Daylight

EIGHT

Victoria...

I'm still here. In the bathroom, staring at myself and the vomit in the sink. I didn't have much to eat today, and with all the change and meeting Elizabeth Russo/ Cruz, the presumed dead sister and being in danger from Victor Russo...

I couldn't do it. I couldn't handle it.

My skin has more tan now, from the summer and days in the sun with Charles and Aaron. My hair has grown a darker brown, and been cut short for style.

I am nothing like the girl I used to be, who had been starved and sustained with alchohol. Who had her hair tugged for any purpose Dan wanted.

I am not that girl anymore.

I'm stronger - Aaron and Charles made me strong!

But I feel so weak.

Suddenly, the door opens, and in walked Elizabeth. She takes one sink away from me, and splashes water on her face.

"Rought day?" She asks.

I scoff and wash the sink. "I've been bitten and scratched by a dog, Elizabeth Russo appeared out of no where - and you look like Aaron's sister - oh, and I haven't eaten!"

"I like how you make me sound, Tori."

I roll my eyes and wipe my hands. I throw away the paper, but I stand still.

I can feel her eyes and thoughts on my spine.

"Was there something else?" I ask, and turn around. Not to my surprise, she's staring right at me.

"I just wonder, how are you dealing with all this? Everything is moving pretty quickly." She leans on the sink, while I stay standing by the wall.

"I don't think I am. And I don't want to have this going on long enough, for me to have to deal with it."

"How are you feeling about keeping my secret?" She pushes.

I sigh and shake my head. "I don't like lying to him. But Aaron doesn't deserve to have all of that, not now when things are crazy. I do wish you'd tell him though. I don't see the problem... you can end his mystery now. Solve the problem."

"It wont be easy, Victoria." She says, an I sigh, knowing the answer. "And this process certainly wont be fast."

"Right... then, I guess theres nothing I can do."

I open the door and let her walk out.  I really can't say I don't like Elizabeth. I know her from the good stories Aaron told me. But she's someone else now, influenced by Russo. She's half a human, I think.

I follow behind her until we reach the lobby again. Charles is there now, talking with Aaron.

"So?" Elizabeth asks, and gets Charlie's attention.

"Well, neither thought it was necessary, but we will have another agent to stay with us. It's only half safe." He sighed.

I gulp and clench my stomach slowly, trying not to attract any attention.

"Shame. I really didn't want to kill anyone."

"What?"

"I'm joking!" Elizabeth throws her hands up. "But don't think I wont shoot Vic if he comes after me."

"Why would you know how to use a gun?" Aaron snapped.

"I thought you saw the picture I showed Charles."

Aaron shook his head in disappointment, and from the corner of my eye, I could see a small half smile on Elizabeth's lips. It was moments like now, when he was hurting and she was Void of  knowing, that I felt sorry for her.

Something changed her. Someone. And I bet she's fighting constantly to keep still and not hug the life out of him.

I really do feel sorry.

I pry my eyes away from her before she notices the pity. Charles leads us out, and by the time were all in the car, Charlie and Aaron have made up.

I know, because they are holding hands. God, what a bunch of lovesick lovebirds.

I smile faintly and brace myself for the next day.

A day full of hiding and spilling beans and tea.

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