Olivia followed Mr. Billings to his office and sat down on a chair across from him.
"So, tell me what happened," he told her flatly.
Olivia looked at her hands. "I shouldn't have said it; I know, I know. She was just – teasing me."
"About what?"
She shrugged. "Same old, same old. About this guy who I kind of like. About my mom."
"What about your mom?"
Olivia didn't say anything.
"Olivia?" pressed the principal.
Olivia shrugged again. "Nothing in particular."
"Olivia, I think this has gone too far. We suspended you for a week and you come back today with an extreme amount of animosity toward this poor girl, swearing at her for no reason. I think you need help, Olivia. You seem to really have it in for Brianna and I want to know why."
"Because she –" started Olivia.
The principal's face purpled. He looked so angry that Olivia flinched, fearful he would hit her. "The problem is not Brianna, Olivia Benson! The problem is you!"
Olivia burst into tears. "So you think I'm bad too?"
"No, I think you're a disturbed child who needs some serious help."
Olivia put her head in her hands and continued to sob.
Mr. Billings sighed. "Go sit in the front office. I'm going to call guidance. I want you to talk to a counselor, Olivia. You need help. And I'm going to call your mother."
Olivia was too emotionally drained to protest. She mutely did as she was told.
Elliot passed by the office a few minutes later. He saw Olivia crying into her hands and came into the office. "Hey, Liv," he said. "What happened? And what was Brianna talking about when she said all that about your mom?"
Olivia lifted her head and looked him in the eye. "Brianna's full of crap. My mother never laid a hand on me."
Elliot sat down next to her, appraising his friend with new eyes. "Olivia, what happened to your eye?"
Olivia sighed. "Walked into a wall. What's it to you?"
"Are you sure your mother didn't hit you?"
"Of course not. Is that what Brianna said?"
Elliot hesitated. "Well . . . yes."
"If you're just here to give me hell, then get lost," snapped Olivia.
Elliot looked hurt. "Hey, I'm your friend. I just want to help. But if nothing's wrong, then nothing's wrong, and I'm sorry."
Olivia burst into tears again. She had never had such a friend.
Elliot put his hand on Olivia's shoulder. She flinched, but didn't push his hand away. It should have felt awkward, but it didn't. Elliot's touch felt just right.