Here is the big divorce interview. Disclaimer: Don't own Scandal or its character. Please excuse any typos. Happy Reading, Happy Holidays and as always reviews are greatly encouraged.

Fitz took the back entrance of the White House that led right into the Residence. He showered and changed into the pre-selected suit with hints of blue that bought out the blue in his eyes.

He strolled into the West Wing of the White House and into the Jefferson Library where the interview was to take place.

Cyrus spotted Fitz walking over with only one hour until the interview, "Where have you been . . . I have been looking for you for hours."

Fitz shrugged his shoulders, "I had something to do, but I am here now . . . so let just get this over with."

Cyrus shook his head and decided not to push the issue of Fitz showing up this close to the interview. "You need to go over to makeup . . . we may still have time to go over what you need to say before we need to go live."

Fitz shook his head, "I don't need to go over it anymore, I can do this Cyrus." Fitz goes over to the makeup people where they prep him and make sure he looked perfect.

He took a seat next to Mellie, who was wearing a blue dress to probably compliment the blue in his suit.

They sat across from journalist, Alicia Michaels. Alicia was a frequently anchor on Fox News, so the conservative base would trust her.

Cyrus choose her specifically, however, because she was eager to please the Grant Administration in order to get on the very shortlist of journalist that got invited to exclusive events at the White House.

Alicia would not be hard on Fitz and she would not deviate from the preapprove questions. Cyrus wanted to make sure this interview was within his control and the narrative he developed with Olivia was the one delivered to the American people.

Alicia turned to the camera. "Hello Fox viewers, I am Alicia Michaels here in the White House with President Fitzgerald Grant III and First Lady Mellie Grant."

Fitz smiled, "I am so happy to welcome you and the American people into the White House."

Mellie matched Fitz's smiles, "Yes, we are so happily we can have you here in the Jefferson Library with us."

Fitz touched Mellie's hand which digested him but he was following what they had prepared, "Me and the First Lady would like to make an announcement before we begin this interview . . . we say this with heavy hearts that we have decided to part ways amicably . . . after over 20 years of marriage we have decided to end our time as man and wife."

Mellie added, "We did not come to this decision lightly, we have seek both religious and professional counseling, but at last we have decided to divorce, we hope the American People will respect the privacy of our children as we go through this huge transition and hard time in our family."

Alicia looked at them with great sympathy, "I am sorry to hear that you two have decided to divorce, as we agreed before the interview, I get to ask questions related to this monumental announcements."

Fitz nodded his head, "That is why we have decided to do this live interview, we could have released an statement or held a press conference, but I wanted this interview to talk to the American people and to assure them the change in my personal life will not affect my leadership of this great country."

Alicia nodded, "We are going to cut to an quick commercial break, but when we get back I will be asking the questions I, as well as many American, have about this, huge announcement of the American Divorce."

The camera cut off and Fitz immediately goes to have a private conversation with his secret service detail Tom.

Cyrus and Mellie checked what is being said online, so far most people are blaming Fitz for the divorce. Cyrus is unfazed by this initial reaction having confidence in the narrative he and Olivia created for this big announcement. Mellie is overjoyed that this interview seems to be working out in her favor most people painting Fitz as a cheater.

Fitz and Mellie settled back onto the couch to begin the second half of the interview.

Alicia smiled at the camera, "I am back here with the President of the United States and the First Lady Mellie Grant." Alicia paused, "or I guess the former First Lady, since you two have divorced . . . will you still be going by Mellie Grant?"

While preparing for the interview it was determined that Mellie would answer this question and confirm she would still go by Grant. Her reasoning was that she has been a Grant for over 20 years and despite the divorce her and Fitz were still friends and an family. Fitz was supposed to nod and agree they would continue to be a family despite parting ways.

Fitz however spoke before Mellie could say a word. "Mellie understandable has decided to return to her maiden name of Fletcher, her family the Fletchers have a rich history in this country, being one of the first families that came here on the Mayflower. I was understandably sadden she has decided to drop my families name, but I understand that she wants to reclaim her maiden name and start a new life."

