"You want me to take her home? Jake was cheating with his ex-wife, and I'm supposed to raise their kid? Absolutely not."
"You work for the government. I'm sure you can find some distant relative who will keep Amelia."
"What about Olivia?"
"She can't handle this situation. Livvie doesn't know anything yet. I'm sure she will when the school announces it today. Keep Amelia for a few weeks. She wants to stay with you."
"I'm going back to work in two days. How am I supposed to take care of Amelia? Olivia needs to figure something out."
"I'll help you. I can drop her off at school in the morning, and I'll leave work early to get her from school."
"Okay, we can leave a six year old alone after school until we finish our shift. You're not making sense. The hospital social worker can find her a home for now."
"No. Take her home, and I promise I will take her home with me before the day is over. I'm not letting her go into the system. I don't care if I have to stay at my own house and Olivia keeps Karen at her house. I'll figure out childcare. Amelia can miss a few days of school."
"Amelia is not your responsibility."
"She's not Olivia's responsibility. You can help me by finding some of her family members."
"Fine, I'll search for you. Are you driving me home? I'll leave my car here."
"Yes."
"Okay, I'll get Amelia from the nurses station."
XXXX
Olivia was in a daze all day. She heard the news about Jake when she signed in at the office. Now she knew why Fitz didn't want to talk this morning. Amelia wasn't in class. Olivia assumed she was somewhere with Abby. The principal didn't mention anyone else being in the car accident with Jake. This was going to be very difficult for Amelia. The principal didn't say when Amelia would be back at school. Olivia's heart ached for the little girl. At least she still had Abby. When she picked Karen up from daycare, she was surprised Fitz wasn't at her home waiting like usual. Olivia needed to brighten her day. She was going to his house with Karen.
XXXX
Olivia was surprised again when she didn't see his car in the driveway. He parked a few minutes later and Olivia greeted him with Karen's car seat in her hand.
"Hi Ms. Pope. Do you want my homework?"
"Fitz, why do you have Amelia?"
"I'm sure you've heard the news."
"I know about Jake."
"Abby was in the car with him."
Reality hit Olivia like a ton of bricks. Jake and Abby died in the crash. Amelia didn't have anyone. Olivia put the car seat on the ground. She was having a panic attack.
