Rebuilding A Home

Wasn't Random

Olivia returned to Evelyn's house, walking through the door with such frustration the door almost flew off its hinges upon slamming it. Her father was probably watching the house; she didn't think he would've stayed there alone after all this time. In fact, Olivia had hoped the man died. It was a shame for Evelyn to have gone the way she did, only for him to be alive and well. Her frustration grew with the thought, and a wave of dread washed over her. Olivia wanted nothing more than to rinse everything with a nice hot shower.

Making it up the stairs to the bathroom, taking two steps at a time, she jumped in the shower, turning on the hot water. The moment of peace seemed to come when the sound of water hit the ceramic tub. This continued to be her scapegoat from the world, her personal form of therapy. Unfortunately, that night, even the absolute powers of the steam and heat couldn't halt the thoughts of Bobby from creeping into her mind. What was his angle? And what were his true intentions for being home? For a brief moment, she thought Bobby could have been back in hopes of rekindling whatever flame existed between them. Maybe. The tiny sliver of hope forced her to believe it, but Olivia knew better. She also knew there was only one thing she could possibly do to maintain her sanity - leave.

Once she was done, the woman listened for sounds of life in the home. Thankfully she was alone. Sighing, Olivia began to make her way toward Jack's room to pack her things and leave, putting Detroit and everything relating to it in her rearview mirror. However, Olivia found herself in front of Evelyn's room. She took brave steps into it.

She first sat on Evelyn's bed, remembering when she would sit on the floor with Evelyn brushing her auburn waves. They'd talk about the future and what Olivia wanted to do with herself, Evelyn's way of keeping the girl's mind set on something brighter instead of dwelling on her current disaster. These times were the moments Olivia cherished the most with Evelyn as it was just them, the older woman carving out time in her busy schedule to be alone with the girl.

In that room, Evelyn confessed how grateful she was to have Olivia, as she always wanted a baby girl. And while the older woman was thrilled to have Olivia around, Evelyn would never truly know how thankful the child was to have a sanctuary she could escape. Olivia never did come out and confess everything her father had done, but knew Evelyn had her suspicions. Olivia believed she wouldn't be alive if it hadn't been for Evelyn.

Getting to her feet, Olivia walked to Evelyn's dresser, where she kept framed pictures of all sizes. Her eyes fell upon an old photo of her and Bobby. It was the only photograph taken at her senior prom, but the two looked happy; they were so carefree back then. As tears began to sting her eyes, the frame slipped from her hands, shattering on the floor.

"Fuck." Bending to clean it, Olivia noticed dark scribbles on the back of the picture. Evelyn's handwriting read, 'My future daughter-in-law, Olivia Friedman, and my baby boy, Bobby Mercer. The daughter and son I always wanted.' Closing her eyes, the woman didn't stop the sobs shaking her chest and the tears spilling from her eyes. It hurt to know how much Evelyn wanted the couple to be together and how badly she screwed everything up.

"You didn't screw anything up, my dear." Immediately Olivia turned to spot Evelyn sitting where she once sat, a smile on her face. "Life happens. If anyone knows that, it's me." Was she going crazy? "But you should really tell Bobby."

"How'd you know about that?" the woman asked, wiping her tear-stained cheeks.

"What don't I know, honey?" Evelyn asked with a smug grin. "Do you honestly believe I didn't know what your father was doing to you?" Olivia's head dropped, ashamed. "Or that you used to sell drugs? Or that you cleaned up and became a cop 'cause you wanted something better?" Evelyn paused. "Or that you were pregnant?"