your faded photographs [Olivia]

[Evelyn Tierney]

Houston, Texas
March 28th

Evelyn had spent weeks avoiding every place that would remind her of the one good thing about her life. Well the one good thing up until the moment she decided enough was enough & walked out. Yet now, for some insane reason, she found herself wondering through a park she had loved for years. Though it was not the warmest of spring days, thanks to a gentle breeze, Evelyn wore a pale pink cotton summer dress. She loved the way it flowed in the breeze, & her walk was helping her keep warm. She had a dark cardigan on over the top though, so she didn't appear too strange or make any one who saw her feel cold. It wasn't her fault that she didn't feel the cold as much as most, it was just something that she had to live with. An easy part about her that she could happily live with.

Every time she passed one of the curious elderly women or couples she would smile at them. They would take a second then smile in return. It was almost as if they recognised her, or at least thought they recognised her, as someone who also used to be a regular at this park. It was so peaceful here, that the park attracted many regulars, Evelyn used to be one of them. It was where she met the most amazing woman too. That was what made it so hard to walk along the familiar path. Each step brought back memories of times that were happier, when Evelyn was loved by someone. Even the memories from earlier on, before they had been dating were painful. When Evelyn had killed the relationship, she had also lost the best friend she had ever had. It had been a mistake, but it was all Evelyn could do at the time. It was all just too much for her, & to make things worse her parents had tracked her down. There was no way she was going to allow her parents to know she was seeing anyone, let alone that it was a female. Of course deep down Evelyn knew Olivia would have understood that, but at the time that option never came to mind.

Pausing at one of the edges of the park, Evelyn realised where she was. She was at the corner between the hospital & university. Across the street was the very cafe where Olivia worked. Or had been working for longer than Evelyn had known her. Just the sight of the cafe brought back some memories. It was where they first met. Evelyn had entered the cafe after a long & stressful day at work, just around the time that Olivia was finishing for the day. Something made Olivia stay & talk to her over coffee & cake. It had been a sweet start to the friendship part of their relationship. It was also the place where they had first kissed. Olivia had dragged her out the back after Evelyn had started to distance herself in fear of the growing feelings she was having for Olivia. After a small argument, Olivia had just grabbed her & kissed her.

A pain was forming in Evelyn's heart just from thinking about it. The truth was clear, she missed Olivia. Evelyn closed her eyes for a second, wishing the memories to all go away. She opened them again to see the one person she hadn't wanted to see here. "Olivia" She whispered, wondering if some of the ghosts, that Evelyn knew to always be around, where somehow sending out a sign to make them get back together. Evelyn was not sure what seeing Olivia meant, just like she hadn't know why she had come here today. But there was no point just standing staring, like some kind of fool. Slowly, & carefully, she crossed the street so that she would be in front of Olivia when she looked up. It was amazing how this move seemed so natural, almost as if it hadn't been months since she had done this last.

[Olivia Fielding]

It was three months today. Not that Olivia was counting or anything. It was just something that had dawned on her when she had driven to work that morning. But once the morning rush began there was no way she could dwell on that fact. So what if her girlfriend had ran off for some unknown reason three months ago? None of the customers would care. Not even the afternoon regulars who for the first few weeks had asked Olivia if she had heard anything from Evelyn. They had soon given that up though, moving on in a way. Though their sympathetic looks lasted for about a month and a half. It was now double that though, and Olivia still could not shake Evelyn from her mind. Her Eve who had run off in the middle of the night could be anywhere right now. She might not even be alive any more. Closing her eyes for a second, Olivia had shaken that thought from her mind. Surely if Evelyn had died Olivia would have felt it. If this medium ability could do one nice thing it would do that. Olivia just knew it would.

Somehow a busy morning, that had had her rushing around, now left Olivia nothing but time to think. Leaving her with her thoughts may not have been the best idea. Not today anyway. Remembering that it had been three months had brought back memories; both happy and sad. Olivia had busied herself with cleaning, excessively maybe even. Most of her co-workers had been allowed to leave already since there was nothing left to do. It appeared to be a beautiful day outside, with a possible breeze, so everyone must have been out enjoying it. It was not like the cafe would be open much longer anyway, only about an hour or so. Olivia was not completely sure of the current time, she was too busy cleaning the coffee maker - again.

“Olivia would you just go home before you clean the place so much that it disappears.” Olivia heard Nancy, her boss, say in a tone that held both frustration and humour. “Unless you have already cleaned your home until it disappeared.” Nancy continued, this time with only humour in her tone. Turning to face Nancy, Olivia smiled. “No, I haven’t yet. I’m working on making here disappear first, then the ghosts, then my apartment.” Olivia walked off to put away the cleaning cloth she had been using, as Nancy replied. “Do we have ghosts then? I hope they leave a nice tip when they leave.” Rolling her eyes, Olivia didn’t bother to respond. She was used to her boss’s friendly comments about ghosts; and on occasion had even made references to them herself. Of course there really weren’t any ghosts in the cafe. It had been a good day ghosts wise, as, like the customers, there had been no signs of them around either. Not even the spooky stalking one, much to Olivia’s relief. Although maybe having it around would have helped clear Olivia’s mind of her other troubles.

Olivia then walked into one of the back rooms that had been recently turned into an office. Since she had been today’s second-in-charge manager, she had left her stuff in there as opposed to the staff room. Olivia did not want to leave the cafe and return to her empty apartment, but Nancy was right to send her home. Other than there being no customers, Olivia was probably driving her crazy with all the cleaning. Back out in the main part of the cafe, Olivia said her goodbyes to Nancy, before leaving. She was too busy searching through her bag for her keys to notice the pretty woman across the street. When she looked up Olivia froze, unsure if she was now seeing things or if it was true. The woman before her looked the same, maybe slightly thinner, and her hair may have been longer, but otherwise it still appeared to be her. “Eve..Evelyn.” Olivia stuttered slightly over the word, her shock clearly showed in her voice. “But..? Why? How? You’re back?” There was so many questions that Olivia wanted to ask, but that was all she could manage to say. It was hard to resist the urge to take the last few steps between them so she would be able to embrace her.

[Evelyn Tierney]

It wasn’t until now, seeing Olivia here, that Evelyn realised that it must have been three months since they had last seen each other. Evelyn wondered if Olivia had moved on, if she had found someone new in that time. The look of shock on the other woman’s face revealed nothing other than the shock of seeing her there. Evelyn had told Olivia not to try & find her, yet here she was standing almost in front of where Olivia worked. It was crazy to be back, yet it felt so right to be here, to be with Olivia. Evelyn watched Olivia examine her, wondering what she was thinking. Was she just examining for changes, or was she trying to work out if this was some kind of illusion, or ghost even. Evelyn had no idea how ghosts appeared to Olivia, as much as she wanted to. She had even tried a few spells to see if they could help her, but it never worked. It was the ghost who stalked Olivia, or had when they were together, that really worried Evelyn.

