The Carters did not recognize the girl lying in the hospital bed. "Leslie, we're here, honey," her mother informed her.
Leslie glanced at her famiily with bloodshot eyes. She remained silent.
"You doin' okay?" her father asked.
Still silence.
"Nick, how long has she been like this?" Mrs .Carter whispered to her son.
"She's been through a lot, Mom."
The brunette cleared her throat. "Mom? Dad?"
Her parents turned to her.
Leslie looked away. "May I please be alone with Nick?"
Leslie's mom spoke slowly. "I guess, sweetheart. We'll be right outside."
Nick took a seat. "What goin' on, sis?"
"I can't believe this. Mom and Dad are gonna' be mad when they find out I did this for my career. I wanted to look good so I'd sell more records."
Nick sighed. "Leslie, looks don't sell records."
"Bull. Have you looked in a mirror lately?"
"Leslie..."
"No, I'm serious!"
"Why do you believe that?"
Leslie looked away. "Have you looked at our family? They're perfect, Nick. Aaron and Angel are so skinny. And BJ she's a model for pete's sake!"
"And you're a singer with God-given talent and beauty," her brother interjected.
"If I were that beautiful I wouldn't purge."
Nick rubbed his temples. "Maybe if I had been here this wouldn't have happened."
"Don't blame yourself. It's not like you made me stick my finger down my throat."
"But you can stop, Leslie. I know you can!"
"What if I don't know how?"
Nick hugged her tightly. "Then you'll learn."