Chapter 26

Olivia hadn't been to work since she was called to pick up Amanda the morning she was hurt. She needed coffee to make it through the morning. When they entered the squad room they were met by Captain Cragen, "Welcome back Olivia and good morning Amanda. Come with me and I can show you where you will be." Olivia and Amanda followed the Captain to a small room. "It's not very big, so we can't really use it for anything, but it should work for you." Amanda sat her bag down, "It's perfect! Thank you Captain Cragen! Can you get in trouble for this? I mean I'm not supposed to be here right?" Cragen looked at her, "I'm the boss, so don't worry. Olivia can show you where everything else is and don't worry about anything."

Olivia showed Amanda around, and she noticed she seemed uncomfortable, but decided not to press the issue. The guys all welcomed her as part of the team. She knew once Amanda started her school work she would be fine. "Fin! Olivia! You have a call, Vic is headed to Mercy." They were both on their way. Cragen noticed Olivia didn't tell Amanda anything, so he went to check on her. "Hey! Everything going okay? Do you need anything?" Amanda paused her lesson and took her headphones off, "No sir. I'm good." He moved closer to look at her laptop. "That's pretty hard for high school." Amanda answered, "Well I've tested out of high school basically, so these are college level. I want to work in Finance. Hopefully, I can finish my associates and be left with 2 years to finish." Cragen was impressed, "Wow! Nice to see a young person with a plan. Olivia and Fin are on a call, but it doesn't look like you need her much at all. If you need anything I'll be around."

The rest of day was pretty much the same. Amanda worked on her school work and Olivia worked on cases. It was pretty much how it was at the apartment, but Amanda felt safer knowing that people were around. She actually was able to get tons of school work done. Around 5 Olivia, popped her head in, "Hey! Ready to head home and grab some dinner? How about Chinese?" Amanda packed up, "Okay Liv I'll pack up and meet you out there." They said goodnight to the guys and Fin walked them to the car. They picked up dinner and headed home. After dinner they both showered and fell into bed to relax. "How many bad guys did you catch Liv?" Olivia handed Amanda the remote knowing she probably had a show to watch, "Not enough Amanda. So what are we watching tonight?" Amanda smiled, "FOX, 911 and 911 Lone Star." Olivia laid back on her pillows, "You and these shows." Amanda laid on her stomach and watched tv. "Liv, can we fool around after the shows?" Olivia just rolled her eyes, "OMG why am I dating a horny teenager."

Every day pretty much went the same and they fell into a routine. Before Amanda knew, it was Thursday. The app on her phone reminded her it was therapy day. She really didn't feel like she needed to go. Things had been going so good. She was busy with school and busy with Liv, well her body at least. They had fooled around a lot and Amanda loved every minute of it. They hadn't gotten to 3rd base yet but the rest was hot. She was also really getting comfortable with her circle of people. The girls came over after work one night for dinner and she saw Melinda every day. She trusted them to help her when Liv wasn't around.

They sat eating breakfast before leaving for the precinct, "Liv I don't think I need therapy anymore." Olivia knew this was coming. She was actually surprised Amanda was just bringing it up now. "Well that's too bad, because it's what we agreed on, Amanda. You've only been one time, you threw a huge tantrum right after the initial appointment, and one good week doesn't make everything okay. So you're going and I will be there if you need me." Olivia waited for the meltdown. Amanda had been doing great this week, but she was also giving out more details little by little. "Well let's see if you can make me." Amanda said under her breath. Olivia spun around, "What did you say?" Fear flashed in Amanda's eyes. She wasn't scared of Olivia, but she knew that this attitude wouldn't be tolerated. "I didn't say anything." Olivia walked over to Amanda, "Humph! Yeah you did and this right here, this attitude you have, is why you're going to therapy. Amanda, don't test me today or you will be sorry. You are going, do you understand me?" Olivia waited for Amanda to answer. She didn't have time for this, now she would have to babysit her all day and make sure she didn't disappear. "Amanda!?" "Yes Liv! I hear you."

The car ride was spent with Amanda sulking, but Olivia knew she needed therapy just to get it out. "You know Amanda, I know you are upset, but it's just a chance for you to talk. You don't have to talk about that night every time you go. Talk about us, talk about the good things happening, talk about your other fears, or talk about whatever you want. Amanda please, if running like you did on Saturday is crossing your mind, please don't run today." Amanda didn't say anything she just grabbed her bag, got out, and walked into the squad room. Amanda wasn't good at hiding her feelings, so everyone knew she was upset. Olivia sat down at her desk when Fin asked, "She alright?" Olivia shook her head, "I hope so."

Of course today was busy and full of work, so Olivia couldn't check on Amanda. When she finished her call and went to check on her, hoping space and time had helped her work through whatever was going on. When she peeked in the office and didn't see her or the computer she almost lost it. Olivia went through the squad room in a panic. She was walking fast and looked in Cragen's office and saw Amanda sitting with him looking at her computer. Her heart was racing, but she tried to hide it. "Hey Olivia! I think this kid has a bright future ahead of her. She's getting my money straight for retirement." Olivia looked puzzled, "It's project for class Liv. You were on a call with Fin. Sergeant Munch and Nick were talking to a perp, so…" Cragen spoke up, "So I was her last choice." Amanda laughed, "Sorry Captain Cragen." Amanda looked at her phone, "It's time to go, I know" she said with a pout. Olivia thought she was so stinking cute, even though her attitude sucked sometimes. They would definitely have to work on having more discipline. Amanda went to grab her bag. "Captain we have an appointment so, we're leaving. See you tomorrow." Cragen waved goodbye to both of them. Once they were in the elevator, Amanda said, "I scared you. You thought I left." Olivia just raised her eyebrows at her. "Can I say a cuss word and not get in trouble?" Olivia rolled her eyes, "One cuss word!" "You told me NOT to test you or I would be sorry, so I'd rather my ass NOT be sorry." Amanda and Olivia laughed all the way to the car.