#HappySunday #Gladiators
Yes here is your next update for this tale. I am posting this chapter tonight UNEDITED. Please keep that in mind when you read. It is not been proofread. I NEVER do this but I wanted this up tonight. I will re-read tomorrow and make any corrections (spelling, grammar, etc) So, PLEASE excuse ANY mistakes you find.
I am pleased you are all excited for Jackson Avery to make his appearance. The man is fine, (smiles) and the perfect therapist for Olivia.
So please have a great week, and I'll be looking for your #Crumbs on the flipside.
Take care and TY for reading…Me's
/
Chapter 21: Therapy For The Heart…
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." – Maya Angelou
Leg Exercises…(January 4th)
Jackson quickly stands up then reaches his hand to the future President of the United States. Fitz smirks at his nervousness. It is obvious Olivia told him nothing about him nor the fact they were dating. Jackson has never been nervous before about meeting significant others, BUT THIS is entirely different.
Jackson VOTED for this man standing before him. His promises he spoke of on his campaign won him over. Fitz wanted to do many things to help ALL who lived in this country and called it home. Not just the rich and powerful. He was the kind of man America needed, coming along at the right time in History.
Fitzgerald Grant became the Man of the People on his run for the White House, and as Jackson looks upon him and Olivia, there is much of Miss Rose in him. Miss Rose spoke of a young man she helped years ago, turning his life around, making him a better man. It all becomes clear from his acceptance speech the night he won the Election.
He "thanked" a Miss Rose. That "Rose" was Olivia's Grandmother.
"It's an honor Sir," Jackson stammers as they shake hands. "I mean Mr. President – Elect… wait should I call you Governor Grant," Jackson blurts out clearly frazzled.
"How about," Fitz chuckles, placing his other hand on top of Jackson's, "you just call me Fitz." Jackson eyes widen. "Now before you say it would not be all right, it is. We are not in the Oval Office. This is YOUR place not mine."
"But…," Jackson protests. If his mother knew her son was meeting the country's newest leader and he did not address him correctly, he'd never hear the end of it.
"Would you prefer if I called you Jackson or Mr. Avery," Fitz questioned with a smirk on his face. Jackson hears the humor in his voice.
"Jackson Mr. President- Elect," Jackson reiterates. "I run a very informal session. But if my mother knew I addressed you anything but by your title…"
"Who is your mother," Fitz inquires as he glances down at Olivia. She's biting her lip to herself from laughing at Jackson's expense.
"Catherine Avery."
"THE Catherine Avery," Fitz eyes widen knowing full well who is mother is. He did he research before coming to Olivia's therapy. He wanted to ensure she was getting the best therapist for her injuries. Jackson is an innovator in this field, willing to try new techniques helping his patients acquire the best results.
"Yes Sir. Do you know her?"
"Do I know your mother," Fitz chuckles. "No but I'd love to meet her one day. I have heard of her surgical expertise. My father had to have a stomach ulcer repaired a few years back. If the surgeon at the hospital could not handle it, her name was mentioned. Her name is well-known on the West Coast, especially in California and Washington State. She is an outstanding General Surgeon."
Jackson blushes at Fitz's praise of his mother. "Thank you Sir. I'll be sure to tell her. She's a huge admirer of yours."
Now it's Fitz's turn to blush. "Well please next time she's in the area here or in DC please allow me to thank her for encouraging you to enter the medical field. Is your Grandfather,…"
"Harper Avery," Jackson groans. "Yes. I don't let too many of my clients or colleagues know because I don't want to be known as his Grandson. Coming from such an impressive medical family is very hard image to live up too."
"I understand." Fitz understands fully where he is coming from.
"Well you are the best in this field Jackson. Olivia I have no doubt is in good hands." Fitz grimaces at his last words. He does like the idea of Jackson touching her.
Jackson smiles uncomfortably as Fitz walks to stand behind Olivia. As he takes his position behind her chair, he eyes bore into Jackson. Fitz's hand lift off the handles of her wheelchair, then rest on her shoulders. Olivia's hands lace into his squeezing them gently then kissing them both.
