Last Hope - (Sarah Paulson & Holland Taylor)

COLD

TW : Mention of Abuse

Sarah POV :

I let Elizabeth in the house and I saw her eyes opening wide as she discovered the big place she was going to stay in. Helena left after saying goodbye to Elizabeth with a cute hug and when she closed the door, The young girl jumped a little.

"So I'll show you around and then we'll start to unpacking in your room, is that okay Elizabeth ?" I asked her.

"It's Lizzie. And it's fine." She answered coldly.

I showed her the whole house, even the garden and the pool and then I took her to her bedroom. It was big and very bright, and she had her own bathroom with a bath, a shower, a dressing table...

"I hope you like it ! We can buy some new supplies if you want to." I suggested.

"Mmmmh." Was the only response I got.

Holland was downstairs, preparing dinner. I took one of Lizzie's bag to help her store her things but she suddenly pulled it very violently.

"Don't touch it !" She screamed.

"I'm sorry honey, I just wanted to help you. Do you want to do it alone ?" I asked her gently.

She just nodded and I left the room. I entered the kitchen and my expression must have been a little sad because Holland asked me what was happening.

"It's Lizzie, she doesn't want me to help her and I don't think she is comfortable here..."

Holland pulled me in a hug and whispered "She is here since less than an hour, you can't expect her to be immediately comfortable with us. Give her some time."

I kissed my lover and I helped her with the dinner.

When it was over, I came back to her bedroom. She was sitting on the edge of her bed, writing in a notebook. I knocked softly not to scare her but she just jumped a little.

"I'm sorry I didn't want to scare you. Dinner is ready sweetheart." I said with a little smile.

She closed her notebook and followed me downstairs. We all sat at the counter and I gave Lizzie a plate of lasagna.

"I hope you like lasagna !" I said enthusiastically, but Lizzie was looking at her plate and didn't say anything. We started eating in a heavy silence and Holland tried to speak to Lizzie.

"So how old are you Lizzie ?"

"Sixteen." She replied quietly.

"And where do you come from ?" I asked gently.

"I don't know." She whispered.

I gave a sad look to Holland who squeezed my hand, and continued the small talk as Lizzie was finishing her plate. "You must be tired, you can go to your room whenever you want darling."

Lizzie just nodded and took her plate. She put it in the dishwasher and came upstairs. I sighed and Holland kissed the top of my hand.

"It's okay, I know you're stressed but she'll be okay, she need time, and rest."

I nodded and I helped Holland tidy up the kitchen. Then we went to our bedroom, not far from Lizzie's bedroom and we started getting ready for bed.

Lizzie POV :

When I came back to my bedroom, I took my notebook and I started writing again. I write everything in it. Really everything. My feelings, my days... It helped me to keep track because my life was a big mess. When I was too tired to keep writing, I just put an oversize tee-shirt and I curled up in bed under the covers. I could hear Holland and Sarah in the next room, talking. I was sure they were preparing what they were going to do to me. I was used to it, being abused.

I fell asleep dreaming of a perfect life, MY perfect life, with a happy family, nice parents and eventually siblings.

I woke up the next morning when the sun was gently stroking my face. The smell of breakfast made my stomach rumbling so I put some sweatpants and a hoodie and I came downstairs.

"Hi sweetheart ! Did you sleep well ?" Asked Sarah who was making pancakes.

I nodded and I stayed like that, looking at her. She was so perfect, but I was sure she would turn out hitting me or something like that.

"Why don't you sit lovebug ?"

I did as I was told and she gave me a full plate of pancakes.

"If you want anything else, just ask."

Sarah POV :

When I put a full plate of breakfast in front of Lizzie, she raised her head, and it was the first time she looked at me. I gave her a reassuring smile and she gave it back. Holland was right, she just needed a little time and rest. She ate her whole plate and I asked her if she wanted more.

"Is it possible ?" She asked me amazed.

"Of course honey, you can eat anything you want if you're hungry." I said as I gave her another plate of pancakes.

"Thank you so much." She answered, devouring her breakfast.

I didn't know what she had been through but it must have been difficult, and I hoped I would be able to help her.