Sorry for the wait folks. The holidays were good but I'm pretty sore now…never play Twister for 3 hours on new years! Especially if you aren't as flexible or young as before! Lol.

This is going to be a bit of a long chapter – I'm making up for lost time. So please be patient with me. Just in case ya'll get a bit confused, the first part of this story takes place at Melody's place just after Mack gets dropped off. The second part will be the continuation…did I confuse you more?

I own nothing in SVU land.

Chapter 16

Part 1:

"Thanks guys," Melody said as she struggled to hold onto Mack.

"You sure you don't need any help?"

"Nah. I'm good. I've been through this before with her," looking at Brady and Olivia; Melody stopped in mid sentence and looked nervous. Brady was standing with her hands on her hips with a stern look on her face.

"Oh really? And when was this?" Melody was saved from replying when she saw Olivia place a gentle hand on Brady's back and slightly shook her head. Sighing, Brady gave up and muttered, "Never mind."

"You better get her inside before she passes out completely." Nodding, Mel turned Mack towards the short flight of stairs and helped her get inside. Olivia waited until both Mel and Mack were inside before she headed to the driver's side of her car. She shook her head and rolled her eyes. When can that sister of mine stay out trouble? Climbing in and starting the ignition, Olivia gave one last look at the small brownstone and drove off.

"Come on now…just a few more steps and you can pass out if you want," Mel was having a devil of a time maneuvering Mack.

"Almost there sweetie. Here we go," letting Mack collapse on the couch, Mel let out a sigh. That wasn't so hard, Mel thought proudly. Looking more closely, she realized that the other women's complexion was rather pale.

"Honey? Are you alright?" Mel placed a hand on Mack's forehead. No fever…yet. Mack opened tired eyes and nodded.

"I'm just really exhausted. Too much excitement for one day, I guess." Just as Mack was about to close her eyes, Alex came thundering into the room.

"MACK!!!" Alex was about to jump onto the couch, when Mel caught him before he could get the chance.

"Whoa! Hold on cowboy. Mack just got back from the hospital. No jumping yet. She's a little wiped out from today."

"But…"

"Just give her some time to rest. Ok?" Shoulder's sagging, Alex nodded. Mel smiled and ruffled his hair. Alex tried hard not to look annoyed at the woman. She was great, but sometimes she just tried to hard.

"Why don't you get changed into your pj's and brush those pearly whites and we'll see if Mack will be up for some talking. How about that?" Alex nodded excitedly and took off for the spare room that he had been staying in. Shaking her head at the sight, Mel glanced back at Mack once more. She's so pale…

"Mack, how about I make you a bit more comfortable? Stretch out on the couch sweetheart. There you go," Mel gently helped Mack get more comfortable. Mel was getting more worried. She had never seen Mack so… fatigued before. Especially after a day like today. Whenever Mack had a stressful day, she would be in constant movement. Never sitting still for more then a few minutes. But seeing Mack like this scared her. Something was defiantly not right.

"Babe, Alex will be here in a second. You think you can manage a little talk time with him?" Mel placed a hand on Mack's cheek to get her attention. Nodding tiredly, Mack managed a small smile.

"Yeah. Anything for the kid," Mack said faintly. Struggling to sit up slightly, Mack winced. Mack paled noticeably.

"What? What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I just need to get used to not using my broken hand. That's all." Giving a tight smile, Mack waved off Mel's concern. Damn it. Bloody stubborn mule.

"Fine." Getting up abruptly Mel turned and found Alex standing there anxiously. Walking the short distance, Mel knelt down in front of him. Gently taking hold of his shoulders she said softly,

"House rules. Ok buddy?" Waiting for the nod of acknowledgement from him, Mel continued quietly,

"Fist, no jumping on Mack or the couch. She's got a broken hand. Second, don't stay up to late. She's gonna need some rest. Ok? And so will you." Nodding once more, Alex was about to explode.

"Last one," Mel's voice lowered so only Alex could hear.

