Disclaimer: I don't own 'Scandal'.

AN: Okay, I'm apologizing for my last rather short update. I've been going through some challenges and started writing again last week. I may've gotten carried away or lost my way - who knows? - and this chapter is coming in four updates due to the length. Thanks for the kind reviews.

Chapter 16

Live to Tell Part II

The love of the family, the love of one person can heal. It heals the scars left by a larger society. A massive, powerful society.

Maya Angelou

The Day

"Come on boy, nice and easy, that's it," said Andy, the horse trainer, leading a young colt around a small horse pen. Camille had been introduced to Andy and three other trainers when they arrived at the stables. Her eyes were filled with excitement watching the mare go through his paces, as she and Gerry lead against the fence of a larger pen, where other horses were grazing.

She noticed Gerry subtly look down at his watch. He's probably wondering if his Dad's spoken to the reporters, thought Camille, sweeping back her hair and squinted her eyes against the blazing hot sun. A short distance away, Camille could see Teddy riding his push bike in circles and chasing the dogs. She'd been playing with him, but had stopped to take a breather and joined Gerry, who'd handed her a cold bottle of water from a nearby icebox.

An hour ago Fitz had updated his eldest son about Camille's idea and he agreed the statement and 'live' interview was preferable to the press conference. Gerry had secretly balked at the proposal of his Mother having to sit stand by his Father and endure him confessing he'd been cheating with another woman and had a fourth child.

They'd discussed returning to the house and watching Fitz make his historic announcement from the gates, but Camille's YT experiences had left her feeling edgy, and she wasn't quite ready to see any media coverage about her exposure, and anyway, there would be plenty of opportunity to see him execute part one of the plan – this story was bound to rumble on for days if not weeks. Relaxing in the company of her brothers and acclimatizing to life at the ranch was the preferable way to go.

"This really is an amazing place, I can't take in everything," gushed Camille.

"Not bad – eh?" Gerry said in good humor, shifting his sunglasses.

"All this space, the view, it's incredible, why would anyone ever leave?" Seeing the picturesque ranch by day was a different experience.

Camille promised the next time she came out here, she would try out her recently acquired watercolor painting skills she been taught in her art class. When she next spoke to Huck, she would remind him to bring her Monet Watercolor Box kit box and various drawing pads. Relishing the idea of perching on top of any hill, knowing any spot would make an excellent viewpoint.

Gerry smiled at her genuine admiration for the place he'd called home for the past year.

The Grant family had always resided in California. Fitz had grown up in similar splendor on his parent's estate, in Los Olivos, where he also lived during his marriage. But after divorcing Mellie his new beginnings required a new home, and Fitz had purchased the palatial ranch in Santa Barbara, to share and live out his dream, with his children and Olivia.

"You guys are big on horses?" Camille commented.

"Yeah, horses are a long time Grant tradition, my, I mean, our grandfather and great grandfather have always owned horses."

Camille turned round and pointed to a beautiful powerful-looking horse grazing away from the rest.

"The big chestnut colored one to your right, standing by himself – what's he?"

Gerry looked to where she pointed. "That's Dad's horse called Sprinter, he's an Arabian breed. We own a few different breeds: saddlebreds, stallions and colts."

"He's magnificent and scary-looking."

"You're not wrong; he likes Dad and kinda tolerates everyone else."

"Do you your own horse?"

"Yes, equestrian is my thing. I play polo and I'm a member of the California Polo Club."

"Wow! That sounds like a lot of fun."

"It is. They're a good crowd. Do you ride?"

"My bike, and snowboard, oh, not unless you count a pony ride on the beach," she joked.

Gerry chortled and took a swig of water. "I'm surprised you don't, your Mom rides."

"She promised when I turned thirteen I could take lessons."

"You're nearly thirteen aren't you?"

"Yep! My birthday is on the twenty-ninth September."

"A couple months away… you could learn while you're here?"

"Are you serious?" she asked in amazement, looking at the horses. She imagined mounting one of those beautiful animals and riding alongside Gerry and maybe her Mom one day.

"Sure, why not? Teddy rides with Dad. We have a few gently breeds, like the saddlebreds. You see them used a lot in movies and horse shows cos of their gently nature. They'd be perfect to start you off and the guys round here, like Andy, who you just met, they're professional horse trainers so there's always someone about you can ask for help if I wasn't around."

"Maybe, yeah, okay, I don't know I'll be much good."

"You are a Grant, riding is in our blood. You'll pick it up in no time," he quipped back. "Think about it... you can borrow some of Karen's riding gear – she won't mind – or go and buy you some new gear. You've got your credit card right?"

About to answer 'yes' but she'd never think of using it. Come to think of it, Camille hadn't even taken it out the packaging.

