"107, excellent. Last month you were only 96 pounds." I step off the scale and slip my boots back on.
"So does that mean I can stop coming?" Dr Cullen frowns.
"I'm afraid not. We'd like you to be at least 115 to stop coming, and you're not quite there yet." I sink down in the chair and huff. It's been over 7 months since I've been out of the hospital. I was discharged at 100 pounds and at first I lost weight, but I've been steadily gaining for about 3 months now. Unfortunately it's not enough to get me out of here, but at least I almost feel healthy again. Nobody looks at me like I'm going to die at any second anymore.
"So same time next month?"
"Actually Jillian, could I talk to you for a minute? It's about Emmett." I stop in the middle of pulling on my coat.
"What about Emmett? I haven't heard from him in months." Dr Cullen sits on his chair.
"I know. I was the one that stopped the letters."
"What do you mean?" I sink back into my chair.
"He wrote you for about a month after his last letter but I never gave them to you. I didn't think it was right that he give you false hope that you might see eachother again someday, so I did what I thought was right. I told Emmett that you had asked me to tell him that you'd moved on and he should do the same. I had hoped, in time, that he would move on. Such is not the case. He gets more depressed as the days go on. He's not getting better."
"And what do you want from me?"
"Honestly, I don't know. I still don't think any of this is right or safe, but I can't stand to see him in so much pain. I don't know what to do." This is the first time I'd seen Dr Cullen look anything but his professional, happy, composed self, and I have to say I don't like it at all. It doesn't seem right for him to look like this. Wrong, somehow.
"Well, I'm not sure what I can do, but could you at least give me Emmett's letters?" Dr Cullen opens a drawer in his desk and pulls out a stack of letters all tied together with a string. I take it from him and count them. There's 8 of them.
"I'm sorry, Jillian. I was only doing what I thought was right. I can see now that it wasn't, and I'm sorry."
"It's okay. I'd thought he grew tired of me and was happy enough with his new life that he didn't want me in it."
"Oh no. He's miserable."
"Tell me about your family. Emmett didn't tell me very much."
"Well what did Emmett tell you?"
"He told me that you and your wife took in Edward and Rosalie because their mother died."
"Anything else?" I try to remember back to his brief letters.
"I don't think so. Why, what else is there?"
"Did he tell you how he came to live with us?"
"No."
"Well, I was also hiking that weekend and found him after the bear had attacked him. I own a home in the forest and thought it better to take him there than risk taking him to a hospital. He was in a coma for a while. I asked him if he wanted to stay with me so I could continue treating him, or if he wanted to go to a hospital. He decided to stay with my family and I."
"But why didn't he ever call or come see his family? They all still think he's dead!"
"It's all very complicated. It took him a long time to convince me to let him contact you. That first time he did so without telling me." I look down at my boots.
"Am I ever going to see him again?"
"Maybe one day. I can't promise you anything though. It's touch and go for a while."
"But why? What's so complicated about it?" Dr Cullen sighs.
"It's rather difficult to explain. Explaining would effect my entire family's safety, and I can't risk that."
"Can I please see him? If only from a distance?" Dr Cullen looks at me sadly.
"I can talk it over with my family tonight, if you wish. Come back tomorrow and I'll let you know what they've decided."
"Thank you! I promise I won't do anything to risk any of your family's safety." Dr Cullen chuckles and stands up. I do the same and follow him into the main lobby of the hospital where my father is waiting.
"See you tomorrow, Jillian." Father stands as I approach him and puts his arm around my shoulder, steering me out of the hospital and toward the car.
"You need to go back tomorrow?"
"Yeah, Dr Cullen took some blood and I get the results tomorrow." I hop in the passenger seat while my father starts the car.
"I see. What time do you need to be there?"
"He never said. Same time as always, I guess." Nothing else is said as we make our way home.
10 January 2012
07 January 2012
The Impossibility Of Sensibility, Chapter 13
Jilly-
Of course. I completely understand your hesitations, so don't worry.
Do you remember when I was 16 and you were 14. It was your birthday. You told me that you were afraid of getting older because you didn't think I'd want to see you when you were old and wrinkly.