"I want you to keep a close eye on Mack. Let me know if anything changes, ok?" Alex's eyes got wider.

"Do you understand what I'm saying?" The little boy shrugged. Sighing, Mel wasn't sure how to say it with out frightening him even more.

"Alex, you know what it's like to have a really bad fever?"

"Yeah," replied softly.

"Well, do you remember what it looks like to have a bad fever, right? Nodding, Alex looked directly at Mel.

"Good. If you see Mack looking like that, I want you to come get me. Ok?" Once more, Alex gave a nod. Smiling to herself, she got up and brought Alex over to the couch.

"Alright now. I don't want you guys to be up to late. You two need some rest. Got it?"

"Yes mom," said Mack and Alex in unison. Shaking her head, Mel headed for the kitchen. I'll have to keep a close eye on her, Mel thought.

"You ok little man?" Mack was gently holding Alex. He looked frightened when he climbed up on to the couch. Mack did want to upset even more, so she mustered as much energy as she could and painted a big smile on her face.

Alex was looking intently at Mack. Biting his lower lip, he gently placed a hand on Mack's check. Smiling tenderly, Mack just held him closer. The boy snuggled as best he could with out injuring Mack any further and sighed. Both were quiet for a moment.

"Can you be my mommy?" Alex asked so innocently that Mack was left speechless. She wanted nothing more then to make Alex her son. It was all she had thought about since he was brought to the centre a year ago. She knew why she hadn't adopted him yet. It was fear. But what was she afraid of? She remembered she had asked that same question to Brady all those years ago…

"Hey Brady?" Mack looked up from the picture she was drawing for Brady. She loved it when Dr. Joy came to visit her in the centre.

"Yes Mackenzie?" She smiled like she always did when Mack would call her by her first name. Brady would always pretend to look mad and she would in turn call Mack by her full name making them both laugh. Today was no different.

Mack wasn't so sure how to put it. She had practiced and practiced all day for this moment. It was her 10th birthday after all and you get what you wish for, right?

"Um…well…I was just wondering…" Mack faltered a bit. She was nervous. How does someone ask for a mom?

Brady was now looking intently at her. She placed a hand on Mack's and squeezed gently. Mack loved the way Dr. Joy knew how to make her feel comfortable. Like a real mom would.

Taking a deep breath, Mack stood up and looked directly at Dr. Joy. It was now or never.

"Would you be my mom? I mean you already take care of me like a real mom would. And you help me with my homework and stuff and make me eat my vegetables and make me go to bed early too...and…" Mack stopped when Brady held a hand up to stop the flow of words. Dr. Joy was quiet, which only made Mack even more nervous. The young girl began to shuffle her feet around anxiously waiting for Brady to say something.

Brady bent her head down. Closing her eyes she thought to herself, 'oh God…what do I say?' She had been dreading the day when Mack would ask that question. She had been trained to deal with this kind of situation all through university. But it never prepared her for the pain that would be associated with having to tell a child she couldn't be her mother. With tears in her eyes she looked up at Mack.

When Mack looked into Brady's eyes, she knew what the answer was. Dr. Joy was giving her the same look she would often get from those stupid foster families when they didn't want you. Backing away slowly Mack began to put up the barriers that took Dr. Joy to 2 years to brake down. Reaching out to the child, Dr. Joy wanted to hold Mack and explain why she couldn't adopt her. But Mack just shook her head.

"I have to go. Thanks for the coloring book. I have to go…" Mack said still backing away from Brady. She gave Dr. Joy heartbreaking look then Mack took off for her room.

"MACK!! WAIT! PLEASE! LET ME EXPLAIN!" Brady called after her. 'Oh God. What have I done?' Brady went back into the art room and sank to the ground. She covered her mouth, stopping the sob that was about to break free. She quietly wept wishing she could undo the damage that has been done…

Shaking her head at the memory, Mack looked down at the young boy who captured her heart.

"Mack?"

