"Hey Dad , since you have to retile the kitchen can I call someone to help me on this huge health academy project?"Rachel asked her father Elliot Stabler.For the past three years it has just been the two of them. Since her mother left without so much as a goodbye, her father hasn't been working such long hours and has been trying to spend more time with her.

From the kitchen she heard him yell,"Yea I would like to help you but it doesnt look like this is going to be finished anytime soon."

"Its fine Dad Im just as anxious as you are to get the kitchen finished anyway," She replied.

She went into the living room and grabbed the phone form the hook. She dialed the number that was all too familiar to her. It rang twice before someone answered.

"Benson"

"Hey it's Rachel "

"Oh hey ...is something wrong?Is everything ok?"Olivia asked suddenly worried.

"Calm down everything is fine I was just wondering if you wanted to come over and help me with my health academy project.Normally I would ask dad to help me but he is busy retiling the kitchen"

"Oh Its no problem I'll be over in ten I've just got to finish picking up the house."

"Oh I'm sorry did I interrupt you.If you were busy I can do the project myself."

"You did'nt interrupt anything I was just finishing up anyway.Plus I haven't seen you in awhile its a good excuse to make up for lost time."

"Well if your sure"

"I am I'll see you in awhile."

When she hung up the phone she went to her room to gather the supplies that were needed in order to finish the project. She set everything up on small table in the living room.Just as she was finishing setting up her father walked in. "So who did you call?"

"'Liv"

"I don't know why that surprises me but I figured you would have Tiffany."

"Under normal circumstances I would have but I really have to get this project done, plus Livs just as fun to hangout with as all my friends but she has the extra education that comes with being older."

"Ahhh now I see"

"Yep, what can I -"She was cut off by the buzzing sound that let her know someone was at the front of the building.Rachel quickly ran toward the monitor on the wall and pressed the button that allowed the two to communicate.

"Live is that you?"

"Yea let me up its freezing out "she joked.

A few moments later Olivia was greeted at the door by Rachel. "Hey Rach so whats this project about anyway?"

"Well we had to research a different religion and their beliefs about health care. "

" Wow that actually sounds really interesting"

" I know all I have to do is put the information on the board and prepare my speech."

" Ok so what religion did you get?"

"Its called Rastafarianism, It sounds weird but I actually learned a lot about it."

"Thats good to hear at least they teach you something in school, Now lets get started on this board so you can teach me something new."

" Ok I already have everything set up in the living room. Dad is in the kitchen if you want to say hi."

"Alright well I'm gonna go pop my head in and see how the kitchen is coming along I'll meet you in there in a minute"

Olivia walked into the kitchen. The floor was bare but in the corner there was the begining job of what appeared to be new tiles. She watched as Elliot worked on the floor for a few seconds before making her presence known. " Its comin' along nice Stabler"

He turned around surprised that she had been standing there." I am hoping to finish by tomorrow night, I would just like to have it finished by Christmas."

"Well you've got a week I'm bettin' you'll get it done, but if you need any help just give me a ring."

"Hey I thought you were here to help my daughter and now your offering your help to me too, I guess you think your superwoman " he told her jokingly.

"Haha Stabler now cut it out , I'm gonna go help Rachel now just though I'd say hello."

"Hey Liv thanks for comin' I hate that I don't get to help her with stuff like this, usually its work now its this retiling thing.I am just glad that she can call you for stuff like this ."

At that she walked over to him and rubbed the top of his arm. "Stabler she is a great girl I would do anything for her even if it means helpin her with a project."

He smiled as she walked into the living room to help Rachel

"Alright lets get started" Olivia sid to Rachel as she entered the living room

4 hours and 2 cups of coffee later the board to the project was finished and half of the speech was prepared. Rachel yawned as Olivia stretched her arms far above her head.Rachel looked at the clock which read 12:47. She then looked at Olivia and said, "Hey Liv I know we aren't completely finished but it's late can we call it a night and maybe finish tomorrow?"

She then looked at the clock and realized the time and shook her head and agreed "Sounds like a plan , Ok lock the door after I leave."Normally, this was Elliots job but since he has been asleep for about half an hour it was her job.

"Liv why don't you just stay here it's late and you know the spare bedroom is unoccupied."

