AN- Wow, I really enjoyed your comments from Part I. I hadn't planned on this story going more than a couple of chapters but your comments sparked a few added ideas, so there will be several chapters. Love you all. Have a great week!
Where He Belongs Part II
Having been startled by the sound of shattering glass, Abby briskly walks over to the dining area to check out what happened. The chandelier and sconce lit dining area is empty except for Tony, Olivia, Gladstone and Gerry. Fitz is standing about three feet away from the group reading a document of some kind and Olivia, hands on her hips, is talking to Gladstone. The expression on Olivia's face tells Abby the conversation is anything but friendly.
Abby comes up behind to the side of Olivia and whispers in her ear, "Liv is everything alright?"
Olivia ignores Abby's question, she's completely focused on the two strangers delivering unexpected news to her husband. Getting no response from Olivia, Abby tries asking Tony.
"Tony, what's going on?" Tony remains silent and Abby's concern intensifies.
Tony is in shock. He doesn't know whether to be elated, suspicious or terrified. Only three thoughts occupy his mind: he's been found, he has another family, and what does this mean for Olivia and his boys. He turns to look at Abby, he can't respond because her question falls outside of the three thoughts churning in his brain. He shakes his head and looks away.
Worried and unsure of what to do, Abby decides to stop asking questions and listen to Olivia exchange heated words with Gladstone.
"So rather than send a letter of inquiry or make a simple phone call, you thought the best way to approach my husband with this story was to show up out of the blue on a Wednesday night, casually eat dinner, then nonchalantly announce you're here to take him away to god knows where? Did you really expect him to say, "oh sure let me grab my jacket?" Olivia is livid, she's a mama bear when it comes to Tony and their children.
"No, I'm sorry ma'am", Gladstone offers humbly. "Obviously, we knew coming here would be unsettling and I apologize for the suddenness of our arrival. It was never our intent to blindside you or Mr. Grant. As you can imagine, Gerry and his family are anxious to have Mr. Grant return home. He meant no disrespect, nor did he intend to be insensitive or dismissive of your family situation. Please try to understand, he has been searching for his father for six years and to see him standing in the flesh after so long, well the moment overwhelmed his better judgment".
"First of all, my boys and I are not a situation. We are Tony's family".
Gerry interrupts. "Ma'am, he was my dad way before he was you husband. Me, my sister and my mom are his family too, his real family", he says defensively.
"Liv what the hell is going on here? Who is this kid? What's he talking about?" Now Abby is pissed.
"This kid, Gerry sasses, is his son," pointing to Tony. "That man is my father, Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III".
Gerry intimating Olivia and his boys are somehow his illegitimate family snaps Tony out of his mental mist.
"Look, Gerry, is it? If you are in fact my son as you claim, I would hope I have raised you to be respectful. You insinuating Olivia and my sons are not my real family is rude and insulting. How dare you two come to our place of business under false pretenses, drop a bombshell and expect me and my wife to go along with your plans without having time to absorb what you've disclosed". Tony draws Olivia close to his body reassuring her where his loyalty lies.
"Your plan and behavior are unacceptable. Furthermore, continue with the attitude and this conversation is over permanently. Olivia is my wife and I will not allow anyone to disrespect her". Realizing he misstep, Gerry prays silently he has not permanently alienated his father.
"Dad, I'm sorry. I apologize. This is all going so wrong", Gerry offers in a softer tone. "I never meant…meant to…I'm sorry". Feeling dejected he casts his gaze away from Tony trying to hold back his tears.
"Mr. Grant I want…". Tony cuts Gladstone off.
"The last name is Howard and until I have had a chance to review proof of your claim you will address as Howard. Are we clear?"
"Yes, of course. I was about…"
Tony raises his hand cutting Gladstone off once again. He kisses Olivia and squeezes her hand. He winks at her knowing she understands his next move. He walks up to Gerry and places his hands atop Gerry's shoulders.
"Son, I know you've been through a lot, we both have. I'm sorry I don't remember you or your family. Can you give me a couple of days to sort all of this out? This is quite a shock and I need to work through it with my family. How long are you in town?"
"We're here until Sunday". Gerry lies, the original plan was to stay until Friday, hoping Fitz would be eager to return home with him.
