Hello my little Pumpkins. I decided to start this Xmas Story for us Liv and Fitz fans out there over the holidays. It takes place right after the season 1 finale.

Disclaimer…I don't know own Scandal or any of its amazing characters. But if I did Fitz would be all mine and I wouldn't share. Also excerpts from The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg are included in this story. I am not trying to claim any of this wonderful xmas story as my own. But it's perfect for this tale.

Happy Holidays…Luv Me's

The "Olitz" Express

Chapter 1: Tickets to Ride….

Olivia had always loved the holiday season. The moment Thanksgiving was over she would start to decorate her apartment. She'd put the dangling icicle lights in her windows with the lighted candles. She would have silver and gold garland hanging over every entrance way to the main living areas of her apartment. On her table was a Xmas runner, with Angels. The centerpiece was white poinsettia that was given to her by her gladiators.

Olivia did not have a real tree, but one that was given to her by her parents. It was her grandparents and once they passed on it was given to her parents and now to her. She placed white twinkling lights on it, with silver, gold, and white ornaments. The star was another family heirloom that was her great-grandmothers. It was a masterpiece of perfection just like everything she did. Sometimes she would just sit and read by nothing but the lights on the tree. It would give her peace.

Christmas plush was scattered on the furniture. Every year she would purchase a dated teddy bear. Her grandfather started this tradition with her when she was just baby and now in her 30's, she continues to buy one. The only time she did not buy a bear was when her and Fitz were together. He had just won the Presidency and she did not have the time to think about it, never mind run to the store.

So that Xmas he shocked her and had one made for her. The bear looked just like "Teddy Roosevelt." He was light brown, wearing a Christmas bow tie, and Santa hat. On one foot a flag was engraved with 48 stars. The other foot had the year on it. When Fitz presented this to her, she squealed and jump into his arms. She was so shocked that she was left utterly speechless. This sweet "high school" gesture made her Christmas. She was not sure who she hugged tighter, the Teddy Bear or Fitz. He told her "I wanted to give you something special." But to Olivia, Fitz was her something special.

But this year, even though her apartment had all its decorations up she missed Fitz more than ever. She walked away from the White House at the beginning of the summer and had not attempted to go back since. It pained her to give him back to his wife in the manner that she did but it had to be done. She knew that him giving up the Presidency was a mistake and could not let him do it for her. The country needed him more than she did.

She of course had seen on the news that Mellie was pregnant and from what she had heard from Cyrus, Fitz was not the father. He absolutely refused to not only have sex with Mellie but create another innocent child. America's baby was not his, and that was fine. She is not sure why Cyrus even told her this piece of news but in the end it gave her some piece of mind.

As Christmas Eve grew closer she missed him more and more. She walked the streets and loved to see all the holiday decorations. Occasionally she would fine her way by the White House. Cyrus tried to invite her to the tree ceremony on the front lawn right after Thanksgiving but she just couldn't bring herself to go. She knew that the First Family would obviously be there and couldn't put herself through that kind of holiday heartache. Instead she watched it on the news.

She threw herself into her work and that for now was keeping her busy. Each new client that her firm had taken on had taken them right up to a few days before Xmas. No one really had plans for Xmas Eve or Xmas day so they all decided to spend it together. Abby decided to have a meal on Xmas Eve at her house and Olivia chose Xmas day. Plus they nominated themselves because they were unsure if Huck, Harrison and Quinn could cook.

/

When Christmas Eve finally arrived, Olivia decided to close up about 3:00 pm. It was then that she heard Huck say…"We have incoming."

"We are not taking any new clients now, are we Liv?" asked Harrison.

"No, it's Christmas Eve. It can wait till after the 1st of the year." Olivia answered back.

As the elevator stopped, everyone gathered waiting to see who would be stepping off of it. To their shock and amazement it was "Santa Claus."

"Um, Santa, what can we do for you? Did Rudolph's fake nose fall off and you need us to fix it before you have a scandal with the other reindeer?' Abby asked, trying really hard to laugh.

