For the Love of a Daughter

by TheBlindMusician

When Eleanor Whyte's mother asks Carlisle to look after her daughter, he does so, on one condition: When they are ready, the two will explain why they are covered in bruises. Nothing, not even Alice, could have prepared the Cullens for their story. What happens when the past they have tried so hard to leave behind comes back to haunt them, in more ways than one?

6. An Unexpected Turn of Events

Chapter Six: An Unexpected Turn of Events

Eleanor sighed softly as she entered her second period class. She was finally back at school, after her bout of the flu. She didn't want to be here. At all. Her mother only had a few weeks left, if that, and she didn't really care about school at the moment.

"How's your mom?" Angela asked, turning to Eleanor. Of course, as Forks was a very small town, news had spread fast. Everyone now knew about poor Eleanor's dying mother, and the kind Cullens offer of adoption.

"She's okay," Eleanor said, scrolling through the math book on her laptop. She would need to order the Braille version of it at some point, as reading it on the laptop was difficult, to say the least.

"If you ever want to talk, I'm here," Angela said, not unkindly.

Eleanor smiled. "Thank you," she said, appreciating Angela's genuine kindness.

"How are the Cullens?" Angela asked, sounding curious. "What are they like?"

"They're nice," Eleanor said. "They've helped a lot."

"That's good," Angela said. "Can I ask you something?"

Eleanor nodded.

"Is it true that you and your mom left an abusive man?" Angela asked, voice quiet.

Eleanor sighed, then nodded. She supposed that had circulated too. Great. Because that's what she wanted people to know.

"I'm sorry," Angela said sincerely.

Eleanor nodded. "I'm going to the bathroom," she said, standing. She wasn't mad at Angela, but she did need to get away to clear her head. Once the teacher had given her permission, she left the classroom and headed to the girl's bathroom, which she knew to be at the end of the building and to the right.

"Look who it is," a taunting voice called. "The poor, abused blind girl with a dying mother."

Eleanor ignored Jessica's taunts as best she could, not in the mood to deal with her at the moment.

"Turn to me when I'm talking to you, bitch." Jessica grabbed Eleanor's arm and spun her around to face her. "Aw, look at her Lauren, doesn't she look pathetic?"

Another girl's voice could be heard laughing next to Jessica. "Bet she thinks she's all that, because she is getting adopted by the Cullens," she said. "Sorry to disappoint you, little girl, but you're not special. The Cullens don't deserve a bitch like you. You're pathetic. Stupid. An absolute waste of space."

Jessica snickered. "Couldn't even get away from your dad without your mommy's help. You deserved every ounce of what you got." She shoved Eleanor, hard, causing her to stumble and hit the nearby wall.

Eleanor could feel herself starting to dissociate, but made no move to stop it. Partly because she didn't know how, and partly because she desperately wanted to be anywhere but where she was now.

"Just so you know, no one will ever want to date someone with your past," Jessica sneered. "You're weak. Worthless. A coward. Pathetic."

Jessica spat on Eleanor, then turned and walked off with Lauren, both laughing maliciously.

Eleanor turned and walked off in a daze, not sure where she was going, and not caring, either. She could feel herself disconnected from reality, as if she were floating, but didn't care anymore.

"Hey."

Eleanor stopped and turned towards the voice, still in the glorious haze.

"Hey, it's Mike. Are you okay? You don't look so good."

Eleanor nodded. "Fine," she said, her voice sounding distant to her own ears. "I'm fine. Thanks."

"You look lost," Mike said. "Want me to help you?"

"No," Eleanor said. "I'm fine. I'm just going for a walk."

"Ah, I see," Mike said. "Mind if I join you?"

"I don't care," Eleanor muttered, turning and continuing her dazed walk.

Under any other circumstances, Eleanor would most definitely care if Mike Newton was accompanying her on a walk, however, that was the difficult thing about dissociation. Your normal faculties went out the window. The ability to think straight, gone. The ability to focus, gone. The ability to realize what exactly was going on, gone. All that was left was the dazed experience that Eleanor was currently in.

Mike took Eleanor's injured hand into his.

"Does it hurt?" he asked.

"Does what hurt?"

"Your hand."

Eleanor shook her head.

"How did you get it?"

"I hit something."

"Are you sure you're okay?" Mike asked. "Your voice… It's off. It's… slower. Distant."