"Okay, why don't you come by the house on Friday, we'll talk and you can meet my boys. What do you think? How does that sound?" Tony wipes the tears from Gerry's cheek using the pad of his thumb.
"I think it sounds great. And I really am sorry about the real family comment, you just have no idea how much I've…we've missed you." Tony hugs Gerry and Gerry wraps his arms tight around Tony's waist. Tony pulls away and holds up his fist for Gerry to bump.
"Maybe you're starting to remember dad, we'd always fist bump after a hug", Gerry says excitedly.
"Really? Maybe son, maybe". Fitz didn't have the heart to tell Gerry he picked up the habit from Huck and Harrison who fist bump when greeting and departing.
"Mr. Howard, I have your dossier in my car, I'm sure it will answer all your questions".
"Thank you, I will meet you out front in a few minutes. I take it you already know our home address and don't need directions for Friday".
"Yes, I do. What time should I bring Gerry by?"
"Noon is fine. Is noon okay with you Gerry? We can have lunch, hang out for a bit with the twins, then have a long talk".
"Whatever you want to do dad is fine with me. Spending time with you is all I want."
Doug and Gerry's ride back to the hotel is marked by silence. "Gerry don't beat yourself up over this. I know this not the reunion you hoped for but…"
"Doug, please, I get it. You warned me and I still managed to screw up. He probably thinks if I'm an example of his old life, he has a valid reason for not wanting to remember". Gerry slams his back against the passenger seat in frustration.
"Gerry, you need to follow his lead, don't try to force memories on him or coax a reaction out of him. Imposing your need to reconnect with him may have the opposite effect. You're a stranger to him, a stranger who insulted his wife and boasted of your intention to take him from the family he loves to a bunch of strangers. Gerry please, for your own sake, look at this situation from his perspective. The only past and present he knows is with Olivia and his boys. The last thing you want to do is to force him to choose between them and your family".
"Doug, don't you see, I'm so afraid he will choose them over us. I don't understand why he can't remember us. How can all those years with our family amount to nothing? Do you think we took his love for granted? Do you think he felt we never loved him? Is that why he can't remember?" Gerry's voice is shaky and filled with anguish.
Doug pulls into the hotel parking lot and parks the car. He grabs Gerry's arm as Gerry attempts to rush out of the car.
"Gerry look at me". Gerry, with one foot out of the car, doesn't turn around. "Gerry, please look at me". Wiping a lone tear from his eye, Gerry slowly turns to face Doug.
"The Fitzgerald Grant you knew as your father is gone. Even if Tony Howard remembers parts or all of his past life as Fitz Grant he's changed. You need to accept this fact and move forward if you hope to have any sort of relationship with the man you met tonight". Gerry gives a reluctant nod and jumps out of the car.
Later that evening in his hotel room, Gerry lays awake most of the night remembering special moments with his father. "I just want my dad back", he pleads whispering to the darkness. He sniffles and wipes the tears from his eyes. He falls asleep terrified the man who raised him will ultimately reject him.
Before leaving the restaurant, Olivia instructs Abby, Harrison and Huck to handle things for the next few days.
"Liv, I'll call Stephen and Quinn tonight, don't worry, we'll find out the truth," Huck says before he hugs Olivia in an uncharacteristic display of emtion.
Wiping the tears from her eyes, she thanks him and hands him Gladstone's business card.
Abby takes a comforting grasp of Olivia's hands, "We'll all come over Saturday morning. Stephen and Quinn should have some information on this Grant guy by then".
Oliva hugs Abby, "thanks Abs."
"If you need anything calls us", Harrison adds.
Fitz returns to his friends after seeing Gerry and Gladstone out of the restaurant. He wraps his arms around Olivia and kisses her on the brow.
"Let's go home sweetheart, I'm tired".
Olivia nods in agreement, "yes let's go home". They share a group hug with their friends then depart for home.
When they arrive home, they immediately go to check on their boys. Noticing the lights are still on in the family room they change direction and follow the low humming music coming from DVD player. They both smile at the sight of Maya passed out on the couch with the boys snuggled on each side. Their adorable little faces are smushed against Maya's chest, their upper lips stained with milk mustaches and covered with brownie crumbs.