The day I proposed to you, we were playing in the water, do you remember what I said?
From age 15 to 16 I gave you a chocolate every single day, leaving them on your pillow. You never figured out how I did it, and I'm still not telling.
You want to be a vet when you're older. You've never told anyone because you're afraid they might think you're silly.
How's that? Did I pass the test?
Yours, Emmett
Emmett-
I have so many questions for you.
Jillian
Jilly-
I know you do, and I'm sorry that I can't answer all of them. Not yet. But I promise one day I'll be able to tell you everything.
Carlisle says you're doing much better. I'm happy to hear that.
I'm sorry I missed your birthday.
Yours, Emmett
Emmett-
Can you tell me at least something? Like where you've been all this time? Or, why you don't think it's safe to see me? Something?
Yes, much better. Dr Cullen says I can go home soon. I'm excited but a little nervous.
Jillian
Jilly-
It's kind of difficult to tell you some things. But I've been living with Carlisle and his family. They're great people, even if they can be annoying at times.
I can't tell you why it's not safe, it just isn't. You're going to have to trust me on this. I'll try to see you as soon as I can, but I can't make any promises.
Yours, Emmett
Emmett-
Tell me about his family.
Jillian
Jilly-
There's Carlisle and his wife Esme, and her cousins Edward and Rosalie.
Write me whenever you can.
Yours, Emmett
Emmett-
Why are they all staying with Dr Cullen and his wife?
It's been weird at home. My parents tiptoe around me and Greg is hardly ever here. It's kind of lonely.
Jillian
Jilly-
Edward and Rose's mother died so Carlisle and Esme offered to keep them until they're older.
Has Sasha been to see you?
Yours, Emmett
Emmett-
No, not yet. She's busy with her husband and they're due with twins soon.
Jillian
Jilly-
Wow, I didn't know she was even engaged, let alone married and pregnant.
Yours, Emmett
Emmett-
Happy birthday. Wish I was able to wish you in person, but I guess this will have to do.
Jillian
Emmett-
Well, it's been a couple months since my last letter. How are you? Please write me back.
Jillian
Of course. I completely understand your hesitations, so don't worry.
Do you remember when I was 16 and you were 14. It was your birthday. You told me that you were afraid of getting older because you didn't think I'd want to see you when you were old and wrinkly.
The day I proposed to you, we were playing in the water, do you remember what I said?
From age 15 to 16 I gave you a chocolate every single day, leaving them on your pillow. You never figured out how I did it, and I'm still not telling.
You want to be a vet when you're older. You've never told anyone because you're afraid they might think you're silly.
How's that? Did I pass the test?
Yours, Emmett
Emmett-
I have so many questions for you.
Jillian
Jilly-
I know you do, and I'm sorry that I can't answer all of them. Not yet. But I promise one day I'll be able to tell you everything.
Carlisle says you're doing much better. I'm happy to hear that.
I'm sorry I missed your birthday.
Yours, Emmett
Emmett-
Can you tell me at least something? Like where you've been all this time? Or, why you don't think it's safe to see me? Something?
Yes, much better. Dr Cullen says I can go home soon. I'm excited but a little nervous.
Jillian
Jilly-
It's kind of difficult to tell you some things. But I've been living with Carlisle and his family. They're great people, even if they can be annoying at times.
I can't tell you why it's not safe, it just isn't. You're going to have to trust me on this. I'll try to see you as soon as I can, but I can't make any promises.
Yours, Emmett
Emmett-
Tell me about his family.
Jillian
Jilly-
There's Carlisle and his wife Esme, and her cousins Edward and Rosalie.
Write me whenever you can.
Yours, Emmett
Emmett-
Why are they all staying with Dr Cullen and his wife?
It's been weird at home. My parents tiptoe around me and Greg is hardly ever here. It's kind of lonely.
Jillian
Jilly-
Edward and Rose's mother died so Carlisle and Esme offered to keep them until they're older.
Has Sasha been to see you?
Yours, Emmett
Emmett-
No, not yet. She's busy with her husband and they're due with twins soon.
