Phoenix

Chapter 5

    The next day flew by just as quickly.  Peyton rode with me to Norra’s house giving me directions as I drove.  Norra lived in a row house.  Another gated community not far from the high school.  We spread our stuff out in the small living room and got to work.  I loved it, working on crafts and chatting.  I actually regretted never making many friends before.    

“Liv are you excited to go hiking?” Peyton asked me about an hour into our working. 

“Oh yea! I went yesterday and got some new hiking boots.  Liam helped me.  I hope you don’t mind but I invited him to come.” I said quickly. She raised one brow.  Uh Oh

“Whose Liam? Your boyfriend?” she asked. 

I scoffed, “Ha I wish.  Oh my god, wait until you see him.  He is so gorgeous.  No, he’s my neighbour, I think he’s really lonely.” I added the last bit to hopefully soften the fact that I had invited someone without asking her.  

“Oh, yea no I don’t mind anyone is welcome.” She smiled.  Thankfully she dropped the topic and didn't bug me anymore. 

Norra told me about her mom a little bit. 

“My mom is a flight attendant.  My dad and her are divorced.  He lives in New York so I go every holiday and all summer to stay with him” She said sadly

I totally understood her and how she felt about her parents being divorced.  It was very hard for me to have divorced parents.  Growing up without a dad had been hard on us both.  

I expressed my concerns about living with Tim. 

“I’ve never lived with him really.  I used to spend more time with him when he lived in New York.  Lately though I only stayed with him for a few weeks here and there.  It’s weird living with him.  I’m trying to not call him Tim.  I called him Tim the other day and the hurt look on his face was so bad.  I wanted to cry.”  She nodded knowingly.  

“Yea, he will forgive you but I know what you mean.  I have a hard time calling my father dad.  I spend much more time with my step dad and I am a lot closer with him.” She stated.  At about seven I looked up.  

“Holy crap you guys, I am so late! I have to go!” I helped clean up. Peyton had Connor coming to pick her up.  So I jumped in my little car and headed home.  When I got home Tim’s car was in the garage.  I had put the crockpot on with a stew in it before I had gone to school and the smell was wafting into the hallway.  My stomach grumbled in response.  I was really hungry lately.  Starving to death to try and lose my pouch.  I hated exercise so that was going to be a last case scenario.  I put my book bag into the office and heard the distinct mumble from the kitchen of two male voices.  Hmmm Tim must have brought home a friend.  Or maybe it was a work partner.  I peeked aroung the corner as silently as I could.  Trying not to disturb them incase they were working.  

Liam sat at the kitchen island.  Oh my god, nope I will starve.  I was not going in there I tried to sneak away. 

“Olivia!” Tim shouted when he saw me 

“Hey hun.  Thanks for putting stew on.  Come eat it’s ready!” I closed my eyes and pulled in a big deep breath.  Plastered a smile on my burning red face and stepped into the kitchen.  Liam ushered at a chair beside him so I took a seat.  Tim placed a glass of wine and a bowl of stew in front of me.  

“Thanks dad.” At least if I could make sure I always called him dad I wouldn’t hurt his feelings.  

“Your welcome hun, Liam brought over a bottle of wine, so I invited him for supper.” I smiled, “Thanks for the wine Liam.”  

He smiled, “You are most welcome Olivia.” 

I ate in utter silence listening to them yammering.  First they were talking about Tim’s work.  I had no idea he was a stockbroker.  How sad, I had no clue about anything my father did.  He loved to golf and wanted to buy antique cars.  Maybe he could teach me to golf.  I wasn’t good at any sports but I could learn.  I would be willing to try anyway.  Then they were talking about Liam and I found myself leaning into the conversation.  

“Well I just got home from a year on active tour in afghanistan.  I lost a good friend over there.” He said a little misty eyed.  I felt an odd urge to reach out and hold him.  Comfort him in anyway.  

“I’m sorry to hear that Liam.  What made you enlist?” Liam looked extremely somber.

“My dad is a marine.  I was just raised to think the way a marine does.  I have been a marine for over eight years now so I am starting to see the career gains of it.  I have a few more years of active duty before I don’t have to go anymore.” 

Tim was watching him intently.  I could see he was as curious as I was. Eight years enlisted.  How old was he? Sounds too old for me.  