Eleanor stopped walking and stared off into space. Her body was done. She didn't want to talk any more. Didn't want to move. Didn't want to continue.

"Eleanor?"

Eleanor didn't respond, only sank deeper into the glorious haze that was her mind.

Mike placed his hand on Eleanor's face and tilted it up, looking down at her. "Eleanor?"

No response.

"Beautiful," he breathed, running his thumb over her bottom lip.

Eleanor was forcefully brought back to reality, her cane falling to the ground, as Mike pressed his lips to hers. She was brought back, but she couldn't move. Her body was frozen as she stood in fear.

Mike moved his hands to her hair and deepened the kiss, a soft groan escaping his lips.

"Get your filthy hands off of her!"

Rosalie stalked towards Mike and grabbed him roughly by the shoulders, pulling him away, murder written all over her face. Behind her, the Cullens stood in shock, staring at the scene.

Jasper was the first to move. He stepped in front of Eleanor and took her hand. "Eleanor," he said firmly. "Eleanor."

Eleanor shook her head, eyes glazed, breathing shallowly. Her pulse was pounding in her chest. Her hands quickly becoming clammy.

"You filthy, disgusting boy!" Rosalie cried, slapping Mike across the face. "How could you do that to someone!"

"I was trying to help her," Mike defended, trying to throw up his hands in defense. "She stopped walking."

"Bullshit!" Rosalie yelled. "That doesn't mean she wanted you to kiss her!"

"She wanted it," Jessica said, approaching and glaring at Rosalie. "You didn't hear her. She practically begged Mike to kiss him."

Rosalie turned and glared fiercely at Jessica, eyes glinting dangerously.

"Rose, stop." Emmett pressed his hand on his wife's shoulder. "Leave them alone. We'll tell Carlisle and Charlie later."

Doors opened as students exited, watching the scene unfold. They glanced between a frozen Eleanor, a pissed off Rosalie, and a stunned Mike Newton.

"Rosalie, come here," Jasper called. "I can't get Eleanor to focus. I think she's going into shock."

Rosalie turned away from Mike and moved over to stand by Jasper. She surveyed Eleanor and nodded to herself.

"Jasper, call Carlisle," she said, taking charge of the situation. "Edward, go with Alice and get her car. Don't kill Mike… Yet. Emmett, give me your jacket." She turned to the students watching. "What are you staring at? Leave!"

As everyone began to do what Rosalie had said, save for the students—and now, teachers—Rosalie turned her attention to Eleanor. Wrapping Emmett's jacket around her shoulders, she spoke quietly, but firmly.

"Eleanor, it's Rosalie. Focus on me. He's gone. You're safe. Breathe. Can you hear me?"

Eleanor blinked.

"Can you move?" Rosalie asked. "Blink once for yes, twice for no."

Eleanor blinked twice.

"Okay, well, you can move. I know you feel like you can't, but your body is frozen in shock. You are fine. Everyone is here now. I'm here. Edward is with Alice. They're coming back. Jasper is on the phone with Carlisle. Emmett's next to me."

"Hey Ell," Emmett said. "Don't worry about Mike. We won't let him get to you. You're okay, kid."

Eleanor moved her head.

"Move your hand," Rosalie said, taking her hand. "Squeeze my hand. Good. Harder. Better. Move your wrist. Now your elbows. Shoulders. There you go. Move your neck."

By this point, Eleanor was able to move her entire body. She closed her eyes and turned from Rosalie, covering her face with her hands, shaking.

"Is she okay?" Jasper asked, approaching with the phone in his hand.

"As okay as she can be, given the circumstances," Rosalie said.

"Eleanor?" Jasper's voice was soft. "Carlisle wants to talk to you."

Eleanor held out her hand for the phone. Still shaking, she brought the phone to her ear.

"Eleanor," Carlisle's voice could be heard from the other line. "Sweetheart, talk to me."

"Hi," Eleanor whispered, as Alice approached.

"Let's get you into the car," she said. "Can I take your arm? I know, it's not the right way to guide you, but you can talk to Carlisle this way, and I'd rather not have you use your hurt hand."

Eleanor nodded. Alice took her arm and led her away from all of the staring. Emmett followed with Eleanor's cane.

"Eleanor, keep talking to me. What's going on."

"We're walking to the car," Eleanor said, voice starting to sound distant.

"Good," Carlisle said. "Do you want to tell me what happened?"

Alice helped Eleanor into the backseat of the warm car. Jasper buckled Eleanor's seatbelt for her, as she still had the phone in her left hand.