It's now or never, Mack thought. Sighing, she prayed she would find the words to explain to Alex why it would be hard to adopt him.

"I'd love to be your mommy…" seeing the child's eyes light up, Mack quickly put her hand up and continued, "but there are certain laws that prevent me from adopting you." Alex quietly said 'oh' and began to climb down off of Mack but Mack swiftly caught him before his feet hit the ground.

"Not so fast partner. Let me explain so you'll understand, ok?" Not looking up, Alex nodded. Sighing loudly, Mack picked Alex up with her good hand and gently placed him on her lap. Lifting his chin with her finger, Mack looked directly into young blue eyes and saw tears. Mack silently cursed her self for putting those tears there.

"Alex, I pray every night that I could be your mommy. I want to be your mommy. I would love, very much, to watch you grow up. But I can't. My job doesn't allow me to be your mommy. Do you understand what I'm saying?" Nodding slowly, Alex bit his lower lip and played with a button on Mack's shirt.

"But how come they won't let you? You'd make a good mommy," Alex said innocently. Smiling, Mack gathered him into her arms and squeezed the little boy.

"Thank you. Sometimes, grown ups make rules to protect kids from getting hurt. And that would be one of the rules."

Seemingly content with that answer for now, Alex laid his head down on Mack chest. Mack wrapped her arms around him and breathed in the scent of baby shampoo. He fit perfectly in her arms, as if he was made just for her. And it broke her heart knowing that it would be impossible to make his wish come true.

Just as quietly as before Alex asked, "Will you still take care of me? Until I grow up?"

Smiling, Mack kissed the top of his head, "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Ok cowboy. It's time to call it a night," Mel said as she leaned against the doorframe.

Removing himself from Mack's arms, Alex rolled his eyes which made Mack chuckle. I know how you feel kid, she thought. Alex reached up and kissed Mack on the cheek.

"G'night Mack. See you tomorrow," with that, Alex hopped down and ran to his room. Smiling to herself, Mack stared at the little boy that won her heart. Then she slightly frowned. She now realized how painful it must have been for Brady all those years ago. She had a choice and she didn't pick you, said the voice inside her. Shaking her head she thought to herself, but if she had adopted me, she never would have been able to help all those other kids. But I don't have to make that same choice...do I? Sighing loudly, she new this was something she had to speak with Brady about. Mack was unaware that Mel was still in the room until Mel cleared her throat.

"You finally done arguing with yourself?" She said with a small smile on her face. Mel made her way over to the couch and sat gingerly on the edge of it. Mel began to fuss over Mack, which just irritated the injured woman.

Taking a good look at Melody, Mack wasn't so sure what she saw in the woman all those years ago. They weren't dating anymore. They only saw each other because of work. Mel was the receptionist at the centre so there was no way off avoiding her. Mack new that Mel had wanted to try again but Mack had lost interest at the idea. Melody was sweet, sometimes too sweet. To the point of helplessness. And it drove Mack up the wall. Also, their past history didn't help much either.

"You know me. Always at conflict with myself. Must be that Gemini cancer thing going on," Mack said sarcastically. She then began to settle into the couch more comfortably as a sign that she didn't want to talk anymore. Melody was upset. She knew Mack wasn't ready for a relationship again. Not after the way Mel had treated her all those years ago.

"Won't you forgive me? It's been 10 years already," Melody pleaded softly. Biting her tongue from saying what she really wanted to say, Mack just rolled over onto her uninjured side and stared at Mel. What did I see in you? Mack thought. Taking a deep breath and keeping her temper in check, Mack slowly answered.

"You know what that answer is already. So why do you have to bring it up?"

"But it's been years. Don't you think it's time to put that behind us?"

"10 years isn't enough time to undo the damage you've done! I was 18 for god sakes! What the hell were you thinking? The only reason you working at the centre is because I never told Brady how you screwed me over!" By this point Mack's temper had flared up again.

"How many times do I have to apologize?"

