A/N: Part 2 of 2 chapter update :)
7. Saturdays
Saturdays were Elizabeth's favourite day of the week, if she was honest. She loved Sundays too as really, she loved the weekends in general but she loved Saturdays more. When Olivia had been staying over at their place and it was a Saturday, she always made pancakes for breakfast and she always let Elizabeth help. In fact, Olivia had always let both Elizabeth and Richard help with cooking whenever they wanted, if she was cooking.
Elizabeth could smell something cooking. But it didn't smell like something that had been cooked at home before. Of course, they weren't at home, they were at Olivia's today as Elliot had brought them over last night to spend the night at Olivia's. Olivia had a spare travel bed set up in Chloe's room, which was where Elizabeth slept, whilst Richard slept stretched out on the couch in the living room. Olivia had somehow turned her couch into a bed and as Richard was a boy, he wasn't allowed to sleep in Chloe's room, so he was on the couch. It was the same way they had slept when they stayed at Olivia's after Christmas, except that her father was here this time and he had been working last time.
The smell coming into the room was too good for Elizabeth to pass up anymore and she needed to know what it was, so she slowly climbed out of the travel bed and made her way into the loungeroom. She took in the surroundings and found Richard was still fast asleep on the couch but Olivia was standing in the kitchen, smiling at her.
"Good morning" Olivia greeted as Elizabeth walked over to the breakfast bar and climbed up on the stool.
"Good morning" Elizabeth echoed.
"Did you sleep ok? Can I get you anything?" Olivia asked as she chopped up a banana for Chloe to eat whilst she prepared breakfast.
"I'm ok…Where's daddy?" Elizabeth asked, looking around the room again.
"He's still asleep, just like Dickie. I think the smell of breakfast might wake them up though, when it's finished" Olivia joked.
"I could smell you cooking in my room, well Chloe's room. What are you making?"
"It's yours and Chloe's room as you share it and you stay there when you come over here. But I'm making pancakes, I know everybody loves pancakes"
"Can I help?" Elizabeth asked to which Olivia just nodded, Elizabeth loved cooking in the kitchen with Olivia when she could.
"Sure, grab an apron from the drawer and make sure to wash your hands" Olivia instructed as Elizabeth quickly grabbed a small apron from the drawer and went into the bathroom with the step so she could wash her hands.
When Elizabeth returned, Olivia handed her the bowl and mixing spoon before placing Elizabeth in charge of mixing everything together in a new batch whilst Olivia worked on cooking the previous batch of mixture.
"Livvy, how did you get so good at cooking? You can cook all kinds of things that taste really good?" Elizabeth asked, she didn't know anyone else who could cook like Olivia could.
"Well, when I was a little girl, I always wanted to learn how to cook and one of the first people I went to live with taught me a bit, when she could. But then when I went to live with my dad, I started to experiment a bit and learnt different recipes so that I could keep us fed as my dad had to work a lot. Then, when I had Chloe, I just started to make the dishes I knew that we liked and were easy, but I still like to read different recipes from time to time to try new things" Olivia explained, letting Elizabeth learn a little about her past, but hoping that wouldn't cause too many questions.
"Could you teach me to cook? Cause I like cooking with you" Elizabeth asked and Olivia smiled, she would love to.
"I like cooking with you too and anytime you see me cooking, If you want to try too then all you have to is ask and I will happily teach you, then maybe other times we can choose something to cook together and try it" Olivia replied and Elizabeth smiled with a nod, she really liked it when Olivia taught her things and she would learn to be a great++ cook too if Olivia taught her.
This Saturday would be different though, Olivia wasn't here and thus there would be no pancake breakfast like Elizabeth loved. Elizabeth didn't even know what would be for breakfast this morning. She knew what today would hold though and she knew that she should be excited for it. They were all spending the day together, her dad, her brother, her mother would be there and her nanny too. Elizabeth knew she should be excited for that too but she really wasn't feeling it, she wasn't feeling anything and she hadn't really been feeling anything all week. Elizabeth had only seen Olivia in class this week and that was different to how things had been weeks ago, where it was nearly every afternoon, they would all be together, in some form or another. But Nanny and this woman, her mother were back in town now and Elizabeth wondered if that was why they hadn't seen Olivia around as much lately. Elizabeth really missed her and Chloe being around all the time, she missed playing with Chloe and teaching her different things. Although, sometimes Chloe did the wrong things that Elizabeth did, she really liked being a kind of big sister to Chloe and hoped that would continue.