"Are you sure because it's not a long drive"

"Liv your too tire to drive anyway"

"Alright but I'm gonna go let your father know , How about you start locking up and we can clean this up tomorrow."

"Ok "Rachel eplied as she went to go lock the door.

Meanwhile while Rachel was locking up and getting ready for bed Olivia went into Elliots bedroom to let him know the plans.She quietly opened the door to see him in his bed with the covers pulled up just past his hips .She had seen him without his shirt on but this time she felt different.She knew that this was not the time nor the place for thoughts like that so she pushed them aside and continued with her original plan.She tapped him on the shoulder just enough to wake him.

"Mmmm what do you need hunny?" Elliot said as he stirred from his sleep

"El its Liv I just wanted to let you know the plan"

"Plan?"He asked still groggy

"Yea I'm gonna stay in the spare bedroom , Me and Rach just got finished well not exactly finished but we are putting off the rest until tomorrow night, that is if you don't mind."

"Don't be silly of course, and Liv thanks again I am pretty confident the tiling will be finished by tomorrow afternoon so I will be able to spend some time with you guys"

"I am glad to hear it,"She said with a smile,"Now you go back to sleep and I'll see you tomorrow"

"Ok night Liv"

"G'night El"She said while leavinfg the room

She walked down the hallway and stopped by Rachels room.

"Goodnight Rachel, you did an amazing job on your project"

"Thanks Liv and thanks for all your help"

"No problem sweety, see you tomorrow" And with that Olivia retreated from her room and headed for the spare bedroom.

It was near 3 am when Olivia woke up.She had a hard time sleeping and she thought a glass of water might help calm her down. Not too mention she was thirsty. She tiptoed out to the kitchen and poured herself a glass of water. She turned to go back into the bedroom when she notied Rachel sitting on the couch with her laptop. She quietly walked over to her and lightly touched her shoulder. "Hey what are you still doing up?"

"Oh I'm sorrry Liv, I want to sleep I really do but there is so much on my mind that I just can't and since we don't have school for the next week I figured it wouldn't make a difference."

"Don't apologize I was just askin' but if you want I might be able to help you out with your problems."

"I really wouldn't want to trouble you with my issues."

"You won't be troubling me now talk." Olivia said as she patted her knee and motioned for her to scoot down on the couch.

"Well I have been feeling really sad lately ,"Rachel said loking at Olivia,"I thought maybe it was because it was that time of the month but after that time pasted the feeling didn't."

"What could possibly have the happiest person I know feeling blue?"Liv asked her suddenly feeling very worried.She didn't let Rachel know she was worried but instead stayed strong for her.

"Well you know how I told you that Tiffany has a new boyfriend," Liv nodded remembering the day they talked for hours like they had bothbeen in highschool,"Well I love that they are still together and that she is happy."Rachel continued looking down

"I just feel like she has changed , I never get to send anytime with her unless its at school and on top of everything two of my friends just moved and I feel like everyone who still lives here is growing apart."Rachel explained on the verge of tears.

"Wow god am I glad this is your biggest problem , I was expecting something much worse."Olivia replied to the news as she sighed.

"Oh shut up, I already feel like I'm making a big deal over nothing "Rachel hit Olivia on the arm

"Chill its tough I mean your worried your losing all the people you care about I get it but trust me friends they have patches like that its the kinda thing you need maybe they just need a lil break but they will realize how important your friendship is whether it be in a day or a week just give it time I know how close all you guys are, your inseparable." This was the only solution Liv could offer , as much as she wished she could take away her worry all she could do was reassure her of the strength she saw in her.

"Thanks Liv I know we will get back to the way it was I guess I was just being selfish I mean I love the fact that Tiff is happy she deserves it more than anbody after how Adam treated her." The situation was way beyond complicated between the pair. Tiffany dated Adam first with Rachels permission of course because Rachel had a huge crush on Adam. Adam treated Tiffany less than ideal to say the least but they ended up breaking it off. Thats when Adam asked Rachel out, she still had a huge crush so she said yes even though she knew how he treated Tiffany. Lets just say the relationship didn't work out and they split up. Tiffany had found someone new but Rachel was single.Olivia knew all of this because her and Rachel used to talk a lot after her mom left.

