August 1st, 2005

JFK Airport

A very pregnant Olivia, an excited Sophia, and a sleeping Ella got off the plane in New York City. Sophia lifted Ella into the two-seater stroller and grabbed the carry on bag. Olivia took Sophia's hand and pushed the stroller towards the doors of the airport. When they got outside, Olivia stopped for a moment and closed her eyes, her face upturned. Home. She was home. She breathed in deeply, the smell, and she listened for the sounds of the city that she had missed.

Sophia smiled at Olivia, at her mother, and squeezed her hand. "Don't worry Mom, everything's going to be okay," she reassured her.

Olivia opened her eyes and smiled. "I know sweetie," she said happily. "I'm just glad to be home."

At that moment, Casey's car pulled up in front of them and Casey honked the horn. She hopped out of the car, along with Captain Cragen. Olivia smiled at them as they rushed over to her.

"Olivia! You look amazing!" Casey said happily as she hugged her.

"Thanks Casey…I feel huge," Olivia joked.

Cragen came over and hugged her as well. "How are you doing?"

Olivia smiled. "I'm doing well, I really am," she said.

Sophia squeezed her hand. Olivia turned. "Casey, Cap, this is my daughter Sophia. Sophia, this is my best friend Assistant District Attorney Casey Novak, and my old boss, Captain Don Cragen," she introduced them.

Sophia hugged both of them. "It's nice to meet you," she said happily.

Ella stirred in the stroller and opened her eyes. "Mommy!" She cried, not seeing Olivia.

Olivia hurried over and squatted down next to the stroller. "It's okay sweetie, I'm right here," she soothed Ella.

Olivia handed her a sippy cup out of her purse and smiled at Ella.

Cragen and Casey shared a look. "Well, let's get going," Casey said.

Olivia nodded. "Sure, let's go. Cap, if you could get the bags," she said nodding towards the stack of bags waiting beside her.

Sophia lifted Ella out of the stroller and strapped her into the car. Olivia folded up the stroller and helped load the car.

Once everything was in, they got in the car and drove to Casey's apartment. Cragen helped them deposit everything off inside before they sat down. Ella was playing quietly on the floor with her dolls, and Olivia sat on the couch next to Sophia with her hands on her belly.

"You look good Olivia," Cragen said softly.

Olivia smiled. "Thanks. I feel good. I'm happy," she said as she looked at Ella and Sophia.

"Being a mother suits you," Casey said. "More than I thought it would. Not that I ever doubted you," she added.

Olivia nodded. "I must admit, at first I was a little wary, I mean come on, me, being a mother! But I love it. I really do. The girls are great. I love them," she said as she hugged Sophia.

"And the baby?" Cragen asked.

"I love the baby too," Olivia said as she rubbed her belly.

"Who's the father?" Cragen asked softly.

Sophia looked at Olivia who wore a pained expression on her face. Olivia looked away. "Elliot is," she said.

Cragen looked surprised, but not shocked. "Well, I guess that kind of makes sense. Does he know?"

Olivia shook her head. "I'm going to tell him when I'm here though," she said.

"Does he know you're here?" Cragen asked.

Olivia nodded. "Yeah, he knows I'm coming to visit Casey," she said.

Cragen looked at his watch. "Well I've got to get back to the precinct," he said as he stood up.

Ella's head popped up. "Mommy, can we go too?" She asked sweetly.

Olivia sighed. "Sure, just give me a few minutes," she said. "Girls, put on something fresh and brush your hair," she told them. Olivia went to the bathroom and gathered her tote that held a variety of juices, crackers, and books for Ella. She brushed her hair and fixed her make-up. She put a blue collared dress shirt, but paired it with a pair of casual black capris and black sandals. She sighed.

"Okay, I'm ready," she said a few minutes later as she walked out into the living room.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Casey asked worriedly.

Olivia nodded. "Yeah. Girls?"

Ella and Sophia came from the bedroom looking fresh in their new, clean clothes. Olivia fixed Ella's hair before going out the door.

They drove to the precinct and the five of them got out. Olivia held Sophia's hand in one hand, and Ella's in the other as she took a deep breath and prepared to see her old friends, and maybe Elliot. She was nervous, anxious, about what he would think, what she would feel. Cragen opened the door for them, and the three girls walked to meet their future.