Liv gets up to go to the bathroom; she returns in thought. She is happy to see everyone's mood is settling down; however, she knows that their blood pressures and good sense will be up for a test, once Mellie shows up. She's certain no one has called her, but she is sure she is going to show up, and wants to prepare for her appearance.
She begins to pace back and forth as she checks the internet, and the local news from her phone. But there is no mention of the accident. She can only infer that it's being kept quiet as a courtesy, because of Fitz. He was the Governor of California, before being President. So his reputation is buying him them some time with the media. Luckily Karen is a passenger, and Josh is not the driver at fault. So even if the story leaks, they both appear to be victims.
Fitz sees Liv in the corner by herself pacing; back forth. He knows she's in thought. He walks over to her to talk. But Dr. Fisher comes in with another doctor. "Hello Mr. President. I am Dr. Wicker; I operated on your daughter Karen." He says, with a polite tone." Fitz approaches him and extends his hand for a hand shake, as he says, "Hello doctor. How is she doing?" Dr. Wicker replies, "She is doing quite well; she is out of post op, and she is in the ICU, for close observation. She can wake at any time though.
She is not in a coma; we just have her on pain medicine, to relax her and ensure she rests. We were able to repair the punctured lung and stop the bleeding, stemming from the broken rib. We also reset her broken arm." Fitz says, "Okay, so all we can do is wait for now, right?"
The doctor replies, "Yes, we have done everything medically possible for her. It is completely up to her now. But I will say she is a fighter Mr. President, and I have no doubt she is capable of getting through this without any after affects." He says with confidence, and reassurance.
The news is a relief to everyone. Fitz anxiously asks, "When can we see her?" He responds, "You can see her whenever you like. She is ready for visitors. However, be advised she is not conscious, and we do have her hooked up to some machines, to monitor her vitals and breathing. So she will not look like her normal self; please try to prepare yourself for what you are about to see." They all share looks of concern, hearing his reply. But Jerry says, "That's fine doctor. We just want to see her."
Dr. Wicker replies, "Okay, if you're ready, Dr. Fisher will take you to her room; my apologies I have another surgery waiting for me." He says as he prepares to leave. But first he shakes everyone's hands, and says good bye as he walks out the door.
Dr. Fisher smiles at them and says, "I can see you all to her room; if you just follow me." He says as he leads the way. As they walk down the hall, with everyone in tow. Dr. Fisher asks, "Will her mother be joining you here as well Mr. President?" Fitz almost curses. But catches himself and says, "I am not sure if she will or not doctor."
Liv's worry of him losing his mind, when Mellie appears, is clearly a real possibility. In seeing his reaction to her name being mentioned; Liv knows she has to do something, to prevent a disaster from occurring.
Once they reach her room; the sign on the door says, 2 visitors at one time maximum. Liv looks at Fitz and Jerry and says, "You and Jerry go in first Fitz. You're her immediate family." She says in a supportive tone. Fitz looks at her and says, "I love you so much Liv." She smiles at him, touches his face and says, "I love you too." After he leans in to peck her on the lips; Fitz looks at Jerry, and they both go into Karen's room. It's obvious they are both nervous, and are a little afraid of what they are going to encounter.
As soon as the door closes behind them; Liv turns to Tom and says, "I need you to let me know as soon as Mellie and or Andrew arrive. If I am not available for some reason, under no circumstances should she, Andrew, Jerry, or Fitz be alone together. Do you understand?" She says, with authority. Tom responds, "Yes mam."
Liv then calls Cyrus; he answers right away. "Liv what is going on?" He asks with concern, and somewhat frantic. She replies, "Hey Cy. It's crazy here; I am so sorry I have not been able to call you back yet, until now. I saw your missed calls."
Says Liv, as she fills him in on the details of what's going on. He also confirms her suspicions; the accident is being kept under wraps, as a favor to Fitz. He also advises the story will not pick up main traction yet; so the national media will not be aware of it until they are ready for them to know.
Liv is happy to hear things are being taken care of, while they are able to deal with family business, of caring for Karen. As her thoughts settle; she hears, "Has Mellie been notified?" Cy asks. Liv replies, "I have no idea CY, but I am sure she will find out at some point. I just pray it's later than sooner. I don't know if even secret service, can keep Jerry and Fitz from killing her." She says with a worried tone.
