Chapter 23

Olivia woke up the next morning thankful Amanda slept through the night. She knew she needed to get ready for work. While making her coffee and playing with Noah, Amanda appeared. "Morning baby." She picked up Noah's little hand and waved, "Say good morning mommy."

Amanda smiled, but she was embarrassed with her behavior yesterday. She kissed Noah. "I'm sorry Liv." Olivia cradled the side of her face. "Don't ever be sorry. I get it. I completely understand Amanda. It's hard and I won't let anyone hurt you. Why don't you stay home with Noah today. He can always make you smile." Olivia already cleared her absence with Kathy Stabler. Amanda smiled, "Yeah, I can work online today."

Olivia went to work and told the squad what was going on. They loved Amanda, everyone did. She also called Melinda and Alex. They had Amanda's back 100 percent. Olivia didn't want to bother Kim, but she had to call her. "Kim it's Liv." She explained what was going on and Kim told her they would be at the family dinner. "Kim, make sure you pack an overnight bag. I don't want you on the road that late."

Olivia grabbed Fin, "Come on partner, let's ride." They both went to meet Elliot. "Hi. I'm Olivia Benson and this is my partner Fin." Elliot shook both their hands, "Nice to meet you both." He started from the beginning and explained how Beth came to him for help. "Kathy loves Amanda. She always talks about her. The minute Beth said her name I knew I had to protect her. She's clean, drug and alcohol free. I tailed her for 2 weeks, but found nothing. She works in a hotel, goes to church, and lives in a studio." Elliot passed Olivia her address.

Olivia thought about showing up, but instead went a different route. "Will you call her and ask her to meet me first? If she is willing to do that, I may think about it." Elliot gave Beth a call and explained the situation. Olivia didn't want her walking in blind and Beth agreed.

When she showed up at Elliot's office, she wasn't what Olivia pictured at all. She was medium height, bleach blonde hair and blue eyes just like Amanda. She looked well put together, but Olivia was cold, because of what Amanda had been through. She sat beside Elliot and across from Olivia and Fin. "So why now? Amanda is doing well, very well. What do you want? Money? How much will it take to make you walk away?"

Beth shook her head, "Please, it's not like that. I know I don't deserve forgiveness or to be in her life. I was strung out. Her father was beating me. Drugs and alcohol were my escape." Olivia scoffed, "And fucking your husband's brother and letting him toss her off rocks to watch her drown, that helped?" Beth was ashamed, "I know I did unforgivable things. I don't even remember that, among other things. The things I do remember are just as bad."

Fin knew this was hard to hear, he decided to join the questioning. "What are your intentions? We are Amanda's family now. She and Liv are getting married and they have a son. We will not let you come into her life, just to tear everything that she has worked for down." Beth smiled at Liv, "I'm happy for her. I just want a chance to get to know her and sit with her and her family. I'm willing to be in her life in any way she allows."

They heard her out, but didn't make any promises. Olivia took her number and Beth left to head back to work. Elliot looked at them, "She seems remorseful, but you can never trust an addict." They thanked Elliot and reminded him of the family dinner. Olivia headed home to see how Amanda was doing. "Hey Lucy! I'm on my way home. How was she today?" Lucy told Olivia, "Amanda gave me a day off. She's been working, doing schoolwork, and taking care of Noah. She's cooking dinner now?"

Olivia put her key in the door. "Hey! I'm home!" Noah was smiling while he and Amanda had tummy time. "Hey baby! How was your day?" Amanda knew she could be honest. "I tried to stay busy so I didn't think about it." Olivia kissed her, "Did it help?" Amanda shrugged, "Not really. I hope I didn't mess up the lasagna." They ate dinner as a family and Olivia turned to Lucy. "I know today is your day off, but can you give Noah a bath and put him to bed for us?" Lucy jumped up, "Sure, I missed him." They gave Noah goodnight kisses.

Olivia needed to tell Amanda what happened today. While they cleaned the kitchen Olivia talked, "I met your mom today." Olivia watched Amanda freeze and stop wiping the counter. "I told you, I will protect you. It wasn't to go behind your back. I had to know her intentions." Amanda kept wiping, "And what did she say?" Olivia looked at her, "She wants to see you and try to be in your life. Amanda, your family has your back. We can discuss it all at family dinner." Amanda didn't say much after that, not even as they showered together. The only thing that eased Olivia's mind was when Amanda asked her to hold her until she fell asleep.