"Thank you," Jackson answers. "Mr. President…I mean…"
"You know what call me whatever you feel is comfortable Jackson. Olivia went through this when we first met. Right Livy," he leans down then plants a kiss on her cheek. She blushes as Fitz nuzzles his face to hers. He keeps his head on her shoulder.
Jackson nods relieved. "Okay Miss Liv since you are scheduled for an extra session today how about we get to work then we can discuss the Inauguration. Because I am sure this is the event you meant."
"It is Jackson," Olivia sighs as Fitz kisses her cheek again. "Stop it," she chastises shifting away from his lips. "If he's too much of a distraction Jackson, just sit him over there on one of those huge balls. I'm sure he can amuse himself while WE work." The innuendo of her remark makes Fitz and Jackson both blush.
He kneels in front of her. "I want to watch my girlfriend work Livy. Actually I'd like to help you with your exercises if that is cool with Jackson. I know your Grandmother helps the most but I'd like to step up and take over when I am around."
"Jackson," Olivia smirks.
"It's fine with me," Jackson responds with a huge smile. "But Sir are you sure you'll have time to…,"
"I'll always make time for her Jackson. She's my NUMBER 1 priority whether I am President or not." The sincerity of his words place any doubts Jackson has concerning Fitz aside. He's all in this with her whether he's by her side or not. Olivia has always had a strong support system at home.
However there has been a missing component, an element he could not place his finger on UNTIL now. Since her accident, leaving the hospital, Olivia has been struggling with be unable to use her legs. She IS an incredible dancer. Jackson reminded her of it every chance he got, but it seemed it did not help.
Olivia was already a driven person when she entered his therapy sessions. She pushed herself hard in the beginning to regain the use of her legs. But as the time lingered on, nothing was working. She still had no feeling. Her frustration level grew and grew because she still could not walk.
After the final surgery with Dr. Shepard, Jackson made it a point to throw out any means of treatment used with her in the past. He wanted to try new techniques. Her muscles were tone from dancing, and still are to this day. Olivia always had the will, but there was a key ingredient missing.
That KEY is Fitzgerald Grant III.
Fitzgerald Grant is the therapy for her heart – healing Olivia in a profound manner that will not only give the will but ability to stand on her own one day. Not just figuratively.
Jackson looks on as Fitz tends to her while she's in her chair. He's sees a love forming as the Nation's new Commander and Chief gazes upon his girlfriend as if she is the most beautiful woman in the world. Olivia is beautiful but to Fitz she's not to be compared to any other woman on this earth.
Jackson can see IT in his eyes. She literally takes his breath away. Olivia said it herself, she not only wants to get better for herself but for Fitz. He's the WILL in her POWER. Fitzgerald Grant is going to give her the outward strength to maybe stand up and one day get her legs back.
Dr. Shepard there was a slim chance she would ever walk again but of the severity of her injuries, but with Fitz by her side, Jackson sees a HOPE. Not only that, Jackson notices a MIRACLE waiting to happen.
He steps aside walking Fitz lift her out of her chair placing her on the exercise mat. He does it with great care and ease. He sees the love in Fitz's eyes as he sits to her side facing her as he positions her nimble legs in front of her. His large arm stretches over both her legs, waiting for Jackson to explain the first exercise.
Jackson is mesmerized by Fitz's great care, and attentiveness to Olivia. In the past she would fight any man's attempts to "take care of her" but with Fitz it comes with ease. Olivia has been to many therapy sessions where she did not even permit Jackson to help her onto the floor from her chair or work her weak legs.
She hated any help she received from anyone, even him. But as Fitz chats with her while they wait for Jackson, he notices the change in Olivia. She's calmer, happier, and willing to be helped when it is required. He believes she has the WILL to walk again, however her body has other plans.
The surgeries have not worked. The very last one she went through could have been her last hope. Dr. Shepard, the best in his field pioneered the procedure to remove the damaged parts of her spinal column then place stem cells into her spinal column in the hopes they would regenerate giving her some feeling back in her legs.
Three months later and she still cannot feel anything. Dr. Shepard reminded Olivia after each follow up appointment that everyone heals differently. Her body is just stubborn, taking time repairing its injured areas. The stem cells are working, slowly helping her spinal column reroute the nerves that connect it to the brain.
