Chapter 10: Broken Clocks
Olivia spends the day with her little girl. They are deeply connected and Olivia did not know that love like this existed. She felt a soul tangling, life changing love with Fitz but the love you have for your child is different.
Olivia sits on the couch with Athena in her arms as she breasts feeds peacefully. Olivis loves breast feeding - this was their connection and one on one time. Her little chubby hands work over the smooth skin of Olivia's breasts as her mouth works to suck on her nipple.
"Are you hungry after our day out?" Olivia asks, rubbing her tummy. Olivia had gone to the fresh produce market in the afternoon after she got out of her pajamas. Olivia and Fitz had announced to the world that their child was born but had asked for privacy. They both agreed that they wanted her out of the public eye as long as possible. Today when Olivia went to the market, she kept the stroller covered so nobody could see their baby girl but photos of Olivia out are already online and all over the news.
"Daddy should be home soon." Olivia whispers. Olivia is enjoying her down time from work because she knows it won't last long but she needed family time for as long as possible.
Fitz walks in the front door, sighing and turning to see Olivia, "Hi baby." He says, smiling and walking to his little family on the couch. Olivia smiles up at Fitz, kissing him as he sits on the couch beside them. He kisses Athena's little hands as she feeds peacefully.
"How was your day?" He asks Olivia, rubbing her cheek and watching Athena feed.
"It was good. We went to the market and dinner is in the oven. I followed a real recipe and I think it's going to turn out well. Athena loves nature and is a very hungry girl." Olivia says, her does eyes full of love and dreams.
"I'm very excited to try your dinner." Fitz says, "How long till dinner? Do I have time to change?" He asks, getting up.
Olivia looks up at the beautiful man, "Omce you get back from changing, we will eat." Olivia says, kissing Athena's little curls forming and laying her in her bassinet in the living room. Olivia fixes her top, heading into the kitchen and getting dinner ready to serve.
Fitz is going to mention London to her but he's nervous for the whole situation. He didn't want to leave his family even if it was for a short period of time but he has always wanted to do this and it is an oppurtuntiy to change the world and do better. Olivia Pope the fixer would understand but his Livvie, the new mother, the love of his life, wouldn't want him to leave.
He checks on Athena one last time before he goes to the table, kissing her chubby cheeks, "I love you." He whispers to their little lovebug.
Soon he finds himself facing the beautiful woman as he eats dinner, "Olivia, this is really good. You did a great job." Fitz says, smiling warmly her. She is glowing and he couldn't believe that they were finally living their dream. Happy and together.
"Thank you. I was a bit scared to try the recipe but if it was bad, I could try again." Olivia says, sipping her water. She looks at Fitz again, able to read him since the second she met him on the campaign trail, "Fitz, what's wrong?" She asks, noticing his body language and his stress levels.
Fitz sighs, sitting back in his chair and studies her for a moment. Olivia's brain runs wild with thoughts and so of her biggest worries, "Oh my god, you don't want us anymore?" She asks, tears prickling her eyes.
Fitz freezes, "What?" He says, shaking his head, "I want you and Athena more than anything. Never ever think I don't. You two are my world and I couldn't go without you. I always want you and our family." He promises, reaching across the table and squeezing her hand. Olivia lets out a sigh of relief as she looks at him.
"It's that today I received a phone call from an activist and lawyer in London. He offered me an opportunity to take the Grant Foundation global. I know this is horrible timing for us and our family but this is something I've always wanted to do. I would be changing the world and leaving my Foundation to Karen, Teddy, Athena, our babies to come and you." Fitz says, looking at Olivia. He watches Olivia's face and body tense.
"Fitz, we just had a baby. She's two months old. You can't just vanish on us." Olivia says, looking at him. Fitz nods, "I know, Liv. I want you two to come with me. It won't be more than 6 weeks. I will start it up then leave." He says, "You could even help since you're the only person I really trust besides Marcus." Fitz adds.
Olivia shakes her head, "I can't come with. I'm not uprooting Athena like that." Olivia says, her face twisted in emotion.
"Olivia-
Olivia sits back in her chair, "Fitz, we have a newborn. You cannot just leave us like this. It's not the right timing but of course you pick now to leave." Olivia snaps, the feeling of being abandoned taking over.
"Liv, no-
"Forget about it. Go, Fitz. Go do whatever you want. Leave your newborn daughter and whatever I am to you, at home." Olivia yells, angry, hurt and scared. She goes silent and ignores him. Fitz sighs, trying to explain all evening to her but falling quiet when she treats him like he's not even there.
He crawls into bed that night with Olivia's back to him, he sighs and stares up at the ceiling. This is something he's always wanted to do and this is his only opportunity. He didn't want to leave Athena and Olivia for even a week.
"Liv, please. Come with." He whispers, placing his large hand on the small of her back. She tenses then relaxes against his body - her body always defies her when it comes to his touch.
"No. I'm not doing that to our daughter. She's a newborn. You go ahead and go. We'll be waiting for you when you get home." Olivia says with sadness and anger. She didn't want him to leave but she couldn't get that point across.
Fitz sighs, pulling at his hair and laying down flat in bed. He doesn't say another word, falling asleep to the silence of their Vermont home.
-Morning-
Olivia wakes up to Athena's cries and an empty bed beside her, "Fitz?" She whispers, looking around the room and seeing a note on her nightstand. She gets up and grabs the note. Reading it as she walks to the nursery to soothe her crying baby.
Dear Livvie,
I'm going to create an international Grant Foundation for you and our babies. I want my legacy to be left to you when I pass. I know now isn't a great time but I'll be back in 2 weeks or less. I love you and please give Athena lots of kisses for me.
Fitz
Olivia fights the urge to cry, putting the note down and scooping up her beautiful baby, "Shh.. I know. I got you." Olivia whispers, soothing her and holding her close. Her big blue eyes staring up at Olivia's brown doe eyes.
"It's gonna be me and you for a little while, okay? We got this." Olivia whispers to her as she sits down in the rocking chair to nurse her.