"That's the point! I don't want your apologies! I don't want anything from you! DAMN IT!" Mack screamed. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, and continued.

"Look, you said it yourself. I need my rest. OK?" Mack turned and threw the blanket over her signaling the end of the conversation. Melody sat there for a moment longer. I'm sorry, Mel thought sadly. She got up from the couch and with one last look at Mack; she made her way to her bedroom.

Deep during the night, Mack fell into a nightmarish sleep. Only this time, it was different.

"Mack? Where are you?" The young voice asked with fear.

"Who's there? Alex? Is that you?"

"I'm scared! Help me!" Came the voice again. Mack wasn't sure where it was coming from. All she knew was that the child was terrified. Working her way through the darkness she tried to feel out where she was and find the little voice.

"I'm coming! Just keep talking," Mack replied. All of a sudden she was out on a dark unfamiliar street. Looking wildly in all directions, she desperately tried to calm her nerves.

"Help!! Please!!" This time the voice seemed to come from everywhere. Mack began to run up the street, looking every which way trying to find some sort of clue as to where she was. She stopped to catch her breath. That's when she felt it. The odd sensation of being watched. She turned around quickly to find a dark figure standing 20 feet ahead of her. Mack wanted to run away from here but her feet were planted firmly into place. She looked up and saw that the figure was now making her way slowly to her. Again, Mack tried to pry her feet loose but it was a wasted cause.

Mack was now frightened as she watched the figure get closer and closer. 20 feet became 15, then 10. The figure stopped 5 feet away from Mack who now was paralyzed with fear. Mackenzie recognized that face anywhere. She could never forget it. She then saw the figure raise it's arm and caught a glint of a flash of a knife. Mack tried to scream, but her voice was useless. She tried to move her arms, but she couldn't move them. Her feet were cemented into the ground. Mack was hopeless against this grisly figure.

'god help me' Mack thought and as if it read her mind, the figure replied in a depraved voice that Mack new so well.

"God can't help you now…." the figure raised it's hand...

By the time morning came around, Mel had made up her mind about the situation involving Mack. She wasn't sure if it was a good thing or bad thing. All she knew was that it had to be done. Stretching, Melody made her way to the living room where Mack was asleep. She wanted to wake her up and get this conversation done and over with before Alex came downstairs.

Walking over to the sleeping form, Mel was going to make some quip about Mack and sleeping bums until she saw the color of Mack skin. Some time during the night, Mack had gone from bad to worse. Gone was the pale complexion only to be replaced by grey, cold, clammy skin.

"Shit! Mack? Mackenzie? Wake up sweetie. You're really scaring me now," Melody said as she tried to desperately to wake up Mack. Oh my God, Oh my God, Oh my God. The words kept running through Melody's mind. She ran to grab the cordless phone and dialed with trembling fingers the only person she knew could help.

"Hello?" Said a tired voice.

"I'm sorry to wake you, but it's an emergency"

Part 2:

Brady's condo

Some time during the night, the covers had been kicked away. And now Olivia was laying on her back, her arms enfolding the small woman as Brady's arm and leg were draped around her. Liv had been awake now for the last hour, just watching Brady sleep. She smiled as she heard the faint sounds of snoring coming from the petit woman. Sexy yet utterly adorable. How is that possible? She thought. This had been the first time in many months since the detective had a good night's rest. She couldn't even remember the last time she slept through the night. It's been a long time…Snapping out of her musings, she stared down at those beautiful golden brown eyes and smiled.

"Morning sleepy head," Liv said as she lightly kissed Brady's lips.

"Mmmm. That's a very good way to wake up." Stretching like a cat, Brady's shirt reveled bare skin that Olivia couldn't help but touch.

"Hey! Behave!" Swatting Liv's hand away, Brady made an attempt at rolling to the other end of the bed when Liv stopped her escape by rolling on top of her. Olivia slowly bent her head and thoughorly kissed Brady awake.

