Hello my Precious Loves. Happy #TGIT and #ScandalThursday

Here is your next chapter for this story but I will place this warning for you all to keep in mind. It is NOT for the faint of heart. It took me a long time to type. YOU WILL NEED TISSUES. (All) or at least I hope your questions concerning OP's accident will be answered.

I hope I did this chapter justice. I also like to thank Kay Ana_Elle971 for this quote. I don't know where she got it from but it was just what I was looking for. TY.

So enjoy, and thank you for reading. I'm eager to read your #Crumbs on the flipside.

Me's

/

"Chapter 25: Footprints in the Sand"

"Maybe home is nothing more than two arms holding you tight when you're at your worst." – Yara Bashraheel

I Can Reach You…

Olivia closes her eyes nuzzling her face into Fitz's firm but warm chest. She is clinging to his shirt soaking with her tears as she sobs into his chest. She has grieved for the losses she suffered the day of the accident that took so much from her but has she truly. Fitz arms draw her even closer as her arms snake under his arms then stop at his mid-back. Slowly her hold on him tightens.

"I'm here Sweetheart. You can reach me. See," he reiterates as he kisses the top of her head over and over again. He trails his lips from her hair to her forehead hoping to sooth her sobs but it does nothing. His arms wrap around her fully. His left hand is pressing into the right side of her ribs while his right hand drapes on top of her left. Fitz's long fingers slowly create soft circles on her shirt but it does nothing to sooth her sobs.

"But what if after you become President I lose you too," she weeps submerging her nose in his scent.

"Livy," he mumbles in a soft sweet tone. "Look at me," he implores. She forces her cheeks and nose into the material off his shirt further unable to do as he wishes. Olivia cannot look into those blue eyes of his right now. She just can't. However Fitz ever so gently lifts her face. His lips just brush over hers and her eyes open. "I am NOT going anywhere. I will always FIND you. My heart will forever lead me home to you no matter what happens to me."

"But what if…," she squeals. "Your agents will not be by your side all the time. You cannot promise me Fitz you'll be safe every minute of every day. Once you take the oath of office, you'll be a target."

"Liv?" She pushes herself up to gaze into his soft blue eyes. They shimmer with the depth of his feelings for her, mirroring her own. "I will be fine," he signs offering her some reassurance. His large hands palm her wet cheeks before his lips plant feathery kisses all over her wet face.

"AND WHAT ABOUT ME," she screams shocking Fitz. "IF YOU WERE TO BE KILLED BY SOME SHARP SHOOTER," she bellows as the tears stream down her cheeks. Fitz own tears cascade down his face as her hands cover his cheeks. "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH I'D HAVE TO SEE IT ON THE NEWS? IT WOULD BE SHOWN OVER AND OVER AGAIN. AND IF YOU WERE TO DIE?"

"Livy," he presses his forehead to hers. "Please do not do this to yourself," he mutters in a hushed tone.

"AND WHY NOT," she bellows as more water streams down her face in waves. "I had to watch Max go right in front of me Fitz. The paramedics were struggling to save him but the damage was too severe. They tried to resuscitate him but it was too late." Now she's sobbing.

"Sweetheart," he kisses her forehead, cheeks then lips over and over again praying to sooth her pain. She only cries more. "I lost everything that day Fitz," her eyes connect with his briefly before lowering her head to its "home" over his heart. "How am I supposed to survive if you were to die?" The rocking in the chair increases as Olivia whimpers over and over, "I was powerless to save Max's life. I couldn't save him. He needed me and I did nothing. I watched him die right in front of me." Her last words increase her sobs into wails.

Her nails begin to dig into the cotton fabric of Fitz's shirt terrified is she releases him he'll be gone also. It's crazy, she knows but anything could happen to Fitz. She LOVES him more than she EVER thought imaginable. He IS the very air, LIFE FORCE within the depths of her soul. He has given her a reason to believe - live again. If she were to lose him, she'd surely follow.

He croaks her name into her hair just above a whisper as her grip on his shirt increases. It should be him afraid to leave her knowing anything could occur without his ever watchful gaze. He's learned in only a short amount of time, if he is with her, she is safe. The moment he walks or turns away, she could be hurt. She has Quincy and the agents who will be ever mindful of her well-being.

However WILL IT be enough? We he be able to function when she is more than just a few feet away from his arms. He will barely be able to sleep without her warm body pressed against his. "If I had ONLY met you sooner," he mutters into the top of her head. "I wish I could have been there for you. Livy…."

She closes her eyes absorbing his words. "Me too. But…," she stops just before the words leave her mouth.

"But…,"

"Do you think we'd be together now?"

"I think it would have brought us together sooner Livy," he admits as his hands massage her body. "I would have felt this connection to you sooner. I think our grief would have made our bond stronger, helped us to heal together. I also believe all the feelings we've had for each other, would have shown themselves through the pain. It would have given us the courage to move on – like we are now. I also would have acted on these lingering feelings I've had for you since I watched you dance that night."