“I have a plan for my life.  For now I’m focused on serving my country because I can’t expect to find a woman to wait around for me to either come home or not.  I need to go one at least one more tour then I can apply for a stateside position. In a few years I can find the right person and then start a family once I can be firmly in one place.  I believe that you’re not a man until you have taken a life, and given one.” he finished, wow he was really set on what he wanted from life. Tim nodded with him.

“Well Liam I think that you are probably more man than most men twice your age.” Tim said, digging into his stew. 

Liam was looking at me now.  “So what are you doing for school next year?” He inquired.  

“Well, i’m going to start applying soon for veterinarian college.” I answered.  His eyes opened wide. 

“Wow, that’s amazing, you like animals a lot then?” I smiled at him.  Tim answered him, 

“Olivia used to have a horse.  She was quite the little rider.” Liam smiled again,

 “What happened to your horse?” My eyes glazed a little bit with tears, 

“Jake passed away a few months ago.” I told him sadly. 

“Oh I’m so sorry.”  I nodded so that he knew it was ok.  I didn’t want to talk about Jake.  It just made me sad.  Suddenly I remembered something.

“Dad has mom called at all? I have been trying to get  ahold of her since I got here.” I asked him trying to change the subject. 

“No hun, sorry I haven’t heard from her at all.”  He said, hmm weird.  I hoped everything was ok. 

I looked at my phone to check the time.  11:45pm god dammit.  I stood and cleared the dishes.  Then put the stew away and walked back into the dining room. 

“Hey I have got to get to bed.”  I told them quietly. Tim smiled at me and so did Liam, they were currently talking about some sort of car with some sort of engine.  

“Ok, sleep well hun.” Tim said, 

Liam smiled at me, “Good night Olivia.” I left them to their conversation.  Knowing full well I wouldn’t need to watch for my neighbour I just changed into my pajamas.  What the heck.  I did not fold them and put them on the bed. Tim must come home while I am gone at school.  I put them on and climbed into the huge cozy bed.  Dozing off quicker than I had expected.  

Liam was standing at the bottom of the stairs.  I walked slowly down them one step at a time.  The high heels on my feet making me walk a bit slower.  The long black dress cascading over my body was held in one hand.  The other hand was on the banister.  A small train flowed behind me.  My hair was piled neatly on my head in an intricate curly bun.  I had beautiful dangly earrings hanging from each lobe.  A matching necklace adorned my throat.  My breasts peaked over the top of the fabric.  Just enough to make me appear more attractive.  When I reached the bottom Liam took my hand.  Placed a beautiful corsage on my wrist.  Pecked me on the cheek.  We turned and smiled for Tim to take photos of us. Then we headed out to get into the limo waiting outside.  But the Limo turned into an army tank as we got into it.  My dress into a camouflage uniform.  Liam suddenly sported a helmet and a gun.  He turned and yelled at me,

“Get down and stay down!” All of a sudden there was a horendous boom and I jumped awake.  Gasping for breath. I had been dreaming.  Then there was another boom.  

“Holy s**t!” I shouted jumping up.  A thunder storm.  I shuddered a little bit at how life like the dream had been.  Oh I would love to go to prom with Liam.  that would be amazing.  I closed my eyes trying to remember how he had looked dressed in a tuxedo.  Handsome no doubt. The next thing I knew I was waking up to my alarm screaming at me.  That was such a weird night.  I got up dressed quickly.  Threw my hair into a messy bun.  Grabbed a yogurt from the fridge and made myself a coffee.  I  was so hungry.  But I refused to eat much. It’s time for me to be thin and beautiful. I might even need to start exercising.  Tim had said there was a pool and a work out area.  I was going to buy a scale today so that I would know if I was losing weight or not.  After I ate my yogurt I grabbed my bag and headed off to school.   The week went by quickly.  I spent wednesday afternoon with Nora and Peyton again and asked them if they would help me find a dress on friday.  I ate basically nothing all week and watching for catching a glimpse of Liam.  When friday rolled around I stepped on my scale.  The numbers flashed at me 178.9lbs.  Well I had lost 3 pounds since tuesday. But that number was still way too high.  Keep going Olivia you can do this.  I encouraged myself.  After school Peyton and Norra picked me up at my place and took me down town.  

