Elliot and Olivia came home from the hospital after two days. They had diagnosed that she had the fainting spell from stress and a little dehydration. Elliot was worried about the baby, and told Liv that because she was in her third month of pregnancy that she needed to relax and take care of herself and the baby. Olivia understood his concern and knew that what he was telling her was only for the good of the baby. They got home around ten in the morning and noticed that the kids were already up and eating breakfast. Calvin ran and hugged his mother and asked about the baby. She said that the baby was fine and then went and had breakfast herself. She made are tat she drank two full glasses of orange juice because that was what was missing. Elliot watched her as she talked with the kids and thanked God that she was okay. He called the captained said that they needed to lessen Liv's work load, because of this scare, and the captain agreed. He watched his family and saw that Olivia had grown quiet.
"Liv, you're mighty quiet. You okay?", Elliot asked. The kids looked on with concern.
"Yea, just thinking of how great my family is and how appreciative I am that I have you, all of you.", Liv said, tearing up. Kathleen took her hands and held it, and Elliot came closer.
"Mom, we want you in our lives. When you were gone, and we found out that Kathy took you, we were so scared. We know how much she hated you, and I saw that hate first hand. I hated her for what she did to you.", Katie said. Liv smiled, and then got up to hug her family. When she got to Elliot, he kissed her and then the kids left them to be alone.
"I meant what I said, El. I want to thank you for being here, and with me through all of this. If I wasn't with you,I really don't know where I'd be mentally. I'm feeling a lot better, knowing that they will never arm me again. I am yours. I remember what Kathy drilled into me, during the four days, and it replays a lot in my head. She told me that the family that I have attained can never be mine because I stole it, and stealers never win. I am grateful that you are mine, but I am scared that you are going to all go away from me, and I will be left alone. I am scared that with this baby, I'll be like my mother, and that's not what I want. El, if I become her, please send me away and lock me up.", Olivia said.
As Liv spoke, Elliot sat there watching her closely, When, she began talking about how good of a mother she would be because of her mother, Elliot shook his head fiercely and pulled her to the sofa. He held her close, and felt her fears. He held her even closer, and then when she calmed down a bit, he began.
"Olivia, how could I leave you? You mean everything to me. Kathy is trash and what she said is trash. Don't listen to her, sweetheart. You belong with me, and the kids. The kids want to be with you. How can you not see that we all love you? Liv, your fear of becoming your mother is not what I see in you, and if it's up to me, you'll never become your mother or your father. Your "bad genes", have been replaced by good ones. Look at all of those people that you've helped. In the year and a half that we've known each other, I have admired you more and more, and fallen deeper in love with you. You are my life.", Elliot said. He kissed her, and Liv sighed. Then, Elliot thought of something that would be perfect for the family. But when he saw Olivia moving at a forced pace to get the kids ready for school, her work outfit, helping kids with homework, he knew that there was something that needed to be done.
"Calvin, I'll be there soon. Lizzie, come and take a bath, and you can get ready for bed. Dickie, time to practice your presentation. Maureen, honey, time for bed. You've got an early day. Katie, how are you coming on that physics homework?", Liv called in the hall way. The kids followed her instructions, and Elliot walked upstairs. Maureen motioned to him that she was showing the stress and running on autopilot. She wasn't concerned with her being and that was an issue. He nodded and watched her check on the kids, and then move to the bedroom and pick out her outfit for tomorrow, being aware that her stomach was showing just a bit. She picked a pair of grey slacks, and a blue shirt, lose enough that showed her pregnancy just a bit, but not enough to where the stomach hung out. Then, she looked at her husband's wardrobe and chose a similar color pant and shirt for him. She laid everything out, and prepared to iron the clothes. But when she turned the iron on, she remembered the burning hat she felt, and immediately turned it off. Elliot saw her jump back and do what needed to be done and came into the room. He sighed and sat on the bed.
"Liv, what are you doing?", Elliot asked, moving to their bedroom.
