AN: First of all, I want to apologize for the lack of update. I had promised you this chapter months ago but I failed you I'm sorry. Life hasnt been the kindest on me and I was undergoing a rough patch. But, I'm back now. Second, I thank you for not giving up on me, I appreciate your reviews, favorites, follows and PMs. And I wanted to tell you that in the future, I'll do my best to update once a week.
DISCLAIMER: Scandal and its characters belong to Shonda Rhimes and ABC/Disney
Without any further ado, chapter 12.
Enjoy and review.
Liv's POV
As soon as Fitz called to tell her that his family had left, Liv headed to the ranch. Fitz had proposed her to come at the meeting but she felt like she wasn't ready to meet his family. Which was weird considering that they weren't even dating? She told Huck where they were headed 'cause she wanted to discuss the background check with Fitz first. Earlier that day, Huck had been able to finish the background check. She had wanted Fitz to know what they found but she had waited for his family to depart. What they'd found out would change his demeanor and since she knew he didn't want his family knowing the truth about Mellie, she figured if was best to wait.
Once at the ranch, she was nervous to enter the house. How would Fitz react to this information? What would he do? If he were anything like she was, he would close himself up. She didn't know why but the mere thought of him closing himself to her bothered her even if with the information he was about to receive she'd have done the same. She had become used to having him open with her; she didn't want to see him close himself. He would blame himself. He would think he was a failure. Would he push her away? She didn't want to think about it but she couldn't do anything but worry. When did she become this person who was worried that someone would close themselves to her?
Huck wasn't that much of an open person or a talker, however, it never bothered her and he was her best friend. And she had known him for nearly 9 years. But, she'd known Fitz for less than 3 weeks and him not being open with her seemed to be a problem. What was it with Fitz that changed the very person she was? When did he get that much power over her?
Fitz's POV
Fitz was over the moon, he couldn't believe that in a few moments he would be seeing Liv after 2 weeks. He'd get to put an image to her as she smiles, as she laughs, giggles, or does anything that he'd come to find adorable in their daily phone calls. He'd hopefully get to hold her. He imagined how she would just fit in his arms. He longed to see her. When did she become so important to him that he was practically aching to see her again? Never in his life had he met someone that exhorted in him such need.
And, with the need she evoked in him he knew he needed her in his life. He had to ask her out. But, he couldn't rush it. He didn't want her to feel like she was a rebound. She was way more than a rebound. He didn't even think that there couldn't be a rebound from Mellie. For there to be a rebound, there had to be a "bound" first. And, he wasn't sure if there had been one between himself and Mellie.
He had to talk to Huck to make sure that when he did ask her out it'd something special and that she'd feel the same. But, he felt weird about asking Huck. What if something happened between them? What if he sabotaged his plans because he felt like he was losing his best friend? What if he thought he wasn't worthy of her and refused to help?
This was insane, right? He was worrying about what a guy who he hadn't exchanged more than a couple of sentences thought of him. He was seeking his approval and valued it highly. What was it about Liv that changed him? Since when did he worry about what some guy he just met thought of him?
Liv had already way too much power over him. What would happen of him if she said no? What would he do if she didn't want to be in his life? He could handle her not wanting to date him but wasn't sure if he could handle her not being in his life. So, he had to make sure that when he did ask her out it would be something that would ensure that he would get her to remain in his life. But, he wouldn't wait too long before asking her out. He didn't want her to go out with someone else while he was getting his shot together. After all, who wouldn't want to go out with her? She was gorgeous beyond words. So, he had to act cautiously but fast.
Huck's POV
It was weird seeing Liv worried that someone might not talk to her. She hated talking. She actually liked being in company of people who didn't talk. But, since it was the first time he'd seen her like this, he didn't know what to do. Should he tell her that he wouldn't shut her out? What if he did and then Fitz did shut her out. She'd be hurt and angry and mad at him. He wouldn't be able to live with himself knowing that he hurt her in anyway.
He couldn't tell her that she was worrying over nothing because what they'd just discovered was huge. Besides, this wasn't any guy; this was the only guy Liv had allowed herself to have a crush on in ages. He didn't know what to do. And like Liv, he hated not knowing what to do. Urgh! When did it happen that he didn't know what to do to help his best friend?