Gerry cell buzzed away in his pocket. "Sorry, hold on, it's probably Dad or – oh, speak of the devil, it's Karen. Hey sis…" Gerry looked at Camille, who hastily looked away and took a few discreet steps. Gerry held up his index finger and she stopped. "Yeah… you okay… I'm good…right… I didn't realize anyone had gotten hold you… yeah, she's here with TT and me… no, we're gonna watch later… uh-huh… one minute," he offered his cell to Camille. "Karen wants to say 'hi'" She lowered her gaze and looked nervously up at Gerry, and he nodded his head, waggling the cell encouragingly at her. She reluctantly accepted.

"H-hello," Camille stuttered in a small voice.

"Hi Camille, it's Karen!" said a bright, bubbly voice down the phone.

"Hey Karen," she replied shyly.

There was a short pause. "Hey" they both said together. "Sorry, you go," they both replied in unison, and laughed, feeling self-conscious during their first conversation.

"I wanted to call and say 'hello', I'm your big sister and welcome to the family," Karen said cheerfully.

"Thanks."

Camille looked at Gerry and at the horses, thinking of what to say next say next, but her mind was blank and silence filled the gap.

Karen cleared her throat. "I'm in a bar with a friend, trying to catch the breaking news with Dad. Gerry said you're not watching?"

"Um, no," Camille admitted and suddenly felt guilty.

"Oh, Dad said it was your idea." She picked up Karen was surprised or maybe annoyed Camille wasn't bothering to watch his important speech.

"Camille, are you still there?" asked Karen.

"Yeah..." she replied and her throat dried up, thinking she displeased Karen.

Silence.

"Great fix… I think in the long run it's going to make him look less like a jerk, and soften the blow concerning my Mom."

"Uh-huh," mumbled Camille. She became even more tongue-tied and jittery at the mention of the woman she knew her very existence had caused so much damage.

Silence.

"Where are you guys?" asked Karen, trying to keep the conversation flowing.

"Gerry and Teddy took me to see the horses. What time it is over there?"

"Around four thirty in the morning."

Silence.

"How are you getting on? Dad said you arrived at the ranch last night. Are you settling in okay?" Karen said still trying to fill in the ever-present awkward silences.

"Uh-huh..."

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah... things are a bit strange."

"No doubt... look, I'll see you soon."

"Sure."

"Take care. Bye."

"Bye."

Okay, that was really strange and odd, thought Camille, handing the phone back to Gerry. The older siblings chatted as Camille bit her thumbnail anxiously, frantically replaying their stilted conversation over in her mind. She was hoping Karen wanting her number would break some of the tension, and being girls their conversation would somehow flow a lot easier.

"Sure... I'll tell him, bye," she heard Gerry saying. She felt relived when she saw the dogs running towards them, and Teddy in hot pursuit. She distracted herself by patting and stroking the boisterous pair.

"Camille," said Teddy, breathlessly holding his knees. "Y-you said you were playing races?"

"Sorry, Teddy, I needed a drink - it's scorching hot."

Gerry reached down into an icebox and pulled at a wet bottle for Teddy.

"Here, squirt, drink this" Gerry instructed his young brother, handing him a cold bottle of water.

"Ewww, it's too wet, I can't do it," complained Teddy, his small fingers, slipping as he fiddling with the lid.

"Pass it here," said Camille, tucking her bottle under her arm, and taking Teddy's.

"Where's your hat? Dad'll go ballistic if you've lost it again. Karen say's 'hi'"

"Over there... why didn't you let me speak to Karen?" complained Teddy

"Because you were on your bike, she'll call you later. C'mon, let's go and find it," said Gerry. "It's too hot today... let's head back, I could really go for a swim."

The children thanked everyone at the stables, said their goodbyes and made the journey back to the house. Teddy got back on his pushbike and off they went, with Gerry and Camille strolling together side by side.

"So you've met Karen. Camille?" Gerry prompted.

"Uh-huh… I didn't really know what to say."

Karen had obviously been keen to speak to Camille so why had it been so strained? The realization her dad was about to spill the beans and maybe second thoughts?

"You're trying to a have a conversation with someone you don't know thousands of miles away, it's tricky."

She nodded ruefully.

"Camille, can I be honest with you?" he asked seriously.

Camille took a sharp breath. The hairs on her arms spiked up and her skin bristle - under the weight of Gerry's loaded question - and it wasn't the afternoon sun causing her sudden outbreak. She folded her arms and threw Gerry a nervy side-eye stare, dreading whatever he wanted to say next. Swallowing hard, she cautiously nodded, keeping her eyes fixed to the grass under her feet.

"This sucks for Karen and me."

"I guess..."

"We've been through so much crap with our parents."

"You must hate me."

Gerry shrugged his shoulders in a nonchalant manner and sucked in his cheeks.