"Yea she does, and I wouldn't say your being selfish it's just tough seeing someone change."

"I know I guess I am just a lil' jealous of her thats all"Rachel said looking down at her lap as if embarassed

"Of what baby?" Liv asked very interested. Rachel had expressed to her so many times how happy she was with her life so hearing her jealous shocked Liv.

"Well her and Tony are so happy together I guess Ijust wish I had a boyfriend now, at least one that treats me right."

"Oh baby don't rush it god will send someone to love you." Olivia said pulling the teen into a hug

"Liv isn't that why your hear "Rachel said looking up at Olivia and smiling as she continued," I mean lately I've talked to you more than Tiff but it's different with you, I know that if I ever had a problem whether it be with a project or a broken arm"she said refering to the past summer when they were at the pool and Rachel broke her arm and called Liv for help."I know you can help me , your like a mom to me."

Olivia loved Rachel like she was her daughter but she never told her that. It wasn't that she never told Rachel that she loved but she never said that she loved her like a daughter.Hearing Rachel say she thought of her as a mother nearly sent her over the edge Liv started to cry but quickly dryed the tears for the fear of them being seen by Rachel.

It was too late though Rachel had seen and she immediantly felt guilty about causing Liv to cry and she quickly stood from the hug that they were still embraced in saying," Liv I'm sorry I knew I shouldn't have said that I crosse the line didn't I ?God I am so stupid she obviously doesn't want children especially me I am such an idiot." Rachel said now talking to herself.

Olivia after seeing how disturbed her crying made Rachel she got up from the couch and quickly grabbed the girl by the shoulders, who was now pacing the floor."Rachel I am not crying because what you said upset me, it suprised me and it made me happy, I guess I never thought you felt that way."

"Oh well thats good to hear gosh I felt so bad I thought I upset you, Olivia."

"How could saying smething so sweet upset me?"Olivia asked not believing that Rachel had thought her comment upset Olivia.

"I don't know my own mother didn't want me ,why would anyone else?" Rachel answered seeming like it was the only logical one.

"Rachel sit down,"Olivia said as she motioned for the couch,"Your mom was one dumb person to leave you, she has no idea what she is missing, you are smart, funny, you;ve gotta be the happiest person I know and I ate seeing you like this all depressed its just not you."

Rachel sat and listened to Olivia speak about her like she was a godsent gift, she hung her head because she didn't believe how her own mom could leave and how Olivia could think so highly of her whe she wasn't even her daughter.She snapped out of her own thoughts just long enough to reply,"Do you mean it Liv, do you really think that highly of me?"

"Honey I don't there is enough time in the world for me to describe how highly I think of you."Olivia replied smiling at the once lively girl who now turned into a wounded teen.

Rachel just smiled and didn't say anything for awhile.After about to minutes of nothing but silence while the two sat on the couch Rachel finally spoke up, "I love you Liv"

Olivia smiled and stroked her hair and pulled her into another hug "I love you too, now what do you say we get some rest we've got a speech to finish tomorrow."Rachel nodded they both got off the couch and started to walk down the hall toward the bedrooms.Suddenly, Rachel spoke up,"Hey Liv do you think I crash in your bed, I am still a little restless and I figured we could talk till I calmed?"

"Of course you can" Olivia answered with a huge smile on her face she loved the fact that Rachel had wanted to open up to her about her problems and that she felt comfortable around her.

Rachel and Liv settled in bed and talked until they both drifted off into a deep slumber.Rachel had been snuggled up against Liv who was hugging Rachel with her hands on her back.

The next morning when Elliot woke up he walked down the hall past Rachels room but there was no sign of her so he went past the spare bedroom where he knew Olivia was sleeping. He found Liv and Rachel snuggled up to eachother both looking very content he decided not to wake them instead he would take a shower and make breakfast for when the awoke.

Olivia was the first of the two to wake up she looked down at Rachel snuggled under the covers and remembered the conversation from the night before.She decided to let her sleep, she smiled and retreated into the kitchen.She found Elliot cooking eggs and pancakes for breakfast. His hair was wet from what she assumed to be a shower and he was dresse in nothing but a pair of basketball shorts. She took an extra second to admire his body before she made her presence known.There was no doubt she loved this man she knew there was no possible way he felt the same.

