THREE

Amanda stayed in the hospital for two days this time around because of the trauma to her head. Olivia spent each evening with Amanda and gradually moved several of her items into the guest room in her apartment. Once Amanda was released, Olivia drove her home and kept an arm wrapped around her waist as they walked through the building.

"So do you expect me to clean the apartment and have dinner waiting on the table for when you get home?" Amanda asked, once Olivia walked towards her with mugs of tea in both of her hands.

"Amanda," Olivia sighed.

"I feel like I should do something other than loaf around all day. Are you sure I can't just go back to work and be on desk duty for a few weeks?"

"You mean your entire pregnancy?" Olivia shot back. Amanda groaned deeply and closed her eyes tightly.

"C'mon, Liv! Can't I just go back to work and continue doing what I usually do until my water breaks?"

Olivia shook her head and reached out to gently squeeze Amanda's arm, but the blonde was standing and walking over to the window. She opened the curtains and stared out into the dreary April day.

"Amanda, it's my job to make sure you don't get injured. That is why I constantly try to pound the fact you need to wear a vest into your skull. Yet most of you completely ignore me," Olivia sighed.

"It's my job to protect my baby, and I can do that myself! I don't need to be babysat by you!" Amanda yelled, as she turned quickly and started to sway. Olivia jumped up and got to her side, grabbing her waist to steady her. 

Amanda locked eyes with Olivia before swallowing hard. 

"I'm fine," she whispered.

"Tell that to your injured forehead, Rollins... Just stop being stubborn and let me help you, okay?" Olivia sighed. Amanda hesitantly pushed Olivia's hands from her waist before walking back to the couch.

"I'll try to let you help, but I can't promise anything. So can you show me where I can sleep? I'm tired," Amanda grumbled.

"Your room is right next to the kitchen. I washed all the bedding and brought over a lot of your items."

"Did you snoop in my apartment like you are doing in my life?" Amanda huffed as she stood and grabbed her mug.

"Are you worried that I found your vibrator or something?" Olivia mumbled under her breath.

"Excuse me?" Amanda asked.

"Just go into your room and continue throwing a fit like a whiny teenager. I'll be out here waiting for you to be in a better mood!" Olivia exclaimed.

Amanda slammed the guest room door, as Olivia raked her fingers through her hair. She was regretting letting Amanda stay with her.

///

After a nap and a dose of her anti-nausea medicine, Amanda was in a little better mood. She sat at the breakfast bar and ate the pasta and salad that Olivia had prepared. They didn't share any words, but at least the tension had eased slightly.

Amanda sat and watched as Olivia washed dishes after dinner, before standing slowly and grabbing a towel to dry them.

"You don't have to help," Olivia breathed.

"I'm not too sick-"

"I didn't say that, Amanda. Geez, I get you are angry, but I'm just trying to help you. Stop being a bitch to me," Olivia huffed. 

Amanda stepped back and looked at Olivia before taking a slow breath.

"No one has tried to take care of me the way you do... It's weird and I feel you will want me to pay you back for everything." Amanda frowned deeply. Olivia sat the sponge down in the soapy water before turning around to face Amanda.

Amanda was more broken than she had expected. This entire situation was more than she could deal with, but she didn't want to be appear weak. 

"We have known each other for a handful of years and I have always had your back. Even when Kim was terrorizing you, I was right there to make sure you always had backup. So please, let me help you and stop fighting me on it."

Amanda nodded weakly as tears slipped down her cheeks.

"I'm so scared, Olivia," Amanda whimpered. Olivia quickly stepped forward and drew Amanda into her arms. She held her close and rubbed her back gently as Amanda's tears soaked into her old t-shirt.

"Everything will be fine, Amanda. I will always be here for you, and I'll spoil this baby rotten. I promise," Olivia breathed. She moved a hand up and cradled Amanda's hand as she rested her cheek against her messy blonde hair.

Amanda's quiet tears turned into full on sobs. The duo settled onto the cold tile of the kitchen floor and clung to each other. Between sobs, Amanda was trying to explain her feelings and what she planned on doing. Eventually, her tears fizzled out and Olivia wiped the tears from her cheeks with a hand towel.

"Are you going to try to contact Declan?" Olivia asked.

"I really don't think he wants to be a father, Liv."

"You don't know that. I get that he's married to his job, but men have changed their occupation for less."

"Can you put in a call or two? Try to get a message to him?" Amanda mused. Olivia smiled softly and nodded.

"Yeah, I'll make some calls and see if we can get your baby daddy to call you."

They sat in silence for a very long time, both caught up in their own thoughts. Olivia felt horrible for yelling at Amanda, but at least it got her to open up, even if it was only a little bit.

"I'm going to be a mom," Amanda whispered, as she reached over and grabbed Olivia's hand. Olivia intertwined her fingers with Amanda's and nodded slowly.

"Yeah, you are. You are going to be one hell of a mother."