

Carlisle shook his head. "Alice, Esme, go check on her. She may be having a nightmare."

The two vampires raced upstairs and knocked on Eleanor's door. When no answer came, Esme jimmied the lock with her nail before pushing the door open. She and Alice raced to the bed and looked down.

Eleanor, now dressed in night clothes, was moving around in her sleep, whimpering softly, tears streaming from her tightly closed eyes.

"Eleanor," Esme said softly, sitting on the edge of the bed and gently tapping her arm. "Eleanor, sweetie. It's Esme. Wake up."

Eleanor whimpered again and flinched away from Esme's touch.

"Eleanor," Esme said softly. "Sweetheart, wake up. It's just a dream. You're safe. You're in your room. Alice is here too."

Eleanor jolted bolt upright and looked around, eyes wide with fear. She was shaking violently, her hands balled up into tight fists, tears continuously streaming down her cheeks.

"Oh, sweetie," Esme said softly. "Are you okay?"

Eleanor looked to Esme and nodded. "Fine," she whispered. "Just a bad dream. I'm fine."

"Are you sure?" Esme asked, her voice thick with concern.

"Yeah," Eleanor muttered, looking down.

"Oh my God," Alice breathed, looking at Eleanor's shoulder. "Eleanor, Carlisle needs to look at this."

"At what?" Eleanor asked.

"You have a long gash, and it looks deep, and I think it's infected. Carlisle, get up here."

"No," Eleanor said, trying to pull the blanket up, but Alice held it firmly in her hand.

"Don't fight me," she said. "Eleanor, it needs to be looked at."

"No," Eleanor muttered. "It's fine."

"Really?" Alice asked, almost sarcastically. She pressed her hand around the wound. "Eleanor, it's warmer than the rest of your skin. Carlisle!"

"Calm down, Alice," Carlisle said calmly, walking into the room with his bag. "Let's see, Eleanor."

Eleanor shook her head, eyes wide with panic as she tried to turn her back to the wall.

Carlisle stepped over to the bed and sat next to Esme. He took Eleanor's hand into his, running his thumb in smooth circles over the back of her hand, trying to calm her.

"Eleanor, listen to me," he said. "I know this isn't exactly easy for you, but I need to see it, and make sure it isn't infected. I won't ask you what happened, or how you got it. I will be as gentle as I can. I will not hurt you. It might help if someone were to come up and keep you calm. Distract you."

Eleanor shook her head. "It's fine, really."

"Eleanor, I know it is not fine," Carlisle said. "I can see it from here. Please, sweetheart. I really don't want you dealing with an infection on top of everything else you have going on."

Eleanor seemed to think for a few moments before she finally nodded, still shaking.

"Would you like someone to come and keep you distracted?" Carlisle asked.

Eleanor nodded.

"Who would you like?"

"Jasper. And Edward."

A few seconds later, there was a soft knock on the open door, alerting Eleanor to the presence of the requested males.

"Here we are, darlin'," Jasper said, as Carlisle and Esme stood, allowing Jasper and Edward to take their seats.

"Hey, Jasper," Eleanor said, as Carlisle gently moved Eleanor's sleeve back to look more closely at the wound.

"I'm going to clean this." Carlisle rummaged in his bag for something. "It might sting a bit."

"Is it infected?" Edward asked.

"Yes," Carlisle said shortly.

"Jasper?" Eleanor asked, wincing as Carlisle gently dabbed the wound with an alcohol wipe.

"Yes?"

"Where are you from?"

"What do you mean?"

"Your voice," Eleanor said. "Your accent."

"Oh, that," Jasper laughed. "I was born and raised in Texas. My story is a long one, to say the least, and may better be suited for another time."

Eleanor nodded. "Texas?" she asked. "Did you ride horses?"

"I did," Jasper said. "I was a soldier, actually. Why do you ask?"

"Just curious," Eleanor said. "I've always wanted to ride a horse. I had a dream that I was riding a horse with someone, but I don't remember who the person was. I remember how freeing it felt though."

"But you've never ridden before?"

Eleanor shook her head.

Jasper thought for a moment, then looked to Edward, who shrugged and nodded, silently conveying something to him.

"How do you like the house?" Edward asked, wincing himself, as Carlisle gently prodded at the wound, causing Eleanor to tense.

"Try to relax," Carlisle said. "I'm almost done. I'm going to need to stitch this though. It shouldn't take too many, and I will numb you before I do anything."

"Don't worry," Edward said, reading Eleanor's frightened look. "Carlisle knows what he's doing. He's been a doctor for a very, very long time."

"Here." Jasper took Eleanor's hand and sent her waves of calm. "I can do this without physical contact, but physical contact makes it more effective. That, and you can squeeze my hand if you feel scared."

"Thanks," Eleanor muttered, a little embarased.

"The house," Edward prompted. "Tell me what you think of the house."

"I like it," Eleanor said. "It's pretty big, so it's going to take some time for me to remember where everything is."

"What's your favorite part of the house?"

"The piano," Eleanor said, a small smile playing on her lips. "I like pianos."

"Do you play?" Edward asked.

Eleanor nodded. "Not well, but yeah. I sometimes play and write songs. I'm better at the flute. I didn't have much chance to play piano, but I was in my school's band, so I was able to play flute there"

"Really?" Edward was intrigued now. "Do you have any favorite composers? For either piano or flute?"

Eleanor thought for a moment, not noticing when Carlisle numbed her and started to stitch her up. "I like Beethoven, but I've also recently started listening to Yiruma. He's a Korean piano composer."

"I've heard of him," Edward said, scratching his head. "River Flows in You?"

Eleanor nodded. "That's a good one," she said. "I also like It's Your Day. And Kiss the Rain. And Maybe..."

"Do you know how to play any of his music?" Jasper asked.

Eleanor shrugged. "I know a little on the piano, and I think I remember the flute part for Kiss the Rain."

"I can teach you piano, if you'd like," Edward said.

"You Play?"

"I dabble."

"He's being modest," Carlisle said, packing away his things. "He is very good. I'm all done, by the way." He placed a pill into Eleanor's hand. "For the infection," he explained.

Eleanor took the pill with the glass of water Esme pressed into her other hand.

"Try to get some sleep," Carlisle said. "We'll be here if you need us."

Edward and Jasper rose from the bed as Eleanor laid down on her side, and Esme pulled the blankets up around her, tucking her in.

"Carlisle?"

"Yes?"

"Do I have to go to school tomorrow? I want to spend the day with my mom"

"I don't see why not," Carlisle said. "I believe everyone was planning on staying back anyway, to continue to make this house livable for a human."

"And I need to get you clothes," Alice said. "Don't worry, I won't get too much."

Edward snorted. "Don't listen to her," he said. "She will get tons."

"I will not," Alice argued, as they walked out of the door. "Just enough for her to have outfits."

"For every day of the year?" Edward asked, closing the door behind him.

"No," Alice could be heard saying. "Not for every day of the year, just enough so she has options."

"You're hopeless," Edward said.

Eleanor smiled. "Edward, can you play piano for me?" she asked the empty room. "Something by Yiruma, if you can?"

There was a long pause, and Eleanor was sure Edward hadn't heard her, until her ears picked up the sound of River Flows in You. The soft music helped to send her into a peaceful sleep, void of any nightmares.