"Eleanor?" Carlisle's voice was firmer now. "Eleanor, talk to me. Don't shut down on me now, sweetheart."

"I don't know what happened," Eleanor said after a few moments, as Alice closed the door and got into the driver's seat and started the car. "I wasn't there. I think I was dissociating. Jessica and some girl named Lauren found me on my way to the bathroom. They said… some things. I felt like I was floating. And then, it was like I was slammed back into my body when Mike…"

"Kissed you," Carlisle supplied gently.

"Yeah," Eleanor said.

"Would you like to talk to Charlie?" Carlisle asked.

"Not yet," Eleanor answered. "I'm tired. I don't want to deal with this right now."

"I understand," Carlisle said. "When you get home, try to distract yourself. Get your mind off of what happened, if you can. I'll be home early to talk to you then."

"How do I distract myself?"

"That's up to you," Carlisle said. "Watch TV. Sing something. Play a game with someone. Get your mind off of things."

"I'll try," Eleanor said.

Once they reached the house, Edward opened Eleanor's door and held out his hand. "Come on," he said. "Let's get you inside. My hand is out."

Eleanor stretched out her hand, and Edward helped her out of the car and into the house. Once they were inside, he led her over to the couch and handed her a blanket.

"Edward?" Eleanor said softly.

"Yes?"

"Are you okay?"

"Am I okay?" Edward asked. "Am I okay? Eleanor, you're asking me if I'm okay, when I should be asking you the same question?"

Eleanor nodded. "I'm fine," she said, "but you didn't talk on the ride back."

"I was thinking of ways to not kill Mike," Edward said, taking a seat next to Eleanor. "And I highly doubt that you are fine."

Eleanor shook her head. "Don't kill him, Edward," she said. "He's not worth it."

Edward scowled. "Yes, he is," he growled. "Him, Jessica, and Lauren are all worth it."

Eleanor sighed, but said nothing.

"Are you hungry, dear?" Esme asked, coming into the living room. "Carlisle called and told me what happened. He said it might be a good idea for you to eat something."

Eleanor shook her head. "Not really," she said. "I don't feel like eating."

Esme nodded. "Let me know if you get hungry." she said.

Eleanor nodded, sighing softly.

"What is it, Eleanor?" Edward turned to face her.

"Just thinking," she said quietly.

"About what happened?"

Eleanor nodded.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Eleanor shook her head.

Rosalie came down a few minutes later and took a seat on the couch, watching Eleanor. "Charlie will make sure he gets what he deserves," she said.

Eleanor nodded, still not speaking.

"He shouldn't have done that," Rosalie said, angrily.

"Rose, stop," Edward said quietly. "She doesn't want to talk about it right now."

Eleanor smiled slightly and stared off into space.

"Emmett, get back here!"

Edward looked up and snorted.

"What?" Eleanor turned to him.

"You'll see," Edward said, as footsteps could be heard, running towards the stairs. "Three, two…"

"Emmett!"

"Calm down, Alice," Emmett's voice could be heard. "I'm fine."

As he said this, several thuds could be heard, followed by a whine from Emmett.

Eleanor jumped up and moved to the foot of the stairs. "Emmet!" she cried.

"Hi there, Ell," Emmett said, beaming up at her from his prone position on the floor. "How are you feeling?"

"What happened?" Eleanor asked, crouching down beside him.

"He stole my dress!" Alice cried, running down the stairs. "And my damn high heels!"

Eleanor snickered. "And you fell?"

Emmett nodded. "Yeah," he said cheekily. "I'm fine though." He clambered to his feet. "My legs look fabulous in these, Alice, no wonder you like them so much."

Alice growled. "Give me those," she said. "Now."

"Aw, you're no fun," Emmett whined. "I think they're gorgeous on me, don't you think so, Rose?"

Rosalie snorted and shook her head. "Absolutely not," she muttered.

"Aw, you guys have no taste for fashion," Emmett said. "Eleanor, if you could see me, you'd think I looked fabulous. I'm sure of more."

Edward shook his head. "If she could see you, she would think you look ridiculous," he said.

"Nuh-uh," Emmett whined. "Would you, Ell?"

Eleanor giggled, getting to her feet. "Probably," she said. "Sorry Emmett, but you probably do look ridiculous."

Emmett pouted. "Come on, guys can wear dresses. That's who they were made for, anyway. So their parts could breathe."

