Defenceless

32. Epiphany

*Trigger warning: eating disorders*

"What happened? Where is she? Is she okay?"

Molly was received with a hug of relief outside the ship's infirmary, Jack had texted her as soon as they got there. He had arrived with Rose passed out in his arms, Tommy behind them the whole time.

"She fell into the water and wouldn't wake up, she also threw up this morning and passed out twice since we got here" Molly took a step back to process this new information, Jack's eyes were chained to the floor, heavy from worry, heavy from guilt "They drew blood and said she was extremely low on glucose... they gave her a quick load of dextrose... she's connected to an IV and has been asleep since then. They said we were lucky to be on land and called for a few other doctors" Jack's nerves were wearing him out "It happened all of the sudden! I was the one who was supposed to take care of her! Somehow I think this is my fault"

"It's not your fault" Tommy interjected. He had been sitting in silence for a while now, a moral support to his best friend. "And I'm not saying it because I'm your friend, I'm saying it 'cause I know you. And I know how much you love Rose and how you take care of her. Trust me you did nothing wrong... you just saved her life"

He had indeed saved her life... twice.

"It still hurts me to see her like this..."

"Did they ask for her mother?" Molly wondered

"I told them she wasn't on board..."

"Good, it might be for the best. She doesn't need unnecessary drama"

"Mr. Dawson?" The doctor called. The three of them took a step closer.

"Yes? Is she alright?"

"She is very well taken care of. Right now she's still asleep. We are going to transfer her to a hospital on land to run a few other tests and an electrocardiogram. A psychiatrist and a nutritionist also need to evaluate her, in order to give you a correct diagnosis. We need to contact her parents."

Those dreaded words. Jack sighed at the request and allowed Molly to give them Ruth's number. He looked back at her with fear, would he see Rose again? He needed to be at her side at the hospital. He wasn't stepping back this time, despite what Ruth or Cal may say.

You did nothing wrong. You have nothing to be scared of.

The doctor went back inside and gave the trio some space.

"All of this because of the flu?"

"What flu?"

"You know, before the incident at the pool, her throat, her stomach... that's why she had a blood test done, right?"

"Jack... I don't think it's the flu"

"What else could it be? Some virus?"

"Jack, she's bulimic"

"What?"

"Of course" Molly exclaimed in frustration. "Of course! How could I be so blind?"

"You mean... she throws up on purpose?"

"She does all kinds of stuff, spends hours at the gym, avoids eating at all costs or purges like crazy. She measures every calorie she eats and I'm sure I've seen her buy laxatives at some point. How can I be so blind!"