Cyrus eyes widen as he stood behind the cameraman in a panic,that Fitz was going off script.

Mellie was equally upset that Fitz had blindsided her by taking the Grant name away from her. Admittedly she had no desire to go back to the surname of Fletcher, Mellie Grant was how she was known, it gave her recognition and had an air of sophistication . . . whereas Melody Fletcher sounded like a southern debutante.

Mellie had no time to react as this interview was happening live. She plastered a fake smile, "As my husband so eloquently put it, I will be going back to my family's name Fletcher . . . but I recognize the people may still see me as Grant . . . which I am fine with since my children are still Grants." Mellie gave Fitz the side eye, trying to figure out what was his angle deviating from the plan.

Alicia continued on with the interview, "The question of the hour is why are you two are divorcing, you seem to be perfectly matched and for the most part very much in love?"

Fitz went back on scripted and responded to Alicia's question, "Mellie and I married very young, we were in our early twenties . . . we knew very little about life but we knew we were crazy in love with each other."

Cyrus exhaled not realizing he was holding his breath the entire time Fitz went off script.

Mellie was also relieve Fitz went back onto script because off script he could say anything and ruin her. Mellie nodded, "I was barely a woman, when I became a wife . . . but I just could not wait to marry this man right here."

Fitz chuckled, "Yup I was a very lucky man, I got to marry someone I considered my best friend at the time." Fitz thought to himself he felt so foolish calling Mellie his best-friend, at best she was an accessory that looked good on his arm.

Mellie smiled at Fitz and then turned to Alicia, "But in marry so young, we too went through many of the pitfalls that young married people experience."

Fitz chimed in, "Admittedly while I was serving our country during the Gulf War, I had to spend a lot of time away from my wife and children . . . and I am still really appreciative how Mellie singled handedly raised our two young children by herself while I was out defensing our country."

Mellie shook her head, "No, it is I and the American people that appreciate you and all the men and women who have and are currently serving in our military . . . you guys make it safe for me and many others in this nation to live our lives."

Cyrus beamed with happiness from ear to ear; the military narrative was coming off as genuine and judging by social media, was being perceived by the public well.

Fitz continued explaining why they divorced. "After I was honorable discharged, I immediately ran for Governor of California and then a few years later the presidency, there was always so much change going on with our lives and distance because of my job . . . our relationship became strained over the years."

Mellie added, "Despite our every efforts to reconnect and come together as a couple, we grow apart and became two different people."

Fitz nodded, "We quietly separated to give our children the time and space they needed to handle this large change and then later formally divorced over three months ago, once we finalize property and child custody issues. We decided to hold off on announcing it to the public, in order to shield our children from the scrutiny we know we will face with this kind of announcement."

Mellie forced tears to roll down her cheeks almost too perfectly.

Fitz had to fight the urge to roll his eyes at Mellie obvious fake crying over a marriage that has been over for years for the camera. Mellie crying was not a part of what they prepared and it frustrated Fitz.

Alicia motioned for her staff off camera to hand Mellie a tissue. "We have to take another commercial break, but when we get back we will continue to talk about the American Divorce and give the former first couple a chance to rebut some rumors about their relationship."

After the cameras were cut off, Cyrus immediately came over and praised both Fitz and Mellie for their performances. "The public seems to be taking the news of the divorce well . . . re-election might not be off the table with the positive feedback about Fitz's military connection."

Mellie turned to Fitz, "What was that about me going back to my maiden name, we did not agreed to that."

Fitz shrugged his shoulder, "Grant is my name and I get to choose who keep it." He said coldly moving away from Cyrus and Mellie and again goes over to talk to Tom.

Both Cyrus and Mellie were surprised by Fitz's attitude but did not make a big deal of it since he did go directly back on script after the whole last name detour.

The commercial break ended and the parties were back in their respective positions.

