Otter Creek My love, she keeps me warm

Turquoise said nothing when Rivet told her that her words hurt. She almost shrugged, then thought better of it. Right now, she was still too upset and self-involved to sympathize with Rivet's pain. Later, she would doubtlessly feel guilty for her behavior and seek her lover's forgiveness.

Turq could hear the resignation in the DeMonte's voice now, which set off little warning bells in the back of her mind. Suddenly, she blurted, "Why do you love me, if I'm such a bitch?" Of course, Rivet had never called her that; she had called herself that. Yet Rivet hadn't disagreed, had she? "If I'm such a fuck-up," she muttered, glaring at her own black feet.

She truly believed these things about herself just now, yet at the same time, she was expecting Rivet to reassure her. She wanted Rivet to make her feel better, though it should've been the other way around. Without realizing it, Turquoise was exhibiting classically abusive, manipulative behavior.