It was nearly 10:37 am when Ms. Scott's classroom phone rang and she quieted the group of second graders down before she answered the call. She listened intently before hanging up and scanning the room until her eyes fell on Madison.
This didn't seem right. It can't be. It had to have been a big mistake, but the instructions had to be followed.
"Madison, can you go see Mrs. Thomas in the office for a minute please? Grab the hall pass sweetie."
Madison was confused as to why the principal was calling her, but did as she was told and walked towards the office. She passed her mother's room on the way but wasn't able to get her attention in the split second she stood at her classroom door. The little girl continued to walk until she reached the front office and before she got to her office, Principal Thomas was at her side and asking her to come with her into a room she had never been in before.
She obeyed and when they walked inside there was a short statured woman Madison had never seen before sitting down with a small lap top in front of her. She wore a colorful string around her neck and on the end of it, dangling in front of her chest was a badge with a star on one side and her picture on the other side. It looked like a police badge to Madison but she was still unsure of who this lady was.
"Hi, are you Madison?"
Madison nodded her head before glancing at her principal then back to the lady.
"Nice to meet you sweetie. My name is Jackie and I work for Child Protective Services. Do you know what that means?"
When Olivia's classroom phone went off while her students were present, she moved quickly to answer it so they wouldn't be disturbed during their spelling test. She picked it up and on the other line was her principal asking for her to come down to the conference room as quickly as she could. Olivia was unsure of what was going on, but asked if she could send someone from the office to look after her class and once their teacher's aide arrived, she made her way towards the front office. She rubbed her belly on the way to the office, willing the baby to relax and stop with the summersaults he or she was doing.
"Mrs. Hembree, what's going on?"
Her principal moved into the room and closed the door before she sat down in the chair next to Olivia.
"Olivia, is everything okay at home?"
Olivia looked at her wondering what she was talking about.
"Everything is fine. What is this about? Did something happen that makes you ask that?"
The brunette took a deep breath before revealing what she called her in for.
"Olivia, a CPS Investigator came here today to speak to a student?"
Olivia's heart dropped thinking about the boy from her class two years ago that had been involved with CPS.
"Was it for Josiah? They seemed to be doing so well."
"No, it wasn't for him. Things are going well, like you said."
"Did one of my students get called out during lunch or recess? I haven't noticed anything different with any of them. I'm so confused."
"They came to speak to Madison, Olivia."
Olivia felt like she had been punched in the gut. There was no way she heard her principal correctly. A worker from Child Protective Services had not come to speak to her daughter because there was no need to. Their family had nothing to hide and neither she nor her husband were abusive nor neglectful by any means.
"That doesn't make sense. Why did they speak to her? Did you pull her out of class for this?"
Olivia was getting angry now and wanted to know how her principal, her friend could let something like this actually happen.
"Olivia, you know I can't say no to CPS if they come to speak to a child. If who they're looking for is present, then I have to allow them access to that child. Per their policy, they have to contact you within twenty-four hours and let you know that your child was interviewed by them, I just wanted to give you a heads up because I'm allowed to inform parents of such things happening while the children are at school. I know you'll get to the bottom of this, just keep me informed."
"Can I leave?"
"Leave?"
"Yes, can someone cover my class so I can take Madison home and get to the bottom of this? I need to talk to my husband and I know he's gonna be livid."
"I'll have Ms. Lehman continue covering your class for the afternoon. I'm really sorry Olivia, just let me know if there's anything I can do for you."
"Thanks."
Olivia moved as quickly as her pregnant frame would allow her and went back to her class. Olivia told her students she had to go and take care of some important grown up things and collected her things before giving instructions to Ms. Lehman for the rest of the day. She exited out of her room and walked down the hall and poked her head into Madison's classroom.
"Mrs. Grant, hi." Madison's teacher greeted her before glancing at the little girl who was looking at her mother with a frightened look on her face.
"Hi, I need to get out of here early and take her with me."
"No problem, Madison go get your things together."
Olivia smiled in thanks and watched as her daughter moved timidly around the room. Madison was just as anxious and frightened as Olivia was. When Madison hoisted her backpack on and made her way to the door, Olivia held it open for her and waved goodbye to the rest of the class and teacher.
Olivia stopped Madison from walking too far ahead and bent down to engulf the little girl in a warm hug, knowing that's exactly what her daughter needed at the moment. Olivia needed it as well.
"Did someone come talk to you today in the office?"
Olivia felt Madison nod her head against her shoulder and squeezed her tighter in her arms.
"Let's go talk to your dad about it, okay? We call all talk about it together."
Madison pulled away from Olivia and nodded her head solemnly. She didn't want to be in trouble, and she was still so confused as to why that lady came to ask her such weird questions.
Olivia walked into the doctor's office holding Madison's hand behind her and smiled at their secretary.
"Hi Mrs. Grant, hi cutie, Dr. Grant didn't tell me he was expecting you two today."
"He wasn't, but I needed to see him. Is he with patients right now?"
"Yes, he's got one now, but I know he won't mind you two waiting in his office until he's done."
"Thanks so much."
The latch on the door was released and Olivia and Madison walked through the door and down the hall to Fitz's office.
The two of them sat down in the couch and Olivia handed Madison her phone to play a few games while they waited. The last thing she wanted was for her little girl to be constantly thinking about what had taken place just under an hour ago. Nearly ten minutes later, they could hear Fitz's voice as he neared his office, and he was giving instructions to one of the nurses before he finished and opened his office door.
"Well this is a surprise." He immediately glanced at his watch for the time and frowned noticing that school wasn't quite out for the two of his girls, yet here they were. "Hi my two favorite girls."
Madison dropped the phone in Olivia's lap and ran to hug her father around his waist tightly.
"Is everything okay?" Fitz asked looking at Olivia's face. He grabbed Madison under the arms and lifted her onto his hip. She continued to bury her face in his neck and Fitz began to worry about what this out of the blue visit was really for.
