15.06 (#2)

Chapter 19

"Olivia was a blessing in disguise, not just to my adopted daughter, but to the whole family. She brought such a light to our lives it was just a joy to have her around. Olivia, or Little Livvi as I liked to call her, was just filled with laughter and innocent happiness it wasn't hard to fall in love with her the moment she came into our lives. Livvi made us all better people as her trusting nature affected all around her. There hasn't been a dull moment in our lives since the day we first set eyes on the 2 year old.

Just as she has grown up, we have grown with her. She might not be here in a physical form, but I know a soul like hers will continue to affect those around her. I know right now she is looking down at us, protecting us like the angel she was. You will forever be in our heart Little Livvi." Donny sniffled as he stood at the podium, speaking out to the church full of mourners for Olivia. She passed peacefully the morning after her adventures in the hospital, surrounded by the people she loved and who loved her just as much.

I sat beside Rori whose stoic expression frightened me. She hadn't said more than one syllable words at a time, with the same dead expression in her eyes and a severe bun behind her head. Her black dress looked stiff on her shoulders as her back was straight, with placed neatly in her lap. If I hadn't been staring at her as long as I had I wouldn't have thought she blinked.

I reached over to hold her hand but she just pushed it away, resuming her wooden posture. "My daughter, Rori would like to say a few words as well." Donny stepped down from the podium, allowing Rori to take his place. She walked up to the small coffin, running her hand along the shiny wooden edge, pausing when she reached the front. She had a requested a closed coffin service because I assumed she couldn't bare to see Olivia's face again. Rori stood at the podium, the same expressionless face unchanged as she looked out to the people who were attending.

"I love you Olivia. Forever and always," was all she said before returning back to her seat. A few more people spoke of their fondness of the little girl before the ceremony moved outside. As the coffin was being lowered into the ground, the skies opened up and the umbrellas came out. The whole service Rori was silent, even when everyone had left. She just stared into the small grave where Olivia lay, getting soaked to the bone since she refused the umbrella I offered her. We just stood there in a sorrowful silence, deep in our thoughts.

"Rori, we should go." I urged her. It didn't take much convincing to get her to come back to my house, since Donny's place held too many reminders of her daughter. I immediately took her to the bathroom and gave her a towel and some dry clothes. As she cleaned up inside I quickly stripped of my wet suit and threw on a pair of sweats and a t-shirt. A few moments passed and she walked out with her wet dress and coat.

"I'll put it in the dryer. Sit here." I placed her on the bed and rushed over to get the clothes in the dryer. She looked exhausted from the myriad of emotions she currently felt and I knew that I shouldn't push her to get her to open up. "Come get some sleep. I know you probably haven't slept in a few days." I tugged her gently to the head of the bed. She slipped under the covers, resting her head on my chest once I followed. I don't know how it happened but we ended up naked and panting next to each other. I felt a small tear fall onto my chest as I cuddled her. My heart squeezed painfully.

"If I could take all your pain right now I would do it in an instance." I confessed. I didn't know how much pain she was in right now, but if I could do anything to alleviate the strong feelings she was having that instant I would.

"I know." she whispered, her strangled voice was harsh from the bottled up pain. I fell asleep not too long after. When I woke again I found Rori sitting in the dark staring out through the window, stuck in her own thoughts.

"What are you thinking?" I asked, sitting down beside her as I handed her a cup of steaming coffee, not mentioning the almost empty bottle of bourbon on the table and the distinct smell of alcohol around her.