"Why is Karen with Mellie this week?"

"She asked to stay with Mellie."

"And you said yes?"

"I don't want Karen to blame me one day for not having a relationship with her birthmother."

"There's more to that story. I know you Livvie. What are you getting out of this?"

"Nothing."

"There is an extra baby in that playpen, so I know Mellie didn't agree to keep Karen without an argument."

Olivia didn't answer Maya's question.

"You are taking advantage of Mellie living in DC. This is more than Karen spending time with her birthmother. You want a break. I knew it was coming when I told you I can't keep Karen every day after school because I'm tutoring during the week. You know Mellie is going to college, and she doesn't need anymore responsibilities."

"She should help me with Karen. I'm tired of getting the babies ready, taking Karen to school. The same thing after school, including homework, giving her attention while keeping the babies entertained. I am resentful that she has one baby, a part time nanny and her classes. She can enjoy her weekends. My weekends are spent pushing a triple stroller around whatever kid place Karen wants to go to after keeping three babies entertained with snacks and toys at her ballet practice. Does anyone care that I never get a break? Fitz works and he is hardly ever here to help with parenting."

Maya waited a few seconds to speak. She wanted to make sure Olivia got everything out.

"Livvie you're smart. You know I have always told you to never have more kids than you can take care of on your own. Be glad you have a husband that pays the bills. There are single mothers with four kids and full time jobs and full class schedules handling their business. I can't feel sorry for you. When you had your hysterectomy, I know you needed help. I will be here to help when you can't control the situation. You caused all of this, and I'm not fixing it for you."

"I didn't ask for triplets." Olivia interrupted.

"You knew it was a possibility when you decided to have a baby. I'm also letting you know that you're wrong for dumping Karen on Mellie when she is clearly overwhelmed. Karen became your responsibility when you signed adoption paperwork. You need to figure this out with Fitz. "

"Are you here to make me feel worse?"

"I'm here to drop off baby food and clothes. I am grandma to them and mom to you."

"Mom."

"I won't coddle you Olivia. Figure something out."

Maya excused herself from the conversation and grabbed her car keys. Olivia called Mellie.

"Hello Olivia."

"How is Karen?"

"She's upstairs. Marcus sent a box of new toys for Karen and Kelly. He said the toys will keep them busy."

"Kelly is with my babies in the playpen."

"Olivia, I want you to know that I'm grateful for you being a good mom to Karen. I didn't think parenting would be overwhelming. Karen has a lot of energy."

"Yeah, that's why I'm calling. I want to apologize for giving you so much responsibility. It's not fair to you. Your relationship with Karen shouldn't be overwhelming. Starting next week, Karen is going to aftercare."

"I really don't want to disappoint Karen."

"She will make friends at aftercare. You can continue to take her to school and take her to aftercare if you don't mind."

"I can do that for you. My nanny is here for Kelly in the mornings. I'll get Karen from your house and take her to school. I will also take her to ballet practice."

"I'm going to start looking for a job again. I need a nanny."

"Working is good for you Liv. Babies can be overwhelming."

"Yeah, Fitz is home. I'll call you later."

Olivia wasn't expecting Fitz to bring anyone home, so when an older white woman dressed in blue jeans and a t-shirt walked in the foyer, she was confused.

"You must be Olivia. Hello."

"Livvie, this is my mom Isla. She wants to meet you and the kids."

"Wow."

"I'm trying to do right. I ain't had a beer all week."

Isla looked in the playpen. There's four babies in there. Where did the brown baby come from?"

"That's Kelly. She is Mellie's baby."

"You keeping her baby?"

"She has Karen this week."

"I want to apologize for not meeting you sooner."

"You're here now. That's fine."

"Well I ain't plan on staying long. I want you to know you can call me if you need me to come cook for you. I can make you a pot of stew and beans to give you a break from cooking."

"Thank you. I appreciate that."

Isla said goodbye to Fitz and let herself out. Fitz waited for Olivia's reaction.

"Stew and beans?"

"There is nothing fancy about my mom."

"It's good that she wants to help. Karen is going to aftercare starting next week."

"Okay."

"I want to go back to work. Fitz we need a nanny."

"I know you need a break. I'll raise my consulting rate, so that we can afford a part-time nanny for now."

"Thank you."