""Elliot, tomorrow is a school day and a work day. Calvin needs help with his math homework, and Maureen and Kathleen are leaving early tomorrow for a morning class. We've got work, and a baby appointment, and then there's the little ones. Dickie and Lizzie have a special little presentation tomorrow. I've already figured it out. It's at noon, and that's during our lunch break, so we can make it.", Olivia said. Eliot saw that she was on autopilot.
"Honey, come here.",Elliot said, and pulled her towards the bed. It was a time when Liv was trying to push away what happen and focus on everyone else but herself. This happened before and Eliot knew that this is what she was doing. He watched her hug him close, but them try to get away so that she can finish. He held tighter.
"Liv, you need to take things slow. Let me help with things honey. Let me take some of this stress.", Elliot said, kissing her temple. Liv looked down and felt the tears start to fall.
''I can't, El, I can't because if I do slow down, the attack is all I can think about. I see what they did to me, and it's hard to forget. Things still are are relatively fresh. It's a hard task to do, putting that away. Oh, I want to forget. But it's like there, always, going to be there for a while.", Liv said, and leaned back on Elliot, who held her closer.
"Shh, baby. What did I tell you before. You have us to lean on. You have me. You don't have to be strong. I am here for you.", Elliot said.
"I know, it's just hard to get over.", Olivia said, and weakly smiled. Then, as they sat there holding each other, Elliot came up with an idea to get away from this stress.
"Liv, let's get away from here for a while. We need to get a way from the fuss and stress of everything. Maybe we can destress you out, and we all can relax and be a family. What do you say?", Elliot suggested.
"You me and the kids?", Liv asked.
"Of course the kids are coming. I want you to concentrate on relaxing and distressing and focus more on what the little one wants and we can take care of you. Let us do all the work. You are officially on a break.", Elliot said. Liv sled and hugged him and then they called the kids and they were excited.
"Wait, what about work? Don't we have to go to work?", Liv said, and Elliot shook his head no. He grabbed his phone and began dialing the all to familiar number.
"Cap, it's El, listen, Liv needs a break and so do I. She's too stressed out. I think a mini vacation can be good for her. What do you think?", Elliot said. The captain smiled and knew that Elliot had his daughter and his grandkids' best interest at heart. They needed this time to reconnect as a family and be together, plus, Cragen knew that Olivia needed the time to heal and the time to breathe. It was going to be relaxing time for them and the detectives knew that this time was good for Olivia, who came out of a scary situation with Kathy and Lewis.
"Of course take the week and get some much needed relaxation. Tell Olivia that if I see her within the week, there will be a pile of paperwork and desk duty calling her name.", the captain said, and Elliot smiled. He thanked the captain and nodded to Olivia, who smiled. She then placed what needed to back in the closets and got the suitcases out. Elliot told her that they would pack the next day and that everyone should get to sleep. The kids went to bed instantly, knowing that the next day would bring surprises for everyone.
Olivia and the kids packed their suitcases for a week long trip, not knowing where they would go. Elliot told them that it was a surprise, but knew that they could all use some fresh air, not the crowded city air. It was something that they weren't going to forget. On the way there, Liv and El watched as the kids sang songs in the car. Calvin was laughing at his siblings as they went off key, and they were al having fun. Liv held Elliot's hand and he moved it to her side of the car, holding her stomach. She put her hands over his and smiled. She was finally beginning to feel relaxed. Things were going smoothly when Elliot pulled over about two hours later and went into the little hut. Olivia was confused and then smiled. She knew Elliot was doing this for her. She followed her husband and the kids got up and followed.
"Dad, what are we doing here?", Katie asked.
"It's our time to breathe. It's getting in touch with nature.", Elliot said
"I love it!", Olivia said. She kissed Elliot. The kids realized that this was for her. They all knew that their dad would have done anything for Olivia. They all smiled and walked in. They saw Olivia and Elliot sitting down and the kids went and picked their rooms.
"How'd you get this?", Olivia asked. smiling at her husband and laying on his shoulder.
