AN: okay be sure to read the bolded, underlined, italicized print. They POV's are gonna flop around a lot in this chapter. This is also set about 7 months in the future. Thanks
-Megan :)
Chapter 21: Halloween
Seven months later.
It was October 31 and it as Halloween. Kelly and Oliver had never celebrated Halloween before.
About a month before
Everyone was standing in the squad room when Olivia came in carrying Oliver. The other four kids followed along. Kelly was holding Elis hand but dropped it as soon as she saw Cragen. "Grandpa!" she yelled running for him. Cragen loved when she called him grandpa. He never did have any kids but considered Elliot and Olivia his own. He bent down and scooped her up. "Hey Kell Bell." He said using his special nick name for her. "Halloween is coming up, you excited?" he asked. She just shrugged her shoulders, "I don't really know what Halloween is. Heather said it was only for good kids and we aren't good." Kelly told him.
"Of course you're good, and smart. You are in the third grade and I heard your mom talken, they wanna put you in the fifth grade next year. You're always helping your mom and Elliot and you're always nice to your brother." He told her.
"So I can have Halloween?" she asked hopefully. "Of course you can, and were all gonna go trick-or-treating."
"Yay!" Cragen laughed and put her on feet were she ran to Olivia. "Mommy! Grandpa said I can go trick or treating!" Kelly said excitedly.
"Of course you can. Were all gonna go as one big group. Everyone is gonna be a zombie version of something. Okay?" she asked. If Kelly didn't like the idea then they could always change it. "Okay!"
***Back to present***
Olivia was helping Kelly with her witch costume and make up. Lizzie and Dickie were gonna be the zombie version of Hiccup and Astrid. (The main characters from 'How to Train your Dragon') so they were zombie Vikings and Lizzie thought they need a dragon. So they dressed Oliver up as Toothless the Dragon.
Olivia and Elliot were already dressed up as George and Judy Jetson and were helping the kids. Hearing the door open Olivia knew the older girls were here.
"Mommy" Man she loved hearing that word. Olivia turned and saw Eli. She thought back to when Eli first asked her.
**3 months earlier (Olivia's POV) **
I was folding laundry in the kitchen (when did I become so domestic?) when Eli walked in "Hey Livia, Can I ask you something?" Eli asked. "Sure buddy, what's up?" I ask. "Some kids were making fun of me in school cause I don't have a mommy. I told them I do have a mommy. That Livia is my mommy but they said it don't count because I don't call you mommy. So can I call you mommy?" he asked me so innocently. I really didn't know what to say so I went with my gut.
"It doesn't matter what the other kids say. Just because you don't call someone mommy doesn't mean you don't have a mom. Kathy's your mom." I tried to explain.
"Yea but she's not nice like you. She never readed us bedtime stories or made cookies or played with us. She was never home I always stayed with Lizzie or Dickie. You're a better mommy then her." Eli said kinda upset.
"Hey, like I said it doesn't matter what other kids say. I remember my teacher told me one time 'Sticks and stones my break my bones but words will never hurt me' that means that if someone throw something at you like stones or sticks it can hurt you butwords are just words and people who use mean words are just bullies. If you wanna call me mommy then that would be great, I would love it." I tried again to explain.
He threw his arms around me almost knocking me over and said "Thanks Mommy!" and ran off to play.
*Back to present*
Since then even the twins had begun to call her mom. "Mommy?" Eli asked again getting Olivia's attention back "Can you help me with my badge?" Eli asked "Sure Buddy." While Olivia helped the little ones with their shoes Elliot went back to his room to grab the engagement ring hidden in his sock drawer. Only Kelly knew it was there. She learned about it when she accidently knocked it out of his hand one day after school. It was a beautiful 3K diamond with smaller stones around the white gold band. He knew Liv liked white gold better than yellow gold and he also knew her ring size because he barrowed on of her other rings from her jewelry box and then returned it before she knew it was missing. Once it was safely in his pocket he headed back to the living room where his family was waiting. Little did Olivia know that with the help of captain (who he asked permission to marry Liv) had helped him plan the proposal. He knew Liv wasn't real big on Flowery, Pink, girlie, mushy things so he thought that Halloween would be perfect.
Once everyone was ready they all headed to the cars. Olivia and Elliot took the three younger ones while Dickie and Lizzie rode with Maur and Katie. Though, they did have an issue getting Oliver in his seat. They had to take his wings off so he would fit.
When they arrived at the precinct Kelly was out of the car first and put her hat on while she waited for Olivia and Elliot to get Eli ad Oliver out.
***Kelly***
I was so excited; I have never had a Halloween before. Heather always told us that it was only for good kids and we were never good. But getting dressed up and getting lots of candy wasn't the only reason I was excited.
