AN: THANKS FOR READING.
D: LAW AND ORDER SVU AND ITS CHARACTERS ARE NOT MINE.
CHAPTER 46 NEWS
I wait a little impatiently in the elevator, I keep thinking about the best way to tell the news to everyone. Once I managed to put myself together, I couldn't sleep well at all last night because I was tossing and turning in bed trying to figure out the perfect way to do it. And I still don't know. Maybe I just have to wait till the moment is correct. Today.
—Olivia.— The elevator doors open and I find Melinda in front of me. I am glad to see her again after so long.
—Hi.— I say, smiling and trying not to look nervous as I walk down the elevator.
—How are you?— She asks looking at me with that look that is so familiar. The same one that all people have when greeting me. A look that I sincerely begin to hate.
—Tired.— I am honest. —And you? Where have you been?— I ask her.
—I was studying abroad for a while. Criminal Forensic Medicine.—
—Good. Welcome back.— I say giving her a smile. It really feels good to see her.
—Thank you, It is also nice to see you again.— She lowers her gaze and takes a breath slowly. That is also a familiar expression. I know perfectly well in which direction she is heading. I prepare myself to it. —I heard of what happened.— she says at last. I just focus on keeping myself calm. —I'm sorry,.— she places her hand on my shoulder.
—Yeah.— I fell the tears accumulate in my eyes. —Me too.— I try to hold them back, but I'm sick of the hurting. If that's the correct adjective to describe those looks, and those ways of treating me... pity.
—Well...— She lets out a big sight making the moment even more awkward. —I have to go prepare my new office. You know where to find me, don't you?—
—Yes. Thank you.— The elevator reopens its doors and I watch her go. I breathe deeply until I manage to calm the burning in my chest. If I want to break the news, I must do it by showing strength. Although I do feel so weak, as if I could break easily at the slightest blow.
I walk more calmly towards the office. I arrive at my desk without even saying hello to anyone. If I don't take advantage of this moment, I don't think I will have the strength to do it so later. So, instead of sitting in my chair I walk directly to the captain's office.
—Hi Liv.— He greets me looking away from his papers.
—Hello. Cap, can you call Fin and Munch to the meeting office?— He looks at me doubtfully.
—Just them?— I nod my head walking towards the door that led to said office, he gets up and goes out the front door.
—Fin and Munch, could you come please?— I hear him call them. I try to control my nerves. Suddenly my stomach roars. Just what I needed. I hear them come in after me and the door close.
—What's wrong Liv?— Donald asks after a long silence. I look at the place. I walk to the whiteboard that is there and take the marker, this was not one of the ways I had imagined last night but it just occurred to me.
—Liv?— Fin insists. the worrying evident in his voice.
—ahm... I have some news to give you.— I manage to say as I start to write.
—Is everything okay?— He asks with concern.
—Well ... yes.— not everything is fine but what else could I answer. I finish writing and stand aside to let them see the big letters.
I turn around slowly to face them, I don't know what faces I'll find ... of doubt or annoyance? ... or maybe.
—Are you serious!?— But all I saw were three faces that denoted joy and a bit of surprise.
I nod.
—Our little girl will be a mother.— Munch says as his eye get foggy. He approaches me with his arms outstretched.
—This is great news.— Don says also approaching, waiting his turn to squeeze me in his arms.
—Congratulations Olivia.— Fin says hugging me affectionately. Okay I was expecting the worst of this situation and it has been the simplest thing in the world. And they are so happy. But despite everything I know perfectly well that at some point they will ask the question. As I finish hugging Fin I can see Samuel through the window, he watches us from his desk with a smile, he notes that I have seen him and he smiles even more and nods, I only smile back.
—No wonder all that eating.— Fin jokes helping me with my nervous self.
—Who is the lucky...— Munch begins with the dreaded question but, instinctively I stop him.
—None of your business.— Everyone is silent.
—You know you have our full support, right?— The captain says with a kind smile.
—Thanks.—I smile at him and the awkward silence is getting position of the whole room. —Ahm... I think we have to go back to the case.— I say trying to end this. I can see the wonder in their eyes and, maybe they are already trying to guess. But I don't want to give them the chance to put those thoughts into words.
—Yes, now that we are all here let me bring Samuel so we can catch up.— Munch says walking towards the door.
—Right, let me call my new partner.— Fin says trying to mock how Munch has already get used to the new detective. —My new partner.— he keeps saying faking some jealousy.
—What are you complaining about ... you have two.—John replies, commanding a fight.
—two?— I ask in a scared tone. Is there a new member that I have not been introduced to?
—Yes.— Munch answers looking at me. —You and it.— He point at my flat belly.
—Oh.— is the only thing I can say as my hand flies slowly to my belly remembering that beautiful dream.
—Call Samuel.— Cragen says stopping the fight. Fin walks to the door and signals to Samuel, who stands up with a couple of papers in his hand and walks towards us. I don't know why but I get nervous and I quickly erase the board with my hand. He comes in and looks at me strangely.
—I already knew.— He says as he walks inside the office placing the papers on the table. —Remember?—
—What?— Fin complains and everyone looks are on me.
—He just guessed.— I explain hopping they don't get upset about it.
—Detective skills.— Samuel says making them laugh.
TO BE CONTINUED...
AN: STAY SAFE. RR IF YOU WANT.