The shock on Olivia’s face was reflected in her voice, making Evelyn smile a little. Olivia never let much shock her, & had never been much of a fan of surprises. Evelyn had no idea how to respond to the questions. She had no idea what had brought her here or if she was back. She had no idea if there was a life for her to be coming back to. “Hey Liv.” She managed, smiling some more, though it was slightly forced. Nerves were now racing through her body as she wondered what to do & what to say. Was it wrong to want to hold Olivia again? Evelyn stood still though, resisting those types of thoughts. She knew nothing of what she was entering or what problems that type of move would cause.

Taking a deep breath, she sighed, relaxing a little. “I guess you could say I am back. I just was walking today and ended up here.” She paused. “Somehow.” It was only now that she really looked at Olivia. She was wearing that uniform Evelyn knew she hated. Her hair appeared to be the same length, but was now layered. She looked tired, presumably from her work day. Evelyn hoped that was all it was, & there weren’t other fears or ghosts keeping her up. “How are you?” Evelyn asked, despite not fully answering Olivia’s questions. “Why don’t we go inside & catch up?” She suggested, only now moving from the spot she had stopped at to wait for Olivia. Unthinkingly she put her hand on Olivia’s back as they walked into the cafe.

Inside was still the same place she remembered from her memories of first meeting Olivia. Only this time there was no customers, & only Olivia’s boss was around. Evelyn liked that fact as it gave her & Olivia more privacy that way. Nancy, or whatever her name was, had a good trick of appearing invisible at times, or at least unobservant. Like the time she had ignored Olivia walking out when she was meant to be working so that she could get Evelyn to stop avoiding her. Though she wasn’t sure, Evelyn also believed that Nancy was aware of Olivia’s ability. They always seemed to be pretty good friends, though Evelyn rarely spoke to her. Evelyn smiled & waved slightly at her, pretending not to notice the slightly evil & slightly confused glance that Nancy was giving her. The glance proved that she cared about Olivia & what Evelyn might do to her. It also worried Evelyn of what she had done to Olivia by walking out. She hadn’t really meant to or wanted to hurt her, she just couldn’t stay. What made it worse was that her stupid move that hurt Olivia, only now was hurting Evelyn. She had never thought about the pain she caused Olivia before. Of course she had spent weeks trying to remove the feelings & longing to be around Olivia that she had. Not that it really worked.

“Li Ru” Evelyn said softly, getting Olivia’s attention by using the nickname she had made up for her. “I am sorry I left.” She said, looking down at the table she was sitting at, not wanting to see Olivia’s reaction.

[Olivia Fielding]

It did not look like a ghost. No it was too perfect to be a ghost. It could not be an illusion, not when it was not the same as her memory. So it had to be her. For some crazy reason the one she still loved had returned to her. At least for now anyway. Olivia watched the smile playing on Evelyn’s face, wishing she had been given a gift to read minds instead of to see ghosts. She waited as Evelyn seemed to become unsure of herself, before she answered Olivia’s questions. You could say she was back? The words made no sense to Olivia, and she did not want to let her hopes rise in thinking it meant she would return. Back could be just for today.

Olivia watched Evelyn looking at her, like she had done to Evelyn before. She hated to think about what she saw. Olivia knew she would look tired, she had not slept well the last few nights. It was only this morning that she realised what was wrong. Her unconscious knew the date before her conscious self, and had been eating at her while she tried to sleep. But that was still better than seeing ghosts and feeling the unknown one in the shadows.

How was she? Olivia did not know how to answer that. Tired? Falling apart? Evelyn did not need to know what she had done to her. She did not need to know how messed up she had been today, with her excessive cleaning. She was saved from answering though when Evelyn suggested they go inside. “Yes. That is a good idea.” Turning to walk back into the cafe, Olivia did not miss, but tried to ignore the hand she felt on her back. She felt her heart skip a beat, hoping Evelyn did not notice. It had been too long since Evelyn had touched her. Her memory had not done the feeling Evelyn gave her inside justice. Just being around her brought peace and made Olivia feel so relaxed.

Inside Olivia did not miss the evil and confused glance Nancy gave Evelyn. Smiling slightly, Olivia shrugged in response to it. Nancy was a good friend to be concerned about why Evelyn was here, but really Olivia had no idea the answer to the question that was plain on Nancy’s face. “I will get us some water.” Olivia said, remembering how Evelyn was not the biggest fan of coffee, only having it first thing in the morning to wake her.

Behind the counter Nancy followed Olivia, speaking in a soft voice so hopefully Evelyn would not hear. “Did your fading photographs come to life?” Amused, all Olivia did was shake her head. Photographs could not fade in a three month time frame or come to life. “Come on Liv, what is she doing here?” Nancy pressed. “If I knew I would tell you.” Olivia responded, stepping around her to take the water back to the table Evelyn had chosen. “I will kick her out and ban her from here if she hurts you again.” Was all Nancy said in response. Olivia knew Nancy was telling the truth too. Despite her seeming to always ignore and be oblivious to their relationship, Nancy knew all about it. Whenever Olivia needed someone to talk to about it, Nancy had been there. Nancy had tried to make Olivia feel better when Evelyn had first left, but had quickly found that it was an impossible task.

Sitting down at the table Evelyn had chosen, Olivia put one of the glasses in front of Evelyn. She had no idea what to say to Evelyn, she knew she never answered how she was, but she still had no idea how to answer that. She really did not want to inform Evelyn of how her leaving had made things worse. Then Evelyn said the one thing which hurt the most. The use of a name that only she had ever used, that always made Olivia love Evelyn even more. It had been so funny when she randomly had come up with it while trying to get her attention. Yet Olivia always found the moment sweet, other than the pillow Evelyn through at her when she did not even answer to Olivia Ruby. Smiling at the memory, she almost missed Evelyn apologising. “Eve you don’t need to apologise. I’m sure you had your reasons for leaving.” Olivia responded, trying to keep the curiosity about Evelyn’s reasons from her tone. “To answer your question outside, truthfully I have been better.” Olivia said, not feeling as bad now that Evelyn had apologised. Even though she said Evelyn did not have to, it still felt good to hear the words.