E: Counting down the hours, till I can see you xxx Elliot texted to Olivia as the family rode in the SUV to the natural history museum. Kathy and Bernie had met everyone at the hotel for breakfast this morning, which hadn't gone well with some certain members of the family. Kathy had requested to Gusto that he make pancakes for everyone for breakfast, but that had caused a negative reaction from Elizabeth, who wouldn't touch her breakfast the minute this was revealed. Elizabeth had agreed to go without breakfast rather than eat the pancakes and whilst Elliot didn't exactly agree to this, he understood why Elizabeth was so upset. Every Saturday they had been with Olivia, she and Elizabeth would make pancakes together and Elizabeth clearly thought this was ruining her traditions. Elliot knew that this wasn't Kathy's intention but he wasn't going to reward Elizabeth's meltdown or tell Kathy the reasons for her being so upset.
"Daddy, why did we have to take the car? Why can't we take the subway?" Richard asked from the backseat.
"Yeah, the subway is really fun!" Elizabeth chirped in, first time speaking up since they left the apartment.
"The subway is not a safe place for children to be going, you could get really hurt or even taken from us" Bernie intervened before Elliot had the chance.
"We've taken the subway lots of times before with Livvy though and we've never been hurt or taken? Even daddy has taken it and he's fine" Richard debated and Elliot knew this would only raise more questions from his mother. But the truth was he had actually taken the subway a couple of times, when Olivia was around. In fact, the first time he took it, was in part of a compromise with her.
Saturday night was date night for Olivia and Elliot, it was the one night of the week where they organised for someone to watch the kids and went out just the two of them for the night. It was an important night in terms of maintaining their relationship and making sure there was time for them. Tonight's activity of choice was going to a new action film premiere, surprisingly a movie that both Elliot and Olivia wanted to see. However, it was obvious Elliot wanted to see the film more than Olivia but she had agreed to go and was interested anyway. Especially as last time they went to the movies, they had seen a film that she wanted to see and Elliot didn't complain.
"So, I want to change things up tonight" Olivia remarked as she walked into the bedroom from the bathroom.
"How so?" Elliot asked, intrigued to see what Olivia wanted to do in terms of changing things up.
"We're not going to take the car, so you don't have to call the driver" Olivia replied with a smile on her face, she had a whole plan and Elliot had an idea that he wasn't going to like what she said next.
"How are we going to get there if we're not taking the car? We don't need to get a taxi when we have a perfectly good car" Elliot asked, he really couldn't stand the idea of taking a taxi tonight.
"There is this funny invention that I don't think you're all that experienced with. It's a train, that runs underground and lots of people use it to get around the city on a daily basis. It's called a subway and tonight, we're going to take it" Olivia explained teasing Elliot slightly. He thought she looked so cute when she was being cheeky and he loved it. But Elliot was not going to take the subway tonight.
"No" Elliot refused.
"mmmhmm, I think you might actually like it if you tried it" Olivia continued to try and coax him into taking the subway.
"Uh no thank you, I think the car is going to suit us just fine tonight, probably get us there faster too"
"Ok, you can take the car and I'll take the subway and we'll see who gets there first?"
"And what if you get hurt? How am I supposed to protect you if I'm in the car and you're in the subway?" Elliot asked as Olivia just smiled, he was always so concerned about her safety and protecting her.
"Then take the subway with me? Besides, I take the subway almost every day when I go to and from work, I can defend myself and protect myself if needed" Olivia defended herself.
"Well, you can't say I haven't offered the car, you just won't take it. But I'm sorry, I'm not taking the subway, there is far too many possible dangerous situations that could happen" Elliot stood firm in his refusal.