"Fitz…." she sniffles. "That night…,"

"You were amazing," he coos lifting her face to gaze into her tear-filled eyes. She begins to open her mouth to speak but he stops her. "I know Livy."

She sits up exhaling deeply. "Fitz right after I left the concert hall that night," she stops abruptly. Her body begins to shake in his arms as everything from that evening flashes into her mind.

/

The "Un-Perfect Night..."

"Liv," Max calls out from behind her. "Are you ready to go?" She has been staring at these purple roses since speaking to her Grandmother. Olivia reads the words on the handwritten card over and over again feeling a sense of nostalgia. She cannot help but wonder who they are from. However a small piece of her hopes and dare prays it is Blue Eyes – the man she has ached to meet for most of her life.

Who could she have enchanted when she danced? Could it have been him in the audience her eyes connected with only briefly? Surely if he was there, Miss Rose would have pointed him out and told her. If she had known he was there, she surely would have sought him out and introduced herself to him finally.

"No it can't be him," she utters to herself but loud enough for Max to hear.

"Him who love," Max asks wrapping an arm around her possessively. He kisses her brow causing Olivia to finally gaze into his bright brown eyes. Max reads the card. "Who is F3?"

"I don't know," she answers honestly.

"These purple roses are from him," Max grumbles. "I don't like the idea of men sending my fiancée flowers. Especially with a note like this," he fingers trace F3's words.

"Max he's just a fan who enjoyed our dance," she turns in his arms.

Max smirks. "Enjoyed, more like enchanted love. Or shall I say you, which I happen to agree with." Olivia blushes. She kisses him softly.

"I'm only enchanting Max because I have you," wrapping her arms around his shoulders. "You are the only man to bring that out of me, on and off the dance floor."

"Good," Max quips. He pauses. "Lib's has this Blue Eyes you keep speaking about ever seen you dance?" She solemnly shakes her head NO. "These flowers could be from him?"

"Max," she scolds.

"What I'm serious. Maybe he's finally coming to claim you for his very own," Max teases. "Your grandmother speaks of him as if he's the greatest thing since sliced bread."

"Because he is Max," Miss Rose answers coming into the room with Olivia's parents. She strolls over to her Grandchild to hold her hands. "He'd fight you for this girl and I'd let him win."

"Now Mom behave," Louis scolds his mother. Miss Rose winks at her son. "You know if he was here his parents would have told us. You are closer to this man's family then to our own." Her son playfully reminds her, bringing his mother into his side for a hug.

"Well you know why Louie," Miss Rose chastises. "He's one hell of a good looking man. So much like his father – the Senator. If I was closer to his age, he'd give your Daddy a run for his money." Everyone in the room laughs. "Plus I saved My Blue Eyes chestnuts from getting roasted in the fire."

"Momma Rose," Miss Alice, Olivia's mother moves to stand by her daughter. "That is true but I swear you are a hopeless romantic."

"I am Allie," Miss Rose kisses her daughter in law's cheek. Max steps outside to bring the car up for them to head out. "I know you have been secretly hoping this Blue Eyes of yours will come along to sweep my baby girl off her tip-toes."

"Momma," Olivia blushes grateful Max is not in the room. All these years she hoped to meet this Blue Eyes but it never happened. He has been the silent but ever present man holding a very special key to her heart. Olivia became the best in the hopes she meet him one day. She would have loved to have met him before Max came along to become more than just his friend but life has a funny way of giving you love in a way never expected.

She loves Max and cannot wait to become his wife.

"What child," Allie coos in a southern tone. "You may be engaged but you ain't dead. I have seen your Grandmother's Blue Eyes. He comes from good stock." Her mother fans herself briefly.

"MOMMA, OH MY GOD STOP," Olivia chastises. "I am marrying Max."

"Oh I know. And he is a good man," Allie holds her daughter's hand. "But we all know how long you have wished for HIM to see you dance." She peaks behind Olivia then her eyes catch Miss Rose's. She only smiles but it is all Miss Allie needs to see. "Those roses child. It appears Louie that our little ballerina has another admirer." Olivia opens her mouth to object but Alice quiets her. "Ah huh," she places her hand out for the card.

"Mom," Olivia brings the card to her chest not wanting her to see it.

"Olivia Carolyn Pope show your Momma right now," Louis warns his daughter. She may not be a little girl any longer but she is still his daughter.

Olivia reluctantly places the card in her mother's hand. Her eyes widen seeing the "F3" written perfectly on the card. She shares a "knowing glance" with Louis and then Miss Rose. No other words are exchanged until she slowly hands the card back to her daughter. "These things don't just happen child."

"Huh?"

They begin to walk outside to meet Max. Miss Alice wraps an arm around her daughter as they enter the cold night air. "Hold onto this card my sweet girl, and any memories you have of tonight. I have no doubt that when the time is right Mr. F3 will come into your life and heart when you least expect it and when you need him most."