Alicia smiled, "So we are back here with . . . I guess we will call them the former First Couple . . . now I would not be doing my job if I did not bring up, the statements made by former White House Communications Director, Olivia Pope, inferring she had a sexual relationship with you Mr. President while you were still married. Did this affair factor into your divorce?"

Cyrus held his breath knowing this would be the hardest part of the interview for Fitz.

Fitz took on an almost expressionless look on his face, "While me and my wife were legal separated, I dated a number women including Olivia Pope, these relationships had no bearing on our divorce which happened a substantial time later."

Cyrus let out a sigh of relieve. Fitz delivered that statement perfectly. He did not spend too much time focusing on Olivia or their relationship, and he managed to make it appeared irrelevant in the larger scheme of their divorce.

Alicia is about to proceed to a few final questions about life after the divorce, but she is cut off by Fitz.

Fitz muttered, "But . . . "

Cyrus felt his chest tighten like he was about to have a heart attack. He thought to himself, did Fitz just really say 'but', that was not a part of the script.

Mellie was equally surprised by Fitz continuing to speak after he stated the statement they had planned.

Tom gave a signal to Jackson, another one of Fitz secret service detail. Jackson immediately left the room.

Fitz continued to speak, "But while dating Ms. Pope . . . she became pregnant with our child . . . I was separated from my wife but not legal divorced . . . and it was not the ideal situation … but not having the child was not an option, I have been a fierce advocate for pro-life and I am completely against abortions. I believe that life starts at conceptions and that every child is an blessings from God. . . While the relationship with Olivia Pope ended, when I found out about the child . . . I stepped up and took responsibility."

Mellie maintained a content look on her face, while internally she was streaming mad. If the camera were not rolling she would have taken Alicia's pen and stabbed Fitz repeatedly.

Alicia was shocked for a second, she was aware the First Couple would be announcing their divorce in this interview . . . but was caught off guard by the big reveal of a secret love child. This interview went from a fluff piece about divorce to potentially launching her career. "Mellie how did you take the news that your husband had gotten another woman pregnant even though you two were separated at the time?"

Mellie thought to herself, emotional Mellie would tell Alicia that she was angry as hell that her husband was stupid enough to knock-up the whore he was sleeping with. Mellie known that respond would make her look bitter or worse make her look like a weak woman that her had her eyes closed while her husband cheated with the help. This perception does not service her well for future plans she thought to herself.

Mellie instead decided to downplay the betrayal for her own selfish motives. "Alicia I have to admit I was shocked to hear of Ms. Pope's pregnancy, but at this point as my husband explained we were separated and we both had decided to date other people to determine whether we wanted to continue to be married. It was during this time I reconnected with an old friend, George McGriffin and entered into a romantic relationship of my own. . . George is an a award-winning tenured professor at the world-class institution Stanford University Law School. We recently reconnected when he began to get involve in community activism in Los Angeles. As you know I am a huge proponent of community outreach and have done a lot of work the Los Angeles area."

Mellie paused as her eyes took on great sadness. "We also connected on a deep level because he recently lost his mother and as you know I lost my mother after the birth of my second child, Karen. Losing your mother does something to you and we just clicked on another level."

Fitz did not expect Mellie to out her relationship with George on national television, he expected her to play to victim and portray him as the cheating bastard that is out here having unprotected sex and impregnating the help.

Mellie continued to give her reaction to finding out about Olivia's pregnancy, "I will be honest I was not thrilled my husband was bring a child into a very complicated situation but I am also against abortion . . . they are just morally wrong in my eyes . . . the child that was produced is a precious gift from God and I commend my husband for stepping up when a brief insignificant relationship resulted in a child."

Fitz was shocked by Mellie's statements, but was not fool by her act. He knew she was up to something. Outside of referring to his relationship with Olivia as insignificant . . . Mellie almost appear to trying to be nice. Fitz was not buying it, he know she does not do anything nice without a price.

