AN- Hello everyone, here's the latest update for this AU tale of eternal love. Stay safe and be well.

Time will Reunite Us Chapter 18

Patience is not a virtue Mellie possesses. She suffers from NCAD, needs constant attention disorder. Suffice to say sitting alone waiting for Big Gerry to recovery from whatever exotic ailment he contracted from his bee sting debacle or for Fitz and Olivia to return from their daylong walkabout did not hold the slightest appeal for her. Spurred by her all alone boredom she decides to explore the abode of the woman she considers the sexual temptress sidetracking her dreams by beguiling her promised prince. Convinced her unfortunate lapse in judgement with Andrew is not sufficient reason to permanently sever an arranged relationship Mellie refuses to give up her claim to Fitz. Since when has a republican ever found an assignation a legitimate deal breaker. If anything affairs are a given, part and parcel of loveless political marriages. She and Fitz should be picking out China patterns and planning political moves not estranged and slumming in some third world has-been civilization.

Tiptoeing from the dining room, she wanders the halls assessing Olivia's artwork, antiques and decorating style even though she lacks the skill and background to proffer a credible opinion. Her scant knowledge on the authenticity of any object of value is limited to the price tag. Mellie for all her supposed upper class breeding and exposure to the finer things in life, can't tell the difference between a flawless diamond and a cubic zirconia or fine wine from Three Buck Chuck. But among her ilk her ability to appear genuinely astute among those with deep pockets is an asset. Mellie's shallow ways make her the perfect political wife. Her ambition is singular which makes her predictable, easy to keep in line. She is adaptable, her pride can easily be bought with shiny bobbles or cold hard cash and her less than discreet lapses in judgement when bored can always be used against her should she ever decide not to be a team player.

Mellie's high maintenance predilection makes her susceptible to giving up her cookies to any man with an American Express black card. Big Gerry, cognizant of this frailty, diligently attends to keeping Mellie happy and in check for the most part, although Andrew somehow slipped under his radar. Nonetheless, Gerry intends to groom her into the republican version of Jackie O. Once Gerry has a plan, deviating from it is not an option; not for Mellie and certainly not for his son.

Making her way to the great room, Mellie stops in her tracks, startled by a half naked Fitz carrying an equally unclad Olivia in his arms. She gasps more from resentful incredulity than surprise. Fitz stops surprised and confused by Mellie's presence, while Olivia eyes the unwelcomed visitor with annoyance.

"Where the hell am I", a disoriented Gerry Grant mumbles rubbing his temples to soothe the dull ache in his head. Taking in his surroundings, recognition quickly hits flooding his mind with memories from the last few hours. The stalemate at the gate, the bee, his allergic reaction, the putrid stench and the maggots. No he had to have hallucinated that part. There's no way maggots hatched that quick after he was stung.

He swings his legs over the bedside and tries to stand. Unsteady, his legs buckle, he slips beside the bed pushing the screeching foot posts along on the tile floor.

Sgt. Dallas rushes into the room. "Senator are you all right, here let me help you to bed."

"No, no, I'm fine. Just a little light headed. Has my son returned?"

"I believe he has. I heard Mellie in conversation with him down the hall."

"Mellie what are you doing here? Is my father with you? I told him I'd call when I was ready for a visit."

"Fitzgerald you're Senator Big Gerry Grant's son. Did you really think he wouldn't use his political connections to find you to make sure you were alright. He told you over the phone we care about you. We were concerned about your wellbeing so we rushed here to see about you. We came here out of love, why are you surprised?"

Fitz sighs deeply and presses his head to Olivia's. Two seconds ago he was in complete bliss, now the two people he's made ever effort to avoid are here to intrude on his time with the woman he loves.

Nour comes down the hall to check on Mellie only to find her standing in the great room talking with the eashiqa and Fitz. Nour senses the eashiqia's displeasure so she politely interrupts the conversation.

"Eashiqa, forgive me I was unaware you had returned." Nour takes off her sweater and covers Olivia exposed body parts.

"It's alright Nour. Please escort this guest back to the dining room, we will return shortly."

Mellie makes no attempt to follow Nour. Olivia's dismissive attitude incenses her.

"Excuse me, Mellie drawls haughtily. Do either of you want to know where Big Gerry is?"