Olivia taps her mother on the shoulder. "Mom we're home. We'll put the boys to bed". Fitz picks up his sons who barely stir and carries them to their bedroom without acknowledging Maya.
Maya can tell something is wrong. "Olivia is Tony all right?"
"It's late mom, let's talk about it in the morning". Olivia squeezes her mother's hand.
"Olivia Carolyn Howard, what's wrong, why can't you tell me now? You and Tony look like someone died. Are you really going to make me spend the entire night trying to guess what happened? All sorts of crazy negative thoughts are going to come to mind and I won't get a minute of sleep. So please, do you your mother a favor and tell me what is going on?"
Olivia sighs, "A private investigator showed up at the restaurant tonight claiming to know Tony's true identity. He brought along some kid who claims to be Tony's son".
"What, Maya shrieks?"
"Yeah apparently, he has another family in California, including a wife and daughter in addition to the son. The kid said they came to take Tony back his real family". Just repeating the words makes Olivia feel as if she's being punched in the stomach. She stares at the ceiling shaking her head with her hand covering her mouth. Teardrops trickle from the corners of her eyes.
"I can't lose him mom, he's my life".
"Hush child, no one is losing anybody. Tony is your husband now, he doesn't remember his past or those people. He's not going anywhere. Now stop worrying this minute. I won't have you upsetting my son with your fears". Maya grins hugging Olivia.
"Lord forgive me, I definitely don't want to upset YOUR Son". Olivia smiles back at her mom. Maya hugs Olivia tight, kisses her on their cheek then heads to bed.
The peace and stillness of the boys' dimly lit room momentarily calm the myriad of thoughts racing through Tony's mind. He sits on the floor between his sons' beds watching them sleep. He loves the way they sprawl out across the mattresses without a care in the world. He's fascinated by the rise and fall of their little chests with every breath. They're a part of him, the best part of him because they're the tangible evidence of his and Olivia's love.
Olivia stands at the door observing, praying for her husband and her family. After the boys were born she never had a second thought about Tony's past life. She and Tony were so blissfully happy no other life existed or mattered except the one they shared. Now she's afraid the long silent ghosts of a forgotten time threaten to disrupt all they've built.
She takes a seat next to Tony on the floor. She's smiles lovingly watching Tony gently comb Ezra's hair, examining each strand passing through his fingers.
"The happiest day of my life was the day you told me we were pregnant. I felt utter joy…wholeness…a validation of my existence", he reflects, never taking his eyes of his sons.
"Tony…"
"Please sweetheart, I need to say this. Who I was before didn't matter, because who I became was who I was truly meant to be. In that incredibly special moment I had clarity, peace of mind, and it overwhelmed me".
"Yes, I remember, you cried like girl", Olivia teases bumping his shoulder.
He grabs Olivia hands and kisses each one. "You and the boys are my life, never doubt that for one minute. Whatever we find out in the next few days will never change the way I feel, who I am or where I belong".
Olivia falls forward into his arms and sobs softly. "I love so much Tony".
He lifts and cups her face in his hands and delivers a fiery kiss that kindles the pangs of desire's salacious hunger. "I need you Livy", he moans softly.
The soft glow from a Transformer night light gives a radiant glint to their yearning eyes. Eyes that message their deep abiding love for one another. A love that always saturates the confines of any space they occupy, reinforcing the inescapableness of their predestined union.
He stands, extends his hand beckoning her. She rises and takes his hand. There is a knowing between them making words unnecessary. He caresses her face once more, then draws her forehead to his communicating his need for intimacy. Olivia takes his hand in response and presses it against her breast. They sigh in unison, before segueing to a sensual tongue quid pro quo. Never breaking mouth contact, they waltz backward down the hallway to their bedroom. The minute the door closes, clothes fly through the air seemingly in slow motion. Their tone eager bodies land atop their bed in a crush of plush silk bedding. They make love throughout the night, quiet slow tender love. Their bodies meld together seamlessly united in absolute oneness. Their love binds them emotionally, spiritually, and physically and in the act of making love they affirm no specters from the past can put asunder their devotion forged union.