"Momma he's not some guardian angel or something. It's not like he's going to POOF in front of me one day and appear," she groans watching Max pull the car up.

"NO but he WILL find you. Trust me," Miss Allie assures her. "You bewitched this man's soul tonight. He'll come and find you one day when you are both ready."

"Ready for what Momma. I have Max," she sighs as the car stops. "I love Max. I don't want another man." Her mother cups her face. "Momma seriously. This F3 and Blue Eyes cannot be one in the same." Miss Alice kisses her cheek then enters the car. Her parents sit in the back, while she is in the passenger seat.

They begin the drive to her Grandmother's house. "Momma where's Noni?"

"She is riding home with Uncle Bernard," Miss Alice explains as the car maneuvers through the streets of downtown Boston. They speak a few minutes more about her performance then the wedding. Soon the car turns onto the highway then thirty minutes later off.

"Okay are we still," but it then that everything goes dark. Glass breaking, metal screeching is heard. A few short minutes later she opens her eyes to see Max unconscious with blood coming out of his ears. The windshield is shattered all over the front seat. "Max," she calls out to him but he is unresponsive. She quickly notices a SUV that crashed into the driver's side of the car.

"Max," reaching across the car to him but she cannot move her arm. It's pined against the seat with a massive tree limb that fell onto the car. Her eyes glance to the side. The tree limbs broke through the glass of the car pushing her almost into Max's seat. She hears the tree's trunk cracking as it strains to stand upright. The tightened seat belt presses hard into her chest, not allowing much needed oxygen into her lungs.

"I can't move my legs," she whimpers attempting to shift them. "Well maybe I am but can't because something is on them." Then she turns her head slightly to her parents. "Momma. Daddy," she cries out but no answer. "MOMMA. DADDY," her voice creaks slightly louder. She cannot turn around any further. Her parents are unconscious in the back of the car, unresponsive.

"OH GOD," she whimpers. Is it then she hears sirens. "You all best stay with me and not leave me all alone." Her eyes focus on Max. "You best not leave me Max. I cannot dance on this earth – the stage without you. There is no Prima Ballerina without you by my side. MAX," she screams as the firetrucks and ambulance arrive.

"Ma'am are you all right," Olivia is questioned as the paramedics and a fireman come to her side of the car. She is asked a few vital questions while examined in the vehicle. The SUV that hit them is gradually pulled away once the driver is out. Olivia struggles to hear what they are saying but her eyes begin to become heavy. "No you have to stay awake for me okay. What is your name?"

"Olivia," she answers as her head turns to Max. "I am so tired."

The paramedic motions for assistance noting a change in Olivia's vitals. He whispers, "We have to get her out pronto." His partner agrees but Max's injuries and her parents are much more serious.

"Can't I rest my eyes for a minute," she then turns to Max. "Is he going to die? Wait my parents are in the back."

"Yes Olivia we know," the paramedic answers. "You cannot go to sleep okay. You have to stay with me. You parents are unconscious. I need you to hold perfectly still while we begin to get them out of the car." She nods. The paramedic reaches inside the car in order to restrain her in the seat. The paramedic holds a conversation with her in order to keep her awake and talking. The car shakes and soon both doors on the driver's side are off. The tree on her side will make it extremely difficult for her to be set free. It not only crushed the car, but pierced the metal. The paramedics fear it's in her body.

Next to her she hears them speaking about Max.

"We have to get him out of here. He has a weak pulse and he's has blood coming out of his ears. If we don't get him he won't make it to the hospital." He whispers to the driver of the ambulance to call for a helicopter for Olivia and Max. If she rides in the ambulance she as well may not survive. Every minute is crucial.

"Max is dying isn't he," Olivia whimpers as her parents are placed on stretchers then into an ambulance to head to the hospital. The paramedic does not answer her question, but watches his partners along with the fire department use the jaws-of-life to remove him from the car. "MAX DO NOT LEAVE ME. YOU CANNOT DIE. YOU HEAR ME. YOU BEST NOT LEAVE ME ALONE IN THIS WORLD. MAX," Olivia screams as the paramedics lift him onto the stretcher.

"He has a very weak pulse," the driver states before Max is moved away from the wreckage.

Next they begin to remove Olivia. The paramedic who has been by her side from the entire time only slides into the back of the damaged car to restrain Olivia while the tree is cut away. He places his hand down on her lower back and instantly senses wetness. "She is bleeding out. We have to hurry."

The fire department removes the necessary debris to lift Olivia out of the damaged car. Once on the gurney her injuries are fully noted. However all Olivia sees is Max. A paramedic is feverishly working on him. "Bring me to Max," she utters as she is raised in the air. "Please," she whimpers.

