So based off the reviews, I'm pretty sure some of you are going to be mad at me…
Chapter 7-Deceit
Olivia picks up her phone on the second ring. "Benson."
"Hey," she says softly.
"Maureen?" Olivia questions. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing. It's just. How's Jacob. I miss seeing the little guy."
"He's doing great. You should stop by sometime to see him."
"Yea, that'd be nice."
"How about tonight?"
"No, it's late."
"It's only seven."
"Really? It's only seven? Gosh it's been such a long day I thought it was later. Anyways I can't. I still have all this paperwork to do."
"Anything that legally has to be filed tonight?"
"No."
"Then leave it. It'll be there in the morning."
"I don't know…I don't like to leave any loose ends."
"It's one night. C'mon."
"Alright. Want me to bring anything?"
"Just you."
"Ok. Text me your address."
Olivia hangs up the phone and texts her address to Maureen. "Hey," she shakes Michael who dozes lightly beside her.
"Maureen's coming over."
"Does that mean I have to leave?"
"No, but you do have to pants on."
"What about round two?" He questions and caresses her bare flesh.
"If you get up, we can have round two in the shower."
"Uggghh! But I'm sleepy."
"Up!" she calls over her shoulder as she heads into the bathroom. He groans and follows behind her.
xXx
"Hey!" Olivia says as she opens the door with Jacob in her arms.
"Hi!" Maureen waves excitedly at Jacob, who smiles in return. "Aww. He smiles now?"
"Yea, just started the other day. Hasn't really stopped since," Olivia says as she places the baby into Maureen's awaiting arms.
"I missed you," Maureen smiles and nuzzles his cheek. "Gosh, he must have magical powers. I feel better already."
"Hey babe, I can't find any of my clothes," Michael says as he walks down the hall he pauses when he sees Maureen peek around Olivia's body.
"Dr. McDr-Preston. Nice to see you."
Michael blushes and pulls the towel, his only scrap of clothing, tighter around his waist. "Hello Maureen."
"Honey, your clothes are in the bottom draw of the dresser. On the right."
"Thanks."
Maureen waits until Michael closes the bedroom door behind him. "A whole drawer. You sat on his face didn't you?"
Olivia blushes. "Maureen," she says with warning in her tone.
"How was it?"
"I don't kiss and tell," Olivia says as she walks into her living room.
"But you want to," Maureen teases as she follows behind her. She takes a seat in the corner of the couch beside Olivia. "C'mon you gotta give me something."
"Fine. It was amazing, but that's all I'm saying!"
"I knew it! McDreamy lives up to the hype. Nice."
"I hope you're hungry. I ordered Greek food it should be here any minute."
"Oh, Olivia you didn't have to. Just getting to hold him is enough. And now I realized I ruined your romantic evening."
"I'm the one that invited you here, remember?"
"I know. I just…I don't want to be an inconvenience."
"Well you're not and you're welcome here anytime."
"Thanks."
"Want to tell me what happened?"
"This little girl. This beautiful little girl. She had the prettiest dark skin and these big brown eyes. That is until her babysitter poured scalding hot water on her to punish her for spilling milk on her new rug." Olivia winces. "They couldn't save her. Her mother was beside herself. Her husband just died in a construction accident and so she had to take extra shifts to make ends meet. She's a medical assistant. It was a new sitter. A friend had referred her and said she would watch her daughter while she worked third shift. She saw the injuries after she brought her home this morning. That little girl suffered all night! She was only three. Why do people do shit like that?"
"I don't know honey. I ask myself that every day at work. What was her name."
"Stella. She wanted to be a star. That's how she introduced herself." Maureen sobs. "I don't know if I can do this job anymore, Liv."
"You can. I know you can, because it's in you. Your father does it every day and I know it's not easy, but somebody has to do it. Someone has to try and make a difference."
"What if I can't?"
"Then you find another way to help, but don't give up. Remember Stella. Carry her with you and think of her every time you think you can't do it. Remember how she suffered and what you can do to prevent that from happening to another child." Maureen stares down at the baby in her arms who smiles and grips her finger tight. "What your child's name?"
