Elizabeth Bates was the sunshine that White Pine Bay needed desperately, despite being the daughter of the intimidating Norma Bates and the step daughter of Sheriff Alex Romero.
When Norman left for Pine View, she was happy. She had a family, a good one this time. Her mother was happy, and her new father was never violent. And if he was for his important cop business, he was never violent around his girls.
When Norman called Norma one day, informing her that he was planning on going home, things changed. Not the good change this time, the kind of change that only appeared in Ellie's worst nightmares.
Norma never had a chance. Life snuck up on her, taking away the innocence that she cherished. She has an ex husband and a son who hate her, a baby who cries for her, and a husband who insults her at every turn. Moving was the only option.
A sort of Bates Motel AU. Trigger warnings added.
Also posted on AO3 and Fanfiction.net.