But for as long as Jackson has known and worked with Olivia, she aches to get back on her feet and walk again. Dancing can happen but he cannot promise she'll be the ballerina she once was before the accident. He's seen videos of her dancing before her accident. She is in incredible ballerina.
"Jackson we're ready if you are," Olivia speaks calling him out of his thoughts.
Jackson sits on the therapy mat by Olivia's feet and smiles demonstrating for Fitz how to stretch Olivia's legs for her. Olivia first lays on her back. He lifts one leg off the mat, about an inch or more. He then bends it until her toes are pointing to the ceiling. He continues this with the other leg. Each leg is done ten times or more. Once Fitz understands he takes over.
Once the correct number of repetitions are reached, her legs are placed flat on the mat. Then Jackson shows Fitz the next stretching exercise. They are three all together for five minutes. One each is done ten times each then one after the other. Fitz eyes are on Olivia's the entire time making sure he's not hurting her.
"Liv," he questions unsure of what he's doing.
"I'm fine. I can't feel anything anyway," she sighs. Fitz places her legs on the mat. He raises her hands to his heart.
"You feel that," she nods. "Olivia you know what that is right?"
"Your heartbeat Doofus," she quips.
"It's much more than Livy. It is you and me. My heart beats ONLY for you," he mutters closing the distance between their two faces to kiss her forehead. Jackson looks on as if he's a fly on the wall to their feelings.
"Ditto Mister," she teases. "Now stop distracting me."
He chuckles. "Yes Miss First Girlfriend."
Olivia giggles but then they get back to work. After all her stretching exercises are completed, including the ones for her arms and upper torso, Jackson works with her upper body strength using weights. Fitz lifts her onto a special chair, as she lifts weights ranging from a couple of pounds to five in each hand.
Jackson allows her to lift a ten pound weight in each hand but he positions himself by her side in case she requires assistance. He has allowed her to do up to fifteen pounds but only for a handful of repetitions. She has incredible upper arms strength.
"Did Olivia tell you Jackson she threw herself out of her chair for me when I fell on the snow," Fitz inquires.
Jackson eyes raise as his mouth drops open. "You did what?" Olivia blushes but recounts the story to Jackson including WHY he was on the ground to begin with. Jackson sits on the floor and a huge smile appears on his face. "So your kiss did ALL that?"
Olivia blushes as Fitz nuzzles his head into her neck. He's beside her. "It did," Fitz answers without a second thought. "It's a miracle when a kiss from the right person can do to awaken your paralyzed soul Jackson. She not only woke me up but she saved me. All because I took her dancing on a swing."
"You gave me wings Fitz," she sighs cupping his cheek. "You helped me fly."
"You have given me so much more," he answers glancing down at her lips. They forget Jackson is there for a minute as their eyes lock onto the other. It is not until he coughs reminding them of his presence. "Sorry."
"It's perfectly fine Sir," Jackson chuckles. They speak a few minutes more while she repeats her arm exercises. Fitz is amazed how much she can lift for how long. He comprehends why her arms are so strong.
/
Pre-Inaugural Details…
After she has completed all her stretching Jackson, Fitz lifts her into her wheelchair, so they can proceed to her other exercises. Forty-five minutes later, she is tired out resting against Fitz while he massages her leg muscles. Jackson demonstrates how to do it properly ensuring proper blood flow and circulation.
Olivia picks up a hint of jealousy in his eyes as Jackson's hands work their way up her legs. She grabs his face then kisses him to remind him that she is ALL his. "Stop," she warns.
"I can't help it," he whispers.
"You have nothing to worry about from me Sir. I am a happily married man," Jackson points out to Fitz and Olivia.
"Jackson when in the world did you get married," Olivia questions. This is news to her. She did not even know he was engaged.
"The day Christmas," Jackson blushes. "April did not want to get married on Christmas Day so we had our wedding the day after. We just got back from our honeymoon New Year's Day. The wedding was in Seattle where my mom is located. Her family flew out there for it." He retrieves his ring from his pocket.
