Georgia on my Mind
Six months later
Harrison sits at his desk reviewing and prioritizing policy papers and pending legislation for the President's briefing binder. He glances over to the monitors on the wall. The first displays the closed-circuit feed of the current press briefing while the other three are tuned to FOX, CNN, and MSNBC. The first family is campaigning in Springfield, Virginia. Thank the saints for a slow news day.
Standing behind the podium Abby stares down at her call sheet. The reporter she consistently avoids is the only name left. She reaches down with her left hand beyond the sight of the cameras to squeeze her ball sack stress ball. "Steve Doocy, Jr. from FOX news."
"People are saying that the President and Ms. Pope are not setting the right example for today's young people by living in sin…particularly under the same roof with the First Son and the First Daughter."
She forces a tight smile. "Which people are you referring to?"
"The people in the media, social media platforms," she cuts him off.
She squeezes the rubber ball sack tighter, "In order to provide you with the most accurate response I require names wouldn't you agree?"
"No, not really. How do you feel about the moral failing of this administration?"
Her ever tightening grip causes the ball sack stress ball to erupts in her hand; the gooey, gel-like substance oozes down her arm. "Well, Mr. Douche…providing jobs to millions of Americans does not qualify as a moral failure to me. Demonstrating day after day a happy and loving blended family is nothing to be ashamed of and given their 59% approval rating, most of the country agrees."
"Uh, the name is Doocy."
"I know your name I was referring to what you are. Are there any other questions?"
Fitz, Karen and Gerry stand in the wings waiting for Senator Ross to finish her introduction. "Listen up guys, this is the last event and then you both can enjoy your weekend."
"I am so ready. Thanks again for letting us hang out at the ranch in Santa Barbara. Bishop and I have not seen each other in forever."
"Yeah, I cannot wait to hit the beach."
"Please welcome to the stage…President Grant, his cool kids and his hottie fiancé, Olivia Pope!"
Gerry and Karen walk on to the stage laughing and waving to the crowd. Fitz reaches back with his left hand, "Liv, let's go."
"Thanks for the head's up Harrison. We will work the rope line instead of taking questions from the press. At least she did not throw a pen at him this time…I got a go. See you when we get back." She hands her phone to the agent on duty and jogs over to grab her husband's hand and switch into First Lady vibe.
Abby walks into Harrison's office and stands in front of his desk with her hands at her sides after locking the door. "How much trouble am I in this time?"
He leans back in his chair and places both feet on the desk crossing his left leg over his right. "Is that why you did it? Do you want to be in trouble with me Ms. Whelan?"
She stands a little taller, "I think you are the first one to know what I want and it has nothing to do with my actions toward that ass hat. I feel safe enough to let you give me want I deserve."
Harrison keeps his eyes on the woman standing before him. Slowly he places each foot on the floor making sure to spread his legs wide. He nods his head while palming his bulging groin, "You deserve a man that will worship and celebrate everything you are. Now, get on over here girl and take as much as you want."
"If you give us another four years, I guarantee we will finish what we started…universal pre-school, a living wage for child-care providers and more green technology. So, get out and vote. God bless you and the United States of America." He brings is stump speech to a close. The crowd is cheering and Olivia steps forward to join him at the podium. After three steps her vision blurs and the sound of the large crowd fades. He turns just as her body collapses, "Livvie!"
Every news channel plays the same footage of the President of the United States catching his Chief of Staff and carrying her off the campaign stage. The hospital administrator holds a press conference outside the emergency room entrance. "Based on hospital policy and consultation with the First Family this will be the only statement to reporters. Mrs. Grant is resting comfortably. She is slightly dehydrated and will remain with us overnight for observation."
"Excuse me, do you refer to Olivia Pope and Mrs. Grant?"
The administrator looks down at her notes, "Yes, the intake form identifies her as Olivia Carolyn Grant…spouse, Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III."
"When did they get married?"
"Have you seen the marriage certificate?"
"I recommend you contact the White House for the answers to those questions. I am here to assure you and more importantly the American people that she is resting comfortably and will make a full recovery. Thank you for your time and attention."
"Inmate Vaughn you asked to see me?"
Mellie makes eye contact with the warden and gives him her most seductive smile. "I have a particular skill set that you may have heard about."
The tall balding man with the ruddy complexion motions her to move behind his desk. "There is a rumor amongst a few senior guards of your talent. Are you here to offer a demonstration?"
"Well that all depends. Are you the man that can guarantee my release to a half-way house?"
"Darling, for release to a half-way house I am going to need to travel around the world without a raincoat a few times."
She falls to her knees, "Let's start with a demonstration." I will never allow a successful second term.
"I am going to be fine. Between the campaign and running the White House I did too much. Please get on the plane and go live the teenage dream."
"You must have hit your head because we are not leaving," Gerry states with a frown.
A knock on the door interrupts the family. "May I come in? I am Teddy Altman, the doctor on duty tonight."
"Please," Fitz responds.
She looks around the room. "Do we want to excuse the children?"
Karen squints, "You want to excuse us because you have bad news? Did you find cancer or a tumor? Do you have a standard of treatment? Are you the most qualified in this hospital because we are only accepting the best in the world? Who have you treated? Do you have a profile?"
Olivia laughs. Sweet Jesus I could not be prouder. "Karen, why don't you give her a chance."
"Wow, there is a lot of power in this room. I almost peed my pants. First, the dehydration is minor, but the rest of the lab work does identify the issue."
Fitz clear his throat, "What are we facing?"
Before she can answer a nurse wheels in a cart with a bottle of gel and a portable ultra-sound device. "Mrs. Grant, if you would be so kind as to lift your gown so I can determine exactly how far along is this pregnancy."
Olivia's mouth falls open, the biggest lopsided smile brightens Fitz's face and Gerry and Karen hug each other. The room falls silent with anticipation. She spreads the gel and moves the wand trying to capture the best image. "Well, give us the good news Dr. Altman," Fitz demands.
"In approximately six to seven months there will be two new members of the Grant family."
"Damn…way to go Dad," Gerry winks.
"Way to go Dad…uh, he did not do this alone. Show some respect," Karen chides.
"Liv, same something."
"I am trying to get him re-elected so we can continue to run the free world. I am co-parenting two of the most type A teenagers on the planet and now I am supposed to have two of his giant babies at the same time. Is that what you are suggesting?"
Teddy looks around the room with pleading eyes, "Yes ma'am those would be the circumstances of your life."
Olivia takes a deep breath, "Fine…consider it handled."
AN: Happy Mother's Day!