Chapter 10: The OLITZ Express..
"ALL ABOARD…" "ALL ABOARD…"
The gladiators read to the next line, wondering what was going to happen next.
"Well are you coming?" The conductor (Me's) asked.
"To Where"…The "gladiators" asked still on pins and needles from the previous chapters.
"To Fitz and Olivia of course…This is THE OLITZ Express…" said Me's
"To Fitz and Olivia…" the faithful gladiators asked puzzled, still unable to breathe, hoping and praying this is THE CHAPTER.
The Conductor then said, "If you want more Fitz and Olivia, trust me you want to get on board…" The gladiators then presented the conductor with their "tickets to ride" and climbed on board The Olitz Express.
(This chapter is dedicated to my first Christmas story I wrote last year. Yes this is HUGE. Enjoy and leave me TONS of Crumbs. The more I get, the quicker Chap 11 appears. Me's)
/
"Show Him Who You Are…" (Two Days before Xmas)
Olivia's father looked at Fitz then his daughter. He was in a state of shock. After screaming, "Olivia you are dating The President" at the top of his lungs, he found himself utter speechless. He could think of nothing else to say to his daughter, and the Most Powerful Man in the World, who was his daughter's "boyfriend."
He always wanted what was best for his child. Olivia is his youngest, and girl, which made her even more special. She always did things her own way, in her time, and pace. If she was to go for something, she was going to go BIG of go home. He never told her she had to be twice as good then everyone else, because she ten time that already.
Her other brother and sister envied her in that respect. Her ability to leap into things with two feet, and her hair on fire, made her the perfect opponent. Olivia was wise beyond her years. She portrayed an inner beauty that matched her outer beauty. If she tried could captivate any man she chose. She had many suitors but none of which she introduced to him, until now.
"Daddy, are you alright," Olivia said, letting go of Fitz's hand walking over. Fitz leaned against the counter. Karen and Jerry came and stood beside him, reaching for both his hands. As they held onto their father's hand, they smiled and noticed they were clammy, and shaking.
"Jer, Dad looks petrified." Karen told her brother.
"Yes, Kar I can see that." Jerry told them.
Fitz and Olivia's Dad eyes were still locked onto the other. Jerry nudged him one way, and Karen the other side. Fitz still barely moved.
"Libby?" Karen said.
Olivia turned around, and saw Fitz's terrified facial expression. She could see his eyes twitching in their sockets, his forehead was wrinkled, and his breathing was labored. His chest was rising and falling extremely fast. Something told her that she was the only one that could calm him down.
She looked to her father first and said, "Daddy we'll talk in a minute. I know you have questions, but Fitz needs me." Her father finally looked at her, and gave her a faint smile. This calmed her down but as she turned back to Fitz it did nothing for him.
She began to walk in his direction, and Karen and Jerry let go of his hands. She went behind him for moment and grabbed a stool for her to stand on, so she could look directly into his eyes. Olivia placed it in front of him, and stepped on it.
When she was finally eye level with Fitz, she placed both her hands on his face. It got his attention, only for a few seconds. He looked directly back at her Dad, who she was sure was giving him the "If you hurt my Baby" death stare.
"Fitz." He was still looking in her Dad's direction.
"Fitz." She said again, finally leaning into his body more. He still wouldn't look to her.
She finally realized that he needed more of her. She took his arms and placed them around her body. The moment his hands touched her back, he finally looked to her, and into her beautiful eyes. Olivia then wrapped her arms around his neck, and pulled him into her body.
"Close your eyes, and only focus on us." She told him in a whisper. "It's just me and you, and you are meeting my Dad, just like any normal guy would have to."
She felt him let out a breath, and nuzzle his face into her neck. "Livy."
"I'm right here." She then pulled away, and took his face into her hands. Fitz did the same, cupping her face in return. She gazed into his blue eyes and told him, "Show him who you are."
Olivia's father watched not believing the sight before him. He finally said, "You really ARE dating my daughter."
Fitz turned to face him, "Yes Sir."
Olivia fell into his embrace, and let him wrap his arms around her small body fully. He let his head fall on top of hers, and rocked them back and forth. She gave Fitz a final squeeze, and she walked over to her Dad.
"Daddy?" She only called him that when she either wanted to calm him down, or wanted something really bad. Her father finally looked at his little girl, and gave her a smile.
"You're dating the President," he asked her.
"Yes."
"Of the United States," moving his head to the side, so he could look at her and Fitz.
"Yes Daddy."
"I need to hear you say it," her father told her.
Olivia looked at her father, and said, "I am dating President Fitzgerald Grant," she tried to say but her father stopped her.
"My Precious Pumpkin," he told called her when he was in overprotective Dad-mode, "Are you sure?
"Yes Dad I am sure." Olivia replied, with utmost certainty.
"Pumpkin," her father said in a softer tone, caressing her cheek. "This man is just not someone you can just 'date'; you can't be normal. You can't go to the movies, the mall, and dinner to your favorite restaurant on a whim with him. You have to be sure Pumpkin, this is what you want."
She kissed her Dad on the cheek and walked over to Fitz. She took his hand, and reached for Jerry who was by her. Karen then grabbed Fitz's hand. "I don't see the first family Daddy, or even The President of the United States when I look at Fitz. I see a loving single father, trying to raise two teenagers on his own. I see a man, who has a heart made of gold; a man that captured my heart, when he walked into my class last week, and made my Christmas wish come true."
"But Pumpkin," causing Fitz to crack a smile.
Fitz just was in awe of her at the moment. She only saw him as the man, and a father, not the title he held. This was more confirmed by her next words.
