Title 7A WF 92135
Author: GEM
Date: 10-6-13
Pairing: Olivia/Fitz
Rating: T
Summary: Every decision we make influences our lives. Fitzgerald Grant never thought one of the most important people in this life would ever become a number. Someone close to the President has been kidnapped. Will they be found before it's too late? Will Olivia be able to save Fitz from himself? Warning: Dark and Angsty Fic ahead. Read and Review
Disclaimer: Scandal is Property of Shonda Rimes and ABC et al.
Disclaimer 2: As this seems to come up every chapter in the reviews. I don't own any of this. I do this for fun. I also channeled The West Wing in this Chapter. Josh...oh Josh. While this may seem to be similar to an episode of Aaron Sorkin's West Wing. I don't own anything. I will admit I barrowed some of Aaron Sorkin's genius words for this chapter.
A/N: This story has nothing to do with House of Cards. This is a completely different ball game. For the purposes of this story we shall say the last night's episode of Scandal while brilliant hasn't happened yet. America's baby will be mentioned but not central to the story. This story has turned into a father daughter story. Mellie will make appearances but I when I watch this show I feel like Fitz was/is the primary parent. We will be exploring the relationship between Father and Daughter. This chapter mentions moments of torture from earlier chapters of the story. Consider yourselves warned. Please remember to review, follow, and fav. reviews keep me writing. I hope you will all enjoy it. Thank you to everyone that reviewed the last chapter. We are quickly bringing this one to a close but not to worry there are many more in the works. This is the last chapter and Epilogue will be up soon hopefully before Scandal Tomorrow if not by Monday as I have a busy weekend ahead.
Chapter 21
Tom walked into Karen's room. "What are you doing here?" Lesley asked approaching her boyfriend. "Shouldn't you be guarding a door."
"Jack is there with Andrew. We switched."
Lesley smiled. "Does Andrew know about them?"
Tom nodded and kissed the top of her head. "I came to tell you the transfers have been signed Marine One will be here in the morning."
"We need to let the President know."
"I speak to him when he's done meeting with Olivia." Tom and Lesley shared a knowing smirk.
"What about Gerry?"
"He has a game Saturday? He'll be down Sunday and return to school on Tuesday."
"Too bad it couldn't be Wednesday. At least Karen could have her brother close by the first day the President returns to office." Karen stirred Lesley looked over to the bed. "I should get back to her."
"They should be back soon. He just need to decompress after his run in with the First Lady."
"You're a funny man, Thomas. Go guard a door will you?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
OOO
Fitz woke up with Olivia curled up against him. "Livvie?" He whispered as he caressed her skin and placed kisses down her bare back.
Olivia began to stir. He always made her feel so loved, so safe. "Fitz." She mumbled as she rolled over and smiled up at him lovingly.
"Hi." Fitz smiled wide down at Liv.
"Hi." Olivia sat up pulling the sheets with her. She felt Fitz wrap his strong arms around her. "I wish we could stay like this forever.
Fitz kissed the back of her neck in the spot that drove her crazy. "Sounds wonderful but we've left Karen alone long enough. We need to get back to her. We will be leaving in a few hours."
"I know. How are you feeling?"
"Better now that you took care of me."
"I'm sorry I went along with her plan about the tape. I forced you to bring another baby into your marriage."
"It's not your fault. I am trying to be the man you voted for. I won't love this baby any less then any of my other children Livvie. They will still be a part of me. You don't control my wife and my wife does not control you. Fitz kissed her lovingly before standing up and pulling on his clothes. "If she did you and I wouldn't be together right now."
Olivia stood up and dressed. "She wanted you back. She wanted me to go away. I couldn't go away. I couldn't bear to stay away from you."
"I wouldn't let you stay away. I wasn't lying when I said I would give this all up for you. " Fitz opened the door and allowed Liv to walk through.
"I know. I don't want you to. This is your dream. You're a great President. I want you to be a great President. I'll wait for you Fitz."
Fitz took her hand as they walked back to Karen's room. "Tom?"
"Yes Sir?"
"Have we decided how were are making our exit?"
"Yes, Mr. President. Marine One will be here in the morning."