"Well, actually, it was Don. On the phone, he told me of this great cabin and who we contacted. So while you were asleep in the car, I made the call and got us booked for the week. I hope it's not too rubbish for us.", Elliot said.
"It's perfect. El, have I told you lately how much I truly appreciate and love you.", Liv said.
"I love you too.", Elliot said and they kissed. As always with their kisses, things got carried away, but soon they were interrupted by the kids.
"Dad, Dickie took my bed!", Lizzie said, and called down.
"Why do you get the big bed?", Dickie said, loudly. Olivia and Elliot rolled their eyes, and went to see what was the problem.
"Guys, we toldyou, boys in one room, girls in the other. Now, Lizzie has this bed, and Dickie and Clavin, have the room right next door. You guys would love it there.", Liv said, and Calvin knew not to argue, but Dickie tried. But Elliot gave him one look and things were pretty calm.
"Guys, we are here to destress, so let's all stay calm. If there is a conflict, we can work it out together. But let's try not to have those.", Elliot said, and looked over at Liv. She was sitting close to the window, and looking out. She had tears in her eyes, and was deep in thought.
"Honey?", Elliot said, and she didn't respond.
"Liv,", he tried again, and got closer. This time, she reacted and looked at him.
"Honey, you okay?", Elliot said, and she went into his arms, nodding. He held her close and he whispered words of love to her.
"I was just thinking of how beautiful it was here, and then a flashback hit me, and it was when Lewis had me in that beach house. I remember liking out the window and seeing no help, and nothing. Then, he hit me, and I fought back. I was hurting, and that's why I was crying. But I'm not anymore. You helped me to realize that this is not me, who I was with him isn't me, and now I am with the man I am supposed to be with and it's perfect.", Liv said.
"Honey,you are safe. I won't let anyone hurt you ever again. We won't as a family. You mean so much to us, and we all love you. I love you so much, that it hurts.", Elliot said, and together they came together and kissed. Liv gave Elliot a hug and then went to check on the kids. They were playing quietly, and when they saw Liv, they ran and hugged her. She kissed everyone and told them that she loved them and they reciprocated that love. For Elliot, it was a beautiful site to see.
It was getting dark, so they lit their fireplace and everyone helped make dinner. It was adorable. It was their family time and this was the time to breathe. Elliot poured Olivia a glass of sparkling cier, and everyone else. Then, he got dinner finished as everyone sat around the table. When he brought dinner to the table, they said grace and then ate.
"I love our family", Liv said, and everyone smiled.
"We are glad you joined us, Liv, we wouldn't be a family without you.", Maureen said, and Liv cried a few tears. Elliot kissed her hand and wiped the tears she had shed away. Then, they all wanted to watch a feel good movie. They wound up watching Tarzan, and had a blast. The little ones were so into the movie, and the older kids didn't mind it. Liv and El had their hands connected on Liv's stomach.
"Honey, are you happy about the baby?", Liv asked Elliot.
"Happy? Honey, I am ecstatic. I love our family, and have wanted to add on with you for a while. I am so happy with you and our family, that a baby would just add to that joy.", Elliot said,
"Oh, honey that's amazing. I love our baby too, …..oh….oh god…", Liv says and stands up and runs to the bathroom. She empties her stomach into the toilet, and Elliot is right there, holding her hand. The kids had even paused the movie and checked on her.
"Oh that was a good one….", Liv said, and everyone laughed. She told them that she was more nauseated and they said that she needs of rest more. She agreed, but didn't want to stop spending time with the kids. The kids said they understood and she went into her bedroom and laid down. Elliot went with her, and the kids said they would be fine.
"Mom got really sick. Are you guys sure she's okay?", Calvin said.
"Yea, bud, she's just nauseated because of the baby, but it's okay. It's part of it. I remember my mom was sick the entire time with Dickie and Lizzie. It'll get better. We just have to be there for her.", Maureen said.
"Yea, like do stuff for her.", Lizzie said.
