"So, tell us the story," Sarah said as the two women sat back down at the table, "And don't leave anything out."

"As you both know, we work together and have for over a year," Alex said as she looked to Olivia who gave her a slight nod that it was okay to tell their story, "They were working a particular heinous case, as if they have another types, and had been going at it for almost a week straight. She and her partner, Elliot Stabler, had gotten into an argument right before I arrived and she had stormed out one way and he another. After talking with their captain, Captain Don Cragen, I left and a few minutes later ran into her on the street."

"Literally," Olivia said laughing.

"Before I knew what happened or could grasp what happened, Olivia had shoved me to the ground into an alley.'

"You what?" Sarah asked looking at Olivia with questioning eyes.

"There was a woman who was pointing a gun at us that she didn't see," Olivia explained, "I had to protect her and all other civilians on the street."

"Been there, done that," Erica answered with slight laughter in her voice, "No matter what you do nothing is right."

"I learned that first hand that day," Alex answered as tears filled her eyes as she took Olivia's hands in hers, "I sat there on the ground and without thinking called her name. She looked back at me and she was shot. They say when something dramatic happens before you everything goes in slow motion. I promise you they are telling the truth."

"Oh my God, Olivia," Erica said swallowing the lump that had formed in her throat knowing all too well how their lives can change in the blink of an eye.

"It happens, all part of the job," Olivia answered shrugging their reactions off.

"I know it's part of the job," Sarah said as she reached for Erica hand, "I could never imagine being there when my wife was shot. I take it that you are okay and back to full duty now."

"No, I'm not," Olivia answered, "I suffered a head injury from my fall and then reinjured it a second time when the person who originally shot me broke into Alex's house and attacked me a second time. I was shoved back past square one that night."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Erica answered leaning forward and placing a hand on Olivia's shoulder "I've been where you are and I know how hard that hits. How bad was the injury is it something that you can fully heal from or will suffer from for the rest of your life?"

Alex looked at Olivia and smiled at her when she felt her start to tense up. She glanced at her then at the elevator and then back to her silently asking if she wanted to leave or needed a break. Olivia shook her head as she closed her eyes and looked down before pushing back from the table.

"I need a few minutes," Olivia said smiling at Alex before turning to walk away from the group.

"Okay," Alex answered as Olivia walked away,

"Alex, I've been in her shoes and I know what's going through her mind," Erica said pulling the blonde's attention from Olivia's retreating form, "If she's anything like me, and I believe she is, she probably thinks there isn't life outside the job and is lost not knowing what is going to happen if she can't work. I know I've been there."

"I do think it's good that she is meeting you and can see that there is a way of life outside of the uniform, but I wouldn't follow after her at the moment," Alex took a deep breath before continuing, "The person who shot her was an ex-girlfriend of mine who didn't understand the meaning of we are through. When she hit the ground, she suffered what's called a traumatic brain injury, or TBI, which has affected her behavior."

"How so?"

"Let's just say that it's a real good thing that she got up and walked away otherwise I would probably be buying this restaurant replacement glasses. She has been learning and working with coping mechanisms which are finally working for her but we still have relapses."

"I've seen guys go through this from time to time," Erica answered, "I was not only a cop, but I did four years in the army and one tour overseas. I've seen what TBI's can do to people and each person is different. They each have their trigger so what is hers?"

"I am, she was injured protecting me and when she came to she was still in the fight and her brain was constantly registering that I was in danger. It's not so bad now that the trial is over. Now it appears that her main triggers or what seems to get her now is stress."

"I'm sure meeting another ex-girlfriend isn't helping matters much."

"Probably not, but she wanted to come tonight to see if she could do this. I told her that at any point she wanted to leave or that it became too much, we would leave," Alex answered as she pushed her chair back and stood up, "If you will excuse me, I need to see what she would like to do."

"Actually," Erica said standing quickly, "Allow me."

"I'm not sure that is a good thing."

"I've been there and dealt with guys who have been there. It might do her some good to hear that everything will be okay from someone else. Besides, I was a cop so if we get physical I do know how to restrain her without hurting her or myself."

"I'm the only one that can calm her if she becomes violent," Alex informed her, "I'm not sure you approaching her would be a good thing."

"Alex, trust me," Erica said as she placed a hand on her arm to stop her, "I know what is going through her head. You offer her love, support, and understanding to a point. I can give her the rest of the understanding which may be just what she needs now."

"Only if you agree to call for me if she becomes violent."

"I promise if she loses her temper I will holler for you, okay?"

Alex nodded in agreement as she watched Erica walk off into the direction that Olivia had left. She hoped she was doing the right thing despite the feeling she had in the pit of her stomach. If not, she was just wondering how understanding Erica and Sarah really would be when Olivia attacked them.