"I don't hate you. I hated my Dad for what he put my Mom through. I know my Mom's no saint but she didn't deserve this."

"You're right. I'm sorry… maybe me being here isn't such a great idea."

"Whether you're here or not doesn't change what's going on or my parent's divorce."

"I can go... really, I can stay with my Mom's friends."

"No way, I'm totally cool about you being here, but I gotta be honest with you, Dad put our family through the ringer when he hooked up with Olivia. It's embarrassing knowing your Dad's got a kid that's not with your Mom."

"You love your family. I'd feel the same way."

Gerry took a sip of his drink.

"What did you say when he told you about me?" asked Camille.

"It was a weird time… we were at boarding school and hardly ever came home cos Dad was drinking and in a foul mood most of the time… Mom was, well, being Mom… you'll know what I mean when you meet her. Karen was going through this 'good girl gone bad' phase: missing classes and assignments, drinking and smoking. She was involved in an incident and almost got expelled. Our parents arrived and met with the Principal, Mom left, and Dad stayed behind... and the three of us had this big conversation. He admitted he'd been acting like a jerk, and then he told us about his relationship with your Mom. We weren't shock about Aunt Liv, it was obvious something was going down, Dad had this goofy/puppy-dog look on his face whenever she was around - like he does now - but finding out about you was totally messed up."

"Oh… what happened after he told you?"

"Karen started crying and I lost it. We got into this massive argument and I ended up punching him and walking out."

"You hit your Dad? I can't believe it!"

"He deserved it. He cheated on my Mom."

"But you call my Mom 'Aunt Liv'?"

"That's how we knew your Mom... when she joined Dad's campaign she spent a lot of time with us... as in, genuinely hanging out with us, she did a lot of girly stuff with Karen and even helped me with my math. And remember, we found out about you five years ago, a lot's happened since then."

"Wow! It's that when you're dad told you about me?"

"Yeah, he didn't want to say anything before cos of how young we were, it might be confusing. I think it was around the time Olivia left DC. I was glad she was gone I thought with her out of the picture things would get better… in did in some ways, Dad made sure he was around for Karen and me a lot more, visiting us at school at weekends, calling and texting – even when I was ignoring him. They started getting on better and Karen played peacemaker between us. We'd get together and talked about our parents, Aunt Liv and you. I had to admit with my parent's there was always this tension between them. If they weren't arguing or screaming, they would go for days without talking to each other. When he met your Mom he seemed happier and calmer. Karen told me Olivia lights a candle in his soul. I think that's when it hit me my Dad wasn't some playa."

"She did?"

"Yeah! Crazy. But she's right. Aunt Liv... everyone knows what an awesome character she is... and my Dad loves her... and to be honest, if he and my Mom weren't going to be together, I'd prefer him to be with someone like Olivia."

"So my Mom being Black isn't a problem for you?"

"No." Gerry took a long pause. "I come from an elitist background and I won't lie, I was freaked out about what people would say when I was younger, and relived no one knew about you... but stuff like that never bothered Karen, she made me see you were Dad's kid, and you were our sister. Anyway, isn't it cool to have a biracial family member?" he ribbed gently.

"You're a joker!" Camille laughed. She instantly relaxed as his tongue-in-check comment.

"Seriously, since Olivia's been back in my Dad's life he's happy and my Mom's with Patrick. In the end things have worked out okay."

"It's great you're so laid back, after all this drama."

"Be grateful you're meeting me now, took me a while to understand, you, me, Karen and Teddy, we're not to blame. None of us are. Parent's eh?"

Camille smiled ruefully at his rhetorical question.

"Thanks for saying its okay, me staying here and being honest with me... that's not happened so much in my life."

"Ditto."

They both laughed knowingly, and exchanged a look of mutual understanding. They didn't dislike each other because they recognized they were they ones caught in cross fire concerning their parent's shenanigans.

"I spoke to my Mom," Gerry told her quietly.

"She's definitely coming?"

"Uh-huh. She's on her way."

"She knows I'm here, right?"

"Yes." Neither spoke after Gerry's admission his mother was on the way. This was part of the plan. Camille should feel good but all she felt was a creeping feeling of apprehension, and the news made her skin crawl.

Teddy came riding towards the pair, braked and spun his bike to head in the same direction. They were just approaching and a couple of guesthouses, and moments later the main house came into view.

"What are you two talking about?" asked Teddy.

"Mom coming," Gerry informed his brother

"Oh yeah," squealed Teddy excitedly. "Have you met my Mommy?"

"No," replied Teddy.

"She nice, like your Mommy."

"I can't wait to meet her… I've seen her on the T.V lots of times, she seems lovely," replied Camille, patting and stroking Archie and Bear.

"She is… c'mon, I'll race you back."

