Phoenix

Chapter 9

    The week dragged by ever so slowly.  Full of mundane school work and time alone at home.  I never got to see Liam, he had called me monday morning.  I smiled brightly when I saw his name on my screen.  Sliding the answer button. 

“Good morning Liam.” I said cheerily.

‘Hey love, I have to fly to Kentucky for a few days. My grandma isn’t doing so well.  When I get back I will take you out for dinner.’ He said slowly.  

“Oh no Liam! Of course, I hope that she get’s better soon.  Send her my well wishes.  Do you need a ride to the airport?”  I asked wanting to spend anytime that I possibly could with him.  I hadn't seen him since our date, he had been busy training the guys at the university.

“Sorry Olivia, I called a cab because my flight leaves so early.  I'm already at the airport. I didn’t want to disturb you." He said, I felt myself sink a little. Damn. I couldn't even kiss him goodbye. 

"You should have come and woke me up," I said, using every drop of sensual women within me to try and sound sexy. I could almost feel him smile through the phone. 

"Baby, I would have loved to but I don't have a key." He chuckled lightly. I smiled into the receiver. 

"Well when you get home we will have to rectify that." I said coyly. My face burning with the heat of desire. This was going to be difficult knowing he was no where near me.

"Ok, I can go along with that Idea. I have to board soon so I should go.  But I will talk to you when I land ok?”  He said. 

"Ok, I really hope that your grandma gets better." I said, adding, "I will miss you." 

"I'll miss you to, call me whenever you want ok?" He said, I could hear the airport noises in the back getting louder. He had to go. 

"OK, have a safe flight. Talk to you later." I said, hanging up. He called me that afternoon when he landed and periodically throughout the week. Friday morning sitting at the breakfast table I got a text. 

Morning Beautiful

Oh this man would be the death of me.  I couldn’t help but smile.  Dad looked up and said, ‘Liam?’ I nodded.  Then quickly fired back a reply. 

Could say the same to you.  

I was smiling so brightly.  I could feel the joy, talking to him just made me happy.  My phone dinged. 

My mom says hi, she want’s to meet you. They are thinking of coming up for christmas.  But I figured you would probably go to your mom’s for christmas?

Yea, I did want to go to my mom’s for christmas but maybe she would come here.  Food for thought.  

Well, I did plan on spending christmas with my mom.  But maybe we can talk about plan when you come home.  :) 

I hoped my message would encourage him to let me know when he would be home.  I looked up at Tim, 

‘dad,’. I said quesitoningly.  He nodded although he was reading his paper,

 ‘hmm?’ He grunted absentmindedly.  I sighed, 

‘dad, I think that it would be a good idea to invite mom to come here for christmas.’ He peered over the top of the paper at me.  He had said she could come here. 

‘Well Olivia, if you want to invite her down for christmas feel free honey.  I thought you would want to go there.’ He said. 

‘I know dad but Liam’s parent’s want to come to see him for christmas.  He want’s me to meet them.’ I said quickly and quietly.  He smiled at me, 

‘you two are getting pretty serious?’ He asked, but sort of told at the same time. I nodded, 

‘Yea we are dad, I think that we are anyway.  I know we have only known each other a few weeks but we just jive you know?’ I didn’t look at him.  He smiled,

 ‘You love him hunny, and he loves you. There’s something about the two of you.  Your like magnets meant to be drawn to each other.’ He was smiling when he said it.  I looked at him then.  He was gazing at me intently. 

‘Olivia, I know I offered you this before.’ His face went red, oh no.  

‘Hun I think it’s time we get you to a doctor and get you some protection.’ I was so embarrassed, but he was probably right. 

'no dad I don't need that it's ok." He tried to brush it off. He held his hand up. 

'I know this is embarrassing talking about this with your old and uncool dad. I just don't want you to not be prepared. I also know Liam is a grown man, he isn't going to do anything stupid. But if you are prepared then I will feel better." He said, quietly. 

‘Ummm dad, we haven’t had sex.”  I said, trying to reassure him but I came up with another option at the same time.  

“how about you make me an appointment and I take myself?’ He nodded as he chewed some toast, 

‘Kay.’ He said, agreeing with my compromise.  Ding.  I looked down. 

Sounds like a plan Love, I will be home next week.  Grandma is doing better. She wants to meet you too.  

Love, I loved how much he called me Love, it made me feel loved without him ever saying it.  I smiled, his grandma wants to meet me too? Maybe we should go there. How old is she? Is she’s 80 there’s no way that she can come here.  

I miss you. 

I texted as I headed out the door to my car.  Then off to school.  When I pulled into the parking lot I checked my phone again. 

