AN: I'm so sorry this took to long too upload but I didn't seem to know how to finish this chapter so it could go well with the next. But I hope you won't mind since it's longer than the others (almost 4,200 words). I'll try not to take too long for the next chapter.
Without any further ado, here is chapter 6.
Enjoy! And leave all kinds of reviews, they're welcomed and encouraged.
DISCLAIMER: Scandal and it's characters belong to Shonda Rhimes and ABC/Disney.
Grant Ranch, Santa Barbara
When Liv was out of sight, Fitz headed back inside and was met with a visibly impatient Cyrus. He was tired and not in the mood to deal with Cyrus this late at night when he had to arrange for his kids to be brought back home and to call his lawyers to have them draw the paper work for the settlement they just agreed upon.
"Fitz, are you sure this is the best idea? Can't you at least wait until you're elected? This risks tanking your campaign you know."
He sighed. He was prepared to receive a comment of such nature from Cyrus. But, he just didn't want to deal with him. Not now at least. He just wanted to make the plans for tomorrow and head to sleep mostly since he hadn't slept much the previous night.
"Cy, what did I tell you?"
"I know, I know, your personal life is no one's business. I just thought..."
He was cut off by Fitz "That's the thing, it's my personal life, you don't get to think or have thoughts about it. And as I told you earlier, I can't wait. This is happening, so, stop trying to dissuade me of going forward with it. There is nothing you can do about it, so, stop it." he said getting angry.
Cyrus was taken aback with the tone of Fitz's voice. He never raised his voice in such a manner. If he were to be honest with himself, this new Fitz was starting to worry him and even scare him a little. He seemed more determined, more sure of himself, and, not to mess with.
"Okay, okay. At least, don't you think that 15 million dollars is too much considering you're already giving her 2 houses and are keeping full custody of the kids?" he asked.
"You're worried about my money? WOW! You definitely don't get it. This isn't about the money, really, 15 million was my trust fund for when I went to college. It's not about the money. I mean, I'm a multimillionaire, money isn't the issue. I just want this over with. I'm tired of all of this. I have the money yet I'm unhappy. So, if giving her a little 15 million dollars is what it will take for me and my children to be happy so, so be it. You don't know how pathetic it is to have everything that is supposed to make you happy yet you are the most miserable ever. So, for my children and myself, I need to do this. I don't care about the money, I just want her gone."
Cyrus didn't know what to say. He just mumble "Rich people problems." Then said his goodnight. There was definitely nothing that could say or do to change his mind, So, in order not to end up on the enemy list of this new Fitz he decided to let go of the divorce. He'd definitely have to deal with the divorce if he wanted to keep his job and maybe see his dream, being one of the most powerful men in the world, come true.
Four Seasons- Santa Barbara Biltmore
Once at her hotel, Liv showered and ordered herself some diner. With all the craziness that was Mellie, they didn't get the chance to enjoy the diner Fitz had ordered. While enjoying her diner, she kept thinking about her day. From Stephen's love declaration to her being in California. She couldn't believe how much her life had changed in less than 2 days.
When rethinking about recent events, she kept thinking of Fitz and of how he seemed sad and miserable while opening up to her. She thought of how, although she didn't know him, she felt sorry for him and thought that he didn't deserve to be treated that way. She felt like he was a good man and dhe felt like she would do everything in her power to ensure that he didn't have to live in that misery any longer while fulfilling his dream.
However, something that Fitz said in his monologue didn't sit quite well with her. She had this feeling that maybe there was something more to the story. Maybe Fitz didn't know it but she felt like there was more to the Mellie story than met the eye. But, she was too tired to think more about that bu, she was determined to uncover the truth behind Mellie. So, she decided, she would call Huck to put him on the Mellie front first thing in the morning. But, for now she would succumb to a peacefull slumber.
Grant Ranch- Santa Barbara
Once Cyrus left, Fitz proceeded to calling his grand father so he could get the kids home.
"Hey Paps! Sorry to wake you up so late at night." he greeted his grandpa
"What's wrong soldier?" he asked worriedly.
"It's nothing." he said trying to ease his worry. "I just called to tell you that I'd like to have the kids home by morning. I already ensured that the jet bee ready for you.
Fitgerald Grant Senior became even more worried. Fitz never did such things. He always made sure that his children had enough time with him during their summer vacation and never interrupted their time together. So, having his grandson call him at 10 in the evening asking that his children be brought home the next day rose red flags for him.
"Fitz, what's the matter?" he asked starting to panicking.
Fitz didn't think that that was a discussion he should have on the phone.
"Paps, I promise, nothing is wrong. I just need the kids to come home. You can come too if you'd like. Just, get them home. B the way, tell the kids I love them and I'm sorry I couldn't call today. I was about to but, I figured they were already asleep."