"Dad, being President is his job. It does not define who Fitz truly is. You and everyone else see the First Family. You see the President of the United States, and the First Children. That is what they are, but that is not WHO they are to me Dad." She stopped and looked Fitz right in the eyes and told him, "To me, they are everything."
Karen let go of Fitz's and walked into her arms. Jerry wrapped his arm around her, causing Fitz to smile even more because his son pulled Olivia in his direction. Fitz then stepped over, and placed his arm, over Jerry's protecting Olivia.
Olivia's father, walked up to Fitz and eyed him. "You're dating my daughter?"
"Yes Sir."
"You planning on sleeping with her?" Her father asked him, in a no nonsense tone.
"DAD! You did not just ask him that?"
Fitz blushed ten shades of red. Jerry and Karen practically fell on the floor laughing. Jerry whispered to him, "Dad, tell him you'll use protection."
"Fitzgerald Thomas Grant IV!' Fitz boomed at him. "We are not going there right now."
Then Karen whispered, "Libby, tell him you're on the pill."
Now Olivia broke out laughing. She walked away from Fitz and walked up to her Dad. She took both his hands, answering with, "Dad, he's not even kissed me yet. We're FAR, FAR away from that step. Fitz has been nothing but a gentleman."
"Good I don't want any unplanned Presidential DNA baking in your womb, if you ain't his wife," her father declared, looking at Fitz. "Remember Mr. President, no DING, without the BLING on my daughter's left hand, ring finger." Her father lifted up his hand, and showed Fitz what he meant.
"Dad, okay enough. Speaking of baking, can we start cookies now?" Olivia said walking off, taking Karen and Jerry with her into the kitchen.
Fitz stood there, not sure what he could say to assure this man, that he had the best intentions for his daughter. Olivia was not some holiday fling that he was going to forget all about when he returned to D.C. in two weeks. That was not possible. He was positive that he wanted forever with her. But saying that to her Father right now, when they just started dating, could scare her away from him.
/
"Walking and Talking, Man to Man…"
"Mr. Pope, I think Quincy needs to go for a quick walk. Would you like to join me?" Fitz walked over to Olivia and squeezed her hand, signaling her that it was okay. That he could not only handle Quincy but her Dad.
Olivia whispered, "You sure, you want to do this."
"Yes Livy I am sure."
Fitz grabbed his coat, along with Stephen and Mitch. He went by the couch and saw her father's coat, looked down at it, and then back up to him. He raised his eyebrows, hoping he would take him up on the offer.
"Please Sir. Come with me for a walk," Fitz asked with pleading eyes. Olivia's father looked at him, and in this moment he did not see the Most Powerful Man in the World. He saw the man, it would seem, that was dating his daughter.
"Okay," her father replied.
"Dad you be nice. I don't want the Secret Service to throw you in jail for threatening him." Olivia told him, looking to Stephen and Mitch who agreed. Olivia's Dad smiled at his daughter and went and hugged her. He promised he would be on his best behavior. They then went outside with Quincy.
They excited Olivia's house, and Fitz and her father, didn't say anything at first. The two strong men just walked side by side, letting the cold winter air fill their lungs, and the snow underneath their feet being the only sounds. Every few moments, they would glance at each other, and Quincy would jump at Fitz, causing him and then her Dad to smile.
Fitz then stopped when they were about half way down the drive way. He turned to look at the house, and saw the roof. Fitz let out a labored breath.
"Mr. President, are you okay?" Her father asked him.
"Yes, but please call me Fitz. This is not the Oval Office, and I am dating your daughter. Do you think you could do that," Fitz asked hopefully.
"Okay Fitzgerald," her father said, with a mischievous grin.
"You sound like my father," Fitz said to him, almost shuddering at the memory of the man.
Her Dad saw Fitz standing there still looking up at Olivia's roof. "You're afraid she'll fall of there, when you're not around, aren't you?"
"Yes, but it's more than that. I'm afraid, that I could lose her, at any moment to anything." Fitz admitted, surprising him.
"My daughter is quite formidable Fitzgerald. You don't have to worry about that. You captured her heart, and no man has ever done that, let alone this quickly."
Fitz turned to face him and smiled. "And she has mine. She has ALL of me Mr. Pope. However, I am afraid once the press finds out about us, and they begin to hound her, that I could lose her. She'll realize this public life, under the microscope, especially my life, is not worth it. That my 'bubble' in not enough for her. That me, the man is not enough for her. Once I leave, she'll come to her senses, and go out with Tom, or someone else."
Olivia's father could hear the sadness in this man's voice. He had seen him on TV countless times, but right, in this moment, he was not the President of the United States. He was the Man who more than cared about his little girl. Fitz placed his head down, and they began to walk again.
Her father than asked him, "You love her, don't you?"
Fitz had never told a woman he loved them before. Fitz was almost 50 years old, and he had never been in love. But things happen in mysterious ways. From getting the video of Olivia, to arriving in Vermont; to meeting her in school, and realizing that SHE IS the little girl in the photo. Olivia is everything to him, but voicing it to her father, would make it real.
Olivia's dad did not need an answer because he knew. He could see it in his eyes. "You don't have to say it to me, Fitz," surprising Fitz, gaining a smile. "I can see it in your eyes. I can hear it in your voice; the way you lose yourself in her eyes, and her in yours. I witnessed how you touched her face in the house, and the connection you both have one another. The first time those words are said, it should be to my daughter, not to me, Son."
Fitz nodded in agreement. "I can't lose her," Fitz said as they began to walk back. Her father could hear his voice breaking.
Her father said to him, "My daughter has always jumped over cliffs with two feet, her hair on fire, and screaming her head off in delight. She got into this relationship with you, knowing those things. She saw you as President Grant first, but now she just sees you as Fitz. Olivia told you that in front of me no less. She sees the best of you, in you. Trust in her feelings, whatever they may be. She won't walk away, not without a fight."