"Then you'll just have to accept that I can take the subway alone, because regardless of your decision, I'm taking the subway" Olivia replied, it drove Elliot crazy both in anger and love, with how stubborn Olivia was. He took a deep breath, coming up with a compromise for the solution here.
"How about a compromise? We'll take the subway to the film and the car back?" Elliot suggested, hoping Olivia would agree.
"Now, that is a deal I think I can do" Olivia agreed as she kissed him softly once more before walking out of the room to grab the rest of her things together. Elliot sighed as he watched her walk away, she definitely had him wrapped around her little finger but he loved her anyway.
That night had been quite the experience, whilst Olivia had seemed right at home on the subway, Elliot did not. In fact, he had been so scared that something would happen, he had clung to her hand the entire time they were on the train that night. Elliot remembered fondly how Olivia had just laughed the whole experience off like nothing happened, she seemed disappointed when their journey had to end.
"We're taking the car as it's the fastest method to get to the museum for all of us and that's the only answer you're going to get" Elliot replied to his children's request, ending the conversation about the subway. He knew he had Olivia to blame for their apparent love of the subway but he didn't really blame her for anything, he was glad that she had instilled a love for something in them.
Olivia couldn't lie, she was disappointed that Elliot and the twins weren't able to spend the day with her and Chloe like they had discussed. But she was glad in a way that the twins were getting a day to spend as a whole family unit to try and help with the transition of their mother back into their lives. As a mother herself, Olivia could understand why Kathy had come back and why she was wanting so much time with the kids and Elliot. A mother's love is timeless and with those amazing twins, Olivia was glad that the twins would have their mother back like this.
But Kathy's reappearance made Olivia nervous about the future and what Kathy's intentions with Elliot were. Elliot told her that he was getting a divorce, he'd told her numerous times and she believed him when he said it, but she couldn't help worry that things would change now Kathy was around lots, that he would change his mind and choose Kathy.
After everything that Olivia had been through in her life so far, she was always so nervous when something felt too good to be true and her relationship with Elliot was feeling like that with his ex-back in the picture. Olivia trusted Elliot though and she trusted him when he said he wanted to be with her forever, she even had a ring to prove it. Sure, it was only a promise ring but it was the commitment Olivia knew to trust.
Despite the change in plans with Elliot, Olivia wasn't going to change her structure and plans for the day. She was still going to take Chloe to the Natural History Museum and then they would stop at the park on the way back to feed the ducks. Chloe just loved feeding the ducks, it was one of the things she most requested to do when she could, but the weather had been so bad lately that they hadn't been in a while. However, the weather was clearing up a bit now and it wasn't that bad today, so Olivia though it would actually be quite pleasant at the park with the ducks and space for Chloe to run.
Olivia was a big fan of museums though and Chloe loved looking at the different animals that were found in the Natural History Museum. It had quickly become a favourite place to visit when they couldn't go to the zoo or aquarium. Chloe was definitely growing into being quite the animal lover and Olivia would encourage that passion of hers. She always believed that children had the ability to do or be anything they wanted with the right encouragement. So, Olivia would encourage Chloe's love of animals for as long as she could and would always try to get opportunities for her to see animals where they could. It was one of the reasons that Chloe loved going to Don's farm so much, because of all the animals – in addition to seeing her grandfather.
No one would have expected that the plans both groups had would overlap, when Elliot cancelled going to the museum with Olivia, he thought she wouldn't go any longer and she'd thought he would be doing something else with the family. No one expected that they would be at the natural history museum and let alone in the same exhibit at the same time. But here they were. Olivia was kneeling down next to Chloe in her stroller as they were looking at some of the extinct animal statues, when Elliot and the rest of the stablers walked into the exhibit. He spotted her way before she spotted him and instantly, he wanted to turn around and walk out again. He didn't want to have Kathy notice her or even interact with her. He wanted to protect Olivia where he could, but it was too late. Elizabeth had been the first to notice the familiar stature and brown hair of her favourite teacher.