"Good, idea, Liz, let's do all the cooking and cleaning and we can help her out with anything. We've got her covered!", Katie said, and the others agreed. Elliot had overheard their conversation and smiled to himself. He then went and told them that it was close to bed time and they all went into the room to go to bed.
"You know Liv, we have some amazing kids, and this one is going to be even more amazing.", Elliot said, getting into bed.
"They are just as amazing as their dad.", Liv said, snuggling into him. Elliot smiled, and kissed her cheek and snuggled closer to Olivia. They fell asleep together, and Liv was very happy that things were going great.
Elliot and Olivia woke up together, and decided to go for a walk around the campground. Elliot got the kids up, and told them what they were going to do. However, they all wanted to join n and so they all got up and went for a walk. Liv and El held hands and every once and a while stopped to take in the sights, and then of course kiss and make out. The kids were having too much fun playing and even Maureen and Katie, who are usually so attached to their cellular devices, put them away and played with the kids. They looked at Elliot and Olivia and Maureen smiled.
"Liv's good for Dad, eh Katie?", Maureen said.
"Yea, we've seen her with him and she's a wonderful mother. I can't wait until the new baby arrives.", Katie said, but turned around quickly, as Liv screamed.
"El! Ha! No! Please! Stop!", Liv screamed, and laughed, The kids laughed with her as they watched as their father chased after Olivia, and when he caught her, he began tickling her. They watched as their father and Olivia fell to the ground and kissed each other, and then joined in next to them as they all laid there, basking in the glory of the camp ground.
"Honey, how are you feeling? Any sickness today?", El said, turning over, towards his wife.
"Not one bit. I guess, since I am not stressed,I am not sick.", Liv said, and pulled Elliot in close. She kissed him and they were interrupted by Kathleen, who rolled her eyes, and then spoke.
"Oay, you two, let's go! Lizzie and Dickie are getting restless and may need a nap. Plus, Maureen and I have a bit of work to do, and I am sure that you two just want to sit back and relax. Let's do that at our cabin, where no one can see us!", Katie said, and laughed. Maureen hit her, and smiled weakly, but the parents thought that the walk was long enough and that they could go back.
"Mama! Deer?", Lizzie said, pointing to the pasture ahead. Liv moved closer to her daughter and held her close.
"Yes, sweetie, that's right. That's a deer, look it's a doe!", Liv said, pointing towards the deer. Soon enough, the doe was followed by a Fawn and the girls were quiet, knowing that there was no need to scare them or the deers would run off.
"Let's go guys, quietly!", El said, and the kids went off quickly and quietly, watching the deers follow them with their eyes. The kids were talking about the deers and how much they liked seeing them all the way back to the cabin. When they got back to the cabin, El made a fire, and the kids all made the sandwiches. They ate at the table, chatting about different things, but most of the conversation was about the baby. The kids were thinking that they couldn't wait to meet the new addition and Liv was proud.
"Another Stabler to this crazy mix", Katie commented and Liv smiled.
After lunch, the gang watched television and then took a nap. Liv rested and felt really relaxed. She was glad that she took this vacation with Elliot. It gave her time to breathe and time to be with her family that she loved.
The days were spent relaxing, thing hkes, going for adventure walks, and just relaxing and playing games at the cabin. Everyone had a blast and things were going great. Nothing could beat this time, but of course all good things must come to an end. They all knew that when Ssturay came, it was nearing time for them to go home. Olivia and Elliot packed the kids things and went home on Sunday, feeling refreshed and ready to go for the weeks ahead.
Now, in prison, Harris, Lewis, and Kathy all met together and talked about their precious Olivia. They all knew that that they had one more chance and things were going to get bad. They waited and planned everything out. They only waited because Kathy wanted to wait because she knew thatOlivia was pregnant and they wanted to wait until the baby was born. Kathy actually saved Liv from some horrors for the next few months, but she couldn't wait until after.
Author's note. The week thereutnr, they have a case that rocks both Olivia and Elliot! It's the case from Wednesday's child and Giano together! Please let me know what you think! Hope this chapter brings joy and relaxing. Hope you all have a great EO day!