The next morning, Olivia starts to stir, roused by the sound of pages flipping back forth. Groggy, she awakens to find Tony reviewing the file from Gladstone. She can tell he's disturbed by something. Knowing her husband as she does, she waits until he puts the file down before saying anything. Early on in their relationship Olivia learned he has a distinct thought process that does not lend itself to premature interruption. He takes off his reading glasses and puts the file on his night stand. He pinches the bridge of his nose, then looks over to Olivia who is awake and lovingly smiling back at him.
"Good morning my love", she says gently squeezing his thigh.
Tony leans down and kisses Olivia's bare shoulder and the top of her head. He smiles back at her but she can tell something in the file distresses him; and she's right. Tony finds is odd nothing in the file triggers even a slight recollection. He questions whether his life was as great as the file from Gladstone implies. If what is depicted in the file is true, why has he never had an unexplained dream or sudden flash of memory in the past six years. Could the information in the file be a fabrication? If so, why, for what purpose?
Olivia scoots up to lay against Tony's chest. "What in the file bothers you my love?"
"It's strange, I thought finally knowing who I am and where I'm from would stir up some type of sentimental or nostalgic emotion within me but I feel nothing close to what I should feel. I'm only slightly curious about my life in California, and when I say slightly, I mean a tad more interested than feeling completely indifferent. This can't be a normal reaction, can it?"
"Tony, I think you're still in shock. Your mind is protecting you from facing a reality you're not ready to deal with yet".
"May…be you're right. Maybe it is just shock", he says sweeping a few hairs away from her eye. He pauses briefly to gather his thoughts. "I have four must dos ".
"Care to share", lifting herself to straddle his lap.
"I have to spend some time with Gerry and Karen. I'm sure my absence has been rough on them. Next I need talk to Millie, find out her expectations. Then I need to tie up my business concerns. According to the file I was some hot shot merger wunderkind. The last thing I need to do is decide what name to go by. I'm Tony Howard now, my family, my life and career are all tied to this name". Olivia nods in agreement even though she hasn't heard a word he said after mentioning his other wife.
"I think her name is Mellie."
"Who?"
Olivia unable to say wife clarifies, "Gerry and Karen's mother."
"Oh", Fitz kisses Olivia's hand. "Livy, you are my wife, my home, my life. Whatever I had with Millie", Olivia smiles, "is in the past. I keep asking myself why the pictures haven't jarred my memory. You would think I'd have a vague recollection, spark or a glimmer, some hint…", he trails off.
"Babe this is a lot to process. Give your mind time to settle down and relax. Rest, let your unconscious have a go at all of this". Olivia is certain fear is plaguing Tony's mind more than he's willing to admit. Their little family is the reason Tony lives.
"Lie down, it's way too early in the morning to make important decisions". Olivia pecks Tony on the lips, before they both slide under the covers in the spoon position and drift off to sleep.
Tony and Olivia decide to tell the twins about Gerry and Karen over breakfast. Naturally the inquisitive youngsters have a thousand and one questions about the big brother and sister they've never met. Tony tries to explain as best he can but how do you explain suffering amnesia after being kidnapped, shot and left for dead to three-year-olds. By the end of breakfast the boys are in tears.
"Daddy if you get anotha' boo boo on your head again will you forget us too, Ian sobs?
"Boys, daddy promises to be very, very careful".
Ezra hops down from his booster seat, quickly followed by Ian. Both jump unto Tony's lap and cling to their father. "And never ever go away", Ezra bawls.
"We lo…ve…you…daddy", Ian hiccups burying his face in Tony's chest.
Tony instantly loses it, weeping unrestrained and hugging his sons. Olivia joins her family and wraps her arms around all her boys. Together they cry and hold each other snuggly.
Friday arrives and Doug pulls up in front of the Howard home to drop Gerry off as scheduled a few minutes before noon. He and Gerry spent the morning shopping for peace offerings. They can't erase the unpleasantness of the first meeting but hope a material apology will help lessen the tension.
"Ger, you have everything?"
"Yeah, I…I think so". Gerry double checks his gift bags and backpack.
"Remember Gerry follow your dad's lead, be open to finding a place in his new life".
