Daydreamer (Evelyn/Olivia)

[Charlotte Hudson]

Houston, TX
Monday, 14th June 2010

It was the middle of the afternoon when Charlotte got off the bus. It had been a very long trip, what with having to sit on the bus seventeen hours, and that didn't include stopping at certain areas. So in total it took Charlotte twenty hours to finally reach Houston, Texas. As she stepped off the bus, Charlotte looked around, and found herself getting a little excited and nervous at the same time. The last time she was here, it was for a school trip, and now that was all behind her.

Charlotte had decided to defer a year of collage to persue her dreams of being a star on stage. Her love of broadway had always been her motivation to continue on with what she wanted to finally achieve, and being in the Glee club at school had definitely helped a lot. So now she was here to check out what she could sink her teeth into in a way of auditions.

A couple of days earlier Charlotte had contacted Olivia, who she had befriended when she was on that school trip, stating what her plans were for the next few months. So after the conversation, Charlotte made her decision to come and see what was to offer in Houston. She wandered over to the pile of luggage near the bus that the bus driver had taken out now, and Charlotte spotted her large pink suitcase that was on wheels, and another smaller one on top of that, with gold stars all over it. She smiled, and quickly walked over to it, and grabbed a hold of the handle, making it extend out. She turned, and wheeled her bags towards the woman who was checking their tickets. Charlotte smiled brightly at her, but all she got was nothing from the woman. She raised her eyebrows, and then took the ticket from the woman, and made her way to the sidewalk.

Charlotte spotted a bench near the entrance, and walked over to it, and sat down. She quickly pushed the handle down, and looked around, wondering if she should wander to where the theatre district was, or just wait and see if Olivia would come and meet her. Charlotte pulled her phone out, and text Olivia.

Hey, it's Charlotte. Just sitting outside the bus terminal. Where did you want to meet?

Charlotte sent the text, and waited for a reply.

[Olivia Fielding]

Since the start of the month a few things had changed for Olivia. At the start she had barely been speaking to her girlfriend and had been questioning their relationship. Now they were living together again. That had been Evelyn’s parents fault though, not that it was a bad thing, but if it had not been for the way her father had reacted Olivia doubted Evelyn would have been so unwilling to return to her own apartment. Evelyn moving in with her had worked out good when Olivia had been contacted by a girl from Chicago she had met at the cafe Olivia worked at. Charlotte had told her about her plans to come and see what she could do in the theatre district of Houston. In their discussion Olivia had suggested, with Evelyn’s permission, that Charlotte stay in a recently vacated apartment of a friend of hers. She did not mention exactly what type of a friend Evelyn was.

It was now Monday, and one of the rare times that Olivia had a day off at the same time as Evelyn. It actually was Evelyn’s day off though, unlike Olivia who had swapped days because of Charlotte’s arrival. The day had been spent, much like the weekend; making sure Evelyn’s things were now at Olivia’s - or their - apartment, so Evelyn’s would be ready for Charlotte’s arrival. Olivia was not sure how long it would take Charlotte to get from Chicago to Houston by bus, but knew it would take most of the day. If she wanted exact numbers she probably could have asked Evelyn, since she had lived there originally. All Olivia felt she really should know was that Charlotte would arrive sometime in the afternoon though, hours were not that important.

When Olivia received the text from Charlotte saying she had arrived, she sent one back.

Hey Charlotte. How about I meet you there? - Olivia

“That was Charlotte. You want to come with me?” Olivia asked Evelyn, looking over to her. Evelyn had never met Charlotte, Olivia had explained how she had met Charlotte and how Charlotte had told her about her plans to be in theatre, so she at least would know a little bit about who Charlotte was.

At the bus terminal Olivia soon saw Charlotte seated on a bench near the entrance. “Hey Charlotte, this is Evelyn. My friend, who owns the apartment you will be staying in. Did you have a good trip?” She said, sitting down next to Charlotte and introducing Evelyn.

