Chapter 2: Shock
Olivia didn't want to move. Casey had fallen asleep on her shoulder, and she knew that the slightest movement could frighten her. It wasn't long before she followed suit, letting her own eyes close.
It was around 1:00 A.M. Suddenly, Olivia was awakened by the sound of Casey's desperate whimpers. She squeezed her shoulder, hoping it would bring her out of her dark place. "Wake up, Casey," she coaxed gently. "You're safe here."
Casey woke with a start. For a moment, she forgot where she was.
"What happened?" Olivia asked cautiously.
Casey let out a scared sigh. "I was back in that alley," she began.
"I saw his eyes right before I passed out. They were so full of anger."
Olivia nodded as she squeezed her shoulder again. "I hate to do this now, Casey," she began, "but did anything about him seem familiar?"
Casey nodded, too. "He smelled like mint soap," she replied. "I use that scent all the time."
"Did you know him?" Olivia queried as she took Casey's hand.
"I don't know, Livia," she admitted. "I passed out before I could notice anything but his eyes." Suddenly, the tears came flooding back. The shock was finally setting in. She was shaking, trying to hold back the fear, the anger, and the guilt.
Olivia hugged her again. "It's OK, Casey," she soothed. "Let it all out."
Casey sniffled. "Why didn't I see it coming?" she wondered. "I should've known I was a target."
Olivia shook her head. "It wasn't your fault, Casey," she said gently.
"I should've fought harder," Casey whispered, but Olivia cut her off.
"Shh," she soothed. "You passed out. There was nothing you could do."
"Then why do I feel so guilty?" Casey asked.
"That's normal," Olivia assured her. "Every rape victim I've ever talked to goes through guilt, but it's never the victim's fault."
Casey nodded. "I knew that before I was raped myself, but suddenly, it's not so clear anymore," she admitted.
Olivia nodded and hugged her again. "I understand, but you don't have to worry, OK? We'll protect you,"
"How can you do that when I couldn't even describe him very well?" Casey wondered.
Olivia smiled. "The big guys pay us to be up to challenges, so that's what we'll do." She was determined not to let Casey down.