Olivia goes West

Chapter 5

After finding Tiger, Fievel and Olivia decided the only way to help get her mind off of her missing father would be another relaxing trip on his raft. They were still technically heeding Wylie's advice, they weren't by themselves with Tiger watching over them. But Olivia didn't want to end up kidnapped too; she wasn't going anywhere without at least Fievel there with her.

On the way over they had stopped by Fievel's home and made sandwiches for themselves (grilled cheese, one of Fievel's favorites), so they could have themselves a picnic on the raft.

"Have ye ever had a cheese crumpet before, Fievel?" Olivia asked as they ate, "They're the most tastiest thing in the whole world."

Fievel thought for a moment, "Oh! Basil gave me one when I climbed through his window."

"Ye climbed through his window?"

"I was looking for my Papa in New York, and I heard Basil's violin so I thought it was him," Fievel gave an embarrassed grin, "That's how I first met Basil."

"I'm sure glad you did find your family. Was the crumpet good?"

"It was the first thing I'd eaten all day. It was delicious."

"Maybe one day I'll try to make some," Olivia offered.

"Do you know how?"

"No, but I can try."

"Why don't you try tonight? It could be a surprise for the whole family."

"Oh, that would be a wonderful way to say thank you," Olivia smiled, "I'll try it."

Fievel finished his sandwich up hungrily, "I'll help you too. Once we go home."

"Let's stay for a little while longer," Olivia laid back with her bare feet in the water, relaxing and breathing deep.

"Okay Olivia," Fievel paddled gently to keep them from drifting too far, before joining her in the relaxation.

They sat for several minutes, Olivia lost in thought as she gazed at the clouds. When a thought crossed her mind, she broke the silence.

"Fievel, how long do ye think that..." Olivia stopped herself, "Oh nevamind."

"Hm? What were you going to ask?"
"I shouldn't be thinkin' things like that. Especially when we're tryin' to relax and all."

"You were gonna ask how long my family will let you stay, huh?" Fievel asked.

"I was, but it's okay. We'll find my daddy soon."

"They'd never kick you out. I know them. You'll be just like a new sister until we find your daddy."

"That's good, I know I wouldn't be safe anywhere else. I think the only reason I didn't get kidnapped is because I've been with you."

"Those bad guys know not to mess with me," Fievel said, putting on a tough face.

"I mean, if'n they kidnapped me now, you and your family would notice. They must want everyone to think my daddy died. They woulda taken me too if I were home. Now...now they're waitin'. Waitin' fer the right time."

"You don't know that though..." Fievel said, hoping to comfort her.

"Fievel, you hafta trust me. Even if it ain't true, I have a feelin' yer gonna be the only one who will believe me if it is."

Fievel thought for a moment, remembering how it felt when no one believed him about Waul. Still, that was something he'd witnessed with his own eyes. Though they'd found some solid evidence that someone had been in her home and stolen some things, most of it was only speculation.