"Yes, I too am curious why my son does not appear to be the least bit concerned about my whereabouts." Gerry, closely followed by Sergeant Dallas enters the great room.

"Gerry," Fitz frets under his breath.

"Mr. Grant, it is good to see you've recovered. May I get you something to eat while your son and the eashiqa freshen up?" Gerry ignores Nour, his focus is on Olivia and Fitz.

"Thank you Nour. I'm sure my father appreciates your kind offer. Don't you dad. As Olivia said, we will return shortly." Fitz, Olivia still in his arms, whisks past a gaping Gerry and Mellie making his way to Olivia's bedroom.

Fitz cradles Olivia's face, "I'm sorry sweetheart. Gerry rarely practices social grace outside a political environment. I'll make sure he apologizes to Nour and anyone else on staff he manages to offend."

"Worry not imi-ib. Your father is probably grumpy from traveling here from Cairo."

Olivia leads him to the shower where they make slow passionate love before dressing and rejoining the others.

Mellie checks her watch. "What are they doing? How long does it take to change clothes?"

Gerry shoots her a you've got to be kidding me glare. You don't have to be genius to figure out what those two are doing. Gerry is fit to be tied. He cannot believe Fitz is making him wait while he has sex with that woman.

"Sir I need to check in with the team outside the gate. I'll be in the hall if need me."

"Thank you sergeant, I suspect we'll be here overnight. Have your men make whatever arrangements they need to, I doubt Ms. Pope will allow them stay within the estate."

Fitz and Olivia enter the room holding hands.

"Well, you would be wrong Gerry. Sergeant there is an unoccupied bunk house your detachment can use for the night if they desire."

"Thank you ma'am".

"I'll send Ahmed down to show you men the way. It house should be stocked with bottled water and snacks. Nour will send a home cooked dinner down later, if that is acceptable sergeant."

"Thank you ma'am the hospitality is appreciated", Dallas says with a polite nod.

Gerry rolls his eyes unimpressed. The eye roll and his cavalier attitude in assuming he is welcome to spend the night elicits a mental reprimand from chastening worms attached to his eardrum. He hears the snarling voices in his head ordering him to be respectful. He flinches uncertain whether the voices are real.

Fitz pulls out a chair at the head of the table for Olivia and kisses her hand before taking the seat next her. Both are dressed in traditional Egyptian loungewear. Their love is unmistakable, it is a palpable force charging the air in the room with its' intensity. Uncomfortable with the loving vibe, Gerry and Mellie squirm in their seats.

"I hope the meal is to your liking, if not Nour can prepare a dish more familiar to your palate, perhaps a hot dog smothered in ketchup?"

Gerry in no mood for pleasantries bristles, "Let's cut to the chase. I'm not here to talk cuisine or engage in witty dinner conversation. I'm here to take my son home where he belongs, where he'll be safe."

"Dad!"

"Do not dad me boy. You never responded to my phone calls. When we spoke you said you'd have a new phone in short order. I had to call in favors to get the damn embassy to light a fire under the locals to get me here so I could confirm you were alright."

"I told you I was fine, there was no need to worry. Do I appear in danger, in fear for my life or injured in anyway? Olivia's estate is secure, relaxing and the only place I want to be right now."

"Fitzgerald you're letting your sexual relationship with this woman cloud your judgement. This country is teeming with whackos hellbent on killing Americans. I'm here because my only child was attacked by a deranged cult member, then whisked away by private security working for a woman you've known less than six months, but somehow she has managed to entrench herself in your life to a degree I find unacceptable. She exerts way too much influence on your decision-making. If you weren't thinking with your damn pecker I wouldn't be here and you would at home. You are going to pack your bags and come home."

"Fitzgerald I think you should listen to Big Gerry."

"Stay out of this Mellie. Your opinion is neither welcomed or needed." Mellie huffs and stiffens her posture.

Fitz springs to his feet, "Watch what you say old man. Olivia and I are in love. She is the love of my life. I will not allow you to disrespect or speak ill of her ever! Who the hell told you your title gives you the right to be rude and discourteous, especially in someone's home. If Olivia wants to throw you out…no, now that I think about it you should leave. You've said and embarrassed yourself enough."