Cy responds, "Yeah Liv I know this is a rough one; I'm sorry you guys are dealing with this, but at least Karen is trending in the right direction." He says supportively. She replies, "Yes she is. Hey if you find out that Mellie knows about the accident, or is coming to the hospital. Can you call me please?" She asks.
He replies, "Sure Liv no problem; you go ahead and keep things running on the ground, as you always do, and I will check in with you later." He says with a smile. She hears his attempt to make her smile, and she smiles as she says, "Okay Cy, thanks for the information and support. Take care." She says as she hangs up.
As she hangs up the phone, Amber asks, "Do you do this all day?" She says in amazement. Liv looks at her with confusion, and asks, "Do I do what?" Amber replies, "Take care of situations seamlessly, without breaking a sweat." She says in a flattering tone. Liv smiles a little as she says, "Yes I do Amber. It's my job as a fixer." She says with a smile of confidence.
Amber responds, "Jerry and Karen are right. You are amazing, beautiful, intelligent, and bossy when necessary." She says with admiration. Liv is flattered at her reply, and says, "Thanks Amber. I appreciate the compliment. But right now, I am just taking care of my family." She says with a smile.
Amber says, "Well, you're doing a great job of it; they are lucky to have you." She replies, "Thanks, but I consider myself the lucky one." They share smiles, and Liv asks, "Have you heard any word on Josh?" Asks Liv. Amber responds, "No, not since he was admitted. But I can go see if his parents are here yet, and if they will tell me anything."
Liv replies, "That would be great Amber. Thanks." She replies, "It's no problem. I will be back okay?" Liv responds, "Okay. I will be here when you get back." She says to Amber as she walks away.
Liv sees Fitz and Jerry coming out of Karen's room. Immediately Jerry asks, "Where's Amber?" As he wipes his tears, and tries to calm himself. Liv replies, "She went to check on Josh." He responds, "Okay, well I am going to go with her, and I will be back." Liv says, "Okay Jerry."
As he walks away; Liv notices both Fitz and Jerry look to be maintaining as well as possible. Fitz tries to smile when he sees Liv, but she can see the hurt in his eyes. Seeing his baby girl like that really broke him down. She stands in front of him, and he says, "I tried to prepare Liv. But nothing readies you for what is going on in that room." He says with sadness.
Liv feels his pain and sees his stress; she simultaneously feels Tommy and Carrie doing cartwheels in her belly. She knows they typically get over active, when they are hungry. She then remembers it's been 13 hours, since they last ate. But she has to push through to be strong for Fitz and Jerry.
They need her more than ever now. She says, "Fitz I know it is difficult to see her this way, but it beats the alternative. Let's be happy she has a fighting chance and she is a fighter. She will beat this and be fine very soon." She says being supportive.
Fitz appreciates her kind words, and her support. But he can see she's really tired. He looks at his watch and says. "It's 2:00 am. Livy we need to get you some food, and some rest. Go with secret service they will take you to the hotel, and get you settled, okay?" She looks at Fitz and says, "Nice try. But that's not happening. I am not leaving until you leave." She says with defiance.
Her refusal makes him smile; he likes when she's defiant, he finds it cute. He says, "Okay then at least let me get you some food, and we can go into the family suite. So you can lay down Livy. This is stressful enough not pregnant, if anything happens to you…"
She interjects as she says, "Nothing is going to happen to me, or Tommy and Carrie." She says, as she agrees to get something to eat. She orders a salad and bottled water, and she agrees to take a break, after she sees Karen. He's pleased she agreed to food and a break.
After they finish their conversation; Fitz puts in a meal request with secret service. As Amber and Jerry return from seeing Josh. Liv excitedly asks, "Hey Amber, what did you find out?" Amber replies, "Josh is out of surgery as well; he is recovering well from his injuries. But he is still sleeping like Karen. "He has a broken leg and a grade 2 concussion. He will probably be awake by tomorrow, and maybe he can come see Karen. I'm sure he's going to try."
Liv says, "Well it's a blessing that he's doing well. How are his parents?" Jerry replies, "They are doing well, considering the circumstances. I think we are all just really happy things weren't worse, and we are hoping for the best." Fitz responds, "That's very true son." As silence falls over the moment; Amber readies herself to go in to see Karen. She says, "Liv are you ready to go to see Karen?" Liv takes a breath as she says, "Yes. Let's go Amber."