"You're on your bike."

"You've got long legs so you can run faster." and Teddy sped off.

"Don't worry about Karen or Mom. I bet before you got here last night you were worried about meeting me and Teddy."

Entering the house Camille saw a woman she'd never seen before carrying a large box of vegetables.

"Good afternoon, Gerry," said the woman.

"Hi Teena, ... this is my sister Camille, Camille this is Teena, she works here with Maya."

"Hi, I'm Camille."

"Hello, Camille, nice to meet, sorry," said Teena, pleasantly, and tried to balance the box in one hand to offer the other. She managed to shake Camille's fingertips.

"Where's my Dad?" asked Gerry.

"Up in his office, shall I tell him you and your sister and brother are back?"

Camille was startled to be referred to as 'your sister'. It was a bizarre feeling, not bad, just fascinating, and slightly unnerving. She'd been living at the ranch less than a day and readily accepted as a member of the Grant family.

"I'm going to see Daddy," declared Teddy, shooting up the stairs.

"Teddy's saved you a trip," chuckled Gerry.

"Wash your hands," Teena called out to him. "Nice to meet you Camille."

"You too."

"I better get these to the kitchen. Excuse me."

And brother and sister watched her exit.

Gerry rubbed his neck and nodded at Camille. "You wanna see how it went?"

"Uh?" she asked in astonishment, as alarm bells started clanging together in her head.

"C'mon we can watch Dad in the living room. He's probably on every news channel. C'mon," repeated Gerry, immediately set off towards the living room.

"I'm not ready."

He turned his shoulders and his blue eyes looked intensely at her.

"Dad stuck his neck out for you. Don't you think you owe it to him to watch?"

"You don't understand... people are saying nasty things about me?"

"So, does it make what they say true?" Camille's expressive eyes looked downcast. Gerry sighed, recognizing he may have come across a bit harsh, and went over and laid his hand gently on her shoulder. "Look, I'm sorry, I can't sugar coat this, Camille, you're a Grant, you're gonna have to accept and deal with being in the public eye, especially now. Remember, this is your idea," he chided gently.

Gerry's direct, to the point, no messing attitude, reminded Camille of Abby. "Dad's a natural born orator… I'm sure it's fine, c'mon," he said kindly.

Camille entered the ground floor airy, light-colored living room with Gerry. She looked to her left and right in amazement at the room unable to fathom it's eye-watering size. She walked behind Gerry but stopped and leaned against a ceiling to wall pillar. Gerry arrived at ridiculously large flat screen television affixed to a specially constructed wall and flopped down into a humongous L-shaped couch covered in cushions. He collected a remote control resting on the couch. He noticed a lack of her presence and turned round to see Camille a few feet away biting her fingers nervously.

"Camille," he called out, beckoning her to come over.

"I'm good, I can see," she assured him.

"Don't be such a dork, c'mere."

She frowned, and then grinned at his boldness. She pulled away from pillar and made her way across the room, passing a couple more pillars, a large coffee table, four couches arranged in a square shape, statues, potted plants and two sets of double patio doors before she finally caught up with Gerry. Camille's curiosity got the better of her and she peered round the television wall. Her eyes flipped back in wonder because leading on from the living room, a sunlight-filled conservatory. The place was full of delightful surprises that simple took Camille's breath away.

Gerry had the remote control flicking around various news channels and randomly selected MSMBC News. His father appeared dressed in jeans and a light blue shirt. He turned up the volume.

"…Camille, the young girl from Starbucks is our daughter. Many of you will be wondering… "

Camille's chest tightened and legs buckled when she heard his deep voice.

"Take a seat," Gerry encouraged.

Camille took great relief sinking into the seriously comfortable couch. She pulled a cushion from behind and squeezed it tightly against her abdomen.

She stared at the screen and watched him standing by the gates and putting yesterday's actions into words. This one simple admission was blowing her world sky high. There was no more hiding and keeping secrets or having to ignore or avoid questions concerning her lineage. She was equally a Pope and a Grant. If he felt nervous, Camille would never have known. Every syllable flowed effortlessly and delivered with precision. He didn't stumble or stuttered. He eluded a sense of authority, she guessed he'd perfected from his years as President. He spoke with compassion for his ex-wife and love for his children, including Camille. He stood by his actions and didn't betray her. After twelve years of silence he was singing like a canary. What would her family and friends be thinking? What about Jess and Jake? She pinched her lips between her fingers remembering Jake was due to fly in on Wednesday. Eek! What would he make of furor surrounding her? She refocused on the television and this time saw a reporter standing with members of the public.

"... the dramatic story and scenes in Starbucks, the former President has admitted to an adulterous affair and fathering a daughter out of wedlock. I've been speaking with members of the public outside the Grant ranch. What's your view on former President Grant and his statement today?" The female reporter asked a man.

