Rebuilding A Home

In a Past Life

Back in the house, Bobby and Sofi returned to the dining table to finish bandaging up his bleeding wound. Again Bobby winced from the sting of the hydrogen peroxide, Sofi rolled her eyes at him as she wiped the last of the blood before placing gauze over the bites. Feeling her stomach begin to rumble, Olivia walked to the kitchen to rifle around the refrigerator for something to eat. There weren't many food options seeing as there were three males presently living in the house - all who had big appetites. Sighing, Olivia closed the fridge door and jumped seeing Jackie at the doorway.

"Don't sneak up on me," she spoke almost breathless, hand over her chest.

"Where were you last night?" he asked a little too quickly, completely ignoring her plea.

"Why does it matter?" she asked, moving to the cupboards hunting for pretzels to snack on.

"How can you be back with him after he hurt you?" Freezing, Olivia's brow arched. Turning to look at him, she couldn't help but try and understand where he was coming from.

After Bobby had left all those years ago, Olivia called Jackie to see if his band was playing anywhere near her.

Tears flowed relentlessly down her pale cheeks as her determined fingers dialed the number to the only person Olivia knew would comfort her. The dial tone was loud as she waited, her leg bouncing in anticipation. Finally, the familiar voice of Jackie Mercer came on the line. "Jackie, it's Olivia," she spoke through a hoarse voice. He didn't say it, but she knew in his tone he was surprised to hear from her, but what she didn't know was how Jackie really was surprised to hear the sorrow in her voice and obviously held sobs. Jackie knew, in his time of knowing Olivia, there wasn't much to make her feel vulnerable; she was strong, a fighter.

He sparked up conversation in an effort to help her forget about whatever it was hurting her. Olivia was thankful for this and mentally kicked herself for not having more contact with Jackie before. His tactic was the same she would use whenever he wasn't in the right mental state when they were kids.

"Look Jackie, I appreciate what you're trying to do for me, but I really need to see you; are you anywhere near New York City?" He informed her he was in Manhattan with the band and he could meet her anywhere after his set. Olivia chose the Disiac Lounge where she knew she would be able to get proper drinks as well as a calming atmosphere. On her drive, she quickly called the station to call off the next day. Her boss was surprised as she never took off, but after a brief explanation on a 'personal matter', he wished her well. Thanking him, Olivia hung up with and pulled into a parking spot right by the bar. She spotted Jackie waiting for her outside; with a smile, Liv approached him. "Thank you for coming," she said as his arms embraced her.

"Anything for you, Livy." Holding the door open for her, the woman walked in and immediately felt relaxed. Lights were dimmed, the live band playing strummed a soothing melody as bar patrons held conversations with their guests. Jackie kindly took Olivia's coat for her as they walked to the counter. Ordering a dry martini, the boy looked to her, confused. "What's going on Olivia?" he asked after ordering a simple beer for himself. Taking down a big gulp of her drink, she peered up at the man. At that moment she realized she couldn't hold back the tears anymore. They began spilling at an unprecedented rate. "My God Liv, what happened?" Jackie snaked his arm around her shoulders, trying his best to comfort her.

"Bobby left me," she spoke after a few minutes of trying to compose herself. However, with the words came more sobs. Jack pulled her closer, both his arms wrapping around her as she cried in his chest. Despite his hand reaching up to stroke her hair, Olivia still felt defeated.

"Everything will be okay, Liv. You're better than him, you know that." She wanted to believe him, put on her big girl panties, wipe her tears away and move on, but Olivia was hurt. She looked up to him and as she did, Jackie wiped away the tears on her cheeks. Wrapping his arms around her again, the man shushed her. "Everything will be okay," he repeated. Nodding, she grabbed her martini, gulping it down to the last drop.