Eleanor snorted.

"Um, Rose." Jasper came running down the stairs. "You're not going to like this."

Edward covered his mouth to try to stifle a laugh with no success. Rosalie glared at him before turning to Jasper.

"Rose, I did something you won't like."

"What did you do?"

"Um, well, you see," Jasper stopped next to Eleanor, grinning at Emmett's attire. "I was playing with your phone, and might have accidentally dropped it in the toilet, and then tried to flush it. So, um, yeah. The toilet's clogged now."

"You did what?" Rosalie exclaimed, then, noticing Eleanor's flinch, cleared her throat and tried again, in a somewhat calmer voice. "First of all, why were you playing with my phone?"

"I wanted to see if you had any games on there, since you're always so… what's the word? Oh, right. Boring."

Rosalie scowled. "Secondly, why were you in the bathroom?" she asked, through gritted teeth.

Jasper shrugged. "I was helping Emmett with Alice's dress," he said.

Rosalie pursed her lips. "Thirdly," her voice was deadly now, "why did you flush the toilet, after you dropped my phone in?"

Jasper tilted his head, unfazed. "You needed a new one," he said. "It was time for an upgrade."

"Jasper, what on Earth is wrong with you?" Eleanor asked, biting back a grin.

"A lot," Jasper said. "Would you like the long list, or the short one? Better yet, ask me what is not wrong with me. That'll be easier."

"Clearly," Rosalie muttered.

"It's not my fault your phone was so fascinating," Jasper protested. "It's all sparkly."

"It's your fault that you flushed it!" Rosalie cried. "You're an idiot, Jasper, an idiot!"

"What's going on here?"

Carlisle entered the house, looking around, eying everyone. He did a double take when he saw Emmett. He gave him a questioning look, only to receive a huge grin in return.

"Emmett, is there something you need to tell me?" he asked, smirking. "Something… life changing?"

Eleanor snorted.

"I decided Eleanor needed a good laugh after what she was put through today, and apparently, Jasper did too. He was playing with Rose's phone and… um…"

"Dropped my phone in the toilet," Rosalie snarled. "And then tried to flush it."

Carlisle sighed and turned to Jasper, who merely shrugged and shook his head.

"I'll get her a new one," he said.

Rosalie growled, rose to her feet, and stalked out of the room and up the stairs. Emmett turned to follow her, but as he hurried off, tripped in the heels and fell to the ground.

Eleanor smiled. "Was that on purpose?" she asked, as Emmett got to his feet.

Emmett shook his head. "That time wasn't," he said. "The first time, Alice pushed me."

"Why?" Eleanor stared wide-eyed at Alice.

Alice shrugged. "Because it was funny," she stated simply.

Carlisle rolled his eyes. "Children." Turning to Elanor, he added, "How are you feeling, Eleanor?"

Eleanor shrugged. "I'm okay," she said quietly.

"Were you able to distract yourself at all from what happened?" Carlisle asked.

Eleanor nodded. "Emmett helped," she said with a smile. "And Jasper too, even though it made Rosalie mad."

"She'll be fine," Carlisle said. "These kinds of things happen in this house."

"Poor you," Eleanor muttered.

Carlisle chuckled. "Poor me, indeed," he said. "I know you probably don't want to do this, but I would like to talk to you, if that's okay. However, I will understand if you would rather not."

Eleanor shook her head. "No, I'll talk to you," she said. "Here?"

Carlisle shook his head. "In my office," he said. "This way we have some semblance of privacy."

"Even though everyone can hear us?" Eleanor asked.

"We'll leave," Edward said quickly. "I think, if I'm being honest, if I heard exactly what happened, I'd want to kill Mike even more."

"You don't have to leave," Eleanor said.

"Let them," Carlisle said, as Emmett came down, now back in his regular clothes. "They don't need to hear this, unless you want them to?"

Eleanor shook his head.

"We'll be back shortly," Alice said. "Don't worry about us. Just talk to Carlisle."

Eleanor nodded and followed Carlisle up the stairs to his office. Once they were both seated, Carlisle closed the door and took a seat behind his desk.

"How are you holding up?" he asked. "Truly holding up?"

Eleanor shrugged. "I'm fine," she said, not looking at Carlisle.

Carlisle stood from his desk and took a seat next to Eleanor on the couch, placing a gentle hand on her knee. "Look at me," he said gently.