"It's just it's already killing me having to leave her behind," Fitz voiced. He looked inside and could see Karen, Jerry and Olivia giggling and laughing, like all this was meant to be. "I know my children don't want to go either. Their mother has been ignoring them all their lives. Your daughter Mr. Pope, has given them more love in the last few days than any other person has in a long time."
"For starters, it's Louis." Fitz turned to smile at him. "Secondly, you earned my approval. I support you all, in this endeavor. She needs you as much as you need her. Just make me a few promises man to man."
Fitz nodded his head, as they reached her steps to go inside, "Sure anything."
"That you'll protect her with everything you have and fight tooth and nail for her. Her Grand-Pa Joe was the only one that did that for Livy. He saw best in her, even when she couldn't see it in herself." Louis said to him.
"I can do that." Fitz told her.
"But most importantly, you'll love her the way she deserves to be loved. She's always felt un-worthy of love, because of family issues," her father said, thinking of Olivia's mom. "That when you finally say those words to my Little Girl, you'll mean them and you'll do everything in your power to make her happy."
"Yes Sir. If she'll have me, I plan on doing that till the end of my days. Livy's is IT for me. But can you do one thing for me?" Fitz asked.
"Sure what is it."
"Can you PLEASE keep her off the roof," Fitz voiced in a loud whine, causing her father to laugh and the agents behind him to laugh too.
"I can try. But if you being the most Powerful Man in the World can't stop her, what makes you think I can?"
"Because you're her father, and she's Daddy's little girl. Every time we come out here, she eyes the broken lights. I know she is going to wait to take them down, till after I leave. The thought of her falling, scares me to death. I watched her put them up, not knowing it was her." Fitz told her Dad.
"What do you mean you didn't know it was her?" Louis asked him.
Fitz then told him, the day he arrived and the first time he saw Olivia. They spent the entire first weekend around each other, not knowing who the other really was. Then how they met at school, and her catching her in his arms, was the best feeling in the world. How well they worked together all week at school, and by the end of week, they finally discovered they were neighbors.
"Wow," Louis said to him.
"I know." Fitz told him about her Pepsi Pot Roast, the Christmas Tree Shopping and their first date. He told him everything.
Louis looked inside and saw Olivia at the mixer with the kids. Her father then told him, they should go back inside, so Olivia didn't worry. Fitz took off his jacket, and saw Olivia on a stool getting into a high counter. Jerry was about to help her, but saw Fitz and backed off.
Fitz waltzed up behind her, and wrapped his arms around her waist. She immediately stopped what she was doing, and fell backwards into his arms. He took in a breath, leaned up and kissed her neck.
"You're alive."
"I am. You smell like cinnamon," he told her.
She giggled at him. "I know."
"You're Dad came in to say goodbye. We're okay. I have his blessing to be with you."
Olivia turned to face him. She pulled him into her chest, and squeezed. She looked over to her father and mouthed a "Thank you." She then asked Fitz to get some ingredients off the top shelf. Her father smiled knowing they were making her grand-mother Josie's famous cookies.
"Fitzgerald, Karen and Jerry, don't you dare tell anyone what you see her doing. It's a 'Para-Pope' secret around these parts. You keep this to yourselves, you hear?"
"Yes Sir," they all said in unison. Olivia then walked over to him and hugged him goodbye. He promised not to tell her mother, knowing she would have to deal with that later. She told Louis that she loved him, and off he went, winking at Fitz and the kids. For the rest of the day, they baked and decorated cookies.
/
"Tickets to Ride"…Xmas Eve…
Fitz woke up to Nigel saying that a package arrived for him and the kids that morning. It was Christmas Eve, and he could not wait to spend it with Olivia and the kids. Nigel was staying part of the day, and after lunch he would be going home to be with his family. The rest of the staff he told them to do the same, and he did not want them to return till the day after Christmas.
Fitz went down the stairs and saw "Santa Claus" standing there looking at him. "Can I help you Santa? You are not supposed to show up until tonight."
"Mr. President I was asked to deliver this you and your children." Santa then handed him a red envelope. "Your ride will be waiting for you 6:00 pm sharp. See you soon."
Santa then left, leaving Fitz confused. He went and sat on the sofa. He started to open the envelope when Karen and Jerry came into the room.
"Dad what's that?" Jerry asked.
His eyes widened, as three 'genuine tickets' to ride on the Polar Express tonight. He showed them to his teenagers, and they screamed, "No Flipping Way."
Nigel came into the room, "Sir I am assuming you got your tickets for this evening?"
"Yes Nigel but I am supposed to spend it with Livy. Who sent these? Do you know?"
"No Sir. But the staff and agents have some also. We all do. The agents said, that everything will be reading for your arrival, and not to worry."
"But Liv, we're supposed to spend our First Christmas Eve together."
"I don't know. But we'll figure something out." Nigel told him.
He looked down at her house, and saw her garage opening. He made a strange face, wondering where she was going. As if she knew he was watching her, she stepped out of her car, and blew a kiss up to Rose Point. She couldn't see him, but she knew he was there.
Fitz then picked up his cell and dialed her number. She answered right away, "What?"
"And where are you going Miss Pope," Fitz said stepping outside, so they could see each other.
"I have some last minute things to do for Christmas Eve and tomorrow Mr. President. Is there something that you need," she said back, placing her hands on her hips.
"I thought we were spending tonight together." She could see him pouting all the way to her house.
"You're cute," she told him. Now he smiled. "I know but something last minute came up. I'll be with you and the kids as soon as I can. I promise okay."
"Livy," he moaned. "I need to be with you."