[Evelyn Tierney]

Evelyn wasn’t the only one not answering questions though; she could see Olivia hesitate when she asked how she was. It was that hesitation that made her suggest they go inside. She had no idea why she put her hand on Olivia’s back; it was just something that she did unconsciously. Like the past was coming to haunt her & making her do things she shouldn’t. She was going to have to be careful though. She could hear Olivia’s uneven heartbeat, but made no reference to that. Instead she removed her hand as they walked through the door into the cafe.

Evelyn smiled as Olivia said she would get the water, wondering if she remembered how she only drank coffee in the morning, or if she had said water since that would be the easiest to get. “That sounds good.” Glancing around the cafe, Evelyn chose to sit at a table around the middle of the cafe. She did not miss the fact that Nancy followed Olivia when she went to get the water, but the only part of the conversation she heard was the part about fading photographs. It would seem an odd phrase to most, but made perfect sense to Evelyn. It seemed like something you would find in one of those songs that Olivia always listened to. Music Evelyn now found too painful to hear. It also made Evelyn wonder if Olivia had not gotten over her, but that was a question she wouldn’t ask. It was none of her business. It made her feel even worse over what she had done to poor Olivia.

When Olivia brought the water over, & sat down, Evelyn saw in the corner of her eye that Nancy was watching her, although trying to make it not so obvious by wiping the counter. “Thanks.” Was all Evelyn said, leaving them in silence for a while. Olivia still seemed caught up in her thoughts, but the use of the nickname she had made up for her brought her back to the conversation straight away, just as Evelyn thought it would. Evelyn didn’t miss the small smile Olivia made before she turned away. The smile made her own heart jump a little. She hadn’t realised how much she had missed Olivia until she was with her again.

Evelyn looked back up when Olivia said she didn’t have to apologise, she went to interrupt & insist that she was wrong when Olivia mentioned her having her reasons. Reasons? Yeah Evelyn had them. Ones that Olivia had every right to know, despite it not being a question. Then to prove Evelyn’s earlier thoughts Olivia mentioned how she had been better. Olivia didn’t need to explain, Evelyn could see it in her eyes, & from the way Nancy was acting that it had been because of her. That she had hurt Olivia.

Taking a deep breath Evelyn bit her lip slightly. She had no idea what to say to Olivia other than saying sorry a few thousand more times. Judging by the glare Nancy was continuing to give her Nancy probably would like that. She would at least take a while to trust Evelyn anywhere near Olivia anyway. “I guess I should tell you those reasons” Evelyn said, taking a sip of her water. “Well there was one main reason. My parents decided to track me down. I had gone to my apartment & there were a few missed calls from them. I returned their call & they told me they were moving to Houston the following week. Into an apartment building near mine. If I had answered the calls earlier maybe I could have stopped them, by showing them that I was ok. They were worried about me mainly, since they had not heard from me in what was getting close to a year.”

She took a breath & another sip of water before continuing. “Even before then, I hadn’t been the same, not answering questions properly, or just lying to them. Covering things up; covering you up.” Olivia knew that last part, so it would be nothing new, this part of the reason wouldn’t really hurt Olivia any more, it was the rest that would though.

[Olivia Fielding]

Olivia had barely heard Evelyn’s response when she said she would get water. She mainly has said it so she could go over and talk to Nancy. Nancy would need to know that for now it was okay, she did not have to do anything drastic - like kick Evelyn out and tell her to stay away. Nancy was a good friend who would do that to protect her from being hurt again, but Olivia was willing to hear Evelyn out, and hopefully find out why exactly she had left.

Back at the table, Olivia could not just come out and demand she explain her actions. She did not want to hurt Evelyn, she wanted to give her any time and patience that she needed before she could be able to explain those things to Olivia. Olivia knew Evelyn though, she knew she would explain when she was ready, and she knew that she would be able to see the hurt Olivia still felt inside. That was another reason she had said that she had been better. If she had lied and said she was fine, or continued to not answer, Evelyn would have known the truth anyway. There was no way Olivia could make her eyes lie. Her eyes were like windows to her heart Evelyn had once told her. Of course at the time Olivia had simple responded that it was because she was looking at her, when in truth she had known Evelyn was right - her eyes could never lie.

Olivia moved her fingers and hands together as she watched Evelyn bite her lip. That was a sign that she was nervous and thinking - probably deciding if she should tell Olivia why she left or not. Olivia was not too sure that she wanted to know though. She had often wondered if it had been her - if she had done something wrong and made Evelyn no longer love her anymore. “Only if you want to.” Olivia mumbled in response when Evelyn said she should tell her the reasons. She then put her hands on the table to stop herself from fidgeting anymore, and sat patiently, allowing Evelyn to explain.

Her parents were behind this? Olivia had always been blaming herself, she had never once considered them. The lived a few hours away, called sometimes, but never visited as far as Olivia knew. She also knew that they had strong religious beliefs which would prevent them from seeing their relationship as anything but evil and wrong - something that must be stopped. But both women were over forty-five, surely it was time for Evelyn’s parents to grow up and stop protecting their daughter. What more had Evelyn given up just to please her parents? Was she now choosing to ignore her own beliefs? Or was Olivia the only ‘dark mark’ in her life that she had to erase?

“I would have understood if you had told me Eve. We could have worked something out, together. Maybe I could have been a friend who you had moved in with to keep company?” Olivia both comforted, and suggested. She reached out to put her hands on Evelyn’s. “Do not feel bad for leaving because of them. I understand how they are and what lying to them does to you.” Olivia’s tone was full of comfort as she looked into Evelyn’s eyes. She could see pain in them, as if it were her eyes that showed all emotion, not Olivia’s.

It was too late to change the past, it was not like either had the power to go back in time. All they could do was improve and work on the future. Olivia could forgive Evelyn for the reason she gave, and she could understand why she did it. At the time all Evelyn would have seen is the fear and worry about what her parents would think. Although there were times Evelyn had done things to upset her parents, Olivia knew she cared about them and what they thought. Olivia also knew that Evelyn feared she was evil. Not for the magic and Wicca she worked with, but for her sexuality. It was part of the reason that at first the relationship went so slowly. It was Evelyn’s reason. Olivia’s reason had been her past, and her never really having a strong connection or relationship before. Nothing ever would become serious before everything would fall apart. Evelyn was the first to get past that stage, to reach serious and become the most important thing in Olivia’s life. Deep down Olivia knew that to still be true.