Olivia stayed on the couch and rubbed her hand against her protruding stomach. The baby was kicking and Olivia knew this was usually the time she would be pulling out a snack to hold her over until dinner time. Although the growing baby inside of her was hungry, Olivia was nauseated by the thought of eating anything right now. All Olivia needed right now was for her husband to tell her that everything would be ok. Olivia needed him to lie to her. She needed that lie because no matter what he said, she knew everything wasn't going to be okay.
"What happened?"
"My Principal called me to the office about thirty minutes ago to tell me that someone came to speak to Madison and ask her some questions."
Fitz sat down and looked confused.
"What does that even mean? Who came to talk to her at school?"
"It was CPS. Some investigator came to ask her some questions and they're supposed to notify us within twenty-four hours that they spoke with her and then they'll question us as well."
He was dumbfounded. Why the hell would Child Protective Services be investigating his family and asking his daughter questions? That made no sense. Fitz was somewhat familiar with the agency. He had a few parents in his career so far that had an open case and caseworkers would contact him out of the blue to see if he had any concerns with the child and if they were making it to appointments like they should be. But to have Family Services questioning his daughter could only mean that someone made a complaint about them. And for that, Fitz was furious.
"Baby, what did they ask you? Was it a lady or man?"
Madison turned a little in Fitz's lap so she could be heard and began answering their questions.
"It was a lady."
"What did she ask you?"
"She asked me a lot of questions."
"Like what?" Olivia urged.
Madison looked down and it was clear to both Olivia and Fitz that the questions the woman asked made Madison uncomfortable.
"Did she ask you any easy questions that didn't scare you?"
When Madison nodded, Fitz encouraged her to tell them the questions.
"She asked me who I live with and what their names were. And she asked me if I know my birthday and if I have a brother or sister."
"Okay, did she ask you anything that was scary?"
Madison nodded and after moments of convincing her that everything was okay, Olivia and Fitz got her to reveal the tougher questions she had answered.
"She asked me if I knew where my private areas are and if anyone touches me there. Then she asked me if I touch anyone in their private parts or see anyone without clothes on a video or pictures. And she asked me if my mom or dad fight or hit me and my brother."
Olivia pulled her from Fitz's lap to stand in between her legs and caressed her cheeks.
"Baby girl I know those were hard questions but I'm so proud of you. What did you tell her?"
"I told her that no one touches me there cause it's bad and I would tell you and Daddy if they did. And then I told her that FJ gets pops on his hands when he's bad and sometimes on his bottom, but I listen so I don't get pops."
"That's good baby. I'm glad you told the truth."
"How come the lady came to see me? She said she makes sure all kids are safe at home and they don't get hurt, but I'm already safe at home and nobody hurts me."
"Sometimes they just wanna check to make sure, sweetie. Did she ask you anything else?"
"She kept asking me questions about if Daddy was nice or mean to me."
Fitz could feel his anger bubbling over and tried to figure out who would call CPS on them. It had to be someone with an agenda, but he had no clue who it could be. Olivia glanced at Fitz and shook her head, letting him know that getting frustrated wouldn't change anything. He needed to stay calm because no matter what, they would soon be questioned by CPS themselves.
"Give me a minute."
Fitz spoke quietly before leaving his office and closing the door behind him.
"Is Daddy mad?"
Olivia took Madison's hands between hers and sent her the most truthful smile she could muster up.
"No sweetie. He might be upset, but it's not at you or me."
"At the lady?"
"Yea baby. We just don't understand but it's okay. When they ask us questions, we're gonna do what you did and tell the truth and that's the best thing we can always do."
Madison nodded her head and within ten minutes Fitz was walking back into the office and began to remove his white coat.
"Are we leaving?" Olivia asked, assuming they wouldn't be leaving without him.
"Yea, I got my last three patients covered and one I rescheduled for Friday. Let's go."
Just as they were moving to leave the office, Olivia's phone rang, displaying a number she was unfamiliar with.
"Hello?" She answered on the third ring after Fitz had given her a look that begged her to make the noise stop.
"Hi, can I speak to Olivia Grant?"
"This is she."
"Hi Mrs. Grant, this is Michelle Jones, I'm an Investigator with Child Protective Services, how are you?"
Olivia looked up at Fitz with worried eyes, but continued to speak.
"I'm fine."
"I'm calling to let you know I spoke with your daughter, Madison Grant today at school concerning an allegation the agency received and I wanted to speak with you and your husband about it. Are you available this evening to meet at your home?"
"We will be home shortly... Ummm... Is five okay?"
Fitz glanced at his watch and shook his head at his wife. Six, he mouthed.
"I mean six. Can you come at six?"
"That works for me. I'll see you all at six tonight. Thank you Mrs. Grant."
The line went dead and Olivia moved to grab Fitz's hand as they continued to walk out to their cars.
"They're coming at six."
"I heard... Do the kids have to be there? I don't want them seeing or hearing any of it."
Olivia hadn't thought to ask and the woman hadn't specified that the kids needed to be home.
"I don't know... I wonder if Abby would keep them for a little while."
"We can just drop them to Mom."
"And have to explain what's going on to them? We don't even know what's going on ourselves."
"They're going to find out either way. These people call family and ask them questions and when they do, my parents will be blowing up our phone asking why they're being questioned."
Olivia sighed and started her car before telling Madison to get in and buckle up.
"I'm gonna drop them at Abby's. I need to talk to her about this, Fitz and we had plans to go over there anyway."
"Olivia, you need to talk to me about this."
Before Olivia could respond, her phone rand again and she noticed the same number from before.
"Hello."
"Mrs. Grant, this is Ms. Jones again from CPS, sorry I just wanted to make sure that the children would be home with you all tonight?"
"I didn't know that they needed to be home."
"It would be best if they were and I was able to meet your son... Elijah?"
"Yes... They'll both be home."
Olivia hung up the phone and looked to Fitz, willing the tears to not surface.
"Let's get this over with."
Neglect and Emotional Abuse. Those were the allegations Ms. Jones mentioned as she sat in the Grant living room speaking with Olivia and Fitz. They went over questions with Fitz about his occupation and childhood first and then the Investigator moved on to Olivia, beginning with the same questions.