"You'll see me as soon as I can figure this situation out."
"Liv, we all got tickets to ride on the Polar Express tonight." Fitz told her, trying to see if she got one too.
"Cool Beans. Well I can just make sure I am to you after the ride. I think it's ninety minutes."
"Liv, I want to be with you," Fitz told her, wanting to go to her.
"You will BE with me Fitz. I'll see you later. I seriously have to go." They both said their goodbye's and he watched her pull out of her driveway. She waved and he already felt her absence. The rest of the day, he spent with Karen and Jerry. They ate her delicious cookies, made plans for the next nine days, and decided what to do after the train ride this evening.
/
"ALL ABOARD!"
As 6:00pm approached, everyone at Rose Point was getting anxious. Fitz kept looking for Olivia and could not see her. Her house was lit up, but she was not there. He figured she must have came home, turned her Christmas lights on, and rushed out again.
The staff, which included Nigel, his wife, the cook, her husband, one housekeeper, and her family all filed outside with Fitz and the kids. They looked on in shock, as carriages of horses pulled up the driveway to Rose Point. The drivers each got out, and helped everyone board the coaches. The Secret Service road with Fitz and the kids, and kept an eye on everyone.
About 6:30 they approached the train station. In the distance they could see a steam train slowing down. Fitz noticed a Christmas Wreath on the front, as it went by. As the locomotive came to a stop, he saw "elves" emerge, and nod their head to Mitch and Stephen, letting them know their carriage was secure. They were in the last car, on the train.
Fitz, the Rose Point staff, his agents, Karen and Jerry began to walk back to their car. The kids then saw the conductor, come down the platform. The person lifted their head and Fitz eyes widened at WHO it was….
"All Aboard," Olivia said. She was dressed in a conductor dress, with a hat and lantern. Fitz, the kids, and the staff were amazed that it was her. Mitch and Stephen smiled but she told them to make sure the Secret Service could plan for Fitz.
"Livy," Fitz said breathless.
She then asked "Well are you coming?"
Karen then asked her, "Where?"
Olivia outstretched her hand, and replied. "Why to the North Pole of course. This is the Polar Express."
Jerry said, "The North Pole," getting a side eye from Fitz. "Dad it's in the book and movie."
Olivia let out a giggle. She walked over to Fitz and handed him the lantern. She turned to everyone and said, "Is this ALL of you," getting nods from everyone. "Well it says here that you didn't visit with Santa this year. That you made someone else leave out the milk and cookies. No letters to Santa either. Sounds to me that this all your crucial year. If I were all of you, I would think about climbing on board," looking right at Fitz.
Fitz was still so breathless, he could not answer her.
She walked up to Fitz, and he gave the lantern back. Each person stuck out their ticket and stepped aboard the train car. When it came to Fitz, she stood in front of him. She was on up on the steps and could look directly into his eyes.
"Ticket?" She said to him. "That is NOT the ticket I want Mr. President." She leaned down and kissed him lightly on his cheek. He finally wrapped his arms around her, and just looked in her eyes.
"Don't you need to punch this, Ms. Conductor?"
"Trust me, I will, in more ways than one." She then helped him climb on board, and lead him into their train car.
Once on board, Fitz noticed the seats were coaches, in red velvet. The train car was green, adorned in white lights, all the way through the car. He saw a small five foot tree in the corner, that had some presents underneath. Olivia lead him to a place that he could sit down, and the agents said that it was fine.
"How did you?" Fitz finally asked her as he felt the train move.
"A family friend runs this Train Ride every year. I spoke to Stephen and Mitch, who spoke to their boss in D.C., who called the manager of the train and set all this up. We are the last car, and no one knows that you are here."
"So this is what you've been doing all day?" Fitz asked her inching closer to her.
"Yes. I wanted tonight to be perfect for you, and the kids. I also wanted to include the staff. I didn't want to leave anyone behind."
"God you're perfect. You made Karen and Jerry's Christmas and mine. They always wanted to do this." he told her, pressing his forehead to her. "I missed you today."
"I know." Olivia was then told it was time for the hot chocolate. Olivia sat next to Fitz, and his arm was placed lazily behind her on the couch. The "elves" handed out hot chocolate to everyone in the car. Karen and Jerry watched their Dad and Olivia, both agreeing that this was one of the best Christmas's they had in a long time.
/
"When Christmas Comes to Town…"
About twenty minutes into the ride, an "elf" came over to Olivia and told her that she was needed. Olivia said she would be back, and off she disappeared. Ten minutes later, a keyboard was placed in the room. Then Harrison came in and sat down and began to play, "When Christmas Comes To Town."
"Dad they sing that in the movie," Karen told him. "But where's Libby?"
"I don't know," Fitz almost began to look for her, until he saw her walk out in a red velvet dress, with white fur on the neckline, cuffs, and bottom hem. The dress was knee length, and was form fitted over her chest and stomach, fanning out on the bottom. He was so mesmerized by her, that he felt like he was in a trance.
He then heard her sing;
"The best time of the year
When everyone comes home
With all this Christmas cheer
It's hard to be alone
Putting up the Christmas tree
With friends who come around
It's so much fun
When Christmas comes to town…"
The entire portion of her section of the song, Olivia would look into Fitz and his kid's eyes. She even walked over to him, and sang the last verse to all of them. When Harrison finished playing, Karen and Jerry, hugged Olivia and told her that she had a beautiful voice. They each asked to meet Harrison, and walked over to him.
Olivia was watching the kids with Harrison. Jerry and Karen, sat with him on the piano. Both kids could play, but Karen was much better. Jerry put out his best version of "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer." It caused Olivia to break out laughing, along with the entire train car.