"Do you think I'm on Olivia's permanent shit list?"
"No, I don't. You were anxious and she felt threatened. Calmer heads have had time to prevail. I'm sure for her husband's sake she is more than willing to get to know you and accept you as his son".
"I hope so. Well, no reason to stall. I'll see you in a few hours".
"I'll be here at four sharp. Don't worry Gerry everything is going to work out".
"Thanks Doug…for everything". Doug smiles and nods.
Gerry exits the car, gives Doug a wave and proceeds up the walkway to his father's front door. His hand shaking, he somehow manages to presses the doorbell. A voice behind the door rings out, "just a second".
Tony opens the door, accompanied by Ezra and Ian, who peer at Gerry from behind Tony's legs.
"Gerry welcome, come on in". Tony closes the door behind Gerry and turns to make introductions. These two munchkins are your brothers Ian and Ezra, what do you say boys?"
Ezra speaks first," hi".
"Hi, Ian whispers shyly gripping Tony's pants.
Gerry bends down to greet his brothers. "I'm happy to meet you both. These are for you".
He hands each boy a gift bag. The twins look at their dad for approval. Tony nods and winks. Inside the bags are a couple of hot wheels, a glow in the dark spinner and box of Legos.
"Wow, they scream. Look daddy hot wheels!" The boys hug Gerry. "Thank you".
"You're welcome".
"You wanna play with us", Ian asks hopeful.
"Boys what did we discuss this morning. Let Gerry settle in before you have playtime with him, okay".
"Okay daddy".
Tony sends the boys off to play in their room and shows Gerry to the kitchen where Olivia and Maya are waiting.
"Hello Gerry, welcome to our home". Olivia stands extending her hand.
"Thank you…I'm so sorry about the other night...I didn't mean," Gerry babbles in a rush before shoving a bouquet flowers towards her.
"It's okay, no need to dwell on it. It's water under the bridge. These flowers are lovely, thank you". She turns to Maya, "this is my mother Maya Pope".
Gerry shakes Maya's hand, "nice to meet you ma'am".
"Same here. I'm sorry I can't stay I have a prior engagement. How long are you in town Gerry?
"Until Sunday".
"Are your mom and sister planning to fly out?"
"No ma'am".
"Hmm, interesting. Well again, I must be on my way. I guess I'll be seeing more of you in the future Gerry. I look forward to meeting your sister".
"Yes ma'am, thank you".
Maya kisses Olivia on the cheek. She hugs Tony, "bye son, I'll see you tomorrow".
Gerry spends the afternoon hearing about Tony's life for the past six years. He shares what the Grants have been up to as well. By the end of the visit, he and the twins are thick as thieves and he's hopeful his dad will not abandon him.
Promptly at four Doug calls Gerry on his cell phone to let him know he's waiting outside.
"My rides here. Thank you for having me over. I had a nice time".
Olivia looks at Tony. She can tell he needs more time.
"Gerry, why don't you spend Saturday night with us, that will give you a little more time with your dad and the boys and Tony can take you to the airport on Sunday".
"Yeah Gerry", the twins shout grabbing his legs. "Stay with us. Tell him to stay daddy, please".
"Gerry, you are always welcome here. I would love for you to stay but I understand if you'd rather not".
"Dad of course I'll stay. I'll work things out with Doug and come back tomorrow night".
"Great, it's settled then. Come on boys let's see your brother out".
How you did it go?"
"It went well but it was weird".
"It was bound to be awkward given the circumstances".
"No, well yes, it was a little awkward at the beginning but that's not what I mean by weird".
"What do you mean?"
"He looks so young. He's all clean shaven with a man bun. The dad I remember looked much older and was religious about his weekly trim and beard grooming. Tony is so easygoing, funny and uninhibited. I always thought my dad was kind of uptight. I mean he was by the book on everything, practically anal. The man I was with today in many ways is completely different from the man I grew up with".
Gerry continues, "now he's actually the type of dad I always wanted. He's present, actually living in the moment. The whole time I was there I never felt like he was craving out time from his busy schedule to be with me. He never checked the clock and don't think he wears a watch".
"Was it hard seeing him with the twins?"