"Wow. Congrats," Olivia smirks. "But you know my Grandmother will be upset because you didn't tell us. Expect to have you head smacked and baked goodies next time I am here."
"Will do," Jackson chuckles. Jackson tells them a little bit more about April until Tom steps into the room.
"Sir, there is someone outside wishing to join you all." Jackson knows who it is and questions Tom. "Yes it is." Fitz agrees easily to allow this person inside. After they are checked they enter the therapy room.
"Hi. What's up Doc," Olivia greets her doctor.
"Hi Olivia," he walks over to Olivia shaking her head. His eyes meet Fitz somewhat surprised. Jackson texted him that Olivia's boyfriend was at her therapy but he had no idea it was Fitz. "Mr. President this is an honor. Derek Shepard. Olivia neurologist," he greets him formally. "You are Olivia's boyfriend?"
"I am," he sighs holding her hand. "It is a pleasure. Olivia speaks very highly of you. I'm sorry about the agents."
"No worries. I was supposed to be here for Olivia's therapy today. I figured there was someone in her life. You two make a wonderful couple," Derek comments genuinely. He saw her for an MRI just before Christmas with Peter. He remembers picking up something "different" about her that day.
He heard Peter comment about a "date" they were going on later, but Olivia insisted to both to him and Jackson it was not a date while she was in the MRI machine. She casually mentioned there was someone waiting for her at her Grandmother's house. Olivia would not give any details but it's is obvious now it was Fitz.
"Thank you," Olivia blushes. "He's good to me."
"Just wait you haven't seen nothing yet Sunshine," Fitz quips as he glances down to wink. Olivia rolls her eyes. Just as they sit down to speak, Fitz's phone dings. He checks the message, then replies. Olivia gives him a questioning look. "It's okay Sweetheart."
The person then enters the room with Tom. "Dr. Shepard and Jackson, this is Quinn Perkins. She is a member of my staff and on the Grant Inaugural Committee." Quinn shakes everyone's hands then Olivia's.
"Nice to meet you Miss Pope," Quinn smiles. "I saw you dance once. You are an incredible dancer. Truly extraordinary I may add."
Olivia cheeks heat up at her words. "Thank you. You know that Fitz and I…"
"Yes. The Governor informed me of some changes that had to be made for his Inauguration. I am one of the few that know of you two being a couple. The only other person is his Chief of Staff," Quinn explains.
Olivia eyes widen as she meets Fitz's eyes. He kisses her brow. He discussed with her that members of his staff had already began making preparations for her IF she came to the ceremony but she had no idea she meet them this soon. Her heart quickens hoping they approve of her and his choice.
"I see," she creeks.
Quinn assures her as they squeeze hands. "You'll be fine. I've got this and you."
Olivia nerves begin to kick in. Fitz draws her into his arms while he glances at Jackson and Dr. Shepard. They exchange looks seeing her apprehension in her eyes. "It's okay Miss Liv," Jackson speaks next. Everyone is then ushered into his office to be more comfortable.
Olivia sits in her chair by Fitz playing with her hands. She is situated next to the couch while Fitz's takes his place next to her side. They link hands. Quinn sits by Fitz. Jackson and Derek finds chair to be in front of them.
She of course wants to attend Fitz's swearing in ceremony but now that her doctor, therapy and a member of Fitz's Inaugural Team are here, she feels as if she cannot breath.
"Okay now we're do we begin," Quinn inquires getting down to business. "The Governor informed me what Miss Pope would need to arrive at the Capital Building, the stage where he'll take the Oath of Office, including Miss Pope holding the bible. Also, the best transportation to the Swearing In, Parade, and Balls later that evening," Quinn shows them her list.
Jackson and Dr. Shepard are quite pleased how thorough she is. They give her their seal of approval. Jackson sites a few minor changes as does Dr. Shepard. There not one item no matter how big or small that cannot be changed to accommodate Olivia's needs. She sits there taking it all in while Fitz, her Doctor, and Jackson discuss everything.