A helicopter is heard approaching overhead. "Miss Pope you are going to ride to the hospital on the helicopter. All right. I'll be with you," the paramedic explains placing a neck brace on her, then another brace is slide underneath her back to prevent further injury to her spinal column. As she is pushed away from the wrecked vehicle, she notices the paramedics feverishly working on Max.

"Bring to Max please. I can't leave without him," she pleads reaching frantically for him. Her arms were not strapped down.

"Ma'am, we have to get you on the helicopter. Your parents are already in route. You will be beat them there. There is not much time," a paramedic from the chopper.

"NO PLEASE," Olivia cries. "DO NOT TAKE ME WITHOUT MAX. Bring me to him for just a moment. I need to be with him. He needs me." The paramedic acquiesces but only for a few moments. They bring her stretcher by Max. "Is he breathing? He's not gone?"

"Very little Ma'am," she is answered. "No he's still with us just barely." As the words leave the paramedics mouth, the machines that are connected to Max begin to go crazy. "Please get her back."

Olivia is pushed out of the way as the paramedics frantically begin CPR and rush him onto another helicopter that touched down beside Olivia's.

"We're losing him," Olivia hears as Max's body is worked on.

"No come back. Don't go. No. DO NOT GO. Wake up," Olivia screams as her hands is just out of reach of Max's stretcher. "NOT YOU TOO. MAX DO NOT DIE ON ME. I CAN REACH YOU. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE ME ALL ALONE MAX. MAX," she stretches her hand out to touch his but the paramedics push her further away. "NO BRING ME BACK. I CANNOT LEAVE HIM. I CAN SAVE HIM."

It is at this moment the adrenaline in Olivia's body dissipates and her eyes close. The paramedics rush her onto the helicopter and it lifts off for the hospital. She is worked on the entire ride, but it unresponsive. She arrives at the hospital and it brought into emergency surgery in the hope to save her life.

/

ALL Alone…

1 weeks later…

"She's coming back to us," Olivia hears as her eyes slowly begin to open. "All you crackerjack doctors swore up and down my baby was not going to wake up today. And now look she's beginning to open her eyes to come back to her family," Miss Roses scowls at the doctors who have been tending to Olivia for the last week.

"I told ya'll my Sunshine is coming back to me." As the words leave Miss Rose's lips, Olivia eyes open. "Livy," Miss Rose coos pressing Olivia's hand to her very tired cheek. Olivia swallows hard. Her throat is very dry and her pulse quickens. "It's okay Pumpkin your Noni is here with you. I've been here waiting for you to come back to me."

Olivia eyes widen as her doctor and nurses approach her monitors. She begins to struggle due to the feeding tube which they quickly remove. The nurse then gives her a drink of water. The doctors take her vitals, do a quick exam but Olivia does not say a word. However when they ask her name, age, and the date, she mouths them. However the date is wrong because she has been in a "medical coma" for the last week.

Her eyes then turn to Miss Rose wondering where she is and why. Miss Rose sits on the bed in front of her. "You were in an accident Sunshine. Do you remember?" Olivia squints unsure. "You left the ballet with Max, your Mom and Dad," Miss Rose now has tears streaming down her face. She glances quickly around the room. Max nor her parents are no-where to be found.

"Noni," Olivia creaks as her pulse quickens. The tears threatening to spill from her eyes are telling. "Where…," her voice is raw from the tubes.

"Mrs. Pope, maybe we should do this another time," the doctor interjects.

"No," Miss Rose challenges the doctor. She kisses Olivia's forehead quickly then motions for the doctor to follow her out of the room. "I can't keep this from her. She is already looking for them."

"Let my staff and I bring her down for testing, then we she returns you can tell her the truth. Plus I know the rest of your family has been waiting to see her. She is going to need ALL of your help," the doctor pleads with Miss Rose to agree.

"Fine," she acquiesces. "But if she figures this out on her own, there will be hell to pay for you all. You do not want to piss my baby off."

"I understand Ma'am," the doctor squeezes Miss Rose's hand then enters Olivia's hospital room. The doctor gently and calmly explains to Olivia that in a few moments they will be bringing her up for testing. Her eyes meet her Grandmother's.

"I'll be here when you get back. We'll talk then. Everyone is waiting to see you baby," she mutters holding her hand.

"Noni," Olivia other hand reaches for her Grandmother. She senses something is truly wrong. Her eyes travel down to her legs. "My legs," she mouths.

Miss Rose's eyes meet the doctors. He sits in front of Olivia on the bed. "Miss Pope you just woke up from a week long coma." Her eyes widen. "It was necessary to aid in your healing. The medication has some lasting effects in the body." He hopes this explanation will reassure her. "My nurses and I must take you up for testing. When we are finished the medication should be out of your body, and we can see where things stand. All right."

"Okay," Olivia mouths. "My legs," she taps her thigh. She cannot feel her own hand. "I can't feel my hand." He motions for the nurses and aides to prep her for testing. The doctor offers more comforting words to calm Olivia's fears. Then all the necessary preparations are made. After a quick goodbye to Miss Rose, she is wheeled out of the room.

