Dear Olivia,

I can't do this. I can't put myself through another trial against Charlie.

Life is just too much for me at the moment.

I can't testify against Charlie again. You saw what a trainwreck that was the first time. I can't do it again. It's too painful.

I know that Charlie's lawyer will try to have him plead not guilty by reason of insanity again. If Charlie is convicted of a lesser felony, then he'll be acquitted of any higher-level offenses that he's isn't found guilty of. I don't know what I'd do if he were free. I can't even handle the thought of him roaming the streets again.

I need to get away for a little while.

I need to figure things out.

I can't take Gabby with me. Seeing her hurts too much. Every time I look at her, I can't stop thinking about how she's the product of my rape and how I've failed her as her mother. While it is a truly incredible thing, which I'm extremely grateful for, Gabby's sudden reintroduction into my life after believing she was dead is too overwhelming. It's undone all of the years I have spent repressing any and all memories of her. I need to piece myself back together and come to terms with the fact that I've missed the first five years of my own daughter's life because I believed Charlie had killed her. Having her around would make that process all the more difficult for me. I really do love her, but I can't be near her right now.

Enclosed are legal guardianship forms for Gabby. I've already signed them. I can't take care of my daughter right now. She really needs someone to be there for her, and I just can't be that person, which is why I'm appointing you as her legal guardian/godmother and Elliot as her godfather.

I trust you.

I know you can support her through this next trial better than I can. I've already sent in my letter of resignation. Please take care of her in my absence.

I'm sorry.

Sincerely,

Casey Novak

Olivia read through the legal guardianship forms and signed them almost immediately. She looked for a return address on the envelope but couldn't find one.

A week later, Olivia Benson was the legal guardian of five-year-old Gabriella (Gabby) Elizabeth Novak.

Hey Y'all! Thank you so much for reading! I've been planning this sequel for quite a while now, and I'm so happy to finally share it! Please be sure to leave a review so I can see whether or not I should continue toying with this story or if I should just scrap it. And please be sure to check out my other story, Her Daughter, so you know the what leads up to this story. Thanks again for reading! :)