"Livvy!" Elizabeth called out as Elliot watched her start to run towards the woman and Olivia turned, face instantly dropping with the realisation who was around.
"Hi Lizzie" Olivia greeted warmly as she hugged the little girl who had attached herself to Olivia's waist.
"Daddy said we wouldn't see you today! But you're here!"
"Yeah, he told me your plans had changed but Chloe and I were still coming to the museum anyway. What are you doing here?" Olivia asked, as she felt Elliot watching her from a bit of space between them.
"Daddy and Nanny and... her, said we were having a family day. SO, she said that we were coming to the natural history museum"
"Elizabeth Stabler, let go of your teacher" A voice called out from across the hall and Olivia felt Elizabeth tighten her grip. This was one of the signs that Elizabeth was scared right now but Olivia didn't understand why? She understand Elizabeth was feeling out of sorts with adjusting to her mother being back but that didn't explain her tighter hold now.
"Sweetheart, your mother is calling for you"
"She's not my mommy...my mommy left"
"She did but I know she's come back now and she's really trying to get to know you and Dickie again. Dickie seems really happy she's back now, but I know you're finding this hard.
"I don't want to go with her, I want to go with you" Elizabeth refused as Olivia spotted Elliot walking over to them.
"You can't come with me today honey, I know your daddy and mommy have a great day planned for all of you and I think you'll have a better day with them than what Chloe and I are going to do today. But I can't wait to hear all about it on Monday" Olivia tried to bargain with the little girl as she removed Elizabeth from around her waist, not letting go of the little girl's hands though just yet. Olivia took a deep breath and bent down so that she was in eyeline with Elizabeth.
"Honey, I know that your mom being back is really scary right now, and I know she has been away for a long time. So, I also know that what you're feeling right now, is that you don't know how to be around her and you're scared that your mom is going to leave again. But you know what I think? I think that you should give her a chance here, give her a chance to get to know you again and for you to get to know her. I think she really loves you and she's sorry that she's been away for so long. But I know that having a mommy is really special. So how about you go with them today, try and have a good day with them an I'll see you on Monday and we can talk all about your weekend? Now do you think you can do that for me?" Olivia asked. Elliot stood back a little from the girls but heard everything which Olivia had just said. She was so encouraging to Elizabeth, to give Kathy a chance whilst also letting her know that Olivia wasn't going anywhere.
"But what if I get scared again before school on Monday?" Elizabeth asked.
"well then, you talk to Daddy about it and if needed he can call me and we can talk on the phone. But I know how uch of a brave girl you are and I know that you can do this" Olivia encouraged and Elizabeth just nodded before heading back to the group with Olivia's encouragement, as she stood up once more. Elizabeth's departure gave Elliot a moment with Olivia.
"So you decided to come here without us anyway?" Elliot greeted Olivia with a smile.
"Well, I love these museums and I know that Chloe loves the animal exhibits here, so it was the perfect thing to do for us today. Now, can you keep a close eye on Lizzie today? Kathy's return has really meant a big adjustment for the twins and Ellizabeth is finding it a challenge" Olivi asked to which Elliot just nodded.
"Will do. But just for the record, you give great advice for them. Now, see you tonight?" Elliot asked and Olivia nodded, she hadn't changed those plans.
"We should be home from around 3ish, so come over whenever?" Olivia replied
"As much as we both know that I would come over as early as that if I could, I don't think I'll get to be there till around 6ish?"
"Well, whenever you can get away is fine with us. Now, go try to enjoy your day" Olivia encouraged him to go back to the group.
"I love you and if we weren't in certain company then I'd kiss you"
"I know but that will just have to wait till later. I love you too" Olivia replied as Elliot started to walk away, giving Olivia a quick wink in the process. Olivia knew he was going to steal every moment he could to kiss her later and she wouldn't be one to refuse him.
A/N: Well...what do you think? Let me know what you think about these chapters and what could be brewing next? Hopefully i'll have another chapter ready for you on Saturday but your reviews really help me stay motivated to write.
Stay safe and Take Care
Until Next Time ;)