“Are your parents still around then? Or did you manage to convince them you were okay and they could leave you?” Olivia asked, her hands still on Evelyn’s, her fingers moving as if to try and soothe. “I do not know if you would want to or anything, but maybe we could try start things back off where they left?” Olivia could hear her nerves over Evelyn’s response in her voice, but she did not really care about it. She just continued to look into Evelyn’s deep brown eyes. “Unless that is not the only reason?” Olivia was not sure what else she could see in Evelyn’s face, possibly doubt or maybe that there was more. She could not be fully sure of either.

[Evelyn Tierney]

Evelyn had to tell Olivia the truth; every single reason. She knew it too. The truth was she wanted to move past this, so that she could at least get her best friend back. The past three months weren’t the same or nearly as good as the past ten or so years that Evelyn had known Olivia. She wondered what Olivia was thinking as she told her about her parents return to her life. There seemed to be conflict, while still some happiness in Olivia’s eyes. Evelyn was a little rusty on reading Olivia’s emotions in her eyes though. She remembered though, they were like windows to her heart & could never lie.

She was surprised when Olivia responded so comfortingly. It felt nice to feel the familiar feeling of Olivia’s hands on hers. That mixed with her tone, somehow did calm Evelyn though. Yet there was still pain; pain of knowing what she was holding back from telling Olivia, & pain from remembering what she had foolishly thrown away. Smiling a little, Evelyn nodded before speaking again. “I don’t know Liv. What I did was stupid, you are right. We could have worked something out together, if I had just told you. Found some way to remain together, despite them.” Her words conflicted with how she felt though. She couldn’t shake the annoying thought in the back of her mind reminding her of her other reason for leaving.

At the time, after her parents told her they were moving, there was fear, not just of her parents, but of if she was really evil. It was as if her parents were in her head condemning her with their beliefs. Beliefs she had abandoned many years before. There was one belief that she couldn’t remove completely though, one which hurt too. To be with someone of the same sex was a sin, it was evil. Evelyn would be punished for it. Thoughts like that never helped with their relationship. But it wasn’t like she was the only one who had struggled. Olivia had her own problems, originating from her past too. It was part of what made them connect so well.

“No, they are still around. Nothing I do convinces them they can leave. They like it here.” Evelyn didn’t miss Olivia’s comforting touch trying to soothe her, but tried to ignore it. It only made her miss Olivia more, & hate herself more for the other reason. Evelyn had no idea how to respond to Olivia. Did she want to start things again? Right now if she answered with her heart she would say yes, but if she answered with her head then it probably would be no. Her head was still in the place where homosexual relationships were evil, while her heart was longing for the woman in front of her & missing everything about her. Clearly Olivia could see her internal conflict though, for she had to ask if there were more reasons.

Looking away, Evelyn found her facing the evil glare of Nancy, which only caused her to realise that if she was going to tell Olivia, now would be the best place to do it. At least Nancy would be there to try cheer her up, & forget about Evelyn. Meeting Olivia’s eyes again, she started to speak, unsure how to say it. “I’m sorry Liv, but yes there is more. I also left because I couldn’t take it anymore.” Evelyn removed her hands from Olivia’s at this point, possibly saving Olivia from doing it herself. “It wasn’t you; it was just stupid thoughts in my head getting to me.” It was only now that she lost eye contact with Olivia, choosing to now look down at the table where her hands used to be. “I know it’s not evil, but you have to remember I was raised to believe it was. I was always taught that people like you, like me, are evil & will be punished for their sins. I may not believe in God anymore, but I just can’t shake the thoughts of being evil from my head.” Evelyn now stopped, waiting for Olivia’s response, expecting to be asked to leave.

[Olivia Fielding]

It was a shame that Evelyn’s parents liked it here now. Without them, it would be a lot easier to get Evelyn back. Olivia just nodded in response though, not wishing to say what she was thinking out loud. Yet still could not help herself when she asked Evelyn if she wanted to start things over again. The only response though was the conflict in Evelyn’s eyes. Was it really that hard a question or was there more to this? But Olivia really had no idea what she could see in Evelyn’s eyes or face, and there was no way for her to read her mind to find out either. Only Evelyn could tell her.

Olivia followed Evelyn’s gaze over to Nancy, seeing the worry and concern mixed with something dark and evil in her friends face. If things turned bad here, Nancy would be there to help her, if there was any way to help heal a twice broken heart. Evelyn met Olivia’s eyes again when she finally spoke again, and Olivia could not force herself to look away, although the words cut her deep. Despite this pain though, when Evelyn moved her hands away Olivia wanted to reach out and make her stop pulling away. Olivia wished she could keep a hold of Evelyn so she did not just go and disappear on her again. If it was not a serious moment, Olivia might have jokingly told Evelyn not to use the ‘it’s not you it’s me’ crap. Honestly it only makes things worse, and makes the other person just presume that it is really about them. Olivia only moved her hands back when Evelyn looked down. She wished that she could see Evelyn’s face still, yet she was also glad that Evelyn was no longer looking at her, as she was unsure on what her face or eyes revealed. Her eyes probably showed her breaking heart, but Evelyn would not have seen what it was breaking over.

You would expect Evelyn’s words to hurt, to make Olivia wish for Evelyn to just go and not return - this time actually for good. Yet Olivia’s heart was breaking for the pain that Evelyn put herself through listening to the little voice in her head telling her that she was evil. “Eve look at me.” Olivia whispered, trying to keep their conversation private from Nancy, as well as comfort Evelyn who probably thought Olivia would think the worse and wish for her to leave. “I can’t blame you for leaving over thoughts I knew you had. Although I didn’t know it was still eating at you, I knew that they had been still there. I remember conversations we have had when one of us has to pull away or freezes up. We both are messed up, that is what made us fit together. We could understand and live with each other’s fears.” Olivia knew that she probably sounded like she was grasping at straws trying to get their relationship back, but sometimes she allowed herself to speak without thinking. This was one of those times. She was speaking from the heart though, something that she often just did around Evelyn, since that was a place where Evelyn belonged.

“You are right it is not evil, as God made you and if it was evil then people would not be able to fall in love with someone of the same gender without even trying or meaning to. Most sins involve people actually trying to do something bad. Then after sinning people like you who have a heart actually would feel some remorse. I do not know about you, but any emotions I feel around you are nothing like remorse, so it can not actually be evil or a sin, it is just priests making up laws about what they see as normal.” Olivia spoke what she felt was the truth, but knew it would be no use to the little voice in Evelyn’s head. They had been over this a few times now that Olivia was surprised she did not have a response memorised.