"What about your parents Mrs. Grant, can I have their names please?"
"They're dead. Do you still want to know their names?"
"Liv..." Fitz tried, knowing she was in such a hostile mood still.
"I'm sorry Mrs. Grant, no."
She typed a few things on her small laptop before looking at the two parents sitting across from her.
"What type of discipline do you all use with Elijah?"
"We do time-outs or he will get popped on his hand or on his bottom depending on what it was for." Fitz spoke clearly, making it clear that he had nothing to hide.
"And do you do the same thing with Madison?"
"Do we do the same thing with our seven year old that we do with our two year old? No we don't."
"What do you do with Madison?"
Olivia spoke up this time.
"We usually can just speak with her about what happened and talk it through. We don't necessarily do time-outs, we will take something away from her like no tv time, or iPad."
"Okay." Ms. Jones continued to jot down things in a notepad before she stopped and looked up at the two of them.
"We received an intake that there are times in which you, Mr. Grant treat Madison in ways that wouldn't treat your son. That there are times when you're severely harsh with her in terms of discipline and our allegations were that Madison is physically disciplined by you and not Mrs. Grant."
Fitz just stared at her. He was mentally counting down from fifty and wouldn't speak until he was positive he wouldn't lash out.
"You just told me that these things... these horrible actions were said about me. I'm basically being accused of treating my daughter like shit and my son is the golden child. Is that what you're saying? Are those the lies that were said about me? Who's giving you this information? Who are these allegations from?"
"I do not know who the agency received the intake from and even if I did, we are not allowed to release that information. From speaking to your daughter, I did not feel that she has experienced any maltreatment from you, but my job now is to investigate. I would like to speak with Mrs. Grant alone, but before that, Mr. Grant can I get the names and numbers of some people that know your family and would be able to serve as a reference? I would prefer one family member and three non relatives. Co-workers, neighbors, I would also like her pediatrician's contact information as well."
"I am her pediatrician, but she's seen another doctor at my practice and I will give you their information. Do you want it now, or after you speak with my wife?"
"I'll take them now, unless you need time to think of them."
"I don't need time, I'm ready."
Ms. Jones flipped to a clean sheet of paper before Fitz began speaking.
"Abigail Rosen. She's Madison's godmother and my wife's best friend. She's known Madison since the day she was born and she's been a major part of her life since. If Abby didn't approve of me being in Madison's life, we wouldn't be having this conversation. Her number is 224-290-0073. You can contact Janice Kennedy, she's one of the nurses I work with and she's usually Madison's nurse. Not only has she seen me with her, she sees me with all my patients."
Fitz pulled out his cell phone and began reciting her phone number. He brushed his thumb against the screen for a few more seconds before he got to another contact and gave her the phone number before explaining who it belonged to.
"That's the number for Cyrus Beene. He's the Chief of Surgery at General. I used to work there and under him for a period of time. And lastly for a relative, you can contact my parents. Doesn't matter which one. My mom will more than likely answer the house phone or her cell phone."
Fitz recited the number from memory before he left the two women alone and went to check on the kids.
"Can we also give you another one? My daughters best friend lives in the neighborhood and his parents Lily and Jeff let him come over often and she goes to their home as well. I'd like for you to speak with them as well."
Olivia spoke up as she grabbed her phone to find her number.
Once she gave her the number, Olivia say back and watched as Ms. Jones opened a different book and pulled out a sheet of paper. She passed it to Olivia before opening her notebook and looking at her.
"Mrs. Grant, I want you to look over the list of items on the paper and answer them correctly.
Olivia nodded her head and began scanning the questions.
Finances
Do you work?
If no, how do you get money to spend on things you want?
If yes, does your money go into a bank account?
Who has access to that bank account?
Has money ever disappeared from your account without your knowledge?
Home life
How do you and your suppose communicate?
Do you feel that the housework is split evenly or do you feel that one person does more than the other?
Do you and your spouse yell when you fight? Do you both yell?
Have you ever had anything thrown at you while you were arguing?
Has your spouse ever threatened you? Has he ever threatened to take away the bank card or car keys?
Olivia looked up from the paper with blurred vision and spoke to Ms. Jones in a broken voice.
"I've read this paper before."
"You have?"
"Yes. My best friend showed me this paper shortly after Madison was born and I didn't want to believe that almost every horrible thing on the paper was true, but it was. I know what a domestic violence relationship is because I've been in one with my daughter's biological father and that scum is dead. After being mentally and emotionally and nearly physically scarred by that man, there's no way in hell I would ever get into another relationship like that again. My husband is a great man. He's the best person I know and you might be jotting down in your notes that he's a hothead or seems to to angry, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. My husband has done nothing but love our daughter unconditionally from day one and he's taken care of her ever since. He would die before ever think of hurting her. You have no idea what these allegations are doing to him, to our family."
"Mrs. Grant why do you think someone would say these things about your husband? Specifically about Madison and not your son?"
"I don't know, is not like they have different..."
Olivia's voice trailed off as what she was saying began to marinate and she accepted that only one person would want to cause this type of chaos and division in her family. Someone that was jealous of what they had.
"Madison's biological grandmother recently showed up in our lives and she's constantly trying to meet my daughter and I've told her that it's not going to happen. She's the only person that would have called you guys with hopes of I guess taking her? I don't know what she feels she will gain from these lies, but there's nothing anyone could dig for that would even hint that my husband isn't the best, most loving father to BOTH of our children. And there's no way in hell she would get the chance to take care of my daughter! She's the reason her son was so screwed up, because she didn't have a backbone and wasn't strong enough to get him away from his demented father! I wouldn't dare let..."
"Livvie."
Olivia immediately stopped her ranting and turned her head at the sound of her husbands voice. It was calm, but when she looked in his direction, his eyes were filled with worry and concern. Olivia knew he was worried about how worked up she was getting. She needed to think about their baby and calm down.
