"El, what's up? You called my cell phone in a panic.." I was not in the mood for this nonsense. I barely slept last night and I'm annoyed beyond disbelief.
"Cap wants us to take the day off because Munch and Finn wanted to take the whole day to themselves in the office," he sounded excited like he had something planned.
"Really? That's great El. I think I'm going to go back to sleep for a little bit, then most likely take a walk. You're more than welcome to join me, that's only if Kathy won' mind you leaving her for an hour or two on Valentine's Day."
"I don't think she'll mind Liv. It's you, she knows there's nothing going on between us, and plus, it'll give me some extra time to find something for her. Alright then, give me a call in a bit when you're ready to go. I'll run by the flower shop to pick you up a rose."
I smiled. "Thanks El, you're a lifesaver for that. I'll give you a call in a bit. Bye."
On the note, I'm going back to bed. I don't need to worry about my monthly rose purchase or have to worry about being on time to work or anything. Today is looking up.
Now of course, about an hour has passed and I'm still not sleeping, so I'm aggravated. I decide to get up and jump in the shower to try to wake up a bit. My shower consisted of me just standing under cold water, and for the first time I wasn't bothered by the coldness of the water.
I decide to get out after a half hour and get dressed. I throw on a pair of jeans, a blue t-shirt, and throw my jacket on over it all.
I grab my phone of the table and realize I have 2 missed calls. "Private name private number… who could be calling me private?" I say out loud trying to figure out who the hell that could be. I decide to call Elliot.
"Hey Elliot, you ready?... yeah I am… thank you for buying the rose… oh I got 2 private calls today, have any clue who they could've been?... yeah me neither, but whatever, I'll meet you at the park at our usual spot… see ya then."
I grab my keys and head out of my apartment remembering to lock up. Suddenly, a small black lab runs up to me and starts licking me, so I bend down and give it all the attention I have.
"Oh hello Olivia, how are you today? It's such a gorgeous day. Are you going to meet that handsome man you work with?" She had a huge smile plastered on her face and I couldn't help but laugh.
"I'm alright Mrs. Sooy, and it is a very beautiful day today. It's a lot warmer than it's been." I laugh, "Yes, I'm going to meet up with Elliot, and remember Mrs. Sooy, he's married and has kids so I'm not sure if you have a chance with him to be honest…"
"Oh dear, I wasn't meaning for me, but for you. I see you almost every morning and you never seem too happy. You never bring anyone home and I worry about you dear.. you're such a nice and beautiful woman that I wonder if men are stupid and blind. Well I know they are because I married one a long time ago, but what can ya do dear?"
We both laughed at her statement, but then I realize the time. "I'm sorry Mrs. Sooy, but I have to go… Next time I see little Max here, I'll make sure I bring him a treat since he's such a good boy." The dogs ears perked up at the sound of the word treat.
"Have a good day dear, and happy Valentine's Day!" I smiled at her and nodded, and headed towards the park, and saw Elliot sitting on a bench.
"El, I'm so sorry… Have you been waiting long? Mrs. Sooy stopped to talk to me again, and I really think she has the hots for you partner. She's always asking about you."
He couldn't help but laugh, "I haven't been here that long, maybe 5 minutes at the most. Liv, that woman knows I'm married and has kids. She sends me Christmas cards every year. I think she's more interested in our relationship. She must think I'm having an affair with you." Now I couldn't help but laugh because the thought of me and him being in a romantic relationship just seems out of this world.
We end up just walking around the park for a good hour, talking and laughing and it feels nice. It feels really nice to just be able to talk to someone without having to worry about what others may think.
"You know Liv, if you ever need anyone to talk to; my cell is always on me. I'm sure Kathy wouldn't mind you coming over once in awhile and calling me ever so often just to talk. The kids absolutely love you, and I think they miss you."
"I promise sometime this week I'll come over, alright? I'm gonna get going El, I wanna get to the cemetery before dark and it's a decent walk." He looked over at me and grabbed my arm before I could go.
"Liv, let me drive you there. It's the least I could do. I know when you go to the cemetery it's not the easiest thing for you. I know that you're mom might've treated you poorly, but you still miss her..." I nod and we walk to his car.
Throughout the 20 minute drive to the cemetery, he tells the worst jokes I've ever heard. He must've learned them from the kids, and I can't help but laugh. He drops me off in the front by the office.
"Thanks El, I really appreciate it, I'll give you a call later okay?" I give him a hug inside the car.
"Don't worry about it partner, if you ever need me, you know my number. Cheer up, today will get better…" He smirks and I'm rather confused. "Bye El.."
I walk over to my mom's grave and place the rose down on it.
"Hi mom, I'm sorry I didn't come last week, but I was really busy at work. Elliot picked out this really beautiful rose for me to bring to give to you. Things are going great with us, mom. He's such a good friend to me, and an amazing partner. I still haven't found that special someone for me mom, and it's killing me. I want you to be proud of me and happy for me… I love you mom. I'll see you soon." I place the rose down, and wipe the tears from my face.
I start walking away and I notice to my right there was a headstone that said the last name "Cabot". I look closer and I gasp. This is Alex's headstone. I couldn't bear to go to the burial after the funeral because I knew she was still alive.
I stand there for a good 20 minutes just thinking about everything that's happened. The day Hammond brought us to the van and Alex popped out and I was in disbelief. I know she's alive now but it still hurts that she had to do this. I don't realize the time after awhile but I realize it's starting tog et late and I want to get back home before dark. I snap back from daydreaming, and I get myself together when I hear a voice come from behind me. I turned around and was in disbelief.
"Do you always visit an empty grave on Valentine's day and sit here and daydream…?"