“Somehow I cannot bury the feelings I have for you, but you got through to me and now I cannot just let go. Not to something as simple as your fears over your parents and if you are evil. You are one of the most beautiful people I know; there is not an evil bone in your body. That could be why you are good at your job, but all I know is that is why I love you.” Olivia spoke again from her heart to help reassure Evelyn while still grasping at those straws which would bring Evelyn back to her. She did not know why she was being so truthful when it probably would hurt Evelyn to know that Olivia still cared about her - still loved her - after this time. Right now Olivia wondered if this was going to turn into a song she loved*. She hoped that Evelyn was not over her, as she wanted her back as Evelyn was the only one for her. Olivia believed that her heart could never allow her to just get over Evelyn.

OOC - I only waited to post this for when you were back, and because of the baby. I had it done (as you know) last week. *The song is Over You - Reba McEntire.

[Evelyn Tierney]

It was only after saying it wasn’t Olivia, it was her that Evelyn realised her mistake. She could see in Olivia’s eyes that she was stopping herself from commenting on how stupid it was. Both of them had agreed that really it only made things worse, yet here she was using it as part of her reason. Evelyn saw Olivia move her hands back from the table, but didn’t take that as a sign that maybe Olivia wouldn’t be upset by what she had to say. When she asked Evelyn’ to look at her Evelyn couldn’t make herself to do it at first. She hesitated, wondering why Olivia was speaking so softly. Was it some comforting way to tell her to leave & never come back? That didn’t make sense though, which was why after a few seconds of debating she did look back up. Olivia’s eyes showed that her heart was broken over something, yet her face was comforting. Evelyn could feel her body relax, minus her heart which she had only now noticed was beating fast in anticipation of what Olivia would say.

Evelyn could tell Olivia’s words were coming from her heart, unconsciously that made Evelyn smile slightly. Olivia always had a way of saying things from her heart which would at least make Evelyn smile, if not cheer her up. “I guess I shouldn’t expect you to blame me for that. You are right, I remember those moments too.” Evelyn agreed, trying not to be distracted by the memories Olivia triggered. She had all but forgotten them, yet she still hated that she couldn’t move past her feelings about being evil. Olivia had another of her comments on how it couldn’t be evil, which was different again to past ones. Evelyn wondered why Olivia didn’t just memorise one & just repeat it each time. They both knew it would be no use against the fears which ate at her, & wanted her to see herself as evil. She could agree with what Olivia had to say, yet could never lose that voice inside. “You know I know all that. It is just the thoughts that are there & refuse to leave me alone.”

This time it was Evelyn’s turn to reach out; she took one of Olivia’s hands in both of hers. But unlike Olivia, Evelyn just held it. She wasn’t trying to comfort; she had just wanted to hold Olivia. She settled for holding her hand though, not sure what Olivia, or Nancy for that matter, would do if she were to go around the table & hug Olivia. She hadn’t missed the fact that Olivia had said feelings she have around her, instead of had around her; yet Evelyn didn’t want to comment in case it was a mistake. Although she wasn’t sure how it could be, remembering that Olivia had asked if Evelyn had wanted to start things back up where they had left off.

Her eyes began to water at Olivia’s words; she felt the same in a way. Yet she still was unsure if she could. She wasn’t over Olivia; she doubted she would ever be either. She knew that Olivia was the one for her too. Using one of her hands, Evelyn rubbed a stray tear which had started a slow path down her right cheek, before deciding to just say that. “I still love you too, & I can’t get over you. I miss you. You aren’t evil either; you are one of the best people & the most beautiful person that I know. My parents probably think I am crazy muttering to pictures telling them to never fade. Of course I never would let them see the pictures I was talking to. They were just a few I had taken when I left so I could remember you.” Evelyn stopped talking when a few more tears started to fall; instead she tried to wipe them away.

Keeping her voice calm, despite her tears & now clear emotional state, Evelyn finally answered Olivia’s question. “If you wish, I would like to start things over again or back where they left off.” Evelyn was speaking from her heart, not her head, although she no longer could hear that voice in her head. All that was in her mind was Olivia.

[Olivia Fielding]

When Olivia asked Evelyn to look at her, there was some slight hesitation, but that did not bother Olivia. She presumed that was just Evelyn contemplating what Olivia was about to say and if she could trust herself to make eye contact with Olivia. Olivia was not sure she would be able to say what she wanted to say while still making eye contact with Evelyn anyway. She was not sure what response she should expect. Hopefully Evelyn would say she agreed and loved her too, but Olivia tried not to think about that or get her hopes up.

Olivia smiled at Evelyn when she said she remembered those moments too. At least that was a sign that she was at least thinking about her - them - now. Hopefully she had been thinking about them during their time apart too. Sighing, Olivia just nodded when Evelyn commented that she knew all that. “Stupid thoughts would be good if we could just cut parts of our brains out so we could never have pesky thoughts like those or mine.” Olivia briefly referred to the memories of her past which sometimes would haunt her, usually at the wrong moments. She was joking about actually cutting out parts of their brain, yet it seemed literally like a good idea to her - which was slightly disturbing.

Olivia wondered why Evelyn had reached out to take one of her hands which had been sitting on the table in front of her, but did not say anything. It felt good and comforting to just have her hold her hand. Maybe there was hope yet. Maybe that was why Olivia chose to be so truthful with her next words, but she was not completely sure. It felt good to say it though, despite being unsure if Evelyn would feel the same. Just because Evelyn’s eyes were watering, did not mean that she felt the same way. They could have been tears or pity or sorrow that Evelyn did not feel the same way Olivia still did.

One stray tear had started to fall, Olivia watched as Evelyn wiped it away before she responded. She remained silent as Evelyn spoke, but could feel the relief mixed with happiness and joy flowing through her body. She was smiling by the end of it. This was not turning out to be like the song Olivia had been thinking about, it was turning out so much better. Olivia just hoped that she was not going to wake up soon and discover it was a dream - or nightmare as Olivia would then consider it.

“I would consider you to be slightly crazy for talking to photos too, well if I had not been doing pretty much the same. At least now I know I am not crazy for thinking that I had lost those photos when I had gone looking for them.” Olivia joked, not sure how to respond, as she was unsure if a hug would be appropriate yet, let alone a kiss. As the tears fell down Evelyn’s face, Olivia could not help but want to kiss them away - something she had done before.

When Evelyn said that she wanted to start things over again or back where they left off, Olivia gave up resisting. She got up and moved to the chair next to Evelyn, putting her arms around her. “Yes I wish that. I am happy to try start where we left off; hopefully we do not have those walls to get past again.” Olivia whispered in Evelyn’s ear. She remembered how it had been at first, as they tried to get past each other’s fears. Eventually both had found it was best to forget that the other had fears, and work on trying to forget their own. Eventually those ‘walls’ where knocked down enough that they were barely a worry, just small nuisances at times. Only time would show if those walls had returned from the time apart.