When she finally decided to speak she came up behind Elliot and said" Hey Stabler whats for breakfast?"

"Well good morning there are eggs and pancakes if your hungry"

She smiled and made herself a plate then she retreated to the fridge for a glass of orange juice.

Elliot watched her as she moved and admired her body and the way she looked after a full nights sleep.He suddenly realized he was staring and decided to speak."So how did Rach end up in the spare bedroom?"

"Oh I went out to get a glass of water and I found her on the couch she hd some things onher mind that she just had to get off her chest." She replied kowing that he was probably worried that something was wrong.

"Is she ok, Is it anything to worry about?"He asked trying to not woory he trusted Olivia to take care of it but Rachel was his baby and she meant the world to him.

"No its fine she just misses spending time with her friends since they are off doing their own things and then she mentioned something about her mother."

With the comment about Rachels mother and her worrying he cringed and began to feel very protective, "Is she ok?"He asked in a low voice

"She is fine I took care of it Elliot"she smile and said warmly.

"Thanks Liv so what was her problem with her mother?"

"Oh somehow from her mother leaving she got the crazy idea that no one would want her as a daughter , don't worry I talked her out of that one quick."Olivia finished with a smile.

"Oh I'm not worried I trust you besides she looks up to you ."It was now his turn to smile.

"I know she told me she thinks of me as a mom Elliot gosh she is amazing I cried when she said that" She said letting him know the amazing daughter he had

"Well what can I say she chose wisely"This time he gave her the famous Stabler smile and winked. Just then Rachel walked in the room half awake.

"Well hey there gorgeous you hungry your dad made breakfast"Olivia said with a smile .This made Rachel giggle because if she were describe herself in the morning she would not use the word gorgeous.

"Not right now I'm not exactly awake yet give me a few minutes."Rachel replied rubbing her groggy eyes.

Just then Elliot kissed the top of her head and handed her a plate saying, "Ok but I fixed you a plate for when you wake up"

"Thanks Dad," she said kissing er dad on the cheek and taking a seat next to Olivia whispering to her"Thanks for last night it helped."

"Anytime"Olivia whispered and winked.

Latre afterbreakfast was over everyone was gathered in the livingroom .The girls had just finished getting dressed and Elliot hadjust finished the tiling, which was now complete. Just then Liv walkd out into the kitchen to see the finished job. "Wow Stabler nice job"She said admiring the floor.

"Yea not too bad huh?"

Hearing this caused Rachel to walk in the kitchen as she entered she saw Olivia and her dad staring at the floor."Oh dad you finished, nice job" she said patting him on the back

Ellio laughed at his daughter treating him as if he was five ."Thanks guys , Ok so whats the plan for today?"He asked

"Well last night me and Liv decided that we would finish the speech tonight, of course we are gonna start earlier"Rachel said .

"So I am guessing that leaves the whole day free" Olivia continued.

"How about we go play some football in the park" Elliot said while shaking his head.

Suddenly Liv and Rachel had huge smiles plastered on their faces as if that was the best idea in the world."Yea "Both said in unison

"Ok well not that what you guys are wearing isn't lovely," refering to Rachels plaid pants and white tee and Olivia's khakis and polo," but how about you put some junk clothes on."

Both shook their heads in unison and headed off into Rachels room to find something to wear.Olivia had brought her bag in from the car that always had an extra pair of clothes in it but there were no play worthy clothes so she would be borrowing a pair of Rachels.

After they were finished dressing they retreated into the livingroom where Elliot was waiting.Olivia was now clad in a pair of blue jeans and a long sleeve blue shirt and Rachel was now in a pair of shorts with tights under of course because the weather and a long sleeve shirt as well. Elliot was not surprised by Rachels choice because it was usual for her to wear that to play in the winter. But on the contrary he was mesmerised at Olivia , he had seen her in jeans plenty of times but this time was different , she had her now long hair pulled up in a ponytail she had no makeup on and she still looked so beautiful .

"Ok lets get goin" He said bringing himself out of the trance.The girls simply nodded and followed him out the door as he grabbed the football.