Alex found Olivia in front of the mirror, she had no idea how long she had been standing there but she had gone to get dressed an hour ago.
Alex came close behind her and tapped her on the shoulder, Olivia seemed to snap out of a trance and focus on Alex.
"What's wrong Olivia?", Alex was concerned more than anything. Today was a big day after all. They were both due back to work next week and today was the trial of the drug dealer that had caused all their problems. Both Alex and Olivia were due to give evidence today before lawyers made their closing arguments and the jury retired to consider a verdict.
"I'm fine I just want today to be over", Alex drew Olivia into a tight hug. Even if Olivia didn't want to admit it Alex knew she needed the comforting.
"I'll be there with you all day. The sooner we do this the sooner we can move on together", Olivia nodded and Alex led her out of the room.
They waited in relative silence for a few hours whilst other witnesses and evidence was heard. Alex knew she would go in before Olivia but she was reluctant to leave her. When her time came she gave Olivia a quick peck on the forehead and then followed the clerk into the court.
The defence lawyer was a public defender she had never encountered before. He was nervous and clearly not long out of college. He gave her no trouble, her job as a witness was just to reaffirm the events and identify how everything happened from her point of view. She wasn't on the stand long. She walked to the back of the court and just heard the call for the next witness, to her surprise not only was it Olivia but also Olivia was nowhere to be found.
Alex quickly left the court room and hurried along the corridors desperately searching for Olivia. She heard that court had adjourned, if Olivia didn't turn up tomorrow then the prosecution were going to have problems let alone Liv being held in contempt. She had a few hours to find her.
Alex searched the entire courthouse including the restrooms and the cafe. After a few hours she gave up. In her haste and panic she began to feel like it was six months ago and Olivia had left her all over again. She shook the feeling off, she was being ridiculous.
She headed for the car now, Alex was going to have to get Elliot involved. She was just reaching inside her pocket to retrieve her phone when she finally spotted Olivia.
Olivia was sat in the front seat of her car with both hands gripping the steering wheel and also a blank expression on her face. Alex observed her for a moment, something was clearly wrong. What was Olivia doing? Why was she in the car? Was she running again?
Her curiosity got the better of her and walked quickly to the door, part of her was scared Olivia was going to drive off. Alex ripped open the drivers side door and crouched down next to Olivia, who hadnt acknowledged her yet.
"Olivia", Alex spoke quietly at first but there was no response. "Olivia", still there was no sign. "Olivia!", Alex stepped back when Olivia jumped and jerked to look at her. She looked dazed and confused. "Olivia what's wrong?", Alex was relieved Olivia had snapped out of it but now there was some questions she wanted answered.
"Erm I...I just... I couldn't go in", Olivia seemed as surprised as Alex about her current predicament.
"Why? Did something happen?", Alex placed a reassuring hand on Olivia's forearm; her hands were still placed solidly on the steering wheel.
"No, I was thinking and I just had to go"
"What are you scared of?", now Olivia looked at Alex right in the eye seemingly thinking of an answer.
"I guess I'm scared of facing him, of facing everything", Olivia shook her head clearly she was questioning her decision to leave.
"Look Olivia, you have to do this. The girl he killed needs you to do this, I need you to do this", Alex spoke quietly. Olivia listened intently and after a while she nodded.
Alex smiled at her then stood up. She closed the drivers door gently and made her way round the car to climb in the passengers side. Olivia seemed more relaxed now and smiled at Alex once she was belted in. They drove home quietly Alex held her hand over Olivia's on the steering wheel. It was going to be a difficult evening.
To Alex's surprise Olivia was much more enthusiastic to be going to court than the day before. She was ready to leave and first out the door before Alex was even ready. Alex wasn't needed today but she thought it best to tag along in case Olivia was spooked again. She felt guilty aswell having assumed straight off that Olivia was trying to run away again. She was just scared, she had every right to be scared.
They didn't have to wait this time, Olivia was the first witness up. Alex hugged her tightly before she followed the officer into the courtroom, now she understood how hard this must be for Olivia she was reluctant to let her go. Olivia offered her a small nod and a forced smile before she went in.
Alex took a seat on one of the rock solid benches dotted around the hallway. She had no idea how long this was going to take but Alex knew she was not going to leave this spot without Olivia.
Time passed agonisingly slowly. Alex watched the door relentlessly, she was thirsty and starving but her determination to be there for Olivia didn't falter. Her situation gave her some alone time to think. After everything that had happened she did have a right to be angry and scared in regards to Olivia but maybe Olivia was feeling exactly the same only worse. Guilt was a tricky emotion, Alex knew first hand.
Alex just wanted today to be over and she very nearly prayed for Olivia to be healed in some way by the whole experience. She just wanted to get on with things now and for Olivia to be better.
Finally Olivia appeared, Alex stood straight up and looked her over. There was a curious look on her face, Alex couldn't decide on an emotion that best described it. Olivia tried to take a deep breath but something stopped her abruptly, she flung a hand over her mouth and rushed off down the corridor. Alex took pursuit.
Olivia was much faster than Alex, probably due to the fact she wasn't wearing heels. Alex lost sight of her and started to tire, Olivia appeared to be heading for the main entrance.
Alex burst outside and frantically scanned the area for Olivia, she caught sight of her leaning over the edge of the steps; her face obscured by the rest of her body.
As Alex approached she saw the movement in Olivia's back and realised what was happenening; Olivia was throwing up.
Alex approached slowly not wanting to crowd Olivia, what the hell had happened in there? She paused a few steps away, unsure what to do.
"Olivia, are you okay?", Alex wanted to comfort her and place a hand on her back but instead remained at a distance. Olivia didn't answer, she had stopped throwing up and now held the back of her hand over her mouth. Alex could just make out she had her eyes shut and was breathing deeply. "Olivia...", Alex stepped forward but Olivia held a hand out to stop her.
"What happened in there Olivia?", Alex was bordering on frantic. What was happening? Olivia finally turned to look at her and she had a smile on her face!
"Sorry Alex I really don't know what came over me, I guess it was the pressure", she was laughing it off?
"What happened?", Alex was baffled.
"Well I was questioned and questioned but I answered pretty good. I had to answer questions about what happened the night I was shot and also in the train station. The defence didn't really have anything to say after I was finished and the bastard looked worried", Alex erupted in a smile herself now and raced forward to pull Olivia into a big bear hug.
"I am so relieved. We can put this behind us now yes?", Alex didn't let go of Olivia yet.
"I am ready to put this behind me Alex, I am ready to commit to this 110%", as she spoke she gestured to the pair of them. Alex was definitely overwhelmed with joy, as much as to move in to kiss Olivia who abruptly leant back. "Woah I don't think you want to do that", they both burst out laughing and Alex gave her one last squeeze whilst leaning in to whisper in Olivia's ear.
"We are going back to my place and I'm taking you to bed", Alex smiled seductively as she released Olivia. Olivia appeared at a loss for words and took hold of Alex's hand to lead her back to the car.
Alex stopped them abruptly causing Olivia to frown at her, "well i am going to take you to bed after you've cleaned your teeth", Olivia rolled her eyes and hastened nearly jogging with Alex back to the car. They were both in for an eventful afternoon...
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