"Ho, Ho, Ho," Santa said. "I am looking for Olivia Pope."

"I am her. What can I do for you?" Olivia asked him really confused.

"I am told to deliver these to you and your staff. Merry Christmas and be sure to enjoy yourselves this evening." Santa said. He handed Olivia and envelope and got onto the elevator and left.

Everyone walked into the conference room and was extremely curious as to what "Santa" had dropped off for them. Olivia opened the envelope and pulled out FIVE tickets to ride. Five tickets to ride on The Polar Express. These were extremely difficult to come by and on Christmas eve it was virtually impossible. This train ride had been sold out for months.

There was no note as to who they were from. The only thing the note said was;

"On Christmas Eve many years ago, I lay quietly in my bed. I did not rustle the sheets…..I was listening for a sound…I'd never hear-the ringing bells of Santa's sleigh…. The bells still rings for me as it does for all who truly believe."

(The Polar Express, By Chris Van Allsburg)

"Seeing is believing, and sometimes the most real things are what you can't see."

Olivia read this out loud and was so perplexed. Who would have sent these tickets to her and her staff and why?

"That's all the note says?" Quinn asked Olivia.

"Yes that's it. And here are our tickets to ride. We need to be at the train station by 6:15 because they start boarding at 6:30. The Polar Express leaves at 7:00 sharp. Oh it says to dress in your holiday best." Olivia answered everyone.

"Don't you find this kind of strange?" asked Huck.

"Yes but, we have had a lot of big cases recently. It has to be one of our clients. I am not worried about it. Huck it's Christmas Eve and the year we've all just had, let's enjoy this ride tonight to the North Pole." Olivia said to him.

"Do you think it's a good idea to accept tickets from someone we don't know." Huck asked again.

"Huck these are real tickets. Not fakes. I've seen other people with them. No worrying tonight. Let's just enjoy ourselves and have fun. I haven't been on a train ride since I was little." Said Olivia.

"Yes Huck, put on your holiday best and let's go get ready and have fun tonight. Plus I'll be your date." Quinn said to him. Huck semi-smiled at that.

"Well Liv and Abby, I guess I get to be lucky elf that has two helpers tonight." Harrison said winking at both of them.

"Oh Lord, Harrison we already know you're good with the ladies. Now that you'll have us both on your arms tonight, you'll be on cloud nine." Abby told him.

"I'm a gladiator in a Santa suit tonight everyone. I am excited. Let's go and get ready for this ride to the north pole." Harrison said to everyone.

"Okay he's right. If we have to be there by 6:15 to board at 6:30 let's meet at Abby's at 5:00 for an early dinner. The train ride is 90 minutes long. I don't want to go on an empty stomach. I'll hold onto the tickets." Olivia said to everyone.

Olivia, Harrison, Quinn, Huck and Abby then gathered all their things and entered the elevator to go downstairs. All of them were excited but still curious as to who did this Christmas train ride for them. They discussed dinner plans and car pooling.

Once Olivia arrived home, she found herself thinking of Fitz again. How she missed him desperately right now. She was sure that he was already in Santa Barbara with the kids and Mellie and wouldn't dream of calling him there. She wished he could be with her tonight but found herself determined to enjoy herself tonight none the less . She was not going to dwell on the past and ruin tonight. It was Christmas Eve and for once she had something to look forward to…her ticket to ride on the Polar Express.

/

There you go my holiday pumpkins, what do you think? More chapters to come soon. I have no clue how long to make this story but I am hoping to finish it after the first of the year. I've had this story in my head since Thanksgiving and finally had to get it out. I hope you like this first chapter.

I've had ridden on the Polar Express and it's so much fun. This is also my favorite Christmas story and movie. I can read it over and over again and not get tired too. Plus I just LOVE the movie.

If you have any ideas for me please let know, or thoughts as to where or who the tickets came from? Please enjoy this ride on "The Olitz Express."

Peace, Luv and Holiday Pumpkins….Me's