Defiant, Gerry doesn't move. "Fitzgerald you will do as I say, I am your father!" Fitz groans.

"My decision to stay is just that my decision. Olivia has never tried to influence my behavior. Unlike you two, all Olivia has ever done is be kind, caring and supportive of my dreams. I find it ironic how whenever I speak my mind, make an important decision without consulting you or go against your plans for my life you say I'm being unduly influenced, immature or rash in my judgements. Yet if I follow your orders without question or input I'm rational, intelligent and ready to take on world. Dad you think my ability to leave my mark in life is limited to politics, your chosen profession. It's not mine, it never will be. I am not weak-minded or impressionable. I know who I am and what I want. My mistake in the past was acquiescing to your wishes for sake of keeping the peace. Those days are over."

"Olivia I apologize for my father's behavior. Can you have the car brought around so he can leave before I say or do something I doubt I will regret."

"i think we should all calm down. Tempers are getting a little heated. Fitz you dad is simply concerned you are not…"

"I said stay out of this Mellie!"

"Love, it's okay. I'm well aware Big Gerry's way to control a situation he thinks involves lessers is to behave uncouth and ill-mannered. I find his rantings a minor nuisance like the buzzing from a pesky fly. He is unworthy of my attention," Olivia says looking Gerry straight in the eyes.

"It is getting late, he and his party may stay the night for your sake but if you do not wish it I will see to their immediate removal."

Taken down a peg by both Fitz and Olivia, Gerry tries to shift tactics by softening his tone. "Son, I do not trust these people. This place is unsafe. I nearly died from a simple bug bite."

"What do you mean you nearly died? You've only been here a few hours."

"It's true Fitz," Mellie affirms supporting Gerry.

"I was attacked by bee, at least I think it was a bee. The disease ridden insect injected me with venom causing a near fatal allergic reaction. We are getting out of this godforsaken country together and returning to the good'ol U-S of A. End of discussion."

The chastening worms attached to his eardrum start to hiss. Gerry shakes his head and covers his ears to stop the noise. Olivia smiles.

"It was horrible Fitz," Mellie says taking Gerry's hand, while recapping the event in melodramatic fashion. "He had a melon-sized boil on his forehead where the bee stung. He was delirious, writhing in pain." Mellie closes her eyes for added drama.

"And when the doctor lanced the boil, maggots or worms I'm not sure which oozed out coated in a nauseating foul black stench. I lost consciousness after that. It is a miracle he survived given these less than ideal conditions. Must be his strong Grant constitution." Grinning she pats Gerry's hand admiringly.

Fitz turns to Olivia, he speaks to her in the ancient tongue without realizing it. Mellie and Gerry sit, mouths agape, listening to Fitz speak with native fluency. Both think he must have taken a language immersion course in preparation for his time abroad. Not being privy to the exchange, if offends them he chooses not to speak English with them in the room.

"Yes, Dr. Brookside left a report so your father can follow up with his personal physician back in the states. No thanks needed imi-ib, the doctor is onsite for the estate staff and their families."

"Fitzgerald this is a discussion best had between family. If you can manage to pry yourself away from the her, we can talk about this more freely private. Surely she understands."

"Her name is Olivia and she is family!"

The hissing in Gerry's ears grows louder. Sweat beads form above his lip, a stabbing pain strikes behind his eyes, his ability to focus begins to falter, within seconds he's cursing from the pain. He takes deep breaths in an attempt to maintain his composure. The snarling voices in his head taunt him.

You dare to insult the eashiqa in her own home? You dare to insult her most favored? Insolent fool, down on you knees! Apologize to your betters!" Gerry doesn't move, he thinks he's hallucinating.

"Dad are you okay? You don't look well?"

Nour places a glass of water in front of Gerry. Hands shaking he picks up the glass and swallows every drop.

"Nour please summon the doctor", Olivia orders.

"Yes eashiqa." Nour hurries to call Dr. Brookside.

Mellie leans in speaking softly, "Gerry you should go lie down. You may need more time recover."

"Dad let me help you back to bed." Fitz tries to help Gerry stand.

Gerry slams his fists on the table. "I'm fine will you all stop fussing. The only help I need is packing up my son and getting on the next flight out of here.
You truly are a fool. Your arrogance will destroy you in the end. For now, learn the price for insolence! The worms screech, the sound is so deafening Gerry thinks his teeth will shatter. His head begins to bob, his face goes pale, within minutes he collapses.