[Evelyn Tierney]

Everything of importance had now been moved. It had taken three days, simply because this time around more was being moved across & because they were not completely in a rush. One thing which dawned on Evelyn, that she wasn’t going to bring up to Olivia, was the fact that it took them the three days to move her belongings over, but it had only taken Evelyn one day to leave. But her leaving wasn’t something Evelyn was about to bring up. Not now that things were finally, most likely back to how they had been. Well other than the fact that now her parents knew the truth, & now Evelyn still had the bruises to show what her father thought of it. After nine days the bruises were fading as they were now more yellow & brown in colour, but Evelyn could still see them & she knew Olivia could too. Sadly the one on the left side of her face was that little bit more visible than the ones on her wrists.

Once all that was left in what was now her old apartment was basic furnishings & a few necessities that Charlotte would need, Evelyn & Olivia had returned to what was now their apartment. Evelyn sat watching TV, not really paying attention to what was going on, while waiting for Olivia’s friend, Charlotte, to arrive. Evelyn hadn’t met Charlotte, but Olivia had told her about her when she had asked if Charlotte could stay in Evelyn’s apartment since it wasn’t being used. From what Olivia said, Evelyn presumed she was a nice girl, but she honestly didn’t mind someone she didn’t know staying in the apartment. If Olivia was friends with her, then Evelyn would be nice to, & maybe even friends with, the girl.

Around midafternoon Evelyn heard Olivia’s phone go off when she received the text from Charlotte. Evelyn glanced in Olivia’s direction as Olivia responded to the text. When Olivia sent her message & asked if she would go with her, Evelyn nodded. “Ok, sure.” She said as if she didn’t really care if she went with Olivia or not. Truthfully she didn’t particularly like being left alone, she was still feeling that little bit vulnerable that she would prefer to follow Olivia around, even with her bruises, than sit alone in the apartment. Even if this one was safe from her father’s anger & upset since he didn’t know where it was.

When they reached the bus terminal, Evelyn absentmindedly made her hair fall over the left side of her face, covering what was left of the fading bruise. Something she had started doing the week before when it had happened. Evelyn followed Olivia over to a dark haired girl sitting on one of the benches near the entrance with her luggage. She smiled at the girl when Olivia introduced her, standing near where Olivia sat down. It was sort of like she was hovering around her, but in some ways she was.

[Charlotte Hudson]

Charlotte checked her phone for any other messages she might have, but there was nothing. It wasn't that surprising as Charlotte was never that popular at school, despite her shining talent. Though for Charlotte, she just thought that they were just jealous as they didn't have any like she did. Just as she was about to put her phone in her bag, it told her she had a message. Charlotte looked at the reply message from Olivia, and she instantly smiled, then Charlotte text back:

Sounds fantastic!

Charlotte sent the message, and then placed her phone just inside the pocket of her bag. She hoped that she would recognise Olivia, though for Charlotte, she never forgot a person who was nice to her. It was just the way she was brought up. And really for Charlotte, there were not a lot of people who were nice to her, so she took the friends she could have where possible.

After a while, Charlotte looked up and soon saw Olivia walking towards her. A bright smile spead across her face, feeling like she was going to be okay. She listened to what Olivia had to say, and eyed off Olivia for a second, before returning her gaze to Olivia, who was now sitting next to her. "Hey. I had a good trip, despite it taking forever by bus. But what can you do when you want something so bad." Charlotte then looked at Olivia, giving her a small smile, then extended her hand to her, Charlotte Hudson. Pleasure to meet you. I am so grateful for you letting me stay at your old apartment. I am sure it will be fine for me to stay in.

Charlotte noticed a slight mark, or something on Evelyn face, and without making out she was staring, she quickly looked at Olivia. "So are we okay to go to the apartment first? If not that is okay, I just want to offload all of my belongings before I go on a search around the Theatre District that was all, and I would hate for my personal things to be in the way." Charlotte looked around, and wondered how far it was, as what she had was a bit heavy, but if it was she would learn to take care of herself for now.

[Olivia Fielding]

The time it took to get the apartment ready was a few days, but Olivia had not wanted to push Evelyn. She knew Evelyn was not comfortable in her own apartment anymore; that was part of the reason why they had decided to move back in together. Another being the fact that Olivia could not get Evelyn to leave her apartment and return to her own. But Olivia had not minded the company, even if she had to continuously see what damage her being in a relationship with Evelyn had done.

