Olivia was tired. She had rushed after her meeting with Garland to get to the cafe on time. Of course Garland had to remind her Elliot was having trouble. He told her Elliot had been beaten up outside his apartment a few weeks back.
If everyone wanted her away from Elliot why was she always given updates? She wondered as she walked in the cafe.
"I'm meeting someone soon. Can I please have a coffee and your special for the day?" Olivia asked as she followed her waitress to a booth near the back of Joe's Cafe. She had chosen the cafe because she knew the owners who were parents of Noah's best friend. And she needed privacy because she knew this would not be an easy conversation.
Elliot was suffering and in denial. He needed help…
"Olivia, I am so sorry I'm late. I should have known to leave a few minutes earlier." Kathleen was saying as she walked in the cafe. Wow, where has time gone Olivia thought. She still remembered Kathleen when she was eight and playing softball. And the time she had gotten in trouble as a teenager and how Liv had gone to Bernie asking for a favor to help Kathleen. Now Kathleen was an adult. And wow, did she look just like Kathy. But her personality was all Elliot.
"Kathleen, hi. I just got here a few minutes ago as well." Olivia stood and gave her a big hug. "I wish we were seeing each other in happier times. How are you?"
Kathleen slid on the bench across from her, brushing a loose hair away from face."I'm just trying to go day by day. My work has given me time off. Some of the other employees each gave some days so I could have a longer break. I have another month before I go back. Not sure I will use all that time but it's comforting to know how much they care." Kathleen said as she looked out the window.
"I am so sorry you are going through this. It never should have happened." Olivia said as she reached over and gave Kathleen's hand a gentle squeeze."Please let me know how I can help you and I will do it. Olivia asked when she saw Kathleen tearing up.
"Everything is so different without mom. She was one who was always there. Dad worked long hours and they had their issues. But they were happy the last few years. Mom was my best friend. I just feel so lost. " Kathleen said as she sipped her coffee.
"I am very sorry. Your mom was a special person. I know how much she loved you and your siblings. All of you kids were her whole world." Olivia said as a single tear fell from her eye.
"Everyone is dealing with it differently. Maureen and Lizzie lean on each other, Dickie has been working more and Eli is in shock. Dad is handling it the worst." Kathleen bent her head as she sobbed. Olivia held her hand and rubbed it softly.
After a few minutes Olivia asked, "Is there some way I can help? I know it's been a long time since I've seen everyone but I am always here if any of you need anything."
"Yes, but I am not sure you will like it. I know you and dad have issues. He never said what happened. But he would become sad anytime we asked where you were or if we could call you. Dad needs help. All of us have asked him individually and he just says he is fine. He may listen to you. Mom always said you were the only one who he could never say no to. Please liv." Kathleen said as she looked at Olivia with the same look her father would use when he wanted something.
"What are you thinking? And to be honest I'm not sure your dad wants me in his life even now. But I will try for you." Olivia held her breath as she waited for Kathleen's answer which felt like an eternity.
"Can you come over to dad's apartment tomorrow? All of us would like to convince dad to get counseling. He had told me last week you said he could have ptsd. And I know he has been drinking each night to fall asleep. We are supposed to have dinner around six." Kathleen looked very defeated.
"I will if you think I can help. But I will warn you he may become very angry. Your dad never was good at asking or receiving anyone's help. And he may feel ambushed by all of us being there." Olivia knew Elliot and knew how stubborn he was going to be.
"Liv, we will try anything. Dad has a crazy wall in his living room. He has been investigating every night after work on leads for mom's murder. He barely eats anything, he drinks each night and is lucky if he gets a few hours of sleep each night. Few days ago he almost got into a car accident because he wasn't paying attention. And he was beat up outside his apartment. I am afraid we will lose him. He is all we have left." Kathleen sobbed uncontrollably. "Liv, please."
"I will be there and I will make him get help. I promise you will not lose your dad." Olivia's heart broke as she finally realized how lost Elliot had become.