Fitz got up and walked over to the Christmas tree in the room. He might have made her long time wish come true, but in her, he found something so much better. His mother was right, Olivia was his story, and he was not going to ever let her go.
Olivia was busy mingling in the room and could feel Fitz's eyes on her. She finally walked over to him and the moment she got close enough, he reached for her.
"Easy Mr. President, you could ruin my dress," she said, moving her hand down her body.
He leaned down and told her, "If do ruin this dress, it will be taking it off your body."
She looked at him, blushed and said, "No Ding without the Bling, remember?"
Fitz broke out laughing and turned her around so he could wrap his arms around her. They stood like that a few moments, and as time passed, they could feel the train beginning to slow down. She felt Fitz's face next to hers, and as if he knew she was going to take off again, he wrapped himself around her tighter.
"I'll be back," she told him.
"You're going to leave me alone again," he whined.
"Only for a few minutes," she said touching his face. "You won't even miss me."
"I highly doubt that. What are you going to do now?" Fitz asked her curious.
"I have to go help Santa." Olivia told him.
Fitz gave her that "Are you Serious" look and she smiled back at him, nodding. He grumbled and groaned as she pulled away. But that mood was gone in seconds, as he was suddenly mesmerized by her backside, swaying more than usual walking away. She looked over her shoulder, gave him a wink, and disappeared once again.
"That woman is going to be the death of me," Fitz said to himself, waiting eagerly to see what she was up to next.
/
"The First Gift of Christmas…"
Once the train came to a complete stop, everyone looked over to the door and saw "Santa" emerge with "Mrs. Claus" by his side. Fitz grinned, seeing Olivia carrying a velvet bag of presents, standing by his side. Santa looked to him, and when he nodded, Fitz realized behind the beard it was Tom.
Santa then guided them both to the center of the room where a chair was placed for him to sit and one other to sit. Olivia then asked, "Santa would like to choose who gets the first gift of Christmas."
Immediately his eyes went to Fitz, who nodded 'no." He was too old for this. There was no way, Fitz was going to sit in "Santa's" lap. Mrs. Claus he was all for it but not Santa. Santa then stood up and said, "How about this man right here," looking right at Fitz.
Olivia walked over to Fitz, with the biggest grin on her face. He stood up, locking eyes with her. He whispered in her ear, "I am not sitting in that man's lap. But you Mrs. Claus I want in my lap." Fitz then ran his fingers up and down her dress, causing her to shiver with need.
"You will have to wait for that. I am not the first gift of Christmas Fitzgerald," causing the agents who heard her, Karen and Jerry to laugh.
"But to me you are," Fitz told her in front of everyone, lifting her face so he could gaze into her eyes. She tried to take his hand, and he hesitantly placed his hand in hers, walking him over to sit next to Santa.
"What would you like for Christmas?" Santa asked him.
"Me?" Fitz asked
"Yes you, President Grant." Santa asked him.
He looked at everyone in the room with him. His kids, Nigel, Stephen, Mitch, and when his eyes finally made it to Olivia's, he was lost for a minute. "God she's perfect," Fitz told himself. He then whispered his wish to Santa, causing Santa to stare wide eyed at him, and eventually laugh.
Olivia saw Santa lean over and tell him "I don't know if I can help you there Sir, but I'm sure you'll figure something out." Olivia looked on not sure what he asked. But something told her, it had everything to do with her.
Santa then said, 'The first gift of Christmas" placing a small gold box, with a red ribbon on top, in Fitz's hand. He saw the inscription on the tag. It said "Believe," and knew it was Olivia. Fitz then got up and sat down. He was about to open the box, when Olivia sat next to him, and told him to wait till they got back to Rose Point.
"It's a very special Christmas Present." She told him, touching his face.
"Okay," he told her, placing his hand on top of hers. Fitz then pulled her into his arms, and kissed her temple. He left his lips linger there, not willing to break contact, too quickly. Once he pulled his lips away, Olivia felt his nose touching her there, and shivered at their closeness.
Fitz rubbed his face to hers, whispered things in her ear. He then heard, "Hey Santa got any mistletoe," out of Jerry causing everyone on the train to laugh.
Karen then told her brother, "Jerry we don't want their first kiss to happen here geez. Don't you know anything? Dad, are you sure he's my brother."
Fitz shook his head, causing both kids, and small snickers in the room to start. The kids went and sat by Olivia and their Dad. Olivia handed Harrison her camera and he took pictures of them together and a few of Fitz and Olivia alone. They were perfect. Fitz looked at the photos, smiled seeing that she had others, not just from this night.
"I want ALL of those," Fitz told her.
"I live to serve The President," she told him, kissing his cheek for good measure.
The rest of the ride back to the station, was great. Everyone finished their hot chocolate.
Nigel read The Polar Express. Harrison and Tom, out of his Santa Suit, mingled with everyone on board.
While Olivia was busy with the kids taking more pictures, Fitz decided to go and speak to Tom. Fitz let her know, and she told him to behave himself. Fitz gave her a side-eye wink, and walk over to Tom. "Mr. President."
"Tom." Fitz said. "I wanted to know if we could talk."
"Yes Sir," Tom said, giving Olivia a nod that things were fine.
"Thank you for doing all this for me, my staff, Karen and Jerry. It means a lot." Fitz told him shaking his hand.
"LIv asked me at the school Christmas Party, Saturday. I helped her arranged everything. I helped her all day today."
"Thank you." Fitz told him, not even sure where to begin. "Look I know…"
Tom held up his hand to stop him. "Sir, it's okay. I see how happy you have made her. I wish I could have been that guy, but she never looked at me, the way she looks at you. I will always care for her. I have loved her for a long time. But she's my best friend. And I am not going to let anything change that."