I miss you more Olivia, go to school be good. Don't kiss any other boys.   

I smiled, today would be a good day.  All day’s were good when they started with a little Liam.  I was right too.  Lunch came quickly, I sat with the gang.  Peyton and Connor were going hiking again tomorrow.  Not sure I wanted to join them.  Norra turned to me, 

‘Do you want to go shopping with me? I need some new jeans and I don’t want to go alone.’ I nodded, I needed to do some shopping too, some skirts would be nice.  Some shorts. Prettier underwear.....   

‘Yes! I would love too! Thanks for inviting me Norra.  I need to do some shopping too.’ She smiled, I really liked Norra, her friendship seemed really genuine to me.  

‘Where will we be going?.’ I asked.  I didn’t really know anywhere to go shopping in the area.  She smiled, 

‘I think Bitmore fashion park should be good. What all do you need to get?’ I smiled, 

‘I could use some new clothes for school. Maybe some flip flops.’ Then I leaned in to her and whispered, ‘I really want some sexy underwear, Liam comes back next week.’ She gasped. 

‘Oh my god, Liv! Are you going to?’ She left the question unasked but I knew exactly what she was saying. 

‘I don’t know Norra, I just want to be prepared and hanes are not going to cut it!’ I said laughing.  She smiled, we both giggled and then Connor piped up, 

‘What are you two whispering about hmmm? Something about Olivia’s boyfriend?’ I blushed, 

‘Mind your own business Connor.’ Then I looked at Peyton, who was looking at me questioningly.  

‘I’ll tell you later ok?’ I said reassuring her that I wasn’t keeping secrets from her.  She smiled, 

‘How about tonight? Can I come over and visit?’ Peyton asked. 

‘Of course! Why don’t you and Norra both come over? Sleepover?’ Giddy, we all giggled.  Oh wow my first sleepover! Sad at almost eighteen it was my first sleepover.  How depressing.  

After school the girls whipped home for clothes.  I threw some supper into the oven and then they showed up with bags of clothes.  We rushed up to my room.  Norra burst out to Peyton,  

‘Olivia wants to sleep with Liam!’ I blushed.  Peyton eyed me, 

‘Really?’ I was so red, this was embarrassing. 

‘Well I’ve been thinking about it.’ I told her truthfully.  She giggled, 

“well if you didn’t think about it I would worry about your sanity, he is so dreamy!'  We all giggled.  Half an hour later Peyton was giving my toe nails a gel manicure and Norra was waxing my eyebrows. 

‘We will make you perfect for when he gets home!’ Norra squeaked out. I smiled, perfect.  He had told me that I was already perfect.  Then Norra proposed a game of truth or dare.  We had about half an hour until supper would be ready.  

‘Ok,’ Norra said, 

‘I will go first…. Peyton, truth or dare?’ Peyton eyed her curiously, 

“truth.” She said, obviously trying to gauge which answer was the most dangerous of the two. 

‘Who was your first?’ Norra asked.  Peyton smiled, 

‘easy I was sixteen and he was my boyfriend at the time. His name was Brad we broke up the next week.’ Oh that’s sad, I thought to myself.  But it she didn't seem to care much about it. Now was Peyton’s turn.  

‘Olivia, truth or dare?’ I was a weeny so no dares, 

‘Truth.’ I answered.  

‘Ok, who was your first?’ I blushed.  Crap. I thought they already figured that out. 

‘No one,’ I answered honestly I was expecting some razzing but I never received any.  Peyton nodded like she had known that but wanted to be sure.  Ok my turn.  

‘Norra,’ I said sweetly.  I giggled, ‘truth or dare.’ She piped up quickly 

‘Dare!.’ She shouted. 

‘Ok I dare you to update your f*******: profile pic of you in that scary skin mask!’ she quickly obliged.  We were giggling about who was Peyton’s current crush when there was a tap on my door. We all jumped and then giggled louder, 

‘Come in’ I hollered.  It was Tim, 

‘Well hello girls,’ He said smiling.  I jumped up, 

‘Hey dad! This is Peyton and Norra.’ He smiled politely at them, 

'Nice to meet some of Olivia's friends." He said shaking their hands. 

‘Supper should be ready! We lost track of time.’ I said, quickly realizing it was well past time. We all headed downstairs to eat.  