Fitz held way too much power over Liv already. And that only meant that if he did hurt her it would be way worse than anything he'd seen. Him having that much power over her meant that he also held the power of destroying her more than anyone in her life ever had. He had to do research in order for him to know what to do to help his best friend. Liv was the best damn thing to happen to him, he couldn't stand anything happening to her and he had to be ready in the event that something did happen to her that he couldn't prevent from occurring.
This was a new territory for them both. He just hoped that things between Liv and Fitz did work out. He wouldn't even dare to imagine what would happen if it didn't or Fitz ended up hurting her like her exes did. He hoped his gut was right in Fitz because if he did hurt her, Liv would die alone before letting someone in again. And he, himself didn't know if he'd be able to survive letting her down like that. He would be failing her again and he had vowed not to do so anymore.
Fitz's POV
Liv arrived at the ranch and rang the bell. Since he was eager to seeing her, he went to open himself. The sight he saw rendered him speechless. She looked mesmerizing. She was dressed in a grey Prada suit, a white blouse and black Jimmy Choo 4" heels, a black Tom Ford hand bag. She had light make up on and the only jewelry she had was her gold watch and the necklace she had on when he first met her. She literally took his breath away.
"Governor? Are you okay?" He was brought back to reality by Liv's sweet voice.
"Um... Yeah" He said embarrassed. "Come on in." He guided them through the foyer to the living room.
"Do you guys need something to drink?" he asked as they were settling down.
"No, thanks." came Huck's answer.
"I'd like some cold water please." Said Liv sweetly.
He headed out of the room chastising himself. Get it together, Fitz. You can't start drowning in front of her; she'll think that you're a creep. He goes to the fridge and gets her a bottle of water. He instructs Javier to make them his homemade lemonade knowing that he and the kids enjoy it deeply and hoping that Liv would also enjoy it. He comes back into the living room to find Liv very nervous. He assumes it's due to whatever she had to tell him. He had to stop for a little moment when he noticed Huck's hand on her thigh. He couldn't help but feel jealous of man who was simply comforting his best friend. He saw red. He was jealous and they weren't even a couple. What would happen once they were? Had he ever been this jealous over a woman? As far as he could recall, hour never felt that much jealousy over anything and anyone. He didn't realize that Liv was watching him. He took a deep breath and entered the living room and looked at Liv.
Somewhere across the city
"Remember when I told you to dig up on Mellie; I think that you should redo it but more thoroughly this time. I think that something's definitely going on. There is no way Fitz acted on impulse asking for a divorce. There has to be something that changed him. He wouldn't risk his career if he didn't think it was worth it."
"Okay boss! Should I look at something in particular?"
"Look at the children. It has to be something related to the kids. He'd do anything for them if it meant they were safe and happy."
"Okay. Should I proceed with the execution of the plan we made last time?"
"No. I think you should wait. Fitz is being nice and offering her a chance. But, if she dares to misbehave, go nuclear on her. And, just like I told you last time, make sure that Fitz discovers that I am behind whatever might happen to her. He already can't stand me as it is, I don't think that he'd take kindly knowing the fact that I was personally responsible for the destruction of the mother of his children. And, make sure that whatever you do doesn't affect the kids. They're innocents in this story."
Olivia's POV
When Fitz was gone, Liv kept telling herself to get it over with and tell him. Be direct she thought. Maybe it won't go as bad as you think. Who am I kidding of course it's gonna be bad. Who wouldn't react badly to what he's going to learn? He mind started racing again. And Huck must have sensed it as he placed his left hand on her thigh and squeezed it.
Once she saw Fitz and the concern in his eyes, she relaxed only momentarily. She saw Fitz's demeanor change and his ears turn red. Was he angry? Why would he be? Was there something that happened that she wasn't aware of? Then, she remembered Huck's hand on her thigh. Ni, it couldn't be could it? He wasn't jealous of Huck. He had no reason to be. But, what if he was? Jealousy and relationships didn't go well in her book.
