All the guests were left amazed, and impressed, while Addison and Derek ran desperately to their daughter at the exact moment they saw her collapse onto the cake.

Derek quickly picked up Olive in his arms and laid her on the grass, his heart pounding with worry. He desperately tried to wake her up with gentle taps on the face.

"Olive, Olive..." he pleaded, his voice was filled with anxiety and desperation.

Addison hurried to join them, kneeling beside Derek, her face marked with distress. Tears streamed down her face, flowing uncontrollably down her cheeks.

Nancy, concerned to see her brother in such a state, offered to call an ambulance, but Derek barely registered her words. His entire focus was on Olive, his little daughter, lying unconscious in front of him.

"Olive, please wake up!" he implored, his voice trembling with fear. He wiped away a tear that had escaped from the corner of his eye.

"How's her pulse?" Addison asked, her voice was trembling. "Is she breathing? Does she have a pulse?"

Derek, with trembling hands, felt for any sign of life on Olive's delicate neck. His heart sank when he detected a weak pulse, but it offered a glimmer of hope amid the desperation that surrounded them.

"She has a pulse," he murmured fearfully, "But it's weak... Olive, please wake up!" he shouted, his voice broken with anguish.

Suddenly, Olive's eyes opened. Her body jerked as she sat up with a strength that took them by surprise. Derek's heart raced with a glimmer of hope but quickly turned to a new wave of concern.

Without warning, Olive expelled an excessive amount of dark, sinister liquid from her mouth, further alarming everyone present.

Derek and Addison watched in horror as their daughter's fragile body twisted in distress.

When Olive's vomiting ceased, she began to cry inconsolably, tears of terror were soaking her face.

"Oh... Ollie, it's okay... it's okay," said Addison, still in shock.

Derek sighed with relief to see her conscious again, holding Olive tightly against his chest, feeling the rapid rise and fall of her shallow breaths. That was all that mattered to him at that moment.

The little girl trembled with fear, her terrified sobs filling the air as she clung to her father, seeking comfort and protection.

"Olive, my precious girl," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. Derek gently cradled her, his trembling arms providing a sense of security amid the chaos around them.

"Calm down, baby. It's okay, it's over," Addison repeated, trying to calm her cries.

"We need to take her to the hospital immediately."

~•~

Addison and Derek rushed Olive to New York Presbyterian Hospital. This was the hospital where both of them used to work before moving to Seattle, and they had many known doctors who would help them with their daughter.

"Pupils constricted, red eyes, low blood sugar, loss of consciousness... this would indicate alcoholic intoxication," said Helen Crawford, an old colleague and friend of Derek, as she examined Olive in the emergency room.

"Olive, what have you been drinking? Have you been drinking alcohol?" asked Derek, still nervous.

"No."

"Let me see, open your mouth."

Olive obeyed. Derek smelled her breath and recognized the characteristic smell of alcohol.

"Addison, Olive has ingested alcohol."

"I didn't drink alcohol!"

"Of course you did. I need you to tell me exactly what you drank and how much, Olive. Quickly."

"I didn't drink alcohol, Dad!"

"Did you take one of the beer cans that were on the table? What was it? Tell me."

"No!"

"Ollie, sweetie..." said Addison, with the patience that Derek was running out of, "can you tell us what you drank? We won't scold you for doing it. We need to know what caused this intoxication, so we can give you a remedy to help you get better."

"I didn't drink alcohol, Mom!"

"Okay. I believe you. What did you drink then? Some new fizzy drink? Something you found in Grandma's cupboard?"

"Yes..."

"And do you remember what it was?"

"A magic potion."

"Olive, this is serious. Stop playing with us, or you will tell the truth to the hospital doctors. You choose who you'd rather be honest with," said Derek, annoyed.

"I'm telling the truth! I drank two magic potions to shrink and enter through the hole into the magical world of the elves!"

"Helen, she's delirious. They need to do a stomach wash right now," Derek turned to the doctor.

"No, Daddy!" she began to cry.

"Shh, shh... Ollie, don't cry... listen to me," Addison said gently, "how were those magic potions? Were they dark in color?"

"Yes, one was chocolate and the other was blue."

"Blue? Did you drink something blue?"

"Yes. But it was gross, I didn't like it that much..."

"Mom's Blue Gin...," Derek pressed his eyes, remembering that exotic drink he had given his mother months ago.