Elijah was in his arms and was looking cautiously at the strange woman in their home. He kicked his way out of Fitz's arms and was placed on the floor only to quickly move towards Olivia. Her personal space was unapologetically invaded by her two and a half year old as he made himself comfortable next to her. She was way too far along for him to continue sitting directly on her lap and it became second nature to him to sit directly next to her, thigh to thigh, with his short legs draped casually across her thighs. They were so short that they barely hung over her thigh, but he didn't care. Elijah's small hand wrapped around her bicep before he leaned his head against her arm.
"Can you say Hi, FJ?"
"No" he said stubbornly.
Olivia smiled inwardly knowing her son wouldn't speak to the strange woman. He was a professional at reading his parents moods and mirroring them. He could tell that not only was his Daddy worried and angry, but his mother's frustration was echoing in waves around him and this lady obviously had something to do with it.
"You go to your house!"
His brow was furrowed and his lips pursed out as he stared her down.
"Well I will go to my house, but can I see your room first?"
"No, it's my room. Not yours room. FJ says no."
His lisp was on full display and as mean as he tried to sound, it was more adorable than anything to the three adults."
"Hey." Fitz spoke from his spot still standing in the hallway, visible. "Where are your manners? Be kind, FJ."
He was quick to change his attitude at his Daddy's words but still gave the stranger a full side eye.
"We can look at the room if you want." Olivia said, rubbing Elijah's thigh before giving it a gentle squeeze. She would have to come up with a special treat for her little boy tomorrow.
They both stood up and began walking down the hall and stopped at Madison's room first. They knocked on the closed door and it was Fitz that cracked the door open and poked his head inside.
"Can we come in, Mads? Can you show Ms. Jones your room, please?"
Her eyes were filled with worry but she nodded her head before she took a few steps back to lean against her bed as the three adults walked in, trailed by Elijah. As soon as they had all moved out of his way, the little boy ran to Madison and wrapped his arms around her waist and squeezed tight, eyeing the woman again.
"My Sissy." He said possessively.
"Alright Mini Me, no one is here to mess with your Sissy. Mads, can you show her the things in your room?"
She nodded her head before she began showing her around the room, beginning with her wall of pictures behind her door.
"This is my picture wall. When I do something fun and we take pictures, Mommy prints them out on her laptop and I tape them up on my board. This is my closet for my dresses and my shirts. I get to hang my stuff up now since I'm seven."
She was excited about her weekly chore she was able to do, and as excited as she was about it, she was apprehensive about sharing too much excitement with the stranger.
"Over here is my new desk that I got when I started second grade. Now I have harder homework so I need to concentrate."
"I'm sure it can be tough. Does anyone help you with your homework?"
"My Mom and Dad both do. Mommy gives homework that's like mine so she knows what it is, but Daddy knows how to do it too since it's just kid stuff."
Olivia chuckled at her explanation and shot Fitz a look. It was a joke between the two of them that Olivia was clearly smarter than him and knew more in Madison's eyes. It wasn't that Olivia wasn't brilliant but their little girl had no real understanding the type of schooling and education it took to be a doctor. Fitz didn't mind. He loved that Madison assumed that Olivia was smarter than he was and in lots of ways she was absolutely correct.
"I teach second grade at her school, just in a different class."
Ms. Jones nodded, understanding the meaning of Madison's words.
"It looks like you have a lot of really cool things in your room. And pictures too." Ms. Jones moved to Madison's bed and looked at the pictures that sat in the compartments build into the headboard.
"Do you wanna tell Ms. Jones about these pictures?"
Madison looked at Fitz and moved away from the bed and towards him. He grabbed her underneath her arms and lifted her onto his hip.
"What's wrong Best Girl?"
It was obvious she didn't want to share. She shook her head and wrapped her arms around Fitz's neck before burying her face in his neck.
"You gonna tell me what's wrong?"
"I don't want the lady here anymore. I don't understand it."
"She's just making sure you're safe here with us and that I'm taking good care of you."
"I am safe! I don't want people here asking me questions I don't like."
She was angry now and Fitz could tell. His daughter didn't understand and that always made her anxious.
"I know. Why don't you tell her about the pictures on your bed, then you can go take your bath and we can get ready for bed."
"Can we watch a show before bed?"
Fitz chuckled, glad to see his daughter was okay enough to know that she could take full advantage of the difficult situation. Of course she would get tv time on a school night, tonight. It didn't usually happen, but this would be the exception and Fitz was glad she was able to snatch up the opportunity and milk it.
"Once FJ goes to bed we can." Fitz kissed her cheek and walked back over to the bed so. He gave her a gentle squeeze and tilted his head towards the bed, letting her know that he still wanted her to talk about her pictures.
"These are my special pictures. It's only pictures of my favorite people and I picked out all the frames and decorated them. This one is me and Mommy when I was a baby, and then one of me and Daddy on my birthday date with him. And then FJ and me when he was born and a picture of me and my Auntie! I have to get a picture frame for my picture with Connor, that's my Auntie Abby's new baby. He's my cousin and he has red hair like she does."
"And who's in the last few pictures?" Ms. Jones asked happily. She was glad that Madison was becoming a bit more receptive of her.
"That's my Grammy and Poppy with me. It was at my church camp. And this is me and my Uncle Harrison. I call him Uncle Boss sometimes cause he likes it and thinks it's funny."
"Does he live close by?"
"No, he used to live in New York. But he moved to L. A. now. I can't remember what L.A. means though."
"Los Angeles, sweetie."
"Yea he moved there so he can be in a movie. He plays on tv shows sometimes."
"Well that's really cool. Thank you for showing me your pictures and your room."
"You're welcome. Are you going to leave yet?"
Ms. Jones chuckled and told her she just needed to see a few more things. Fitz let Madison slide down his waist and move to start getting her clothes out for bed while he and Olivia walked her to Elijah's room.
The little boy had run into the room seconds before and when they walked in, they found him inside of his closet.
