Olivia was in shock. Did she just hear those words? I love you. Did he mean it as he loved her as a friend? Did he love her as his partner for twelve years? Did he love her as someone who… She couldn't go there. Her heart wouldn't open up to that possibility. Her mind was going in a million different directions after he said it. She couldn't hear anything he said after he said those words.
He must mean he loves me as a friend. Olivia convinced herself as Elliot walked out the door. She was left alone with Elliot's kids. How awkward. She needed to make things right and let them know she would help them through this.
"Olivia, I'm sorry. Dad was unfair. But we know he cares about you. I just wish he would take care of himself. He is really starting to scare me." Maureen said as she walked up to Olivia.
"Maureen. I have never seen him like this before. I don't even know how to help. Anytime I feel I see a breakthrough of him opening up he pushes me away again." Olivia said as she and Maureen walked back in the living room.
"I think we should all figure out what we do now with dad." Lizzie said as she looked out the window and saw her dad getting into his car.
"Should we go outside and stop him from leaving?" Kathleen asked as she moved next to Lizzie so she could see out the window. Eli quietly came and stood at the far end of the window.
"I'm not sure. Your dad may need some space so he can absorb what we all said to him today. It seems me coming didn't really help. I'm so sorry." Olivia said as looked around at each of Elliot's children.
"Liv, you are not to blame. Dad has been doing the same to us as well since mom died. It always been hard for him to open up and say how he is feeling. All he can see is his anger and he has been burying himself in work and working on mom's case." Dickie said as he came to Olivia and gave her a hug.
"I feel it is important we all stay in touch. And that includes you Liv. You have always been family." Maureen said as she looked at Olivia and smiled.
"I have missed all of you so much. If one good thing came out of today it is reconnecting with each of you. We will get through this together. Olivia said as she walked near the window to see Elliot's car drive off.