"And the chocolate one? Was it liquid too? Was it like the blue one?" asked Addison.

"No. It was tastier."

"Chocolate rum. That's why she vomited that dark color," Derek deduced.

"How much did you drink of each one, Ollie?"

"A glass of each one."

"You drank a whole glass?!" Derek exclaimed.

"Yes... but I didn't finish the blue one because it made my throat itch."

"We need to do a stomach wash right away. Call someone from general surgery, Helen."

"I don't think it's necessary, Derek... she isn't showing severe symptoms of intoxication anymore. She's conscious and can form coherent sentences. Her vital signs, blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation are all normal. She vomited most of it on her own," said Helen. "We need to keep her hydrated and raise her blood sugar. Does she have any particular allergies?"

"No, she doesn't."

"Okay, we're going to admit her to establish an intravenous line. We'll administer fluids and medications to help stabilize her condition."

"No!" Olive cried, starting to cry.

"These fluids are essential to replenish the lost fluid levels due to dehydration caused by excessive alcohol consumption," Helen explained to Olive.

"I don't want to!" she continued crying.

"Also, we'll administer medications that include specific antidotes for alcohol, to help metabolize and eliminate all the alcohol from the body more quickly."

"Okay, whatever is necessary," said Derek, "Olive, stop crying and cooperate."

~•~

"We administered a little sedative to help her rest better. We would like to monitor her tonight to see how her condition evolves and to avoid possible complications," Helen said once Olive had fallen asleep. She had stepped out of the room to talk to him while Addison stayed with the little girl.

"Alright," Derek responded.

"Listen, Derek... I know we have been colleagues for years, you know my family, Jake and I still hold you both in high regard. I'd never doubt you or Addison. Olive seems to be a lovely girl, but..."

"Yes, I know," sighed Derek, already knowing what she was about to say.

"Once she wakes up, she will be questioned by one of our social workers to conduct a psychological and emotional assessment of the girl."

"Okay."

"You know it's part of the protocol for minors..."

"I know, Helen. Don't worry about it. I know the rules. Thank you for taking care of her, I... I didn't know what to do. I didn't know how to react. Seeing her there, unconscious for a few minutes, I..."

"It's never easy when it comes to our children."

"At that moment, I forgot I was a doctor. My thoughts were clouded, I was terrified, I just wanted her to react, and... it was horrible. Those were the longest minutes of my life."

"I can imagine. Try to relax, she'll be fine. She's in the best hands."

"I know, thank you for everything."

"How's life in Seattle? Do you miss civilization?"

"Oh, now you sound like Addison talking like that," he laughed.

"Are you the chief of surgery? Is that true?"

"Yes, I'm the chief of Seattle Grace Mercy West. I took a few days off to visit family, to celebrate Olive's birthday. Although she preferred to celebrate it in the same way she did six years ago, in a hospital. To relive emotions," he said ironically.

"Oh, I didn't know today was her birthday. Poor girl..."

"Yes. She could have chosen another date for this event, but she chose a day that will make me remember it year after year."

"Hopefully not. Hopefully, better birthdays will come."

"Thank you."

"By the way, I'm really glad I got to meet her in person. When I traveled to Seattle a few years ago, Addison was still pregnant and I didn't get to see her."

"Oh, yes. That's true."

"I always knew that if you two had a daughter, she would be beautiful. And she is. Congratulations."

"Oh, thank you. She really is... she and her sister are the greatest treasures of my life."

"Oh, does she have a sister?"

"Oh, yes," he laughed, "Arleth. She was born four months ago. The baby of the family."

"I can't believe it! I didn't know you had another baby. You haven't posted anything about her on your Facebook profile."

"I've neglected my social networks a bit, with the issue of being in charge I barely have time to breathe. But yes, we had another baby."

Derek took his cell phone out of his pant pocket and showed her some photos of Arleth.

"Oh, she looks just like you!"

"That's what they say... she's very beautiful and friendly... she must be with my mother now. Oh, speaking of that... we left so quickly that I didn't even think about her. She must be scared of being surrounded by so many strange people. You know... she's only used to seeing us... if you'll excuse me for a second..."

"It's okay. Go, go."

~•~

"With the alcoholic mother that the girl has, it's no surprise that she did this. Children just copy what they see at home, said Carolyn in one of the waiting rooms.

"Mom, they are children. They tend to do this kind of mischief," said Liz.