A kiss, after three months, proved that a memory could not do such a thing justice. The feeling of Evelyn’s mouth on her own was not something that Olivia could remember, no matter how hard she had tried. Though it only lasted a moment, it was all Olivia needed for her to feel her broken heart was beginning to mend. It was as if Evelyn’s kiss had a magical touch - then again maybe somehow it did. “I am not going to wake up from a dream soon am I?” She could not help asking; only now using in a normal voice, after whispering for so long. She had almost forgotten that Nancy was even there. Glancing around, she realised that Nancy was now coming over. “Sorry to break you both up, especially when it is clear you are back together, but I am going to have to get you both to leave so I can close up and leave.” Nancy said, taking their undrunk water glasses back behind the counter. “Maybe we should go somewhere else to continue talking?” Olivia asked Evelyn, before speaking to Nancy. “You need any help to close?” The only response she got from her boss though was a shake of her head - no.

[Evelyn Tierney]

Olivia just smiled, with no response when Evelyn said she shouldn’t expect Olivia to blame her for leaving. Not that Evelyn had expected more, she just wished she knew why she didn’t argue back about it. Yet she was also glad that they could just leave it at that. Evelyn gave Olivia an odd look at her comment about cutting parts of their brain out. It seemed like she was joking, but then again maybe she wasn’t; Evelyn couldn’t really tell. “Yes, it would be useful.” She smiled back at Olivia.

There was no explanation asked or provided for Evelyn’s actions. She liked it that way too, as she didn’t want to admit that she had only taken Olivia’s hand because she felt that was the most appropriate way to hold Olivia without causing any problems or misunderstandings. Evelyn had no idea how she ended up here, but she was glad she had by the time she had stopped speaking. The tears that had started flowing were tears of happiness now. The smile on Olivia’s face proved how they felt the same way; & that both were happy about that.

Evelyn laughed a little, glad that she hadn’t been the only one talking to photographs. “Yes, sorry about that. You can have them back now if you wish.” Evelyn could imagine how annoying it would have been to know that there were more photographs, & where they should have been, but not being able to find them. It would have been frustrating to try & work out where they could have gone, yet surely Olivia had guessed that she had taken them; at least eventually.

One way to make her mind remain completely on Olivia was the fact that she had moved so she was now sitting next to her. Evelyn moved slightly, so she could place one of her arms around Olivia, while still wiping away the tears which still fell. At first all she did was slightly lean her head against Olivia’s as she listened to Olivia’s whispered response. But when Olivia finished, Evelyn decided that they only way to see if their walls were still there was to kiss her. Although truthfully Evelyn knew that was only an excuse she quickly made up since she had already wanted to kiss Olivia. Of course she still wasn’t sure of the response she would get from doing it, but after what they had said she also didn’t care. Not even Nancy would be able to stop her. She loved Olivia, she still had when she had left, & still did now. Olivia clearly felt the same, so Nancy should know that, so hopefully she would just keep her mouth shut about it.

She smiled at Olivia’s response to the kiss, stroking her face. “No, I am sorry but I am pretty sure neither of us are dreaming.” It was then that Nancy appeared; the only warning was of Olivia glancing up & behind Evelyn who had had her back to the counter. Evelyn braced herself for a lot worse than what was said. Nancy had just politely asked them to leave, & had seemed happy for them. Well she was probably happier for Olivia than for Evelyn, but that was just a small detail. Evelyn had forgotten about the water, & for some reason watched Nancy take them & go wash the glasses out. But she turned back to Olivia when she spoke. “That’s a good idea. Maybe we could go to your apartment?” Evelyn stood up as Olivia asked Nancy if she needed any help, missing the silent answer since her back was still facing the counter. She then followed Olivia out, resisting the urge to take her hand. It was one thing to show affection inside the cafe, another to do it outside where her parents may just be waiting in the shadows to jump out & destroy everything. Well at least one of their new friends; who would be quick to inform Maxwell & Lyn of their daughter’s ‘strange’ actions & behaviour; since neither would actually be hiding in the shadows, as that was slightly melodramatic.

[Olivia Fielding]

Olivia was not surprised by the look Evelyn gave her after suggesting cutting out parts of the brains, yet it did surprise her slightly when she said it was a good idea. “Well if it ever becomes possible we should do it then.” She continued, now completely joking, and hoping Evelyn would see that.

It was good to hear Evelyn laugh, despite her tears. Olivia had probably made her feel better by mentioning how she had spoken to photographs too. In truth all she had done was ask them why Evelyn had left, and if she would come back. They never answered, thankfully, though. Even when she had started telling them how she wished they would. She had never told anyone about that though, not until she said it to Evelyn. Nancy probably would have told her she was crazy and sent her to get help. Help; that was something Olivia really did not want. They would probably try fixing her childhood scars, and maybe even the part of her that allowed her to see ghosts. “It is fine, whenever you want to. I do not mind.” Olivia responded, brushing off Evelyn’s apology and offer to return the photographs. There was no need for saying sorry, and there would be time for things like returning photographs. It was not like Olivia owned them; they were as much Evelyn’s as Olivia’s.

Again there was no explanation provided for actions, yet there was really no need for that. Clearly they both wanted the same thing, so there was no need to check or wonder if it was okay. They were starting things where things were left off. Evelyn’s kiss caused nothing bad to happen; the only thing that happened was the start of the repairing of Olivia’s broken heart. That was a good thing. Their walls must not have returned, that was probably Evelyn’s reason for doing it; other than love.

Sorry? That word made no sense at first, but then Olivia realised that Evelyn did not mean it as an apology, she meant it as a reassurance. “Good. But if it is one, let’s never wake up.” Olivia replied, her tone slightly joking, though she meant what she said. Nodding at Evelyn’s suggestion, Olivia stood up without saying anything in response. She had n problem with them going back to her apartment, and she knew Evelyn’s would be out of the question. Who knew how close Evelyn’s parents were actually living to her, or how often they would drop by. Evelyn may choose to one day introduce Olivia to them, but today was far from an appropriate day for that.

Since Nancy needed no help, Olivia turned to leave knowing Evelyn would follow, though she would have missed the silent answer. Olivia was unsure if she should hold Evelyn’s hand. They had done that before, but usually not in public. It was not something that had ever spoken about, just something they had naturally done. Olivia did it out of respect for those who feared homosexuals and homosexual behaviour, yet she never questioned Evelyn for her reasons. Glancing at Evelyn, Olivia saw she seemed to be lost in her own thoughts. “A penny for your thoughts?” Olivia used a line she knew Evelyn would not like, but had always amused Olivia.