Eleanor raised her face towards Carlisle.

"I can see that you're not okay," he said gently. "What's bothering you?"

Eleanor sighed and closed her eyes. "Just what happened," she said quietly. "Everything that was said."

"What did happen?" Carlisle asked.

Eleanor didn't speak.

"I know this isn't easy to talk about," Carlisle said, "but it needs to be discussed. I would rather you not hold it in. I know you are used to that, but please, allow me to break you of that habit."

Eleanor sighed. "I…" she cleared her throat. "I was talking to Angela. She asked about the rumors that had been going around. She was nice about it, but I didn't feel like talking anymore, so left to go to the bathroom. When I was walking, Jessica came over. She had some girl named Lauren with her. They started saying… things…"

"Like?" Carlisle pressed gently.

Eleanor put her head in her hands. "They called me a 'poor abused girl' and said I deserved it. They called me a bitch. Said I was pathetic. That no one would love me with my past. They said that you guys didn't deserve a bitch like me. That I was worthless."

"Enough," Carlisle said firmly but gently. "You know none of that is true, don't you?"

Eleanor shrugged. "I don't know any more," she whispered, close to tears.

Carlisle placed his hand on Eleanor's shoulder. When she didn't tense or show any negative reaction, he pulled her into a gentle hug, allowing her room to move away if she wanted to. She rested her head on his shoulder and smiled a little.

"None of that is true," Carlisle said firmly. "Not one bit of it. You are not a bitch. You are not worthless. And you most definitely didn't deserve what happened to you. Do you understand?"

Eleanor nodded.

"What happened next?" Carlisle asked.

"I could tell I was dissociating, but I didn't care," Eleanor continued. "I know there has to be a way to get out of it, but I didn't really want to look for a way out. They kept talking. Someone, I think it was Jessica, shoved me, and walked away. Then Mike came."

Carlisle sat patiently and waited for Eleanor to continue, rubbing circles into her arm as he did so.

"Mike seemed nice. He asked if I was okay. I said I was fine, but I knew I wasn't. He started to walk with me, which was fine. I didn't really care. He asked if I was okay again. Said something about my voice sounding far off. Then there's a gap in my memory. I think my body had enough, because it felt like I was floating away, or at least, not there. And then he kissed me, and it was almost as if ice water had been poured over me. I was frozen, but could still hear what was going on. I heard Rosalie shouting. People were moving. Everything was happening so fast. And then I heard Rosalie clearer. She got me to move my body, and Jasper came over with the phone and handed it to me, and we went to the car."

Carlisle nodded, gently squeezing Eleanor in another hug. "I am so sorry this happened to you," he said. "So, so sorry, sweet girl."

"Me too," Eleanor said with a sigh. "Carlisle?"

"Yes?"

"What's going to happen now?"

"What do you want to happen now?"

"What do you mean?"

"You can press charges, file a restraining order, or choose to do nothing," Carlisle said.

"What do you think I should do?" Eleanor asked.

"That's your choice, not mine," Carlisle said.

"I want to know what you think I should do," Eleanor said. "I'm so confused right now."

"Personally, I think you should press charges," Carlisle said. "I'm not sure if you can file a restraining order, so that will have to be taken up with Charlie, but I do think you should press charges."

"I'm scared," Eleanor whispered.

"I know," Carlisle said gently. "I know this whole thing is scary. If you do decide to press charges, I can go with you, and stay in the room with you, if you'd like."

"You would do that?" Eleanor asked.

"Of course I would," Carlisle replied. "I am adopting you. It's what a good father would do. Be there for his child in their time of need."

"Thank you," Eleanor said, smiling a little.

"My pleasure," Carlisle said. "Now, I think you should get some rest. You've had a long day. You can eat when you wake, unless you're hungry now?"

Eleanor shook her head. "I can't eat."

Carlisle stood and took Eleanor's hand. Exiting his office, he led her up to her room. "I will be in my office if you need me," he said, starting to step out.

"Carlisle?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you. For everything."

Carlisle stepped forward and enfolded Eleanor in another gentle hug, kissing the top of her head before stepping back. "Get some rest," he said.

Eleanor nodded and closed the door with a soft click.

Edward returned to the house a few hours later, the others not far behind. They had spent the time hunting, as they all were in need of some blood. It had been a good chance to clear his head and get his thoughts in order. Alice and Jasper had been the ones to talk him out of killing Mike, although Rosalie shared the same opinion as he did.