"Gerry, " Mellie screams.

"Dad," Fitz yells, catching Gerry in his arms. Dallas runs back into the room. He and Fitz carry Gerry back to the guest room. Mellie trails behind them. Olivia tells Nour to prepare cold compresses and a pitcher of water.

By the time they put Gerry to bed Dr. Brookside arrives. Fitz relays Gerry's symptoms prior to collapsing. The doctor takes Gerry's blood pressure, it's through the roof. He administers a sedative to calm Gerry down, then blood pressure medication.

"Is your father being treated hypertension?"

"Not that I know of, but Gerry rarely goes to the doctor. His parents lived into their nineties and he claims they went to the doctor maybe five times tops in their lifetime. He says you either have good genes or you don't and Grants have superior genes."

"I'm sorry to burst his bubble but lifestyle impacts genes as a person ages. His bp is over 200. These will keep his bp down." He hands Fitz a medication bottle. "I recommend he see his personal physician after he returns home, there may be other underlying comorbidities requiring attention. He should sleep until morning. I'll stop by tomorrow after I attend to the estate staff."

"Thank you doctor." Fitz shakes Brookside's hand. Olivia nods, the doctor bows his head in reverence and leaves.

"Sergeant will you stay in the room with the senator or the guest room next door."

"In the room ma'am."

"There is a foldout chairbed in the room or would you prefer a cot?"

"The chair will be fine ma'am. Thank you."

"Mellie you may take the guest room. Robes, slippers and dressing gowns are in the closet should you need them. Nour can get you anything else you need."

"Fitz aren't you going to stay in the room with Gerry? He may need you during the night. I'm sure Olivia understands and can spare you for the night."

Olivia is tiring of Gerry and Mellie's use of the word understand as a subtle insult and admonishment to remember her place. She will have to teach them the penalty for disrespect.

"Mellie, Gerry is fine now. He's sedated and will sleep until morning. There's no need for me to sit by his side on some death watch. "

"Don't you think for appearances you should."

Fitz cuts her off.

"Appearances? Who's looking? Why does it matter where I sleep as long as I'm near. Do you plan to blab your twist on the evening events to the tabloids or on social media? No one else here will disclose information on Gerry's health. "

"Fitzgerald I would never," Mellie whispers affronted.

"Whatever Mellie. Good night." Fitz takes Olivia by the hand and leads her away to their bedroom. He'll find enough solace and peace he needs in her arms tonight to erase the aggravation brought by his father and Mellie.

Later, while Fitz sleeps Olivia as Hathor enters Gerry's and Mellie's minds.

"Petulant, irksome mortal, you failed to heed my warning and continue to belittle your son and treat him like an incompetent. Your arrogance, defiance, selfishness, haughtiness and so many other debase personality flaws corrupt you from within. It is time the world see you from the inside out."

In the blink of an eye Gerry is in a banquet room standing in front of his most ardent supporters. Gasps, cries of fear and looks of horror ripple through the gathering. Waiters drop trays and run from the room. Speakers on the dais recoil, they stumble over their seats trying to escape the swift moving malady overtaking Gerry's body. Gerry looks down at his hands, the skin is graying and cracking. He feels his face, the flesh comes off in his fingers. The foul smell of his decaying soul fills the air. He can feel his teeth loosen, his rotting gums turn thick as tar and seep out the corners of his mouth. His body shakes from a gut wrenching cough so strong it pries open his mouth sending teethe and gum matter spraying across the podium. He can feel his stomach flesh splitting. He tears open his shirt. Blood, dung beetles, and maggots seep from the fissured flesh. He wants to scream but can't. He's in agony, praying for death but death refuses to come. Gerry opens his eyes and the dream stops. He reasons something he ate sparked the dream. He whispers, "No telling what I was fed, probably a rodent or a scavenging bird." He closes his eyes, immediately the dream starts again. He tries to wake up but he can't, he's trapped until the dream ends.

Hathor reappears. "Let's see how long it takes you to bridle your trenchant tongue. I suggest you do it soon or suffer until the dream drives you mad." She disappears leaving Gerry to relive the dream five more times.

