It's been almost two years since I've touched this story and I really felt like it was done but I've had some people reach out wanting me to continue and I finally have inspiration to write this today. I don't know where this story is going or when I will have time to write as I have been very focused on my television scripts. However, this story is near and dear to my heart and I want to continue it. I've gone through and made some minor edits and changes to the preceding chapters as my writing style has changed a little bit. Friendly reminder: Cassidy and Frannie don't exist in this story. Also, I have an idea for another story based off of my own personal experience that I hope to write at some point, stay tuned for that. As always, reviews, follows and favorites are appreciated. TW: references to recovery from a violent assault.
Chapter 6
The commute to Amanda's apartment was usually an easy one as it was central to the hospital and the station, the two places Amanda spends most of her time she realizes with a shudder. Today however, bringing Olivia to her apartment felt like a long arduous journey. Amanda was grateful that the elevator in her building was fixed a few days prior, not knowing what she would do if she had to help Olivia up the steps. Now, in the elevator Amanda had her arm wrapped protectively around Olivia's waist as she swayed dangerously.
"We're almost there Liv," Amanda whispers as she guides Olivia through the hallway. Throughout the entire journey Olivia has been completely mute, barely even acknowledging Amanda's presence. Amanda can't help being concerned, Olivia is the strongest person she knows and she knows that if anyone could recover from this it would be Olivia. However, the sadism and horror she witnessed and experienced is like nothing Amanda can even fathom. Amanda is sure Olivia has barely scratched the surface in telling her what happened, and if Lewis's MO was any indication things were probably much worse than Olivia let on to.
In the apartment Olivia stands in the living room, her arms crossed protectively over her chest. "Olivia, would you like some tea?" Amanda tentatively offers, but it's like Olivia is deaf, not hearing a word Amanda says. Amanda softly pads over to her, placing her hand on her shoulder and frowning that she can feel Olivia shaking before Olivia violently flinches away. "Liv, honey, let's go sit down." Olivia obediently follows Amanda to the couch and sits down, instinctively curling into herself. "You're safe here," Amanda softly reminds her. The women sit in silence for what seems like hours but in reality is only a few minutes, Amanda's worry continuing to grow. "I know that," Olivia softly says. "What was that?" Amanda asks. "I know I'm safe with you, that's why I asked to stay here," Olivia explains, still refusing to make eye contact. Amanda blinks back tears, "I'm glad to hear that Liv, you're always welcome."
Amanda turns on the television to an old game show, providing some much appreciated background noise before she gets up to make tea. A few moments later Amanda walks back into the living room carrying two mugs of steaming tea, seeing Olivia's eyes closed, finally looking peaceful, she carefully sits on the other end of the couch, trying not to disturb her. However, the slight movement causes Olivia's eyes to open wide before she takes in her surroundings and gingerly sits up. Amanda hands Olivia a cup of tea and Olivia takes a small tentative sip before shaking her head and setting in on the end table. "Can I take a shower?" "Of course Liv," Amanda says. Amanda shows Olivia to the bathroom, getting her a towel and a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt that will fit her. "Are you sure you'll be okay? You've been pretty unsteady on your feet." Olivia gives a shaky nod, "I'm okay." Amanda smiles softly, "Okay, but leave the door unlocked and call me if you need anything."
Amanda stays outside the door until she hears the water turn on. Then she goes into the kitchen, deciding to make a pot of soup. Olivia has barely eaten anything in days and she wants to provide some nutrition that hopefully her tender stomach is able to handle. As Amanda putters around the kitchen cutting carrots and celery she hears a scream come from the bathroom and immediately runs to the door, knocking loudly.
"Liv! Liv, honey, answer me right now or I'm coming in." When it became clear there was no answer forthcoming Amanda opens the door and her heart breaks at the sight before her, behind the shower curtain Olivia is curled into a ball at the bottom of the tub. Amanda can't stifle the gasp as she sees the burns, bruises and cuts that mar Olivia's body. After a moment, she's brought back to reality as Olivia begins gagging at the bottom of the tub, having eaten such a small amount over the last few days almost nothing comes up and Olivia can't help but whimper with the pain the dry heaves bring.
Amanda turns off the water and immediately wraps Olivia in a towel, preserving the little dignity she has left. Tears are still streaming down Olivia's face but after one last painful dry heave her stomach seems to have calmed. "Do you think you can get up? Let's get you into some warm dry clothes." Olivia slightly nods, unconvinced but willing to try. Amanda puts her arms under Olivia's armpits and together Olivia was able to begin standing up, about halfway up Olivia shakes her head, "I can't, I can't do it." Amanda helps Olivia slowly slump back into the tub. "That's okay, just take your time, we are in no rush." Despite the fact she's fully clothed Amanda gets into the tub next to Olivia and wraps her arm around her back, Olivia lays her head on her shoulder as Amanda places a kiss to Olivia's forehead, frowning at the heat emanating from it. "We will stay here until you feel ready to get up, okay? You just let me know."
So, what do you guys think? Do you like it in present tense like this or past tense like the other chapters?