"How is she?" Edward asked Carlisle, as he stepped out of his office.

"Sleeping," Carlisle said. "She's been through a lot."

Edward raised an eyebrow. Carlisle was purposefully blocking his thoughts from him, but why?

"It's her story, not mine," Carlisle said as a way of explanation.

"Fair enough," Edward said with a nod. "I'll be in my room if anyone needs me."

"We won't," Alice teased.

Edward snorted and ascended to his room. He paused outside of Eleanor's door, hearing something. He tilted his head, lips pursed.

Raising his hand, Edward knocked briskly on the door, calling Eleanor's name softly. As expected, there was no response.

"Carlisle," he said, voice low. "I think Eleanor's having a nightmare."

Carlisle raced upstairs, the others following. Turning, he shook his head. "Downstairs," he ordered. "No arguing."

"But." Alice tried to protest.

"No," Carlisle said. "Downstairs."

Jasper dragged a pouting Alice back downstairs, the others reluctantly following.

Carlisle opened the door and stepped inside, Edward on his heels. He approached the bed and stood by the bedside, looking down.

Eleanor was whimpering, eyes closed, body tense. Tears could be seen falling rapidly from her tightly closed eyes.

"Eleanor," Carlisle's voice was firm. "Eleanor, sweetheart, wake up. Wake up."

Eleanor whimpered in her sleep.

"Eleanor, you're safe," Carlisle said. "You're in the house. I'm here. Edward's here. You're safe. Wake up."

Eleanor sat up with a jolt, wide-eyed. She covered her mouth, shaking her head, her body heaving.

Edward, seeing this, dashed out and returned quickly, carrying a bucket. He moved next to Carlisle and handed it to him.

Carlisle placed the bucket under Eleanor's chin and gently drew her hand away from her mouth.

Eleanor promptly threw up, her body racked with violent sobs, as she tried to catch her breath.

"Easy," Carlisle soothed. "Easy. Breathe, Eleanor. Breathe. Everything is all right. You are safe."

Eleanor covered her mouth, eyes wide, shaking, her breathing coming in short gasps.

Edward took the bucket and set it down next to the bed in case Eleanor needed to throw up again.

Carlisle sat next to Eleanor and took her hand. "Eleanor, breathe for me," he said, voice steady and calm. "Breathe. Look at me. There you go. Breathe when I count, okay? Breathe in, slowly, two, three, four. Hold, two, three, four, five. And out, two, three, four, five, six. Again. In, two, three, four. Hold, two, three, four, five. And out, two, three, four, five, six. One more time. In, two, three, four. Hold, two, three, four, five. And out, two, three, four, five, six. You are safe. I am here. Everything is okay."

With her breathing now mostly under control, Eleanor stared at Carlisle, eyes wide and still wet from her tears.

"Why now?" she asked. "Why now? Why now? I didn't want to remember that."

"What did you remember?" Carlisle asked gently.

"Dan," Eleanor whispered.

Carlisle frowned and exchanged furious looks with Edward, both hoping that what they were thinking was wrong, but knowing that it wasn't.

"What do you mean?" Carlisle asked, fighting to keep his voice calm.

"He… hurt me," Eleanor said.

"How?" Carlisle asked gently.

Eleanor didn't respond.

"Eleanor, please," Carlisle said.

Eleanor didn't respond.

There was a rush of air as Rosalie entered the room. She sat on Eleanor's other side, and touched her hand.

"It's just me," she said, as Eleanor jumped. "Eleanor, what happened? You can tell us. He can't hurt you anymore."

Eleanor didn't respond.

"Did he touch you?" Rosalie asked gently.

Eleanor closed her eyes and rocked, looking away from Rosalie. After a few moments of hesitation, she nodded.

"Did he do anything else?" Rosalie asked.

Eleanor nodded. "Lots," she whispered, "but I blocked most of it out."

"Marie doesn't know," Carlisle said. It wasn't a question.

Eleanor shook her head. "She had enough to deal with. She didn't need this too."

"That was your dream, then?" Carlisle asked.

Eleanor nodded.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Rosalie asked. "It helps to talk."

Eleanor shook her head.

"Come on, Ell," Rosalie said, voice uncharacteristically soft. "Look at me. It's okay. You can talk now. Try? Please? Don't hold it in."