Thirty minutes later once all the details have been agreed upon by ALL parties, Dr. Shepard notices how eerily quiet Olivia has been. She has only made eye contact a few times with everyone in the room, and only when she was spoken to. Fitz continued to hold her hand, kiss it at times, and remind her that "everything will be fine."
But Dr. Shepard KNOWS her. "Liv, how about you and I go for a quick walk," he suggest thinking she is in some desperate need of some space and fresh air. "This will give Miss Perkins, Jackson and The President time to discuss any other details we forgot. We'll grab some hot cocoa from Jackson on the way."
Olivia meets Dr. Shepard's eyes. She nods but does utter a word. Fitz instantly senses something is up. "Dr. Shepard I don't feel…,"
"It's all right Fitz. He won't take me far. I'll be right out back," she points to the window showing Fitz the backyard with the fenced in courtyard. "The Doc likes the outdoors."
Fitz exhales deeply. "Bring her back Dr. Shepard." His voice sends chills down everyone's spines.
"Yes Sir. We'll only be gone for a little while," Dr. Shepard informs Fitz. Fitz leans over to kiss her quickly. Fitz assists her with her jacket while her doctor retrieves the hot cocoa. Fitz meets him outside the office, and watches as they go outside. Tom stands watch while Dr. Shepard pushes her around the courtyard.
"Spill it Miss Liv," Dr. Shepard inquires. "Do you NOT want to go watch him become President?"
"I do," Olivia murmurs. "More than anything," she admits as they stop by a bench.
"Well, what is wrong," he inquires sitting down. "Do not tell me nothing Miss Liv."
"I'm afraid," she sighs heavily. "What if I mess up? Or become a national embarrassment."
"I highly doubt you will. Everything is planned down to the minute I am assuming. Everything really will be fine. You have to trust him," Dr. Shepard holds her hand. "Do you not trust him?"
"Of course I do," Olivia whines. "I don't trust myself." Her doctor squints. "What if I ruin his day? Fall or worse. This day is for the American people. It is broadcasted all over the World. Millions of people will be in DC. What in the World are they going to say when it's announced he's dating me – a girl in a wheelchair?"
"Honestly Miss Liv," Dr. Shepard squeezes her hand. "I truly believe the Nation will just be happy he found someone who truly makes him happy. You DO make him happy. Of course I don't know him but there is something different about him now. It's because of you. You hold the key to his happiness."
"And he's the key to mine. He's the…"
"Miracle you've been waiting for to help you stand up and maybe even walk," Dr. Shepard speaks. Olivia swallows hard. "You don't have to say it. I can see it in your eyes, and in his. Plus Jackson sees it when you two look at each other." Now she blushes. "Now what else is wrong? I know there is more."
"I just had no idea there was SO MUCH extra work involved for me to attend. All the ramps, extra care his people and Secret Service now have to worry about now because OF ME," she whines. "I know the Capital Building is wheelchair accessible but ALL THIS extra work just because of me. I had no idea."
"And you think you are not worth all the trouble right," her doctor inquires hitting the nail on the head. "What if The President-Elect people do ALL this work and you don't show up? What if something goes wrong or God-forbid you do something to embarrass him on the most important day of his life."
She whimpers. "That's part of it."
"Then what is the rest…"
"I can't walk in the parade with him Dr. Shepard. I know he does not get out and walk for very long, but I can't. Then the bible, how I am supposed to hold that for him," she explains with tears in her eyes. "Yes I heard they made adjustments for my chair but THAT IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE how it is done. I am supposed to be standing there with him. Not sitting on my ass."
"Olivia," Dr. Shepard squeezes her hand. "That won't matter to The President. All he cares about is YOU and you being there by his side. Can't you see how crazy he is about you?"
"Of course I can see it," she snaps. "There is NOTHING wrong with my eyes," she huffs wheeling away from Dr. Shepard. "I can FEEL IT every single time he looks at me, touches me, or kisses me. He treats me like I am the most precious 'being' in HIS entire world."
Dr. Shepard sighs. He feels the same way about his wife Meredith. "I know where he is coming from. My wife and children are the very same for me. That should not discourage you from attending his Inauguration."