"Okay. We should be there in time for breakfast. An, don't worry, I made to tell them that before they went to bed." he answered somehow fearing the reason why his grandson was summoning his children only half way into their vacation time with him.
"Thank you. I'll see you in the morning then." he said before hanging up.
He readied himself for bed and headed to the guest room he'd been occupying. He went to bed hoping he'd dream of the life he saw into Liv's eyes and of the life he'd have once he was no longer married to Mellie. And, for once in a while, he was looking forward to something that wasn't spending time with his kids.
Four Season-Santa Barbara 3 AM
Liv tossed and turned since she went to bed. She couldn't help but dream of Fitz and what it would be like to be with him. She dreamt of going on a date with him, to the cuddling after a long day.
She was frustrated. She wasn't this girl that dreamt of a guy. She'd never fantasized about a guy before and now, it seemed as if she couldn't close her eyes without Fitz invading her thoughts.
She didn't know what to do. And, Olivia Pope was never the one not to know what to do and that frustrated her.
Not knowing what to do and not wanting to wake Huck up at 3 in the morning, she decided to go ahead and start working.
She hashed out a plan that would allow Fitz to go to the press about his divorce without completely flunking his approval ratings. She proposed various scenarios and plans to ensure that the divorce affected the campaign to a minimun. She spent a couple hours working on the divorce.
After about 2 hours, she'd put into Fitz's divorce, she decided to work on her little own project.
Washington D.C.
He was becoming agitated. He was doing the best that he could and yet it seemed like nothing he did could repair the damages to their relationship. But, he was determined to at least try and regain what they once had, if they ever had a solid relationship. But, it seemed so far the time where they had a solid relationship.
Things were about to change. He'd insure that they did. He'd do everything in his power to insure that they did. There was no way he wouldn't repair what he'd broken. He owed it to himself. He needed a last chance.
And, he knew exactly what to do in order for that to happen. But, he had somethings to do first.
"Yeah, I think I'll take this one. But, you'll have to send the paper work to my office. I have a plane to catch." he said to the realtor.
"Of course sir, the paperwork will be at your office this afternoon. If you really want it, it can be yours by monday."
"I'm certain I'll take it. I'll send my interior designer in this afternoon so, she'll know what to do with the place. I'd like to keep up and chat, but I really got to go." He said then headed out.
Grant Ranch, Santa Barbara
Fitz woke up feeling extremely happy. Today marked an new chapter in his life. Today, he was going to be one step closer to having the life he spent the night dreaming of. Today, he'd be inching to the possibility of a life with Liv, and, he couldn't be happier.
But, as happy as he was, he couldn't help himself but worry. What if Mellie changed her mind and decided she wanted to fight him on this? Then he'd either have to remain with her therefore miserable or destroy her and have his kids resent him for doing such a thing to their mother. What if the kids hated him for breaking up their family? What if the kids would rather live with Mellie than himself? What if this divorce really meant political suicide thus his dream?
Though he was worried, he tried to keep up a good front for everyone. His grand father had arrived about an hour after he awoke. They had one of the most awkward breakfast. It was feeled with uncomfortable silence. No one dared to outer a single word. For some reason, Cyrus managed to skip breakfast. Maybe he wasn't really looking forward o this conversation. Somehow Fitz wasn't looking forward to what was coming either.
It's Fitz that first broke the silence. "So, kids, you might be wondering why I made you guys come back home when you were supposed to be heading to Michigan on sunday." The kids and Fitz's grandpa nodded.
Fitz took a deep breath before launching himself: "Your mother and I have some news that will be affecting all of us."
Before he could finish, Karen cut him off "You're not running for president anymore? But, that's your dream!" Then Keith chipped in "Are you guys having a baby? Please tell me it's not a baby! All you guys do lately is argue." he asked somehow worriedly.
Fitz swallowed hard, it was tougher than what he had initially anticipated. "No, guy, it's not that. The thing is that..." He was cut off by Mellie. "Oh no, it's not that at all. The thing is that your father decided that we are not good enough for him and that he deserves more than his own family. Yes kids, your father decided that he doesn't want us anymore. He's filling for divorce." she said coldly before taking off.
Everyone around the table was speechless. Fitz didn't know what to do. The kids looked at him with teary eyes. It's Keith that finally broke the silence. "Is it true? Are you abandoning us?" He said through a cracking voice. Fitz's heart broke at the sight before him. His two children, the children he loved more than anything, were doubting his love for them. Sensing that this was going to be a very sensitive moment for Fitz and the kids, Senior retired himself quietly.
"Kiddos, come here" he said opening his arms for the both of them to come and embrace him. They hesitated a bit but they reluctantly went to his open arms."Guys, listen to me. It is not true. I am not nor will I ever abandon you. You too are the best thing that ever happened to me. I could never abandon you. Your mother and I are divorcing but I will always be there for you. The divorce doesn't change anything between us."