"Children. Aubree and now Ryan."
"Why Ryan?"
"I-I got in the way of your father saving him and he died."
"I'm so sorry." Olivia nods. "He's so cute," Maureen grins down at the baby. "I feel so connected to him I don't know why."
Just then the doorbell rings and she let's out a sigh of relief.
Saved by the bell.
"That must be the food. I'll be right back."
xXx
Food is consumed and movies are watched and Michael retires early for the night with grumbles about rounds at six. Maureen now rests in the couch with Jacob fast asleep against her chest. Olivia lifts him gently from his sister's loving arms and tucks him in with a kiss on the cheek. He fusses until Olivia gives him his pacifier and hushes him to sleep. Olivia smiles and whispers "I love you," to him and leaves with a kiss on his cheek. She grabs a blanket and tosses it over Maureen's sleeping form. She wakes suddenly.
"Shhh," Olivia croons. "Sleep. It's ok."
Maureen settles back without anymore coaching. "Thanks Olivia," she mumbles and falls back asleep. Olivia tucks her in before turning out the lights and heading to bed. Though with worry in her heart. How strong were genetics anyway? Would Maureen eventually be able to tell that Jacob was her brother? Why did she care anyway? It wasn't really her problem. Was it? Except. She didn't want to hurt her and if Maureen ever found out, her deceit would come back to haunt her.
xXx
"Try this," Michael says to Maureen once she walks through the door and shoves the spoon in her face.
"Ummm. Hello?"
"Try!"
She takes the proffered bit of sauce. "Oh my God!" she says in shock. "That's amazing!"
"That's dinner."
"He cooks like that all the time?" She asks Olivia, who sits at the counter nursing her son.
"Yup," she nods.
"How are you not 500 pounds?"
"Breast feeding," she says and points at the babe attached to her nipple.
"Can I burp him when you're done."
"Sure."
"So we're eating that tonight?"
"As long as he doesn't burn it."
"Once!" Michael calls from the kitchen. "I burned it one time."
"I know honey, and you're still a great chef," she placates. She shares a look with Maureen and they both laugh. "How was work today?"
"Not too bad. I helped a DV victim find new housing and she was so grateful. It's days like today that make it worth it you know?"
"Yea, I know. I'm just glad you've found your rhythm again."
"Me too." She smiles when Olivia passes Jacob to her. "Hi!" She kisses his cheek and rests him against her shoulder and pats his back. "So I got asked out on a date the other day."
"OooOOOoo. Do tell," Michael teases from the kitchen.
"Quiet you!" Olivia calls back. "Go on, Honey."
"He's a physical therapist. His name is James."
"Is he cute."
"So cute."
"You plan on sitting on his face?"
"Olivia!" Maureen says in shock. "Yes, but I don't know what to wear before."
"What do you mean you don't know what to wear? You're what? 19? 20?"
"21, and he's seen me in my professional clothes, which is basically all I have. I really want to wow him, but I don't want to overdue it you know?"
"Did he say where he's taking you?"
"Some gallery opening down town."
"That's easy. Follow me."
Maureen stands and follows Olivia down the hall to her bedroom. "Wow your bedroom is amazing." Maureen says as she admires Olivia's décor. It was simple. White, yet elegantly accentuated with blues and silvers and light greys.
"Thanks," she says as she pulls a red transparent long-sleeved blouse and black leather mini skirt.
"Olivia, where did you used to wear this?"
"I had a life before Jacob. I dated. Mostly canceled, but the effort was there including the outfits. Although that skirt was a part of an undercover sting."
"So it has character. This is so cute," she says as she admires the outfit Olivia has laid out for her.
"I know," Olivia stares at the clothes with longing. "So wear your hair down. A little makeup. And if you have a pair of those little ankle boots-"
"I do."
"Ok those and…" Olivia walks over to her dresser. "This. I'm letting you borrow this."
"What is it?"
"My secret weapon. Men LOVE this perfume."
"What kind is it?" Maureen asks as she tests a bit on her wrist.