"I know." Fitz told him. He was standing looking at Tom, and both men glanced at Olivia. She was sitting with Jerry and Karen.
"She's going to make a great First Lady," Tom told him, with a tear threatening to escape his eye.
Olivia looked over right after Tom said the words. She did not hear him, but knew whatever he said, affected Fitz profoundly. Fitz gazed softened, and his smiled changed. He had not looked at her quite that way before. She mouthed to him, "You okay?"
Fitz mouthed back "Perfect," then faced Tom. "Yes she will. Take care of her after I leave. You know her best of all, and if you think anything is wrong, if she needs me, please call. I will be here as fast as Marine One can carry me."
"Sir you are the President. You can't just up and leave D.C. because something is wrong with Liv. Your Chief of Staff will end you." Tom said to him.
"I am the President Tom, and she means more to me than THIS job. She's made all this worth wild now. Just look out for her okay." Fitz said, lowering his voice. "I don't want anything to happen to her once I leave. When the press finds out, I want…." Fitz tried to say but Tom stopped him.
"I remember my training. I will see to it that she is safe. All of us will. Just don't break her heart. Because if you do, Secret Service or not, you won't be breathing very long." Tom told him, shaking his hand.
Fitz couldn't respond. He just shook his head up once to let Tom know, he knew he was deadly serious. Tom then excused himself, and went and talked to Olivia and the kids a little while longer. Olivia introduced him to Karen and Jerry, as Fitz walked around talking to everyone in the car.
He heard Karen asking him tons of questions about him and Olivia being best friends, and do they hang out a lot. Both said they do, and even though it made Fitz jealous, he knew that Tom would keep her safe. When Tom saw Fitz coming back over, he told Olivia that he would see her tomorrow for dinner.
"Merry Christmas Tom, and thank you." She told him.
"Anytime bestie." Tom told her. He then got up, nodded at Fitz, and mingled with everyone else in the car till the train stopped at the station.
As the train stopped, all the other passengers from the other cars, were allowed to leave their cars first. Due to security, and Fitz being there, they had to wait till the station cleared before he could leave. About 30 minutes later, the coast was clear and it was time to go.
Fitz helped Olivia with her white coat. He buttoned her up, and wrapped her black scarf around her neck. Everyone got off the train, and finally Fitz stepped down, and reached his hand up to take Olivia and lift her down. Before he eased her down, he wrapped himself around her waist, and looked into her eyes.
"Thank you," he told her.
"No thank you Fitz. The thing about trains... it doesn't matter where they're going. What matters is deciding to get on." Olivia told him, in a smile.
Fitz remembered instantly why she said it, and lifted her off the carriage. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he held her there, gliding them away from the train car. Olivia leaned in and hugged him, and he gave her a quick twirl.
He placed her down on the ground, and was about to lean in to kiss her for real. He then heard a whistle from Jerry, "Go for it Dad," causing Olivia to break out laughing, burying her head into his chest. Fitz then took her hand, and they walked back to the carriages. The other people that came, found their cars in the parking lot, and were able to drive home. Fitz looked at Olivia and she winked at him.
The kids climbed in the carriage, Fitz helped Olivia up, and sat next to her. She snuggled into his body for warmth, and they all talked about tomorrow. Karen and Jerry couldn't wait to spend Christmas Day with her, and have her friends up to Rose Point for dinner. Olivia smiled and when the made it back to the estate, the kids did their own thing, to leave the two love birds alone.
/
"I Believe…I Believe"
Olivia was walking around the formal living room, and finally got a chance to marvel at it's beauty. She had been over to visit a few times now, but never really took everything in. She noticed the stone floors, to the fire place she was sure was made by hand. The mantel over the fireplace, with its huge wreath lit up with lights above.
The windows were draped in beautiful, heavy drapes. The fabric had intricate embroidery, laced with gold, silver, and copper. The drapes themselves were red; a deep dark rich red; a red probably used by royalty.
She then walked over to the tree. She smiled seeing Fitz's name on one in particular. It's said "Baby's First Christmas" with his birth year, and name. She took if off the tree, and brought it to her chest. Fitz was watching her, knowing which ornament she was holding.
"I'm pretty old huh," he said to her, startling her.
"How long have you been there?" She asked him placing it back on the tree.
"Long enough to watch you take in the entire room. I didn't want to disturb you. Plus I love watching you," Fitz told her with a wink.
"You're incorrigible, Mr. President." She lowered her voice and walked towards him.
"Am I?" Fitz asked now walking to her. "So, we are FINALLY all alone. I have all to myself. Karen and Jerry are not going to bother us, and the staff has left. That leaves just you and me."
Fitz was walking to her. Each step she could feel her heat beat increase, and breathing. She could feel the heat, coming from his body, and he was not even next to her yet. Her cheeks began to feel warm, not knowing what to do. She then remembered the bell from the train.
"You're present I gave you on the train. Where is it?"
"Under the tree Olivia," he told her, still walking closer.
"Open it please," she said raising her eyes, and biting her lip.
Fitz smiled and bent down to grab it. He was about to stand up, and she knelt down next to him on the floor. Once she was on the floor she took both her shoes off and placed them to the side. Fitz pulled the ribbon off the box, and took the bell out.
"It's a bell." Fitz told her.
"Yes, but the bell will only ring for those who truly believe. So do you believe?" She asked him, taking his hand in hers. She opened it.
"I believe," Fitz told her and rang the bell. He heard it ring and looked down and felt something drop in his palm.
"Liv?"
"Look?"
Fitz looked down and saw a flag pin. He squinted and counted the stars. His mouth fell open, not truly believing what he was holding in his hand.
