A/N: It's been over a week so here's the next chapter.

Chapter 3: Past

It was already passed midnight and Elliot was on the couch tossing and turning. He just couldn't seem to get comfortable. Well, the couch wasn't the best place to sleep but since Jessica was occupying his bed, this was the only option. Sighing, he figured sleep wasn't coming anytime soon. Opening his eyes he was rewarded with chocolate orbs staring at him. In the dark you could barely see anything, but Elliot saw the tears streaming down her mocha colored face. "Jessica, what's wrong?"

"I had a bad dream. Can I lay with you?" She whispered.

Sitting up, Elliot placed a pillow on his lap and allowed her to lie down. Covering her up, he started running his hand through her blackish brown hair. "Wanna tell me what this dream was about?" Seeing the shake of her head, Elliot sighed. "Ok." Silencing taking over, Elliot tried to collect his thoughts. He needed to ask her some questions about this whole situation, but he didn't want to push her. Taking a chance, he cleared his throat. "Jessica, why didn't they place you with me as soon as your dad died?"

Lying there, she didn't say anything for a while. Not ready to talk about, she changed the subject instead. "Why did you stop visiting me?"

Elliot sucked in some air. He knew that question was coming. "I'm sorry honey, but after Josh's mommy left I became a single parent and had to take care of him at all times." Elliot replied partially telling the truth. The real reason was because he was trying to save his marriage. Kathy had accused him of cheating on him with Jessica's mother. He understood why she would think that since once upon a time he was intimate with Jessica's mother, but they decided to just stay friends. They became best friends, and when Jessica was born her mother appointed Elliot to be the godfather. Jessica became like a second child to him and he loved her. So he visited her 3 or 4 times a year, sometimes 5. But then Kathy accused him of having an affair so he stopped visiting and tried to save his marriage. In the end though, Kathy was actually having an affair and he got custody of Josh.

"I thought you didn't want me anymore because you stopped loving me." She whispered. "I thought that was the reason why you stopped visiting me."

Elliot's heart broke seeing more tears. "You're my goddaughter and I love you, I would have kept you back then if I could."

"You weren't there when I needed you most."

"I'm here now."

"It's not the same."

"Jessica, did something happen?" Elliot asked with concern.

Avoiding eye contact, she softly replied. "No. Can I sleep now?" Elliot nodded his head, not wanting to push her too hard. She already had been through so much and more. He knew something happened, but he hoped that she told him when she was ready.

"Sure." Elliot said kissing her on the forehead. Watching her eyes close, he sighed.

Sleep was definitely not coming to him for the night.


Walking into the bullpen, Elliot took notice that his partner wasn't there yet. Sighing, he went straight to his desk and leaned back in his chair, not ready for this day to begin.

"Hey sleeping beauty, you look like crap." Olivia said putting a cup of coffee on his desk with a smile.

"Thanks." Elliot gave a small smile.

"Late night?" Olivia questioned taking notice of the bags under his eyes.

"Yea."

"How's Jessica adjusting?" Olivia asked taking a seat at her desk.

"She had a nightmare last night, but she wouldn't tell me what it was about."

"Don't worry she'll open up. Just give her time."

Elliot nodded his head and went to work on his paperwork. Not much was getting done though. Olivia looked up from her paperwork to see Elliot contemplating something in his head. "El, what is it?" Elliot sighed and told her the story.

"Am I a bad person?" He asked.

"What? Elliot, that's crazy talk."

"Well Jessica thinks I don't love her, and I love that little girl to death." Elliot whispered.

Getting out of her seat, Olivia walked over to Elliot's desk and crouched down to his level. Grabbing his chin, she forced him to make eye contact with her. "El, you're an amazing man. I'm sure that little girl loves you more than anything and she knows you love her too. She's been through a lot and just because you weren't able to be there for her, doesn't make you any less of a man."

"Thanks, I needed that." Elliot smiled.

"Anytime." Olivia smiled standing up and taking her seat. "So where is the little munchkin?"

"She's at home with Josh." Looking up, Elliot saw Josh walking into the bullpen with Jessica in his arms sleeping. "Or at least I thought." He said getting up. "Josh, what are you doing here?" Elliot asked becoming worried.

"Dad, this was on our doorstep." Josh said handing him the envelope that was addressed to Elliot.

Opening the envelope, Elliot pulled out the letter and read it. 'If you want that little slut of a godchild to live, get rid of her.'

A/N: So whatcha think?