I'm back, I'm back. I really did need that nap :-P

Duc7ti & TVCrazed where would the fun be if I told you all their secrets all at once? I'm evil I know :- I'll do my best to get some questions answered for ya.

I would have put this up sooner but my boss had me pull a tone of overtime the last few days and she'll be doing it again in a few days.

So sit back and get comfy and enjoy the ride.

Chapter 17

It was a miracle that Olivia and Brady didn't get into a car accident on the way to Mel's townhouse. They had made it there in record time. But the tension in the car was a different matter.

Shock? How the hell do you get shock from a broken hand? Thought Brady. Shaking her head in disbelief she just stared out the window. Olivia on the other hand was fuming mad. Why didn't the doctor see it? Liv couldn't comprehend how a trained medical officer didn't catch it.

"What's going to happen?" Brady said without looking at Liv. She sounded so lost that Olivia reached out and held Brady's hand in hers and gently squeezed.

"I don't know. I honestly don't know," Olivia said softly. She slowed the car down when they were just a few feet away from Mel's place. She turned the ignition off and jumped out of the car and quickly opened the passenger door for Brady. Liv helped her out and they both made their way up the stairs hand in hand. They could hear the sirens not to far from them. Liv pounded on the door.

"MEL! MELODY! OPEN THE DOOR!" Both women stood back when they heard the door unlock. Mel stood there frantic while Olivia pushed her way through with Brady directly behind her.

"Where's Alex?" Brady demanded. She glanced at Liv who rushed over to the rumpled form on the couch. She heard Olivia gently speaking to Mack. She then fixed her gaze at Mel.

"Where the hell is he Mel!" Brady demanded once more. This time she didn't care if her irritation showed. Mel looked like she was about to have a meltdown. Rolling her eyes, Brady brushed none to gently past the young woman and took the steps two at a time calling out for the child.

"Brady! What are you doing here?" Alex ran out of his room and into her arms. Brady held him at arms length and checked him over. Alex laughed.

"Hey that tickles!" Squirming out of her grasp he was about to head for the stairs.

"ALEX!"

Frightened at the sound, Alex jumped back and looked up at Brady with fearful eyes. Brady mentally slapped herself. Kneeling down she gently gathered him into her arms and quietly spoke to Alex.

"I'm sorry sweetie. I didn't mean to startle you. I was just worried. I'm so very sorry." Kissing him softly on the forehead, she moved to sit down on the top step and settled Alex next to her. Alex just looked up at her, this time without fear. Just weariness.

"Why you worried?"

Inhaling, she paused a moment to find the right words to say to explain to a perceptive 4 year old.

"Did you speak with Mack last night?" Seeing Alex nod she continued. "You know she isn't feeling very well, right?" Again he nodded. Brady was about to continue when she heard the front door open. She saw Alex lean forward to get a good look at who was there. His eyes widened and he snapped his head around to stare at Brady. She gave him a sad smile.

"The band aid people are here!" Alex said in disbelief. Brady just nodded and gathered into her arms.

"C'mon sweetie. I'll tell you on the way," she got up and headed downstairs.

"LIVIE! You're here too!!" Alex said excitedly. He then saw why the band-aid people had to come. Alex tried to break free from Brady's arms but she just held on tighter.

"Honey, please stop. You're gonna fall and hurt yourself," Olivia said as she rushed over to take him off of Brady's hands. Alex began to kick his little feet, wanting to be let down. He began to pry at Olivia's hands.

"NO!! LEMMIE GO!! MACK!!! I WANT MACK!! MOMMY!!!" Screamed a frantic Alex. He made an attempt at grabbing the stretcher as it passed by him. He saw the light grey hue that once was Mack and he cried harder.

Olivia had no other choice but to set him down but she didn't let him out of her arms. She quietly spoke to the scared boy. She did her best to soothe him as best she could. Alex calmed down a bit, but he was still breathing hard.

" I wanna go! I wanna go!" Alex said as he stomped his foot. Olivia wiped the tracks of tears from his face and picked him up once more and held out her hand to Brady. Both women and Alex made their way to the door. Mel stayed behind and watched the three of them head down the stairs. She had tears in her eyes. She knew it was time to say goodbye to Mack and to the centre. And when the time was right, she'd tell Brady everything.