Jillian
Jilly-
Wow, I didn't know she was even engaged, let alone married and pregnant.
Yours, Emmett
Emmett-
Happy birthday. Wish I was able to wish you in person, but I guess this will have to do.
Jillian
Emmett-
Well, it's been a couple months since my last letter. How are you? Please write me back.
Jillian
03 January 2012
The Impossibility Of Sensibility, Chapter 12
I sigh as I look down at my blank piece of paper. I'm trying to think of something that only Emmett would know. It's hard. Who knows what he's told other people? But who would go through all this trouble, get the doctor to lie to me, and can copy Emmett's hand so perfectly, just to be caught when I ask a hard question? No, it's got to be Emmett.
Dear.. Emmett.
I hope you understand that I need some proof first. So if you're willing, just tell me a few things about me, or you, that only we would know. Then maybe I can think about talking with you again.
Jillian
Good enough. I sigh again and seal the letter in an envelope Dr Cullen gave me. I think about what sorts of things Emmett would tell me. That first night in my room? The next day in my play house? The play house at all? I've still never told anyone about it, but I suppose it's really not that hard to find if you're looking. I mean, Emmett found it without my help, I'm sure someone else could have if they'd really tried. A knock at the door interrupts my musings.
"Jillian? I'm about to take off for the day. Is your letter ready?" I nod and hand it to Dr Cullen. "Is there anything you want me to tell him?" I just shake my head. "You've got some visitors." Just then Sasha walks into the room and Marc leans against the door frame.
"Sasha!" She gives me a hug. "I've missed you."
"I've missed you too, Jill. How are you feeling?"
"All right. Tired I suppose." She sits beside my legs on the bed.
"Have you been sleeping well?"
"Well enough. But enough about me. How are you?" She glances over at Marc, a big smile on her face.
"Actually, we came to tell you that we're expecting!" I look down at her belly, which still looks flat to me.
"Since when?"
"We just found out last week. We had an appointment here today so we thought we'd drop by and say hello." I smile sadly.
"That's wonderful. I'm so happy for you." Marc walks over and takes Sasha's hand.
"We need to go sweetheart."
"I'm sorry, I wanted to stay longer but we've got some things to do before lunch." I shake my head.
"Nonsense. Come as often as you can, okay?" Sasha nods and hugs me again, getting up and leaving with Marc. I can't help but think that none of this is fair. Sasha was never someone that wanted marriage or children, whereas I always was. I've always wanted a family, but my chance was taken away from me. And now Sasha's getting everything I've ever wanted. I feel a string of resentment toward my best friend. I can't help it.
All I have to do is wait until tonight and Dr Cullen will be back and I'll have Emmett's letter. I'll know then for sure if it's really him. I wonder what I'm going to do if it is. I have so many questions for him. Why haven't you called me? Why isn't it safe to see me? When will I get to see you? Soon my thoughts turn to other things, like my birthday. I'll be 18 at the end of next week. I wonder if they'll let me outside since it's a special day.
I pick up my book and continue reading where I left off last night. I don't get far when there's a knock and a nurse comes in with a tray. I grimace. They're trying to get me to eat at least three times a day but I still can't keep much down. The doctor's don't understand why I can't keep any food down. I've gained almost 15 pounds in the 3 months that I've been here, but all through IV. They won't let me go home until I can eat at least some food. And right now it's not looking good.
Honestly though, I'm afraid to go home. Afraid to be back with all those memories. Here I don't have any. I'm just me here. I'm not Jillian and Emmett, just Jillian. I know after 6 months I should be able to let go and move on, but I just can't. And especially now, knowing that Emmett is alive and well. How can I move on when there's still another chance? I know some would call me stupid to hang on so tightly, but I don't care.
"Hello, dear. How are we feeling this morning?"
"Good." I hate when they say 'how are we feeling'. Like they're stuck like this, too.
"I have some crackers here for you and some milk. You know what to do, right?" I nod and take a cracker from her. I nibble on the end and wait a few seconds. When it doesn't feel like it's going to come back up I take a small bite. I slowly finish the cracker and am quite relieved when I don't have to rush to the bathroom. I take a sip of milk and eat another cracker, happy that I could keep it all down.