Hearing her father speak made Karen sob even louder. Fitz didn't understand what he said that caused her to cry that much. He had never seen her cry that much. Not even when the boy she had a crush on kissed another girl. He couldn't comprehend what broke his little girl's heart so much, and he didn't like seeing her like this. He scooped her into his lap. He hadn't done that since she was 10 and she had lectured him about her being a big girl and as such should not sit in her father's lap.
"Karen, sweetheart, what's troubling you? I know it isn't easy learning that your parents are splitting up but, this isn't the end of the world. We're still and will always be a family."
She calmed a little and then said "You shouldn't have done that. Now I won't get to see you!" And then she sobbed even harder.
Fitz didn't understand what she said cleary. "What do you mean honey?" It's Keith that answered for her. "She, like me, don't want to loose you. And, remember Michael from school? His parents divorced and now he bearly gets to see his father. We don't want to be like that. We want to keep seeing you everyday."
Now, it was the 3 of them that were crying. After a while, Fitz gathered enough strengh to speak again. "You guys are not going to loose me. I thought I'd say this after you calm down but, if it's okay with you guys of course, I'd like to file for full custody of you. Which means that you would both live with me wherever I am. Whether it's her, Sacramento or the White House. I want you guys with me."
"You mean, we actually get to live with you if you win? We're not going to boarding school like mom said we would?" asked Karen a little hopeful.
"Yes sweetie. If, that's what you guys want, you'll get to live with me." He answered hoping that they'd actually want to live with him instead of going to boarding school or worse, their mother.
"But, how will you do that? I mean, usually the kids go with the mother." said Keith cautiously not wanting ti get his hopes up for nothing.
"There is this new friend of mine, Olivia, she promised she'd help me make sure that you guys could stay with me if that's what you wanted."
"I hope she keeps her promise." said Karen. "I really want to live with you."
"Me too sweetheart, me too." He pulled them close and kissed their heads.
Four Seasons Santa Barbara Biltmore
Liv finished working around 6 a.m, she went in and showered in order to prepare for what she felt like would be a long day. Once she was done with the shower and had order breakfast, she made a call that she felt like was long due. The person on the oder end picks up at the first ring.
"Hi, Huck" she says with a yawn.
"Hi Liv, is everything alright? You sound tired for someone who should be waking up." He comments.
"I'm sorry if I'm disturbing you but, I need a favor and my best friend. Do you think you could come to Santa Barbara please? I'm lost here."
He starts panicking "Are you hurt? Did something happen last night? Do you need me to take care of someone for you? Please tell me it's not the governor, he seemed nice from the background check I did on him. Oh God, don't tell me I failed you..."
She cuts him off "Huck, calm down. Nothing happened I'm fine. I just need my best friend here that's all. And, I'll need you to do me a favor but I can't do so until I speak to the governor."
"Ouf. Please, Liv, next time, say that you're alright first then ask me to come. You almost gave me a heart attack mostly since it's the first time you went somewhere alone since we met. I can't bear the thought of you being hurt because I'm not there, it would literally kill me." he says with a sigh of relief.
"Dully noted for next time. So, when do you think you'll be here? I hope I'm not interfering with your internship. I know how hard you worked for it."
"Don't worry about the internship. It's supposed to end on the 15th anyway. I'll just say that I have a family emergency that I need to attend to. I should be there around 10."
"You know, I can wait till wednesday right? You don't have to come right away."
"Nonsense, I'll be there by 10. By the way, you should probably talk to your father. Seems he's been buying things under your name again."
"Arghh. Next time he calls I'll try to answer. Do you need me to buy you a ticket? Send the jet?"
"Didn't Harrison take the jet? You could book me a ticket please. And be sure to mention..."
"... vegetarian, premier world for your armrest and no neighbors cause they freak you out. I know. I had forgotten that Harrison took the jet. When is he supposed to come back anyway? I swear that guy enjoys my plane more than I do."
"I don't know. But, he should be here by the end of the month."
"Ok. Let me make the arrangements, the agent will call you in about 5 minutes to give you the details. See you soon."
"See you soon."
She finishes the call just in time for the room service delivery. Once, she's done eating, she gets ready for her day and waits for Fitz's driver to come and pick her up as they had agreed the previous night.
Grant Ranch, Santa Barbara-California
They remained embraced, not wanting to let go of each other. They fell into an easy silence. Their moment was broken by a clearing of throat. It was Fitz's grandfather.
"Um... Fitz, you butler says your driver just brought in a young lady saying it's per your request." he says somehow awkwardly.
"Oh, Olivia must be here. Oh, yeah, let her come. I think you should all meet the one who's trying to proceed with my divorce while ensuring that I get elected President of the United States. Come on guys, let's go meet her."