Alicia scrapped most of the pre-approved questions since everyone had gone off script at this point. "So you are really going to say that the relationship with Olivia Pope and the child that was produced from that relationship was not a factor in your divorce."

Fitz feared that Mellie would show her true colors and take this opportunity to throw Olivia and his daughter under the bus. He was not going to let that happen, so he answered the question. "No it was not a factor, I found out Ms. Pope was pregnant several months after the relationship ended and after me and my wife had decided to divorce officially."

Mellie eyes rolled slightly but it was unnoticeable on camera. She thought to himself really Fitz you are going to protect Olivia after she lied for three years, you did not know about that half-bred bastard until a few months ago. "We decided to divorce in the spring of the first year within his term and we found out about Olivia's pregnancy in the winter, by that point we were just finalizing property division and child custody."

Fitz heart began to race slightly he made the decision to tell the American people about Lily, but did not factor in Mellie would be so accommodating in the narrative he was choosing to tell. He decided to keep an eye on her however because he did not buy her above it all attitude she is giving off right now.

Alicia continued her questioning, "So let me get this right, you two separated, . . . dated separate people . . . decided to divorce . . . and then you found out Ms. Pope was pregnant . . . So by this timeline the child is two?"

Fitz nodded his head, "Lillian Pope-Grant . . . Lily for short . . . is her name and she is almost three and your timeline is correct otherwise."

Alicia paused looking over her notes for the interview. She read in her head . . . children: Fitzgerald Grant IV (17), Karen Grant (13), and Theodore Grant (14 months). She did the math silently in her head, "So after the decision to divorce during your first years in office did you two reconcile at any point."

Fitz immediately knew why Alicia asked the question, she questioned Teddy's paternity given the chain of events. He is about to claim a reconciliation so there is no question about Teddy.

Mellie, however, foolishly speak first before thinking, "No, we remained romantically separated but continued working together to serve this country . . . I as First Lady bought a lot of great initiative to this country . . . perhaps my proudest accomplishment has to be the work I have done with children and education . . . my literacy programs has helped to get libraries built in several impoverish community including in East L.A., I recently spoke to some of the children there who have benefited and they are just so grateful to have a safe haven to go to after school."

Fitz raised an eyebrow and thought to himself was Mellie really trying to ink out a political career right now, she signed away those rights.

Alicia nodded, "If you and the President were separated after the decision to divorce . . . was Teddy a product of another relationship . . . perhaps the relationship you discussed earlier in this interview."

Mellie wanted to smack herself; she never intended to expose herself as having a child outside their marriage. She intended to keep the focus on Fitz being the cheater and irresponsible one. She was silent for less than a second but it felt like hours for viewers. "Uhm . . . yes my youngest is the son of the man I have been dating, George, since my husband and I decided to separate and divorce.

Alicia is about to ask a follow up question to the Former First Lady big confession, but she can see Cyrus is giving her a look to wrap it up.

Alicia follows up with the question, "So it has taken you two over three years to finalize a divorce . . . that is kind of unbelievable?"

Cyrus shook his head indicating that was not what he was asking for when he indicated for her to wrap up the interview.

Alicia nervously shifted through questions, planning to ask something else quickly that would appease the now red faced Cyrus.

Mellie smirked and decided to answer the question. She had already jumped off the cliff with Fitz; she might as well get something out of it. "Speaking as an attorney, I receive my legal degree from Harvard Law . . . even though I don't practice law currently . . . it is not uncommon when there are large sums of money, assets, and property domestic and international that an final decree of marriage could be delayed for years. Neither of us even contested any of the divisions . . . my former husband has even been so generous to give me the Hollywood Hills Home and the condo in SoHo."

Fitz tried to keep his face from showing his true emotions. Fitz thought to himself, he gave Mellie nothing and will give her nothing in the divorce but the cloths on her back.

Alicia nodded, "That is quite generous both property are amazing, I remember them being showcased during the Grant campaign.

