Chapter 7

By the time November rolled around things were pretty calm and the kids were stable. They settled in the condo that was now officially Olivia's. Lucy lived with them too. The last room would eventually need to be the nursery, but Olivia added a simple daybed on one side and a crib on the other.

Lucy didn't mind at all. She couldn't afford her own place, plus she had to be available at nights if Olivia was called in. Lucy was just a kid and she had been on her own since she was 18. She was on her way to college like any other 18 year old when her mother died from a heart attack. It had been her and Lucy for so long and it was all so sudden. Although she had a small amount of insurance money, it wasn't enough to live on her own and go to school. Olivia also talked her into taking a few college courses during the day while Quinn was in school.

They also learned about the baby and were both excited. Meredith was still in the hospital, but accepting the help. Olivia had been to visit her, but Kyle refused. He didn't want anything to do with his mother.

Olivia quickly found a balance at work and even though she was on desk duty, she still reported at night and on weekends if they were called. She was the Captain's number two now that Munch was gone.

Amanda and her were close. Quinn was in her own room now, so Amanda shared with Olivia. She still had her place, but she stayed there every night. The cases had been rough lately and took a toll on her. Quinn tiptoed in Olivia's room. "Mommy, are you awake?" Quinn started calling Olivia mommy after she found out she was having a baby. She went through a slight jealous streak. She wanted Olivia's attention, all of it.

Olivia opened her eyes and looked at Amanda sleeping. "I am now, come on and don't wake her up." Quinn peeked at Amanda and went with Olivia to the bathroom. Quinn had questions about the relationship, but she only knew that Amanda was a friend. She was like Lucy.

Olivia looked at her finally sleeping peacefully. She had nightmares and tossed and turned. Olivia tried to act like she didn't know. When she interfered it would turn into an argument. She only woke her if she was screaming. When that happened it would take 30 minutes to get her in her arms and back asleep.

The next morning Olivia knew to walk on eggshells like nothing happened. It was wearing her down. Amanda had a rough night, but today was Thanksgiving so hopefully the day would be better. They were close, but she still hadn't opened up to Olivia about her nightmares or reason for leaving Atlanta.

The last case was the rape of young woman. She was in a mental hospital and it turned out her own uncle raped her for years. Olivia and Amanda led the case and found the truth. Amanda just didn't take it well though. Lucy came in while Olivia and Quinn were making breakfast. "Morning Lucy! Do you want pancakes?"

Lucy nodded and looked around. Olivia helped her out. "He's with Simon and he got the lecture of his life." Lucy took a deep breath, but then looked sad. She didn't like Kyle in trouble.

Quinn frowned knowing they were talking about Kyle. "What did he do mommy?" Olivia told her to set the table and don't worry about it. Kyle was 17 and turning 18 soon. He was good, but he was also coming out of his shell. Meredith disciplined heavily and he got to breathe with Olivia. He had been a regular teenager lately testing the limits and his latest stunt was the final straw. Olivia went off and Simon stepped in to save him. Kyle saw Sergeant Benson last night.

He had a crush on Lucy. Everyone saw it, because he was always so helpful and very different around her. Olivia wasn't sure that Lucy didn't like him, she was only 20 but he wasn't 18. The story was that Lucy had an argument with her boyfriend, Kyle overheard and called him several inappropriate names and the punching started. Lucy was able to break it up and was holding an ice pack to his face and he kissed her. Olivia and Amanda walked in at the same time and fortunately Quinn was behind them and missed it.

Amanda dealt with Quinn while Lucy explained. Amanda gave Quinn headphones and her iPad and then she called Simon. Simon came immediately and he sat with Olivia. They had a long talk with him about expectations and girls, especially Lucy. Then he took him for the night.

Olivia left them to eat and checked on Amanda. She was in the bathroom brushing her teeth, so Olivia knocked. "Can I come in?" Amanda shrugged, mumbling it was her bathroom. "Don't do that. Do you want to talk about it?" Amanda said no and walked away. Olivia thought this was going to be a long day.

They all headed to Simon's for Thanksgiving dinner. Things changed for his family. Once his mother's house was sold, they moved out of the city to a new home about 30 minutes away. They also tied the knot. Everyone from the squad was there for dinner. They all became a family and even took some family photos.

Olivia saw Amanda sitting outside by the fire pit. She saw Quinn was busy, Simon told her it was tradition to make her Christmas list. He had Ty, Quinn, Kyle, and even Lucy very busy. "Let's go fill your paper."

Olivia walked out and sat next to Amanda. "Don't you want to make your Christmas list?" Amanda shook her head no. "You've been quiet. Are you mad at me?" Olivia had to ask because she didn't get it. They sat for a while looking at the fire.

Amanda knew Olivia would keep asking, "Are you and David raising the baby and getting back together?" Olivia wanted to laugh, because they were never together, but they made a baby. She didn't laugh or answer. She heard the jealousy in her voice. "I saw you and him outside of the squad. He went with you to your appointment, didn't he?"

