QUOTE : Bottomless <br /><br />I took a deep breath. Olivia would be back. I suddenly felt so much better. <br /><br />I had plenty to do to keep myself busy while I waited. A shower was first on the agenda. I sniffed my shoulders as I undressed, but I couldn't smell anything but the brine and seaweed scent of the ocean. I wondered what Olivia had meant about me smelling bad. <br /><br />When I was cleaned up, I went back to the kitchen. I couldn't see any signs that Mr. Anderson’s child was eaten recently, and he would be hungry when he got back. I hummed tunelessly to myself as I moved around the kitchen. <br /><br />While Thursday's casserole rotated in the microwave, I made up the couch with sheets and an old pillow. Olivia wouldn't need it, but Mr. Anderson would need to see it. I was careful not to watch the clock. There was no reason to start myself panicking; Olivia had promised. <br /><br />I hurried through my dinner, not tasting it-just feeling the ache as it slid down my raw throat. Mostly I was thirsty; I must have drunk a half-gallon of water by the time I was finished. All the salt in my system had dehydrated me. <br /><br />I went to go try to watch TV while I waited. <br /><br />Olivia was already there, sitting on her improvised bed. Her eyes were liquid butterscotch. She smiled and patted the pillow. ‘Thanks.’ <br /><br />‘You're early,’ I said, elated. <br /><br />I sat down next to her and leaned my head on her shoulder. She put her cold arms around me and sighed. <br /><br />‘Bell. What are we going to do with you?’ <br /><br />‘I don't know,’ I admitted. ‘I have been trying my hardest.’ <br /><br />‘I believe you.’ It was silent. <br /><br />‘Does-does he…’ I took a deep breath. It was harder to say his name out loud, even though I was able to think about it now. ‘Does Marcel know you're here?’ I couldn't help asking. It was my pain. I'd deal with it when she was gone, I promised myself, and felt sick at the thought. <br /><br />‘No…’ <br /><br />There was only one way that could be true. ‘He's not with Chiaz and <br /><br />Esme?’ <br /><br />‘He checks in every few months.’ <br /><br />‘Oh.’ He must still be out enjoying his distractions. I focused my curiosity on a safer topic. ‘You said you flew here… Where did you come from?’ <br /><br />‘I was in Denali. Visiting Tanya's family.’ <br /><br />‘Is he here? Did he come with you?’ <br /><br />She shook her head. ‘He didn't approve of my interfering. We promised…’ she trailed off, and then her tone changed. ‘And you think Mr. Anderson won't mind my being here?’ she asked, sounding worried.