Alicia shifted her body and focused her attention on Fitz, "Mr. President given all that has been revealed would it be a fair emotion for the American people to feel like they were lied too . . . sold this couple deeply in love who were not?" Alicia could have gone harder with this question and most journalists in her position would have, but she also didn't want to have the President shutdown after he has been so open in an interview that will surely be considered award-winning.'

Fitz looked directly in the camera, "I would like to apologize to the American people, I have not been transparent with the American people and . . . I did not have faith the American people would be able to handle my truth . . . I still believe in the same family values I ran on . . . I did love my former wife and we were an amazing team together, but our marriage has come to an end and like many Americans in this nation that have similarly gone through the process of divorcing . . . Mellie and I will continue to work as a team to co-parent our children."

Alicia looked over at her producer and Cyrus who were giving her a countdown signal, "So our interview is coming to an end, I would like to give you both a chance to address the nation before we signal off, what is next?"

Fitz looked over, "Ladies First . . . "

Mellie put on a fake smile, "Oh what a gentlemen . . . what's next for me I have moved back to California and will continue my community outreach work especially in the area of education and children, I will continue to support my ex-husband and the Grant Administration and co-parent our two teenage children . . . really Alicia I am looking forward to exploring my new relationship and spending time with my 14 month old son . . . kids grow up so fast . . . I don't want to miss a minute of it." Mellie intentionally ended talking about being a mother to hopefully undo some of the damage she did to her reputation outing her extramarital relationship.

Alicia turned to Fitz, "Mr. President?"

The corners of Fitz mouth turned up slightly. He thought to himself he did not intent to tell the world about Lily, but he was happy with his decision to do it. "What is next for me Alicia . . . well continuing to run this great nation . . . regardless of what many will think of my personal life . . . beyond a shadow of doubt I have led this country in the right direction and fulfill many of the promises I have made while running, I have cut the economic deficit by 30% in less than four years in office . . . I have bought two international terrorists to justice . . . negotiated a peace treaty with Cuba which the past four presidents could not do . . . and I have passed a bill that not only secure our borders but creates a method to legalize illegal immigrant currently in this country . . . what next for me is simple . . . to continue being President and the best father I could be to Gerry, Karen, and Lily.

Meanwhile at the same time at OPA. . .

Olivia just watched Fitz's dark SUV pull away from her building. She had her meeting with Huck about the client she came into the office to talk about in the first place.

Huck left to go track down a lead.

Olivia decided to stick around her office to go through some case files, since this was the first time she had been back in her office since her injury and coma. She looked at her watch and known it was time for the big interview.

She removed her heels and kicked up her feet, as she turned on the television in her office. She smiled to herself saying it was a good choice to go with the dark suit with the blue accent; it really made his eyes look bright and lively.

Olivia watched as Fitz started off the interview by announcing the divorce. She was happy they decided to get straight to the point rather then beat around the bush. She thought to herself it show the American people you want to be honest and direct . . . good qualities in a President.

The program went on a commercial break and Olivia got up to grab some wine and popcorn. She puts down a file she picked up when the program returned.

Olivia chuckled, when Fitz shut down the idea of Mellie keeping the grant last name. She mutters to herself, "It is his last name he should decide who keeps it . . . honestly I am happy she will not have the same last name as my daughter anymore."

As the interview went on, Olivia mentally checked off things from the narrative her and Cyrus created with Fitz the other night. Married young . . . check . . . distance while serving in the military . . . check . . . political career acceleration check . . . separated then divorced . . . checked.

Olivia rolled her eyes at Mellie fake tears.

The interview went on commercial break again. Olivia texted Cyrus that the military part seems to be going over well on social media, maybe re-election is not a pipe dream.

The interview came back from commercial break and Olivia knew her statements were coming up. She heard her name and sexual relationship accusation before pouring herself another glass of wine.

She noticed Fitz's shoulders took on tension slightly. It wouldn't be notice by the common viewer but she noticed the difference.