But, for the brief second she thought he was jealous of Huck, she felt a tinge of... happiness. He was jealous over her; it meant he also felt the pull that was between them. Would he be jealous of her and Huck's relationship to an extended where he would make her choose between himself and Huck? Huck had been the one person that was always there for her, she couldn't just abandon I'm just because she was in a relationship, he was there for her, always, she wouldn't just ditch him.
She watched as Fitz came into the living room. Damn, did he look hot! He was dressed casually. He had on Navy blue Calvin Klein jeans, a sky blue shirt with rolled sleeves and black Air Jordan sneakers. His hair looked a little shorter than in her memory, so, she assumed he had a haircut when he was away. The one curl that couldn't stick with the rest of the hair still lingered.
Huck's POV
Huck looking at Liv did his best to suppress a chuckle. The way she was looking at him like she was ready to eat him alive. If these two took more than 2 weeks to go out with each other, it will be way to long. They were undressing each other with their eyes already.
Huck knowing that neither of them would break their staring contest decided to speak up. "Um... I think we should take this conversation to your study. I don't think it's something you want the kids walking in on."
"Yeah. He's right. We should go to your study." Liv said getting composure once again.
"Sure, Liv. But, you've got to say hi to the kids first. Keith had been bragging all day to his cousins that he would be beating you once you came after Karen told them how he lost to you.
And all the time we were gone they couldn't stop saying how you were the only reason they wanted to come back to Cali. Karen, so that you can see her drawings and give them some advice.
She even said she would kidnap you so you guys could have a shopping spree. And Keith wants you to show him the trick you used to beat him, if, and I say if you didn't cheat."
All Liv could do, was chuckle at the kids' antics. She hadn't known them for that long and apparently, she'd left an n imprint in their lives. Huck on the other hand was going out of his mind thinking. The kids were also attached to Liv. Which meant Liv was attached. This meant that if things didn't work out between the pair she'd be even more hurt by all of this.
When did this happen? Liv hadn't been in their company more than 3 days maximum before they left. Why did they all get attached this fast? Now he knew for sure that he and Fitz had to have a serious conversation about Liv. Better she didn't get too attached if he had no intention of treating her properly. He knew it would hurt but, that would hurt way less than Fitz leading her along only to be hurt in the end.
He had no doubt that Fitz wanted to ask Liv out judging by the look on his face when he saw her. But, as her friend, he wanted to know if Fitz was as invested into having a relationship with Liv as she was. He wanted to be sure that she would not be the rebound girl that he'd dump when he met someone better. Liv deserved to be treated like a queen. She shouldn't be no one's rebound.
He looked as Fitz went to wake the twins. They came downstairs running and launched themselves at Liv. The kids were merely 13 years of age. And around her, they were acting like 6 year-olds. They were so carefree, like they'd known her their whole lives. They started talking at the same time. Each one of them looking to get her attention.
"Kids. Please, stop talking at the same time. The poor Liv only has two ears and can't hear what either of you are saying if you talk at the same time."
"I was saying. That I need you to come and look at my room. You promised me last time. Plus, you played with Keith last time and I didn't get that much time with you. So, I think we should do something together first."
"No, Karen always gets if her way. I was saying that I got this new game in New York and I haven't played it yet. I waited for you so we can play it together."
They started arguing on who would get to spend time with Liv first.
"Kids, let Liv speak first." Fitz said. Huck was still observing the scene before him. He wanted to believe that Fitz wanted what was best for Liv but, the only way he could be sure was if he talked to Jim and looked at him straight in the eye as he answered his questions.
"Your father and I have some important things to discuss first. Once we're done, I'll look at what Karen has to show me what she has. And then I'll play with Keith before it's time for you guys to have diner and for us to leave."
"Can't you stay for diner?" they both asked at the same time.
"You'll have to ask you dad about that." she replied. But Huck could see she was dying to say yes.
"I don't see why not. We just have to tell Javier to make a little more food. I hope you guys don't have any allergies."
"I'm a vegetarian. And I have a peanut allergy." replied Huck.
"I'm also kind of vegetarian." said Liv.
"Kind of?" the trio replied at the same time.