The sky rise buildings kept growing larger as we got closer.  The Mountains forming a beautiful background behind such a large city centre.  When we met with the huge buildings I stared up at them.  I had always loved the sky rises in Vancouver.  We drove into the shopping district.  Then we turned onto third street. Hotels and stores as far as the eye could see.  Then a sign I was very interested in.  Arizona State University.  I didn’t know what all they had for programs.  But I should definitely think about looking into it.  Peyton ducked us into the parking garage.  Damn, I wanted to go over to the University and look at their programs.  I would have to do some research online.  Peyton parked the car and we jumped into the elevator and headed up.  The dress store was a typical boutique of evening wear.  Norra and Peyton were giddy with excitement over dress shopping.  God I hate dresses.  I thought to myself again.  I am such a Tomboy.  Maybe I should get a pantsuit. Peyton had made an appointment to bring us here.  The lady helping us had asked me a million questions very excitedly. 

“What kind of dress dear?” 

“Ummm…. I don’t know formal?” I answered unsure of what else there possibly could be. She chuckled. 

“Do you like certain colors?”

“Ummm…. Anything but green.” I said, curling my lip.  I hate green. Peyton and Norra laughed at all my answers. 

“Any body parts you want to accentuate or hide?” She inquired

“Ummm… I don’t like my stomach.” Peyton and Norra both scoffed at me when I said this and I wasn’t quite sure why.  

The lady showed me so many dresses.  A black a line gown with no straps and a slit up to the hip.

“Ummm…. I don’t know. This might be a bit much.” I said pointing at the fact my underwear was visible where the slit ended. Both Peyton and Norra looked at me like I was crazy. 

Then a red halter dress that hugged my hips and the bulge of my tummy. 

Peyton and Norra gave it their thumbs up.  

“This shows my tummy too much though.” I said, quietly. Feeling rather self conscious.  

Next was a blue dress strapless as well.  It dropped down to my hips.  Then flared out with a tulle skirt.  

“Too much tummy again.”  I complained.  Finally Peyton had enough of my whining and said, 

“Liv, you are beautiful.  All of these dresses have looked amazing on you!” I smiled at her thankful for the kind words.  But our representative tapped me on the shoulder and whispered. 

“I have one more for you to try.” I followed her to the changing room.  A black dress hung off the rack.  It was off the shoulder.  Sweetheart cut.  She pulled the zipper up and I let a 

“Wow!” slide past my lips.  It was perfect.  I took it out to show the girls.  Both of them looked stunned. Niether saying a word.  I stepped up on the pedastle and stared at myself in the mirror.  It was very Audrey Hepburn.  The top flowed down to my natural waist where the fabric criss crossed and flowed into an A line skirt.  The skirt reached all the way to the floor.  I slowly spun hoping for a train.  Finding myself a bit dissapointed but at the same time extatic when it did not have one.  Not exactly the dress from my dream.  But this was freaky close.  The sleeves met in the middle of my back in a simple V shape.  It was perfect.  It was classy. 

“I’ll take it!” I said happily.  More excited to be done trying on dresses than anything else.  The girls cheered and so did the sales lady.  Then she pulled two beautiful black shoes from behind her back.  They were simple heeled pumps with a buckle on each toe.  Perfect.  Four hundred and fifty dollars later I was packing a big pink bag over my shoulder and Norra had a box of shoes in her hand.  

“Thank you so much you guys! Dinner on me?” I asked them.  

There was a quaint looking restaurant across the street and we headed across to it.  The hostess informed us that it was a half our wait for a table.  Peyton and Nora wanted to go to Nordstroms and I still really wanted to check out the university.  

“Guys I want to run to the university quick.  I’ll meet you back here in twenty?”

