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Erika watched Idina. Whether she was a hawk watching its prey, or the prey watching the hawk, she as not sure. But Erika watched the star as she dressed her in some of her own clothes, trying to make her 'blend in' so that they could both go outside without mobs of people following them.

Erika was not excited to leave. The thought made her gut churn. Was it safe for her to go out? She wasn't keen on people following them. Hadn't paparazzi been linked to the deaths of people before? But Idina seemed to think it was okay.

That wasn't necessarily a settling thought. If it weren't for the celebrity, she never would have had to leave Ruth and Jason, she never would have been kidnapped. She would also still be with Ruth and Jason, probably sleeping hungry. Erika did not know which was worse. She decided then, that she would rather still be with her former foster parents. 

Because it was safer, easier, she told herself. She would not be tempted by Idina. Everyone let her down and Idina was going to be the next in a long line of people who thought they wanted her. What they really wanted was a perfect family. Originally, Erika had lied. She pretended to be the perfect daughter. Pretended like no chore was too awful, she was never tired, no request was bad. She pretended like she wasn't terrified they'd never come back every time they left her alone once she started to care. 

She had given up pretending. Eventually, the cracks would show, something would happen, and the perfect family would shatter. No one wanted to deal with abandonment issues or temper issues or anything that was difficult. Everyone thought they could, though, until they had too. Then they ran away.

Idina would be the same.

She was pretty goods at pretending like she wouldn't though. And Erika believed she genuinely kind.

It made Erika's job even harder: Don't get attached.

She repeated that to herself as they made their way down to the Macee's shopping center. Keep your eyes on the prize: necessities. If Idina was willing to buy her necessities, there was nothing wrong with that. At least then when Erika was eventually sent away, she would have something.

~~~~~

Idina was shocked that her plan was working. So far, no one had recognized them.

Erika was quiet, but she did not make a fuss as she followed Idina through the maze of the mall. She offered no input when presented with toothbrush colours or deodorant brands. She probably did not know the difference, Idina realized. If Erika was buying this stuff herself, she was going for the cheapest, if she wasn't, she would take whatever she got without complaint. So Idina just picked out her favourites and hoped that Erika would like them.

Clothes were more challenging. Erika made no effort to pick out anything. At first, it frustrated her. But then she watched Erika as she looked around overwhelmed. She was pushing too many options onto the girl. She had no idea what she wanted. She did not care what she got.

"Erika," Idina said, pulling the girl out of her trance.

She looked up with a blank expression.

Idina walked over. "Let's just try some stuff on, you never know."

Erika just shrugged. "I really don't care as long as it fits."

Idina's heart sunk. Those were the words of someone who never had the choice. "Come one," she said. She took a few short of the rack. "At least for sizing."

"Smalls fit fine," Erika said.

"Well, you need clothes, period."

Erika did not argue. She just lowered her gaze.

Idina caved. "Or I could just pick some things out and we can leave." She hoped that it would make Erika choose something she liked. Her mom had pulled that on her when she was stubborn. Pick something yourself or I will pick it all out. But when her mom had said it, it had been a threat. Idina did not mean it as a threat. She would not carry it through as a threat either. 

She had some ideas of a few shirts that would look good on Erika. She wasn't sure about the size, but "small" would work for now. Pants would be a bit more complicated, but she could find something slightly big and buy a belt. Erika was smaller than her. 

She grabbed a few things from their cart. Some short-sleeved, some long-sleeved, and all in different colours. At least this way Erika would have some choice. Maybe she could figure out what she liked.

They went to the counter with the clothes, undergarments, toiletries, and other necessities. Idina noticed quickly that Erika was watching the price monitor, counting every time the price rose, calculating. Calculating what?

What it might cost her later on.

Once everything was packed into bags, Erika looked meek. Like she was ashamed that Idina had to spend all this money on her. She was quick to pick up the bags, all of them, but Idina gently wrestled a few from her and carried them to the car. They left in the trunk.

"Want to get something to eat?" It was nearing supper. She wasn't sure what was in the apartment or if Aaron would have something started when she got back. She assumed she could call, but she wanted more one on one time with Erika and this seemed like a great excuse.

She took Erika's hand. "Let's go find the food court," she said with a smile. Erika was quiet and stiff, just as she'd been the whole trip, but she did not protest.

They got hotdogs and sat down in a booth in a corner, both on the same side, facing a wall to limit the number of people who might see their faces. Idina also got a helping of fries and two small colas.

Erika was still quiet while eating. Idina wished she knew what to say to break it. She always knew what to say to Walker. She'd known Walker his entire life. Somehow, she thought those instincts would just show up with Erika. If they were going to, now would be a good time.

"Do you have any questions," she asked, not knowing what else to say. "About living in LA or anything else."

Erika shook her head. 

"What about your friends, do you have anyone you want to meet up with before we leave or..." she trailed off, unsure how to say that she knew Arwen.

"No," Erika said much to Idina's surprise.

"Really, not even Arwen?"

"How-"

"Sorry, she uh," how did she say this? "She contacted me when you went missing. That's how we knew to look update."

"Oh, well, we're not friends now then," she said, crossing her arms and leaning back against the booth. 

Idina wanted to hug her and not let go her walls fell down. They were so close, yet she felt miles away. Erika did not want to get hurt. Idina did not want Erika to get hurt. She just had no idea how to convince the girl that she would protect her. From everything. She would be Erika's shield if Erika would let her.

But she also knew that in order to that Erika would have to give up her own shield. And Erika clung to it like it was the difference between life and death. It probably was for her.

They would have to get used to each other.