"Oh great. Babe, can you do it?" Olivia asked. "This is his room, and inside the closet is his hiding spot where he decides to poop in his pull up before we can put him on the potty."
Even with company there, her son had no damn shame.
"How has he been doing with potty training? That's one of the biggest stressors and causes of abuse for families with children three and under"
"He's okay with it, we just figure he's a bit spoiled. He will go anytime we sit him on the pot, but he's not at the point where he will just use it right away."
"It's a work in progress." Fitz chimed in before he bent at the knees in front of the closet and lifted the big boy into his arms. "You stink, kid!"
"I not! Daddy stinky!"
Olivia grimaced at the scent and sent an apologetic look at Ms. Jones. Since walking through her children's rooms, her aggression had dwindled down and although she was still furious at Family Services being called on them, Olivia wasn't as angry at Ms. Jones. She was simply doing her job.
"Babe, can you bathe him? Just start the shower in our bathroom for Mads and he can get a quick wash up in theirs."
Of course Fitz didn't feel like giving their little boy a bath, but he wasn't going to say or do anything that would frown any type of negativity on him as a parent. A fair parent in this case. He might've seemed completely cooperative, but on the inside he was boiling with rage still.
"I can do that. Do you need anything else from me before I go?"
"No you're good, I have everything I needed, thank you."
Olivia showed her Elijah's new bed and she checked that certain things that were on the walls were stable and wouldn't fall off at the slightest touch. They walked through the hallway and into the kitchen where Ms. Jones verified that the family had plenty of food and once she heard the running water for the children's bath, she knew she was done.
"Mrs. Grant, I know this isn't easy. Anytime CPS is in your life, it's messy and it makes things uneasy in the home and everyone's on high alert. I just met your family so I don't know you that well, but my job is to contact your collaterals and to get their input on your family life. Now I will not reveal to them anything about your case, but they will obviously know that I'm contacting them from the agency, so expect questions and what not. I will reach out to them tomorrow, and I know it's easier said than done for me to say not to reach out to them, but we just want honesty. That's all I ask. From what I see so far this case will not be opened in our next stage of service which is Family Based Services. It looks as though you all have a great support system and neither of you have a history with drugs or a criminal history. Let me do these things tomorrow and follow up on a few phone calls, but just know that if you don't hear from me until a few days from now, don't be alarmed. I'll definitely be in touch this week and you can call me with any questions."
"Ok so what happens when you find nothing that supports the allegations? Will they be taken from our record or what? I know CPS allegations can stick with families and prevent them from attending field trips with their children, working with children and so on. Both myself and my husband work with children and plan to be apart of our children's school life."
"If your case is ruled out, that means we found none of the allegations to be true and nothing will be placed on your record and you'll get a letter in the mail stating that your case is closed along with the allegation disposition. And we will go over that type of thing before we get there."
"Alright, I think that's all the questions that I have."
"Well thank you again Mrs. Grant for allowing me to come into your home. You guys have a good evening and I'll be in touch."
Olivia breathed a sigh of relief when she left and went to check on Madison in her bathroom. She was wearing her large shower cap and rinsing the soap from her body when Olivia walked in the bathroom. Grabbing her own large fluffy towel, Olivia walked to the shower door and opened it, the cool air causing Madison to shriek.
"Turn it off and come on out, Toots."
She obeyed and took her time stepping out of the shower and into the warm towel. Olivia wrapped the giant towel around her and Madison allowed her mother to wrap her arms around her tightly.
"I'm proud of you Toots. It's been a tough and confusing few months and you've been so brave through it all."
Olivia felt Madison nod her head up and down at the same time her small arms came out of the towel and hugged at her widening was it.
"What's on your mind kiddo?"
"Why do people not like Daddy as my Daddy? Why do they say he isn't nice to me and they tell me adoption isn't good and mean stuff like that?"
"Baby, I don't want you to listen to anyone that says anything about Daddy that hurts you. And your friends just don't understand adoption like you do. What did Daddy and I teach you about adoption?"
"That when you adopt someone it's because you got to choose to love them out of everyone else in the world and it makes you extra special in their heart."
"That's right. And the lady is here because someone said some really bad lies about Daddy."
"Who said the lies?"
"I don't know."
"Yes you do. Lying is bad, that's your rule. We always tell the truth."
Olivia looked down into the eyes of her mini me and wished she could lift her up and hold her tight. But she knew that was out of the question.
"Come on. Let's get you in your jammies."
Olivia held the towel together while Madison bounced in front of her as they walked towards her bedroom. She laughed as she quickly glanced into the hall bathroom and noticed Fitz getting completely soaked as Elijah kicked his feet in the water.
They entered Madison's bedroom and the little girl instantly wiggled out of the towel before grabbing for her underwear and slipping them on. Olivia went to her closet shelf and grabbed the jar of coconut oil before opening it and sitting it next to her on the floor. Madison scooped out a tiny amount and began putting lotion on her arms and legs.
"Do you know who told the lies on Daddy?"
Olivia motioned for her to stand up and massaged a small amount of the coconut oil onto her back. Olivia turned her around and held the top of the shirt open and waited for Madison to put her head and arms through the holes.
"I don't know who said these things about your Daddy."
"Do you have any guesses?"
Madison grabbed a hold of her long curls and flipped them from out of the back of her shirt before holding on to Olivia's shoulders as she put her legs through her pants.
"Yes, but there's no way of knowing for sure. I don't want you to worry about this baby, okay?"
"I heard you tell the lady."
Olivia looked at her daughter. Madison somehow looked older than her young seven years. She had always been so wise and in tune with her environment, but seeing her seven year old standing tall in front of her with expectations of the truth left Olivia almost speechless.
Knowing that her little girl wouldn't budge, Olivia moved back on the bed and made herself comfortable before gesturing for Madison to join her.
"Come here."
It was only when Madison settled in the crook of her arm, that Olivia began to speak.
"A few months ago, Jake's mother came to see me and asked me if she could see you."
"I didn't know he had a mom."
"He does. She came to see me and she wanted to see you."