A few hours later, Olivia is returned to her hospital room. There waiting for her is Miss Rose, with a small simple lunch in order for her to gain some strength. Thirty minutes later, her Uncles Bernard and Edward arrive with their wives. Then of course her Aunt Celia and her husband. She continues looking around the room for her father and mother, Louis and Alice Pope.

Each Aunt and Uncle to go her individually for hugs and kisses. As each hug her, she feels their tears. They also inform her that her cousin, ALL BOYS will be visiting her the following day. Most live an hour or less away accept for one cousin who lives on the West Coast. To her surprise he is there as well but tending to the Bed and Breakfast for Miss Rose.

Finally Olivia is able to speak. "Where are you all here?"

Her Uncle Bernard sits close. "Because of the accident. We had to be here." She squints.

Her Uncle Edward stands next to Miss Rose who is now sitting next to her on the bed. "Do you remember anything," he inquires.

"Only a little. Momma, Daddy, Max and I were talking. Then I…," her voice creaks.

"It's okay," her Aunt Celia comes to hold her other hand. "If you don't remember."

Olivia stops her. "No I opened my eyes and Max, Daddy, and Momma were really hurt. I was the only one who was awake and talking. A paramedic stayed with me. They put me on a helicopter. But Max…WHERE IS MAX?" She closes her eyes as the images of him bleeding and being worked on appear in her mind. "Why isn't is here? Is he in a coma too?"

"No Sweetie he's not," Miss Rose lifts her face.

"Then where is he, Momma and Daddy," she whimpers. "Are they in their own rooms? Can I go see them?"

"Sweetheart," Miss Rose sniffles as her tears begin to come out of her eyes. Olivia shifts in the bed to gaze into her Grandmother's eyes. She remembers seeing her this upset once. It was when her Grandfather passed away.

"WHERE ARE THEY," she cries. "SOMEONE BRING ME TO MY PARENTS RIGHT. I NEED MAX. I WANT TO SEE MAX," she begins to cry. Her Uncle Bernard and Edward close the distance. They hold her down so she will not hurt herself. "Uncle Bernie, Uncle Eddie please tell me where they are?"

"Momma we have to tell her," Celia speak to her mother.

Miss Rose cocoons Olivia in her arms. "Grand-Mamma," she whimpers, gazing into her Grandmother's eyes. "Please?"

"Your Momma, Daddy and Max," she stops abruptly not permitting herself to utter the words. "They are…," She can no longer hold back her tears. They come down her face in waves.

"Tell me Noni," Olivia heart begins to break. "You have to say it. I won't believe it unless you tell me the truth."

Olivia watches her Grandmother exhale deeply as she looks out the window up into the sky. "How could you all leave her?" Their eyes meet, as Miss Rose speaks, "Pumpkin Max, your Father and Mother aren't here because they are with your Papa in heaven," she places her hand over her mouth to cover her own cries.

"NO," Olivia screams. "THEY CANNOT BE GONE. MAX WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO LEAVE ME. How am I supposed to live without him? Momma and Daddy too, NO! I don't believe you," she lashes out. She struggles to be released but her Uncle Bernard and Edward are now holding onto her with Miss Rose. "WHY?"

"I don't know why darling. If I did I'd ask the man upstairs for answers. You are not alone," Miss Rose kisses her brow/ "I'm so sorry Livy – my Sweet Baby," Miss Rose whimpers into her hair rocking her back and forth in the bed.

As the words "Sweet Baby," leave her Grandmother's mouth Olivia believes her. She was called this when her Grandfather passed away and she wept in Miss Rose's arms. Oliva's body begins to shake. "They all loved you very much. Max, Your Momma, and Daddy are watching over you in heaven now with your Papa," she voices realizing their mutual loss.

"I missed their funeral," Olivia sniffles as her eyes meet her Aunt Celia.

She walks over to the bed. Bernard stands up allowing his sister to sit with Olivia. "No Baby you didn't. We couldn't have it without you."

"So they're in the morgue," she questions as more tears come down her face.

"No they are at the funeral home. Max is there too. We'll have the service after you leave the hospital. You don't have to plan anything," Celia assures her. "Max's family is taking care of everything. They will be visiting you later." Olivia shifts her body with her Grandmother's help falling into her Aunt's arms. "You will NEVER be alone Olivia. All of us will be here for you."

Celia eyes meet her two sister and laws. They step to the foot of the bed placing their hands on her feet. Olivia does not realize it at first but when her eyes focus on her Aunts her heart rate quickens. "Why can't I feel their hands?" Her aunts remove their hands then touch her again. "I can't feel you squeezing my feet." Olivia begins to panic.

"Get the doctor now," Miss Rose orders one of her son's. Bernard and Edward both rush out of the room while all her aunts sit with Olivia on the bed.