The hand marks on Evelyn’s wrists, though they had almost faded, were still visible to Olivia who knew they were there. No matter how many times Evelyn made her hair fall over her face, Olivia could still see the one there too. She knew what it was like to have a parent hit you, but when she had seen what had happened to Evelyn she had been completely surprised. Of anything Evelyn shared of her parents, she honestly had thought they loved her and were nothing like her own father.

When Olivia asked if Evelyn would go with her to meet Charlotte, she was not surprised that Evelyn said she would. Sure Evelyn had said it more like she did not care, but Olivia had been around Evelyn for the past week. She knew that Evelyn was more likely to follow her around than be left alone. Olivia could understand her feelings of vulnerability, she had felt those feelings herself. “Sounds like a plan then.” She said, giving Evelyn a concerned look before looking back at her phone to read the reply from Charlotte.

It did not take too long for Olivia to drive to the bus terminal. She noticed the way Evelyn made her hair fall over her face again and gave her a smile and squeezed her hand before letting it go again. It was her way of reassuring Evelyn that she should stop thinking about what happened and what people might think of what was left of the bruises. Olivia then quickly located Charlotte, using her memory of what her friend had looked like a few months ago. Evelyn followed her, continuing to be her shadow.

Olivia smiled back at Charlotte before speaking to her. “I am sure it did take forever, although I never had been to Chicago myself.” Olivia sympathised with Charlotte’s comment about it taking a long time. “That is good that it was a good trip though, despite the length.” Olivia looked between Evelyn and Charlotte when Charlotte introduced herself to Evelyn. She probably should have done that as well as telling Charlotte what Evelyn’s name was. If Charlotte noticed the marks on Evelyn’s face, Olivia did not notice before Charlotte had turned back to her and started talking again. Waiting until Charlotte finished what she was saying, Olivia nodded. “Of course we can go there first; whatever you want to do.”

“Where I parked is not too far away, and then it should not take too long to get to the apartment. Then I can take you to the Theatre District if you like?” Olivia glanced at Evelyn, presuming she would follow still even if it meant walking around in a public location.

[Evelyn Tierney]

Evelyn could question if Olivia blamed herself or their relationship for the bruises, but she kept those thoughts to herself. She doubted she would get a truthful answer if Olivia did, so would have no way of really knowing if Olivia was lying to her or not. Then there was always avoidance, where they could dance around the fact that both of them were very much aware of the bruises & why exactly Evelyn didn’t want to return to her apartment, yet never saying a thing about them. Evelyn was just in a vulnerable state, Olivia would understand that. Nothing needed to be said of it all.

The vulnerability was what caused Evelyn to want to be in the presence of others. She knew Olivia would know that, as she would have noticed her slightly clinging and shadowing behaviour. Then there was the fact that Olivia had experience with abuse, so probably knew the feelings Evelyn had well. Yet Evelyn presumed Olivia was more likely to have retreated away from others and preferred to be alone. Nodding at what Olivia said Evelyn gave her a smile. “Don’t look at me like that, I am fine.” Evelyn insisted in response to Olivia’s concerned look.

Evelyn knew she should stop thinking about things, she hadn’t consciously moved her hair over the bruise. It just had become a habit she naturally was doing now. Olivia had tried to make her feel better though, & in some ways it did. It made her smile as she followed Olivia to where Olivia found Charlotte. Evelyn loved that Olivia understood & didn’t use useless words to comfort her. Just the little things were enough. They weren’t too open with their relationship in public anyway; Evelyn doubted this Charlotte girl would know anything about it either.

Her thoughts were proved in Evelyn’s mind when Olivia said ‘my friend Evelyn’. Evelyn was quiet as Olivia & Charlotte spoke; only once speaking, to quietly say “around twenty hours.” When Olivia made her comment about Charlotte’s trip taking forever. Evelyn hadn’t travelled between Houston & Chicago since moving to Houston back when she was around Charlotte’s age, but she still knew how far away it was. It would be how far she would have to go if she ever wanted to see her sister.

