Chapter Four: Dr. Cullen

Mariella sighed contentedly as she settled back into the passenger's seat of Cora's car.

"So?" Cora prompted. "Spill the beans. How was your first day?"

"It was good, for the most part."

"Yeah? Tell me more.

Mariella shrugged. "Well, I had Statistics first, and the teacher made me introduce myself to everyone. Everyone was nice, but there was this one kid that was very… rude. He kept trying to pry for information, and was being an ass, even with the cover-up story. One of the kids got him to stop."

"That's good," Cora said. "Do you know who it was?"

"Emmett Cullen."

"Oh, you have classes with the Cullens? They're a lovely bunch of people."

Mariella nodded. "After Stats, I had Gym. Emmett took me there and introduced me to Alice and Edward. After Gym, I had lunch, which was… interesting."

"How so?"

"Do you know a Jessica?"

"Stanley?"

"Maybe. I dunno her last name. I just know she tried to force me to sit with her and her friends. She grabbed the wheelchair and tried dragging me along. I told her I didn't want to sit with her, so sat with Alice and her family. They're all really nice."

"Yes, they are. They're adopted, did you know that?"

Mariella nodded. "Some of them are really good at reading people. I don't like it. It makes me paranoid. What if they find out what really happened? What if they tell people? I can't go back. I just can't."

"You won't," Cora reassured. "You're never going back there, I'll make sure of that. You're safe now. No one can hurt you ever again."

Mariella looked unconvinced.

"If they find out, they won't tell anyone. They wouldn't do that to you."

"They don't even know me."

"Maybe not, but they wouldn't go blabbering other people's business to people who shouldn't know."

Mariella shrugged. "I guess."

"What happened after lunch? What was your next class?"

Mariella was about to answer when Cora's phone rang through the car's speakers.

"It's Charlie. One sec. Hello? Hello?"

"Hey, Cora, do you have Mariella?"

"Yeah, she's right here with me, why?"

"Take her straight to the hospital, don't bother stopping at the house."

"Why? Charlie, is everything okay?"

"No. Bella. There was an incident.…"

"Wait, what? Charlie, what happened?"

"I… It's a long story. Kind of. Just don't come here yet. Get Mariella taken care of, okay? I'll handle this. Mariella doesn't need to. Bella, please."

There was the distant sound of thumping coming over the line, followed by Bella's voice. "I'm leaving, and there is nothing you can say to stop me."

"Bella, we can talk this out," Charlie said.

"There's nothing to talk about!" Bella screwed.

"I gotta go," Charlie muttered.

"Okay," Cora said. "Okay, got it. We'll see you soon."

"Thanks. Talk soon. Love you."

"Love you too. Bye."

"Why's Bella leaving?" Mariella asked. "Is it because of me?"

"No," Cora said immediately. "No, of course not. Something must have happened. It'll be okay. Let's just focus on getting you seen at the hospital, okay?"

Mariella shrugged.

"Tell me about the rest of your day. Who did you have in your classes?"

Mariella launched into a brief summary of the rest of the day's events, skimming over Biology and focusing on the events of Art class. She told Cora how everyone had been so nice, how she had realized Saoirse was here too, and how inclusive everyone had been.

"That sounds like an eventful day to say the least," Cora said. "What do you think so far?"

"It's still new. Still… terrifying. It's hard to believe that I'm safe. Not only that, but with everyone being so nice…"

"It makes you suspicious?"

"Just a bit, yeah. A lot of the kids in Art gave me their numbers. I've never had anyone do that before. I mean, I have, but this… feels different. More real, I guess, if that makes sense."

"That makes perfect sense. How was it getting to see your friend after so long?"

Mariella smiled. "Amazing. I missed her so much. I didn't know she had moved. She didn't tell me. To be fair, I didn't tell her what was going on either. She didn't need to worry about me."

Cora frowned. "Well, I'm glad you had a good first day. I'm sorry some people were rude to you, but at least you met some nice people. What do you think of the Cullens?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, some people think they're a bit odd."

"Why?"

"I don't know. They just do."

Mariella shook her head. "I don't think they're odd at all. They're nice."

"They really are."

"Do you know who I'm seeing today?"

"I'm not sure."

"Do they have any female doctors at the hospital?"

"Yes, one. I'm not sure if you'll get her, but we can try. She's very nice. They all are."

Mariella gulped. "I can't… male doctors…"

"I can be with you, if you'd like. Would that help?"

"Maybe." Mariella clenched her jaw and swallowed hard.

"We'll see what we can do to make things as comfortable as possible for you. I know it won't be easy, but you can do this. You've got this. I believe in you."

"That's nice, because I don't."

