I do not own any of the original characters from the OC.
Julie had been on the phone for over two hours and now she thought she was ready. She had removed the vodka bottle from Marissa's room and it was now in a tote bag by her purse. She climbed the stairs and entered her daughter's room.
Julie: Marissa honey, are you awake?
Marissa: Yeah I'm awake
Julie: sweetie, I made a doctor's appointment for you. I feel it is important we make sure this is nothing serious.
Marissa: I'm ok, mom. It's just a bug is something. I don't need to see a doctor.
Julie: Now honey I know what is best for you. Now let's get you up and dressed. Hurry so we won't be late. We were very lucky to get this appointment.
Marissa slowly got out of bed. She felt bad, the worse hangover she had ever had. She hoped the doctor would not be able to tell the real reason she was ill.
Julie kept a running conversation as she drove. Marissa stared morosely out the window.
Marrisa: Mom, where are we going. This isn't the way to Dr. Snow.
Julie: Dr Snow was full today, honey. Some of the girls recommended this new clinic. It is very exclusive and we were lucky enough to get you in.
Marissa: Oh
They turned into a secluded driveway and parked in an almost empty parking lot. The building was much bigger than Dr. Snow's clinic. There were no signs. The grounds were immaculate. The entrance opened into a large common room filled with over stuffed sofas, chairs and a juice bar.
Julie smiled and patted her daughter's arm.
Julie: Marissa go sit down and I'll let them know we are here.
Marissa found a chair and sat down. She continued looking around. This was not like any doctor's office she had been in before. Damn, she wanted a drink. She knew she shouldn't but she was so nervous. She idly picked up a magazine and leafed through it.
She looked up when she heard approaching footsteps. An attractive woman carrying a clipboard smiled at her.
Nurse: Mrs. Nichol, Miss Cooper would you come this way please?
As they gathered their purses Marissa noticed her mother was carrying a tote bag. Before she could ask about it they were whisked down an adjoining hall. The hallway was short and the room they entered was not far from the waiting room. They enter the exam room. "Now it was beginning to look like a doctor's office. "
Nurse: Please make yourself comfortable. They will be in to draw some blood shortly, then the doctor will see you.
Marissa climbed onto the exam table to wait. She looked around nervously. Julie came near and stroked her arm.
Julie: relax sweetie.
Marissa smiled weakly.
In no time at all the lab specimens had been collected and the doctor was entering the door. He was a big man. His voice was surprisingly soft and comforting.
Doctor: Hello. I am Dr. Meuler. We spoke on the phone.
Julie: Hello . I'm Julie Nichol and this is my daughter, Marissa.
The doctor looked at Marissa. He walked over and took her hand in his. They were huge hands, strong and firm. They made Marissa feel safe for some reason.
Dr Meuler: Now young lady, your mother tells me you have a problem.
Marissa: not really a problem I just seem to have caught a bug or something and am not feeling too well.
The doctor looked from Marissa to her mother. Julie opened her mouth to speak but the doctor motioned for her to be silent.
Dr Meuler: A bug, huh? Are you sure that is what the problem is?
Marissa looked down at his hands holding hers. She couldn't meet his eyes.
Marissa: of course, what else could it be?
Dr Meuler signaled for Julie to hand him the tote bag and he withdrew the empty vodka bottle. He held it out to Marissa.
Dr. Meuler: Do you know anything about this Marissa?
Marissa stared speechless. Tears began gliding down her cheeks.
Dr. Meuler: Marissa what can you tell me about this bottle?
Marissa looked from her mother to the doctor.
Marissa: I drank it but... it was just this once.. honest
Julie: Marissa... sweetie.. we just want what's best for you. We have a problem and we have to deal with it.
Marissa snorted.
Marissa: yeah right, out of my entire dysfunctional family I am the only one with problems..
Dr. Meuler could see the tension between mother and daughter and knew he had to defuse the situation.
Dr. Meuler: Marissa, no one here wants to hurt you. We want to help you.
Marissa: I want my father.
Julie: Your father has done quite enough already to add to the tension we are all trying to deal with. Dr. Meuler, you mentioned a treatment option called a 96 hour hold. I think we should begin there. I can't possibly deal with trying to get her dried out and sober at home. She would be safe and undisturbed here, with no one to bother her.
Marissa, turned to her mother trying to understand.
Marissa: What is a 96 hour hold? What are you trying to do to me? I want my father!
Dr. Meuler: Marissa calm down..
Marissa: "No!" you can't make me. I want my father! I want Ryan!
By now Marissa was yelling and near hysterics. Dr. Meuler let go of her hands and signaled for the hospital attendants.
Dr. Meuler: Marissa, let us help you.
Julie: Marissa, sweetie please.
The attendants came in and before Marissa realized it, they had injected her with a sedative.
Marissa: Please, Dr. Meuler call my father, please.. please. I don't need this. I'll cooperate but don't lock me up like this.. please.
Her words began to slur and soon she fell into the waiting arms of a male attendant. She was lifted onto a stretcher and taken to her room.
Julie stood by with tears streaming down her face. She turned and clung to the doctor for support.
Dr. Meuler: Mrs. Nichol, I do think it would be wise to notify your ex-husband and let him know the situation. I will want both of you hear for counseling sessions as soon as Marissa has completed detox.
Your daughter will need all the help she can get.
Julie: I'll do my best, Dr Meuler. May I comeback and see Marissa later?
Dr. Meuler: I think it would be best to wait until tomorrow. Call me in the morning.. Now you go home and get some rest. We'll take good care of her.
Julie wiped her eyes, collected Marissa's things and headed for her car..
Ryan struggled to get through the crowded hallway and catch Emily. He heard his cell phone ring. The caller ID showed it was Sandy.
Ryan: Sandy?
Sandy: Yeah Ryan, it's me. Look I'm on my way to the school now. Meet me out front. We are going to see Jimmy. I already talked with Dr Kim and told her I was picking you up.
Ryan: Ok see you in a few.
Ryan headed to his locker, all thoughts of Emily completely gone.