"I'm ashamed I voted for him. I believed he stood for good Christian values, a family man, but he's betrayed all of us whether you voter for him or not. He's lied and let down his beautiful wife and real family. It's no wonder so many people are turned off by politicians most of them are lying and self-serving."

"But he achieved so much during his two-terms: bringing the country together after the attacks and securing our borders," the reporter continued.

"He used our hard earned tax dollars to employ his mistress and keep a second family. He's a fraud. I wish we could impeach him and throw him in jail."

"You ma'am, what do you think about our former President's behavior?"

"Like this guy said, he's a disgrace and I don't care about his popularity as President, he's hurt the people his supposed to care about his family. I don't know how he can look at himself in the mirror."

"You heard the President. What do you make of his confession he's been cheating and has a child?" she asked another woman.

"I think he showed a lot of courage, especially rescuing his daughter from that mob and admitting his done wrong and taking responsibility. How many politicians admit their mistakes? He did what every parent would if they saw their child in danger. I mean it could've turned nasty. Can you imagine if those people started attacking the poor child? She's the innocent victim here, that's what we have to remember."

"He's a liar," a random voice called out.

"Lots of people's marriages break down. He served his time I don't know what all the fuss is about? The girl is how old thirteen? He and his wife are divorced. She's obviously known about the affair and chose to keep quiet - they had an arrangement. Big deal," the woman replied heatedly.

How can you defend him?" interrupted the man who spoken earlier. The reporter turned to the camera as the arguments continued.

"Well as you can hear people have strong views. This issue is really polarizing people here, outside the Grant ranch - back to you in the studio, Colleen."

"Thank you, Estelle, how the poor former First Lady must be coping is anyone's guess. Former Republican nominee Mitt Romney said welcomed President Grant's honest admission, but cannot condone his adulterous behavior and will be thinking about the Grant family in his prayers. President Obama said it's a private family matter and -"

"You guys are back," came the familiar baritone voice of Fitz.

Camille and Gerry both turned to see him carrying Teddy and Cyrus approaching. Gerry switched the television off and focused on his Father.

"Dad. We're just watching," his son greeted him.

Fitz shifted Teddy in his arms. Camille looked behind the three people coming towards her.

"Where's my Uncle?" she asked worriedly.

"He's just making a call. What did you think?" Fitz asked, searching her face for signs she was pleased.

She locked eyes with Fitz and nodded her head approvingly.

"Honestly, I thought you were... fantastic. Thank you." She began tapping the flat of her palms fretfully against her thighs, not quite knowing how you behave towards a former President who declared to the world he's your father after over a decade. She had this urge to ran up and hug him but there was too much going on: he was holding Teddy and she was in the company of people she barely knew and feeling quite self-conscious. Instead, she smiled and nodded her head approvingly.

"My pleasure," he said, with a wink. "Gerry?"

"Uh-huh... good, Karen called, she's up watching," he replied.

"Yes, Gabrielle emailed her on the off chance and she picked up the message on her i-Phone. Why the hell she's up at four in the morning in Bangkok - you know what? I don't want to know," laughed Fitz. His joke was accompanied by Camille and Gerry's laughter, which help to lighten the tense atmosphere.

"I'm gonna try and get hold of Mom and see how she's going," said Gerry, and pulled out his buzzing cell. "I've got to take this..."

"Good idea," commented Fitz.

"Hey, yeah, hey… uh-huh…" and Gerry left to continue his conversation outside.

"Daddy, I want to show Camille the house," said Teddy.

"Aren't you tired? I wanted to have a quick chat -"

"No," interrupted his Teddy crossly. "You keep taking Camille away – it's not fair!"

"He's right, if I don't go on your tour I'll have to use a map or GPS tracker every time I want to play with Blue or you," she laughed, and tickled the four-year old. He wriggled and giggled in his father's arms.

Fitz chucked. She possessed a quick wit like her mother, and displayed a natural effortless charm and patience interacting with a younger child. Teddy was clearly enamored with her and who could blame him? He found it hard to compare the fierce girl he met two weeks ago spitting fire and venom at him, with the sweet talking angelic girl cracking jokes standing before him now.

"I give up. Teddy, why don't you start off by showing Camille the rooms upstairs? Lunch is nearly ready. We're going to eat by the pool." Fitz put Teddy down, and his immediately took hold of Camille's hand.

"C'mon Camille," said Teddy excitedly. "I'm gonna show you my room first."

"You're a smart girl Camille," Cyrus told her as she passed him.

"Thank you Mr. Beane," she replied politely.

"Uncle Cy, that's what the kids call me – to my face anyway."

Camille laughed softly "Thank you, I'll try and remember 'Uncle Cy'" she repeated.