Fitz nodded happy with the choice. "Thank you Tom. " Fitz turned to Liv before entering Karen's room. "Are you ready for Camp David?" Fitz asked.
Butterflies took residence in Olivia's Stomach. Stop. She admonished herself internally. "I'm ready. We probably won't have a lot of time to do the things your imagining in that brain of yours though."
"That alright. I'm sure we will have other trips." Fitz wiggled an eyebrow. "We can do some of them." Fitz stepped into the room to find Lesley review paperwork next to his daughter's bedside.
"Lesley."
Lesley stood up. "Mr. President."
"Sit down. " Fitz motioned to the chair she had just vacated. "How is she?"
"She's doing very well. The dreams have been minimal. She been whimpering a little in her sleep. Her vital and labs look good."
"She'll be ready to go later."
"Yes, Sir. They will be coming in early to start her discharge. The plan is to leave here...wheels up at 0730."
"How did you make out with the special project?"
"Operation Stardust will be complete at 0900, Sir."
"Thank you." Fitz sat down and took his daughter's hand in his. "She's been asking about him. I think having him close will help in the healing process. I know she won't be riding for a while."
"Honestly, she may be riding sooner than we thought. She making great strides in her physical therapy and her physical recovery. It's the mental aspect that we need to help her with."
"And we will." Olivia said as she felt Fitz tense up.
"Yes, we will." Fitz vowed.
OOO
The next morning the doctors came in and changed Karen's bandages and looked at the surgical areas. RJ spent some more time talking to Karen. Today she seemed happy to be getting out of the hospital but concerned by her mother showing up unannounced at Camp David.
RJ, Olivia and Lesley reassured her that her fears wouldn't become a reality. Mellie wouldn't be showing up unless Karen wanted her to. Karen sat up in bed, dressed and ready to go. She was using a wash cloth to wash her arms and continually was rubbing it up and down her arms until they were red and raw.
Fitz walked into the room after talking to the doctors and the agents outside.
"Karen." She ignored him and her nervous habit continued. "Karen. " Fitz approached her and knelt down to meet her gaze. He placed a hand over hers and stopped the motion with the cloth. "Stop." She did and Fitz took the cloth away. He tilted her chin up to look at her. "You're safe, Princess."
"What if the press bother me when we leave?" Karen began to panic. "I'm not ready, Daddy. I'm not ready. " Tears began to build in her eyes.
Fitz quickly wiped the tears away. "The floor is locked down. The press here at the hospital are downstairs get ready for the morning briefing. The path to the roof is secure. Lesley will be here any minute with a wheelchair to take you to Marine One." Fitz stood up and sat next to his daughter drawing her into his side. "No one is going to see us leave. No one is going to take pictures or ask questions." We are going to go up there, get on the helicopter and go to Camp David. Okay?"
"Okay." Karen answered in a very small voice.
Fitz would give anything to see his little girl smile again. "Okay." He said as he kissed the top of her head. Lesley and Olivia arrived moments later with a wheel chair and an army of agents.
"You're chariot awaits my lady. Shall we get out of here or what?" Lesley said smiling. Sam was behind her so were therapists.
Karen stood with Fitz's help and the help of her therapist. She sat down and looked up at Lesley. "I'm ready." She held on to her father's hand for dear life and extended her free hand to Olivia who took it. "Don't let go." She said to both of them.
"We won't let go. Will we Daddy?" Olivia smiled at Karen and Fitz.
"Not a chance." The group walked out of the room with the army of agents and orderlies behind them.
Tom and Wes both talked into their sleeves. "Falcon is on the move. "
"Spit Fire is on the move."
OOO
"Good Morning. I would like to give you a brief update." Admiral Copland said as he approached the podium. "This morning at 0730 hours, approximately ten minutes ago. Bethesda Naval Hospital is happy to report the discharge and transfer of Karen Grant...
Karen looked out ahead toward Marine One. "Daddy."
"Yes, Ladybug."
"I can't do the stairs."
"I'll help you." Lesley stopped in front of the flight of Stairs that were flanked by two Marine guards. Fitz saluted the young Men and the scooped Karen up in his arms. He climbed the stairs followed closely by his Deputy Chief of Staff and Olivia Pope.
