An hour and a half later, Alex was giving her statement back at the precinct and Olivia was washing up in the bathroom. Her cheek was already starting to swell and her eye was looking just as bad. The door shot open and she looked over to see Elliot walk in.
"You can't come in here. This is the women's washroom."
"I don't care. What the fuck just happened? One minute I'm on the couch watching a movie with my wife, the next I'm getting a phone call saying you got the shit beat out of your face. And what the hell is going on with Alex? Who the hell is that kid? Alex doesn't have kids. Since when does Alex have kids? What the hell is going on?"
"I don't know El. I haven't had the chance to talk to her yet. I don't know what's going on. They wouldn't let me be there while she was giving her statement so I have to wait until she's done to talk to her."
"Why aren't you in there giving one?"
"I just did."
"So what the hell happened? What's going on? Why didn't you call me?"
"I'm sorry. Everything just started happening all at once and I knew you were with Kathy-"
"Don't give me that Liv."
"Look, I had it under control. The only reason I called Fin was because I needed someone to drive that asshole in. I couldn't have him in the same car as Alex and Emma."
"The kid's name is Emma?"
"Yeah."
He seemed to calm momentarily.
"So it's true? Alex has a kid?"
"So it seems. I don't know the details but I did hear her call Alex maman."
"Maman? The kid's French?"
"Seems that way. Alex was speaking to her in French. I don't know if the kid speaks any English."
"Alex speaks French? Jesus, what the hell else don't we know about her?"
"I don't know El..."
For the first time, he thought about how hard Olivia must be taking all of this.
"Shit Liv, I'm sorry. What you must be feeling-"
The door jerked open and Fin poked his head in.
"Sorry to interrupt. She's gonna be finished really soon Olivia if you wanna catch her..."
Olivia immediately pulled away from the sink.
"Thanks Fin."
He nodded and left.
"Go ahead. We'll talk later."
"Thanks El. For everything."
"Yeah."
Olivia left the bathroom and made her way to the interrogation room. She sighed internally when she saw Cragen and Liz standing there. She didn't feel like talking at the moment.
"Olivia."
"Yes captain."
"How're you doing?" he asked sympathetically.
"Relatively well. My face is going to look like shit tomorrow though."
"That's not what I meant."
She sighed. "Not good cap. I need her to talk to me but she's so angry..."
He laid his hand on her shoulder and squeezed it gently. He knew all about the way she felt about Alex. He was one of the first ones to figure it out. He'd always been like a father to her and she had admitted her attraction to the blonde almost immediately when he had confronted her with his suspicions.
"She's going to need a lot of support Liv. Don't let her push you away."
"I won't."
"Good. Why don't you take the next few days for yourself?"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. You're not going to be any use here when you're thinking about her."
"Okay. Thanks cap."
Just as she finished her sentence, the door opened and an even more drained looking Alex emerged. Emma was passed out in her arms and the blonde looked like she was having trouble carrying the girl.
Olivia walked over and gently pulled the girl from Alex. At first Alex had resisted, but when Olivia shook her head, telling her to let her take the girl, Alex finally acquiesced. She passed her the girl and straightened her back, almost as if on the defence.
"How are you doing Alex?"
"I'm fine Don."
"Listen, Don's given Olivia the next few days off. I'd like you to go home with her. It would make me feel better if you went with her."
"But-"
"For once in your life Alex don't argue. Just do it, okay?"
Alex sighed and nodded.
"Thank you." Her boss replied
"I just need to get some stuff from my office."
"Okay. I'll follow you in a second."
Liz turned to Olivia.
"You take care of her."
"I will."
Liz could tell there was something else the detective wanted to say.
"What is it?"
"Is it true? Is this Alex's daughter?"
Liz sighed.
"It's a long story Olivia. You need to talk to Alex. You two have a lot to talk about."
Olivia nodded.
"Yeah I know. Thanks Liz."
"Have a good weekend."
Olivia made her way to Alex's office. When she entered, she found the woman stiffly putting papers into her briefcase. The woman was radiating so many different emotions that Olivia couldn't get a proper read on her. She snapped her briefcase shut and reached out for Emma.
"I can take her now."
"It's okay. I don't mind."
Alex didn't waver so Olivia handed her over. Alex slipped her arms around the child and cradled her close.
"Are you ready to leave?"
"You can just drop us off at a hotel Olivia. I have my credit cards with me."
"Alex I'm not leaving you alone, okay? Besides, I promised Liz I'd watch over you. We're all worried about you."
"I don't need a babysitter."
Olivia sighed.
"I'm not babysitting Alex. We used to be friends once upon a time. I still consider you a friend and I want to help you. Let me. I know you're exhausted. Come to my place."
The blonde didn't argue further, surprising Olivia. Instead, she followed Olivia to her car and rode with her to her apartment. When they arrived, Olivia led her to the apartment door and let her in.
Alex walked inside and couldn't say she wasn't surprised at what she saw. She was surprised at how nice it was. Nicely decorated and it looked...cozy. Inviting.
"The bedroom is down that hall."
Alex walked down the hall as Olivia locked the door. When she entered the room, Alex was standing near the dresser, unsure of what to do.
"Um, I asked Fin to drop you guys off a few things to wear after I gave my statement. I hope you don't mind. They're in here. If you don't like the pyjamas he packed or something, feel free to go through the closet for something."
She said, grabbing the bag from the bed and placing it on the floor.
"I just need to change the sheets."
She reached to pull off the comforter but Alex stopped her.
"Don't bother Olivia. We're both exhausted. It's fine the way it is."
"Are you sure?"
The blonde nodded.
"Okay."
Olivia pulled the blankets back and turned the lamp on.
"Do you want anything? A glass of water? Something to eat?"
"No, I'm fine thank you."
She answered, laying the child on the bed.
"Okay. If you need anything just help yourself okay? Make yourself at home here. And if you need help finding anything, just let me know. Alright?"
"Thank you Olivia."
"Anytime Alex. Good night."
She closed the door behind her and made her way to the linen closet in the bathroom. She pulled out the spare toothbrush and placed it on the sink. She wasn't sure if Fin had thought to pack Alex's so she figured she'd leave one out for the blonde just in case. She left the linen closet open as well in case the blonde wanted to shower. She bent down and grabbed the spare sheets she had on the bottom shelf and headed to the spare room.