“Sure” they both chimed together and we headed our separate ways.  I walked the block to the school and took the nearest entrance.  There was a man standing near the door.  So I walked up to him,

“Excuse me where is the registrar’s office?” The way he looked at me made my skin want to crawl but I chose to ignore it and continued in the direction that he pointed me. I found the office closed which was rather disappointing.  But I grabbed a few pamphlets out of the bins outside the door.  Checking my phone I realized that I had fifteen minutes left.  So I went to explore.  There was a map on the back of one of my pamphlets.  It showed me where I was. Currently I was standing in the student services building.  The campus was beyond huge.  According to my map it was around ten city blocks long.  The next building was the Animals Sciences building.  What are the chances of that? I thought as I walked along the hallway until I found the exit.  It was about a block from where I entered to the animal sciences building.  Which was of course locked.  Too bad.  I didn’t want to go back the way that I came so I turned right towards the gyms.  Those weren’t locked. I let myself in.  There was every manner of work out equipment being used. There were a group of men in one corner lifting weights.  They looked up when I walked in so I turned my eyes away.  A blush grazing my cheeks as per the normal.  I walked along the room to the end and poked my head into the next room.  A pool, of course.  God I hate pools.  Not pools per say.  But the bathing suit required to go into it.  Across the hall from that, was the dance room.  It was huge and long with mirrors lining all of the walls.  Down a little further I discovered a spa.  Reaching the end of the building I turned and headed back out the way I came.  Being very careful not to meet the eyes of any of the men in the group.    I walked out into the now dark campus.  My poor sense of direction had me whirling around.  I knew that I came from the animal sciences building.  I could see it.  But which side? I headed to what I figured was the south side.  Walking along enjoying the evening.  Worst case I would phone Peyton and tell her I got lost.  As I was walking along beside the building I came to a spot where two of the street lights were out.  I hate the dark, but I figured I could see the student services building.  I just walked a little faster.  When I was halfway across the span of darkness suddenly a hand wrapped around my mouth and another grabbed me around the ribs.  I was pulled into an alley beside me.  

The man who had me smelled strongly of alcohol.  I began fighting the force pulling me.  Pushing against his arms.  Kicking at him.  Throwing my body weight around.  I tried to scream but his hand was still over my mouth.  I bit down on his palm.  He let out a grunt.  Turning me to face him.  Then he wound back and slapped me across the face and then placed his hand back over my mouth.  Then he threw me.  I was on my back on the cold concrete.  One hand still over my mouth.  Then the weight of him was on top of my hips.  I began to panic.  His hand was suddenly up my shirt cupping my breasts.  I could feel his breath on my neck. Struggling with everything I had.  I was kicking, bucking, trying to squirm away.  Jerking my head side to side trying to free my mouth so I could scream. He slid one hand into my jeans giving me the chance to get one hand free and I made sure when it connected with his face that everything in my body was hitting him.  He backed off for one second. But it was just enough time and I got my second hand free.  That hand connected with his nose.  Blood began to pour down his face.  He reached up with both hands to cup his nose.  I took a flailing kick managing to connect with his groin.  He bellowed in pain.  My survival instincts kicked in and I pounced to my feet poised to kick him again.  My back against the wall.

In the darkness I saw the shadow of a man who had him by both arms.  It threw him to the ground.  Picked him up by the collar and it’s fist connected with his face 3 times.  He fell in a crumpled heap to the ground.  The figure picked him up once again this time by the hair and then connected with his stomach.  I could hear the wind leave his lungs.  He wouldn’t be getting up for a long time after the beating he had just received.  When the man dropped him again he didn’t pick him back up.  He stood up straight, spit on him and then turned to face me.  My body tensed.  Scared for my safety.  I put my hands up to defend myself.  

“Olivia, it’s ok.” said a familiar voice I instantly knew who it was.

“Liam!” I sobbed his name and threw myself into his arms.  He held me for a minute his hand holding my head on his chest.  I took a deep rattling breath. He gently rubbed circles on my back with his free hand. Then he reached down and scooped me up.  I panicked for a minute. I’m too heavy.  I tried to struggle.  

“Olivia please relax, Im taking you to my truck ok?” I relaxed still embarrassed by how heavy I must feel to him. His arms felt so strong around me.  I could feel his muscles under my hands.  He smelled as good as he looked.  A mixture of manly sweat and clean soap.  I let my head look over his shoulder. Two more men had a hold of the man who had attacked me. How had I not seen them? When we got to his truck he opened the door to the beast. How had I never seen this thing? It was huge and white. The floor boards must have reached my chest but he tossed me into it like I was nothing more than a feather,  shutting the door behind me he rounded the front end.  I saw from the logo on the steering wheel that it was a Chevrolet.  He jumped in the drivers side and checked me over top to bottom. His hands gently checking my skin for scrapes.  Touching my ribs looking for breaks. Checking my scalp for bumps. Then he ran his hand down my cheek.  I winced.  

