Chapter 25

Captain Cragen walked back into the waiting room. Olivia was sitting there talking with Fin. "Liv, Kathy would like to speak with you outside."

"What the hell does she want now? I have nothing to say to her."

"I understand, Liv, but she wants to apologize to you. I had a nice little talk with her and she knows that you and Elliott have not been involved. She's having a very hard time dealing with their marriage being a mess. She just wanted to blame someone else, instead of herself and Elliott."

Olivia could not believe what the Captain was saying. This was a huge turn around. She did not really want to see or speak to Kathy, but she also understood how hard it was admitting you failed at something. She got up and walked out into the hallway and spotted Kathy immediately.

"Kathy, you wanted to speak to me?"

"Yes, Olivia, I just wanted to say how sorry I was for the things I said to you earlier. I was way off base and I am very sorry."

The words seemed to stun Olivia. She wanted to hate this woman, but when she was standing here exposed and apologizing, it was very hard. Olivia willed herself into saying something. "Uh, Kathy, I really don't know what to say. I am really sorry you and El have had so many problems. I wish that things could have turned out differently for you. I know the two of you have really worked hard at keeping your marriage together, but sometimes you can't always win. I accept your apology and I guess I can understand, a little, where you're coming from. I do hope that you will find some kind of happiness."

"I am really sorry, Olivia. I have misjudged you all these years. I don't know you at all, and I'm sorry for that."

"Kathy, just do the right thing this time. You and El need to stay apart. It's the best thing for everyone involved. You both have done everything you can and it's clearly not working. Please just do the right thing for everyone."

"I know, Olivia. I appreciate you being such a good friend and partner to Elliott. He's very lucky to have you in his life. Once again, I am very sorry for the things that I said. It will not happen again."

The situation was awkward. Olivia wondered if Kathy wanted to hug her, so she took the decision out of her hands and pulled Kathy towards her. At first, Kathy resisted but she soon gave in and returned the embrace.

Olivia realized Kathy had started to cry, and she started to pat her back. "Everything will work out, Kathy. I know it will be hard, at first, but it will get easier. You guys can still maintain a relationship. The kids will do OK. They're a lot stronger than you realize."

"How can you stand here and be so nice to me? After all the things I have said and done, but you stand here and encourage me."

Kathy started to cry harder. Olivia just let her get it out. There was nothing else to say that she hadn't all ready. Everything was probably coming down on her all at once and that was hard to deal with. Olivia knew what that felt like.

Kathy loosened her grip from Olivia and stood back. "I'm sorry for falling apart. I appreciate you being so kind to me, even when you shouldn't have."

A nurse in blue scrubs walked up to them. "Mrs. Stabler?"

"Yes, I'm Mrs. Stabler."

"Your husband is out of surgery and in recovery. The clot was completely removed and his vitals are improving. The doctor wants to leave the ventilator in and let his lungs get stronger. Just like the first time. He wants him to get stronger and not have to work so hard to breathe. The ventilator will come out as soon as the doctor sees improvement."

"Thank you."

"You can see him in just a few minutes. He's very weak and when he's stable enough, he will be taken back up to the ICU. He has been through an ordeal the last few days, so he is very out of it. Just give him some time and he will be back to good as new!"

"Thanks for everything. We really appreciate the wonderful care you have provided for Elliott."

"You are very welcome, Mrs. Stabler. Someone will come and let you know as soon as he's ready for visitors. If you need anything just let one of us know. My name is Delaine."

"I will, and thanks again for everything."

The nurse turned and walked away, leaving them all standing in the hall. The news was so much better than anticipated.

Captain Cragen smiled and said, "I think the news is wonderful. Kathy if you need anything just let me know."

Looking Olivia's way he said, "I will get the paperwork through and you can take all the time you need. I will put you down for a week, but if you need more just call me and I can get it cleared for you. Be careful, Liv, and I hope it turns out the way you want it to." He reached over to hug her tight and made his way to the elevator.

"Olivia, if you want to see Elliott first, you can. I understand how important it is for you to get on your way. It's fine with me. I want you to know you are an important part of Elliott's life and I accept that."

"Kathy are you sure?"

"Yes, Olivia, I've never been more sure of anything in my life. You go first."

Olivia stared back at her and realized what a huge step Kathy had just made. That was a step in the right direction. Thank goodness...