Outside, Brady, Liv and Alex all watched as Mack was loaded into the ambulance. Giving Brady's hand a squeeze, Liv motioned for her to go with Mack.

"You sure?" Brady looked worried. Olivia smiled and nodded.

"Yeah. You know her medical history better then I do. Besides, it's my turn to look after Alex." With that Liv gave a little nudge to Brady's back and helped her climb into the waiting ambulance.

"What hospital are you taking her?"

"Mercy," replied the young attendant. Nodding her thanks and giving Brady a reassuring smile, Liv and Alex made their way to her car.

The ride to the hospital was quiet. Alex was staring out the window as best as he could with his seatbelt on.

"How come she's all grey, Livie?" Asked the young boy. He glanced over at Liv with innocent eyes. Olivia had become a favorite staff member at the centre. But for Alex, Olivia had become the 'cool aunt'. He knew he could count on her to be honest with him, even if he was just 4 years old.

Exhaling, Liv just wondered how to explain what exactly happened. As she stopped for a red light, she turned to face him. He was so small for a 4 year old but he had an innocent wisdom that went beyond his years. Liv reached out and lightly touched the boy's head and smiled.

"Well…Mack's body couldn't get enough oxygen. So her body kinda shut down." She glanced over at Alex and saw that he was trying to process everything. His brows were scrunched up as he did his best to understand. She chuckled and tried again.

"It's like riding a bike. You have to keep pedaling to keep moving. But if you get tired and stop, you start to slow down. That's kinda what happened to Mack." She saw that Alex finally understood as his mouth formed an "O" shape.

"Will the band aid people make her better?"

"Band aid?…oh! You mean the EMT's? I hope so. But they're taking Mack to the hospital just to make sure. Hey, look. We're here." Olivia pulled over and got out of the car. She made her way to the passenger side and picked up Alex then followed the stretcher and Brady into the ER.

Once in the waiting room, Olivia set Alex down and began to pace. Alex, who had nothing to do copied Olivia and did his best to keep up with Liv's long strides. Brady just watched the two of them walk back and forth with a smile.

Olivia was about to go another round when she spotted Dr. Kent coming out of the room. Brady glanced in the direction Liv was staring at and saw the doctor. She quickly got up and picked up Alex. Olivia was already on her way.

"WHY DIDN'T YOU SEE THIS COMING?" Liv had the doctor by the front of his shirt when Brady came along. She saw the anger in Liv's eyes and set Alex down and ordered him to stay put. She then quickly stepped between Olivia and the doctor.

"Olivia. Let. Him.Go," she said calmly. She then placed her hand on Olivia's arm and pried it off of Dr. Kent. Olivia backed off a little but pointed a finger directly at Dr. Kent's face.

"You're a doctor for crying out loud! You should have seen it!" Brady gently pulled Olivia away from Dr. Kent and placed her hands on her shoulders and began to gently rub them.

"Take a deep breath baby. Let Dr. Kent say his piece. Ok?" the soothing voice of Brady some how calmed Olivia's nerves. Nodding, Liv apologized. Taking a deep breath she let Brady lead her and Alex back to the waiting room and turned expectantly at the doctor. Slightly embarrassed, Dr. Kent cleared his throat.

"Honestly, I don't think it had to do with Mackenzie's broken hand. Yes, it did play a factor in the shock, but I can't see it being the actual cause of it." Taking a quick glance at Olivia and Brady, he took out a chart.

"Was Mackenzie in any sort of stress recently? Now I don't mean, what are you cooking for dinner, kind of stress. I mean it had to be full blown stress to have caused a reaction like this." The doctor looked at both women.

"We'll she hasn't been sleeping well lately," began Brady. Olivia looked up and stared at her. Dr. Kent began scribbling this info down.

"How long ago was that?"

"About 3-4 weeks ago." Brady replied. About the same time that little girl had been raped and murdered. Coincidence? Has to be, Liv thought. The doctor was about to say something more when Olivia's cell rang. Quickly getting it out of her jacket, she checked the ID and looked at Brady sheepishly.