"So what's that mean? Can I start eating more?"
"Probably not quite yet, dear. The doctor will probably want to see if you can keep some food down multiple times a day. Then he'll think about taking taking your IV out to see if you can get what you need without it. I'll send in a doctor to explain it all to you better."
"Can you leave a few crackers here?" She smiles and hands me about 3 of them. I decide not to push my luck yet and wait a couple hours before attempting another one. I'm quite proud of myself when it comes lunch time and I haven't thrown up at all today. I wonder why that is but don't put too much thought to it. My body is probably just tired of being stuck here and wants out. My brain can't blame it. It was ready to leave a long time ago.
My luck runs out after supper, 8 crackers later, when I have to rush to the bathroom. I'm assured that I made excellent progress today but I can't help but feel that I'm failing. If I can't keep 8 crackers and a few sips of milk down, how am I ever going to eat normally before getting out of here? It's starting to feel like I'll be in here forever. After my bathroom visit I'm too tired to wait for Dr Cullen to bring me Emmett's letter so I just fall right to sleep.
Dear.. Emmett.
I hope you understand that I need some proof first. So if you're willing, just tell me a few things about me, or you, that only we would know. Then maybe I can think about talking with you again.
Jillian
Good enough. I sigh again and seal the letter in an envelope Dr Cullen gave me. I think about what sorts of things Emmett would tell me. That first night in my room? The next day in my play house? The play house at all? I've still never told anyone about it, but I suppose it's really not that hard to find if you're looking. I mean, Emmett found it without my help, I'm sure someone else could have if they'd really tried. A knock at the door interrupts my musings.
"Jillian? I'm about to take off for the day. Is your letter ready?" I nod and hand it to Dr Cullen. "Is there anything you want me to tell him?" I just shake my head. "You've got some visitors." Just then Sasha walks into the room and Marc leans against the door frame.
"Sasha!" She gives me a hug. "I've missed you."
"I've missed you too, Jill. How are you feeling?"
"All right. Tired I suppose." She sits beside my legs on the bed.
"Have you been sleeping well?"
"Well enough. But enough about me. How are you?" She glances over at Marc, a big smile on her face.
"Actually, we came to tell you that we're expecting!" I look down at her belly, which still looks flat to me.
"Since when?"
"We just found out last week. We had an appointment here today so we thought we'd drop by and say hello." I smile sadly.
"That's wonderful. I'm so happy for you." Marc walks over and takes Sasha's hand.
"We need to go sweetheart."
"I'm sorry, I wanted to stay longer but we've got some things to do before lunch." I shake my head.
"Nonsense. Come as often as you can, okay?" Sasha nods and hugs me again, getting up and leaving with Marc. I can't help but think that none of this is fair. Sasha was never someone that wanted marriage or children, whereas I always was. I've always wanted a family, but my chance was taken away from me. And now Sasha's getting everything I've ever wanted. I feel a string of resentment toward my best friend. I can't help it.
All I have to do is wait until tonight and Dr Cullen will be back and I'll have Emmett's letter. I'll know then for sure if it's really him. I wonder what I'm going to do if it is. I have so many questions for him. Why haven't you called me? Why isn't it safe to see me? When will I get to see you? Soon my thoughts turn to other things, like my birthday. I'll be 18 at the end of next week. I wonder if they'll let me outside since it's a special day.
I pick up my book and continue reading where I left off last night. I don't get far when there's a knock and a nurse comes in with a tray. I grimace. They're trying to get me to eat at least three times a day but I still can't keep much down. The doctor's don't understand why I can't keep any food down. I've gained almost 15 pounds in the 3 months that I've been here, but all through IV. They won't let me go home until I can eat at least some food. And right now it's not looking good.
Honestly though, I'm afraid to go home. Afraid to be back with all those memories. Here I don't have any. I'm just me here. I'm not Jillian and Emmett, just Jillian. I know after 6 months I should be able to let go and move on, but I just can't. And especially now, knowing that Emmett is alive and well. How can I move on when there's still another chance? I know some would call me stupid to hang on so tightly, but I don't care.
