Slowly the tears ebbed and Cammie's breathing lost its desperate, jagged edge. What was unchanging was her grip on Liv's t-shirt. It was as if she thought that letting go meant she would tumble back in to the dark chasm from which she was clawing to escape.
"It's going to be okay Cammie. I'm here and I'm not leaving you."
Still Cam shook, the demons not relinquishing their hold on her. She burrowed further in to Liv like a small child who had seen a frightening movie scene.
In a way she was.
"Shhh." Liv kept cooing and comforting in every and any way she could.
Warm sun poured in through the window, it was somewhere around 1230 Liv estimated. Her yawn matched the wide one Cammie let out then. Ever so much had her respirations returned to a normal rythm, sleep began to stake its claim.
"You can sleep now, I'm here. You're safe and I'm not going anywhere", Liv kissed Cammies forehead.
Breathing deeply the girl allowed her body to succumb to darkness once again.
Time slipped by until Cammie was inhaling and exhaling steadily, her eyes shut and body losing some of its rigidness.
Liv moved to a squated position cautiously and picked Cammie up marveling at her weightlessness. Moving to the bed she brought the covers back and placed Cammie down on the cool sheets, then she lifted the comforter over the child. Liv moved around the sleeping figure to spoon her body and drape an arm protectively over Camilla. Now Liv too let herself drift in to a dreamless doze.
Afternoon lapsed in to evening with no disruptions. Though the world continued to spin on its axle Olivia and Cammie remained in their small orb of cool, dark calm.
Karelyn had returned several times to check on them, the annoyance and irritation of earlier replaced by relief and a level of gladness.
Elliot called yet again as had Cragen.
Elliot wasconcerned for Liv's well-being yet he knew her capabilities, perhaps better than she herself did. His message only said to call him when she woke.
Cragen wanted to check up on the fourth limb of the tree that made up his best detectives. He too left a message asking Liv to call him and offering his own personal word.
When the smells of doggie-bagged supper wafted through the air, one of Italian origin, Liv stirred. Disconnecting herself from Cammie's still slumbering person she stretched grandly with her zillionth equally extravagant yawn.
The message next to the baggie, Liv read, said: For the two people needing comfort food- and the one who needs my own comforting words and vice versa. - Love, El.
A smile tugged at the corners of Olivia's lips.
Opening the bag she found Anti-pasto salad, a meatball sub, a piece of strawberry cheesecake, and a jumbo sized Cannoli.
In the fading light Liv searched for the overhead fan/light switch. She flicked it on and spread the meal on Cammie's desk.
"Cammie. Sweetheart we've got dinner." Liv rubbed her arm encouragingly to coax her awake. Mumbling incoherently Cammie began to slip from her own slumber when the scents and sound of Liv's voice penetrated her senses.
Brushing back Cam's hair Liv reached for the Anti-pasto figuring it would be easier on Cam's presumed weary stomach. Once she'd woken fully Liv fed her a small bite then some more.
This mothering was what the child had always been desperate for.
"Wanna see if you can stomach some dessert?"
"Sher", came a mumble.
Again opting for the kinder food Liv handed Cammie a napkin and the Cannoli.
She ingested her own wholesome meal. Unscrewing the bottled water cap next to the baggie each took a swig.
"How're you doing now?"
"I- I don't really know. Better prolly."
Liv smiled more relaxed. Cammie's tone held no piercing tone, no angered level. She was still tired and at the same time replenished.
Cammie rubbed her eyes tiredly before sliding back in to her horizontal position.
Liv cleaned up their mess.
She looked to Cam for direction. The childs expressive eyes beckoned her return. Liv went back to her spot, this time Cammie snuggled back towards her.
Another day.
Tomorrow Olivia would call Huang and Elliot and Cragen.
Right now though, it was only her and Camilla. And the blossoming night.
Now hit that little purple button : -).