Partners…Even So
By: Liv-x-Case-Benson & Dark Wings of Imagination
Chapter 4: Choice
Everybody went to have breakfast together. After they had finish, Olivia called Kathleen.
"Do you to talk now? We could go for a walk."
"Sure," Kathleen said quietly.
They went outside and Olivia wasn't quite sure how to begin the conversation. "So, how've things been with your dad being around more?"
"It was different at first, but now it's good. It's nice to see more of him."
She smiled. "Yeah, I bet it is. The hours I still keep aren't the greatest."
"Some things don't change," Kathleen said with a half smile. "What I wanted to tell you might not be a big deal, but for me it is. I'm pretty sure you remember when I got arrested, right?" she said looking anywhere, but Olivia's direction.
She nodded. "Yes why?"
"I never got the chance to thank you. You know? As I said before, you may think it's not important, but for me it is. You helped me a lot that day."
Olivia smiled. "Well, everyone needs someone to lean on, now and then, who isn't family. You're a smart, young, beautiful woman who just needed that. Your father wouldn't have understood. He's more about keeping order and sanity. Your mother's great, but she doesn't deal with what I do on a regular basis."
"Yeah, that kinda sums it up. Can I ask you something?" Kathleen asked Olivia.
Olivia nodded. "Go for it."
"Do you think I would have a shot as a cop? I mean, due to my past medical history, do you think I could be a cop?"
"Depends. What sort of cop are you aiming for? Why?"
"I want to enter NYC Police Academy. I was thinking about maybe Homicide, but mostly SVU."
Olivia sighed. "Kathleen, you are aware of the cases I deal with, right? Rape, abuse, domestic violence, pedophiles, child neglect...and those are just a few main areas."
"Yes. That's exactly why I want to. I want to help like you and dad."
She sighed. "Can you give me more of a reason as to why? I have a specific reason."
Looking down at the sidewalk, Kathleen spoke almost in a whisper, "Because I know how the victims feel. I want to help them to do what I didn't."
"That's a...very good reason, but it's still very draining."
"I know. But I think is the only thing I can imagine myself doing. I guess, deep down, I always wanted to be like dad and you."
Olivia smiled. "That's...interesting, but still. Every case that you work leaves a mark on you. They don't just go away."
"I'm pretty aware of that. Living with a SVU detective kinda let this very clear."
"I'm aware that the situations you have to deal with are... difficult, but it's really what I want to do."
"Have you talked to your dad?" Olivia asked.
"No. I'm not sure if he would be okay about it. I thought about telling you first, because, well, you wouldn't judge my choice right away, I knew you would do what you just did: help me figure if it was really what I wanted."
The detective nodded again. "What else can you tell me about why you want to do this? You're going to need a convincing argument."
"It's all I ever wanted to do, but it's more than just because my dad used to be a SVU, it's about..." she trailed off, thinking exactly why she wanted to do this, and when she finally came to an answer she talked once more. "It's about me, I won't lie, it's about becoming someone who can do good for people, it's about wanting to be a helper for such fragile victims"
Stopping on the sidewalk, Olivia hugged her tightly. "It's hard, draining work, but with a reason – an attitude – like that, I'll never doubt that you'll do a fantastic job."
"Thank you, Olivia, to hear this from you, it sure means a lot," Kathleen said as she hugged the older woman back.
Olivia smiled brighter. "It's never easy to listen to someone tell you what they've been through," she said, letting go and just having a arm around her as they walked, "but if you keep the thought in mind that you're going to help them try to get their lives back on track, try to help them heal, that helps some."
"Yeah. I hope my dad will be as understanding as you"
"I wouldn't count on that. In some ways, he's seen more than I have. And, as your father, he'll quickly point out reasons why you shouldn't..if he let's you explain."
Kathleen nodded. "You're right. Let's just hope he'll at least accept it."
Olivia nodded. "I agree with you there."
"Well, I think we need get going before Eli thinks I stole his Aunt Liv," Kathleen said, chuckling.
Olivia laughed a bit, turning around. "Yeah...probably a good idea," she said as they headed back.
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Liv-x-Case-Benson & Dark Wings of Imagination