“Are you ok?”,  he asked softly.  I nodded but I didn’t answer.  

“Olivia, are you sure?” I nodded again, but still no answer.  He still wasn’t driving, just drive dammit.  

“Olivia look at me.” He ordered sternly.  I turned to face him.  His face went from concern to anger.  He went to get out.

“Where are you going? Dont leave me!” I screeched panic in my voice.” He stopped and turned. 

“But Olivia, look at your face. He hit you! Your eye is black.  I am going to go and kill him” He stated bluntly.  I could feel the bruise on my face.  It hurt.  My cheek bone suddenly felt like it had been burnt. I put my hand over the pain.  

“I hit him to I whispered.” suddenly smiling.  A smile broke out on his face too. 

“Yes you did, you hit him hard.  He was already bleeding before I got there. But Olivia, are you sure that you are ok?” I nodded but this time I answered.

“Yes, I think I might get a black eye but I’m fine.” He took my hand and held it tightly.  What was wrong with me, I should be crying, I should be broken and crying. Maybe we needed to go to the hospital and get my head checked.  I had to have a concussion.  Because in a moment like this I should not be feeling so attracted to him.  His hand was warm, and that warmth spread up my arm to my heart.  From there it followed my veins.  It reached into my toes, my stomach my head.  It made me feel safe.  It made me feel comfortable.  It gave me a strong desire to climb over into his lap and kiss him.  I looked at his face.  He was staring at me still.  Watching my face, probably waiting for me to have a major freak out.  To sob and ask for my father.  But I didn’t want any of that.  Right now I simply wanted him.  His thumb was circling on my palm.  It was nice, it was intimate.  The silence made the moment only more intimate.  Then, my phone rang, breaking the silence and making me jump.  Of course once again the most in opportune moment.  I looked at it.  

“Oh my god, Peyton.” I said, pressing the answer button. 

“Hi, Peyton I am so sorry.  I’ll explain everything are you at the restaurant?”

“Yea, we’ve been here about twenty minutes now I ordered you a diet coke. Where are you?” 

“Just up the street, be there in two minutes.” I put the phone back into my purse.  Turned back to Liam. 

“Do you want to come for dinner with us? I think I owe you a thank you dinner?” I asked him politely.  

“You owe me nothing Olivia.  But I would love to.” I told him which restaurant, seeing as I had no idea where I was I couldn’t give him directions.  He drove in silence most of the way. He parked just down the road from the restaurant.  His phone buzzed as he turned off the ignition.  He quickly read it and then he quietly said, 

“Olivia, the man was taken into custody by the police and they are going to need a statement from you in order to press charges.”  I nodded, I had figured that would happen.  

“Ok, ummm… will I have to do it tonight?” He nodded, 

“Unfortunately I think that would be best.  You are also going to need to call your father because he will need to be there in order for you to do so as a minor.” 

A completely random question had just popped into my mind. 

“How did you find me?” He smiled, “You walked into the gym where I was training some guys.  One of them noticed that guy start following you when you left so I followed too.  I’m sorry I didn’t follow fast enough.” 

I nodded again, I should quit being so shy. I would have known he was there if I had only looked up when I walked into that room.  He jumped out of the truck and then sprinted to the otherside.  He opened my door for me and lowered me onto the ground.  My mind screamed, quit picking me up! I hate it so much.  I’m too heavy.  He must have felt my tension.

“I’m sorry it’s just a long ways down I don’t want you to fall.” He stated matter of factly.  Good job Olivia, now you made him feel bad for being nice. 

“Oh it’s not you helping me, thank you so much I like it.” I smiled at him.  Thank god it’s dark I’m sure my face is tomato red right now. He held out his hand to me, surprising me again.  Take his hand Olivia, my heart screamed at me.  My brain on the other hand was wary.  He’s not doing it because he likes you, don’t forget that.  He’s only doing it out of sympathy.  

The waitress led us to the table where Peyton and Norra were chatting over appies.  They both stared open mouthed at Liam.  The awkward silence making me extremely self conscious.  Thankfully he introduced himself because my manners had completely left me. 

