Hey Everyone,

Sorry for the delay. Life happens but I'm back and trying to get back into the swing of things. Hopefully someone is still interested in this story.

xoxo Kizzy

My Sister's Keeper

Chapter 4

"Alright," Olivia said as she opened the door to her apartment. "This is home for now."

She turned back to look at the young girl whom was following behind her.

Erica, for her part was quieter than ever before. Olivia sensed the young girl's walls were going back up and knew that she would have to work extra hard to reassure her sister that she finally had a real home.

"Do you have any comfy clothes in there?" Olivia asked pointing to Erica's backpack which contained all of her possessions.

"No. My life never really called for 'comfy' clothes" Erica replied with air quotes around the word comfy.

"Well lucky for you," Olivia replied deciding to ignore the sharp tone in Erica's voice for now, "My life calls for plenty." She went into her room and into the closet. She looked in an old trunk buried deep in the back of the closet.

"This trunk has a lot of my stuff from when I was in college. I was closer to your size then so you should be able to fit it. Why don't you go through it and see if it's some things that can hold you over until we get a chance to go shopping. In the meantime I'm going to order a…"

Olivia's words were cut off by a knock at the door.

"I'll get that while you look for something to change into…" Olivia said eying the blue dress again. She could tell her sister was anxious to get out of it.

The bathroom is right outside the door if you need to freshen up.

"Thanks," Erica said as she began looking through the trunk.

Olivia went to the door and looked through the peak hole. She was surprised to see her partner standing there. After the argument they had earlier, she thought she made it clear that she didn't want to see him.

"Hey" he said almost bashful when she opened the door.

"What do you want?" she asked angrily recalling their argument.

***Flashback***

"Liv this is not a good idea."

"I didn't ask your opinion El"

"I know but I'm going to give it to you anyway because clearly you aren't thinking."

"Don't patronize me Elliot. I know full well what I'm doing."

"Liv I know you're desperate to have a family but this isn't the way to go about getting one. Erica has issues. Issues that you may not be equipped to handle. Who knows what she's been through at the hands of that bastard?"

"Desperate to have a family? Really Elliot? Is that what you think this is about?"

"Liv I just want what's best for you."

"You know Elliot, when all the bullshit went down with you and Kathy, I wanted what was best for you too but I didn't shove my thoughts of what was best for you down your throat. Instead I stood by you and supported whatever decision you made."

"This is completely different Liv. Kathy and I thought long and hard about our decision. You're just flying by the seat of your pants. I'm telling you that you need to think about what's best for Erica. She needs counseling and some more things Liv. Let Children and Family services step in."

"She's my sister Elliot. Any Counseling she needs, I will be more than happy to make sure she gets. Contrary to what you may think, I am capable of caring for someone other than myself."

"Liv…"

"Go to hell Elliot."

***End Flashback***

"I wasn't sure if you had a chance to stop and get groceries. Last time I was here I noticed that the fridge was kind of on E so I got some pizza and soda pop for you guys. Hopefully to get you through the night"

Liv sized him up for a moment before speaking "Is this your way of apologizing for being an asshole?"

Elliot smirked a little. If it's one thing he's always loved about his partner, it was the fact that she always held her own against him.

"Amongst other things."

Olivia opened the door a little more indicating that he was welcome in.

"I won't stay long" he said as he placed the items down. "I just wanted to tell you that I'm here for you if there is anything you need. Also, I spoke with my landlord and the 2 bedroom across the hall from me is actually vacant. He said if you wanted to come by for a look, you could schedule something for tomorrow." Elliot finished handing her the card.

"Thank you," Olivia said taking the card.

Just then Erica came out of the room.

"Hey Erica," Elliot said putting on a smile. Truth be told, he could see why Olivia was so drawn to the young girl. Her eyes, just like her older sister's, told stories of hurt and betrayal. It's something in them that made him want to protect them both.

Olivia smiled at Erica's pick. She chose some old sweats and a t-shirt that used to be Olivia's go to outfit for quiet nights she spent in her dorm room studying.

"Hi," Erica said looking Elliot in the eye.

The gesture hurt Olivia. For simple fact that she knew Erica's eye contact with Elliot was her way of standing guard. She wanted more than anything for her sister to feel relaxed here but she knew it would come with time.

"I'm not staying long. Just thought I'd bring you guys something…" Elliot's sentence was cut off by the buzzing of Olivia's cell.

She looked at the phone and realized it was the number of another apartment they passed on the way home. She saw a 'for rent' sign and she dialed the number leaving a message.

"Sorry, I have to take this" Olivia said before going to the bedroom to respond to the call.

"So…" Elliot said all of a sudden nervous.

"So…" Erica responded.

Elliot cleared his throat all of a sudden being nervous.

Erica smirked loving the thought of making the guy nervous.

"How long have you been in love with my sister?" She asked causing Elliot to go into a coughing fit.

"I…" Elliot responded clearing his throat. "I'm not in love with your sister. We're partners and good friends."

"Bullshit" Erica replied with a chuckle. "If it's one thing I've learned over the past couple years is how to read men.

Elliot looked down gaining a sudden interest in a spot on the floor.

"No worries." Erica continued, "She's oblivious to it and I'm not going to be the one to tell her."

Just as he was about to speak, Olivia emerged from the bedroom.

"Sorry, that was a call about the apartment we passed coming home tonight."

"Oh?" Elliot asked, a little disappointed at the thought of her not moving across the hall from him.

"Yeah, just weighing our options you know?" She said while looking at the notes she scribbled down. "While I was in there, I called your landlord as well. We have an appointment with both tomorrow."

Elliot smiled. There was a little hope.

Erica just laughed at the site. The poor hopeless sap was in love with her big sister and Olivia was clueless.