"Hello, dear. How are we feeling this morning?"
"Good." I hate when they say 'how are we feeling'. Like they're stuck like this, too.
"I have some crackers here for you and some milk. You know what to do, right?" I nod and take a cracker from her. I nibble on the end and wait a few seconds. When it doesn't feel like it's going to come back up I take a small bite. I slowly finish the cracker and am quite relieved when I don't have to rush to the bathroom. I take a sip of milk and eat another cracker, happy that I could keep it all down.
"So what's that mean? Can I start eating more?"
"Probably not quite yet, dear. The doctor will probably want to see if you can keep some food down multiple times a day. Then he'll think about taking taking your IV out to see if you can get what you need without it. I'll send in a doctor to explain it all to you better."
"Can you leave a few crackers here?" She smiles and hands me about 3 of them. I decide not to push my luck yet and wait a couple hours before attempting another one. I'm quite proud of myself when it comes lunch time and I haven't thrown up at all today. I wonder why that is but don't put too much thought to it. My body is probably just tired of being stuck here and wants out. My brain can't blame it. It was ready to leave a long time ago.
My luck runs out after supper, 8 crackers later, when I have to rush to the bathroom. I'm assured that I made excellent progress today but I can't help but feel that I'm failing. If I can't keep 8 crackers and a few sips of milk down, how am I ever going to eat normally before getting out of here? It's starting to feel like I'll be in here forever. After my bathroom visit I'm too tired to wait for Dr Cullen to bring me Emmett's letter so I just fall right to sleep.
29 December 2011
The Impossibility Of Sensibility, Chapter 11
I look up from my book at a knock at my door. I smile as I set my book aside. "Hi Dr Cullen. Is it time for my check up?"
"It certainly is. How are you feeling?"
"Tired still. Not hungry. The usual." Dr Cullen smiles as he takes my heart rate and blood pressure.
"That's because you're still on IV."
"When can it come out?"
"As soon as you're able to hold anything down without throwing it up. Then we'll talk about taking it out. But for now it's the only way you're body is getting what it needs, so it stays in."
"Ugh. I hate it. It's so uncomfortable. It feels like the end of the needle is going to poke through my hand." Dr Cullen laughs.
"Not to worry, you'll be just fine."
"Are we all done? I'm on chapter 6 of the book you gave me and it's just getting to a good part."
"Actually Jillian, there is something I'd like to talk to you about."
"What's that?"
"It's about Emmett.." I don't let him finish.
"I don't want to hear it."
"Please, Jillian, hear me out. He's still alive." I glare at Dr Cullen. Emmett's the reason I'm here in the first place! Now when I'm finally getting healthy he wants to pull this on me? I don't think so.
"I don't want to hear it, Dr Cullen. Not now, not ever."
"Please just listen, okay?" When I don't interrupt him he continues. "I know where he is. He's been living with me for the past 6 months. He's very well." Tears spring to my eyes.
"Why should I believe a word you're saying?"
"Because it's 100% the truth." Dr Cullen takes an envelope out of his coat. "He wanted me to give you this. He said he understands if you never want to talk to him again. I told him he shouldn't have asked me but that I would tell you. I'll give you some time." I take the envelope from him and stare at the front. It has my name on it in the same messy scrawl that was on the last one. Except this time I recognize whose it is. And it can only be one person's.
I set the envelope on my lap and stare at it for a good hour. I'm afraid of what I might find in there. Why wouldn't Emmett contact me if he's still alive? Why would he make me go through all of this when there was no reason for it? I think back to the first letter. I had never actually read it. I sigh as I realize it could have been Emmett trying to contact me. Now I just feel stupid. I got upset over something that could have let me see him again. With that thought I rip open the flap and take out the letter.
Dear Jilly,
I'm sorry that things have turned out this way. When I heard you'd landed yourself in the hospital I almost lost it. You're lucky to have Carlisle as your doctor. He's a very good person and he'll make you better in no time.
