Tethered (Book Two of The Invisible String Series)

Bruises and Social Workers

Silently, I start the car and pull out into traffic, very much aware of the tension inside the car. Olivia keeps glancing over at me every few seconds, and I'm trying to keep my face neutral and not give away how I'm feeling, knowing that if I plan on getting more information I need the teenager to feel comfortable around me.

"Where are we going?"

I relax my hands around the steering wheel as I pull up at a red light, finally glancing over at the child in the seat next to me. "I'm taking you back to my house so I can get a better look at your face."

"Oh."

I hesitate saying this next part, already knowing that the now somewhat relaxed teenager is going to freak out. "I also need your social worker's number."

Just as I predicted, the teenager's head snaps over to look at me, her eyes wide and panicked. "What? No! Y/N, please don't call her!"

I let out a sigh as I pull into my driveway, waiting until I turn the engine off before turning to give the girl my full attention. "Liv, I have to. I can't let you go back to your foster parents. I also can't keep you with me, as much as I want to."

Tears spring into the girl's eyes, and it takes everything in me to stay strong. I'm the adult here, and as much as I know she doesn't want to do this, I have to. This is as close as I can get to keeping her safe in my position. It doesn't make my heart hurt any less at the betrayed face she's giving me. "I'm sorry, Liv. I don't have a choice."

The teenager tears her gaze away from mine, sinking a little further down into the passenger seat as she tries to wipe her tears away. Thankfully she doesn't seem to be in much of a fighting mood when we get out of the car and easily lets me lead her up the pathed walk and into the house. I point her in the direction of the kitchen, telling her to wait for me in there as I head into the downstairs bathroom to gather whatever first-aid supplies I'd need, taking my phone out of my pocket as I'm digging through the cabinet. I quickly dial Lizzie's number, holding the phone between my ear and shoulder as I try and balance the numerous items in my grasp without dropping any.

"Hi, baby."

I pause just before exiting the bathroom, not wanting Olivia to overhear. "Hello, my love. I know you're in a meeting with Marvel right now, but I was wondering if you could possibly break away a little early? I, uh, something kind of happened."

There's a slight shuffling on the other side of the phone before Lizzie's voice finally comes through. "Are you okay?"

I instantly wince at the panicky tone of her voice, realizing that I could have probably re-worded that better. "Yeah, no. I'm fine. I'm sorry. It's actually Olivia."

"Oh. Is she okay?"

All of my worry and anger comes back full force, and I let my body lean against the bathroom door frame as I try and swallow it all back and keep myself composed. "They hit her, Liz."

There's a few more seconds of noise coming through the phone, along with some muffled voices, and I take the opportunity to calm myself down once again. "I'm leaving the studios now. I'll be there soon."

I feel a little better knowing that I'm not going to be doing this alone, and I nod, breathing out a sigh of relief. "Thank you. Be safe. I love you."

"I will. I love you, too."

After hanging up, I take a few more deep breaths before making my way into the kitchen, giving Olivia a small smile when she glances up at my entrance from her spot where she's sitting on the kitchen counter. "Hey. You doing okay?"

The teenager shrugs, moving her gaze from mine and back down to her crossed legs, where she picks at a piece of loose thread on her jeans. I don't bother with getting her to talk, instead placing the various items I'd brought with me on the counter next to her, knowing that the teen could be mad or upset with me all she likes, but this is what needs to be done.