Cora took her hand off the steering wheel to gently squeeze Mariella's hand. "You'll be okay. I'll make sure of it. Deep breaths."

Mariella shook her head, turning her face towards the window, clenching and unclenching her fists.

"Would some music help? We're almost there, but we've got time for one or two songs."

"Maybe. I dunno."

Cora opened Apple Music and hit shuffle, the song coming through the ca's speakers.

Mariella listened to the music, recognizing the song, but wasn't really paying attention to the words. All she could think about was the possibility of getting a male doctor. What if it was Dr. Cullen? What if he noticed something? What if he told his kids? Would they tell others? Would she even know he told them?

"We're here," Cora said, turning off the engine. "You ready?"

Mariella shrugged. She unbuckled her seatbelt and waited for Cora to come around with the wheelchair. Once she was settled in, Cora pushed her through the parking lot and into the hospital building and up to the front desk.

"Hi, Cora," the receptionist, Jenny Austin, greeted, smiling at Cora before drawing her gaze to Mariella. "Who do we have here?"

"Hey, Jenny," Cora greeted. "This is Mariella. We need to have a doctor look at her cast. If possible, she would prefer a female doctor."

Jenny smiled. "I'll see who we can get. Here's the new patient paperwork. If you could fill this out and bring it up to me please."

Cora nodded, took the clipboard, and pushed Mariella towards the opposite end of the waiting room, away from prying ears.

Ten minutes later, a nearby door opened and a middle-aged woman with gray hair called out, "Mariella?"

"Here," Cora said, rising. "Hey, Jackie."

"Cora," the woman greeted. "It's nice to see you again."

"You too," Cora said, pushing Mariella towards Jackie. "This is Mariella."

"Hi, Mariella," Jackie said, smiling down at the girl. "It's nice to meet you."

"You too," Mariella replied, smiling slightly.

"Right this way."

Cora followed Jackie down one of the hallways and into an exam room. She parked the chair next to the bed and locked the breaks. "Mariella, do you need help getting onto the bed? It's in front of you."

Mariella shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe."

"Here," Jackie said. "Let's pull this step out. There."

"Mariella extended her foot, found the step, and maneuvered herself onto the bed, the paper crinkling beneath her as she settled herself onto the hard service.

"Okay," Jackie said. "If what people are saying is correct, you're blind, Mariella?'

"Stupid small towns," Mariella muttered.

"Yeah, I bet that's not easy, is it?"

Mariella shook her head.

"How have you liked it here so far?"

"It's okay. Don't really like people knowing everything though."

"And that's completely understandable. Hey, I need to enter some things into your chart. Do you know how much you weigh?"

"Ninety-five, I think."

"And your height?"

"Five-five."

"Got it. All right, I need to take your blood pressure."

Mariella nodded, removed her jacket, and extended her left arm, which sported a sleeve that ran from the top of her forearm down to her wrist.

"What's this for?" Jackie asked, tapping the sleeve, then grabbing a pressure cup and wrapping it around Mariella's upper arm.

Mariella shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "Nothing important," she mumbled.

Jackie eyed Mariella but said nothing as she set to work taking her blood pressure and oxygen levels. "All set. I'll let the doctor know you're ready for him."

"Him?" Mariella asked.

"Yes, dear, Dr. Cullen will be seeing you today. Our only female doctor, Dr. Johnson, isn't available. Will that be okay?"

Mariella nodded.

"Great," Jackie beamed. "It was nice meeting you."

"You too."

Once Jackie had left, closing the door behind her, Mariella folded her arms across her chest and looked down.

"Deep breaths," Cora said. "I'll be here. He won't hurt you. He's a very gentle doctor. You'll be okay. I won't leave you."

"Thanks."

"Mariella?"

"Hmm?"

"What are the sleeves for?'

"Cover-ups."

"For?"

"The cuts on my arms."

"Ah."

Mariella looked down.

"Hey, it's okay," Cora said gently. "I understand. I'm not going to judge you. You've had a lot to deal with. How fresh are they?"

"A few weeks."

"Are they clean?"

Mariella shrugged.

"Will you let Dr. Cullen have a look at them?"

Mariella hesitated.

"I can bring it up to him if that will help?"

Mariella nodded just as there was a soft knock on the door.

"Come in," Cora called.

The door opened and a tall man with blonde hair entered, a kind smile on his face. "Good evening, Mariella," he greeted, briefly acknowledging Cora with a nod. "I'm Dr. Cullen, but feel free to call me Carlisle. How are you doing today?"

Mariella instinctively looked up at the doctor, relaxing ever so slightly at the sound of his voice. "I'm okay," she muttered, quickly looking away.

"Wonderful," Carlisle said, his keen golden eyes tracking Mariella's movements. "What are we in for today?"