"It has 48 stars on it. It's very rare." Olivia told him.
"You didn't have to," Fitz told her, realizing where this pin came from.
"President Eisenhower gave it to my grand-father, after he helped him get back on the campaign trail. I know he wore one like it when he was inaugurated."
"Livy," Fitz barely got out. He could barely speak to her right now. She took the pin and placed it on his sweater.
"I wanted you to have something special to remember me after you left. Something that you could wear, keep with you always, and no one would know it was me. You can wear this and know that wherever you go Fitz, I am with you." Olivia told him, beginning to tear up.
"You are my something special," Fitz told her cupping her face. "Livy I can't accept this. This is too much."
"Oh yes you can. My Grandfather kept this pin for me. My mom, brother and sister all wanted it because of how rare it is. They would probably sell it. He gave it to me before he died. Papa told me that one day, I would meet a man that would be worthy of this pin; worthy of its significance; its importance in history."
"But Olivia," Fitz tried to say.
"No Fitz. Here's the thing. My grandfather also told me the man I give this pin too would have my heart. That he would come into my life in the most unexpected way. That he would become everything to me." She couldn't say anymore, because she did not have to.
"Livy," he was about to lean in to tell her that he felt the same and finally kiss her but he saw his gift for her. He reached for it and placed the box in her hand. She grinned like a little girl, and watched Fitz edge closer. She took the bow off, and ripped open the paper.
"Did you wrap this yourself?"
"Yes I did." Fitz told her, rubbing her cheek. "Do I get ten extra points?"
Olivia smiled recalling the memory of the day the met. She opened the box and the tissue paper inside. Once the tissue paper was off, she realized that he had given her a two part frame. She opened the frame and gasped at what she saw.
Fitz began to shake, not sure, if he did the right thing. She ran her hands over both pictures, and without saying a word, she looked at him. He then told her "Make Jam."
"It was you. You took THIS PICTURE," as her tears began to fall down her face.
"Yes it was me. I took this," pointing to the photo of her and her grandfather. Fitz was now failing in stopping his own tears. She looked down and placed her hand over it. Fitz covered it, and squeezed. His other hand reached behind her, pulling her close.
"How did you know it was me?" Olivia asked.
Fitz then told her when he first saw her video, how her eyes reminded him of the "Little Apple Dress Girl's" eyes from long ago. Later it was her goody basket she gave to Nigel; once he tried one of her cookies, it brought him back to her Grand-mothers baking. It was a taste he never forgot. He then told her how Karen saw the picture in her house. When he came home that night, she found the same photo in his mother's room. He knew instantly it was her after that.
"Why did you tell me who you really were? Why did you tell me once you figured it was me?"
"I was afraid you'd run." Fitz told her.
"I wasn't going to run Fitz." Fitz looked at her. "Okay maybe it would have freaked me out, if you would have just came out and told me, but I would have stayed. I got into this with you, with no blinders over my eyes. I am not afraid."
"I didn't want to lose you. You touched my soul over 25 years ago Olivia. You brought out the real me that day; out of a darkness; into a light. I have not been the same since." Fitz said to her, touching her face.
"But this one," she asked, rubbing her hand over the photo of both of them. Fitz explained to her about what his mom told him, leaving out the letters he found. He did not want to overwhelm her especially on Christmas Eve.
"All these things lead me home to you." Fitz told her. "I never forgot about you Livy. I never stopped wondering, waiting and watching for you. I hoped that I would see you again, but I only did from a distance. I have been hoping against all odds that we would finally find each other."
"You found me," she looked back up to him. Her voice sounded weak, and if she blinked he could disappear before her eyes.
"I will always find you. And nothing will keep us apart now." Fitz told her with much certainty in his voice.
"Is this all just a dream? Is this really you? Did you take this?" She asked him. "I have been waiting for you for so long. All my life, it seems."
"I know." He said to her. "I have been waiting for you."
"So my wish….."
"Was meant for me," Fitz said winking at her, causing her to giggle at him.
He took the frame out of her hands, and placed it on the floor. They were still in front of the tree, and he took her hands. "Now that you know who I really am, and I know that you are the "Little Apple Dress Girl" causing her to laugh, "I need you to close your eyes."
She gave him the strangest look. Fitz asked her again and she finally shut them. "Now I need you to say I believe."
Olivia shook her head, and finally said,"I believe."
"Say it again," Fitz told her, edging closer.
"I believe," she uttered this time, when she felt his hands on her face. Her voice cracked, feeling his body closing in on hers. This caused a shot of electricity to shoot through her body.
"Again," Fitz whispered. She could feel his breath on her face. Her heart was beating practically out of her chest.
"Fitz," Olivia whimpered, just as the clock struck midnight. "I be…," she finally felt his soft lips on hers. She whimpered, and the longing she felt for this moment, was consuming her body and soul. Everything faded away; the lights from the tree, to the crackling of the fire. Everything in the room disappeared. Olivia could only feel Fitz's lips on hers, warming her body from within.
Olivia placed her hands on his face, and could feel his stubble. She then traveled her hands behind his neck and her fingers found his hair. She heard him moan, and he gradually opened his mouth. She began to run her fingers through his soft curls, like she had done it a million times before. His hair was so smooth, and her fingers couldn't get enough of it.
"Livy," he whimpered causing her to open hers mouth. Fitz found himself, lost in its warmth. The softness of her tongue, and the dominance it was waging against his. She tasted like the sweetest hone on earth and he didn't want to come up for air. Her lips were smooth, like silk, igniting a fire within Fitz's soul to pull her closer. Fitz moved her body, so that she was across his chest, cradling her like a baby.
