I hope you guys are still liking the story. Enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 20

Once Olivia had finished her story, Cap had talked briefly about what the possibility would be to keep both women on the team. Alex Cabot wasn't even sure what to think. She had so many questions that she wanted to ask. She saw Amanda looking very overwhelmed and Olivia was holding her hand doing her best to calm the younger woman. Alex was thankful that she was about to deliver good news to both women.

"Wow, I really don't know what to say. The good news is that there is no specific rule or law about family working together. It would probably not be my first choice for your squad captain, but I think that as long as these two keep it professional in the office everything should be fine," Alex told the group. Amanda let out the breath she had been holding and felt Olivia tighten the grip on her hand. She was so thankful that she was going to be able to keep her job. She needed to say something to everyone though.

"Hey, um can you call the guys in here? I um need to say something," Amanda asked hesitantly. Cragen nodded and got up to call the guys in to the office. Olivia looked at the younger woman and when she met her eyes she gave her a smile and squeezed the hand she still held. She wasn't sure what the blonde was going to share but whatever it was she would support her daughter.

Everyone was gathered around in Cragen's office, each of them wondering what the young detective was going to say. Liv noticed that Amanda was starting to look overwhelmed and reached for her hand again. Surprisingly, Amanda shook her head and steeled herself to talk.

"I um I don't want any special treatment because of this new revelation," she said softly. "Please, treat me the same way you have been before you found out," she continued trying not to stumble over her words. She could feel her cheeks getting red and she felt her hand start to shake. Why did this have to happen to her? She was brought out of her thoughts by Fin talking.

"We gotcha girl. Don't worry I'm sure Cap will still kick your ass if you do something wrong," Fin said with a smile. This reassured her and she let out another breath.

"I'm glad I don't have to break in a new partner," Fin said only slightly joking. "I'm glad you guys are both staying. I couldn't handle Munch and Amaro by myself," he continued, trying to lighten the mood.

Olivia let out a breath she had been holding as well and realized that Amanda wanted to keep their relationship out of the office and she completely understood and respected that.

"So, from now on we are going to try and have permenant partners. Liv, you and Nick will be paired up and Amanda, you will switch between Munch and Fin," Cragen told his team. He dismissed everyone and told them to get to work on the newest case.

Amanda excused herself to the bathroom and threw up the little bit of food that she had eaten that morning. She was thankful that she was able to keep her job but she couldn't get out the feeling of dread she had in her stomach. She walked out of the stall and over to the sink to wash out her mouth. The door to the bathroom opened and Olivia walked in a look of concern on her face.

"Hey, I just wanted to check on you. You left the squad room in a hurry," she said.

Yea, I'm okay. I mean I'm happy that we can both stay but um I just wish that um," the younger woman stumbled over her words. "Nevermind, I just want to get to work," she mumbled.

"Amanda, I know this is hard and I'm so sorry that I brought this onto you," Olivia reassured. "Just know that you are still in control and we will take as slow or fast or whatever you want," she continued meeting the younger woman's eyes.

"Okay, just give me a few minutes and I'll be right out," Amanda replied. Olivia nodded and gave Amanda's shoulder a squeeze before walking out.

That night Amanda once again lost herself in the cards and made a couple of bets on football. This was the only way she could escape from the pain and chaos that was her life.

TBC . . .