Cyrus sighed contently as brother and sister left hand in hand.

"You are a lucky man," he commented to Fitz.

"I know."

"What's wrong? You performed well... we can't expect miracles you gave a solid performance out there... it helps you have a cute kid with her mother in the hospital."

"Cyrus," warned Fitz darkly.

"I'm sorry but these things are working in your favor right now."

"My concern is Camille; I wanted to know what she thought."

"She told you, you done good - what more do you want? Fitz, you worry too much, let the girl relax and have some fun with her brothers, she doesn't need her old man fussing."

"Old man?"

"You might still be blessed with your pretty boy looks but you're middle aged - get over it!"

Cyrus was right they had the car journey to the hospital together, and could discuss the impact on route.

Still holding hands, Teddy and Camille made their way upstairs. Instead of taking the left turn Teddy led Camille straight ahead into an open planned living room similar to the downstairs room but narrower in length and width. Either side of the room and straight head were doubled doors that opened out corridors leading to the bedrooms. The doors facing opposite exited lead to the kid's rooms and the door ahead lead to Fitz's bedroom.

"My room's down here," Teddy said, and tugged Camille's hand impatiently, virtually pulling her along the hallway.

He opened the door to a huge blue and purple themed-colored room. Camille looked around and spotted a Mercedes-shaped bed, toys, books and games spilling from open cupboards. Silver patterns adorned the walls: sun, moon, stars, alphabet letters, numbers 0-100 boats, dinosaurs and jungle animals. This was every child's dream bedroom.

"Teddy, I adore your room."

"Look here's my Spiderman comics, can we bring them downstairs?"

"Yep! You got pens and a pad?"

"Lots! I'll show you."

Teddy rushed over and pulled out a drawer and the contents rattled. Camille joined him and they spent their time selecting drawing materials and continuing their bedroom tour. Gerry's room was the next stop. Camille just poked her head round the door and discovered a large messy teenage boy's room and shut the door. There was a separate bathroom and shower. Camille worked out pretty quickly the brothers occupied this wing of the house. Teddy showed her Karen's room which located in the other wing. Further down the hall Teddy tapped on another door.

"This is another bedroom, but Dad said no one can go in there." Teddy's voice had dropped to a whisper. Camille arched an eyebrow in surprise and simple nodded her head. She followed Teddy back into the living room area and they passed through the room's middle double doors and stood in a wide corridor.

""Dad's got the best room!" announced Teddy and huffed as he turned the handle and pushed the door open to reveal a stunning bedroom that resembled a luxury apartment. Before she could adjust to its size and contents, Teddy dashed passed to sliding glass doors adorned with flowing white curtains.

"Look at this Camille," he said excitedly, sliding back the doors. Camille placed the pads and pens on the carpet and joined Teddy outside. Her hands flew to her open mouth when he showed off a garden area, with steps leading to a pool. Oh my God, thought Camille, he has a pool in his bedroom. As she climbed the steps she placed her hand on her hips, and admired the phenomenal view of the ranch and beyond. Nature's television; better than any CGI image. She truly felt as though she were skipping through the pages of a fairytale story - the place was perfectly magical.

Stepping back in the room, Teddy turned and said. "I sleep in here, sometimes."

"I don't blame you," she said truthfully, as they made their way back.

Camille eye line caught something and she performed a double take. She spotted a frame photograph of her Mother on a dresser table.

"Camille... Camille?"

"Just a minute Teddy."

She padded over the deep carpet. The corners of her mouth curled and gradually transformed into a huge grin. Camille picked up the picture, her eyes riveted to the image of Olivia sat down next to him, and pointing her finger at something or someone. She looked professional and business-like and in mid-sentence. Her black hair was swept back in a ponytail and highlighting her unique symmetrical face. She radiated beauty. He had a wide smile and looked in the same direction as her mom. She rarely saw pictures of them together – her choice – but the last twenty-four hours Camille was viewing everything through difference eyes and opening up her heart to new possibilities. She clasped the picture to her chest and inhaled. Her breath hitched as she felt a breeze kiss her skin and she lowered her gaze, finally closing her eyes. She saw a vision of her Mom waving goodbye from Jess' house. Opening her eyes she spotted a gap in the sliding door, and a light breeze fluttered around the room and she smiled.

"You ready?" asked Teddy hovering by the door. He was eager to get downstairs see Blue, eat lunch and go swimming.

"Yes, let's go."

When they returned downstairs they fetched Blue and gave him water and food, and played with him until Fitz called them outside to join the others seated by the pool. Over lunch Fitz introduced the boys to Stephen, and like breakfast the family with their friends enjoyed a relaxing meal. It seemed as though the adults were making a point of not talking about earlier events, and with Teddy chatting away about their day so far it wasn't too difficult. After lunch the table was cleared expect for drinks. Teddy collected his coloring pens and paper and reminded Camille about her earlier promise to draw Spiderman.