He took one of his hands, and laced in her curls. Her hair was smooth, silky, and couldn't stop moving his fingers through it. He took his other hand, placing on her face, not once letting his mouth leave hers. As their tongues began to duel, he began to lay them down on the floor, with him on top. He was drinking from her well of passion. In this moment he knew, that no other woman would be able to quench his thirst ever again.
She squeaked and giggled slightly, as he placed his body on hers. She felt his hands go behind her back, pulling her flush against his body. His breathing was labored, and hers matched. His hand began to move up and down her velvet dress, not wanting stop caressing her body. Olivia moved her hands from his hair, and moved them up and down his chest. Even with his sweater on, she could feel his well defined chest muscles.
Fitz claimed her mouth seeking more. He required more. He wanted to devour her; to never be able to come up for air. He couldn't breathe without her, and knowing what kissing her finally felt like, he was not letting her go.
The heat of their breaths and bodies were causing tingles all the way pass their toes, into the fire place. Fitz could taste the hot chocolate, and a touch of cinnamon. She felt her smile, against his lips, knowing that she tasted the same thing.
Fitz finally pulled away, leaving them both breathless. Olivia was so blown away that her min was complete mush. With her with her eyes closed, she heard "Open your eyes.".
She was still so lost in the moment, that she didn't hear him. Her mind was going up and down on a roller coaster. All she could think about was going back for more. She felt him caress her face, and brush his lips against hers once again. She let out a labored breath, causing Fitz to smile.
"Look. At. Me." Fitz said this time, causing Olivia to open her eyes, and see him perched above her.
"Merry Christmas Livy."
"Merry Christmas Fitz."
"Wow." She said, causing him to chuckle at her. When she was able to focus more, she looked above him and saw something hanging from the ceiling. "Fitz is that mistletoe?"
"What," Fitz turned his head, and saw that it indeed was mistletoe, hanging above them.
"Did you know it was there?"
"Nope. The only thing I was focused on was kissing you finally." Fitz was leaning in for more, and began kissing her forehead, cheeks, ears, then moving down to her neck. Her entire body was on fire.
"Stay the night with me Livy."
"Fitz," she breathed out.
"I want to wake up Christmas morning with you in my arms, in my bed upstairs."
He saw the "I so need to go home and sleep look" on her face and told her "We are not going to make love tonight Olivia. I want to, which I am sure you figured out, but neither one of us is ready. When we finally make love, Olivia, you will be in my arms every night after that no matter what."
"Fitz," he could see her worrying.
"Stay with me. I want to wake up tomorrow morning with you in my arms, and every day from this moment on till I have to leave for the White House. Please stay," he voiced barely. The thought of sleeping without her, now that she knew who he was, was unbearable.
"Okay. But I have to get some clothes for tomorrow and," she tried to say.
"And Quincy can come up too." Fitz told her. "But he's not sleeping in bed with us."
"Whatever you say Mr. President," causing a moan out of Fitz.
"Say it again."
"Mr. President," she said, running her hands, at the base of his sweater.
"Mhmmm, I love it when you say it like that. So sexy," Fitz told her, coming back for a second kiss. She told him no and he eventually helped her up, so they could go down to her house and get Quincy. He kissed her lightly on the lips this time, helping her with her jacket. She helped him put on his, and wrapped her arms around his waist.
They looked up and saw mistletoe by the door to go outside. Both realized Karen and Jerry must have hung these in the hope to finally get to kiss. Fitz raised his eyes at her, and leaned down for another one. He tried to deepen it but she pulled away, seeing him frown.
"When we get back, you can kiss me as much as you want."
And with that, Fitz pulled her out of the house, causing a fit of laughter to come of out. They walked down the driveway, and up her house. Mitch and Stephen saw Fitz leave and knew he'd be back. Once in Olivia's house, she pulled out an overnight bag, and packed pajamas, and everything else she would need.
Fitz came into the room, just as she was finishing. He kissed her lightly on the lips this time, knowing once they got started, he wouldn't be able to stop. He held onto Quincy's leash, and walked them back to Rose Point.
Once inside, Fitz lead her up to his room, and let her change in the bathroom. When she came out, he loved her Christmas Pajamas. Fitz had changed into flannel sleep pants and his Navy shirt. Olivia walked up to him, and told him, "I love a man in uniform."
"Is that so," Fitz told her. She nodded her head at him, walking to a side of the huge bed. She pulled the covers down and climbed in.
"Are you coming or not?"
Fitz crawled in and immediately placed himself next to her. He lowered his head and when his lips finally met hers once again, they made out like teenagers. They kissed and touched each other it seemed forever. She finally looked at the clock, and rolled over. Fitz snuggled into her from behind, rubbing her back.
Her heard her sigh, and then in an instant, her breathing changed and she was out. Quincy sniffed the bed, and laid down on the floor by Olivia. Fitz smiled and whispered "Can I keep you?"
He heard her say "yes," in her sleep. He said something in her ear, and drifted off to sleep. He could not wait for Christmas Day.
/
Happy New Year my precious Loves. Here was the chapter I told you about. I hope you enjoyed it. I dedicate this chapter to ALL that have read, left me crumbs, and PM's. You truly made this story a reality. I know the holidays are over but there is more Xmas In Vt. I promise.
So, Fitz finally told her the truth of who is he and of course you finally GOT YOUR KISS! She didn't run. It only took ten chapters right! Be prepared for Xmas Day in the next and more of their time. There will be some bumps in the road though, just beware. You haven't seen nothing yet and Fitz still needs to show her the letters. #HolyFitz!
Take care and leave me tons of "crumbs." The more I get, the quicker you will get Chapter 11.
Me's.
P.S. Use of The Polar Express in this chapter was only used for entertainment purposes. No copywriting intended. ;-)