LIBERTY

Chapter XVII

Libby shifted against the white leather couch, a distressed moan slipping from her lips. A pair of warm hands brushed her bangs from her eyes before cupping the side of her head. The touch lingered as a thumb stroked soothing patterns across her cheek. Her eyes fluttered open but she held them squinted against the bright lights.

"Wha – " She couldn't speak. Her tongue was stuck against the roof of her dry mouth.

Leon's face came into her vision. He was leaning over her, his long fingers caressed her jaw. "Hey," he smiled softly.

Libby's tongue darted out to wet her chapped lips. "What happened?"

"You fainted. How're you feeling?"

She pinched her eyes closed. "My head hurts."

"C'mon, I'll help you sit up." His arms moved around her back and waist as he gently helped her up.

Libby's head rested against the back of the couch. Her eyebrows knitted together as she took in her surroundings. "Where are we?"

"You don't remember what happened?" He frowned with concern. "We – we found your mom."

"My mom?" Libby chuckled tiredly as she rubbed her the spot between her eyebrows. "That's funny."

The crease in his forehead deepened. "Libby ..."

"Is she up?" a female sounded from the background.

Libby's face dropped. She froze. She could hear rummaging coming from the other room, probably the kitchen judging by the sound of plates and glasses being moved around.

"Leon?" she whispered, staring at him for answers.

He reached for her hand, giving it a comforting squeeze.

"N-No." Her head started shaking no. Her chin trembled, eyes pooled with unshed tears. "Do you hear her too?"

"It's her, Libby," he said.

"No – that's, that can't, what is this fuckery – " Her lips wobbled as she stifled a silent sob. "We need to get out of here."

Leon's hand tightened around hers. "Libby, hold on a second."

"My mother's dead, Leon. Dead. That woman is not – that's not her," she whisper yelled.

"Okay, shhh. I understand, this is all pretty crazy but you need to breathe. I don't need you to pass out again. Calm down," his voice was hushed but soft and gentle, as if not to set her off.

"Don't you dare tell me to calm down." Libby snatched her hand from his. She went to stand up when the world suddenly started spinning. The dizziness forced her to drop back into the couch.

"Easy," Leon adjusted a pillow behind her head. "You need to take it easy."

"Is she okay?" the same voice questioned, this time it sounded way closer.

Libby openly stared at the woman coming to stand in front of her. She looked different – older, eyes more hollow and lacking their vibrant hazel tinge. But she was still the same in many other aspects – her spine was straight, head help up high with pride and poise. Still graceful in her mannerisms but the usual harshness in her piercing gaze was somewhat lacking. Maybe the years had softened her.

"Liberty," Ellen smiled weakly.

Libby swallowed down the words she couldn't speak. Tears slowly rolled down her cheeks, tracing her heart shaped face. They dangled from her chin before landing in her lap.

"I understand if you're overwhelmed," Ellen stated. She put two tall glasses of water in front of them before smoothing down her skirt as she took a seat across the coffee table. Her eyes lingered on Libby's face, not concealing the fact that she was taking in every inch of her. "You've changed."