Mellie showers and puts on one of the gowns hanging in the closet. She uses the skin care products in the bathroom from Olivia's company then gets into bed. She plans to take the lot with her when she leaves, treating her overnight accommodations like a hotel.

"I may not like her but her products are top notch." Mellie strokes her arms amazed by the softness and the luxurious scent. She turns off the light by the bed and is into a deep sleep within minutes.

Awakened by a booming voice, Mellie springs from the bed looking for the source. Landing on her hands and knees she looks up to see what can only be a heavenly being standing in the middle of the room. Hathor, glowing with celestial brilliance looks down at Mellie with a scowl. Scared shitless, Mellie hops back in bed, braces herself against the headboard and pulls the covers to her neck.

"Mortal I find you presence annoying. You adorn being in garments fetid with deception and sycophancy. You traipse through life leeching the concernment from others you will never attain on your own. Here me contemptible inconsequential mortal, your days as a human parasite are over. You will leave this place tomorrow, you will halt pursuing the man you betrayed and who does not love you and you will never conspire again with the loathesome fool Gerry Grant. Likewise you will sever all ties with the duplicitous whoreson Jacob Ballard. Heed not my warning mortal and the wickedness within you shall come to the fore."

Instantly Mellie feels her skin dry and shrivel, age spots freckle her arms, her face feels strange, not her own. She runs to the mirror in the bathroom, horror consumes her. She screams, touching her face in disbelief. She turns on the faucet and splashes her face with cold water but the gruesome sight doesn't change. Deep wrinkles, moles, age spots and hairy warts cover her face. Hathor appears behind her.

"This is no illusion, nor a bad dream. This is your one and only chance to redeem your covetous soul. Make haste in the alterations to your life, for if you see me again, this shall be your fate." Hathor points to the mirror. "Look on in dismay mortal for this shall surely come to pass if I find a speck of knavery in you." Hathor disappears leaving Mellie distraught. She keeps patting her face expecting everything on her to face off like a mask. Minutes go by and nothing changes, fear claws at her throat forcing anguished guttural screams to pour out from her. Unable to look at herself any longer she smashes the mirror with balled fists. Blood covered mirror shards fall to the counter and sink. Mellie slumps to floor, her breathing hitches to the point of hyperventilating. Eventually spent she loses consciousness.

Animated voices outside her window awaken Mellie. Filtered sunlight baths the room, its morning. Unsure how she got to bed she frantically checks her hands and sheets for blood. Seeing none she bolts from bed to the bathroom. She closes her eyes before reaching the mirror. She says a prayer then opens her eyes. Smiling in relief she grips the counter convinced she simply had a terrible nightmare. She strokes her neck admiring her skin's soft suppleness, she caresses her equally soft and supple face.

She shakes her head, "What a terrible dream. It's no wonder with all the pagan paraphernalia laying around everywhere. I probably need to buy a cheap amulet to ward off the evil spirits." Pulling her hair behind her ear Mellie freezes. On the tragus of her ear is a wart with a long black hair growing out of it. She reaches up to touch it. Hathor's reflection appears in the mirror.

"Take heed mortal." Mellie gasps and jumps back shaking like a leaf. She remembers the admonishments from her nightmare and Hathor's promise to make suffer unparalleled misery if she doesn't change her ways.

Morning finds Gerry no worse for wear. He looks fine, no visible sign of the perpetual horror he experienced last night. Mentally he's barely functional and maddened by the feeling someone or something is trying to control him. All he wants is to do is get on a plane and forget he ever set foot in Egypt.

"Umm, umm, so good oh, umm, morning imi-ib ." Olivia moans rapt by her lover's touch.

Fitz slowly laves wet kisses over Olivia neck and breasts, sucking biting, teasing her nipples to firm buds. His hand cups and fingers her hot wet core, coaxing out moan after pleasure induced moan. I need to be inside you, I need you the squeeze me until I scream your name and lose control.

"Possess me beloved." And he does, all morning long.

"When Fitz and Olivia finally make it to breakfast, Gerry and Mellie are already seated. Both have far-off looks and the food on their plates is barely touched.

"Good morning, I hope you sleep well," a chipper Olivia chimes brightly.

