Alison looked at the letter again.
Olivia,If you're reading this I'm probably dead or dying. And that's fine. Well it's got to be hasn't it? Any way I just wanted to thank you. You're an absolute star. One of my best friends. The time we had together were some of the best years of my life and I never got to thank you for them
Olivia, I trust you, that's why I'm asking you do this for me. Remember Alison? Well I need you to look after her for me. She is special. One of the most amazing women I've ever met, and I don't think I could forgive myself if anything happened to her. She is more precious to me than anything. I love her, and you're the first and probably last person that I'll admit that to.
One last thing, be strong for Craig. He need's you, now more than ever. Trust me I know.
Goodbye, Olivia and good luck with your new job. See you around, hopefully later rather than sooner. Robert.
Alison placed the letter back into the envelope. She couldn't believe what she had just read. She walked towards the door and began to unlock the door. She slowly opened the door and peered around the corner. Olivia was sat on the steps. Her laptop was open and she was scrolling through her pictures. Alison cleared her throat. Olivia turned and smiled at Alison. 'So are you ready to talk?' Alison nodded and moved away from the door. Olivia got up swiftly and tucked her laptop under her arm. She smiled warmly at Alison as she entered the house. Alison began to re-lock the door, a ritual that she found both essential and annoying. Olivia stood in the hallway and admired the house. It was nothing special, but it was nice, different. Alison finished locking the door and returned to the living room. She bent down on the floor to pick up the shattered glass.
Olivia sat down on the sofa. The room was dark, and she had a feeling that she had got here not a moment too soon, judging by the set of empty alcohol bottles that littered the table, and glasses in the sink. 'Do you want a drink?' Alison asked. She was still in shock. 'Precious to me', 'I love her'.
'Yes please'
'What of? I'm having wine. I've got plenty'
'Just water will be OK' Alison went to the sink and filled a glass with water, before pouring another glass of wine. She walked over to Olivia and handed her the glass of water, before sitting back down in her chair. They sipped their drinks in an awkward silence. 'So how did you know Robert'?
'We went to university together'
'He never mentioned you'
'We never spoke for two years' they eased into silence again. 'I'm not being rude, but the letter only says why you're here not who you are.'
'Well what do you want to know?' Olivia took another sip of water and placed her glass on the floor. 'A name would be nice' Alison replied sarcastically.
'Well my name's Olivia Baxter, Pullman before I got married. I'm 33 years old; I've got a PhD in psychology, no children and I'm the replacement for Robert Bridge at Cabot University. Want more information?' She asked quizzically.
'You're married? I don't see a ring' the drink was beginning to talk for Alison
'I'm not wearing a ring because, because my husband died two weeks ago' tears began to roll down Olivia's face. Alison felt disgusted with herself. 'I'm so, so sorry, I, I didn't…. there, there don't cry' Alison got up from her chair to comfort her. She held Olivia in her arms and, for the first time since Robert had died, she felt something, other than self-pity. Olivia pulled away. She wiped her eyes and the mascara stained her cheeks. 'Is it alright if I use your bathroom?' she sniffed, still wiping her eyes. 'Of course, yes'. Olivia gave a wonky smile and left the room. Alison sat on her own again and closed her eyes. She tried to sense something, someone, there for Olivia. She opened her eyes, and was not alone.
Sat in the chair, where Alison had been sitting only moments before, was a woman. She was about 50 and it was clear that it was Olivia's mother. She had the same eyes and the same kind smile. She waved at Alison, and shrugged, as if in answer to the question that she had been about to ask. Alison turned as Olivia entered the room. 'I don't see him'
'It doesn't matter. No one can'
'There's a woman'
'My mum'
'Yes'
'I know.' Olivia smiled again. 'I've been to about three mediums since Craig died. None could see him, but all saw my mum. They said she stays with me. Like a guardian angel.' She beamed, at the exact spot where Alison could see her mother.
'What did you think of the letter?'
'Well, it was…'
'Robert cared for you a lot, you know. We went out for a drink, he raved about you. He not once mentioned Jude.' Olivia said. Alison smiled at this. 'I liked him a lot too.'
'Have you opened the letter he left for you yet?' Alison shook her head
'Maybe you should' Alison nodded.
After a long silence between the pair Olivia finally spoke, 'It's late. I'd better go, can I come see you tomorrow?' she asked as she picked her things up. 'Of course'
'Alison, do me a favour, Robert sent me to look after you, I don't want you to get liver damage, get rid of the booze will you?' she asked.
'Alright then, I'll do it, for Robert.' She followed Olivia out of the door. 'Before I forget, if you need me, here's where I'll be.' Olivia pulled out a small piece of paper with several addresses and phone numbers on and handed it to Alison. 'See you tomorrow.' Olivia turned and bounced down the steps to her red car. Before she drove off she tuned to wave to Alison. Alison waved back and turned back into her house. She once again locked the door up and went back to the living room, but was not alone.
Stood looking out of the curtains was a girl. She had long blonde curly hair with a large yellow bow in it. She wore a yellow party dress. She gave Alison a large grin and pointed out of the window, towards the fading car of Olivia's before vanishing before Alison's eyes. Alison shook her head and tried to find the girl but she had vanished without a trace. Instead, Alison turned towards the table and amongst the empty bottle found the familiar brown envelope with her name written in the writing of Robert Bridge, and turned it over, before finally reading what was written inside.
