Her Fight Song: An Army of Lies

eight.

They were finally here. 

Both were sent into NICU, but they were here and as healthy as they could be for premies.

Olivia had been an emotional wreck during the entire surgery, fearful that Liam and Gwen wouldn't do well being born so early. Dr.Ragen had done her best to give Olivia confidence that everything was going smoothly, and informed her on what was happening every step of the way. Elliot had decided to simply sit next to Olivia, rubbing her head gently, as the doctor and nurses worked to get her babies out safely. As each minute passed, he whispered sweet nothings in her ear, reminding her that they would be meeting their angels soon. Hoping to distract her from the worrisome thoughts he knew she had been having. 

Her heart nearly dropped as the room fell silent, waiting to hear the sound that notified everyone a new life had been brought into the world. 

He cried.

It was Liam who broke the silence, letting Olivia know he was okay. 

It was only a few moments later when she heard the second cry, a high shrieking noise that made Olivia laugh a bit inside. It was her baby girl, Gwen. 

After measurements were taken and assessments were made, Elliot and one of the nurses were able to bring both babies over for Olivia to see. They held them close to her face, allowing her to give each a kiss before they moved them into the NICU for further examination.

It had been around 3 hours since they had finished up her surgery, and she was finally a few levels up in the NICU. Her pain level had been intense, but she needed reassurance that her babies were in fact okay. 

The doctor estimated that they would be able to take them home within the next two weeks, once they were able to latch on. Each had done well, and had been able to go without any help breathing. Both Elliot and Olivia had been extremely grateful that everything had gone well, and tried their best to be patient.

As each baby rested in their heated beds, already fast asleep, she kissed them both making sure she said I love you, before leaving to get some rest herself.

~

"God, I just realized we have six kids," Olivia stated as she woke from the small nap she had taken. Elliot sat in the reclining chair next to her bed,  watching whatever reality show was playing on the tv above. 

"And I'm already loving every minute of it," he reached out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "You feelin okay?"

"Much better. This whole experience is...different," she pointed towards the pitcher of water, trying to clear her throat. He quickly reached and poured her cup, sending instant relief to her throat. "Thank you," she tried her best to smile, but was too exhausted. "How are the kids?"

"Casey said they're all great, and already asking when you'll be home," he grinned, placing his hand over hers, that rested on her side. Her eyes were low, still a bit high from the anesthesia they had given her. The surgery had obviously taken a toll her, exhaustion still evident in her face. He could she was trying to fight it, in an effort to be able to go a few levels up and visit the NICU. 

"Tell her to bring them up here then," she tried sitting up straighter, but failed, wincing at the pain that radiated in her lower abdomen.

"Liv, you need to rest. You just had sort of a major surgery a few hours ago. The kids will be okay."

She never could really sit still, or listen as a matter of fact. But Elliot made sure to stand his ground this time, making sure that Olivia would take all the time she needed to recover, which according to the doctor, would be five weeks.