"No problem... can I borrow a laptop or iPad?" she asked. Teddy was amazed when Camille did an internet search and found the website and showed him their step-by-step guide to drawing Spiderman. Together they followed the instructions, Camille helping and encouraging her brother, and after a while Teddy had his drawing.

"Daddy, Daddy, look I drew Spiderman," yelled Teddy, proudly. He showed his picture off to everyone, who agreed it was quite an accomplishment. Gerry stared in pure admiration at the skill she displayed and nodded respectively at her handing the picture back to Teddy, who ran back over to Camille and sat in her lap.

"Is there nothing you Pope women can't do?" chuckled Cyrus, as he took a sip of his wine.

Camille pulled Teddy closer to her and he relaxed and dropped his head against her chest like he'd known her forever. She stroked his thick dark hair as he admired his picture.

"We should color it in," Camille, whispered in Teddy's ear, and he released one hand and cupped her cheek and nodded.

Fitz's heart swelled in his chest and felt near to bursting witnessing the growing bond between his two youngest children. He also felt humble it had taken such tragic circumstances to bring his loved ones to him. He quickly turned and blinked away emerging tears. Stephen and Cyrus smiled gently at each other and looked back at Fitz.

Gerry drew everyone's attention when he dived in the pool. Teddy jumped up excitedly.

"Daddy, can I swim now?"

"Sure. What about you Camille, you swimming?"

"I'm feeling a bit tired. Could I be excused?"

"Yeah," she got up and smiled at Stephen and Cyrus, and waved at Gerry and Teddy thrashing about in the water.

"Camille," said Fitz. He'd followed her back into the house and they stood in the kitchen.

"Yes?"

"This is for you. It's a new phone you can use for just family and friends? And hopefully you can avoid nuisance calls."

Camille arched an eyebrow discovering the cell was the latest Apple iPhone 5 no one could buy in any store yet, and she thanked him.

"I haven't had a chance to check-in with you and see how you're doing since this morning."

"My head's kinda spinning, but I'm fine..."

"I've got to finalize tomorrow's interview with Cyrus and Gabrielle, and we're monitoring the response to my statement and afterwards we can visit your Mom?"

"Great! I promised AK – my Aunt – I'd visit everyday, while I'm staying here."

"How's she and the rest of your family doing?"

"They're okay, they're upset about what's going on with me, and feeling guilty about not being here, but I told them I was with you guys, and they seemed happy about that. I know my Grandma will be."

"Have you not spoken to her?" he asked surprised.

"No, her phone was off. Probably being bombarded with calls. She hates cells, so this is probably her worse nightmare."

"The boy's grandmother's like that too - refuses to use the one they brought for her two Christmases ago."

"Your mother's still alive?"

"No, Mellie's mom." She flashed back to Teddy referring to his cousins at breakfast.

"Does she have any brothers or sisters, Mrs. Grant, I mean?"

Fitz shook his head. "One sister, called Bridgette, with two kids, you'll meet them soon. Next month Gerry's having a party to celebrate starting at Yale."

"Oh, sounds great!" said Camille. Camille thought maybe this was the time to properly thank him.

"Everything you've done, I'm grateful." She took a tentative step to him, and stopped when some burst through the door.

"Oh, sorry Mr. Grant I didn't think anyone was in here," said Maya apologetically, seeing she'd interrupted father and daughter.

Fitz smiled good-naturedly at Maya. "It's fine," he told her kindly.

"I was just going to my room," Camille reassured, Maya. She looked back at Fitz and smiled. "Thanks for the cell."

"My pleasure."

Back in her room Camille grabbed her old cell and ruthlessly deletes all messages voicemails and missed calls after a good ten minutes and dropping incoming calls she cleared the phone. She sent a generic text assuring family and close friends she's doing well and promised to call soon with a new number. She took her new cell and browsing through the applications, she made a 'huh' sound seeing Karen, Gerry, and his numbers were already programmed in and she was alerted to one text message:

Hello Camille, You were brilliant this morning, your mom would be very proud. I hope you like your new cell. Love, Dad.

She thought how sweet to leave a kind message. About to delete the message, her finger hovered over the command, but instead, dropped the cell on her chest and breathed deeply with a contented smile on her face.

A ringing phone blasted through the room. Camille's eyes sprung open and she bolted into an upright position.

"Hello," she answered in a croaky voice and cleared her throat.

"Good afternoon Miss. Grant said a polite voice she didn't recognize. "There's a gentleman called Huck on the phone wishing to speak with you, shall I put him through?"

"Miss. Grant? thought a confused Camille, "You've got the wrong-" and her synapses kicked in, she was Miss. Grant - doh!