"Kinda, don't get me wrong, dad despite his tough exterior, was always affectionate with me and Karen; both he and mom. They just weren't affectionate with one another. I miss his hugs, high fives and I love yous. The twins are getting the best of dad and it stings".
"How do you think Karen will handle all of this?"
"I'm not going to lie Doug and say she'll be fine with all of this because she won't. She expects dad to be the same, ready to pick up where he left off as if nothing happened. Her memories of dad are more fictionalized because she was so young when he disappeared. Even if she adjusts to the change in his physical appearance, she'll have difficulty accepting his new family".
"How was his relationship with your mom if you don't mind me asking".
"Nowhere near what I witnessed between he and Olivia. Actually, I'd say his current relationship is the polar opposite of what he had with my mom. My parents were always polite to one another but lived more as roommates than a married couple. They were never close or made lovey-dovey displays of affection. I knew for years they were only staying together for me and my sister. In fact, the last couple years before dad disappeared it was obvious they had grown even more distant. They barely talked and when they did it was through pursed lips and gritted teeth. Their customary false pretense was quickly fading and I think dad used business trips as an excuse to avoid being around mom".
"Where did that leave you and Karen?"
"Mom aside, his relationship with me and Karen was great. He attended most of my games and Karen's recitals. He always made time for us as best he could".
"Sounds to me being a good father is in his DNA," Doug reassures.
"My dad has a new life, I just hope Karen and I have place in it. We've been stuck in time for so long reliving old memories…"
"Gerry stop focusing on worst case scenarios. You said the visit went well. Did he give you any indication he wants to sever ties with you?'
"No, but...".
"No buts Gerry. You need to remain positive so you can help Karen through this transition".
"I understand, I just can't let go my dream. I so wanted him to immediately recognize me. I believed he loved me so much his feelings for me would instantly cure his amnesia. You know like in the movies. I heard what you said about expecting too much but I had waited for our reunion for so long I envisioned much more".
"Gerry...".
"You're right, you're right, you're right. I'm being silly and paranoid. Hey, I almost forgot he wants me to spend the night Saturday and take me to the airport on Sunday".
Doug grins. "Sure Gerry, do you need me to drop you off or is he coming to pick you up?"
"Ugh, good question, he didn't say. I better call and ask". Gerry pulls out his phone,
"Hey dad…no I'm okay. I'm calling about Saturday…".
Doug smiles to himself, he's sure things will work out fine for the Grant children.
Tony and Olivia thumb through the photo album Gerry brought for Tony. He runs his finger slowly across several pages, "That's strange".
"What is it babe?"
"You notice I'm not smiling in any picture with Millie. And what's with all the facial hair and buzz cut? I have no idea who this guy is". Olivia massages his shoulders and loosens his ponytail.
"I must say I like you better this way. We look the same age. I thought we were the same age. I love your Tarzan hair and shaved cheeks".
"Livy, what should I do. I want to remember, I honestly do but I have this feeling the memories are going to be painful".
Olivia kisses the scar from where the bullet grazed his head.
"Tony when you're ready to remember you will, you can't force this. You went through an extremely traumatic experience, reliving it before you're ready is not an option. I won't let you risk your mental health, even for Gerry and Karen".
He kisses Olivia deeply, conveying his undying love for her. I don't want to lose you Livy. You and the boys are my life, I can't conceive of a future without you in it".
Olivia takes his hand and places it on her heart. "Feel the beating of my heart, it beats only for you and our family. We're in this together forever until my heart stops beating. Remember I promised never to leave your side, even if you turned out to be a bad guy in your former life. What matters is the last five years, the man you became, the man I fell in love with, the man I chose to share my life with and to have children with. I don't know bearded buzz cut sourpuss Fitz but if he's part of you I will love him too because he transformed into caring, considerate, loving Tony, the love of my life. The man I'd go through hell and high water for.
Fitz kisses Olivia all over the face. "I love you Olivia. Let's go hold our munchkins".
AN – The chapter will focus on Tony's life as Fitz and the trip to California to see Karen and Mellie. Do you think his love for Olivia is strong enough to weather what happens in California? Do you think Mellie has had time to re-evaluate their life together? Will she want a second chance?
Let me know what you think.
Have great week.