"Miss Grant will continue her rehabilitation and recovery at an undisclosed facility with her family close by her side. Any further updates on Miss Grant's condition will come from the White House."
OOO
Britta stepped up the podium for the morning briefing fully expecting to get inundated with questions regarding Karen Grant and the President. "Good Morning. There is a lot happening today so let's get started. This morning at seven thirty eastern time. Karen Grant was officially discharged from Bethesda Naval Hospital. She will be continuing her rehabilitation at Camp David under the direction of the medical professionals there. President Grant is expected to remain at his daughter side throughout the weekend. He will be returning to the Office of President on Tuesday. We also have the Hansen confirmation vote scheduled for Wednesday. I'll be back later with you afternoon gaggle. " Britta stepped off the podium to fury of flash bulbs and questions that she would happily answer later when she knew Karen and the President were safe and sound.
OOO
Karen was settled in a bed at the medical facilities at Camp David. Fitz and Olivia shared an early lunch with her before her physical therapy session. "How much longer do I have to be in a hospital?"
"They said as long as you made out well tonight that you could come up to Aspen tomorrow but the PT and OT still continue. "
"Do I still have to do Sessions with RJ?"
"Yes." Fitz simply answered.
Lesley walked into the room. "We have a small issue." Lesley said to Liv as Karen and Fitz continued their conversation. Fitz watched as Lesley and Liv slipped out of the room.
Fitz turned to his daughter why don't you rest for a little while. RJ will be here soon for you session.
OOO
"Classic. Thank you Cyrus. " Olivia spoke on the phone "I will if it comes to that."
"Thanks for bringing me in on this Lesley." Olivia said turning around and see Fitz in the door way.
"No problem." Lesley said as she looked over the notes for her meeting with Hansen on Monday. "I thought we would have a little time before she tried anything again. I guess that was wishful thinking."
"What's going on?"
"Mellie tried to get the service to drive her up here."
"She really doesn't listen. I need to go call my wife."
Olivia put a hand on his arm to stop him. "One minute." Fitz took her hand and lead her outside the hospital into the Fresh air.
"One minute." They didn't say anything. The just stared into each other's eyes. They took comfort from each other. Fitz inched closer. Olivia's scent was intoxicating to him and his scent was the same to her. There breathing evened out and landed in sync. The minute was slowly drawing to a close. Olivia broke eye contact and looked around to see if there were truly alone. They appeared to be so but she knew the agents weren't far away. She leaned up and kissed his cheek as he drew her in close to him. "Cyrus has taken care of Mellie with the help of her Secret Service detail and her doctors but we are running short on time. She will ask eventually and there won't be anything to keep her away.
"I know."
OOO
The session with RJ continued throughout the weekend. "How do you feel about your Dad going back to the White House?"
"I...don't know. I've come to rely on him being here. I even like that he's full attention has been on me. I just wish it wasn't because of this. I know he has an important job. He's already taken a lot of time away from it because of me. I think I'm ready for him to go back and continue to do good."
"I hear your brother is coming today? How do you feel about that?"
"I ready to see Gerry too. He's been worried about me and bugging dad to come down to see me since they found me. I like the idea of doing it here out of the way of the press. I feel better I look better I'm ready."
RJ nodded and took down some notes. "Any special plans while Gerry's here?"
"I don't know. We usually play sports with Dad but I can't very well do that right now." Karen drew attention to her leg brace. She was hoping to get rid of it soon.
You're back up here in the cabin with your dad. Do you like being here better then the hospital room?"
"I...I've been having nightmare again. I don't know why. I am in my own room, here. I have my stuff. I know there is no way anyone will hurt me."
"What happens in your nightmares. Are the same as they've been or different?"
"The same and Different?"
"How are they different?"
"My Mother is there with Jeff. She's yelling at me to grow up and stop being a cry baby, little girl." Why?"
"You tell me? Do you think you're ready to see her?"
"No, not yet."
"Do you think you're in a better place thinking about your mother now than when you were in the hospital?"
"No." Karen was getting annoyed by RJ's questions. "She hired someone to take picture and video of my struggling to get better. I was struggling to walk. Those videos were shown on the internet and every major outlet. I"m not in a better place thinking about Mellie Grant. I feel violated! I'm angry."
"What makes you feel better?"