"My children would never have done something like this. Yours or your sisters' kids either. I'm right in saying that Addison and Derek don't set limits for their daughter."

"I think you're exaggerating, this could've happened to anyone..."

"If Addison had been keeping an eye on her, it wouldn't have happened. But no, who knows what she was doing when the girl decided to drink two glasses of alcohol."

"The responsibility was also Derek's. I don't see you penalizing him as much as her," said Nancy.

"Plus, it was a party. Everyone was supposed to be playing and having fun, nobody would have imagined that Olive would do that."

"Just like no one would have imagined that Olive would give gummies to the baby? Or take her down the stairs? Or hide her father's underwear?" questioned Carolyn. "At this point, everything is expected of that girl."

"The important thing is that she's okay and we were able to get to the hospital in time. Everything else is anecdotal," said Liz.

"With a mother like Addison, it's difficult to know how long she will be "okay". That woman doesn't know how to mother. She was raised by nannies and housekeepers. I've been telling Derek that she's not the right one for this."

"And what do you suggest? That Derek leaves her and finds another mother for her daughters?" mocked Liz.

"Actually, yes. Derek needs a wife more committed to the family. More loving and responsible. Someone with basic cooking skills. Humble and hardworking, with human values. Who knows what effort is in life, not someone whose mommy and daddy's money has solved everything? Who has a real family? Who knows how to be a mother? Who likes spending time with her children and doesn't complain about it. Who prioritizes the family and not a pair of designer shoes."

"Do you want a wife or a personalized employee? Are we still in 1930 and I didn't notice?" said Nancy ironically.

"Hey..." said Derek as he peeked through the door.

"Oh, son. How's everything?" asked Carolyn, getting up from her seat.

"Good. Olive is stabilized and resting, Addie stayed with her. She'll spend the night here just in case something unexpected happens."

"Is there any neurological damage? How are her kidneys?" asked Liz.

"Olive responded well to all the tests. The blood work came out quite well. Fortunately, she didn't retain the alcohol in her body for too long, there shouldn't be any lasting effects."

"Thank God," said Carolyn.

"And Arleth?" Derek asked.

"She stayed home with Kathleen and her husband. All her cousins are there."

"Okay... I'll go pick her up in a little while."

"You're not staying here?" asked Nancy.

"Addison wants to stay, there's only one bed for the companion."

"You can stay home tonight, son," offered Carolyn.

"I don't think that's possible. I'll go back to the hotel with the baby. I still need to shower and pick up a change of clothes for Olive and pajamas for Addison."

"That's fine, whatever you prefer. I just wanted to help you with the baby in case you needed it. I have some of Theo's bottles in my kitchen."

"Arleth doesn't drink from just any bottle, she only likes some silicone nipples that we brought from Seattle, and they are in Addie's suitcase."

"Oh..." exclaimed Nancy raising her eyebrows.

"Don't worry, Mom. I'll take care of her. I'll let Addison know I'm leaving and returning, okay? Do you want me to take you home?"

"Can we see Olive?"

"No. The visiting hours ended at 8 p.m."

"But Derek, you worked in this hospital for more than a decade. Don't you have some privileges because of that? Can't they extend the visit for a little while?"

"No, I'm sorry. I'll be right back and we'll go to your house, Mom."

~•~

Derek went to the hotel with Arleth to get everything he had told his mother and returned with Addison at night.

During the journey, the traumatic flashbacks of the intense moment they all experienced that afternoon still crossed his mind.

"Hey, Addie," he whispered, entering the room. She was lying in the passenger bed with her eyes closed.

"Mmm... hi Der, I thought you weren't coming back," she said, opening her eyes and sitting up.

"I don't have milk for Arleth, you know she won't sleep without you," he pointed to the wide-awake baby in her carrier.

"Oh, my love. How are you, baby?" Addison approached her, unfastened her safety belt, and picked her up in her arms.

"She's fine, Kate told me she had fun with her older cousins. Passed around from arm to arm. She's an expert at that sport now."

"Did she cry or anything?"

"I don't know, they didn't tell me the bad stuff," she made a small smile and caressed Olive's hair, who was still sleeping. "How is she?"

"She's fine, she's fallen asleep. She's much calmer now."

"You know a social worker is coming and..."

"Yes, I know. Nancy told me..."

"Are you worried about that?"

"A little, I don't know... well, yes. I'm worried."