When I ran into say hi to Elliot after school one day I accidentally knocked a ring out of his hand. When I asked what I was he explained that he was gonna ask mommy to marry him, but I wasn't allowed to tell her. It was a surprise. That would mean that Elliot would be like my dad, right? I've never had a dad before. I knew that Maureen, Kathleen, Lizzie, Dickie and Eli called him daddy but they were his kids they were allowed. When he walked up to me and took my hand we walked into the precinct, while mommy waited for Maureen to arrive with the others. While we were walking I asked him. "Dadd-Elliot" I tried to cover. "Where's Grandpa?" I ask hoping he doesn't get mad at my slip up. His reaction was one I wasn't really expecting. He was smiling. He actually looked happy.
"He's in the squad room waiting for us." He answered with a smile again.
I decided to put my fear aside and ask. "Elliot, if mommy marries you would that make you my dad?" my heart was racing with fear of his answer. We stopped at a bench and he knelt down to my height.
"Yes that would make me your dad. Are you okay with that?" he asked me. I nodded,
"Yea, but why do you want us? Heather always said no one really wants kids; they are all mistakes that the parents have to take care of. You have five kids. Why would you want two more?" I ask. It really does make me wonder.
"I love my kids. All kids, that means you and Oliver too, I always wanted a big family. So yes I do have five kids. I'll have seven if Olivia agrees to marry me tonight." He answered. I just nodded and all but jumped into his arms. I hugged him real tight and whispered "I've never had a daddy before. Thank-you." He lifted me into his arms careful of our makeup and costumes. "You're welcome Princess." I loved my nicknames. I was glad to finally have someone to care and love me. Hopefully by the end of the night my little family that consisted of only Olivia, Oliver, and me would expand by six.
**Olivia**
After we got Oliver and Eli out of the car Elliot took Kelly inside with him to go see Cragen while I waited with Oliver and Eli for Maureen. They were all so excited for Halloween. When Maureen pulled up and they got out of the car I asked "Is everyone excited?" Lizzie answered first
"Yes! It's out first Halloween in three years!" she told me.
This made me question that. "I thought you went last year with Kathy?"
"Nah, she always lied and just bought us candy. But she knew dad would be mad if he found out so she made us lie. So this is Elis first Halloween that he remembers."
I was mad, no i was pissed. I couldn't believe Kathy. She had five amazing kids that she just shrugged off. When I was young I never went trick-or-treating. I was always either healing from the last drunken beating my mother gave me, or she was drunk off her ass. Halloween is something all kids should get to experience.
So I shook the angry thoughts away and we headed inside to go find Elliot.
**Elliot** When I put Kelly down we went in search of Cowboy Cragen (since he was dressed as a zombie cowboy). It wouldn't be long before liv came up here and I needed to get ready. I'm gonna wait for her to come in- the squad room is all decked out in Halloween decorations- then Kelly is gonna distract her. When I get down on one knee Kelly will smile and point behind Olivia to me. Everyone was already here. Hopefully she says yes.
"Hey Elliot, are you ready for this?" Cragen asks Kelly was already in his arms but this came as no surprise to me. After the trial when she started calling him grandpa, the little girl that once trusted no man, formed an unbreakable bond with her new 'grandfather'.
"I think so." I reply. "Well just remember what I said "If you hurt her, you will have the whole squad after you, but that's not the worst part. You will have to deal with me first." He threatened. That threat was something that he knew was more of a promise, but none the less intimidating. Just then Casey came in. "They're coming up the elevator guys!" she warned.
All the sudden my palms started sweating and I got real nervous. I looked down and saw Kelly smile and she squeased my hand letting go when Olivia walked in. I watched Kelly walk up to her and start talking about something. Olivia's back was to me so I got down on one knee like I was supposed to and nodded to Kelly. Right on cue she smiled wide winked at me and then pointed.
**Olivia**
When we walked into the squad room Kelly immediately ran up to me rambling a million miles a minute. This was the typical Kelly that we had gotten to know after she started school. I don't even know what she was talking about but after a minute she smiled real wide and winked at someone and pointed behind me. When I turned around I saw Elliot down on one knee with a little black velvet box in his hand. When I looked at him he opened the box and saw the most gorgeous ring. He then uttered the words I had been dreaming about for twelve years.
"Olivia Marie Benson, I love you more than words can express, you are a wonderful mother to my children and your own. You are a strong gorgeous woman. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?"
I nodded and said "Yes, of course I'll marry you!" he slid the ring on finger and it fit perfectly. He kissed me and I kissed back. Boy could that man make me weak in the knees. We broke apart when we heard cheering. Kelly ran up to us and said "Yay! Can we go trick or treating now?"
We all laughed and I told her "Yes of course in just a minute okay?" "Kay"
All the men congratulated Elliot and Cragen walked up to me and gave me a hug. He whispered in my ear "Congrats Liv. You deserve to be happy."