Taking Charlotte’s hand she smiled again at the girl. “Evelyn Tierney, pleasure to meet you too. It’s really no problem for you to stay there. Good to have a use for it, especially since it would cost you a bit if you were to stay in a motel for however long you choose to stay here. At least this way you have somewhere to stay indefinitely.” She provided her full name, despite Olivia’s earlier comment which had told Charlotte what her first name was. Evelyn saw the way Charlotte quickly looked back to Olivia, wondering what the reason behind that was. She presumed she knew though. It was good of Charlotte not to question the marks. An explanation would also mean outing Olivia, as well as herself, she realised & bit her lip wondering just exactly what Charlotte knew & how much she could say if the bruises were questioned.

Charlotte’s comment about going to the apartment first made sense. There was no reason for her to keep her luggage with her when she went to the Theatre District. Evelyn saw the look Olivia gave her, & rolled her eyes. “I am taking your advice, along with following you Olivia. I thought you knew that.” She said in a patronising voice. “Here let me help you with your things.” She then offered Charlotte with a smile.

[Charlotte Hudson]

Charlotte raised her eyebrows, when Olivia said that she had never been to Chicago. "Really? Oh, you must come one day. But I have to warn you it is the windy city." She giggled a little, knowning that certain times of the year were very much like that. It was never good for her appearance, as Charlotte liked to look presentable at all times of the day. Charlotte nodded, when Olivia commented what she said about it being a good trip. She noticed Evelyn say something, but didn't quiet catch it, wondering what she had said.

When Charlotte had introduced herself to Evelyn, her hand was taken and she shook it. She smiled brightly at Evelyn as she gave her full name also, and commented about Charlotte staying in her empty apartment. Hearing about costs, she nodded, sighing, "I know. I have some money, and my father is going to try and help where he and my mother can. But I am hoping to find a job to earn money for myself. I would like very much to be independent. And thank you again." Charlotte was very grateful for what Olivia, and Evelyn, were doing to help her. She was very grateful for meeting Olivia all that time, which has worked for her.

After Charlotte had asked if they could go to the apartment first, Olivia said that they could in fact go there first. "Thanks." She had hoped they could, as she didn't want to continue to roll her bag around the town. Charlotte nodded, liking the idea of Olivia having a car. Hearing what she had in mind made Charlotte nod. "That would be great." She wanted to get a head start on finding out what she could sink her teeth into, in regards to any acting jobs going, or hopefully a singing part she could audition for.

Charlotte followed Olivia's gaze to Evelyn, and wondered what was wrong. When Evelyn spoke, she glanced away, not sure if she should be part of the conversation here. Hearing the tone Evelyn used towards Olivia, it made Charlotte feel very awkward, and almost felt like saying that she would wait in the car if they needed a private moment. But then Evelyn offered help with Charlotte's luggage. She gave Evelyn a warm smile, "Thanks. That would be great." Charlotte took off the smaller bag on top of the suitcase, and handed it to Evelyn, giving her a quick smile. She then turned to Olivia, "Lead the way."

[Olivia Fielding]

When Evelyn responded to Olivia giving her a concerned look Olivia shook her head at her. “How would you like me to look at you then shadow?” She both questioned and teased, since they both knew how Evelyn had been lately, and that she would follow Olivia anywhere so she was not left alone in her vulnerable state. Olivia just hoped that if Charlotte found out or worked out about her relationship with Evelyn, that it would not make her uncomfortable or anything like that.

At the bus terminal, Olivia had started talking to Charlotte while Evelyn had stood quietly near her. After Olivia mentioned how she had never been to Chicago, Charlotte said that she really should go there one day. She also heard the comment Evelyn made about it taking around twenty hours. “Well it is one place I have wanted to go, so maybe I will one day. It just has always been that little too far a trip for me to go alone.” Olivia shrugged, doubting that she would actually ever go to Chicago. She honestly could not see her ever leaving Houston. The only thing which would get Olivia to Chicago would be Evelyn, and she could not see her returning to Chicago any time soon since she was pretty sure Evelyn had never been back.