Eleanor hesitated before throwing herself into Carlisle's arms, shaking once more. Carlisle enfolded her in a gentle hug and rocked back and forth, shushing softly, as Rosalie rubbed her back.

"I was in my room," Eleanor began, voice halting every now and then. "I think I was… eight or nine. He walked into my room... and came to my bed. I was sleeping. He came to the bed… and he… touched me. He said… things, and then… I heard a camera. He was… taking pictures of me. And he was laughing."

Edward spun on his heel and stormed out of the room, running downstairs and out of the door. A few moments later, a loud crash could be heard from outside as well as a roar.

"Don't mind him," Carlisle said softly. "He's just upset by this information. We all are. He's just taking it really hard. He'll be fine."

Eleanor nodded, resting her head on Carlisle's shoulder, crying softly.

"Am I correct to assume that wasn't all that Dan had done to you?" Carlisle asked.

Eleanor nodded.

"You don't need to go over things now," he said. "You've had a very long day."

Rosalie nodded. "Carlisle's right," she said. "Come find me if you ever need to talk, okay?"

Elanor nodded slightly.

Esme knocked softly on the door and entered. "Eleanor," she said. "May I give you a hug?"

Eleanor nodded and let go of Carlisle's shirt.

"I'm so sorry," Esme whispered, sitting on the bed and taking Eleanor into her arms. "I am so, so sorry, sweet girl. I'm here if you ever want to talk. I swear, I would like to do nothing more than take Daniel Whyte, and rip him from limb to limb."

Eleanor lifted her head and stared at Esme, wide-eyed.

Esme chuckled. "Sorry," she said. "I'm just so furious with him."

Edward entered the room just then, looking sheepish. He eyed Esme warily as he entered.

"What did you break, son?" Carlisle asked.

"A tree," Edward muttered.

"Which tree?" Esme asked suspiciously.

"The apple tree on the side of the house."

"Edward," Esme groaned. "I liked that tree. That was one of my favorites."

"I'm sorry Esme," Edward said. "I know you liked that tree. I wasn't paying attention to what I was breaking. I was picturing that tree as… that bastard. I'll pay you back in whatever way I can."

"Oh, yes, you will," Esme muttered, "but we'll discuss this later. Right now, Eleanor needs us."

Edward approached Eleanor and stood by her for a moment, staring down at her, frowning.

"What is it?" Carlisle asked.

"I just don't understand how someone could be so cruel. How they could do such horrible things to a child," Edward said.

"I know," Carlisle said somberly. "People can be very cruel."

"That's an understatement," Edward muttered. "Eleanor, may I give you a hug?"

Eleanor nodded.

Edward bent down and picked Eleanor up, holding her close. He ran his fingers through her hair, swaying from side to side.

"I'm so sorry," he whispered. "This should never have happened to you. Ever. I wish I could go back and change it. Stop it from happening in the first place."

Eleanor simply nodded, too numb to speak.

"Ell." Emmett entered the room, carrying a large mug. He set it on the bedside table and turned to Eleanor. "I made you some hot chocolate. I'm not that good at cooking, so I'm not sure how good it'll be. I didn't poison it, if that's what you're wondering. I don't know what you're wondering though, I'm not a mind reader."

Eleanor smiled a little. "I didn't think you poisoned it," she said, "but thanks for the reassurance."

Emmett grinned. "I just figured I'd come up to try to get your mind off of things."

"Thanks, Emmett," Eleanor said.

"So," Emmett plopped himself on the edge of the bed, next to Carlisle. "what's new?"

Eleanor grinned. "There's three vampires sitting on my bed," she said.

"Four," Esme said. "Rosalie's still in here."

"Oh." Eleanor blushed. "Sorry, Rosalie. You're quiet."

Rosalie laughed slightly. "Just thinking," she said.

"What else is new?" Emmett asked.

"Edward broke a tree."

"Oh, I knew that," Emmett said. "He'll have to repay Esme, for sure."

"I will, shut up," Edward muttered.

"No need to be feisty, Eddie boy," Emmett teased. "Put Ell down so she can drink some of my fabulous hot chocolate."

Edward placed Eleanor on her feet, glaring at Emmett. "You know I hate that name," he growled.

Emmett nodded. "I know," he said, mischievously. "That's why I called you it."

Edward growled once more.

Smiling slightly, Eleanor moved to the desk and picked up the cup of cocoa. She took a sip and grinned.

"How bad is it?" Emmett asked.

"Not at all, actually," Eleanor said. "It's really very good."