She exhales deeply trying to put her thoughts into words. "I am just afraid I'll mess up. That he will want to do things he is supposed to do but can't because of me and this stupid chair." She slams her on the rails of the chair. "Then the balls that night, there is like over ten of them" now she's crying. "He's supposed to have the first dance. I CANNOT DANCE!"
"Oh yes you can," Fitz states making his presence known. Olivia eyes raise to meet his sparkling blue eyes. Her heart skips at beat, the way he's gazing into her eyes. The smile on his face shines like the sun above them. "Or did you forget our EPIC 2nd Date on Christmas Eve and our dance."
"What dance," Dr. Shepard questions. Fitz leisurely strolls over to Olivia, lifts her out of her chair then sits with her in it. Fitz wraps his arms around her torso, drawing her backwards into his chest. Dr. Shepard sits back in awe as Fitz recants the story of their Christmas Eve date, from the dance floor, his rig in order for her to stand and dance with him. Then his song choice.
By the time he's finished Dr. Shepard is at a loss for words. Olivia's doctor sits there in complete awe of this man, in love with Olivia Pope. It has not been voiced out loud but it can be seen in every word, touch, look from especially Fitzgerald Grant. Olivia bashfully hides her feelings but it is evident on the Nations New President.
"He loves her," Dr. Shepard speaks to himself. Fitz catches his eyes as if he heard him. He smiles, then nods before kissing her face.
"So what do you think Dr. Shepard, do you think I can dance with Olivia at the Balls IF I do it again," Fitz questions.
"It's doable," he answers. They speak a few minutes more with Olivia until Dr. Shepard has to leave to check on a patient at the hospital. Olivia is then wheeled inside to say goodbye to Jackson. In a few short minutes she is in the SUV with Fitz, and Quinn back to her Grandmother's house.
As they get out of the car, Miss Rose steps outside to greet them. Everyone is welcome inside and Quinn is showed to her room for the weekend. Quinn will head to DC in the morning to meet with planners for the Inauguration. Olivia spends the rest of the day spending time with Noni, Quincy, Fitz and Quinn.
At bed time, Quincy is there to assist Olivia. Once she is changed, Olivia slides into the bed as Fitz's steps into the room.
"Door open Blue Eyes," Miss Rose reminds him from the kitchen.
"Yes Miss Rose I remember," Fitz snickers as he watches Olivia with Quincy. Olivia's eyes meet his as Quincy trots happily over to him. "Hi Buddy. I see you took good care of Momma for me." Olivia slides down in the bed to hide her face after hearing his words. She would love to have children one day – with Fitz.
She can picture it. ALL of it, which terrifies her. Their eyes lock. He knows what's she's feeling because it is the very same for him. He slides into the bed with her, bringing her into his arms. Her head is already on his chest as his arms cocoon around her torso. His kisses her brow. Her nose buries into his neck.
"Livy?"
"Yah?"
"I am sorry about Jackson," he sighs. She lifts her face to look into his eyes. "I was…,"
"Jealous ALL for nothing," she teases.
"It was NOT," he boasts playfully. She sighs as her eyes narrow. "Okay maybe I was over reacting just a little."
"A little," she kisses his nose.
"Fine a lot," he grumbles. "It's just I don't want to lose you."
"You won't Fitz. And do not worry about Peter. You best behave when you speak to him. You understand." He nods solemnly not wanting to argue with her right now. He kisses her face then lips. She melts against them as their lips brush against the other in a flurry of soft sweet kisses. "Fitz," she breathes as his hand cups her face.
"Livy…," he coos rolling them to their sides. Her eyes flutter open. She sees thoughts going through his mind as their eyes connect.
"What are you thinking about," she inquires as her hand cradles his face.
"Oh Sweetheart we'll be up much to long if I tell you." She squints intrigued. "I promise I'll explain later all right." She begins to protest till he kisses her. She melts in is arms. "Now sleep Sweetheart. We have the weekend together, then next week. Then I have to…,"
"I know," she whimpers. Her grip tightens. "I don't want you to go," she FINALLY admits. His tears that he's been holding in fall onto her head.
"Livy you think I'll be a good President," he asks with much uncertainty in his voice.