A begrudgingly contrite Gerry stands to face Olivia, "Ms. Pope I want to apologize for my unconscionable behavior yesterday. Fitzgerald speaks the truth, you've been a supportive and caring presence in his life, more so than I have ever been. I want to thank you for caring after and protecting my son. I am in your debt. I'd also like to thank you for allowing me and my companions to stay overnight and extending to us your gracious hospitality. Finally I must thank you for providing me with the urgent medical care that probably saved my life."

An equally humble Mellie stands anxious to express her regret. "Ms. Pope I too want to apologize for my rude behavior. My petty slights were said out of jealousy. You are an extremely accomplished woman, no wonder Fitzgerald is drawn to you. I sincerely hope you will both be happy for years to come. Please forgive my shameful manners."

Fitz splashes his face with a glass of water. "Pinch me Liv because I must be dreaming." Olivia does as he asks.

"Ouch, that hurt."

"I did as you asked. "Yeah but did you have to pinch so hard?" Olivia rubs and kisses his arm.

Olivia nods at Gerry and Mellie. "I accept both your apologies. I trust your words are sincere."

Gerry bristles a tad on the inside. Humility is not something he practices. The chastening worms hiss in his head to stop him making a backhanded remark.

"Hopefully the unpleasantness of the past will remain in the past."

"It will as long as you accept Fitz is not a docile blindly obedient son you can control. He is the exact opposite and I understand it galls you to no end, but that's your problem not his. You respect Fitz and his choices and we'll have no problems." Fitz kisses Olivia's hand.

Gerry says nothing, only nods and Mellie shakes her head in agreement. The meal proceeds with mundane small talk, compliments on the food and a brief discussion on Fitz's plans to stay a few more weeks touring more ancient ruins. By noon Gerry and Mellie are headed back to Cairo for their flight to the states.

After Gerry and Mellie leave, Olivia and Fitz take a stroll though the garden.

"I wonder what got into Mellie and my father."

"What do you mean?"

"Come on you've met them, they're not apologetic types. I can't help thinking this morning was a ruse to cover some scheme they have in the works."

"I wouldn't worry. You've voiced your stance in no uncertain terms. I think they finally see their continued interference will only result in them no longer being a part of your life. Should they choose to ignore your choices they must accept the consequences of their actions. In the end they will have no one to blame but themselves for the outcome. But know this imi-ib, I am here for you to support you in whatever endeavors or dreams you have. I love you and will walk through this life with you if you'll have me."

"My sweet Imi-ib, you complete my soul. If you'll have me, I want nothing more than to share my life with you. I cannot image a future without you by my side." Fitz cups Olivia's face and kisses her breathless. They spend the next few weeks exploring the ruins together and growing closer. She can feel Fitzah's conscious growing stronger within Fitz, so much so he rarely speaks English, although he's unaware he's doing it. Soon she will have her eternal love back where he belongs.

Hathor also senses evil amassing. Her enemies will strike soon, right at the heart of all she holds dear. Fools! They will pay for conspiring against her. They will suffer unimaginable torment and they will never find sanctuary in the Nile of Heaven.

The unknown presence is growing, drawing nearer. Being unable to discern whether the presence is malevolent or benign in origin has Hathor on the celestial equivalent to high alert. Is the presence in alliance with her enemies or does it have some other intent? She will to use all her powers to uncover the mysterious force and deal a decisive blow if its' intention is do harm.

"What is this?"

"The dagger used to end the life of her mortal consort. I think it's fitting to end both her daughter's and the reborn usurper of her affections lives with the same implement of death."

"Full circle revenge in perfect symmetry. I shall enjoy inflicting everlasting torturous sorrow on the one responsible for my ruin and shame."

"So shall I dark one, so shall I."

AN- Well Gerry and Mellie were given ultimatums. Do you think they'll change their wicked ways or suffer the wrath of Hathor?

Hathor's enemies are getting ready to strike. Will they succeed? What about the mysterious presence Hathor senses but can't pen down. Is it friend or foe? All will be revealed in the next few chapters.

I hope you are all staying safe. I'm sure we are all disheartened by recent events. Let us hope the day when true justice is applied equally and fairly to all is closer as a result of these protests despite the actions of the those bent on causing destruction and deflecting attention away from the real issues.