Dad, Olivia or Lesley holding me after I wake up from a nightmare. Visiting Stardust. Dad had him brought here for me."
"Have you been writing in your journal?"
"Yes."
"Does it help?"
"Yes, sometimes." Karen saw Olivia enter the room. "Are we done now?"
"I'm sorry" Olivia said as she came in to pick up a file. I need this for a conference call and I left it here."
"It's fine Ms. Pope." RJ stood up. "Karen and I were just finishing up."
"I'll see you tomorrow. We'll talk more. Remember to keep writing in that journal."
"Sure." Karen said as she picked up a book and began to read.
Olivia showed RJ out and came back into the sitting room. "Your dad got word, Gerry will be here for dinner. We were thinking we would do a movie or game night after that."
"Monopoly!"
It was the first time Olivia noticed Karen get excited about anything. Olivia saw a smile albeit small appear on Karen's face. "Monopoly it is?"
"Should we play in teams?"
"I want to play with Ger."
"I'll team up with your dad then."
"What are we playing?" Fitz asked as he entered the room with a hopeful grin on his face.
"Monopoly, in teams. Wipe the grin off your face."
Olivia walked up next to him and whispered something to him. Karen noticed it make him almost giggle. "How was your talk with RJ?"
"The same. He's pushing me toward a meeting with Mom."
"It will happen when you're ready." Fitz sat down next to her and drew her in close.
"I'm not ready...for any of this really?
"We'll take it one step at a time."
OOO
Gerry arrived and they all had dinner and place monopoly until bedtime. Fitz helped Karen navigate the first three steps like her therapist showed him and then carried her the rest of the way to bed. "Good night Squirt." Gerry said poking his nose in her room.
"Night. Sorry if I wake you." Gerry came into the room as his Dad was tucking her in and giving her meds."
Gerry took her hand. "Hey, I'll be here for you through whatever. I will always be here for you squirt. If you wake up I'll be here. We'll talk more tomorrow. Try and get some sleep. Gerry kissed his sister. He stood up and turned to Fitz.
"Night, Dad."
"Goodnight Ger."
"Is Olivia still here?" Karen asked as Fitz sat down on the side of her bed.
"She's downstairs working on a case but she'll be over at Rosebud tonight. Are you going over there too?"
"Not tonight. I'll be here so call if you need me."
"I'm sorry Dad. I'm taking you away from Liv."
"You're not. Don't you worry about that." Fitz leaned over and kissed her.
"Good night, Sweet Pea."
"G'night, Daddy."
OOO
"Noooooooooooo! Get off me! Get away from me!" Fitz and Gerry ran down the hallway as fast as they could. The secret service was ready to bust open Karen's bedroom door.
"Don't, Wes. Let me handle it."
"Mr. President. We have to check."
"Wes, she's in the throes of nightmare. Let me in."
Wes moved aside as Tom waved him off. They had been through enough in the past few weeks to know the President was correct. Fitz opened the door and saw that the blood curdling screams had stopped and Karen was not thrashing about in bed whimpering and crying. Fitz kneeled down next to her and began whispering in her ear. He held onto her tight as Gerry and Wes looked helplessly on. "I had no idea it was this bad."
"It was. It is this bad." Fitz said he got into bed no holding a shaking Karen.
"You're safe, Karen. Open your eyes let me see those pretty blue eyes. "
"I'm sorry Daddy." Karen began to cry.
Gerry came up next to her and wiped the tears away with a tissue. Olivia watched the scene from the doorway. Tom had come over and awakened her with the news. "Don't apologize, Squirt. you didn't do anything wrong."
"Gerry's right. Don't cry." Fitz held her slowly rocking her back to sleep."
"Is she alright now?" Olivia asked joining the Grant boys.
"I think she will be. You didn't have to come. I know you have a big day tomorrow."
"I told Tom to come and get me if this happened. I wanted to come."
Gerry moved into the space between his sister and is Dad. "I'll stay here with her. You and Liv go get some sleep. "
Fitz untangled himself and reached out for Liv's hand. "Call if you need us. We'll be downstairs."
Olivia refused to sleep in the bed at Aspen so Fitz settled for the sofa in front of the fire. They pulled the back cushions off and curled up with each other falling into a peaceful sleep.