"I'm sorry, but I have to take this," Liv said quietly. Brady looked worried but nodded. Rushing over to a quiet part of the hall, she answered the call.

"About time you answered," said a familiar voice. Liv smiled a little.

"Sorry. Bout time you called."

"Look. Did you read that file I gave you the other day?"

"I didn't get around to it. I've been busy Fin."

"Damn Liv. I might as well tell you."

"Tell me what?"

"The kid's mom…she was sent to Bayview Correctional Facility."

"And?"

"She's been let out early. Good behaviour."

"Shit. When was this?"

"Take a wild guess?"

"4 weeks ago, right?"

"Yup. And it gets worse."

Olivia closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. Christ…I'm getting stressed just hearing this. Rubbing her forehead, Liv began to pace the small hall. She stole a glance at Brady who was now done with the doctor and had her arms wrapped around herself watching Liv. Olivia felt like an ass for leaving her there alone but she didn't have any other choice.Still looking at Brady, she spoke to Fin.

"How can it possible get any worse then a rape and a murder of a 9 year old?"

"Try her parol officer. Guy was murdered."

Sighing, Olivia leaned agains the wall and bent her head down. When she looked back up, she saw Brady making her way over to her. Liv quickly straightened herself up and spoke softly into the phone.

"Thanks Fin. Keep me posted as much as you can. I gotta go."

"Liv…you haven't told them yet have you?"

"No. I haven't."

"They deserve to know, Liv. The kid deserves to know who you are."

"Yeah. I know," she said tiredly. She knew all too well. She had been thinking of a way to tell Brady and Mack but there was just no simple way of doing it.

"Liv. I got your back. Whatever you need, call me."

"Thanks. I gotta go." With that, Liv hung up just as Brady reached her.

"You look like you've just lost your best friend," Brady said quietly. She looked at Olivia with concern in her eyes. Guilt stabbed at Liv with a force that had her leaning back against the wall. Not saying anything, Liv took Brady into her arms and just held her. Brady stood still at first, but after a second Olivia felt her wrap her arms around her. They stood that way for a few minutes. Giving each other comfort. Pulling slightly away from Brady, Liv kissed Brady's forehead.

"What the doctor say?" She asked quietly. Brady studied her for a moment. Olivia wasn't sure what Brady was looking for, but whatever it was Liv hoped she found it. God only knows she couldn't find it herself when she looked in the mirror. Leting out a breath, Brady stepped out of Liv's embrace and held on to her hands instead. The loss of her warmth made Olivia shiver.

"Well, he said that whatever was on her mind must have been something very serious." With a shrug, Brady turned and began to walk to Mackenzie's room. Olivia watched as Brady walked away and wrapped her arms around herself. Olivia hung her head and silently followed Brady into the room. Once there, Brady turned to Liv and spoke so quietly, Olivia had to lean forward a little to hear what she was saying.

"Olivia, I know you're not telling me something. It's eating at you. I can see it. I wish you'd trust me enough to tell me. Whatever it is, I know it's better then handling it on your own." With tears in her eyes, Brady begged Liv. She didn't care anymore how foolish she would be in the end. All she knew was that she was in love with Olivia. For Olivia, she wanted nothing more then to tell her everything. She longed to do it. But she just didn't know how.

"I'll take whatever you're willing to give me. Anything. I just want you to talk to me."

"Why? Why do you care so much?" Olivia whispered raggedly. She was desperatly loosing this battle. She faught hard to keep that wall up. She built it over the years. It protected her and all because of this one woman, it was now crumbling.

"Why? God you're so dense!" Brady threw her hands in the air in frustration. She wanted to shake Liv. Make her see her love. Brady looked away before she said something she regretted, she sat down in one of the chairs and took a deep breath.

Liv just stood there. Not knowing what to say or do. Again she asked, "why?" Slowly, she moved until she was standing in front of Brady. Liv knelt down and took hold of her hands.

Brady stared at the one woman that captured not only her heart, but also her soul.

"Because…I love you"….