A/N: I know this turn may not be to some of your liking, but I can't please everyone. I hope you'll keep reading and reviewing anyway. If there is still interest after this chapter, I'll keep posting.
Chapter 12: Fallen Angel
Alex didn't remember much of the ride to the hospital. She vaguely recalled Nick trying to reassure her, but the only thing that could reassure her now was to see Olivia alive and in one piece with her very own eyes. When they reached the hospital, she was finally coherent enough to inquire about the events that had brought them here in the first place.
"What happened?"
"We went out to question a suspect. The guy bolted. We pursued him. When I came around the corner, I saw Olivia jumping the guy. The guy managed to get the best of her and… he threw her back into a parked car."
Alex flinched then glared at him accusingly. "And where were you?"
Nick nearly took a step back feeling the full effect of those steel-blue eyes. "I persued the suspect while Olivia went back out front to cut him off. She ran right into his path. I was right behind her I swear."
"I know." Alex nodded. "I know. I'm sorry. Everything is just so…"
"Hey. I understand." Nick said while placing his hand over hers. "She was out of it for a few minutes but by the time the bus arrived she was awake and talking. She's the one who told me to come get you personally. She didn't want you to hear about it over the phone. I wouldn't lie to you, Alex. She's okay."
She took a deep breath and nodded. "Is the suspect in custody?"
"A couple of unis picked him up a few blocks away. He's cooling his heels in lockup. I'm sure Fin and the guys are making sure that motherfu… I mean Mr. Stanton is feeling really comfortable right now." Nick practically growled.
If Alex hadn't been a bundle of nerves, she probably would have laughed at Nick's obvious protectiveness. She knew there was a good chance that the suspect was in the process of getting the shit kicked out of him. As an ADA she should have been appalled. As a worried girlfriend, she didn't care so much.
Once Nick had led her to Olivia's room, he stopped at the door and remained outside. She looked back catching a glimpse of him as the door closed. She couldn't help thinking that he looked like a sentry standing guard, still trying to protect his partner. She turned and her eyes finally landed on the unmoving figure lying in the bed across the room. There was a woman dressed in nurse's scrubs seated by the bed holding, no more like caressing, Olivia's hand. Alex immediately tensed and raised a brow.
When the woman turned, Alex relaxed. "Kathy?"
Kathy Stabler gave her soft smile as she stood. "Hi Alex."
Alex was a little confused and it apparently showed on her face. "I was on duty when Olivia was brought in. I saw your name listed as next-of-kin so I thought I'd keep her company until you arrived."
Alex nodded still trying to take everything in. She suddenly felt light-headed and found the room starting to spin. Kathy quickly saw the signs and rushed to her side.
"It's okay, Alex. You need to breathe. Come on have a seat and just put her head down between your knees for a moment."
Kathy quickly pushed her down into the chair and rubbed Alex's back as she bent over. "That's it. It'll pass. Just take deep slow breaths okay."
A few tense minutes later, Alex seemed to have regained her footing. She sat up and accepted the cup of water Kathy had retrieved for her with gratitude.
"Sorry. I don't know what came over me. I've seen her hurt before. I should be used to this."
"It's different for you now. You never get used to seeing the one you love get hurt. The first time is always the worst." Kathy said knowingly. It was obvious Olivia had shared the news with her.
"You should have seen me the first time Elliot was hurt on the job. I threw up four times on the way to the hospital." She glanced over at a still sleeping Olivia and laughed. "I'm sure poor Olivia never wore those shoes again, but she never once complained. She was my rock that day."
"How is she?" Alex asked gently taking Olivia's hand. She took in the white bandage on the side of Olivia's head and huge purple bruising along her face and neck. It took everything in her not to cry.
"From what I could tell from her chart, it looks like a possible concussion and a few bruised ribs. If you're okay here, I'll go and find the doctor. I'm sure you have some other questions for him."
Alex looked up at the other blonde and nodded gratefully. "Yes, if you wouldn't mind. Thank you, Kathy."
"No problem. I'm just glad you two finally got a clue." Kathy said with a knowing smile.
Alex blushed. "Thanks."
"I'm just one floor up so don't hesitate to let me know if you need anything." Kathy said as she made her way to the door.