OOO
The rest of the weekend brought more therapy sessions and bonding time for Karen and Gerry. Olivia and Fitz were stuck on Conference calls for most of Monday. Fitz about his return on Monday and Olivia about Quinn's pre-trial motions. Olivia would be spending Tuesday with Karen as Gerry had to return to work and Fitz had to return to the White House.
"I'll be returning on Wednesday night and working from here as much as possible. I'll have to go back to Washington a few times a week but I'll try to be here at night until you think you can deal with coming back to the White House. Olivia and Fitz watched as Karen's eyes went wide.
"I'm not ready to deal with her. I'm not ready to deal with the press.
"You wouldn't have to deal with the press." Olivia reassured her.
Fitz took her hand and squeezed it you will however, have to deal with your mother."
"We aren't going to be able to hold her off much longer are we?" Karen asked.
Olivia and Fitz had talked about this topic a lot over the weekend. Lesley and Cyrus were doing their best to hold Mellie off but it was becoming increasingly difficult. "It will be harder to hold her off when I go back to work tomorrow. "
"It's going to have to happen sometime. I might as well get it over with."
"You don't have to if you're not ready? Olivia said.
"I will never be ready Liv?" Karen turned to her father. "This baby is sticking now right? I won't cause her to miscarry if I say things she may not want to hear."
"The doctors say your mother and sibling are in the clear."
"Good, I wouldn't want to hurt my sibling. You better prepare mom though because she may not want to hear what I have to say. "
"I have chat with her before we sit her down to talk to you." Fitz promised.
Gerry walked into the room. "You ready, sissy. Will says I can drive the cart down to the stables. " Karen stood up and waited a moment before moving. Her mobility was improving. Fitz extended a hand to steady her as Gerry came toward her.
"I'm okay, Dad. Gerry and I are going down to visit Stardust and Gerry offered to ride him for a little bit."
"Just be careful Fitz warned looking at the team of agents in the room. Wes, Todd and Hannah understood their unspoken directions. keep her safe and off the horse for now.
"We will. Gerry said following Karen outside.
OOO
Lesley and Cyrus watched Marine One land on the South Lawn. Fitz walked across waving expertly to the cameras and reports along the rope lines. Mellie meeting him at exactly the right place to play to the cameras. He kissed her and they met up with Cyrus and Lesley and walked the rest of the way into the Oval Office. Sally was standing in the center of the room waiting.
"Welcome back, Mr. President." Sally smiled.
"Thank you, Ma'am Vice President. I can't thank you enough for what you've done these last few weeks."
"It's all in the job description Mr. President. I tried to leave the office the way you left it."
Fitz looked around. "It exactly as I remember it." We need to get started on the energy bill. Can I count on your support?"
"Of course, Sir. Well, I'll leave you to it then."
"Have a good day Sally."
"You too, Mr. President." Sally said as she acknowledged he occupants in the office before taking her leave.
"Well, that's over. Good riddance." Mellie sat back on the sofa in the Oval.
"Watch yourself, Mel. Sally's done quite well by us in the last few weeks."
"She nearly derailed you presidency."
"She didn't do nearly as much damage as I feared. It was a welcomed surprise." Cyrus said opening the briefing books.
"She did good by us all." Lesley agreed. "We need to take a moment to talk about the Hansen Confirmation.
Cyrus nodded and continued. "We have to take a look at a few things before you morning security briefing."
Fitz sat down at his desk and opened the report Cy was looking at. "The briefing in an hour?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Fitz we need to talk..."
Mellie. Fitz cut her off before she could insert her claws. "We will talk but I need to handle this briefing first."
Mellie stood up and strode up to the desk. "I have been ignored long enough though this fiasco. I have been blocked at every turn by members of your staff!" Mellie pointed to Lesley and Cyrus as she continued to rant. "I will not stand by and allow you to ignore me any longer."
"I am not ignoring Mellie. I am President and as such I expected to do certain things. Some of those things need to be done before I can speak to you and give the attention you so deserve." Mellie gave him a smug look and turned to leave the office in disgust."
"Nicely handled, Sir. Lesley said.
"Olivia would be proud, Sir."