No wine tonight, I don’t know if he didn’t bring any out because he wasn’t sure if they were allowed or not.  But it was ok anyway we all laughed and giggled for over two hours.  Talking about school, life, love.  Tim was a great addition to the conversation.  Giving us his input on silly boys or good boys.  He seemed to know a lot about the subject matter.  When he excused himself to bed at ten thirty we headed up to my room.  We continued to chat into the night.  Selfies were snapped.  Jokes and secrets told.   It was so much fun.  I was very curious about s*x so I had to ask Peyton, 

‘Ummm, Peyton?’ I asked nervously.  She nodded.  I could feel the red spread across my face.  Why do I always blush so much?, 

‘Ummm, Peyton what is s*x like?’ My voice cracking with embarrassment.  She started to giggle.  

‘Is that why you are blushing?’ She asked.  I nodded.  She smiled at me, 

‘Well for me the first time was awful, awkward, and obviously he didn’t actually love me.  But I don’t think you have much to worry about.  Liam probably knows what he’s doing. Should be fun for you.’ she said knowingly. I nodded,

‘I’m nervous Peyton, is it going to hurt?’ She looked at me and then nodded,

 ‘Yea it probably will but it’s not that bad and if you love him you won’t be focused on that.  Don’t worry about it and don’t force it, just let it happen.’ She hugged me and whispered, 

‘You love him and he loves you that is all that matters.’ I nodded.  

“Just take it slowly.  He’s patient I’m sure he won’t rush it.”  Norra piped up.  I smiled at her. 

“Who was your first time Norra?” I asked her.  She smiled, 

“Owen.”  She said quietly.  Oh my god Owen from school.  I waited for her to continue.  

“We dated for five years before we had s*x.  There was all this pressure to do it you know?” She said looking at us.  We both nodded.  

“Afterwards it was just weird.  He always wanted s*x, he never wanted to talk or just be close. I know it was probably just because he’s a guy and I know that I made a mistake.  But I broke up with him.  I wanted him to get it out of his system.  And now he’s running around trying to nail any girl he can.” She said it so sadly.  I guess that would be the bonus to Liam.  He already seemed to have that out of his system.  

“How was your first time?” I asked her curiously.  She winced.  

“Not gunna lie, it was awful.  We had no idea what we were doing. There was all this fumbling.  It took us a good hour to figure out what to do and then he just kind of finished himself and went to sleep.  You won’t have that problem.  Liam probably rocks in the sack.”  She said chuckling and I figured she was probably right. 

"How old is he?" Peyton asked me, s**t. 

"I'm not sure." I answered. 

"I know he's almost done his active tours and then he will be able to get a stateside position with the marine corp." I said. 

"He looks close to thirty." Peyton said in response. It sounded fairly accurate to me. 

"Yea you might be right." I replied.  We fell asleep on my floor in a heaping pile of blankets, pillows and teenagers.  When Peyton’s alarm went off at eight Norra and I didn’t even move.  We didn’t move until almost noon when the maid came in then we both jumped up and giggled at her startled face.  I introduced myself to her. 

"Morning! Sorry, we slept really late. I'm Liv." I said, smiling trying to be polite. 

"I'm sorry miss, that was my mistake, usually the house is so empty. Nice to put a face to the name. I'll just go do your fathers room, No rush." She smiled and closed the door continuing to a different room giving us space to get ready.  After a quick breakfast we headed to Bitmore mall.  I found an ATM and put my credit card into it to check the balance. I needed to make sure that I stayed under my limit.  The reciept printed out

October 21, 2017

Bitmore Mall Phoenix Arizona

Credit Card

Mastercard 

5577 xxxx xxxx xx02

Balance Owing $0.00

Available Credit $4000.00

Credit

$1500.00

What? Tim had already paid the bill? Why? I hadn’t spent that much.  He shouldn’t be giving me so much money.  Well I did need clothes.  Well no I actually didn’t need them.  I wouldn’t die without them.  But it would be nice to have some more.  He probably put money on it this morning after Norra had told him we were going shopping.  I turned to her, 

‘Tim put a bunch of money on my card, he shouldn’t have but now I can buy quite a bit of clothes.’  She smiled, 

‘Whoo hoo shopping spree!’ She joked pumping her fist. I giggled and we headed off down the mall.  She drug me into Lululemon where I spent $275.00 on yoga pants and a sports bra but they were really comfy.  Then at H&M I bought two flowy skirts and some nice flowy tank tops.  $178.00, I was mentally keeping track of how much I was spending.  At the far end of the hall she led me into Vanity Fair outlet.  This place was amazing, Name brands for the lowest prices I had ever seen.  I found six pairs of jeans,  two new hoodies, a little party dress that Norra talked me into buying, two beautiful tops that would go great with my new skirts, then she drug me into the underwear section. I went red as we were walking towards it.  She giggled, 

‘Liv, it’s just underwear don’t be so shy!’ but I couldn’t help it.  She piled my arms with lace panties, satin nighties.  Sheer bras, boustiers with lace up backs, thigh high stockings and garter belts and then she pushed me into a dressing room.  The bra’s all fit perfectly so I picked two with matching panties.  Then I tried on a satin nightie.  It was low cut, with lace details around the bust and a slit up the thigh.  She knocked, 

‘let me see let me see!’ Oh my god kill me now. 