"It's complicated to explain." was all Liv could say. She wasn't ready to explain her diet yet.
"It's a good thing that we're having raviolis then." Fitz said.
"You guys should head out already. The sooner you're done, the more time with Liv, we'll have." said Karen pushing the adults towards the study. The only thing they could do was obey and chuckle at her.
Fitz's POV
Once in the study, and they were all seated, Liv made Huck a sign that meant he could begin. He switched on his computer and as he waited for if to open, he begun talking.
"As you recall, Liv asked me to do a background check on your wife..."
"Please don't call her that. Just call her Mellie. She no longer is my wife from the moment we filled and, even before that, I'm not sure she abided the definition of the word wife."
"Okay. So, Liv asked me to do a background check on Mellie. I told you last time that what I found was only the beginning and that I'd keep looking. Going in deep, we found out that Mellie has been in an on-again off-again with someone since before you two met. You and Mellie meeting wasn't a coincidence.
Mellie knew who you were and you lineage before she addressed you. Her and her lover had come up with a way of getting easy money from you. When Mellie told you she was pregnant she wasn't lying. She was indeed pregnant however the baby wasn't yours. As she aborted at 16 weeks (4 months) and from what you said your sexual encounter with her happened 14 weeks (3 and a half months) before her supposed miscarriage. Her abortion caused a major problem between the pair once she told him.
He broke things off with her. After that, she thought you were going to dissolve your marriage and give her whatever she demanded. However, you decided to work on your marriage, this changing her plans.
Since things with her lover were off, she thought that maybe you two should really work on your relationship, that maybe you could grow to love each other. That's why, during the months that followed the 'miscarriage', it felt like you two were growing to love each other. The both of you were really trying.
A little before she got pregnant with the twins, her and her lover reconnected. And resumed their relationship. However, a few months into their new relationship, she found out she was expecting. That was a huge pill to swallow for the both of them. However, they decided they could make it until 2 months after she gave birth when he broke things off with her. Their 'relationship', if I can call it that resumed 3 years after you came back to California.
But, her having an affair isn't news. In all your marriage, Mellie had an overall of 15 affairs. However, this one is the one that I think will cause problems in the future." he paused to let him time for his words to sink in.
"And why is that?" he asked after a few minutes.
"If news of this affair was to go public, it would affect you and the children deeply. But, I am afraid that it could also destroy your family. And I'm not sure the kids would survive knowing the truth. But, it your call whether or not they should be made aware of the situation." He looked at Liv not really knowing how to continue. She gave him a nod telling him to tell the truth, the whole truth.
"Please, just tell me already." Fitz said impatiently. His mind was racing. He prayed to God that what Huck was about to tell him wasn't what he thought he would tell him. He didn't know if he could live with that knowledge. But, it was better knowing that staying in the dark. And, for him to be able to move forward from Mellie and what she'd done, he had to do damage control of all the damage she'd caused. And, in order to do so, he had to be aware of what she'd done.
Huck took a deep breath. "From that affair resulted the birth of the twins. However, the father is not aware that he fathered them. But, your son, Keith is named after his paternal grandfather..."
Fitz felt all the blood drained from his face. It couldn't be true. They couldn't have both betrayed him in such a way. How could they? How could he not have made the link? How could he not have seen it? Was he that blind that he couldn't see it? Or was he simply lying to himself while he knew the truth deep down? He started to hyperventilate but nor Liv or Huck noticed.
His mind was going at 100 mike's an hour and he feared that he'd come crashing once the words he thought would come from Huck's mouth were pronounced. But there was no going back. And no matter how he expected the words that were about to come out of Huck's mouth, no amount of knowing would have prepared him to hearing the words out loud.
"... Robert Keith Nichols, father of ..." that is the last thing Fitz heard before everything went black.
AN: What do you think?
- The background check is ON
- So, Andrew's the father? Or Is he? ?
- The Grants are unto her... Poor Mellie... or not!
- Aren't the kids the best?
- What should Fitz do? ? ? Do you think he'll kill Mellie? her baby daddy? ? ?
- What will become of Karen and Keith? ? ?
I'm counting on your opinion cause it matters..
Till next time...
Ghissie