"Thanks Capt." I whisper hugging back. I pull back and wipe carefully at my eyes as not to smudge my zombie make up. Elliot's proposal was probably the least normal option but I loved. He knows how much I dislike the overly mushy romance scenes. I love the romantic things but the mushy gushy things you see in movies is just nauseating.
After Casey and Alex swarmed me to see the ring, Maureen and Katie walked up to me. "This is great mom! We can be like a real family!" they squealed. I laughed and hugged them before saying "Alright, who's ready to go trick-or-treating?" I round of yes's from all the kids.
2 hours later
**Olivia POV continued**
I saw how close Dickie was keeping Kelly. I nudge Elliot and asked "Do you know what's going on with Dickie? He hasn't let Kelly more than two feet from him all night."
"Yea I noticed that but I'm not sure why." He answered
We were walking around a large gated community where most of the kids from the school the twins and Kelly went to were at. All was going well until we heard
"Leave…Her…Alone!" The voice was unmistakably Dickies.
Dickies POV
We were walking along and everything was going just fine until Scott (a fourth grader) decided he was gonna try and pick on Kelly. I wasn't gonna stand for that. I didn't let anyone do it at school and I'm not gonna let them do it here. I had spread the word saying that Kelly was family. I've been at the same school since kindergarten. Everyone knows my temper. So when I told everyone to watch out for Kelly or I would deal with them they all listened. Well the fourth grader must not have gotten the memo.
He pushed her down and went to grab her candy bag. I got it first "Leave…Her…Alone!" I punched him in the nose. "Kelly goto Elliot." I whispered. She nodded quickly and she ran off. He punched me back and hit me in the eye. Damn that hurt. That was gonna leave quite the shiner. I went to punch him again but Olivia stepped in front of me. I put my hand down and she said "What the hell?"
"Stay out of it lady" he spat. I lost my cool (again) and went for him. No one talked to my mom like that. But again mom put her arm in front of me effectively blocking my way.
"That's 'Detective' to you." She told him. She was now in full out cop mode. She pushed aside her shirt showing her badge and gun. I saw the boy's face pale. "Now Dickie, What. Happened?" She asked. Uh oh she was mad now. Would she hit me like Kathy did? I hope not.
"He started it mom, I promise!" I said. Scotts face paled even further when he heard me call Olivia mom.
"I'm sor-sorry, ma'am." He stuttered. Mom turned to me and repeated herself.
"What happened Dickie?" she asked.
"He knocked Kelly down and was gonna steal her candy cause she smarter than him. I couldn't let him hurt her." I explained quickly. I was kinda scared I'll admit. The last fight I got into Kathy went off on me.
"Okay, it's okay." I know she could see the fear etched on my face. She went to touch my head and I flinched away. "It's okay Dickie; go over to your dad." She said resting her hand on the back of my head. At least she wasn't mad. I was kinda surprised. Kathy would have freaked out on me.
I walked away while she attended to Scott. I walked up to Kelly who dad was holding. "Are you alright Kelly?" I asked. She looked at me and nodded "Thanks for helping me Dickie." She whispered. "You're welcome kells. That's what big brothers are for." I had never had a little sister before. Only a little brother, I still look after my sister Lizzie, but it's not the same as protecting your little sister.
She smiled at me and I smiled back.
Olivia came walking back and took Kelly into her arms and asked "Are you okay?" she nodded. She handed Kelly back to Elliot. She turned to me and we sat down on a bench. She gently brushed my light brown hair out my face. "You're gonna have an impressive bruise there in the morning. We should probably get going and get you some ice. Are you okay?" she asked. She wasn't mad or upset with me, she was worried about me. "Yah, I'm sorry."
"Why are you sorry? You didn't do anything wrong. You were protecting Kelly. I could never be mad about that." She told me. I nodded and she gave me hug. I hugged back and got in her lap. I thought to myself, I'm thirteen years old I shouldn't need to be held like a kid, but I realized Olivia is the best mom I've ever had. I don't know why but I laid my head down on her shoulder.
**Olivia**
We sat there for some time while Elliot went and gathered the rest of the kids. I was surprised by dickies reaction. He crawled into my lap. I held him while I waited for Elliot.
When they came back Cragen was holding Kelly, and Elliot was carrying Eli. I looked down at Dickie and saw that he was asleep. I figured this would be the only time I was able to carry him like the little boy he once was. He was small for his age and didn't weigh much so I just hooked my arm under his knees and lifted him up. "You guys ready to go?" I asked. They all nodded. I carefully woke Dickie when we go to the car. "Come on bud, let's get home." He nodded and I stood him on his feet and he got in the car.
When we got home we helped the kids count there candy and put it away in bags with their names on it.
It was almost eleven o clock by the time Elliot and I got to bed. I rolled over and rested my head on his chest. "Well this was an eventful night. I am very happy about one event in particular though." I told him. "You were huh? I'm glad you said yes." He whispered. "Me too"
TBC
Okay so? im trying to wrap this up some. Wht do you think?