"I have no clue. My friend from college moved to Dubai and found it in the souq. It's light, but really pretty. You're guy is going to love it. Michael does."
Your father did too.
"Thanks Liv," Maureen smiles and notices the way Olivia stares longingly at her closet. "Hey, when was the last time you got all dolled up and went out on a date."
"I can't Maureen," Olivia said sensing where the young girl was going.
"Why not?"
"I'm a Mom now, and I can't trust just anyone to watch Jacob with his health issues."
"Will you trust me?"
"I don't know…" Olivia hesitated.
"C'mon. I'm here all the time. I know him well enough to watch him for a few hours."
She was right. Maureen had slowly, but surely become a staple in her home. Opting to come over and hang out or stop by when she needed a quiet place to study.
"I'll talk about it with Michael. See what he says."
"He's going to say yes, so you should start thinking of an outfit now."
"I already have one in mind," Olivia winks.
"You can't go out naked!" Maureen jokes back.
xXx
"So you know where everything is. The emergency numbers are on the fridge along with mine, Michael's and the number for the restaurant," Olivia lists as she walks through the apartment in a red dress and matching heels. Maureen follows behind her with Jacob nestled in her arms and his thumb in his mouth. She shares an amused look with Michael who waits patiently by the door. "He should be ready for bed at about 8. Remember he can't sleep without his blanket an-"
"Olivia, it's me. I've spent tons of time with him and watched you put him to bed numerous times. We'll be fine."
"I know, but it's my first time leaving him with anyone," she says and caresses her baby's cheek.
"We'll be fine."
"She's right, Babe. We gotta go or we're gonna miss our reservation," Michael says and holds open Olivia's coat for her.
Olivia walks over and allows him to help her put on her coat. "If you need anything. Anything at all, don't hesitate to call," Olivia says as Michael ushers her through the door.
"She's got it Babe, now let's go."
"Bye," Maureen waves Jacob's arm at their retreating forms. Once they're gone she ensures the door is properly closed and locked behind them. "Mommy's silly isn't she," Maureen coos to the babe and he smiles and squeals his response.
xXx
An hour later Maureen sits on the floor working on her paper while Jacob sits quietly in his bouncer beside her. They had done half an hour of tummy time and games then Maureen had moved him to the swing, much to his dismay. So the bouncer it was where he had cooed and babbled until recently. Maureen looks up to see Jacob's eyes begin to droop. "Looks like it's time for bed," she says and stands. She lifts Jacob easily into her arms and nuzzles his neck as she walks him to his bedroom. "Let's get you changed for bed."
Maureen lays Jacob on the changing table before removing his romper and undoes his diaper. She pulls it away, but quickly replaces it when she sees a stream of urine shoot out. "Hey you!" she jokes and tickles the baby's chin. Jacob only stares. "Tough crowd." Jacob begins to fuss and Maureen takes it as her signal to get Jacob changed as quickly as possible and down for the night. She pulls away the wet diaper and pauses at the peculiar red birthmark located on Jacob's lower abdomen. It's a birthmark she's seen before. Four times to be exact. She looks deep into Jacob's blue eyes and he gives her a quick half smile. And it hits her all at once.
Her father's chin.
Her father's mouth.
Her father's ears.
Her father's eyes.
Her father.
She doesn't know why she never saw it before, but panic ensures as the possible implications hit her all at once. She quickly dresses him in a baby blue sleeper and grabs a Q-tip. She uses it to swab his mouth before giving him his pacifier and laying his blanket beside him. She closes the door and places the Q-tip in a plastic baggie. She holds it up and gazes at the small stick wrapped in cotton and thinks of the secrets it may reveal.
The family it may destroy.
Her family.
Her phone rings and she grabs it from her back pocket. Olivia's name flashes across her caller-ID. "Hey Liv," she answers, putting on her best 'I'm ok' voice.
"Hey. How's everything going?"
"Great. I just put him down he was tired."
Is he my baby brother?
"Ok. He hasn't given you any trouble has he?"
How long were you sleeping with my father?