"That's how you're supposed to wake up," and with that, Olivia rolled off of Brady and sauntered over to the bathroom. Laughing at the sight Brady grabbed a pillow and threw it at Olivia's receding back.

"Hey!" Marching over to the bed with hands on hips, Liv gave Brady her best "I'm disappointed" look. This only made Brady laugh even harder. Seeing her opportunity, Olivia quickly climbed back onto the bed and grabbed the doctor and began to tickle her relentlessly.

Giving a yelp, Brady did her best to flee the strong arms wrapped around her. Realizing it was a losing battle, Brady surrendered to those sturdy arms.

"I surrender. I come in peace. Take me to your leader," Brady said breathlessly. Olivia just stared then burst out laughing. Rolling onto her back again, Liv placed her hands underneath her head as Brady laid her head over Liv's heart. Inhaling, Olivia gently caressed Brady's hair.

"What are you thinking?" Asked a quiet Brady.

"It's been a long, long time since I felt this good," Olivia replied solemnly. Brady rested her chin on Olivia's chest and stared up at the dark haired beauty. Olivia looked down and smiled.

"Mind if I ask why?" Brady was genuinely curious.

Olivia was saved from answering when the phone rang. She watched as Brady gracefully rolled off the bed and answered the phone in one fluid motion. Olivia got up and began to reach for her jeans when she heard Brady's voice change.

"Mel…Melody! Slow down. What's wrong?" Dropping her jeans Olivia made her way quickly to where Brady was sitting on the bed. She gave a questioning look and Brady spoke to Mel once more.

"Mel, I've got Olivia here. I'll put you on speaker phone." Pressing a button, Brady nodded and Liv spoke calmly.

"Mel? It's Olivia. What's going on?"

"Liv! I don't know….it's Mack…"

"Take a deep breath Mel."

"She's…last night she was ok…but now…." Mel was on the verge of a break down.

"Melody," Olivia said sternly that even Brady was startled. Glancing at her, Liv gave an apologetic smile and reached for Brady's hand. She gently squeezed it then turned her attention back to Mel.

"Melody, I need you to tell me what happened."

"Last night when you dropped her off, she was pretty pale. But that's understandable, right? Then I woke up this morning and I was going to check up on her…Liv, she's all clammy….I don't know what to do."

"Is she just clammy? What's the color of her skin?" Brady gave her an odd look but kept quiet.

Hearing the fear and tears in Melody's voice, Liv did her best to calm the girl down.

"Honey, I need you to help me out, ok? I won't be able to help if I don't know what's going on."

"She's…she's grey. Her skin is pasty, clammy…she's cold but she's sorta sweating a bit. I've tried waking her but nothing's working…"

"Shit." Olivia was trained in first aid and she knew if Melody didn't get help soon, Mack's condition would only go downhill.

"Olivia, what's going on?" Asked a frightened Brady. Olivia just shook her head and continued to speak to Mel.

"Ok. Mel, I need you to do me a very big favor. I need you to stay as calm as possible. Can you do that for me?"

"Yeah," Mel said quietly.

"Good girl. Now, I need you to get a few blankets and do your best to wrap Mack up in it - keep her warm. Elevate her legs too. And call the ambulance the second you hang up. Got it?"

"Uh…yeah. Got it."

"Where's Alex?"

"He's upstairs asleep."

"Ok…Brady and I will be right over. Just do as I told you. If Alex comes down before we get there, stay calm. We don't want to scare him. Understand?"

"Ok…please. Just hurry!" Came the frantic reply.

"We're coming." Hanging up, Olivia strode over to where she had left her jeans. Brady made her way to her closet and grabbed what ever she had and threw on the cloths.

"Liv? What's happening?" Brady wasn't sure if she wanted to know the answer.

Grabbing her cell and keys, she took hold of Brady's hand and lead them to the front door. She glanced over her shoulder and took one look at the frightened doctor and gave in.

"Mack's gone into shock"

Ok...I need to sleep...hope you enjoyed this chapter.