Abby says, "Dang that sounds so final." Olivia replies, "I know right, and scary." Gwen smiles as she responds, "We aren't going to lie to you ladies. What you're facing is scary. But, it's worth it. Because when it's all said and done, you have a perfect piece of your love with your spouse, to hold in your arms and nurture together."
Riley nods as she adds, "And, your mate is there to help you push through. Having him by your side as your partner will make all the difference in the world, I promise."
All the ladies have to agree with Riley's statement; having someone by your side to usher you through trials and tribulations always makes it better. Feeling better about the twists and turns ahead, and ready to continue to enjoy the holiday.
Olivia looks at her family lovingly as she says, "Well, I can certainly say Abby and I are truly blessed to have access to all of the love and support at this table. And, I think I speak for both of us when I say, thank you all for your encouragement and wisdom."
Abby joins her as she adds, "Yes. Thank you all. And, last but not least, we are both going to be using you all as resources. So, get ready!" They all chuckle and Reva raises her glass of iced tea as she says, "To family loving and supporting each other." They all clink glasses in agreement and celebration of the happiness they're all experiencing, and then get back to work as they continue to chat.
Time continues to fly as the ladies diligently work and talk, with plenty of laughs along for the ride. The ladies are recalling some of their antics around the holidays as kids. And, Auntie Reva excuses herself to check on the pies on the cooling racks on the hutch in the dining room.
Olivia sees her slip out of the kitchen, but pays it no mind. As she continues to listen to the conversation around her, suddenly they all hear. "Don't you dare Elijah Ronald Pope Sr!"
The ladies stop mid-sentence when they hear the shriek, then begin laughing when they hear, "Awe come on babe. I just want a lil sweet snack." To see evidence of what's going on, the ladies all run to the dining room. As they watch, they see Eli red handed with a pie in his hand. And Reva standing in front of him, as she asks, "Give me the pie Eli if you want to live."
Eli knowing he's caught and now sees they have an audience, walks back over to the hutch, putting the pie down, but grumbling the whole time." Olivia and the other ladies are cracking up as Auntie Reva says, "A whole pie Eli. Really?"
He shrugs his shoulders, and gives the most pitiful look he can muster as he responds, "I was going to share it with the grand babies." She tilts her head and shakes it as she replies, "Don't get those babies wrapped up in your foolishness, making them accessories after the fact."
Eli decides to deflect as he says, "What are you girls looking at?" However, to his dismay. His wife doesn't blink, nor turn around. She simply replies, "Don't try to deflect Elijah Ronald Pope Sr. Those girls don't have anything to do with this."
Riley whispers, 'Uh Oh, operation deflection isn't working. We've got to help daddy." Gwen asks, "Why does he try this every year, and every year he fails?" Olivia smiles as she responds, "Last year he got away with it, but it was cookies so the evidence was gone by the time he was able to be caught."
They chuckle, and then Ryan excitedly replies, "I've got an idea." But, she doesn't say anything. She just scurries off using the opposite hallway to get to the living room, where the record player lives. Olivia asks, "Where is she going?" Abby replies, "Only she knows; I'm sure Uncle Eli would like to getaway right now though." Gwen responds, "You ain't never lied."
When they turn their attention back to Reva and Eli, they hear her ask, "What do you have to say for yourself Eli?" He's unsure of what to say, clearly she's scolding him good this time. And, none of his escape techniques have worked so far.
Just as he's out of moves, the music changes and their song plays. "If this world were mine." By Luther Vandross blares out of the speakers, and just like that. Reva's scowl changes to a grin as her husband takes her hand and pulls her close as he mouths the words, and begins to lead her in a dance around the room. She acts like she doesn't want to dance at first, but it doesn't take long before she's invested.
They all continue to watch them dance, looking so in love. Ryan joins them seconds later smiling and watching her parents together. Riley looks at her sister as she says, "Good job sis. I think it worked." Ryan winks as she replies, "It always does. That's their jammy jam." The ladies chuckle and again, continue to be witnesses of the love between Reva and Eli. They all hope to have a loving relationship like them, when they reach 50 years of marriage with their spouses.
When the dance ends, they share a sweet kiss that makes the ladies hoot and holler. Their cheers make them both smile as they grin like teen agers at one another. And Eli asks, "You forgive me baby?" Reva looks up into the eyes of her love and says, "You mean until Christmas when you pull the same stunt again?" They all chuckle, it's a welcomed and joyous laugh, another memory experienced together.
Before Eli returns to the basement to finish his grilling duties on the back patio. He comes into the kitchen smiling as he says, "Well, by the fragrant aromas coming out of this kitchen; I must say you ladies have out done yourselves. And we surely appreciate your efforts."
Reva hits him playfully as she replies, "Yeah, we know. You tried stealing some of the fruits of our efforts a moment ago." He grins as he says, "Hey it shouldn't be so good." They all laugh at his remark. She shakes her head at him, and he whispers in her ear, "Oh, and I meant the food too sexy."
She looks at her husband and he winks at her. As she whispers, "You're a devil." And he kisses her sweetly as he responds, "I'm your devil though." She playfully pushes him away as she says, "Man, gone about your business please." The ladies, having fell back into the flow of conversation look over at them when they hear her reply.
But, only see Eli with his hands up as he says, "I'm going Beautiful." Riley grins as she replies, "Yes daddy be gone. We don't know another song to play you out of a jam." They all share another laugh as Eli finally makes his way back downstairs with the rest of the guys.
The night draws on and the ladies finish the dessert and side dish prep by their desired time. The close of the night is playing competitive team board games, and plenty of drinking.
Love is in the air and the fun is flowing as everybody enjoys the holiday family time, young and old. During the game break between Family Feud, and starting Win Lose or Draw.
Olivia finds herself looking at her husband, seeing his smile and hearing his laugh. He's having the best time; this is what her life is supposed to be like. Surrounded by the ones she loves the most, and having fun. Her life is finally on track to being exactly what she wants it to be. And she's thankful. That is, until her hip vibrates and she realizes someone is calling her. When she discreetly looks at her phone; she sees its Huck.
She doesn't answer it, but sees he's left a voicemail. Something he only does when it's important. As she wonders what the call could be about, she feels her anxiety rising. Ad like a lightning bolt, she recalls their last conversation. All of a sudden, she feels herself becoming consumed by her thoughts.
In an effort to combat an anxiety attack, she gets up and manages to leave the room without anybody noticing she's gone. Seeing the back door is open; quickly she steps out onto the deck. Perhaps the cold air will help refresh her, and snap her back into reality.
While on the deck, she's looking out over the property into the night. The sky is beautifully lit by the stars and the air is crisp and cool. She focuses on the holiday lighting in the distance, from the park. Thinking that will soothe her thoughts. But, no matter how hard she tries it's not working.
Her intrusive thoughts begin to spiral as her thoughts race, and her chest tightens. But, she doesn't understand why it's happening right now, or at all. As she now tries to go back inside, the door is closed and locked and she can't get back in. She bangs on the door, but nobody can hear her because of the music. She's now in full blown panic as she banks on the door harder and harder, and her chest feels tighter and tighter, taking away her ability to scream.
Thank you for reading my fan fiction tale. What did you think of the nursery reveal? And the renovations of the house. Looks like despite finding happiness in her personal life, and being the happiest she's ever been. Olivia's panic attacks are still very much a part of her life. Why do you think she's having an attack? Could it be that one phone call or is there something more? Next installment we find out what's behind the attack, and what awaits the Grants along their journey of Love and Marriage.