"Nope. He's been an angel."
Does my father know Jacob's his son?
"Great. I just wanted to check everything's ok."
It's NOT!
"Everything's fine," Maureen says and does her best to make her voice sound normal because everything is anything but fine.
Olivia senses that something isn't quite right. "Maureen? Are you sure everything's ok?"
"I'm sure. You guys take your time."
"Ok," Olivia says hesitantly. "Call me if you have any problems."
Oh, we have a MAJOR problem.
"We won't. Bye Liv."
"Bye."
Maureen stares back a the Q-tip.
Please let me wrong. Let me be crazy. Let everything be fine.
xXx
Olivia grabs the baby monitor and exits the nursery closing the door softly behind her. She heads to the living room where a pile of laundry waits for her to fold. Michael is working the night shift, which has given her time to catch up with her household chores. Laundry being the chore most neglected, but sadly she had been forced to give in when both she and Jacob had run out of socks. There's a soft knock on the door and she heads over to answer it.
"Who is it?" she asks.
"It's Maureen," she hears her call softly through the door.
Olivia checks the peephole to be sure then answers the door. "Hey what's wrong," Olivia asks when she sees Maureen's blue eyes rimmed with tears.
"Can I talk to you?"
"Sure. Let's sit over here, because the couch is covered in laundry." Olivia leads them to the dinning table where she sits at the head of the table and Maureen sits beside her. "What's up?"
Maureen pauses for a moment unsure of how to start. She's rehearsed her speech over and over in her head, but never settles on a place to start. "Maureen? Honey, you're scaring me."
She decides to start at the beginning. "Has Dad ever told you about the Stabler Heart?"
"No. What's that?"
"It's a birthmark we all had when we were babies. It's red at first and always in the shape of a heart. Never the same heart, but a heart nonetheless. It got darker as we aged. Lizzie has it behind her ear. Dickie has it on his back. Kathleen has it on her thigh and I have it," she rolls up her sleeve and holds up her arm showing off the birthmark on the inside part of her elbow. "here."
Olivia closes her eyes and hangs her head, because she knows where this is going. "Maureen, I can explain."
"So imagine my surprise," Maureen continues, "When I was changing Jacob the other night and I noticed he had the same birthmark on his lower abdomen. I had never changed him before so I never noticed. So I took a sample," Maureen pulls a piece of paper from her jacket pocket. "And DNA proves, that Jacob is my baby brother. Do you want to see the results Olivia?" Olivia turns her head away in shame. "No, Olivia. Look! Look! Look at it! 99.99999% sibling probability.."
"I don't need to look, Maureen."
"I didn't want to believe it so I had them run it against the DNA on Dickie's toothbrush and sure enough they share a Y chromosome. How could you Olivia? How could you lie to us like that?" Tears spring to Olivia's eyes because she never wanted this to happen. She's come to love Maureen like a daughter of her own and the pain in the younger woman's her eyes breaks her heart. "How could you keep this from my father?!"
"Maureeeen-" Olivia tries.
"Well I'm telling him! I'm not going to help you hide your dirty little secret," She stands marches angrily towards the door.
"Your father knows," Olivia says to her retreating back. If her secret is already out, then she might as well get it all out.
Maureen freezes and turns slowly. "You're lying. You're lying! My father would never-"
"Except he did. I told him when I found out I was pregnant. He was even there when he was born. He doesn't want him, Maureen."
"That's a lie! My father would never abandon one of his children."
"He would for your mother."
"What?!"
"Did you do the math Maureen?"
"Of course I did the math, but that would never matter to my dad. He always says how much he loves us, and how he would never let anything come between us and our relationship with him."
"But he doesn't love my son. He had to make a choice Maureen, and he chose your mother and their marriage over Jacob. He didn't want to break up your family."
Maureen shakes her head. Unable to believe the words that she is hearing. "I'm going to talk to my dad. You've been lying this whole time. How can I believe anything you say?"
"You do what you have to, Maureen."
"I will!" Maureen says and heads back to the door. Slamming it behind her.