After Charlotte and Evelyn finished talking, Charlotte had made her comment about going to the apartment first, which Olivia had agreed to. Olivia smiled when Charlotte thanked her and said that it would be great. “That sounds like a plan then.” She said, referring to the plan to go to the theatre district after the apartment. It did not surprised Olivia that Evelyn had understood the glance she had given her, wondering if she would continue following. Sighing Olivia shook her head at Evelyn. “Okay. That is true, I did.” She said, choosing not to get into anything with Evelyn, and knowing from the tone of her voice that she most likely was just trying to get Olivia to stop being concerned about her. Or at least that is what Olivia hoped it meant, as she did not think Evelyn had a reason to be annoyed at her suddenly.

Olivia watched as Evelyn offered to help Charlotte, and as Charlotte handed her one of her bags. When Charlotte said to lead the way, Olivia nodded and stood up, walking behind Evelyn touching her free hand for a second whispering an apology for her looks of concern. “Sorry.” She did not think Charlotte would have seen her touch Evelyn’s hand or have heard her. She then led the way back to her silver Toyota Camry. “Here let me put this in for you.” She said, taking the larger bag off Charlotte and placing it in the boot. Although it may have been a tight fit Olivia managed to fit it in there easily. “You can put that in the back.” She suggested to Evelyn, since there was no room for the smaller bag.

[Evelyn Tierney]

Evelyn laughed a little when Olivia called her a shadow. It wasn’t really something to laugh about, as the reason why she was acting like Olivia’s shadow wasn’t funny. Yet the way Olivia put it made it seem that way, at least for a little while. “I probably would have gone too anyway.” She responded after a few seconds.

When it was mentioned about how Olivia had never been to Chicago Evelyn smiled. She could change that if Olivia really wanted, & she would be making it so Olivia wouldn’t be alone. All she would have to do is decide to visit her sister & take Olivia with her. Evelyn wasn’t too sure how much she wanted to do that though, but hearing Olivia say she wanted to go did give her another good reason why she should. When Charlotte had mentioned how Chicago was the windy city Evelyn had nodded in agreement. She remembered that, even though it had been back in around 26 years.

After introducing herself to Charlotte, Evelyn had then gone on to say how it was fine that Charlotte would be staying in her old apartment. Evelyn smiled & nodded at Charlotte’s response. “Well it is good that they will help you out with that. I remember the need to become independent though, I was the same when I was your age.” Evelyn had made the decision to move away from Chicago to get her independence, knowing if she was close to her parents she would never get it. That seemed like so long ago though.

Evelyn couldn’t help herself but respond to Olivia’s concerned & questioning glance, though she didn’t really mean anything by it, she was just picking on Olivia’s concern & the fact that Evelyn obviously would continue to follow. It was only after she had said it that she realised she probably made Charlotte uncomfortable. Luckily Olivia’s response was only an agreement, to which Evelyn had no response so she turned the conversation back to leaving by offering to help Charlotte with her things. “You’re welcome” Evelyn smiled, talking the small bag from Charlotte.

After being told to lead the way, Olivia had passed behind Evelyn. Evelyn felt her touch her hand, & heard the whispered apology. Not wanting to draw attention to what Olivia had done though, she didn’t respond. Instead she just smiled at Charlotte. “You go first.” She said, before following behind both Olivia & Charlotte back to where Olivia had parked her car. Evelyn stood watching as Olivia placed Charlotte’s larger bag in the boot, she wasn’t sure that both would fit so Olivia’s suggestion came to no surprise to her. After placing the smaller bag on the back seat, Evelyn hoped into the front passenger side, which would leave the back seat for Charlotte to sit; presumably behind Olivia unless she moved her bag.

Once Olivia started driving, Evelyn glanced back at Charlotte deciding to start a conversation with the girl so they wouldn’t sit in silence over the short trip. “What made you decide to come from Chicago to Houston? Was it just the theatre district itself or something else? If I remember correctly, Chicago does offer a number of theatres. Although Chicago does seem to have more major performances, so I guess getting into something probably will be easier here.” Evelyn had gone on a little, possibly answering her own questions.