Olivia nods as she says, "Thank you Abs. I never saw it that way until now. But you're right. I've been through much more than I thought. Partly because I didn't want to be seen as a victim. So I rushed myself through my recovery, and never dealt fully with what I experienced. Which is probably why I'm having all of these feelings of uncertainty and anxiety."

Abby responds, "I couldn't have said it better myself Liv. I think you're on the right track here. With this new situation arising with Edison, and him hanging around for the last few weeks. I think your sub conscious was done holding this back from you, and is now forcing you to face it head on."

It all makes sense to her now, and she's grateful that she's getting an understanding of what's going on. She realizes she didn't resolve her issues from the incident, or the relationship as a whole. And now it's time to do just that. With this epiphany settling on her. She begins to relax as she says, "It's time that I face this Abs."

Abby is happy to hear her friend's response, and says, "I agree sweetie. Which is where your therapy will come in. So it's good you elected to make another appointment." Olivia agrees therapy is definitely one tool she needs to use; but she wants to take things further. So she says, "I think I need more than therapy. What do you think about me joining a support group?"

Her reply surprises Abby, but delights her at the same time. Olivia sees her reaction, and asks, "Do you think that's too drastic?" Realizing her facial expression betrayed her; she says, "No. Not at all. I think it would be a great idea. I'm just surprised you thought of it."

She sighs as she says, "Technically I didn't. One of the books Fitz and I read about rape trauma suggested support groups for sexual assault and or domestic abuse survivors. At the time I didn't think I needed it; but now I'm not sure it would hurt."

Abby replies, "I agree with you. I don't think it will hurt either. Did you want me to go with you?" Olivia takes a breath and says, "I could use the support; but I was thinking I'd first talk to Fitz, and see if he'd go with me initially." Abby smiles as she replies, "That's a great idea Liv. You know he'll go with you. Hell he'd follow you anywhere. He's a great support system; he sure gained more brownie points with me yesterday, talking about his internship. And why didn't you share that with me?"

She smiles as she says, "I knew about his internship; but I had no idea he worked domestic abuse cases. He didn't tell me that part, and I guess I didn't ask. Is that weird?" Abby grins as she says, "I don't think so. I think it's nice to continue to learn new things about your mate, and this certainly is something sweet to learn about him. It explains a lot about him as a person, and as a man. No wonder he dotes on you so much, and he's so intuitive where you're concerned."

Olivia nods as she replies, "I agree Abs. His disposition with me makes so much more sense now too. I swear I fell in love with him all over again after hearing that." She smiles at her as she says, "I'm sure Liv. He clearly understands trauma and abuse, and he's willing to get his hands dirty to help you be okay. And that's love my dear lady. That's love in spades."

Olivia nods as she says, "I agree. He sees me Abs. He really sees me, and still isn't afraid to look at me and hold me in all my messiness and crazy." Abby replies, "Yes honey, that's what a real man does. He holds you up when you can't walk anymore, and fights your demons with you while loving you unapologetically." Olivia replies, "Amen to that. I think we've found some good ones." Abby nods as she says, "Yes. We certainly have."

They share a smile and eat more of their food as Olivia says, "Do you think it's bad that I dismissed Fitz recommending I go to a support group previously?" Abby responds, "No. It sounds to me like he let you dismiss it. Because he knows you're not one to do anything you don't want to do, and nobody can force you into anything."

She smirks as she replies, "You make me sound stubborn." Abby chuckles as she says, "That's because you are stubborn, and apparently it's genetic. Because your other half is just as bad." Olivia giggles as she says, "Point taken. But we mean well."

Abby replies, "Uhuh, I hear you talking. But I'm not listening to that foolishness. You're both lucky you're good people." They share a smile and Olivia says, "Thanks for talking me off the ledge Abs. I appreciate you." Abby responds, "You're welcome sweetie. That's my job. Plus you do it for me quite often. So no thanks necessary."

They finish their food and continue to chat. During their conversation Abby fills Olivia in on office gossip against her wishes. But Olivia listens anyway. They laugh and relax beyond their meal, and head back inside just before Abby prepares to go home. Prior to her leaving Olivia asks her to bring down her dress, sandals, and make up. And she explains their planned night out after their meeting with Clark. Abby smiles with excitement at the sweet gesture Fitz has made to take her out. Olivia beams as she thinks of how incredibly sweet her husband is to her, and thanks her lucky stars she has him in her life.

Before leaving, Abby teases her about not letting her ankle interfere with their sexy time, and she blushes as she gives credit to her pain meds; although her ankle is feeling stronger day by day and she's not taking as much medication as she was previously.

With her friend now gone, and Vanessa also gone for the day. Olivia looks at the time and sees that Fitz should be home within the hour; so she showers in the downstairs spare bedroom's bathroom, and she begins her dressing routine.

As she dresses, her mind reprocesses her conversation with Abby, and her brother, and despite the heaviness of the topic. She is amped to talk to Fitz about it all, when they get a minute.

Despite her being dressed on time; she realizes he's running late. When he gets home he hurriedly showers and changes, and as they prepare to leave, he pulls her into his arms and says, "You look amazing by the way."

She smiles as she says, "I was hoping you'd notice." He grins as he says, "I always notice; sorry I didn't say it when I got home." She responds, "You're forgiven just this once." They share a sweet kiss, and they head to Clark's office for their meeting.

They arrive at Clark's on time, and Olivia is pleased to meet him. He's friendly and approachable, and expresses concern for her injury. After making sure she's comfy, they all get settled in his office and begin their meeting.

During the course of conversation Clark advises he's impressed by her portfolio, and makes some basic recommendations for stock tips. He praises her for her low debt to income ratio, and her smart saving habits. Applauding her for owning her car and house outright. Fitz beams as he hears how financially sound his wife is. Admittedly, he's as impressed as Clark is if not more.