“Hi, I’m Liam.” Oh god his smile, it was so beautiful.  How could his smile be so beautiful.  He pulled my chair out for me.  Oh the gentleman.  Like he needed it to be so desireable.  I sat and he sat neatly beside me.  The girls still hadn’t closed their mouths.  God dammit you guys!

I gestured to Nora, “This is my friend Norra.” He nodded to her, and I gestured to Peyton. “This is Peyton.” She smiled, flashing her most gorgeous smile.  Peyton I will cut you I thought to myself.  I shot daggers in her direction.  She looked at me and winked knowing full well she was going to get a rise out of me.  Then her face changed. 

“Oh my god Liv, your face!” Norra instantly looked.  

“What happened!” She almost sobbed the question. I looked at them, lost for words.  Where to start.

“A man attacked her in a back alley on campus.  He’s currently detained by the police.  When we are done here I am going to take her to make a statement at the police station.” Liam answered for me, seeing as I wasn’t answering.  I didn’t really want to talk about this here.  I could see they were going to keep quizzing.  I interrupted. “Guy’s can we talk about it tomorrow?” I begged the question.  My head hurt and I didn’t want to discuss it right now.  They both nodded.  I didn’t have much of an appetite.  I sipped on my diet soda.  I didn’t order any food.  Liam tried multiple times to offer me some of his.

“Do you want some of my fries?” He asked trying to edge his plate towards me.  I shook my head. “No thanks, I’m not hungry.” When everyone was done eating I handed my credit card to the waitress. Liam tried to protest but I held up my hand to silence him.

“Every person at this table did something to help me today and I am going to buy you all dinner ok?” 

I typed in a twenty dollar tip.  I was feeling very thankful tonight.  She flashed me a huge smile when she saw it.

“Come back anytime!” 

The four of us stepped out onto the street together.  I could see Liam’s huge truck down the road a bit.  Norra hugged me,

“We will see you tomorrow ok?!” I nodded, I was definitely going hiking.  This was not ruining my weekend.” Peyton held me as well but tighter than Norra.  She whispered in my ear, “He is so damn cute!” I nodded, I knew she was right.  We said our goodbyes and they headed off towards the parking brigade.  

Liam once again offered me his hand.  I took it and we walked towards his truck.  When we got there he opened the door for me and lifted me up into it again. I needed to lose weight faster.  He was so polite not saying anything to me about how heavy I was.  He put my buckle on for me.  I must not have worn it before.  It was a five point harness.  What the hell? I wouldn’t even know how to buckle myself. 

“What in the world do you do with this truck?” I asked laughing. 

He smiled, “Oh I like to go offroading once in a while.” 

He crossed around in front.  Did up his own harness. Then turned to me,

“Call your dad please.”  He started driving while I pulled out my phone. 

Tim answered right away, 

“Tim Dawson Brokerage, Tim speaking.” 

“Hi dad.  It’s Liv.”

“Olivia, Hey baby, how was shopping?” 

“It was good dad, but I need you to do something for me.”

“Anything hun.” I smiled because I believed that he would do anything for me, anything at all.

“Well I need you to come down to the police station.  Liam is taking me there right now.”  I said, unsure of how he would react.  The panic in his voice was evident. He was hysterical. 

“Olivia, what happened? Are you ok? Oh god your mother is going to kill me!” I tried to interrupt him.

“Dad.”

“Please tell me that your fine.” He begged.  His voice bringing tears into my eyes.  I had no idea he felt so strong about me.  

“I’m fine, but dad.”

“Oh god, Your mother is going to freak out.” He interrupted. 

“Dad! Are you coming?” He stopped.  

“Oh yea, I’m on my way I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”

“Ok, I’ll wait until you get there to explain.”

“Ok Bye Olivia, I love you.”  He said, still obviously upset.  I put the phone away and stared out the window.  When we got to the police station Liam once again helped me out and then held my hand and walked me into the building.  Tim was waiting inside.  He glanced down at our hands as we walked in.  I blushed crimson red again.  I needed to work on that it was like being an open book.  Liam let go of my hand when Tim strode up to us.  He threw his arms around me and squeezed me tight.  Liam walked to the front desk to let them know that I was here.  The officer who was dealing with the case. Constable Locke, took me into a room with Tim.  Liam was not allowed as he had to give a statement as well.  I relayed my story.  From when I walked into the darkness on the sidewalk.  I wanted to leave out the man having his hands on my body.  But I knew that I needed to relay everything.  I told them how he had slapped me, pinned me to the ground.  Ran his hands over my body.  Tim looked like he was going to have a coronary.  There was a vein bulging in his head. Then I told them how I had hit him twice and kicked him just before Liam had shown up.  I told them Liam had pulled him off of me, but I chose to leave out what I saw after that just incase it got him into trouble.  