She lifts her head to gaze directly into his eyes. She holds his face in both her hands. "No." He attempts to break eye contact but she will not allow it. "I know you'll be a GREAT President Fitz." She kisses him tenderly. As she breaks their eyes apart, his eyes flutter open gazing directly into hers.
"I…,"
"I know." He sighs deeply as his hand holds her face. "Goodnight Fitz."
"Goodnight my Prima Ballerina."
/
Monday January 7, 2013
Bloody Hell…
"Hey you two love birds, dinner was late last night because of you. You best not make breakfast late this morning," Miss Rose calls out from her kitchen.
"Coming Noni. Fitz is just helping me get out of bed," Olivia calls out to her Grandmother.
"That's all he best be doing," Miss Rose chastises.
"It is Miss Rose. She does not have the bling for me to do the other as of yet," Fitz answers with a smirk on his face.
"Fitz," Olivia whispers as Fitz assists her into her chair.
"What," he groans.
They have had some alone time together but over the weekend he was on the phone with Quinn, his parents, Stephen, and other members of his newly appointed staff and cabinet. Much of his work was done before he left for the holiday but there is much left to do. His swearing in is in two weeks from yesterday, and he's already overwhelmed.
From choosing a new White House Cabinet, to Inauguration details, then speaking to members of the Residential staff, Fitz feels as if his head is spinning. Any time he had a few spare moments alone, his phone would ring and it would be a member of the White House, Stephen, his parents and even Susan Ross phoned him.
By the end of each night was so tired, he slipped into bed and once Olivia was by his side he passed out. He told everyone not to bother him until at least noon Eastern Time today to give his mind a break and a chance to recoup.
Susan Ross his Vice President was also aware of Fitz's new "lady" in his life and she was eager to meet her before the Inauguration. Fitz was not sure Olivia would be okay with it so he did not mention it as of yet.
Now they were on the way into the kitchen for breakfast. As they step into the kitchen Miss Rose is there waiting for him by the doorway. "You know not to keep me waiting Blue Eyes," she scolds as she reaches for his shirt.
"I know Miss Rose. My apologies," Fitz quips.
"Good now sit," she motions for him to sit down. Just as he begins to walk to the table, a knock is heard at the door. "Now who's here? Peter is not coming today is he?"
"No Noni," Olivia answers as she sits at the table. Quincy is laying down underneath staying close to her.
"Blue Eyes go check. And if it is Peter, you be nice. You understand," Miss Rose warns. "No fighting in MY house."
"Yes Ma'am," he sighs. He kisses her cheek as he waltzes by. Miss Rose fans herself as Fitz leaves the room to go answer the door. The ladies in the kitchen hear voices but begin to get everything ready for breakfast.
Miss Rose then hears extra footsteps coming their way. "Blue Eyes who is it? If it is my Lover Muffin tell him to get in here," thinking it is Peter.
"No Miss Rose it is not Peter," Fitz responds stepping aside to show them their visitor.
Miss Rose hand flies over her heart knowing WHO it is but had not meet them until now. "Bloody Hell," she gasps. Olivia squints not ever remembering ever hearing her Grandmother use that phrase before.
"And you must be Miss Rose," the visitor steps forward to shake Rose's hand. "Nice to meet you love. I'm Stephen Finch the President's Chief of Staff." Olivia hand flies over her heart loving his Scottish accent. Stephen waltzes over to Olivia. "And you are…,"
"Olivia. Pope." Stephen squints at her voice tone. "The President's girlfriend."
/
#BloodyHell am I REALLY going to just leave you all here. I sure am darlings!
Yup Olivia and Noni finally get to meet Stephen. It was time. And of course you saw Jackson, and Dr. Derek Shepard made is long awaited appearance. I am not sure if he'll be back but I am happy I got to add him to another story.
I hope this update keeps you craving for more. It was interesting to write. Fitz is really pulling out all the stops to get Olivia at his Inauguration. There is still much to work out but as you can tell he's making sure if at all possible she can be there by this side. You'll have to wait and see how all that enfolds.
So leave me your thoughts, TY for reading and have a great week.
Me's