‘O. o. Ok,’ I stuttered.  I opened the door a crack and she peered inside, 

‘Liv! Oh my god! Get that!’ She exclaimed loudly.  I smiled as she closed the door.  I left there with the nightie, 2 bras, ten pairs of lacey underwear, a garter belt, the stockings,  a bustier, a baby doll plus all the clothes spending  $300.00.  I added it up in my head, $758.00.  Omg, I spent as much in a few hours on clothes as I had in five years.  Jesus Olivia, going crazy much? I would have to be really good the rest of the month.   We went to the food court for lunch and as we were sitting down my phone dinged. 

Olivia! Your mother got a cell phone we can text now!

I smiled, my mother has a cell phone.  Maybe me not living there had really cut down on bills? I felt bad, being here I was spending so much money.  Tim spoiled me, he let me do so much that mom never would have.  I looked at Norra, 

‘I’m just going to call my mom quick, I think I should tell her about Liam.’ She nodded. The phone rang once then she answered.  

‘Hi baby! I thought you would text me!’ I smiled into the phone, 

‘Oh mom, it’s not the same as hearing your voice!’ I looked at Norra who was waiting for me to spill.  

‘Mom.’ Norra nodded encouraging me on, 

‘Yea baby girl?’ my mom said, I spoke into the phone as steadily as I could.

 ‘I’m seeing someone.’ Silence on the other end.  I looked at Norra and mouthed, she isn’t saying anything!’ then mom spoke, 

‘Really? Tell me all about him!’ I smiled happy to not have to explain myself to her.  

‘Well, he’s a bit older than me but he is so dreamy and he treat’s me really really well.’ Once again she was quiet.  

‘Mom?’ I was nervous now.  

‘Hunny I’m glad you found a boyfriend.  How about friends though do you have lots of friends too?’ She asked me concerned.  I laughed, 

‘Yes mom, I’m out with my friend Norra right now.’ She sighed in relief, 

‘Oh good, I’m glad to hear it!’  Now the toughest one. 

‘Mom, Liam’s mom and dad want to come here for christmas to meet me, so I was wondering if you wanted to come here for christmas too?’ I waited one second, when she didn’t say anything I decided to plead my case. 

‘It’s a huge house, you can stay with us, there’s a bunch of spare bedrooms you guys can have the one downstairs so dad and I won’t bug you.  Dad’s never home anyway.’ Still silence.  Then she said, 

‘Well hunny, let me talk to Harry I would be up for it if he’s fine with the idea.  I would love to spend the holidays with you.  Maybe I can talk Harry into coming for a few days for christmas and then taking us on vacation.’ I smiled, 

‘Mom that would be awesome!’ Norra gave me a thumbs up and then headed over to yogen fruz. 

 ‘Ok Olivia baby, but I’ll call you when I find out what Harry thinks! I’ll try and sell him on the golfing.’ I smiled, 

‘There’s a golf course like two minutes from the house if that helps!’ She chuckled. 

"I'm sure he will appreciate that" She said happily. 

"How is the baby doing mom?" I asked her genuinely concerned. 

"She's holding in there. It won't be long and you will be a big sister." She replied to me. 

"Thats good news mom. I'm glad to hear it." I said, wondering oddly what it would be like to be 

 ‘Ok baby, I should get, I've got a few errands to run you have a great day hunny.’ 

‘You too momma, I miss you, love you lot’s.’  I felt teary eyed, I did miss her.

‘Love you too baby girl, miss you lot’s too.’ Then she hung up.  

By the time Norra and I had finished our shopping for the day it was getting close to supper time.  I phoned the sushi place down the street from us and ordered enough for three.  Norra had decided to spend another night so we could do some homework.  While we waited on the delivery person we put my new clothes away.  My closet looked a lot less empty than what it had before even though I was probably only using a quarter of the space. It felt good to have a few choices on what to wear.  I texted dad quickly to see when he would be home. 

Hey dad, just wondering when you are going to be home? Norra is going to spend another night, we have some homework to do.

