Wow, I cannot apologize enough for taking such a long time to update. My only excuse is school and work, and the craziness of everyday life. Summer is fast approaching though, so hopefully I'll have more opportunities to write and post more often. Thank you so much for sticking with this story. Enjoy!

Chapter 3 --- The Calm

September 2007

Olivia woke slowly that morning stretching as she lay in bed. Her hand drifted down to rest over her stomach, the barely there bulge the only outward sign of her pregnancy. She was 20 weeks pregnant now, her morning sickness finally gone, and was actually starting to love being pregnant. Not that it didn't come with its own set of complications, of course. Hiding her pregnancy from her coworkers hadn't been too hard yet, and Casey was the only one who knew. Olivia had been given a four month suspension for her actions with her brother that could not have come at a better time. She had cut off nearly all contact with her squad, relaying the occasional message through Casey or calling Cragen. After her doctor's appointment today however, she planned on handing in her transfer request. She was starting to show, and it wouldn't be long before there was no way to hide her condition from the father of her child.

She scowled at the thought of Elliot, shaking him out of her mind as she climbed out of bed. She got dressed, pulling on one of the few pairs of jeans that still buttoned fairly comfortably, and an empire waist top, before heading into the kitchen to grab a bite of breakfast. With a quick glance at the clock, she stuck an extra piece of bread in the toaster and pulled out the jam. Casey would be there in a few minutes to go with her to her doctor's appointment. Olivia took a bite out of a banana as the toast popped up. She finished spreading the jam just as she heard a knock on her door. She grabbed her slice of toast and made her way to the front of the apartment, pulling open the door.

"Hey Liv, your neighbor buzzed me in." Casey explained as she shrugged out of her coat. "You almost ready?" She asked as she snatched the toast and took a large bite.

"That one was mine," Olivia laughed, closing the door behind her friend. "You have really got to start eating breakfast at your own apartment," she joked as they headed back to the kitchen. Olivia picked up the remaining piece of toast and took a bite. "I just want to finish my breakfast and then I'll be ready to go."

Casey nodded. "Well hurry up, you don't want to be late," she reminded her. Today would be the ultrasound that would reveal the sex of the baby, and "Aunt" Casey was beyond excited.

Olivia laughed, finishing her toast before picking up the banana she'd already started. "Alright, I can finish this in the car. Let's go."

---

They arrived at the doctor's office with perfect timing, and were ushered back within minutes. The doctor performed the physical exam, pronouncing Olivia in good health as he allowed her to redress.

"Your blood pressure is a little high, so I'd like to keep an eye on that, but otherwise everything looks good." The doctor smiled as he pulled the ultrasound machine alongside the exam table. Olivia pulled her shirt up under her breasts and rolled the waistband of her jeans below her belly. "This is going to be a little cold," the doctor warned, "sorry." Olivia winced as the doctor spread the gel and moved the wand across her stomach. After a moment he paused, pushing a few buttons on the machine and jotting down a few notes on her chart, before turning the screen so that she could see it. "There's your baby," he said with a smile, pointing out the head, arms and legs. "Did you want to know the sex?" She hesitated a second, smiling over at Casey before nodding. "It's a girl," he told her with another smile.

"A girl," she breathed, her eyes welling up with tears.

"Congratulations Olivia." He handed her a few tissues to dry her eyes and clean her stomach. "Everything looks great. She's developing well. I want you to keep an eye on your blood pressure, but otherwise you're doing fine. I'll print you a few pictures and see you in a few weeks." The doctor smiled at them both as he left the room.

Casey laughed as Olivia climbed from the exam table, still dabbing at her eyes. "This is going to be so much fun," she teased as they left the office, "all the frilly dresses, and-"

"Casey!" Olivia laughed, "You're going to spoil my daughter before she's even here!"

"I can't help it if I'm excited, I've never gotten to do this!" Casey retorted.

"Me neither," Olivia chuckled as they got into the car.

Casey reached over and squeezed her hand. "You're going to be a great mom, Liv."

---

A few hours later, Olivia found herself standing outside the precinct. Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to act natural as she entered the building and boarded the elevator. She smoothed her palm over the slight swell of her stomach, making sure that her blouse disguised the bump. When she entered the squadroom, Fin was the only one at his desk.

"Olivia!" He stood when he saw her come in. "Girl, where you been?" He pulled her into a hug and she prayed he couldn't feel her stomach.

She smiled, "Just trying to enjoy the time off. Have you seen Cragen?"

"Yeah, he's in his office," Fin gestured behind him, towards the door. "Why? Is everything okay?"

"Oh yeah, I just need to speak to him. Thanks." She tapped her knuckles lightly on Cragen's door.

"Come in." She opened the door, nodding when he held up a finger and finished his conversation. She shut the door quietly and took a seat. "Yes sir, thank you. Mmhmm, goodbye."

Cragen hung up the phone and turned to her. "Thanks for waiting Olivia."

"No problem sir."

"So what brings you here? I'm pretty sure your suspension isn't up for another two weeks."

"I know," she took a deep breath as she reached into the pocket of the blazer she wore. She stood and handed him the folded paper she'd removed.

"What's this?" He asked as he unfolded it, his eyes skimming over the words. "Olivia?"

"It's a request for a transfer sir."

"I can see that." He struggled for words for a moment. "Why?"

She sighed, looking down at her hands. "I've been here for over nine years. It's time for a change."

"All due respect Olivia, but that's what you said last year after the Guitano case."

She sighed again. "It's different this time Don."

"Why? What makes this different?"

"I- I'm moving sir. Getting out of New York."

He studied her, knowing there was something she wasn't telling him. "You were born and raised here Olivia. You expect me to believe that after all these years you've gotten tired of the city?"

"Don, I'm not looking for your permission here. If you do not approve my transfer, I will resign. Either way, when my suspension is up, I will not be returning to SVU."

Cragen sighed and leaned back in his chair. "Well I can't say I understand it, but I'll approve your request."

"Thank you sir." She stood, smoothing her shirt and moving towards the door. As she turned to open it, she missed the flicker of curiosity that crossed his face.

"Olivia," she turned back, her hand still on the door knob. "The transfer will be pending for this month, so if you change your mind…my door is always open."

She nodded and slipped out. Stabler and Munch had returned from their case and were now seated at their desks. Cragen watched as she walked through the squadroom, giving Fin and Munch a soft smile, but steadily avoiding looking towards her own desk as she headed for the elevator.

I know it's a little short, but it's necessary for the build up the the much longer more intense chapters. Please review!