The constable looked up from writing and said, 

“Sounds like you were very lucky.” I turned my head slightly to the side.  Curious by what he meant by that.  The constable stood and held his hand up for me.  Then he took me out to the waiting room again while Liam was taken into speak. 

Tim stood by the door. 

“Can I come into this one as well?” he asked politely.  

The constable looked at Liam who nodded and then let Tim into the room. The door shut I was left to my silence.  How was I so lucky? I had a black eye, my lip was now fat.  I was pretty sure the back of my head was bruised.  I guess maybe that man was intending on killing me. A female officer approached me after a few minutes with a tea in her hand.  I took it smiling,

“Thank you very much.” I said, appreciatively.  She sat down across from me and smiled, 

“Do you need anything Olivia?” She asked. 

“No thank you, I’m good.  I just want to go to sleep.” I smiled at her.

She nodded, “Yea, I get that.” She chuckled.  She must have been on break because she sat across from me silently sipping on her own tea.  

“Olivia, I want to give you these.” She handed me some victims services pamphlets.  I looked at them.  I don’t need these pamphlets.  I’m not a victim.  But I figured that it was a kind gesture so I nodded and slipped them into my purse.  At that moment Liam and Tim entered the waiting room.  I stood up to go and Liam placed his hand on my shoulder.  

“Olivia, we can’t leave yet.” He said, obviously sorry. I stared at him, it was well after midnight.  I wanted to go home and get to bed. 

“But were going hiking tomorrow!” I noted exasperated. He nodded, “Yes love we will, just wait though we need to do one more thing.” We followed Constable Locke down the hall to a different room.  Liam went in first this time.  But I grabbed Tim’s hand.

“Please don’t leave me dad.” I begged.  Unsure of what was happening. He stayed.  It only took Liam about three minutes.  Then it was my turn.  I never let go of Tim’s hand.  I took him with me into the room.  Liam followed us. There was glass in front of me.  Through that glass was a line up of men.  I looked to Conastable Locke, wondering what I was supposed to do.  

“Olivia, can you tell me if any of these men are the one who attacked you?” He asked me, 

“Constable, it was very dark I never saw his face.” I said.  He nodded in understanding.   

“I know that Olivia, and I understand but I need you to take a minute.  Look at these men and see if you notice anything.” I nodded I understood what he needed me to do.  I started with the one on the left.  Like reading a book.  I looked closely at him.  Nothing seemed familiar about this man.  The second one was the same.  Nothing similar about him.  The third man I had seen before.  I stepped closer to the class and instinctly all three men behind me did as well.  I looked at his face, where had I seen him.  

“I’ve seen this man before somewhere. But not in that alley.”  I said

His eyes were dark, his brows causing a shaddow over them.  His nose was long and pointy and swollen like it was recently injured.  His hair slicked back like greasy rat.  He had a bandage on his forehead and a bruise on his cheek.  Obviously this was the assaulter so why were they asking me to identify him? 

Constable Locke asked me, “please try and remember where you have seen him.”  I closed my eyes and sighed.  Both Tim and Liam grabbed a hand.  I squeezed both of them in thanks.  I felt so supported at this moment.  So grateful to have them both with me.  With my eyes closed I envisioned my day.  I went backwards from Liam’s truck.  The attack.  Walking through the fitness centre.  Walking through the animal sciences centre.  The student services building.  

THE STUDENT SERVICES BUILDING. 

“Oh my god!” I said it rather loud.  “He followed me, he followed me for a long time!” 

Constable Locke was writing.  “Go on Olivia,”

“I went to the student services building and when I walked in the door he was there.  He creeped me out a bit but I asked him where the registrar’s office was and then I went the way he sent me.”  Constable Locke continued writing.  Liam put his other hand on my back.

“Keep going Olivia, you can remember.” He whispered.  I nodded. 