Reaching her car, Olivia unlocked it and slipped in. After putting on her seatbelt, she waited for Evelyn to do the same before starting the car. Remembering the last song she had been listening to, Olivia changed it, but not before it had to play the line about being in the bed with her head in the pillow crying over a break-up. Not the best song or best part of the song, but hopefully Evelyn would know the song and remember her love for Reba’s music and just presume that was why it was playing. “Feel free to change the song if you wish.” The song that came on next was a lot safer to listen to, a love song even, but still Olivia had to tell Evelyn that. She knew that there was only so much Reba that Evelyn could take, and would never want to annoy her with it.

OOC - The song I changed was Strange, and then But Why came on when I was finishing the post so that was the next song I was talking about. And the last part was not godmoding as Chelle and I spoke about it and she is fine with me saying that Evelyn does not really like Reba's songs/music. Sorry again for the delay/wait.

[Evelyn Tierney]

Evelyn smiled, shaking her head at Olivia when it became clear that she was joking. There was no way it would become possible to cut parts of their brains out, & no way that Olivia would be able to get Evelyn to have it done either. In truth Evelyn probably would try stop Olivia having it done if it did become possible.

She was going to respond when Olivia said there was no rush for her to return the photos, but the way Olivia acted about it made her think better of it. Olivia was right to say it, as it wasn’t like they actually were Olivia’s photos. They both owned them. They just always stayed at Olivia’s apartment. That was mainly since they both had been living there, but also in the back of her mind Evelyn didn’t want the ‘evidence’ of their relationship somewhere where her parents might find them. If she wasn’t going to put the photos up for show, then there was no point in having them. Of course now they were hidden in a box under Evelyn’s bed; along with any signs of her Wiccan practices. Some things were best to remain unknown & kept hidden; at least when her parents were concerned. So instead of saying anything, Evelyn just nodded in agreement; although she knew that she probably would return them as soon as possible. Now that she had Olivia back she had no use for them.

When Olivia said ‘let’s never wake up’ it caused Evelyn to laugh. “Trust me, if it is a dream I have no plans on waking up any time soon.” Evelyn’s voice held some reassurance, as well as amusement. She wasn’t quite sure where the question about waking up from a dream had come from, but she hoped Olivia would be able to see that it wasn’t a dream & that she really was back soon.

Evelyn had made the suggestion for them to go to Olivia’s apartment over hers mainly because that’s where they usually went. There was also the fact that Evelyn had no idea if or when her parents would show up. They liked to pop in unexpectedly, usually when she was just getting home from work, or at least on a daily basis. Evelyn knew it was their way of watching out for her, but sometimes it was plain annoying. Now wasn’t the time to explain who Olivia was either. If she said that she had been her friend for years, they probably would ask why Olivia had never come over before. It wasn’t that they would be suspecting that Evelyn was lying, or that there would be more to the relationship; that would just be there way of looking out for & checking up on Evelyn. Evelyn didn’t really want to put Olivia into the line of her parent’s fire either. It would be best to keep Olivia & her parents separated for as long as possible.

Outside Evelyn caught up to Olivia, but didn’t say anything to her. It was for that reason that Olivia had probably questioned what was on her mind. Shaking her head, Evelyn signed softly. “I’m just thinking about stupid things. Don’t you know by now that my mind is worth more than some stupid penny?” Evelyn chose not to comment more than that on Olivia’s use of that annoying saying, despite how annoying she found it. “Really to sum it up, I was just thinking about what my parents would think of you, how they would react to just meeting you without knowing any real details about us... Nothing too exciting. Although I was also considering the possibility that they follow me around, & are now going to jump out from the shadows & destroy everything. I’m sure you would find that interesting.”

It wasn’t too long before they reached Olivia’s car. Evelyn walked around to the other side, hoping in & doing up the seatbelt. When Olivia started the car, a song started but Olivia quickly changed it. All Evelyn got from it was some line about being in the bed with a head in the pillow crying over a breakup. Just that fact made Evelyn smile, wondering what song Olivia had been listening to, & why she felt the need to quickly change it. Could she have been listening to break-up songs for the past three months? But when Olivia mentioned that she could change the music if she wished, Evelyn picked up her iPod & saw the artist. Seeing that it was Olivia’s favourite artist, Evelyn couldn’t have been sure of her reasons for listening to anything. Olivia could happily listen to any Reba song over & over, for no real reason other than her love for Reba’s songs. “It won’t kill me to listen to a few Reba songs for a little while.” In truth it actually was nice to hear some Reba songs after all this time. It surprised Evelyn that it was almost like she missed it; she must have just been so used to hearing it regularly. The song playing wasn’t too bad either. It sounded like a sweet love song. “This is from her latest album isn’t it?” Evelyn questioned, remembering that she actually didn’t mind a few of the songs from it.

OOC: This must be my longest post ever, there's a random fact for you... some things i didn't see the point in really responding to as it would just be dragging that part out & really felt we could move on from the cafe... didn't want to move past the car trip as i can't really comment on Olivia's apartment seeing as it would have changed in the 3 months since Evelyn left there. & i don't care how long you take to respond, i know what your mother is like & that you have to help with the baby

[Olivia Fielding]

It was nice to hear that Evelyn felt the same way as her. “Good, we will dream forever then.” Olivia continued; amusement as clear in her voice as it had been in Evelyn’s. Olivia did not know where she had gotten the ‘it was all a dream’ idea from; it just came to mind so she had said it. She vaguely remembered reading it in some stupid love series she had read just because they were popular at the time. Maybe that is where it had emerged from. But really the origin of the thought did not matter, the fact that Evelyn never wanted to wake up either did. And since neither really were sleeping, the fact that Evelyn was really back and still loved her was the important thing. They were the only thoughts running through Olivia’s head as she spoke with Nancy, then Evelyn about leaving. It was like she was not fully there in the conversation, but still functioning normally enough for neither of the other women to notice.