Madison's hands froze in place on Olivia's stomach, and she glanced up at her mother.
"What did you tell her?"
"I told her that she couldn't be a part of our lives. I let her know that you have a Daddy and a Grandma and Grandpa that love you and help take care of you already."
"Was she mad?"
"She wasn't happy."
"Was she sad?"
Olivia thought for a moment and brushed her curls away from her forehead.
"I think she might have been. But do you wanna know why I told her no?"
"Why?"
"Because as your Mommy, it's my job to make sure you are always loved and protected. That's the first thing that I always make sure no matter what's going on. Daddy too. When we take you to school, we know that you are loved and protected there. When we leave you at Len's home, we know that you are loved and protected there. When you're with Auntie, or Grammy and Poppy or Ms. Quinn, we know that you are loved and protected with all of those people."
"What's her name?"
"Whose name?"
"Jake's mom"
"Her name is Joyce."
"And you don't know if I would be loved and protected with Joyce, so she can't be with me?"
"That's right sweetie. I can't trust that, so me and Daddy decided to not let her be a part of your life. And we know we made the right choice."
"I know you did too. Besides, I already have a Daddy that has a Mom. Grammy is the best grandma and Poppy is the best grandpa."
"You're right. We all kinda got lucky with them huh?"
Madison nodded her head vigorously and Olivia smiled widely at her. She couldn't believe she just had that type of honest conversation with her little girl.
She really was growing up.
Olivia sighed as she laid back against the pillow contently in her and Fitz's bedroom. Her accommodating husband was sitting up, rubbing her tired feet and ankles, producing moans from her lips ever so often. Getting the kids down had gone smoothly. Madison had went to bed after getting to watch her twenty-six minute show with her parents. She loved being able to snuggle in their bed and watch something together. It reminded them all of when it was just the three of them. Elijah had gone down with a fight as usual. He cried for a slice of cheese after his bath and Fitz had been near ready to reprimand him for the third time with a pop of his butt, when Olivia walked in with a slice of cheese dangling from two fingers. She had mumbled about him making her head explode and how she didn't care if they won that battle as long as he shut up.
"I wish you would've called in tomorrow"
"I told you, I feel fine."
"You might feel fine, but there's a difference between feeling fine, and actually being fine. You should honestly be on maternity leave already, Livvie."
"I still have five and a half weeks until I'm forty weeks and I still feel fine to work. You already know I wanted to do the first two weeks back with my kids and then I'll go out. We've talked about this."
"Yea, and I still felt you were pushing yourself too far and now with this whole CPS thing, you're going to be even more stressed than usual."
"Well I promise to come to my big, strong husband if I feel like I can't keep up."
"I'm serious, Liv."
"I know you are and I am too." Olivia sat up a bit further from her lounging position and brought a single hand to cup the side of his face. Her thumb rubbed against his jaw line and he instantly relaxed at her touch. "When I know it's too much, I'll say it. Just like I told you, my feet were about to explode and you knew exactly what I needed."
He rolled his eyes at her words. The truth was if he hadn't asked her how her feet were feeling, she would've never admitted that they were in fact about to "explode" She was such a work in progress.
"Mads and I had a really good talk when I got her out of the shower tonight."
"Oh yea? What about?"
Olivia was hesitant for a beat, hating that she had to have that conversation without him, but knew it had to be done.
"I told her about Joyce."
His head snapped up immediately and his fingers froze against the sole of her left foot.
"You told her what?"
"I told her that she was Jake's mother and it might have been her that told lies about you."
"Olivia.."
"No, Fitz." She cut him off, wanting to explain herself. "This was something I needed to talk to her about. She asked and I just had to be honest with her."
"What did she say?"
"She understood. I told her it was our job to make sure anyone that is in her life is going to love and protect her and that we did not know if Joyce would do that and we can't take that chance."
"You're right, we can't. No matter how sad the woman seems, this is clearly her doing and all it's doing is hurting Maddie."
"And then you know what she said?"
"What?"
"She said that she already had a Daddy that has a mom and that her grandma and grandpa are the best, and I agree with her. We got really lucky."
"I think we are the lucky ones."
Nearly two weeks had gone by before Olivia checked the mail and received the letter she had been waiting for. The allegations for Neglect and Emotional Abuse were ruled out and their case was officially closed. It only took a week for Ms. Jones to tell them the final outcome of her investigation and she assured the family that no one would be coming back to see them or the children. Olivia and Fitz were more than happy with the conclusion, but still hated the fact that their children's pictures were sitting in a file with their name on it.
Olivia had been home from work the entire week and knew that she would be calling her principal to officially begin her maternity leave. It wasn't as close as she had planned to take leave, but she was feeling extra stiff lately and didn't want to chance anything. Things had gone back to normal around the home and as quiet as it was during the day, Olivia knew she should enjoy it while it lasted. For the majority of the week she and Abby hung out just like old times, except this time it was Abby that toted a baby on her hip. Olivia looked up from the chicken salad she was distributing on two plates when there was a knock on her door followed by Abby walking in. She had texted only a minute prior to tell Liv to unlock the door for her as she rushed inside with her little one.
Abby walked in flustered carrying the car seat over the crook of her arm and sat the large Graco seat on the island next to where Olivia was standing.
"So here's the deal, you take this one and I take my goddaughter."
"What?" Olivia asked laughing at her best friend. She stood on the tips of her toes to get a glimpse of her godson. He was wide eyed and smiling up at her.
"I'm trading you. You take my red headed, fiery son who cannot close his mouth, and I take my sweet goddaughter."
"Abbs, don't say that about my Connor. It's just a phase he's going through. It'll pass. It's completely normal" Olivia leaned down to take a squirmy baby from his car seat restraints.
"You lie. Madison did not scream the way that this child screams. She didn't do all of this and I have no clue why my own son is out to get me. He's calm when David holds him but he acts like I'm pinching him every single time he's in my arms. I want a refund! Is there a way to trade him in for a different baby? I did not let my husband get me pregnant so that I could spawn Satan's baby"
"Abby!"