"WHY CAN'T I FEEL MY LEGS," she bellows willing herself to move her legs. She places her hands under her hips for leverage but nothing. "I AM TELLING THEM TO MOVE BUT THEY AREN'T! NONI," she turns to her Grandmother seeking solace.

The doctor rushes in the room to exam Olivia. He pleads with her family to give her something to calm down but Miss Rose won't allow it. "Please Mrs. Pope. We won't be able to examine her if she is this upset," the doctor explains. Miss Rose instructs him to plead with Olivia. She does not want any more medication in her body but she allow it. A small sedative is injected in her IV.

As the sedative enters Olivia's bloodstream her heart rate slows. "Miss Pope I am going to do a quick exam all right?" Olivia nods. As the doctor checks Olivia's injuries, a nurse arrives with her most recent test results. Olivia watches him furrow his brows as he checks the sheets of paper in her file. He looks at the nurse, then the intern who has been working with him. "You're certain."

"Yes Doctor," they respond.

"Why can I feel my legs," Olivia finally asks the question. The doctor solemnly sits in front of her. His eyes give it away. "I won't ever be able to dance again, will I? Please I need to know. I know I just found out I lost both my parents, my fiancée and dancing partner, but I have to know."

"Your spinal column was severed in the accident. As of right now you are paralyzed Miss Pope. The swelling from the accident has gone down enough for us to get a clearer picture. Your most recent MRI proves our fears. We hoped we got you into surgery in time but it was not the case. The metal that pierced your back unfortunately left you unable to walk," the doctor squeezes her hands.

To his surprise after just learning she lost Max and her parents, she sits there silently. "Miss Pope…," he calls out to her but she just stares at him with "empty eyes."

"Livy," Miss Rose calls out to her but she does not respond. Miss Rose leans forward to gaze into her youngest Grandchild's eyes. All the hope, love, LIGHT is gone. Being the Prima Ballerina she was once could have been the only thing to keep her going.

"Is there anything you can do for her," Miss Rose inquires. Olivia is eerily silent.

"I am going to send her paperwork to a Dr. Derek Shepard. He is a well-known neurosurgeon who is literally the best in our field. He works at John Hopkins in Boston. He is not only the Chief of Surgery but head of the Neuro Department. A pioneer in our field along with success with patients who have spinal injuries."

"Can this Doctor Shepard give me back my legs," Olivia snaps. "Max, my parents…," now she's crying again.

"I don't know Miss Pope," her doctor reaches for her hands. He squeezes them gently. "But Dr. Shepard is the very best. I'll fax your file over to him now and see if he can come here for a consult. If anyone can help you regain your ability to walk again it's him. But like everything, it's not a guarantee."

"So you're telling me I will have to get used to being in a wheelchair for the rest of my life," Olivia lashes out. She whips her hands away from the doctor. "I will only ever be a shell of the person I once was. I'll never dance, get married, have sex or a baby," now she's crying.

Miss Rose glances at the doctor pleading with him to give them a moment alone. Her Uncles and Aunts leave the room also. Once they are alone, she sits in front of Olivia. "Olivia Carolyn Pope that is NOT what he said."

"It doesn't matter," Olivia snips harshly. "If Max had lived, he'd be by my side no matter what. But now he is gone. Momma and Daddy are gone. The life I always wanted to have Noni is over. No man in his right mind would ever want anything to do with me. All HE will ever see is the wheelchair I'll be stuck in for the rest of my life."

"Olivia Carolyn Pope you stop it," Miss Rose snaps. "You don't know this. You are not the Good Lord or are privy to his plan for you."

"He took Momma. Daddy and the man I love Noni. What plan? There is NO MORE PLAN FOR ME. I am ALL ALONE," she cries.

"You are not alone. YOU HAVE ME CHILD. I am not going anywhere," Miss Rose reaches for her hands but Olivia whips them away from her before she can reach. "Give me your hands." Olivia will not budge. "Give me those hands or I'll make sure I don't bring you any of your favorites from my house. Oh and speaking of it you are moving in with me as soon as you a discharged."

"I don't need a baby sitter Noni. I am not a child. Plus it should be me that is taking care of you," Olivia reminds her.

"I am not babysitting anyone. It has been decided you are coming to live me at the Bed and Breakfast and that is final. Now give me your hands." Olivia finally complies. When their hands touch, Olivia begins to cry. She falls forward and sobs in her Grandmother's lap. "Everything will be okay Sunshine I promise you. I know it does not seem like it to you now but trust me it will."

Miss Rose eyes travel to the side of the room noting an arrangement of purple roses. They are not the same ones Olivia had received that night but they are from the same family. The parents of the man who sent them to her. She smiles knowing her "Blue Eyes" will come to find her one day. Until then, she will be everything Olivia needs to get well until the time is right.

She glances out the window into the sky. To herself she speaks, "You best not make it long before he comes to find her. I am not getting any younger. HE is the only one to make her whole. My Blue Eyes will be the only man to ONLY SEE HER now. They have always been meant to be, you just have to allow it to happen."