"Yes, she would speaking of which. Fitz picked up the phone. "Give me two minutes." Fitz dialed the number and waited alone one ring before it was picked up. "Hi. How are you two doing?"
"We are fine. She just finished PT. We watched you arrive at the White House. I think I even caught her smiling when they showed you stepping off Marine One.
"That's great news. Can I talk to her?"
"Sure." Olivia handed Karen the phone.
"Hi, Daddy."
"Hi Ladybug. How are you?"
"I'm fine Daddy. Liv is taking good care of me. They told me at PT today that I could start light riding in a month or so."
Fitz could hear the smile in her voice and tried to hold in his own emotions at her reaction. "That's great news, Ladybug. I hear Ger went back after I left."
"Yeah, but we are going to Face time tonight and Liv and I are going to watch movies and eat popcorn. Are you coming tonight Daddy."
"Not tonight, hopefully I'll be able to sneak away tomorrow night."
"Okay. What about her?
"The time is coming Kiddo."
Olivia watched Karen's body language change. She was so happy a few seconds ago and now she looked dejected. She knew it was going to happen when Karen mentioned Mellie. Obviously, Karen didn't get the answer from Fitz she was looking for.
"Daddy, please don't make me..."
"Fitz turn his chair away from Lesley and Cyrus. "I can't hold her off forever, Ladybug. I want you to remember when it do happen you won't be alone. You're never alone. Let me hear you say that."
"I'm never alone."
"You're never alone. " Fitz turned around in his chair. "I love you Ladybug. I have to get back to work now. I'll call you later. " Fitz listened to Karen for a moment before disconnecting the call. He turned back to Lesley and Cyrus. "Let get to work."
OOO
Victory for the Grant Administration. In his first full day back in office since the abduction of his daughter the President Grant and his administration are celebrating. First, the safe return and recovery of his daughter and now the confirmation of his second Supreme Court Justice since taking office. Justice Margaret Hansen was confirmed by the Senate today with a vote of 92-8 making her confirmation one of the most bipartisan in American History.
BNC also learned today that the President would be returning to Camp David to join his daughter as she continues to recover. The President will be splitting his time between Washington D.C. and Camp David in order to help his daughter during her recovery. The Secret Service announced today that they have arrested two people in connection with the distasteful video and photos of Karen that were release last week. Stay tuned to BNC for further updates.
OOO
Fitz turned off the television in the living area. "So you got what you wanted?
Fitz said as he sat down next to his wife. "Here I am back in office."
"You're back were you belong." Mellie agreed. "You're going back to Camp David to Karen and her.
"If by her you mean Olivia then yes. "
"I can't get near my daughter but your whore can move in with her, watch movies with her, and spend the night."
"Mellie, if you want to have a civil conversation about this then let's get some things straight. Olivia is not nor will she ever be my whore. Karen has formed a bond with Olivia through this ordeal and Karen has hired her to help with the media. You are going to have to get used to see and having Olivia around. You can't just send her away like you tried to do a few months ago. It will not work. Karen is working to rebuild trust. Olivia is one person she has done that will so we need to respect that. Do you have a problem with that short of the blatant one you have with my and Olivia relationship."
"No."
"What was that? I didn't hear you."
"No." Mellie hissed out.
"Good."
"You can't just keep me away from her Fitzgerald. She's still my daughter?"
"She is and she's still healing. She developed some habits that she didn't have before. In short Mellie, our daughter is not the same person she was."
"Then we need to get her the right doctors to make her the person she was."
Fitz turned to his wife. "Mellie, she is forever changed. Karen will never be the same innocent little girl she was. This experience changed her. You just have to get to know her."
"You won't let me. You've turned her against me."
"I didn't turn her against you, Me." Fitz stood up and began to pace the room. He felt like his was going around in circles with his wife. "You did that. Jeff Johnson did that to her and you have to face the consequences now. " Fitz stood by the door. "I have to get ready to go. Please don't come up until I call for you. Karen is in a fragile state right now. I need to know she's ready and you need to be ready to Mellie. You may hear some things from your daughter that you never expected and you may not like it but I'm not going to stop her. I'm not going to leave her alone with you. She will not be doing any of this alone. She's been through enough by herself. I'll call you when we are ready. " Fitz left the room leaving a shocked and speechless Mellie Grant behind.