"Er, yes, thank you… hello?"

"Camille, it's Huck. I'm at your house – in your bedroom."

"Oh, hey Huck. I fell asleep. What's the time?"

"Nearly half five – your time."

"What? Why did anyone wake her? They were supposed to be leaving for the hospital. But she had to admit her impromptu sleep had been welcome and she felt refreshed.

"Do you know what you need?" Huck went on.

"Umm, everything…" Camille replied, rubbing her eyes. She ran though a list of clothes, shoes and other important items.

"How's it going?" Huck eventually asked.

"Yeah, everyone's been cool. Teddy brought me a present this gorgeous cat we've named Blue and they've got like all these horses. And he... did you see the news?"

"Yep. He did good," Huck replied bluntly. "I should be back in Cali either late tonight or tomorrow morning."

"Great! Thank you for everything and the bracelet."

"Uh-huh-"

A loud rap on the door interrupted their conversation.

"Cam, we're getting ready to leave for the hospital?" called out Stephen.

"I'm coming," she yelled back. "Huck, that's Uncle Stephen at the door. We're off to the hospital - I've got to go. I'll see you soon."

"Yeah, bye," and he was gone.

Camille slipped off the bed and went to let her Uncle in.

"Come in, I've just got to use the bathroom and I'll be ready."

"Nice room," he observed.

"Nice? I feel like I'm living in a dream world," she replied, entering the bathroom and shutting the door. She splashed cold water over her face and dried her hands and face. Camille idly scanned the assortments of bathroom products and decided she would treat her Mom. She dashed back into the bedroom.

"Let's go," he said, making his way to the door.

"Just a sec." Camille grabbed her bag and ran back to the bathroom and scooped up bottles of shower gels, lotions and oils and stuffed the luxury goodies into her bag.

"Your father and Cyrus are downstairs," he called out to her.

"I'm coming… here I am, I'm ready."

Walking down the corridor Stephen shook is head and chuckled.

"What's so funny?" asked Camille with a frown.

"You're not going to believe this. One of your father's people took a call from Abercrombie and Fitch, the clothing store. Apparently, you were photographed wearing one of their dresses used in the news story and it sold out online; and there's been a flood of requests in stores."

Camille paused and looked up incredulously at her Uncle.

"What? Are you serious?"

He smiled and nodded his head. "Yes, it is absolutely incredible. The store's Head of Marketing got in touch, apparently the 'blue floral skater dress' was their least popular summer dress, but last night sales went through the roof."

"The dress I've wore like twice - a couple days ago and yesterday at the beach? No way!"

"Your father and Cyrus think it's hilarious. You've turned into a celebrity fashionista overnight!"

"Stop it. That's insane," she laughed.

"It does seem to suggest there's some correlation between the Starbucks video and their sales. Your father/daughter video is fast becoming a lifesaver. Next time, put on my Arsenal football shirt and see if you can drum up support for my boys this side of the pond."

"Oh my God Uncle, do you still support that soccer team?"

"My darling Camille, just like a dog, my beloved Arsenal isn't just for Christmas, it's for life."

Camille shook her head. She enjoyed playing soccer when she was younger and during her time in London Uncle Stephen had taken her to watch a couple of games, but she was a basketball fan through and through and loved watching the Nicks.

Strolling down the corridor with her uncle, Camille had a spring in her step. Could she dare to believe things were taking a turn for the better? They weren't exactly out of the woods. He still had to perform at tomorrow's interview but she couldn't help feeling exhilarated, given that people were buying a dress she wore. This feedback from the public was a real confidence booster after the malicious comments. Stephen's news gave way to renewed hope and optimism for the future.

"Do you think some people like me?"

"I think a lot of people are sympathetic regarding your story, and let's face it you're a pretty girl. I can see you being popular with other young people, who are more likely to be less judgmental, and the proof is those dress sales. I know you're currently offline but there are lots of positive messages about you and Dad – that's what we're going to build on in the coming days –agreed?"

"Agreed," she chirped back.

"Good."

As they reached the top of the stairs, she beamed at her Uncle and sighed happily.

"I can't wait to see Mom and tell her what's been going on," she mused.

"She'll be happy to know you're with your family, and an aspiring model."

"Stop it," she scoffed, wildly blushing and covering her face.

"Careful, look where you going," warned Stephen as they reached the top of the stairs.

Camille straightened up. Taking one step, she stopped mid-stride. Her optimistic smile vanished and she clashed eyes with Stephen, hearing Teddy's excited chant.

"Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!"

AN: Gerry spoke quite candidly to Camille, which she seemed to appreciate. A little awkward with Karen, and things could get tricky with Mellie on the prowl. Next time, emotions run high at the hospital and the Gladiators are in action re. the leak.

Happy Reading Gladiators!