Thank you very much for the reviews! I enjoyed them so much. Okay this one is conflicted. I hope you enjoy it. -Ali

The night air was cool and Olivia, Shakeria, and Shakeya waited patiently for their guests to arrive. The table was set and the candles glowed; Maria did it again, she smiled and touched the chairs lovingly and she froze at the head of the table where Marcus Smith her late husband was always present. She smiled a sad smile and the memories came rushing back.

"Marcus I could never ask you to do that for me" Olivia protested against his insane plan, he took her hand and brought it to his and kissed it lightly and looked her in the eye.

"Via my sweet, I know you are a strong woman and I know that you are scared to trust anyone but trust me it's the least I can do for you. You saved my life" Marcus Smith watched her eyes cloud with tears at five months pregnant she had barely gained an ounce and he knew she was hurting deep. She shook her head and walked away leaving him. "Via, please don't go!" he had called after her stopping her in her tracks she stopped turned around with tears flowing down her cheeks. It caused him great pain to see her cry. "Oh Via" he enveloped her in his arms and wiped the tears away.

"I don't know what to do Marcus, I'm so confused, I'm scared" Olivia confessed to the only other human on this planet she trusted. It was great to feel his arms around her it was like her anchor and she held on tight.

"Via, I know it sounds crazy, but being my wife would solve both our problems" Olivia drew away but he held her and spoke softly "Via I don't want a wife for sex, we both know I'm impotent and if I wrote you a cheque you would never cash it, you will need help, I want to help you, I want to be there for you" Olivia was hesitant still she trusted no-one to that extent.

"Marcus what you are asking is crazy. I might be dirt poor"

"Damn it! Why do you have to be so hard headed! You don't have to do all things by yourself. I am your friend I want to help you. Let me help you" he held her hand and she shivered as she remembered the words of the doctor when she went for her check up. 'Olivia, you are carrying triplets, your blood pressure is extremely high. Do you have anyone to call to come for you, and you need to stay off your feet, and maybe you should think about taking a leave from work.' She had called Marcus he had come running. He was the best friend she always wanted. "Via think about the babies" Marcus pleaded with her and felt her shudder uncontrollably.

"Okay. But I want out as soon as I get back on my feet."

Tears formed in her eyes, she still hadn't gotten back on her feet she missed him dearly. He was the best husband a woman could ask for, always home for dinner always playing with the children he even enjoyed diaper duty and he was at her with her every night till she fell asleep. "Oh Mark I really do miss you" she whispered to herself and ringing of the bell told her Andre was there.

"Uncle Andre" Shakeria shouted and ran towards the front door.

Shakeya walk with her mother into the kitchen. "Mom. Can I have chocolate cake for dessert Maria made some, can I please" Shekeya pleaded. Olivia raised an eyebrow at her daughter.

"Only one slice, I'm taking you girls to the dentist tomorrow" Olivia answered taking up the tray with the water from Maria.

"Via go relax. I can manage" Maria scowled softly. "Via! Come on I want you to meet my nephew" Olivia spun around to see Andre with her girls holding onto him.

"Okay." Olivia turned around and gave Andre a peck on the cheek. Andre led the way into the dinning area and signaled his nephew to stand.

"Lot I would like you to meet Via." Olivia extended her hand then froze, all the color draining from her face. For a second she couldn't breathe!

Elliot was shocked he blinked and she was still there! Olivia Benson was standing before him with a look as though she had seen a ghost on her face. He was unsure of what to say so he remained quiet and took the hand she offered only to have her drag away from him like he was fire.

Olivia swallowed, wiped the hand he had touched on her dress. "Girls, could you please excuse us go ask Maria for a piece of cake" Olivia said, she didn't move. The girls nodded and walked to the kitchen to find Maria.

"Via, sweety is everything alright you look as though you have seen a ghost" Andre said taking her hand.

"I have. Elliot Stabler is your nephew?" Olivia asked dragging her eyes away from him.

"Yes , have you two met?" Andre asked looking from Olivia to Elliot.

"Yes Uncle, she is the partner who left and never came back or should I say the woman who caused me my marriage and my family" Elliot spat at her with contempt. He hadn't forgiven her for leaving!

Olivia smiled slowly. "You are still the same Elliot, you still blame me for everything. Andre, I'm sorry for my rude behavior to our guest it's just that I was a bit shocked I haven't seen any-one from my old home in quite a while. Mr. Stabler, I apologize I was just shocked." Olivia turned as fast as she could and walked back to the kitchen.

"Lot, what was that all about?" Andre demanded.

"I will tell you later but I have to get out of here" he said and turned to walk away.

"No you won't, you will stay and have dinner. And you owe our hostess an apology" Andre spoke with a voice laced with so much authority he dare not object!

So how was it? Please let me know what you think

-Ali