OOO
It was Saturday, Karen had been at Camp David for a week. She had been through countless session with RJ and she finally felt as if she was ready to confront and talk to her mother. Dad, Olivia and Lesley had helped her reach this point and the three of them would be with as she face her witch of a mother. Lesley came in to Karen's room to check on her. "She'll be arriving soon."
Karen looked down at her arms. The scars were still ugly. Her neck had no bandages in sight but the scars although covered with surgical graphs, were still slightly visibly. They were only recognizable if you knew what to look for. "It's too late to turn back now."
"No, there isn't. Fitz entered the room. She's downstairs with Liv?"
"You left her with Livvie?" Are you crazy?"
Fitz help Karen to stand and he and Lesley helped her down the stairs. "No, I'm not the are both fine."
"If you say so." Karen reached the bottom step and walked out on to the patio.
Mellie was shocked by her little girls appearance. "Oh, Karen. I..."
Please save the pity mother. I don't want it nor do I need it."
"I just want to be here for you like your father has been. I want to take the burden away from him. He is a very busy man."
"Is that what you think of all this. Do you think this was so kind of stunt so that I could get more attention? If you think that your sicker than I thought. Lesley, Olivia and Fitz watched proudly and without judgment as Karen explained things to her mother. Fitz kept a reassuring hand on hers. Olivia and Lesley stood guard like mama bears. She was not alone and they all gave her the added strength she needed to put Mellie in her place.
"I was abducted! I was knocked out, thrown in a duffle bag, transported to a dark, damp place, stripped, cut, burned and bruised in more way, with more objects then I can count."Karen screamed but didn't shy away. "I didn't ask for this! I didn't want your ex-lover to keep me alive. I didn't want you ex-lover to force himself on top of me and whisper you name in my ear." Karen began to cry... the one thing she didn't want to do in front of Mellie. I never asked for this.
I was tortured and the one constant in that torture besides the pain was thoughts and images of you and yet you sit here and try to explain to me that it's time to be normal again. It's time to let Dad get back to work because you lose your hold in the political world. I've got news for you Mellie! This is the new me. I'm working on it but I've got a long way to go.
"Karen I just want to help." Mellie said with fake concern when Karen stopped talking to catch her breath.
"I don't want your help. I don't want you here. I promise you will have Dad back soon enough. I will be fine to go back to school soon and you'll be rid of me. Now, you've seen me, I've told you how you hurt me. I would like you to leave please." Karen said quietly.
Fitz rubbed her back looking up at his wife. He was silently hoping and even pleading that Mellie would just go for now. Karen opening up to her was a start...a start, but they had a long way to go."Mellie." Fitz warned.
"You. Are. My. Daughter. " Mellie began hissing at Karen with anger as she walked toward her Fitz felt Karen recoil into him. I. Will. Not. Leave. You. Alone." Lesley, Olivia and Tom moved to block her path.
Karen looked up at Mellie and through heavy tears screamed. Get away from me! I don't want you near me! Go away! Go away!" Karen buried her head in Fitz shoulder. "Make her go away." Karen said as new tears began to soak his shirt.
Fitz soothed his daughter the best he could and looked up at his wife. "I think it's time you leave.
Fitz how could you! She needs to start acting like a young lady and stop acting like a child!"
Fitz picked Karen up and handed her to Olivia and stood up. "You need to leave Mellie. You're way out of line. I won't have you upsetting her any further. Tom, could you please escort my wife to the car.
"Yes, Mr. President." Tom walked over Mellie "Ma'am."
"You can't do this!"
Karen looked up at her "GO! Just Go!"
Lesley stepped over to Fitz and they watched the Secret Service drag her away screaming. "She's unbelievable." Fitz and Lesley turned their attention back to Karen and Liv.
"Let's get you inside, Ladybug." Fitz picked her up and followed Liv and Lesley back into the cabin. Fitz carried Karen upstairs and laid her on the bed. He quickly curled up next to her and held her as she cried. Lesley and Olivia left quietly closing the door behind them. It was clear to Fitz as he held his daughter that the relationship between his wife and daughter suffered irreparable damage, if they could repair it, it would never be the same.