Chapter 19

Kim and Amanda finished the semester strong. They both made straight A's. Amanda was doubling up and taking summer classes online. She was on a mission to graduate early now that her best friend wasn't there. She did it all while working. So with summer classes, she would start the fall as a junior second semester not a sophomore.

Liv threw Kim and Nick a going away party. "Kim" Olivia held up her wine glass. "Nick, you have become family. Connecticut isn't far and we expect to see you often. Cheers!" Everyone gave them gifts, money, and stuff for the baby. They were packed and ready to go. "Nick, take care of her." Nick kissed Amanda on the cheek, "Always." He got into the truck.

Amanda looked at Kim, "I knew it would happen one day, but I thought I had a few years. I can't wait to be an Aunt to this little girl." Amanda rubbed her best friend's stomach. Kim wiped a tear, "You're coming when I have her right?" Amanda looked at her, "Duhhhh." Kim hugged her, "I would never leave you, if you didn't have Liv. You know that right?" Amanda kissed her cheek, "I know. I love you Kim!"

Amanda went back upstairs, "Let me help you clean up." Olivia checked on her, "It's ok to be sad, but don't hide your feelings." Amanda put dishes away. "It's weird Liv. I'm not sad, I'm happy for her. You know I used to wish I had her life. I thought it was perfect, because she had what looked like a loving family. But now I don't know what's worse, having a family like I had or having a family who traps you into someone that you don't want to be. They didn't even stand by their own kid."

Olivia kissed her, "You've grown so much over the last year." They settled into bed, "Amanda, are you excited or nervous about tomorrow?" About 3 months ago at family dinner Alex gave Amanda an application for the Forensic Accounting & Financial Investigation Bureau. The FAFI offers an opportunity for college students to intern for a multitude of financial crimes. In this position the Intern is responsible for providing assistance in interpreting financial business records for the assigned Investigator.

It was a perfect opportunity for Amanda to learn, earn money, and even get college credit. The top student would be offered a position and it was perfect, because it would be online work that could be done anywhere at any time. The pay was way better than tutoring. Amanda shrugged, "I'm not really nervous. It seems like it will keep me busy, plus I will be really close to the precinct. I'm hoping we can have lunch."

Summer started and Amanda had been working for a month. She was doing great at her internship, but everyone thought she would. She was turning heads and beating out juniors and seniors fighting for the top spot. Everyone at the Bureau knew her name and they were impressed. She went to the precinct to have lunch with Liv and Fin. "Hi Captain Cragen. "I brought a cheesesteak for you." Cragen smiled, "Thanks! I hear you're doing great over there, keep it up."

They were in the break room when Munch came in. "Pippa Cox is here for you Liv." Olivia continued eating, "Send her in." Fin rolled his eyes, "What does she want?" Pippa walked in and smiled. She was tall with strawberry blonde hair. "Sergeant Benson, do you remember Ellie Porter?"

Olivia stopped eating and she even had Fin's attention. "Yes, is she ok?" Ellie Porter was a 15 year old girl who was being raped by her stepfather Johnny. She went to school and reported it. That was actually the girl they met the same day as Amanda. Their lives had taken different turns since then. Johnny had gotten to her and she told child welfare that she lied. Her mother never believed her and she was placed back into their home. Olivia and Fin knew Ellie was lying. When her mother Sheila found out she was pregnant, she went berserk, killing Johnny then herself.

Pippa handed Olivia a letter. "Ellie took hotshot and killed herself. She left the baby at a hospital with that note. Amanda was just staring while Olivia read the note. "Her son's name is Noah Porter. He has no one, but Ellie wanted you to adopt him. If you keep reading you'll see." Fin asked, "Liv, what does it say?"

Olivia looked at Amanda, "It says, she is sorry for lying, but Johnny was raping her and he is the father. It says she trusted us right away and Noah will be ok if I take him. It also says she wants you to be a father figure to him." Amanda grabbed the letter and Olivia turned to Pippa, "We only met her 3 times and we both knew she was in trouble." Amanda looked at them and Pippa shook her head in disbelief. "Her son is with ACS. If you are interested let me know."

Amanda looked at her watch, "Hey, I've got to go, because I have this huge test today. Let's talk later at home." She kissed Olivia, "Later Fin!" Fin held the letter, "What are you thinking?" Olivia shook her head, "That Amanda can't deal with this." Fin stopped, "What do you mean?" Fin waited for a response, "She's in college Fin. She lives with me and if I took this on, she would be forced to be a mom. She didn't even have a reaction." Fin knew Liv wanted kids, "I think you're underestimating her, Liv." Noah was on Olivia's mind all afternoon. She texted Amanda.

Liv: Need a ride?

Amanda: Nope, because I'm already at home and making you dinner.

Liv: What's for dinner?

Amanda: Teriyaki grilled salmon over rice and steamed broccoli. Just waiting on you.

Liv: See you soon.

Olivia went home and tried not to think about Ellie or Noah. She kissed Amanda, but Amanda knew it was on her mind. She fixed Olivia a plate. "Things have changed huh Liv. I mean a year ago, you were doing this for me, you were doing everything for me. I know I'm not where you are, because I need to finish school and start my career, but I'm getting there." Olivia agreed, "You have come a long way." They were eating and it was too quiet. "Liv, are we going to talk about this situation?"

Olivia looked up and Amanda continued, "Ellie's note and Noah. We can't leave him there." Olivia was shocked, "You want to take him?" Amanda smiled, "Olivia you save people. It's what you do. You saved me, why not Noah. Ellie obviously thought about it and trusted you and Fin. Don't let her down." Olivia kept pushing, "Amanda, do you know what this will mean? I have work, hard work. You're in school and if I'm called in, which I will be no doubt. Noah…" Amanda stopped her, "Will have me. I will take care of him, because he will be our son. And have you ever heard of a nanny?"

Olivia couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Amanda, it will be hard and difficult." Amanda sat back and threw her hands up, "Liv, my life hasn't been easy, my life has been hard and difficult. Remember you used to tell me all the time that I worked hard. I was studying and I came across this quote. It made me think of me and you." Olivia listened, "Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty. I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life." Olivia looked into her blue eyes, "We can do it Liv. I'm willing to try. Nothing in this world means anything without you in it and happy, right by my side."