I hope you don't think someone's trying to trick you. It's nothing like that at all. It's really me, Jilly. I miss you. I've thought about you nonstop for six months straight. Wondering if you're thinking of me. I've wanted to see you, but that's not safe for me right now. I'll tell you all about that later, if you decide that keeping in contact with me is what you want. I'll understand if you don't.
Please, Jilly, get better. Not only for yourself, but for your family. They need you.
If you want to reply back to me just give your letter to Carlisle. He'll get it to me.
I love you, Jillian. I've never stopped.
Yours, Emmett
I read it three times before the words actually sink in. I want to reply, but I don't want to look foolish if this really is a trick. I decide to sleep on it and think about it again in the morning. I place the letter and envelope on my bedside table and fall into a restless sleep.
I dream about Emmett. He's wearing a tux and he's standing at the end of an alter. It takes me a second to realize that I'm his bride. My heart swells with pride and love.
I watch my dream self marry the one man I've ever loved, and ever will love. I'm sure of that. My heart was taken from me the day he left and he's kept it all this time. I don't think I'll ever get it back. I sigh contently in my sleep as we say our vows and share our first kiss as husband and wife.
"It certainly is. How are you feeling?"
"Tired still. Not hungry. The usual." Dr Cullen smiles as he takes my heart rate and blood pressure.
"That's because you're still on IV."
"When can it come out?"
"As soon as you're able to hold anything down without throwing it up. Then we'll talk about taking it out. But for now it's the only way you're body is getting what it needs, so it stays in."
"Ugh. I hate it. It's so uncomfortable. It feels like the end of the needle is going to poke through my hand." Dr Cullen laughs.
"Not to worry, you'll be just fine."
"Are we all done? I'm on chapter 6 of the book you gave me and it's just getting to a good part."
"Actually Jillian, there is something I'd like to talk to you about."
"What's that?"
"It's about Emmett.." I don't let him finish.
"I don't want to hear it."
"Please, Jillian, hear me out. He's still alive." I glare at Dr Cullen. Emmett's the reason I'm here in the first place! Now when I'm finally getting healthy he wants to pull this on me? I don't think so.
"I don't want to hear it, Dr Cullen. Not now, not ever."
"Please just listen, okay?" When I don't interrupt him he continues. "I know where he is. He's been living with me for the past 6 months. He's very well." Tears spring to my eyes.
"Why should I believe a word you're saying?"
"Because it's 100% the truth." Dr Cullen takes an envelope out of his coat. "He wanted me to give you this. He said he understands if you never want to talk to him again. I told him he shouldn't have asked me but that I would tell you. I'll give you some time." I take the envelope from him and stare at the front. It has my name on it in the same messy scrawl that was on the last one. Except this time I recognize whose it is. And it can only be one person's.
I set the envelope on my lap and stare at it for a good hour. I'm afraid of what I might find in there. Why wouldn't Emmett contact me if he's still alive? Why would he make me go through all of this when there was no reason for it? I think back to the first letter. I had never actually read it. I sigh as I realize it could have been Emmett trying to contact me. Now I just feel stupid. I got upset over something that could have let me see him again. With that thought I rip open the flap and take out the letter.
Dear Jilly,
I'm sorry that things have turned out this way. When I heard you'd landed yourself in the hospital I almost lost it. You're lucky to have Carlisle as your doctor. He's a very good person and he'll make you better in no time.
I hope you don't think someone's trying to trick you. It's nothing like that at all. It's really me, Jilly. I miss you. I've thought about you nonstop for six months straight. Wondering if you're thinking of me. I've wanted to see you, but that's not safe for me right now. I'll tell you all about that later, if you decide that keeping in contact with me is what you want. I'll understand if you don't.
Please, Jilly, get better. Not only for yourself, but for your family. They need you.
If you want to reply back to me just give your letter to Carlisle. He'll get it to me.
I love you, Jillian. I've never stopped.
Yours, Emmett
I read it three times before the words actually sink in. I want to reply, but I don't want to look foolish if this really is a trick. I decide to sleep on it and think about it again in the morning. I place the letter and envelope on my bedside table and fall into a restless sleep.