Alex simply nodded before she turned back to Olivia. She stood and leaned over the sleeping detective. Careful not to place any pressure on any part of Olivia's injured body, Alex placed a gentle kiss on her lips. "Oh, baby. Look at you."
"It's not as bad as it looks." Came a throaty response.
Alex saw familiar brown eyes watching her. She pushed Olivia's bangs away from her face. "Hey. Are you okay?"
"Of course I am. You should see the other guy." Olivia tried to joke.
Tears were flooding Alex's eyes again and she tried to hold them back. "I don't know if I should be pissed at you or worried out of my mind right now."
Olivia pulled her close for a brief kiss. "Although you scare the shit out of me when you're pissed, I'll take it because I never want you to worry. I'm fine, babe."
Alex's lips quirked into a soft smile. "I think you're going to have to settle for a bit of both. Although, I guess I could try to hold off being pissed until you're feeling a little better."
"I do love a woman willing to compromise."
"You should consider yourself extremely lucky, Detective."
Olivia squeezed her hand. "Trust me; I know just how lucky I am."
Their private moment was interrupted by Olivia's doctor. He was a short, middle-aged, white man with sandy brown hair and kind brown eyes. His gentle bedside manner put them both at ease. After introducing himself as Dr. Harrison Garrett, he gave them both a quick rundown of Olivia's injuries which turned out to be a mild concussion and contusions to the ribs and back. She had been lucky that nothing had been broken. Much to Olivia's disappointment, she was going to have to spend the night in the hospital to make sure there was no further damage caused by the concussion. Alex sighed seeing the obstinate side of her lover coming out.
"I don't know why I can't go home. I feel fine now." Olivia protested.
Alex seriously doubted that statement. All evidence pointed to the opposite conclusion.
"I thought you said the concussion was mild?" Alex questioned instantly going into lawyer mode.
"Although it was not as serious as we first expected, the patient still suffered an injury to the head. Concussions can be very unpredictable. The patient's symptoms can range from very subtle to serious.
"What kind of symptoms?" Alex asked.
"Intense headaches, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light and noise, loss of concentration, fatigue to name a few. Concussions can be very tricky. The symptoms of a concussion can seem subtle and may not immediately manifest themselves. Symptoms can last for a few days, weeks, sometimes longer. That's why I want the patient to remain here at least overnight to make sure we haven't missed anything."
"The patient is right here." Olivia said not liking being left out of the conversation.
Alex turned her attention back to her unhappy lover. "You." She pointed a finger and gave Olivia a stern look. "Be quiet."
Olivia went silent for a moment then continued to mumble under her breath while Alex spoke with the doctor. Alex gave her another quick glance. She could tell by the soft sheen of sweat on Olivia's brow that she was feeling at least some of the things the doctor had listed. 'Stubborn to a fault.' Alex thought.
"Can you give her something for the pain? Trust me; she won't admit that she's hurting but I can tell that she is." Alex said giving Olivia a serious look.
"Of course. We'll give her a mild sedative to help her rest more comfortably. She'll be awakened every couple of hours and monitored just to make sure there was no further damage. The best medicine right now is rest and avoiding anything strenuous."
"Excuse me, Dr. Garrett?" A young nurse entered and handed him a file. "The lab just sent these results up for your patient."
Alex was busy adjusting Olivia's pillow to make her more comfortable as the doctor scanned the contents of the file. When she turned, she noticed that he had a curious expression on his face. She immediately became worried, fearful that something more serious had been discovered about Olivia's condition.
"Is there something wrong, Doctor?" Alex asked anxiously.
Olivia instantly reached out and took her hand. "Stop worrying. It's probably nothing, right Doc?"
When there was no response, Olivia lifted her head and waited. "Is there something else I should know, Dr. Garrett?" She finally asked.
The doctor looked between the two women trying to gage the situation. "Maybe I should speak with the patient alone."
Olivia frowned. "Alex if my girlfriend, Dr. Garrett. Whatever you have to tell me, she can hear it."
The doctor's expression lightened instantly. He thought the two had looked close. They even acted like a couple comfortable with one another but he didn't want to assume.
"Oh! Of course then. In that case, I guess this news will involve the both of you."
Both Olivia and Alex frowned in confusion and waited.
"Congratulations ladies. You're pregnant."
TBC...