"It's just protocol. It will be enough for Olive to say a couple of words to show that everything is fine."

"And if it's not like that? What if they take custody of our daughter for negligence?" Her voice began to crack.

"That won't happen, Addie..."

Arleth began to make small whimpers, she was already hungry. Addison placed her on her breast and stayed silently watching her eat. Derek sat next to her, also in silence, he could feel his wife's anguish.

"And if they take both of them, Der? What will I do if they take our daughters from us?"

"Addie, stop thinking about that. Besides, in the worst case, we'll call Savvy and Weiss. They will win any lawsuit."

"Do you think so?"

"Of course. They are the best lawyers I know. Stop worrying. The important thing is that Olive is okay and progressing well. We'll go back to the hotel tomorrow."

"I hope so..."

"Have you had dinner? Do you want me to bring you something?"

"I'm nauseous. I couldn't eat anything even if I wanted to."

"Yeah, me too."

"Olive had some pumpkin soup, but she wanted to eat more. She asked if there was still pizza at your mother's house," she made a small smile.

"Olive never loses her appetite, huh."

"It's a good sign, isn't it?"

"Of course..."

Addison smiled and turned her gaze back to the baby, who was falling asleep. Derek lovingly kissed her cheek and rested his head on her shoulder, also watching the baby and Olive.

~•~

"Mom?

"Hey, hello my love..." Addison said as soon as Olive opened her eyes the next day. It was nine-thirty in the morning.

"Hello, Mommy."

"How are you feeling?"

"Good."

"Did you get a good rest?"

"Yes, I was very tired."

"I can imagine. Yesterday was a very hectic day. We had a big scare, Ollie."

"I know... I'm sorry."

"Do you want to tell me what happened, honey?"

"I already told you, I drank the potions. I didn't know they had alcohol."

"And why did you do that? Were you curious to taste them?"

"No... Stephanie and Julie told me to do it."

"They told you what?"

"They told me they were magic potions... in Grandma's garden, there's a big tree with a hole in the trunk, that's the door to the magical world. I wanted to go and see the elves. But I couldn't fit through there, my body wouldn't fit. So I had to drink the potion to shrink."

"Did your cousins tell you that?"

"Yes."

"And you believed them? Olive, magic potions don't exist. The elves..."

"They do exist, Mom! They live hidden in the forest!"

"Okay, but your Grandma's house is in the suburbs. There's no forest nearby."

"But that tree was from the forest... and I wanted to go in there."

"Ollie, listen to one thing I'm going to tell you to apply throughout your life..."

"What?"

"You should never drink any drink that you don't know where it came from."

"But it came from Grandma's cupboard..."

"Yes, but you didn't know what it was. You should have asked me or Dad first before drinking them. You can't drink unknown things, you shouldn't accept any strange drink. You always have to ask a responsible adult what you're being given. Do you understand? Your cousins are too young to know that they were drinks with a high alcohol content. They shouldn't have given you that, it was very wrong. But it was very wrong of you to have taken it, knowing that it was stolen from your Grandma's cupboard. You know you can't take or snoop around in other people's houses."

"I know..."

"I'll talk to your aunt Kathleen, but you will apologize to your grandmother as soon as you are discharged."

"You can't tell Aunt Kate, Mom! Julie and Steph will kill me! It was a secret!"

"I'm sorry, Ollie. Their mother needs to know what they did so that they don't do it again. It was a very dangerous thing, one that we don't want to happen again in the family."

Olive sighed angrily.

"They won't want to play with me ever again for being a tattletale."

"You're not a tattletale. It was a dangerous situation, you did well in telling me the truth."

"Can we go now? I haven't even been able to try the cake Grandma made for me," she said, arms crossed, very serious.

Addison couldn't help but laugh. She looked very funny when she was angry, pouting just like she used to do.

"Do you still feel like having cake?"

"Yes, I want to take it to Seattle. Can I take it in the suitcase?"

"No, honey. It will spoil in the flight."

"Of course not!"

The door to the room sounded twice. Addison got up to open it, waiting for Derek to come back with Arleth so they could hear Olive's medical report together.

But instead of him, she saw a woman with short straight hair, a straight shirt and skirt, and matching black pointed heels, looking at her with a serious face as she held a small briefcase.

"Good morning, I'm Miriam Boyle, I'm a social worker. I've come to have a little conversation with Miss Olive Kara Montgomery Shepherd."