As Fitz said the prewritten statement, Olivia found herself repeating it word for word, "While me and my wife were legal separated, I dated a number women briefly including Olivia Pope, these relationships had no bearing on our divorce which happened a substantial time later."

Olivia let out sigh of relieve. The statement was not wordy, it was not vague or specific enough to get much attention. It answered the question but did not require substantial explanation, it was perfect.

Olivia eyes widen however when she heard the word "But." She shook her head, "there is no 'but' in that statement Fitz . . . what the hell are you doing." Then she heard words she prayed he would not say.

She watched as Fitz stated, "But while dating Ms. Pope . . . she became pregnant with our child . . . I was separated from my wife but not legal divorced . . . and it was not the ideal situation … but not having the child was not an option, I have been a fierce advocate for pro-life and I am completely against abortions. I believe that life starts at conceptions and that every child is an blessings from God. . . while the relationship with Olivia Pope ended, when I found out about the child . . . I stepped up and took responsibility."

Olivia shook her head, "Really Fitz . . . really . . . I ask you not to do one thing . . . one thing . . . I am going to kill him!" Olivia muttered in anger as she put on her shoes and grabbed her jacket and keys.

She walked out the door of OPA and immediately walked into the chest of a 6'5 man dressed in a black suit. She is about to fall back from the impact of walking into the huge man.

The man grabbed her hands and prevented her from falling. "Ms. Pope."

Olivia looked up and saw it was one of Fitz's regular detail "Jackson . . . What are you doing here?" She shook her head, "Never mind I have to go."

Jackson nodded his head, "I know . . . I am here to give you a ride to the White House."

Olivia looked confused, "How did you know I was going to the White House."

Jackson is silent giving her an stonewall face never one to betray the President's confidence. "I have my orders Ms. Pope."

It clicked in Olivia's mind, "He knows I am going to kill him doesn't he . . . that is why he send you here."

Jackson kept a solid face. "I don't know what you are talking about, I have order to provide you with a ride . . . the front of your building is covered with reporters . . . Is Ms. Lily at a secured location."

Olivia nodded, "I cannot believe him . . . he knew he was going to do this all along and send you here . . . yes Lily is at a secured location and safe . . . but your President will not be for long . . . where are you parked."

Jackson led Olivia out the back to the waiting dark SUV. They passed by the waiting reporters in the front unnoticed.

Olivia streamed the remainder of the interview from her cellphone. Her body shook slightly because she was streaming mad at Fitz at the moment.

Olivia shook her head, "Don't you dare talk about my daughter Mellie . . . precious gift . . . you call her a bastard every chance you get."

As the interview went on and on, Olivia could feel her blood pressure rise. "Lillian Pope-Grant . . . really Fitz . . . you had to tell the world her name."

Jackson looked back at Olivia from time to time to make sure she did not have a stroke in the backseat.

Olivia shook her head, "Oh Mellie . . . you fool . . . bring up Teddy paternity . . . I can see the Maury Povich memes on social media right now . . . Fitz . . . you are not the father."

The ride to the White House took longer than expected with traffic blocking a lot of the main roads.

Olivia talked to herself as she continued to watch the interview. "Really trying to get property out of the man . . . after you revealed to the world he is not the father of your youngest . . . that is even low for you Mellie."

The interview was coming to an end and Alicia was getting last statements from Fitz and Mellie. Olivia muttered as the car pulled into the underground garage, "oh you think you are going to continue running the country Fitz . . . not if I kill you first."

Jackson looked back at Olivia, "Should I be concern about the President's safety?"

Olivia did not hesitate making a threat in front of a secret service agent, 'yes, you should."

Recap: The American people know Fitz and Mellie are divorce now . . . they also know about Lily and Teddy's paternity.

Preview: I don't know who is madder at Fitz for his big reveal . . . Cyrus . . . Mellie . . . or Olivia

As always review, I really like hearing everyone's thoughts! LM1.