"Really? You're not just saying that to be nice?"

Eleanor took another sip and smiled, shaking her head. "You'd know if I was saying it to be nice," she said.

"Would I?"

Eleanor considered the question before shaking her head. "Probably not."

"Thought so."

Eleanor yawned.

"Tired?" Carlisle asked.

Eleanor nodded. "Yeah, but I'm too scared to go to sleep."

"Understandable," Carlisle said. "Would you like one of us to stay with you?"

Eleanor sighed. "No, that's not fair for you," she said.

Carlisle shook his head. "None of that," he said. "Who would you like to stay with you?"

"Jazz," Eleanor said. "Please."

Jasper was up in a flash, smiling. "Would you like me to help you sleep, or just sit with you?"

"Sit with me," Eleanor said, as everyone stood from the bed.

"Don't worry about school," Carlisle said. "You won't be going for a few days."

"But I have work to do," Eleanor cried.

Carlisle shook his head. "You've been through a lot today. I think it is in your best interest to not return until you are ready."

"But I'm ready now," Eleanor said. "I can handle it."

Carlisle shook his head firmly. "I'm firm on this decision," he said. "You will either remain home with Esme, or with your mother. It will be good for you to spend time with her, anyways."

Eleanor sighed, knowing it was best not to argue. She nodded, frowning. "Fine."

"I'm doing this because I care," Carlisle said gently, lightly touching Eleanor's hand.

"I know," Eleanor said. "I just don't want to seem weak. Like I can't handle things."

"Nonsense," Esme said, shaking her head. "No one will think anything of it if you miss school."

"Jessica might," Eleanor muttered.

"I will speak to the principal about her," Carlisle said. "She won't be bothering you anymore, if I can help it."

"We'll all beat her up if she even tries," Emmett said, trying to lighten the mood.

Eleanor smiled.

"Get some rest, sweetheart," Esme said. "Is it all right if I give you another hug?"

Eleanor set her cocoa on the desk and turned to Esme, holding out her arms. Esme hugged her, before stepping back and exiting the room.

"Me too?" Carlisle asked. When Eleanor nodded, he repeated Esme's actions, adding a gentle kiss on Eleanor's forehead before he too, left the room.

"Me too?" Emmett asked.

Eleanor hesitated for a moment.

"It's okay if not," Emmett said quickly. "I won't be offended."

"No, it's not that," Eleanor said. "it's just that you're someone knew I never hugged before, that's all."

"Ah," Emmett said. "Don't worry about it."

"I feel bad," Eleanor said.

"Don't."

"It's just…" Eleanor trailed off. "You're just so big."

Emmett burst out laughing. "How did you know that?" he asked.

"People talk," Eleanor said.

"Clearly," Emmett muttered. "I'll see you later, yeah?"

Eleanor shook her head, stepped forward, and held out her arms.

"Are you sure?" Emmett asked, exchanging surprised looks with Edward and Jasper.

"I'll just move away if I'm uncomfortable," Eleanor said.

With great care, Emmett approached Eleanor and enfolded her in a gentle hug, patting her back lightly. Eleanor returned the hug, smiling slightly.

"He's really a big teddy bear," Jasper said, as Emmett left the room. "Tough on the outside, soft, sweet, and mushy on the inside."

"I know," Eleanor said, turning to where Edward had been last.

"I'll see you tomorrow," he said, ruffling Eleanor's hair. "If you're up before we leave, I'll come say goodbye, okay?"

Eleanor smiled. "Deal," she said.

Once Edward left, Eleanor climbed into the bed and crawled under the blanket.

"May I sit on your bed?" Jasper asked. "Just the edge. I can sit on the floor, too. It's not a problem."

"Could you?" Eleanor asked shyly. "I'm sorry Jazz, it's just that… with the memory of what Dan did…"

"I understand," Jasper said, taking a seat on the floor. "You don't need to explain, kid. You won't offend me in any way."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

"Jazz?"

"Hmm?"

"Will you sing the song you sang before?"

"Which one?"

"The one about the girl riding her horse."

Jasper chuckled. "You liked that, did you?"

Eleanor nodded.

Jasper smiled to himself and began to sing softly, amazed that Eleanor found comfort in the song he never intended to make. As he sang, the sounds of the piano drifted up the stairs. Edward was accompanying him, which made him smile even more, sending silent thanks to his brother as Eleanor drifted off to sleep.