I dream about Emmett. He's wearing a tux and he's standing at the end of an alter. It takes me a second to realize that I'm his bride. My heart swells with pride and love.
I watch my dream self marry the one man I've ever loved, and ever will love. I'm sure of that. My heart was taken from me the day he left and he's kept it all this time. I don't think I'll ever get it back. I sigh contently in my sleep as we say our vows and share our first kiss as husband and wife.
26 December 2011
The Impossibility Of Sensibility, Chapter 10
"Hey, what's this?" I glance over at Sasha from my book.
"Oh, that's the envelope you gave me last week, remember?"
"You haven't opened it yet?" I shrug.
"No."
"Well why don't you?" I sigh and close my book.
"Do I have to right this minute?" She hands it to me and I roll my eyes. It's been almost two weeks since Sasha dragged me out to town. I'm proud to say that I've been much better. I slide open the flap and take out the paper stuffed inside it. My first thought upon seeing it is "is this some sick joke?"
"What's wrong?" I glare up at Sasha.
"This is a joke, right? Tell me you didn't actually do this."
"Do what? What are you talking about?" I shove the letter at her and she gasps and looks up at me. You can't fake that, so I decide it wasn't her that did it. I jump up from my bed and stomp around my room.
"Who would be so heartless as to do something like that?! I can't believe it! After everything I've been through, someone decides to pull this?!" Just then my door opens and all three of my family members are standing in my bedroom.
"Why are you shouting, Jillian?" I thrust my thumb at Sasha.
"May as well show them, too. Maybe Greg will know if one of his friends did this." My brother looks at me with confusion.
"Did what?"
"You'll see." Sasha quietly hands them the letter. All of them look up at me. I stomp some more, not because it'll help anything, but because it's making me feel better.
"Oh darling, you don't know who did this?" I shake my head angrily, tears starting to pour over. All of a sudden my anger fades and grief takes its place. I sink down to my knees and shake with sobs. I press my head against my mattress and take parts of the blanket in my fists. I'm beyond rational thought at this point. The last thing I remember before the darkness is calling out Emmett's name.
*
Gregory Marion Sr
"I'm afraid we don't have much else of a choice Mr Marion. She hasn't eaten or drank in several days. She's severely dehydrated. She needs to be hospitalized or she could waste away into nothing. I know this is hard for you, but I think losing your daughter would be harder, wouldn't you agree?"
"Yes. Do whatever you can. Just make her healthy again."
"We'll do everything we can for her Mr Marion. Don't worry, she'll be in good hands."
"Tell me more about this Dr Cullen. He's new?"
"Yes, he just transferred this month."
"He looks too young to have such a large degree. Are you sure he's capable?"
"Certainly. He's one of the best doctor's we've ever had. I'm assigning him to your daughter, actually."
"Well I hope you're right about him."
"Not to worry. He's very good at what he does and very passionate. I've never seen someone so driven."
"Yes, well, let's hope he's all you say him to be. Anna and I aren't getting any younger and I want to see my daughter healthy and well before I pass on."
"You've got absolutely nothing to worry about Mr Marion. We'll take good care of her."
*
Carlisle Cullen
"Dr Cullen? Mr Marion is here with his daughter." I flip closed Jillian Marion's chart and follow Lisa to the room Jillian is in. She's laying on a bed with an IV in her arm and a blanket over her. I've seen some bad cases of anorexia, but she's by far the worst. She can't stand without support and weighs only 80 pounds. She should have been brought here a long time ago.
"Mr Marion, a pleasure to see you again." I extend my hand and he shakes it, wincing at the cold of my skin. I turn to Jillian. "Why wasn't she brought here earlier?"
"She wouldn't let me. Every time we tried taking her she'd throw a fit, lock herself in her room, she even ran away one time."
"She finally decided to come?" Gregory Sr shakes his head.
"No. She starting becoming delusional and didn't know where she was or who her family is."