    The bell rang just as I pressed send and I ran downstairs to pay him.  Not only did I have my outrageous credit card.  Tim still insisted on giving me two hundred dollars a week cash for lunch.  I decided as I gave the delivery guy fifty dollars that I should open a savings account.  That way this wasn’t just going to waste.  I put the sushi on the counter and grabbed us some plates and glasses.  Ding

Just leaving the office hun, Be home in about twenty minutes

He sure worked a lot.  He was always gone before I got up and hope after 7 or 8 o clock.  Norra made juice to go in our glasses. 

‘My dad is going to be home in about twenty minutes.’ I told her.  She nodded. We waited to start dinner until he got home.  His face looked sad when he walked in the door.  I decided to do my best to cheer him up. 

‘Hey dad! We got sushi!’ He nodded.  Dropped his brief case and jacket and sat down to eat.  Still looking sad.  Norra noticed too.  She looked at me as if to say what the heck? I shrugged.  I knew as much as she did.  

The whole meal I couldn’t get Tim to crack a smile.  It got really frustrating.  After dinner Norra helped me clean the dishes and Tim spread the contents of his brief case around the kitchen table.  That made me feel guilty, I should get my stuff out of the office and into my room.  I could buy a desk for in there.  

‘Dad, I can move my stuff out of the office if you need it?’ I said cautiously.  I had never seen him in this somber of a mood.   He motioned for me to sit, 

‘Actually hunny I need you to look at what I’m looking at.’  Norra made a move to head upstairs, 

‘Norra, you don’t have to go, it’s nothing you don’t know about already.’ He said, welcoming her to stay.  She sat across from us.  He handed me a letter.  

Arizona State Law

1500 89th street 

Phoenix, AZ 

91522

To: Miss Olivia Jean Dawson

CC: Mr. Timothy Jacob Dawson

We are corresponding with you this day November 9, 2017 to request your attendance at the Phoenix courthouse.  December 4, 2017, please bring all substantial evidence required in the case against Mr. Paul Trotier.  Charges against Mr. Trotier include.  Attempted s****l assault, s****l assault, physical harrasment, stalking, assault, attempted kidnapping, intent to kill, murder, assault of a minor, attempted s****l assault of a minor, attempted kidnapping of a minor.  We understand that not all of these charges are being pursued by Miss. Dawson however, we will require you to take the stand and make a statement.  We will assign legal counsel for you on this matter who will speak to you the morning prior to the trial. Please arrive at the court house at 9 am. Expect to spend the entire day. If for any reason you need to discuss the matter please call the phone number provided.

1-899-855-4562

Sincerely

The Arizona State Law House

‘Dad that is in just over two weeks,’ I said, looking up at him.  He nodded, 

‘Yes Hunny, I’m sorry that you have to do this.  I’ll call about a lawyer in the morning.  You can let Liam know that we can use the same lawyer.  I will be paying for it as well, these free lawyers won't be good enough for my liking.  He saved my little girl and now he has to get questioned, it's the least I could do.’  I nodded.  I had better get ahold of him.  

‘K dad, I will, we're gonna go do homework.  I’ll call Liam.’ I got up, kissed him on the cheek and wrapped my arms around him. 

‘I love you. Please don’t be sad dad.  I can handle this.’ I watched in horror as a tear fell from his eye.  He wiped it away. 

‘Love you too baby girl.  I know you can.’  Then I headed upstairs with Norra following behind.  When we got upstairs I called Liam.  No answer, so I sent a quick text.  

Hi, I need you to call me when you get a minute. 

Xoxo

Two hours later we were done with all of our school work, studied up for some tests.  Still no reply.  I tried calling him one more time.  His answering machine clicked on. 

‘Hey you’ve reached Liam.  Leave me a message.’  beep. ‘Hey, It’s Liv.  Please call me when you get a second.  Bye.’ that's odd. He never ignores my calls. Norra glanced at me when I put my phone down. 

"That's odd, he always answers." I said, relaying my thoughts to her. 

"Maybe he's just busy with his family." She suggested. 

"It's two hours ahead there, so one in the morning." I noted. Questioning her theory. That doesn't seem right. 

"Well maybe he's out with some buddies and he can't hear his phone or it died?" She said, as if she was trying to convince me. I decided to stay up a bit and see if he replied. I was secretly worried that he had met up with his ex Blake. Why am I jealous of her? He promised me that avenue was over for him. But something in me felt anxious. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. I wasn't sleeping with him yet.  How hard would it be for a grown man to walk away from a little girl that wouldn't even give it up for him? Most guys wouldn't even think about it. 

"Liv, don't worry, he's not doing anything he shouldn't be." Nora said, noting the worried look on my face. How did she know what I was thinking? 

"Yea, ok. I guess we better get to sleep." I said, crawling into the queen beside her.