Now she got it. The case was one thing, but a week ago, Amanda turned cold and she didn't know why. Olivia was honest, "He did go to the appointment. I have more checkups and I was scared, because I'm older and I just didn't expect this to happen. I actually wanted you there though. I told him that when I called him, but I told him the squad was busy." Amanda looked up, "I know that work comes first and I could have asked you and Cragen and you both would have said yes, but I'm already a handicap to the unit, so I didn't. I'm sorry."

Amanda hated that she questioned her. She was embarrassed. "David is dating someone. I don't even know her name. We don't talk, Amanda. We are friends but not like me and you. He is the father of my baby though. He has every right to be at any appointment and in his child's life. You have to be able to accept that Amanda."

Amanda nodded, "I'm sorry. I know that." Amanda thought about telling Olivia what else was bothering her. She was scared though.

Olivia smiled, "Good, because I have an envelope at home that has the baby's sex. You're the only one who will know. And you're in charge of my shower." Amanda laughed. Olivia liked that she was a little jealous, it meant she felt the same way.

They both went in and joined the family. Olivia leaned over Kyle and saw his list. She saw a gaming system, gaming chair, new phone, clothes, shoes, baseball bat and glove, laptop, and a list of games. "Are you sure you've been that good?" Kyle frowned and she kissed his head. "Kidding, not kidding." Kyle smiled. Quinn held up her list saying she was good. Quinn had been good. Her teacher was very helpful and she was thriving, with the new stability.

Once Thanksgiving was over, Christmas time came fast. Simon, Olivia, and Pippa went to see Meredith at her home. She was released right after the Thanksgiving holiday. Olivia stepped in after Pippa. She looked good, much better than before. Olivia had built some trust by going to visit her. They were all surprised to see her lawyer.

Pippa looked over her notes, she was concerned about Kyle returning home, but it would be in the judges hands, not hers. "He doesn't want to be with me right?" She looked at Olivia for the truth. Olivia shrugged and mentioned he needed time and maybe it would be good to ease into things.

The lawyer pulled out paperwork. Meredith signed it, "You've started adoption procedures for Quinn?" Olivia swallowed then nodded because she had, she and Simon were the blood relatives. "Do you want Kyle also?" They were all shocked, she pulled this before. "I've hurt him and Quinn. Harper would be disappointed in me. She loved them both and only protected us from him. I've become worse than him."

Olivia knew she was talking about her dead husband. "If you want Kyle, I'm making it easy. Maybe one day he will forgive me and accept me in his life."

She pushed the signed documents to Olivia and her lawyer explained that the papers would give Olivia full custody. Meredith also had a fund for him. He would begin to get a monthly stipend, college tuition of his choice, and full release of funds when he turned 21. She also had college set up for Quinn and some money would start when she was 16. Olivia would also be compensated for medical insurance and daily living. Olivia waved her hand, "I don't need anything for him."

Meredith begged her to please take it for him and Quinn. "If that's all I can give them, please let me." Simon called his lawyer to look over everything. Meredith was clear with her wishes, but Olivia wanted to ask Kyle what he wanted.

That night after dinner, Simon and Olivia sat with him and told him everything. "What did you tell her?" Kyle knew Quinn had every right to be with Olivia or Simon, but he wasn't blood. Olivia had a baby on the way, so did Simon and he had been acting up lately. He didn't know if either of them wanted him.

Simon rubbed his back, "Son, we want you to decide. Olivia wants you and you know Quinn does. Olivia agreed and explained he had choices. He could go with his mother, stay with Olivia, or go with Simon. "Either way, you're family." He smiled hearing it and decided to stay with Olivia. "I didn't think you would want me. Simon, can you be my dad though?" Simon hugged him.

He started picking him up on weekends and hanging out with him and Ty. He liked them a lot. Olivia signed the papers and made everything official.

Christmas Day came fast. It was fun and had so much love. Olivia even talked to Kyle and invited Meredith. He fought it at first, but she tried to get him to understand that he won and it was just dinner. He kept his distance, but allowed it. Quinn enjoyed seeing her, but it wasn't the same anymore.

Olivia hugged everyone goodnight. Prince Miller made a friend in Quinn. They all were invited to the opening game, but for Christmas he sent his jersey with floor seat tickets. "Have fun at the game. We'll see you on New Year's Eve." Simon and Tracy took all the kids with them. "Watch the love birds." She pointed at Kyle and Lucy. They were friends since the incident, but still needed supervision.

She saw Amanda cleaning the kitchen. She already showered, "Amanda, do you need my help?" Amanda shook her head no. "We're kid free."

Amanda laughed, "Oh fun let's watch a Rated R movie." Olivia shrugged and went to take her shower. When she came out Amanda was sitting on the bed. "Amanda, why don't you turn your apartment in? You stay here anyway."

Amanda wondered the same, but what would happen if she pissed her off or messed up. "I don't know Liv. We aren't together. I should have my own space right."

Olivia wanted them to be together, but Amanda wasn't telling her everything and until she did they couldn't. "You know your secret is the only thing holding us back. I want you and if it wasn't for my older pregnant body, I may have already given in. When you're ready, let me know." Olivia put it on the table without a timeline, the rest was all up to her. They had a quiet night as just friends.