"I see. As I understand why you didn't bring her sooner, I have to say that it wasn't the best choice. It's going to take a lot of work to make her healthy. She's going to be under a lot of stress for a while. And I must stress this to you. If Jillian really wants to recover, she will. If she doesn't, then she won't. It's all about one's will to survive. But we'll do what we can for her for now."
"Thank you, doctor. I'm sure you'll take good care of my girl."
"I'll do what's in my power to help her."
"Oh, that's the envelope you gave me last week, remember?"
"You haven't opened it yet?" I shrug.
"No."
"Well why don't you?" I sigh and close my book.
"Do I have to right this minute?" She hands it to me and I roll my eyes. It's been almost two weeks since Sasha dragged me out to town. I'm proud to say that I've been much better. I slide open the flap and take out the paper stuffed inside it. My first thought upon seeing it is "is this some sick joke?"
"What's wrong?" I glare up at Sasha.
"This is a joke, right? Tell me you didn't actually do this."
"Do what? What are you talking about?" I shove the letter at her and she gasps and looks up at me. You can't fake that, so I decide it wasn't her that did it. I jump up from my bed and stomp around my room.
"Who would be so heartless as to do something like that?! I can't believe it! After everything I've been through, someone decides to pull this?!" Just then my door opens and all three of my family members are standing in my bedroom.
"Why are you shouting, Jillian?" I thrust my thumb at Sasha.
"May as well show them, too. Maybe Greg will know if one of his friends did this." My brother looks at me with confusion.
"Did what?"
"You'll see." Sasha quietly hands them the letter. All of them look up at me. I stomp some more, not because it'll help anything, but because it's making me feel better.
"Oh darling, you don't know who did this?" I shake my head angrily, tears starting to pour over. All of a sudden my anger fades and grief takes its place. I sink down to my knees and shake with sobs. I press my head against my mattress and take parts of the blanket in my fists. I'm beyond rational thought at this point. The last thing I remember before the darkness is calling out Emmett's name.
*
Gregory Marion Sr
"I'm afraid we don't have much else of a choice Mr Marion. She hasn't eaten or drank in several days. She's severely dehydrated. She needs to be hospitalized or she could waste away into nothing. I know this is hard for you, but I think losing your daughter would be harder, wouldn't you agree?"
"Yes. Do whatever you can. Just make her healthy again."
"We'll do everything we can for her Mr Marion. Don't worry, she'll be in good hands."
"Tell me more about this Dr Cullen. He's new?"
"Yes, he just transferred this month."
"He looks too young to have such a large degree. Are you sure he's capable?"
"Certainly. He's one of the best doctor's we've ever had. I'm assigning him to your daughter, actually."
"Well I hope you're right about him."
"Not to worry. He's very good at what he does and very passionate. I've never seen someone so driven."
"Yes, well, let's hope he's all you say him to be. Anna and I aren't getting any younger and I want to see my daughter healthy and well before I pass on."
"You've got absolutely nothing to worry about Mr Marion. We'll take good care of her."
*
Carlisle Cullen
"Dr Cullen? Mr Marion is here with his daughter." I flip closed Jillian Marion's chart and follow Lisa to the room Jillian is in. She's laying on a bed with an IV in her arm and a blanket over her. I've seen some bad cases of anorexia, but she's by far the worst. She can't stand without support and weighs only 80 pounds. She should have been brought here a long time ago.
"Mr Marion, a pleasure to see you again." I extend my hand and he shakes it, wincing at the cold of my skin. I turn to Jillian. "Why wasn't she brought here earlier?"
"She wouldn't let me. Every time we tried taking her she'd throw a fit, lock herself in her room, she even ran away one time."
"She finally decided to come?" Gregory Sr shakes his head.
"No. She starting becoming delusional and didn't know where she was or who her family is."
"I see. As I understand why you didn't bring her sooner, I have to say that it wasn't the best choice. It's going to take a lot of work to make her healthy. She's going to be under a lot of stress for a while. And I must stress this to you. If Jillian really wants to recover, she will. If she doesn't, then she won't. It's all about one's will to survive. But we'll do what we can for her for now."
"Thank you, doctor. I'm sure you'll take good care of my girl."
"I'll do what's in my power to help her."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)