Wanting to be sure she executes her plan without blowing her cover. She pauses in thought momentarily until she figures out how to start the session. Knowing she doesn't have much time, she leads with the truth. As she says, "I found out today that Warren, the reporter who was harassing Ella was murdered."
Shocked by her response she says, "Oh my. That's surprising. I'm sorry to hear that." Olivia nods as she responds, "Me too. I certainly didn't expect to hear such a thing. But as a result of his death, I'm sure there's going to be a ton of unwanted attention at my door by police. Something I can't afford to be caught up in, in my line of work."
She understands her concern, but is more interested in asking the question she's obligated to ask. "Were you involved in his murder Olivia?" Expecting the question, she looks at her directly as she replies, "No. Of course not. I just know while the police will be doing their job to interview me, given our recent interactions. It's a nightmare for me professionally, as well as for Fitz. The press is going to have an absolute field day with this story, despite it being a nothing burgher."
Dr. Baker nods as she says, "I see. Have you considered heading off the attention at the pass, by going to the police. Instead of allowing them to come to you?" She sighs as she replies, "No. I don't want to appear too eager to help. Rosen, the district attorney on the case and I, have a bit of a past."
Dr. Baker's expression intensifies as she asks, "Do you think he's out to get you?" She shrugs her shoulders as she replies, "Honestly, yes. Because he's failed to catch me napping so many times before, when he's come after my clients unsuccessfully." She nods as she responds, "Makes sense. It sounds like you're a bit of a nemesis of his, and the game of cat and mouse is heating up." Agreeing, Olivia replies, "Precisely, which is why I don't need him on my case. Especially now, when I am trying to turn the page enjoy my life."
Dr. Baker pushes the envelope in hopes of getting her to think about her last response, as she asks "So you'd prefer to be in a better position than you are now, for him to try to jail you for something you didn't do?" Hearing the facetious tone in her voice, Olivia responds, "I know there's never a right time to go through something like this doctor. It's just not something I want to deal with because i know it's a waste of time."
She agrees with her, but knows this situation isn't what's bothering her. She's stalling. So she replies, "That's understood. Most people wouldn't want to be involved in a murder investigation. But, I don't think a preliminary investigation such as this one, is the reason you're upset. I think it's just an inconvenience in your day. Unless, you're leaving something out."
Unable to give her the details of why this is really on her mind, considering what Rosen could find, linking her mother or father to the murder. She takes a breath as she changes the subject, as she says, "You're right. Maybe I'm just stressing because I found out my mother is up to no good again."
Dr. Baker again perks up as she replies, "Go on." She responds, "It's something I think is related to our previous session. Remember when we spoke about how relationship dynamics vary. And, there's nothing wrong with coming up with boundaries that suit your situation and the overall health of the relationship." Dr. Baker nods in agreement as she says, "Yes. I recall. How does that relate to what happened wit your mother?"
Olivia sighs as she replies, "Today, I realized although I've put physical boundaries between myself and both of my parents. That have worked well for me for a while. I still find myself being affected by their actions, even if it doesn't involve me directly." Dr. Baker gives her an encouraging nod as she finally explains, "Apparently, my mother is instigating a feud between an ex-friend of mine and my father, for the sake of seeing my father suffer a great loss."
Dr. Baker replies, "Interesting. And what exactly does that have to do with you?" The question causes her to pause for a moment, but then she says, "Uhm, I'm not sure. I just know the idea of them going at it annoys the hell out of me. Like when will this craziness ever stop?"
Feeling her frustration, but still trying to help her think through the reasoning behind her unrest. Despite knowing there's more here than she's willing to speak on. She still does her job as she presses her by saying, "Olivia, I am asking why you think this situation has anything to do with you? Because you've said yourself your parents' relationship dynamic is one of great treachery. So, if what you're saying is true. Couldn't your mother teaming up with your ex friend be her attempt of getting revenge against him? Sort of kicking him where it hurts. Since we know how your father feels about loyalty and winning at all costs. Verses her actions being a shot at you?"
Her response causes her to fall into thought. She didn't think of that possibility. Could this really just be about sticking it to her father, and not really have anything to do with her at all?
After thinking in the moment, it's quite possible that could be the case, but it's a question she'll probably never know the answer to. Because trying to figure out her parents' logic, is the one thing that she admittedly has never mastered.
Coming out of her thoughts she says, "Your assessment could be correct Dr. Baker. I'm not sure of what my mother's motive really is." She nods as she replies, "Well, instead of trying to guess. Why not ask her?"
She looks at her as she responds, "I wish it were that easy. But I'm confident even if I did ask. She still wouldn't tell me. My mother has never been completely straight with me at any point in my life, and I doubt that is going to start now."
Dr. Baker progresses the conversation as she says, "So that must be where you get your insatiable desire to figure things out on your own, and your compulsion to fix people's situations." Unable to disagree with her observation, she says, "Damn, You may be on to something there. I've never thought about it that way. But that makes sense."
Attempting to help her focus in on the fact that her relationship with her parents' is at the root of what's bothering her right now. Dr. Baker says, "Yes. It does make sense. I told you before, our childhood and what we experience in life, have lifelong effects on who we become and how we behave. But, I have a question for you."
Anxious to hear her response she agreeably says, "Okay. What's the question?" She replies, "Do you think your mother is trying to entice you to come to your father's aid? Or is she just trying to get your attention?" The answer comes to her immediately as she responds, "Do you mean like a twisted invitation to a crazy family reunion? Yes. Given who my parents are, I can see that."
She gives her a caring look as she responds, "I wouldn't have put it in those words. But maybe she wants to see whose side you're on when it counts most? Or she wants you to be aware of her ongoing feud with your father." Olivia ponders for a moment and Dr. Baker continues as she says, "Think about it. Like you said, you've physically, emotionally, and mentally separated yourself from both of your parents. So because of the lack of communication between you, how does either one of them know who you'd choose if forced to pick a side?"