Fitz rushes to greet Liv at the door leaving his kids and grandpa in the living room.
"Hi." he chokes up upon seeing her. She looks flawless. She's wearing a beige grey REISS suit jacket and pants with a peach silk-look blouse accessorized by Piera (necklace) by Elaine J onyx and quartz necklace, Jessica Simpson suede pumps and a vanilla Michael Kors Jet Set Leather Tote Bag. She looked like perfection.
"Hi." she smiles back. She can't help but stare at him. He was wearing a white shirt with the 2 upper buttons open and the sleeves rolled and some dark jeans. He looked relaxed and like someone at home, the opposite of the day before. His hair was still a little wet and she couldn't help but want to touch it.
After a what felt like eternity by was just about 40 seconds, Fitz remembered about his kids and grandpas in the living room and guides her there.
"Kids, paps, this is Olivia Pope, she is the one that is going to represent me so that you can stay with me. She's also going to be my campaign manager along with Cyrus."
"Oliva Pope as in THE Olivia Pope?" Karen shrieks
"Yes Karen, What's up with the excitement?" He says clearing his ears which are aching from how loud Karen shriek was.
"What with the excitement? How are you not excited?" she says as if it was the most obvious reaction to Liv's presence. "Dad, she has shares in all most every brand in the fashion world. SHE owns like half of the New York Fashion world. She is the one that stays behind the scenes but has all the power in New York. How can you not know her? Your grandma was Estée Lauder for God's sake!" she says in disbelief.
"Okay, okay, let's not get carried away shall we? You haven't even greeted Olivia yet." he then turns to Olivia. "You'll have to excuse her, she gets a little carried away when it comes to fashion."
She smiles at him. "No, it's okay, it's actually pretty refreshing. I'm not generally known aside from the "Fixer" and the "Political nun" as Cyrus says." She walks to Karen and gives her her hand to shake. "I'm Olivia Pope and you must be Karen and I take that you're interested in fashion. Not that many people know me in the fashion world so you must be either very curious or looking at working in the fashion industry."
Insted of shaking her hand, Karen launches herself at her almost knocking her out. Fitz is horrified by that gesture thinking that Liv is gonna yell t Karen. But, his worry subsides when she bursts into laughter. "Oh my gush, you have no idea. I love everything fashion, I think I'm going to be a designer when I grow up." she says finally releasing her.
"I'm sure you'll be a great one." She announces proudly. Fitz feels as if his heart is gonna burst out of his chest. He can't believe this woman, not only is she beautiful as a goddess, she seems to connect with Karen in a way that Mellie never did. She seems to be the female role model Karen needs. He can't help but wonder what life would be like if he was married to Olivia.
Keith walks to her and gives her her hand to shake. "Hello miss Olivia, my name is Keith. I hope this one here didn't damage your ears, she tends to do that a lot." he teases his sister.
"I think I'll survive. And please, call me Olivia." she replies.
She walks to where Fitzgerald senior was dreaming what it would have been like had his grandson married someone like Olivia. She gives him her hand to shake and smiles. "Congressman Grant, sir, it's a pleasure to meet you."
He smiles at how humble she seems. "The pleasure is all mine. And please, call me Paps. No one calls me congressman anymore." She smiles back at him. She's about to answer when she hear someone speak.
"So, Olivia, you're the one who's going to guarantee that we stay with dad?" asks Karen
"Yes Karen, I am the one who's going to make sure that you stay with your dad after the divorce." she says looking at the girl who seemed to almost be her height.
"Can I ask you something?" asks Keith shyly.
"Of course Keith, you can ask me anything." she replies to the 12 year old who's taller than she is.
"Can you promise me that no matter what, you'll do everything that you can so we can stay with dad? And that means no boarding school either."
Fitz doesn't know what to say, normally, Keith is the shy one. He doesn't say much and much less ti strangers. And, he never allows anyone other than his father, sister and great-grandparents to see him vulnerable but, in this moment he's letting his biggest fear show. He gets angry with Mellie who put into their heads that once he's president, if he's president, the'll have to go to boarding school. Liv is surprised by the request and by looking at Fitz, she can see that he wasn't expecting it either. She can tell that he isn't usually an open person.
"I promise you that I'll do everything in my power for you guys to stay with your dad after the divorce even inthe White House!" she says looking at Fitz even in then winks at him.
Fitz was about to say something when the doorbell rang. He went to answer himself and froze upon seeing who was at the door. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE? YOU OF ALL PEOPLE?"
AN: So, what do you think? Tell me!
- Who do you think is at the door?
- What do you think of Liv's situation.
- What do you think is up between her and her father?
- What do you think of Huck?
- Do you think Cyrus will be an issue?
