Always Okay | (Adopted By Elizabeth Olsen)

Chapter 36

*Apologizes in advance, this isn't the greatest chapter, but it's the set up for a very emotional one (coming soon)

Word Count: 3802

Alexis's POV

When I woke up the next morning, Lizzie was already gone. I sat up in the bed and carefully scanned the room as usual, but this time with a sinking feeling. I didn't have a nightmare and I was proud of that but I wish she was still here right now. I know it's ridiculous but I like knowing she hasn't left me because she's right beside me.

My mind was started racing as I started thinking about all the possible places Lizzie could be. I tried to push those thoughts away placed my bear on the nightstand on my side of the bed and got out of the bed. I noticed my notebook was still stuffed under the mattress as I had left it, it looked a little different but that's probably just because of the bed moving while we were asleep.

I pulled the door open and headed straight for the kitchen. I stayed silent, not sure of who was there and what was going on. Just as I neared the corner, I heard their voices grow louder. I peeked around the corner and saw Lizzie and Aunt Mary-Kate. I didn't want to interrupt just yet, in fact, I was a bit curious to hear what they had to say, so I stayed hidden in the dark hallway.

"What happened to Alexis's head?"  Lizzie asked.

"Scarlett said she fell off the couch and hit it on the coffee table, they had just finished bandaging it right before I arrived," Aunt MK explained.

"Oh, I'll take a look at it later today. Did Scarlett say anything about her sleeping or dinner?" Lizzie asked, as always she never fails to bring up my two greatest struggles at the moment; sleeping and eating.

"I don't think so, but I'm assuming Alexis wasn't awake when she fell off the couch. You could also just ask her?" Aunt MK suggested.

"No, it's okay. I don't want to set her off again," Lizzie sighed. Set me off? What does that mean? I'm not a ticking time bomb?

"You know, last night when I picked her up. We had a little chat about everything and I think maybe if you don't keep making these decisions for her ahead of time. She might actually talk to you," Aunt MK added. I mean she's not wrong, Lizzie makes a lot of decisions for me before I even know there are options. It's frustrating sometimes but also relieving at others.

"What do you mean? We do talk," Lizzie asked getting a bit defensive.

"I know you do but you guys are both overthinkers, drawing conclusions before someone even finishes their sentence. She's not a normal kid, she was forced to grow up too quickly, so maybe give her a chance to express herself like how you would a friend?" Aunt MK suggested. I like the sound of that as a friend. I've never had one of those, not that I know of. I could use one of those. But Lizzie isn't my friend, right? Like your parents aren't your friends? Or are they?

"She's eleven?" Lizzie retorted.

"Yes, but she has the maturity of someone much older," Aunt MK defended.

"I just want her to know that she can be a kid again. I want her to know that she doesn't need to worry about when her next meal will be, whether or not the adults are drunk and coming home, or if it'll be okay to sleep at night," Lizzie said defeatedly.

"Did she sleep okay last night?" Aunt MK asked.

"Yeah, that's why I didn't wake her when I got up this morning," Lizzie explained simply. Well, I guess that makes sense, but I'd still rather have her with me than have to worry about where she went. Wait that sounded stupid and so childish. I don't need Lizzie to be beside me all day, that's not necessary. I don't need Lizzie, right? I mean I've survived long enough without a parent, so why would I need one now?