Olivia goes West

Chapter 4

In the morning, Olivia awoke to the smells of breakfast at the Mousekewitz household. She was confused as she sat up, rubbing her eyes.

"Daddy?"

But her heart grew heavy as the memories flooded back to her. Her daddy was still gone. She slid out of bed, stepping over Fievel, who was snuggled into his pillow against the floor. Poor boy, she couldn't go on hogging his bed every night. Maybe after today she wouldn't need to. Maybe she and Fievel would find her daddy. She was going to try her best.

"Good morning Olivia," Tanya said as she passed by, "Breakfast is almost ready, you should get dressed."

"Did me daddy come back last night?"

Tanya looked down, and shook her head, "We haven't heard anything."

Olivia's ears went down and she sighed. Tanya gave her a hug.

"My other set of clothes is next door, in my suit case," Olivia said, with her cheek against Tanya's chest in the hug.

"Well you could just run over there real quick."

"I don't wanna go there alone," Olivia said, looking up at Tanya. She was afraid she might be kidnapped too...if that was what had happened to her father.

Tanya gave a look of pity, "Maybe I'll go with you."

Olivia gave a nod, "Okay, as long as someone comes with."

Fievel yawned, beginning to stir.

"So the sleeping beauty finally awakes," Tanya remarked, "I'm taking Olivia back to her place for a little bit so she can get dressed."

"Oh...good morning Olivia," Fievel yawned.

"Good morning," Olivia answered, though not seeing anything good about it. She suddenly felt shy and embarassed. Fievel was seeing her in a sleeping gown, "I-I'm going to go get dressed."

She headed for the door, making her way outside and to her home next door quickly to avoid being seen in the oversized nightgown she was wearing, and Tanya followed close behind. Coming back to the door gave her a chill, but she opened it, keeping her eyes open for something, anything, that might give her a clue about what exactly had happened to her father. She entered, looking at the boxes still piled in the middle of the room. The floor was dusty, but most everything looked like it was still in place. She'd have a closer look after breakfast, she wanted to get dressed quickly.

"Wait up Olivia," Tanya said, entering moments later. She gazed at the boxes, and how empty everything felt. What did happen to Olivia's father?

Olivia moved toward her suit case and opened it, finding a fresh shirt with a plaid skirt to go with.

"I'm going to the other room then," she said, taking her clothes with her, "Don't touch anything. I want to look for clues with Fievel."

Tanya nodded, "Okay, I won't touch a thing."

With that Olivia went into one of the bedrooms and changed into her clothes, carrying Tanya's nightgown out with her when she came out.

"Alright, suppose I'll be havin' breakfast then?"

"Mama made some extra especially for you," Tanya said, "Come on. It's a cheese omelet."

"Oh really? She shouldn't have gone through so much trouble."

They exited, and headed back to the Mousekewitz home. Fievel, Yasha and Papa were already at the table, Fievel having gotten dressed again. There was an empty chair next to him.

"It smells fantastic," Olivia remarked, walking up to Fievel.

"My Mama is the best cook ever," Fievel said with a smile, pulling the chair out for her.