From the monitor Olivia hears Jacob hiccup a cry and she stands to tend to her son's needs.
xXx
"She was so angry," Olivia whispers to Michael who lays beside her. His head propped on his arm as he listens to Olivia relay events of the evening before.
"So, Maureen is Jake's sister."
"Yes."
"And Elliot is your partner at work?"
"Yes."
"Well that's comforting," Michael deadpans.
"Don't worry. I'm sure my boss knows and he's never going to let us work together again. It's against department policy." She pulls the sheet up over her bare chest to ward off the chill.
"I guess that makes me feel a little better."
Jacob's cries come through the baby monitor and Olivia moves to go pick him up.
Michael stills her with a hand on her arm. "I'll get him." He climbs out of bed and slides his boxers over his hips before heading to the nursery. He returns moments later with the baby in his arms and lays him down beside his mother and slips in on the other side of him. "So what now?"
"I don't know. I'm expecting a call from Elliot any moment now. I don't know what I'm going to say."
"Don't say anything. You don't owe him a thing. You did nothing wrong."
"I know, but I feel so guilty. I never wanted to hurt her."
"That's not your fault. It's his for not taking responsibility for his actions," Michael tickles Jacob here and there causing the baby to laugh.
"But aren't I equally at fault?"
"You guys did a bad thing, but look at how great it turned out." Olivia gazes down at her son who stares up at Michael adoringly. "You have nothing to be sorry for. Maureen will come around."
"I hope so."
xxXx
A few days later Olivia opens the door to reveal a more solemn looking Maureen. "Come back to yell at me some more?"
"I'm sorry. I should have never talked to you that way. No matter what I thought was true."
"So, I take it you talked to your father."
"I did. You gonna let me in or are we just going to have this conversation in the hallway?"
Olivia leaves the door open and walks away. She heads to her bedroom and when she doesn't return Maureen follows her. She finds her in her bed with Jacob rested against her thighs. Maureen kicks off her shoes and climbs into bed beside her where they lay in awkward silence for a few moments.
"So dad admitted to everything. He didn't want to at first, but I wasn't letting up until he told me the truth." Olivia nods. "I don't understand," Maureen says and shakes her head in disbelief. "Can I?" she motions to Jacob, who produces a large gummy smile for his sister when Olivia passes him over to Maureen. She kisses his neck causing him to giggle and rests him against her bent legs. "I mean, how can you not want to be a part of this? How can he just give him up? He's such a sweet baby, how can anyone not love him?" She looks over at Olivia and sees the way her heart breaks for her son. "I'm so sorry, Olivia."
Olivia closes her eyes to hold her tears at bay, but they bleed through anyway. "It's not your fault Maureen. You didn't make that choice."
"I know, but I know this hurts you. How can it not?"
"I try not to think about it."
"I feel responsible somehow and now I have this secret that I'm hiding from my mom. I don't know what to do. I feel like I should tell her, but it's not my place. Something like this should come from my father. Besides, if I tell what will that do? Do you think I should tell her?"
"I don't know Maureen, I can't answer that for you."
"Jesus, look who I'm asking. Olivia what happened? How did this happen? Was this an affair?"
"No. It was one time. We got drunk. We had sex. We agreed that it would never happen again and that we would never talk about it, but…"
"You got pregnant," Maureen surmises and looks back at Jacob who's eyes have begin to droop. Maureen shifts him so that he lays against her chest. "So what? He's just going to pretend like he doesn't exist?!"
"I guess," Olivia shrugs. "Look I can't dwell on it. I have him, and in the end that's all that matters."
"Well I want him to know me and I want him to know me as his sister."
"Maureen. I don't know. I don't know how we can make that work in the long run. Or hide it from the rest of your family. It's too risky."
"Olivia, he is my family and I want him to know it. I'll respect whatever decision you decide to make, but I want to be in his life. And I want to be in his life as his sister."
Olivia sighs. "I think we can make that happen. I mean look at him. He already loves you Maureen. I want him to have a family and you're already part of it. No matter what, he'll know you're his sister."
"Thank you."