Outside it surprised Olivia when Evelyn didn’t really react much to the line she had used, but she did not comment on that. Instead she chose to mainly refer to the earlier part of Evelyn’s response. “What type of stupid things? Not ones which would screw with your thinking until you disappear again I hope. I know it is worth far more than all the money in the world. But I also do not have a penny to give you anyway.” There was something about Evelyn that made Olivia speak honestly, without actually thinking about what she was saying. She had no idea why she had mentioned the part about Evelyn disappearing again since it would probably reveal how much it had hurt Olivia when Evelyn did that. Along with pointing out that Olivia was going to have a hard time really getting over and past that fact and pain. “Really I find anything you say interesting.” Olivia stopped herself from continuing and saying something like ‘especially since I have not heard you say anything at all for three months’. “Seriously though; your parents would do that? Maybe you just need to give them a chance, see what they are like when exposed to the possibility that their precious daughter may be in a relationship with a woman?”

Olivia could not tell if Evelyn had remembered about Reba being her favourite singer or not. She had only mentioned Reba after looking at Olivia’s iPod, so could have just been reading the artist name. “Oh you never know. Maybe her songs are suddenly murderous.” Olivia responded, secretly happy to hear Evelyn was not going to change the music. It was not like the trip from the cafe to Olivia’s apartment was very long; Olivia just really enjoyed her music over well any other music. Of course that did not stop her from having other music on her iPod, she just usually only ever listed to Reba; at least when she was alone anyway. She did however allow people the option to change the music, since she could understand that country is not really a lot of peoples taste. “What?” Olivia glanced at Evelyn when she asked about the album. “Yeah, it would be. Why?” Olivia was not sure what Evelyn was really asking, or if it she was just using it as safe conversation because she was not sure of anything else to say.

Arriving at her apartment building, they silently went up to Olivia’s apartment. Again Olivia resisted the urge to hold Evelyn’s hand as they went up the stairs. She did not want to seem like she was dragging Evelyn along. Yet there was also the uncertainty that was within her. She hated that she had no idea what was the right and wrong things to do now. There was even some doubt as to if all this was a good idea. Too many thoughts were travelling through Olivia’s mind, that she was glad when they reached her apartment on the second floor. Inside they would be able to sit and talk, and hopefully all those thoughts would just go away.

Olivia’s apartment was not much, and never really changed. She had never seen the point in changing something that she could live in happily, and it was not like her job made it so she could afford to change anything too often. It was a simple three roomed apartment, with creamy walls and enough room to live in. The current state of the apartment may have looked like it was not even lived in though. Recent circumstances causing Olivia to clean anything and everything just to keep her mind occupied. “Have a seat wherever.” Olivia said to Evelyn, moving her hand in the direction of the lounge and table. She then quickly slipped into her room to put her bag away and change out of the annoying uniform. Once she was then dressed in black pants and blue cotton halter top. Returning to the main room she smiled at Evelyn. “Anything I can get for you?” She asked before sitting with her.

OOC - Well done then, and thanksyou for the random fact. I also skipped over a few things, agreeing that it would be best to just move on from the cafe. I am not in a describing mood, so only small basic descriptions of Olivia's apartment given. Sorry. If you want to say anything about something I never mentioned, you know how to contact me about it.

[Evelyn Tierney]

Olivia it seemed didn’t even care that Evelyn never commented on her use of the annoying saying. Or at least she never commented on the fact that Evelyn didn’t. Or maybe Evelyn just didn’t want to answer Olivia’s question so she was concentrating on trivial facts. Maybe she was also trying to ignore the pain that was revealed in Olivia’s words. The past three months were going to take some time to move past. Evelyn wasn’t going to forgive herself for the pain she clearly put Olivia through easily either. When Evelyn did respond to Olivia’s question she smiled at Olivia’s response. “Well that is funny as I find everything you say interesting too.”

“Well ok so they wouldn’t actually jump out of from the shadows, but I am sure that they would do anything & everything to keep me from you if they found out.” Evelyn shook her head at Olivia’s suggestion. “I am pretty sure it would take a miracle for my parents to see homosexuality as anything other than wrong & evil, & even then I’m still not sure they would accept this.” Evelyn used her right hand to point at them both as she said ‘accept this’. “Trust me, I know my parents well enough to know what they think about most things. They would never accept my Wiccan beliefs or that I love you. So it’s best to just keep them out of things.”

In the car the conversation changed to just talking about music. “Well then maybe I will change the music then.” Evelyn teased, but left the music alone. It felt good right now, without any tension in the air or between them. But Evelyn knew that once they were at Olivia’s they most likely would return to the earlier conversation as they really did need to talk about serious things. This included the fact that Evelyn’s parents would never accept, but would have to find out. Evelyn’s question about which album the song was from had confused Olivia, which only made Evelyn smile. “I thought so. I remember that I didn’t mind a few of the songs from it, even maybe liked one or two.” Evelyn wasn’t sure why she asked, she had just said the question that had come to mind. “Just wondering since I could remember not minding some of the songs.” She finally answered after a minute or so.

They apartment building was familiar to Evelyn, she had lived there for a year & it had only been three months though so really that was no surprise. Olivia’s apartment was all Evelyn really expected to have changed. Olivia’s apartment was only on the second floor, unlike Evelyn’s own which was on the fifth of her building. Evelyn had to doubt that Olivia would want to be much higher than the second or third floor of a building as she knew that she had a fear of heights. Whenever she had gone to Evelyn’s apartment she had stayed away from windows which would remind her of how far up she actually was. Truthfully Evelyn always found that to be cute, but she would never actually mention that to Olivia in case it seemed like she was picking on her fears.

When Olivia opened the door to her apartment, Evelyn entered first taking in the fact that little had changed. The main thing she noticed was how clean it was. Unlived in type of clean. Evelyn knew that Olivia cleaned to keep her mind occupied, so to distract herself. That was another stab in Evelyn’s heart to make her never want to forgive herself for hurting Olivia. Of course there may have been another reason to make Olivia want to clean so much, but Evelyn automatically just presumed it was because of her. When Olivia told her to have a seat, Evelyn chose to sit on the lounge. She looked around the familiar apartment, taking in how much hadn’t changed. Sure there were a few photos missing, & it was clear now that only Olivia lived there; but really everything else seemed to be the same. Despite this, which should have been comforting; Evelyn didn’t exactly feel at ease sitting there. She really wanted to know what was the reason behind Olivia’s cleaning; if it was her.

After a few minutes Olivia returned to the room, now no longer in her uniform. Evelyn couldn’t help but look over Olivia’s change in outfit. “Still hate your uniform I see.” She teased, remembering Olivia’s dislike for it. “No, I am right.” Evelyn shook her head as Olivia sat down next to her. Turning to face her, Evelyn asked her what she had to know. “Liv is there anything wrong? The cleaning it..well has me concerned.” Evelyn glanced around the room before continuing. “About how you are. You never really answered earlier.”