"Well, not Satan's baby, but a baby that clearly hates me. And it's not his teeth, I checked! There's nothing growing under those gums yet. It's me, Liv. He hates me. It was so easy with Shortie and even with Chubs, but of course my own kid would hate me."
"He does not hate you Abby."
"Then why does he act like he does?"
"You really want to know what I think is going on?"
"If I didn't, I wouldn't have asked."
"I think you went back to work too soon. I think you're trying to juggle cases, and pumping, and marriage, all the while you've got a three month old at home."
"Liv.."
"Abby, I'm just saying. You only gave yourself six weeks off. That's barely two months and then you jumped right back into work. Your body needed more time, Connor needed more time and I honestly think you needed more time. You don't have to hide it from me, Abbs. Did you go to the doctors?"
Abby stayed quiet. She knew Olivia was right. She tried to stay at home longer with Connor, but she had to go back to work, or she would no longer have a job. David didn't have any maternity leave, so he had been at work since Connor was born, using sick and vacation days as necessary when Connor got sick and Abby couldn't take off.
"I have a talk therapy consultation Thursday and they talked about a few tests they want to go over. I believe it's just an assessment that they'll give me and we'll go from there."
"Abby that's good. What did David say?"
"Basically what you've been saying. That Connor needed more time with me and that he can feel when I'm with him that I'm not fully there. He can feel that he doesn't have my full attention because I'm thinking about clients and briefs and hearings all week long. Depending on what the doctor says.. well regardless of what the tests conclude, I think I'm going to finish out my cases that are already on trial this week, and I'm going on FMLA."
"Really?" Olivia was surprised but knew it's what Connor needed. It's what they both needed.
"Yea. I've been talking with David about it and he's supportive and doesn't want things to keep going the way they have been."
"Abby this is great. So when is this gonna happen? You said you'll finish this week or next week?"
"I'll be in trial for the next two weeks, then I've already written up and filed my paperwork for FMLA. I'll be home every day with Connor and we can do things right."
"I'm really excited for you Abbs! And Connor! Just think in a couple of weeks, this munchkin will be here and we can do this together."
"Yea, I'm really looking forward to doing all those cheesy things you did with Chubs. And seeing you more will be nice. See look at him, content as hell. You'd never know he screamed the entire drive from day care."
Olivia chuckled at the calm baby sitting on her lap and to the side of her large stomach. He really was a good baby, but the two redheads combined obviously were asking for trouble.
"He just wanted to see his Auntie Liv."
"Well, that makes two of us."
Abby glanced up at Olivia and sent her a grateful smile. No matter how busy life got with work, kids and husbands, their friendship only grew through their experiences. And for that, both women were extremely grateful.
If you were to ask Olivia Grant a week ago, what her upcoming weekend would look like, she would not have pictured this. It was loud, but it was nice and the kids were having fun and that's what mattered. Olivia removed the hat from her head and looked over to where Catherine was sitting next to her on her chair. They were both sitting on the side of the wading pool as they watched Elijah play with one of the many squirt guns Fitz had left in their possession. Fitz had been chasing Madison around the indoor water park for the last two hours and Olivia was grateful. Catherine and Jerry had asked to take the family of four to Great Wolfe Lodge for the weekend and Fitz and Olivia couldn't say no. The kids, especially Madison needed a break and if there was one thing their daughter loved, it was swimming. Well, any kind of water. They loaded up their car and made the hour long trip following behind Jerry and Catherine, arriving that Saturday morning. Once they were checked into their rooms, everyone put on their swimsuits and headed to the park. Madison was adamant on not following her mother because she knew that would mean that she couldn't go on rides, so instead she told Fitz that she wanted to stay with him. That left Catherine and Olivia to watch after a busy Elijah.
"FJ stop touching that vest! If you take it off, I'm spanking your butt, do you hear me?"
The little boy furrowed his brow and kept playing without answering his mother. Olivia let out a groan and moved her legs to the side of the chair and leaned over to grab a hold of his arm before he could run away.
"Elijah. Elijah Fitzgerald! Look at me, now. Look at my eyes."
The little boy stopped wiggling and looked at his mom when her grip on his arm tightened.
"Do not take this off, do you understand me? If you take it off, I'm gonna spank your butt"
He nodded his head and leaned forward to kiss her lips.
That nearly pissed Olivia off. Her son was a kisser and she had her husband to thank for that. It was no secret that Fitz had taught Elijah to kiss Olivia anytime her face wasn't happy. He had been doing it for days now and not only would he push his thin lips into his mother's anytime he wanted to get his way, he had begun doing it to anyone that he didn't want to be bothered with. When Abby came over just a few days ago and tried to lift him into her arms to say hi, he pushed his lips onto hers quickly before kicking his feet until she let him down. Her smile was wide and she barely noticed him run off as she turned to Liv with a large smile. Elijah was learning every trick in the world to get out of all the trouble he found himself in, but this was something Olivia couldn't tricked on.
"Thanks for the kisses, but I mean it. If that vest comes off, you're gonna go under the water and you could get very hurt, baby."
"Get a owee?"
"Yes." Olivia said widening her eyes. "A big owee, and we will have to take you to the hospital to get a big shot."
That was all the warning she needed to give him. Tears welled up in his big eyes and he pulled away from Olivia's grasp before diving into Catherine's lap and hugging himself to her.
"No shot, Grammy."
His wails were quiet, but Olivia knew he scared. He hated getting shots, so much that it was sadly a threat they used with him when they were at their last wits. Olivia hated that he automatically thought he would have to get a shot, but owee's to him meant only one thing. A shot.
"FJ, you're not getting a shot buddy. Grammy won't let those bad shots come near you, okay?"
He nodded his head and pulled back to look into Catherine's eyes knowing that what Grammy says, goes.
"No shots?"
"Nope! I promise no shots, but you have to do what Mommy said and leave your vest on, okay?"
"Okay."
He nodded his head and just like that, all was forgotten and he was back to filling up his small water gun in the wading pool.