"Livy," her name is called.

/

(Always) and Only See You…

"Livy," Fitz calls out to her after she finishes speaking. She has been quite for some time. Her breathing has calmed. "Maybe she fell asleep again," he whispers.

"I'm still awake," Olivia lifts her tear-stained face to meet Fitz's soft blue eyes. Fitz cups her face. "Can you bring me," she motions to the bed.

"Sure," he kisses her forehead just before lifting her. Olivia's buries her nose against his face as he walks them both to the bed. He sits her down gently then raises her legs onto the bed. She slides over and she is back in his arms.

"So now you know the truth," Olivia murmurs into his shirt between sniffles.

"Yah," he croaks. "I am so sorry. If I had known you." She nods. "You needed me all this time." Then he stops thinking about Miss Rose's words. "The night I saw you dance is the day of your accident."

"Yes," she sniffles. "The day lost Max, my parents and my legs. But it's also the day that helped bring us together. I put you on the correct path to find me." A soft smile appears on her face.

"Livy?" Fitz interrupts her thoughts.

"Yes…?"

"Your Grandmother," he inquires with an uncertain tone.

"She always knew we were meant for each other. I only know about her prayer in the hospital because she told me the other day before you brought me here." Her admission causes Fitz's breath to hitch. "I guess she's our cupid."

Fitz cannot help but smile as his head falls onto hers. "So if it wasn't for your Grandmother, we wouldn't be together," he muses deep in thought. His body and heart rate quickens as the gravity of his words weave into his heart. The mere idea of Olivia NOT being HIS and in his life is terrifying.

"Stop it," she commands in a soft tone. "You have me and I you. That is all that matters." His arms weave around her, drawing her closer. Fitz exhales and inhales deeply. Her coconut shampoo enters is lungs. He relaxes into her body. "Either way we would have found each other."

"You bet your nice ass we would have" he boasts. She giggles into his shirt. "Still I should have come to you sooner. Ever since that night I watched you dance I was not able to stop thinking of you. I heard of your accident, and your parents dying. I just wished I realized I had put two and two together. I should have had my parents look into it. Hell after I was elected the CIA." Olivia rolls her eyes. "We wasted all this time away from each other."

She lifts her upper body to gaze into his blues eyes. In there she sees regret of not following his heart, but a relief and happiness that he is there now. "It was not wasted. We were not ready for each other before Fitz. You and I met exactly when we were supposed to. Don't you know that everything happens at the exact moment in time it's supposed to," she smiles holding his face in her hands. "Plus I would have pushed you away back then."

"I may have done the same. I truly never let Bellamy go until seeing you." She kisses his lips softly. It is the same for her. Max can rest now in peace because she is exactly where she is supposed to be and with whom. "However I would not have allowed you to push me away. I would have fought you and won. Just don't throw any more snowballs at my head," he gripes. She smirks then giggles. "Hey it hurt you know."

"Well if you were being such a stubborn ass-hat I would not have done it," she chastises. Fitz slinks down in the bed. Now their heads are on their pillows. He turns her body so she can lay on her side. He positions himself the same. His large hand finds its home on her soft cheek. His thumb caresses her skin lightly. She nuzzles into his touch. She reaches her hand to his head. "Oh yes the bump is still there," she winks.

"Olivia," he growls.

"What," she flutters her eyes bashfully.

"Are you sure you never played softball," he probes in a teasing tone. "Because I swear you have one strong arm."

"It must be from all my therapy lessons with Jackson," she smirks. He begins to close the distance to kiss her again but she stops him with her fingers on his lips. "Those snowballs help me win your heart Fitz."

Her words warm him from within. His hands reach behind her back to draw her closer. "You had my heart from the moment I heard your voice when I called to tell your Grandmother I was coming to Hope for Christmas. Hell you had my heart long before that Livy. My heart has always belonged to you. I was just too chicken shit to act on it."

"Fitz," she whimpers. "You didn't act until you sensed we were ready. And we are now. And I swear if you make me cry again I'll run your ass over with my chair."

"It is better than a snowball being thrown at my head," he quips just before rolling her onto her back. He sighs deeply as her hands reach up to cradle his face.

"Thank you Fitz," she mutters as happy tears stream down her face.

"For?"

"Helping me to heal, finally let Max go, and move on with you," she admits. He cannot utter the same words but it is the truth for him as well. If it was not for Olivia- her love, he would not be ready to move on with his life either. She is not only everything, but his beating heart. "Fitz I…," but she is silenced when he kisses her. She signs into his mouth as their lips do their familiar feathery dance.

"Livy…I…," he exhales as her lips return the kiss. His heart pounds against his chest as the depth of his love continues to grow and deepen. There is nothing he would not give to stay at Rose Point with her forever in this very spot kissing her soft plush lips for the rest of his days. He'd leave this earth a happy man because he found the love he was always meant to have.

