Chapter 78

Olivia flipped through the file, while listening to Ms. Hardwick and when she finally was able to grasp what was being said, she looked at Amanda. Amanda was laughing but not a good, this funny type of laugh, more like she was getting ready to break down type of a laugh. Ms. Hardwick, spoke before Olivia could, "Amanda I'm so sorry I kept this from you. I didn't want to tell you over the chat and to be honest I didn't want to tell you at all."

Amanda finally spoke, "I can't say I'm surprised. My dad used to beat my mom to a pulp. Liv that's why my mom beat me. She learned it from him." Ms. Hardwick started to cry, "I'm sorry this is so unprofessional. Amanda, I want you to know, I've been watching you for a long time. Do you remember your junior year when your mom packed up Kim and left?" Amanda was really confused, but Olivia was quickly putting pieces together after all she was a detective. "Ms. Hardwick I don't think this is necessary."

Amanda held her hands up, "What's going on?" Ms. Hardwick had to come clean, "Remember when I said I followed you, well your mom left with Kim because there was a case forming against her. She slapped Kim and Kim reported her to school. I knew about you, I knew she beat you daily, but never in a place we could see. Kim told us everything, because she was pissed that your mom hit her. I wanted to help you and get you out, but you didn't talk to me at school that day. Do I look familiar? I was younger, had shorter hair and I believe your exact words to me were "Fuck off". She left with Kim and you aged out of social services before I could help you. I'm so sorry Amanda, but I'm so happy that you made it without me. Olivia you have a winner. Amanda, I have no doubt that Noah and Jesse will have the life they deserve. Amanda, I hope you learn to lean on people for support. Your parents were not good examples, but you have that will stand by you, support you, and listen to you. You just have to talk to her Amanda."

"Really Amanda, your mouth." Amanda laughed, but this was a good laugh. "I'm so sorry Ms. Hardwick that wasn't a good time for me. My mouth isn't perfect, but Olivia keeps me straight. I promise we will make sure Noah and Jesse do not see that kind of heartache. What are we waiting on, let's meet our babies." They walked into the playroom and Noah was running between playing with a stack of blocks and kissing Jesse. "He's actually very protective over her. We imagine that he tried to care for her a lot. Mom wasn't really around. She left them with the neighbor a lot. Come on he knows you're here. Noah guess who's here?" Noah dropped the blocks and ran to Olivia and Amanda, "Hyee! I come with now?" They both knelt down to his level, Olivia rubbed her hand through his brown hair "Yes Noah. Amanda has something for you." Amanda pulled a plane out of her bag, "Here Noah are you ready to fly. We're going home on a plane, just like this." Noah pulled them both to Jesse, "Baby sista come too." Olivia reached for Jesse, she cooed and smiled. She was a happy baby. "Yes Noah, your sister comes too."

They said their goodbyes and headed for the airport. Noah got a tour, another plane, and some wings from the pilot. The trip was fun and when they arrived home everyone was there to greet them. "Yook bayoons!" Olivia and Melinda sat watching Zara play with Noah, "He should sleep good tonight." Melinda said. "Yeah, he's had a busy day." They heard Jesse start to cry and watched Amanda pick her up from her playpen. She soothed her and rocked her, she was pretty good for a beginner. "Liv I think this one's getting sleepy. Maybe it's time for a bath and bed." Melinda smiled, "Amanda motherhood looks good on you." Fin heard them, "Yeah I think it's time to wrap this party up guys, they need to get settled." Everyone started heading home. "Guys Mike and I cleaned up and put leftovers in the fridge. Call us if you need anything." Fin and Melinda were holding hands. They finally told everyone they were dating. "Okay guys we'll see you this week."

They bathed Jesse first, put her in a onesie, then laid her in the crib. "Liv I'll get her settled and bring the monitor out, if you want to start Noah's bath. We might need to divide and conquer." Olivia went to bathe Noah, while Amanda helped Jesse. "Noah do you have enough bubbles?" He laughed out loud. He had bubbles on his head and nose. He was cute. "Liv she's out like a light. I hope they both sleep like me." Olivia shook her head, "They said they were good sleepers, but I doubt anyone sleeps like you.

Once Noah got out of the bath, he started to rub his eyes. "I seepy." Olivia helped him in bed and grabbed "Goodnight Moon". Hey do you want to take your shower or read to him. "I put Jesse to bed, you take Noah. Maybe tomorrow we can switch." Amanda went to take her shower. Noah was asleep before the end of the book. Olivia turned on his nightlight and left a small crack in the door. When she walked in the bedroom Amanda was sitting on the bed. "What a day. I'm gonna take my shower. Are you okay Amanda?" Amanda looked up, "Yeah Liv, just tired. Liv I'm too tired for sex, but can you hold me tonight." Olivia smiled, "I will always hold my first baby."