"Mom, could you keep an eye on him? I need to run to the bathroom."
"Of course. You feeling okay? Do you have enough water? I'm sure you need to eat by now. We all need to take a break and grab some lunch before they get crabby."
"True. Why don't I take FJ and you can find them and we will meet at the lunch shack?"
Catherine nodded her head and Olivia moved to grab Elijah. It took her a few moments to convince him to get out of the shallow water, and once he slipped his feet into the tiny crocs, they were on their way to the restroom.
Olivia was glad to see the line wasn't long and once the large bathroom on the end was free, she led Elijah ahead of her and into the stall.
"Mommy, I don't go."
"I know, Mommy's gonna go potty."
Olivia had no energy to fight with him. She laid a cover on the seat before lifting her dress and sitting down.
"You going Potty?"
Olivia shook her head as Elijah watched her closely. Her little boy was a mess.
"Yes baby."
"Good job, Mommy!"
He was so loud but so damn cute.
"Shhh. Thank you baby. Alright I'm almost done."
"You wipe?" He asked curiously. It was clear that he paid attention to everything he'd been taught about going potty, he just chose to not do it.
Olivia rolled her eyes at his nosey little self.
"Yes nosey bologna. Let Mommy finish."
Olivia began to reach for tissue, but stopped as she felt a pull in her lower stomach. She held her breath for a second until the feeling passed. When it was over she reached out again for the tissue but knew something had changed in an instant. Olivia thought she was done using the restroom but second guessed herself when she felt more liquid leaving her body.
"Mommy done?"
Elijah was watching her closely, reading the changes in her facial expression. Olivia looked up and sent Elijah a strained smile before she grabbed a hold of the tissue and wiped herself.
"Let's go find Daddy, baby."
"Daddy swimming. He in a water"
Olivia grabbed a hold of his small hand and held on to the wall as she walked slowly to the sink and quickly washed her hands. Knowing that the loud air dryer scared Elijah, Olivia wiped her hands against her dress before the two of them left the bathroom and went in search of their family.
It was taking Olivia much longer than she hoped to find her husband and she was slowly beginning to panic. They were coming up on the food area but she couldn't move as fast as she wanted to. The pull in her lower back stopped her in her tracks and she bent forward and gritted her teeth.
"OWW! Mommy it hurt!"
Elijah's screams distracted her from the pain and she instantly let go of his hand that she had unconsciously began squeezing.
"I'm ... I'm sorry FJ... We gotta find Daddy... Do you see Daddy?"
Elijah crossed his arms in front of him, making sure she didn't grab his hand again. His head turned back and forth as he searched for his father in the crowd of people. Elijah began bouncing and tugged at Olivia's shirt with one hand while his other pointed to her left.
"I see Daddy! Mommy, Daddy over there! Look!"
Olivia did her best to calm her breathing and looked towards where her son was pointing and spotted her daughter, husband and his parents standing in line for food. She tried to gather every ounce of strength she could muster up to make her way towards him, but the newest sharp pain in her pelvic area stopped her immediately. The pressure was becoming unbearable.
"FJ, go get Daddy. Do you see him? Tell him my belly hurts and to come get me ok? Bring him to me."
Elijah took off towards where he saw his father standing and Olivia strained to stay upright so that she could follow his every move. She watched as Elijah ran up to Fitz and instantly attached himself to his father's leg.
Fitz looked down in shock, not expecting the impact of his small son against his leg and immediately picked him up.
"There's my bug guy! Where's your Mama?"
"Mommy belly hurts."
"What?" Fitz asked confused, but knowing his son always spoke about what he saw or heard. He didn't really make up things or have a big imagination yet unless it had to do with cars, trains or planes.
"Mommy say her belly hurt"
Elijah had lost all interest in talking about his mom at that point and began pointing towards the food area and asking for french fries.
"FJ, where's Mommy?"
Elijah chose to ignore his father and began to ask for food again when Fitz took a hold of his chin and grabbed his full attention.
"Elijah Fitzgerald stop. Where is Mommy?"
Elijah locked eyes on Fitz's similar ones and heard the scold in his voice. With pouty lips, Elijah pointed his finger in the direction he had come from. Fitz looked in that direction and could immediately spot Olivia hunched over and slowly moving closer to them. Fitz passed Elijah to his father and made his way through people, walking as fast as he could. When Fitz finally reached her, one hand went to her hip and the other on her back.
"Livvie, what is it? Are you having Braxton Hicks?"
Olivia felt relieved being so close to him and took a deep breath before she used his arm to steady herself.
"It's not that…" she paused and squeezed his arm tightly as she took a few deep breaths.
Fitz rubbed her back soothingly, memories of her being in labor with Elijah coming back to him. When her grip loosened, Fitz helped her stand up as straight as her body would allow.
"That was a full contraction."
Olivia let out a breathy laugh and waned to slap him upside his head and say 'no shit, Sherlock' but knew her husband was speaking more to himself than anything. This was real and although she didn't need to confirm what they both already know, she couldn't stop herself from saying the words aloud.
"It's time to have our baby."
Okay guys! Don't hate me. To say that work is busy is a super understatement. I have been writing as much as possible, and I don't want anyone to think that I'm abandoning these stories. I will for sure be finishing them both. I also have another brewing. I hope you enjoyed this. I know I said 35 chapters, but this story will be ending at 30 chapters. I feel that I've told as much of their story as I can and I don't want to overdo it or make things up that I don't really want for this family. They are so so dear to my heart and Madison has a large place in my heart. This was my first Scandal ff and it's hard seeing this baby girl grow up and I believe that's why it's a bit difficult to write her at this age. But I think this is about all that I've got left in me for this family. So two chapters left and then I will focus on Love and Freedom. Still got a ways to go on that story. Thank you all so much for sticking with me on this wild journey. Also- the CPS information is my guess of what happens during an Investigation. I am in NO WAY stating that any of what I wrote is indeed a fact. There are things that I know, however this is just for storytelling purposes. Until next time.