Her small hand glides across his chest, reaching under his arms to decrease the distance between them. Her tongue weaves into his mouth sending a shiver down his spine. Goosebumps appear on his body. He's relieved they are laying down because he swears he'd be a mess on the floor with her on top of him. A smirk appears on his face as that idea flashes into his mind.

She can feel his heart slamming under his sternum willing itself to be freed from the confines of his chest. It longs to be closer to the one woman who can control its rhythm. With one look, kiss, touch Olivia can induce sensation in his body he's never experienced before.

"Olivia," he stammers before he can no longer utter a coherent thought.

"Yes," she blushes seeing and feeling the effect her kisses have on him.

"I want you to know that I am nothing without you. You complete me," he whimpers holding her face. One hand is on her lower back keeping their chests touching.

"Signed. Sealed. Delivered I'm yours Fitz," she blushes. He chuckles. "What?"

"You made yourself sound like some bill I am about to sign into Legislation," he quips bumping his nose to hers.

"Well that could have its advantages," she speaks seductively. He raises his eyes waiting for her to continue. "Don't you have to stick your pen on it to sign it?" Fitz now rolls over and laughs. He turns and glances at Olivia who's buried her head into the pillows. He lifts her head to find her blushing. "Stop…,"

"You know I'll never be able to sign a bill and not think of this moment," he challenges. "You are too much."

Her fingers rake through his luscious curls. "Only for you Mr. President." The seduction in her voice causes Fitz to sit up. "FITZ," she cackles as he lifts her helping her straddle his waist. He wraps her nimble legs around his waist.

"Don't tease me woman," he growls pushing their hips together showing her how he plans on dominating their bedroom. "I already have trouble controlling my urge to roll you over and have my way with you." Her mouth falls open. Then she nibbles on her bottom lip. Fitz then kisses her as his pelvis grinds into hers.

"FITZ," she moans his name breathlessly. "We...I mean…" she is at a loss for words.

He stops then cradles her face with one hand. "We will wait till we are both ready and the time is right."

"Are you sure," she questions because she feels his hardened length. "Because…,"

"I'll be fine," he admits easily. "It's not like you haven't given me blue balls before."

"WHAT," she hollers before burying her face in her hands. Their eyes meet and they both laugh. She cannot believe he just admitted it to her.

"Don't worry it's what cold showers are for," quips before chucking a bit more. As their laughter subsides he rolls her onto the bed, then situates her into his side. Her head nestles on his chest as her eyes meet his. She smiles as their eyes connect. "Livy you are worth the wait."

"And so are you. Fitz about your Inauguration…,"

"I want you by my side Livy in the light where the world can see US together." She begins to speak but he quiets her with a sweet kiss. "I don't want your answer if you have one right now. Rest. My alarm will wake us if we are not moving by 8:00."

She exhales deeply. "Thank you." He squints. "For being patient. Listening to me talk about the night I lost Max, My Parents and legs. I never told anyone all of it before. I never could bring myself to recant it all. It hurt too much." Brown eyes meet blue. "Until now. Being in your arms at my worse made it bearable. The pain is manageable now. Max, my Daddy and Momma are still with me aren't they?"

"Yes Sweetheart they are. The ones we love never leave us completely. We carry a piece of them with us wherever we go. In our lowest moments they carry us. They are our Footprints in the Sand," he whimpers remembering the poem.

"You are my Footprints in the Sand Fitz," the tears pool in his eyes aching to leave. She kisses him softly. One stray tear escapes each eye. She kisses each away. He grip tightens.

"You'll hold me till morning," she questions.

"I'll hold forever Livy," he answers with conviction. "Because maybe home is nothing but two arms holding you tight when you are at your worse." They lips meet again in a series of gentle soft kisses. "Sleep Sweetheart. I'll be here." She nods. Her head nestles over his heart. In less than five minutes she is asleep taking Fitz her.

They dream of each other.

The life they will build.

And for Fitz, how his love for her with change the world – because Olivia is his world, home, and heart.

/

TBC

Okay #Gladiators that is it for now. I did my best to finish this especially after that episode we just watched. And OLITZ at the end, totally ruined me. It is not for the weak hearted just like this update. But I hope I made up for it in the end.

Also I had the pleasure of attending Paleyfest this year in Los Angeles. It was an experience of a lifetime. My fanfic sister from another mother willing put up with me. I met many #Gladiators I've only spoken to on twitter. I can't tell you how many times I legit had tears in my eyes when I met someone I only spoke to on twitter.

I literally had the time of my life. To see the entire cast was an experience I'll never forget. And of course TONY looked fine as hell. Oh yes I went to a LIVE taping of DANCING WITH THE STARS. It was incredible. I saw Max. Yes it definitely will help me with #TimeOfMyLife's new chapter when I start it. (Don't get hopes up yet.)

So I'm eager to read your thoughts on this chapter. As always thank you for reading and have a great weekend.

Me's