May 1993
"Olivia Benson!" the Mayor of New York announced into the microphone. Olivia walked up to the small stage. "Place your right hand on the bible, and raise your left hand." she did so; the bible before her looked like an original. "Do you swear to always protect civilians to the best of your ability? To always put yourself between them and danger? Do you swear to uphold the law no matter what the consequences?"
"I do."
"Will you, Olivia Benson, join the supreme force of people who defend our country through trials and tribulations?"
"I will."
"Congratulations Ms. Benson. You are now officially a member of the NYPD." the Mayor shook her hand, handed her the certificate, and clipped her police badge onto her belt. She turned to face the crowd of people and smiled. Her mother, Serena, was standing in the front row; crying. Olivia's friend Elliot stood next to Serena with his pregnant wife Cathy, and their kids Maureen and Kathleen. Cathy's face was emotionless, but Elliot was brimming with happiness for his friend. Olivia knew that Cathy and Elliot were fighting about him joining the Sex Crimes unit branch of the NYPD, and that she only came with him because she had to drop the kids off at the babysitter's. Olivia stepped off the stage, and walked over to her mother and friends. Serena grabbed Olivia into a tight hug.
"I'm so proud of you, baby girl!" she exclaimed.
"Thanks mom." Olivia gave Elliot a get-me-out-of-here look before hugging her mother back. Cathy let out an exasperated sigh.
"El, I have to take the kids over to the babysitter's, and then go to work." Cathy shifted nervously. Elliot looked sad for a moment, then his shoulders sagged.
"Alright sweetheart. See you at home." he hugged his kids, and gave Cathy a peck on the cheek. His wife turned, and rushed the kids out of city hall as Elliot turned back to Olivia and her mother.
"Well, I've got to get back to the house. Henry will be missing me about now." Serena hugged her daughter one more time before departing. Olivia turned to her friend, and heaved a relieved sigh.
"I don't know about you, but I think this calls for a celebration." Elliot slung his arm over Olivia's shoulder.
"You know, Stabler? I think for once I agree with you." Olivia smirked as they left city hall.
