CHAPTER 3:

Oliva came over as soon as Amanda called her. They sat down and Amanda explained everything that just happened.

"Wow, in all the years I have known that girl, I've never known her to be so hostile or ugly towards you." Olivia said, lovingly.

"Liv, it was like it was a completely different person," Amanda said softly, as she poured herself another glass of Merlot.

"Where is she now?"

"I don't know. She said she was going out for a run, but that was hours ago. I have absolutely no clue what to do, Liv, I've never had any problems with her before. She's a good kid." Amanda started tearing up.

"Hey, it's okay," Olivia said, as she comforted her friend. "We'll figure this out."

"She's not talking to me. I don't know why. I've always told her that she can talk to me about anything. I thought she trusted me."

"I don't think it's that she doesn't trust you," Olivia started. "I think it's that it's because she's a lot like you, Amanda, which means that she has a hard time asking for help."

"Yeah, that could be it," Amanda said as she sadly shook her head. "But I just don't know what to do."

"Well, how can I help?" Olivia asked.

"Do you think maybe you could try to talk to her? She trusts you and maybe it might be easier than talking to me."

"Of course. Sometimes it's easier to trust a confidant." Olivia got quiet. "I think we both know what's going on."

Amanda was silent before she drew a deep breath in and continued, "I know. But I can't help her until she confirms it."

"Well, where do you think she could be? Does she like to go anywhere when she wants to just...escape?"

"She loves the giant Barnes and Noble in Union Square. That's one of her favorite places."

"I'm on it." Olivia said, as she smiled at Amanda and stood up.

Olivia headed to the bookstore and searched every isle before finding Elle in the young adult section.

"Olivia, what are you doing here?" Elle said, wiping tears from her eyes.

"Looking for you," Olivia said softly, as she sat down on the floor next to Elle. "I just left Amanda's."

"Does she hate me?" Elle said, quietly.

"No, of course not, but she is worried about you," Olivia said as she placed her hand on Elle's hand. "We all are, sweetheart."

"I can't tell Amanda what happened." Elle said softly.

"Why not, love?" Olivia asked her.

"Because, Amanda taught me to make smart choices and not put myself in danger and I let her down. And I let you down."

"Honey, you couldn't ever let me down," Olivia said, as she brushed Elle's bangs behind her ear.

"Olivia, if I tell you what happened, then you'll have to report it and I don't know if I want to do that." Elle said, as she shed more tears.

"Lieutenant Benson would have to, legally, report it." Olivia took a deep breath. "But, right now, I'm not talking to you as her. I'm talking to you as your Aunt Olivia, which is much more important. And your Aunt Olivia doesn't have to do anything unless you want to."

Elle took in a deep breath.

"I was doing really well in school. I was getting A's in every class. But I had no friends. Everybody in college has friends, so why didn't I?" Elle started. "So, I decided to finally go to my first frat party. I was feeling really anxious about it, but then this cute boy told me I was really pretty and offered me a drink. You and Amanda taught me to never let somebody else make my drink at a party, but I did anyways." Elle took in another deep breath. "I was fine at first, but then I felt dizzy and like I couldn't feel my legs or my arms." Elle started crying even more.

"It's okay, sweetie, you're doing great." Olivia said as she rubbed her shoulder.

"The cute boy told me that we were in the same political science class and asked me if I could come to his room to take a look at his midterm paper. I said yes and when I went in there, three other guys came in. Then, they locked the doors and pushed me on the bed. And then, it happened." Elle started hyperventilating.

"Honey, come here," Olivia took Elle and held her in her arms as she cried.

"Olivia, it's all my fault. I shouldn't have been there. I should have known better." Elle sobbed.

"This is NOT your fault, do you hear what I'm saying?" Olivia said, looking Elle straight in the eyes.

"Amanda is going to be so ashamed of me. I'm a drunk, party slut." Elle cried.

"Sweetie, she's not going to be mad at you or ashamed at you. She is worried about you and wants to help you. She's making herself sick about you right now." Olivia said softly. "I think we need to go tell her what happened. We need to tell her the truth."

"Olivia, I'm so scared," Elle said quietly, her voice quivering.

"I will be right there with you, holding your hand." Olivia said as she stood up and grabbed Elle's hand. "Come on, let's go talk to your sister."

Elle stood up and let Olivia guide her home to Amanda's.

They opened the door and Amanda was pacing around the living room.

"Elle, thank god you're okay," Amanda said, as she ran and pulled Elle into a hug.

"Amanda, I need to tell you something," Elle said, as she squeezed Olivia's hand.