Mariella tapped her leg. "I just want to see when this can come off."

Carlisle nodded. "How long have you been in the cast?"

"Six weeks."

"Goodness, yes. Let's get an x-ray and see how it looks, shall we?"

Mariella nodded.

"Excellent!" Carlisle said. "Before we do all that, I need to check a few things first. I'll have a look in your ears and mouth, take your temperature, then have a listen to your lungs and heart, sound good?"

Mariella nodded.

Carlisle moved slowly, checking Mariella's ears and throat, then taking her temperature, informing her of everything he was about to do before he did it.

"Now for the lungs. Take a deep breath for me. Another. Again. One more time. Good. Now I'm going to listen to your heart. I'm going to place the stethoscope on your chest. There you go. You're doing great. Okay, all done."

Mariella looked relieved as Carlisle took a step back.

"Everything's looking good" Carlisle said. "If you're ready, I'll have Jackie bring you down to X-ray and we'll meet back up here once you're done."

Mariella and Cora nodded.

"I will see you shortly."

"How are you doing?" Cora asked, once Carlisle had left.

Mariella shrugged. "Okay, I guess. He's nice, so that helps."

"It does. Definitely. How's your anxiety?""

Mariella let out a short laugh. "Still there. Never leaves, especially not right now."

Cora nodded.

"Hey, Cora?"

"Hmm?"

"What do you think happened with Bella?"

"The only thing I could get from Charlie was that he caught her doing something she shouldn't have been doing. I tried to get him to elaborate, but he wouldn't."

Mariella frowned.

"You didn't do anything, don't worry."

"Tell that to my brain. She's leaving the day after I get here. Seems like it's my fault to me."

"It's not. I love Bella, but she can be a bit… much sometimes. You did nothing wrong."

Mariella looked unconvinced.

"Knock knock," Jackie called from outside the door as she entered. "You ready to get that x-ray, Mariella?"

Mariella nodded.

"Let's get you into the chair and down to X-ray."

Fifteen minutes later, Mariella was back in the exam room, laying back on the table, her arms folded across her chest, eyes closed.

"You okay?" Cora asked.

Mariella nodded. "I just want to get this done and over with. I'm tired of having this cast on."

Cora nodded sympathetically. "It shouldn't be too long now. We can get some food after, if that'll help."

"Maybe."

"Any particular place you'd like to eat?"

Mariella shrugged.

"How about we see what's around?"

"Okay.'

"Come in!" Cora called as there was a knock on the door.

"Your x-ray is looking good, Mariella," Carlisle said as he entered. "The cast can come off today."

"Good. How does it come off?"

"I have what is known as a cast saw with me, as well as a few other items. Would you like to feel it?"

"Is it sharp"

"Not at all. It cuts through the plaster but won't cut your skin. It's very safe. A bit loud though."

"Great," Mariella muttered sarcastically. "I hate loud noises."

"I'll try to make this as quick as I can," Carlisle said.

Five minutes later, the cast was off, and Mariella was ninety-nine percent sure she had dissociated through the entire process. As the saw was shut off, she shifted on the bed and turned towards Carlisle.

"All done," he said. "How do you feel."

"Like I'm going to be hearing the sound of that saw for the next hour."

Carlisle chuckled, examining the leg. "You should be able to put your weight on your leg now, but if you get tired, please, rest. Don't overwork yourself. Don't do anything too strenuous. No running. At least, not for the next few days. If pain persists, take the pain meds I will be prescribing you. If things get worse, or you feel unsure about anything, feel free to come in."

Mariella nodded. "Thank you."

"Carlisle," Cora said quietly. "Before you go, Mariella has some cuts on her arms that we would like you to have a look at."

Mariella looked away.

"Of course," Carlisle said, giving Mariella a warm smile. "Mariella, the sleeves."

Mariella kept her face away from the others as she slowly removed her sleeves and let her arms fall at her side.

Carlisle approached and gently touched her left arm, turning it over to examine the cuts. "Am I correct to assume these were self-inflicted?"

Mariella nodded.

"When did this happen?"

"A few weeks ago."

Carlisle nodded. "Well, they're not infected, so that is good. Have you done this before?"

Mariella nodded. "Multiple times."

"Do you think you may do this again?"

Mariella shrugged. "Maybe. I dunno."

"That's okay. Listen, Mariella, I understand. I've seen this plenty of times before. You aren't the first, and you won't be the last. I'm going to print out some resources for you, so you have them, okay?"

"Aren't you going to send me to the psych ward?"

Carlisle shook his head. "Are you feeling suicidal?"

Mariella shook her head.

"Will you utilize the resources I will give you?"

"I'll try."

"Do you feel like you have a good support system here?"

Mariella nodded.