“That’s the last time I saw him but I remember that the man in the alley had a pony tail.  I tried to pull it.” Constable Locke was smilling.  He grabbed a phone on the wall. 

“Number three Bill that’s by both questioned.  Lock him up.” He placed it back on the hook. “Thanks so much Olivia, we will let you know what happens you might have to go to trial if it’s needed.” I felt sick instantly.  

“T.T.T.Trial?” I asked him nervously.  He nodded. 

“I’m sorry Olivia, I’ll let you know.  You can go.”  Tim stayed to sign the paperwork needed while Liam led me out to the waiting room.  Still holding my hand.  We stood near the door he never let go of me. I liked it, I wished that it was for more than just sympathy.  I didn’t want his sympathy I wanted him.  He stood staring at me, he’d been looking at me like that all night like he was waiting for the dam to break.  I smiled weakly at him.

“What time are we leaving to go hiking tomorrow?” He asked me. Crap crap crap I forgot.  I grabbed my phone and looked.  Thank god Peyton had been thinking. She texted me about three hours ago.  

Hey girl, I really hope your doing ok.  

We are going to be at the top of Camel mountain for ten thirty.  We figured 

You would be out late tonight so we dont

Want to start too early.  You forgot your 

Stuff in my car.  If you don’t make it 

I’ll bring it to you.  Bring the hunk. 

;)

I Smiled at the winky face. “Peyton says top of Camel mountain for ten thirty.” He nodded.  Tim was coming out to meet us.  We walked to the lot together I had both men’s hands in mine.  Safe.  We walked to Tim’s BMW.  Tim unlocked his doors and jumped in.  Liam walked me to my side.  He pulled me into a hug.  I could get used to this treatment.  He kissed me on the forehead and then opened my door for me.  I hopped in and buckled up.  We pulled out of the parking lot with Liam driving behind us.  I stared out the window at the skyline of phoenix.  I was exhausted.  Tim was focused on driving.  He reached over and held my hand again.  I felt so secure with him right now. 

“Dad, I am sorry that this happened. I won’t go out anymore.”  I said.  And I meant it too.   

“Olivia, you are young.  You can’t not go out.  But I think that maybe you should go with not being alone in the dark anywhere down town ok?” He said pointedly. I nodded.  Yup I could totally agree with that.  

“Ok dad deal.” He smiled. 

“Maybe you should just get Liam to follow you everywhere.” He joked.  My face flushed with heat. 

“What!?” I said embarrassed and trying to act innocent.  

“Oh Olivia, that man has it bad for you!” He stated it like it was common knowledge.  I was going to die, how could I discuss this with my father. 

“Dad he’s an adult.  Im seventeen.  There is no way that he has anything bad for me.” I meant it too.  

“Hunny, he looks at you like he’s known you forever and loved you as long. You might be a bit young for him.  But he is very old fashioned.  He’s good for you.” 

“Dad look at him.  He does not love me.” I said, flustered. 

He squeezed my hand, “Olivia, don’t be self conscious, you are stunning and you look great with him.” We were pulling into the driveway at that point.  I got out of the car as Liam pulled into his driveway.  He hopped out of his truck strode across the road.  Tim shook his hand, 

“Thanks so much Liam.  For looking after my girl.  I’m sorry to break up this party.  But I have to go to bed.  And Olivia, don’t stay up to late.” He said flashing me a wink and turning to headinto the house leaving me alone with Liam.  Liam embraced me again.  I let myself enjoy the feeling of it.  His heart was pounding against my cheek.  His hard muscles held me to him.  I was the perfect height for my head to sit right on his sternum.  My body forming to his.  We stood that way.  His hands on my back holding me to him.  After what did not seem long enough he released me.  Get used to it girl.  He won’t be sympathetic for long.  

“Good night Olivia, I will come and get you at nine thirty.” he whispered. 

“Good night Liam.  Thank you again.” He smiled, he was walking away his hand still in mine.  We both raised our arms to hold on for that one last split second.  Maybe Tim was right.  Maybe we were good together.  I shook my head as quickly as the thought came.  Stop being wistful Olivia.  You know better.  I went into the house locking the door and up to my room.  The time on the alarm read 1:47 am.  I set an alarm for 9 am and crawled into bed.  I thought that I would lay in bed and cry.  Instead I was out like a light.