The Healing Process: Adopted by Olivia Benson

Chapter 8

Olivia

   "So, what do you say we get you some clothes?" I asked, parking the car outside a department store.

    "I guess." She said, although I could tell she really wasn't thrilled about it.

    "We don't have to sweetheart, if you don't want to. I just thought it'd be nice to have options, ya know." I said.

   "Olivia, can I tell you something?" Bristol asked, looking down at her hands. She pulled her legs up so she was sitting Indian style. We where each turned toward each other so we could talk.

   "Of course, baby, you can tell me anything." I said looking straight into her eyes.

*Bristol

  Olivia was being so nice, I didn't want to be rude or seem ungrateful, because honestly I'd never been more grateful of anyone, ever. But I don't really know how she'll react. She might be mad at me... but I really felt like I could trust her.

  "Olivia, can I tell you something?" I asked looking down at my hands, as my cheeks flushed red.

  "Of course, baby, you can tell me anything." She said, lifting my chin so I'd meet her eyes. My heart started beating. I'd never told anyone about my life, not that there was anyone to tell up until now. I took a deep breath.

   "I'm sorry if It sounds like I'm being rude, or ungrateful, because honestly I'm not. In fact I've never been more thankful for any one in my entire life." I said slowly, meeting her eyes. Then slowly looking down. I took another deep breath. "Before,  the only time I'd get new clothes is when I had to impress someone. That's how he sold whatever he sold, the powdery stuff... I had to do good. He'd buy these really ugly little dresses, or clothes that didn't cover much up, and stayed on with strings. He tought me how to walk "like a woman" he said. Then I'd have to impress whoever came over. If they liked me then they'd buy stuff from dad. I don't think I'd mind new clothes like these. These are warm, and comfortable. And they cover me up." I said, hoping she wouldn't be mad. "You aren't mad are you?" I asked peeking up at her.

*Olivia

  He used her to sell drugs. He dressed his little girl in lingerie and taught her how to be a prostitute. I want to rip him to pieces. Throw his man organ in a blender, kick his teeth in.

  "You're not mad at me are you?" Her little voice asked, sounding distant. I know all too well, that she's replaying things in her head as she talked. When I didn't answer straightaway she peeked up at me.

   "Bristol," I said taking her hand. " look at me," I said placing my finger under her chin and listing it so her eyes met mine.   "I'm not mad at you. I'm mad at the people who hurt you. No person, let alone a child, should ever have to go through what you've experienced. I promise, tonight getting new clothes will be fun, come on!" I said, opening my door.

*Bristol

  I opened my door, and slowly got out.

"Hurry Babe, they close in a little over an hour!" Olivia said. We walked into the tall building and I was amazed. It was huge. Two floors at least, maybe even three. I let Olivia lead the way, since I was absolutely clueless.

   We went to kids section first, and got some tank tops, tee shirts, sweat shirts and sweat pants. Then we went to the woman's section and got some jeans, three skirts and "blouses" which I guess are fancy shirts. I also got a Jean jacket which is I think my favorite thing we got. I had to try some of the stuff on, but Olivia made it really fun, pretending it was a fashion show. Then we went and got socks, and "training bra's".  Finally we headed to check out (after visiting the endless aisles of shoes, and hair accessories). We went up to the check out counter where a young girl with big red hair started ringing up all the stuff.