"If all else fails, do you think you would be able to let someone know you need more help than what is being provided?"

Mariella nodded.

"Then no, I am not sending you to a psych ward. I trust your judgment of character."

Mariella nodded, smiling slightly. "Thank you."

"I do have to ask, do you know how to keep yourself safe if you do self-harm?"

Mariella shook her head.

"Disinfect whatever it is you used. Keep the cuts clean. Talk to someone after, to process what happened. Distract yourself, if not before, then after. Most importantly, try not to blame yourself. This is not something easily overcome. You may harm yourself again, and that is okay. It's important to realize that this is a coping mechanism. Even if it's not the best one, it is the only one you've found that works for you. At least for now. It's important to learn other coping mechanisms as well, and over time, harming yourself won't be one of them."

Mariella stared at Carlisle, eyes wide.

"You look surprised."

"Everyone else has been telling me that I should be ashamed of myself, and that I should know better. That I'm only doing this for attention. That it's stupid to do this."

'Well, those people clearly didn't understand. I do."

"So do I," Cora said. "So does Charlie. You're with people that understand now. That support you. That care about you. That love you."

Mariella nodded slightly, looking away.

"Is there anything else I can do for you?" Carlisle asked.

"What resources are you going to give me?"

"A few hotline numbers and a list of counselors and therapists nearby."

"Thank you," Mariella muttered. "I… just thanks."

"Any time," Carlisle said with a smile. "Anything else I can help you with?"

Mariella shook her head.

"It was a pleasure getting to meet you. I hope you find Forks to be a lovely town. As I said before, if you ever need anything, feel free to come in."

Mariella nodded.

Ten minutes later, Cora and Mariella were on the road again, heading towards home. Mariella had declined the offer for fast food, stating that she would rather get home and rest. She had promised Saoirse she would call her after the hospital visit to give her an update.

As the car turned onto Charlie's driveway, Cora paused, spotting Bella's old truck pulling out in front of her. She nodded to the girl, who raised her hand in a farewell gesture before turning onto the road and passing them.

"Well, she's gone," Cora said with a heavy sigh as she parked the car.

"Bella?"

Cora nodded. "She just drove past us. Ah, there's Charlie."

"Hey, Mariella," Charlie greeted, as he made his way down from the porch and over to the car. "Looks like you got your cast off. How does it feel?"

"Strange," Mariella said. "Charlie, what happened?"

"I'll explain in a second," Charlie said. "Let's get inside. Can you walk?"

"A little," Mariella said, carefully getting out of the car, stumbling slightly.

"Here," Charlie said, looping his arm under Mariella's. "Ready?"

Mariella nodded. Cora led the way up to the house, Charlie following behind with a limping Mariella.

"All right," Cora said, as soon as everyone had sat down in the living room. "What happened."

Charlie sighed. "I should have expected this, honestly, with how Bella's been behaving."

"What do you mean?"

Charlie sighed in frustration.

"Start from the beginning."

"I was out on patrol when I spotted a familiar car on the side of the road. I approached it, thinking that it couldn't be Bella, since she was supposed to be in school. I was wrong. I found Bella in the backseat of the car, having sex with Mike Newton."

Cora sighed sadly. "Oh, Bella."

Charlie nodded, running his fingers through his hair and closing his eyes. "I brought her back to the house and tried to talk to her, but she wouldn't listen. She kept blaming me for things that were out of my control, like how late my shifts could be. She said I was being too strict with her, because I wouldn't let her go out and party. She was under the impression that when she came here, she would be able to do whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted. I understand why. Rene wasn't exactly the most stable person in her life."

"That still doesn't give her an excuse to disrespect your rules, Charlie," Cora said.

"I know," Charlie sighed. "I just… feel bad. Maybe I could have done something to prevent this from happening."

Cora shook her head. "No. There was nothing you could have done. Bella was a rebellious child ever since she got here."

"But I could have helped her. I should have gotten her some counseling or something."

"Do you think she would've gone?" Mariella asked.

Charlie shrugged then shook his head. "No, more than likely not."

"Then there was nothing you could have done. I don't want to sound mean or anything, but if she didn't want to help herself, there was nothing you could have done."

Charlie nodded. "You have a point, but I still feel bad."

Mariella nodded.

"That's understandable," Cora said. "You need a distraction. How about dinner down at the diner? I think I can get the spare room reserved for us, so your anxiety doesn't flare up too bad, Mariella."

"Sounds like a good idea," Charlie said. "I only worry about what others will say. Word travels fast around here."

"We'll just tell people Bella went home because she missed her mom. It's the truth, technically. We're just leaving out some important details."

Charlie nodded. "We'll stick with that. Come on. I need a nice, big steak."