Time Will Reunite Us

Chapter 19

IAMASCANDALLOVER, thank for always checking in and offering words of encouragement. Hope you enjoy this update.

"No, no, you have to listen to me. It's Olivia Pope, she's doing this to me. I hired someone to get dirt on her and her sister but everyone I hired either disappeared or had their own damn dirt exposed." Eyes wild, ablaze with paranoia, Gerry grabs Fitz by the arm. Oily sweat covers his face, spittle dots his lips, his hair is matted, grungy, like it's been unkempt for weeks." Everyone has skeletons, she's hiding something son, don't trust her!", he screams hysterically pulling Fitz even closer.

"Don't trust her! She wants something from you. No one is that perfect, caring and unselfish. I'm telling you it's a setup, you have to stop seeing her!" He starts to shake Fitz by the shoulders. "Listen to me, you have to listen to me!"

Two burly hospital orderlies yank Gerry away from Fitz. They hold him down, strap him to a gurney to restrain his movements while the attending physician sedates him. Gerry goes limp within seconds, whimpering for the voices stop.

"The voices, the voices, the whispering never stops. It's her I know it's her doing this to me." Gerry whimpers, his exhaustion evident from battling the chorus in his ears. "The voices told me she said to stop interfering in your life...to let you decide your future. I'm your father I know what's best for you. Not her, not anyone else. You're going to be president one day not some nondescript tract home designer. I'm going to make it happen! She can't stop me. She can't stop our dream son!" Gerry motions for Fitz to bend over so he can whisper in his ear.

Afeared, Gerry reveals with crazed desperate eyes, "She comes to me at night you know...in my dreams telling me how talented you are, that you're destined to be a world renowned architect. I tell her your destiny is the US presidency nothing less", he confesses ending with a maniacal laugh. The orderlies tighten the gurney straps and slowly wheel Gerry away to a private room in the psychiatric wing. Fitz watches his distraught father disappear behind metal and glass double security doors, listening to him mumble conspiratorial accusations at Olivia.

"Mr. Grant, Mr. Grant." Dr. Pollock repeats in an elevated even tone.

Fitz is in shock, he's never seen Gerry in such a state. Vulnerability and fear are traits Fitz didn't think his father possessed. He'd never imagine Gerry descending into a paranoid state given his strong will and seemingly indomitable spirit. He watches the orderlies wheel Gerry away wondering whether Gerry will ever regain his senses. He slowly snaps back into the moment hearing his name repeated.

Scrolling through intake questions on his iPad, Dr. Pollock queries Fitz about Big Gerry.

"Mr. Grant, do you have any idea what triggered your father's psychotic break? Has he exhibited dissociative behavior anytime in the past? Has he experienced a recent trauma or head injury?"

"No, no, nothing. He had an allergic reaction to a bee sting a few months ago while in Egypt but nothing more recent far as I know. "

"Strange, such a sudden onset in behavior is rare without a precursor. Do you think you can answer a few more questions to aid us in making an assessment?"

"I can try. I'm finishing up my degree so I really haven't been around much. I'm home because the housekeeper called me saying my dad was acting weird and his behavior becoming more bizarre each day. She said every time he tried to call me, he said the voices in his head would scream until he put his phone away. I came home to find out what was going on."

"Well, that answers the first question as to whether he mentioned hearing, seeing, or expressed a belief contrary to his normal reality? To your knowledge has he had persistent unusual thoughts or beliefs he can't seem to let go of?

"Yes, he's rather obsessed with my girlfriend. "

"How so?"

"My girlfriend is very supportive of my career goals and has in no uncertain terms called my dad out on his bs and his manipulative ways. You see he wants me to follow in his political footsteps, something I have no desire or intent on doing but he keeps trying to steer my life in the direction he wants."

"So the accusations he directs at your girlfriend subconsciously appear to project or reflect his own actions?"

"It would seem."

"Has he exhibited periods of strong or inappropriate emotions or actions."

"Are you asking if he's behaved irrationally? Outside his unrelenting insistence I chuck my career and take up with a conniving soulless witch I've spent my adult life avoiding or his shameless compulsion to introduce me as the future United States president. Uhm, no."

"Aha, I see. Okay, has he withdrawn from family or friends lately?"

"Not to my knowledge, but as I said I haven't really been around."

"Has he had a decline in self care, trouble concentrating or thinking clearly?

"I believe this week is the first week he lacked focus or complained about voices in his head. "

"I see, I think we have enough to start evaluating his psychosis. It's to early to make a definitive diagnosis but it appears his break is not genetic or trauma induced. It may be related to substance abuse, a brain injury, a brain tumor, a stroke, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, a schizoaffective disorder or a bipolar disorder, or extreme depression. We'll need to perform some tests to rule out these conditions."

After the doctor rattles off a litany of possible causes Fitz zones out. Substance abuse? A brain tumor? Schizophrenia? It's too surreal. Big Gerry Grant a middle aged drug addict? Bipolar ? At his age? No it has to be some residual affect from the allergic reaction to the bee sting. It has to be something his doctors overlooked.

"Do you think it's possible his condition is related to the allergic reaction he suffered a few months ago? I wasn't present, however a family acquaintance who was there said the bee sting turned into an infected boil within hours that required lancing. The reason I mention it is because larvae and a putrid black pus were released from the lesion. Is it possible some larvae made it to his brain?"

"At this juncture nothing can be ruled out. Did he undergo a full work up after returning to the States? "

"He said he was going have his doctors check him out. I returned a couple weeks after him but I went directly back to my university. I assume he did although I can't say for certain."

"Once we receive his medical records we can explore the possibility he may have contracted a brain parasite or a viral or bacterial infection. For now we'll focus on psychological causes as the behavioral initiators for his present psychosis.

"May I see him and say goodbye before I leave?"

"Given his agitated state and belief he needs to save you from your girlfriend, I'd prefer you give us a few days to fully assess his condition and determine a medication protocol that will help him focus and address the voices in his head."

Fitz glances at the security doors, then nods. Departing, he shakes the doctor's hand, leaving bewildered.

In the weeks following the events in Egypt, Gerry and Mellie have had little contact with Fitz, limiting their interaction to brief phone calls and in Mellie's case, passing hellos at school on the way to class or social events. Gerry, never one to learn a lesson quickly, attempted to hire another one of his paid ex-mercenary operatives to find dirt on the Popes. The worms punishment was swift and harsh. For seven days all Gerry could hear was what sounded like his brain being eaten. The gnashing started off low, almost imperceptible, but grew in pitch and intensity. By the seventh day Gerry was barely sane, screaming for the noise to stop, telling everyone around him worms were eating his brain.

Are you okay? What do you need?, Olivia asks taking Fitz's hands in her own.

"Being here with you is all I need right now." He leans back on the couch drawing her into his arms, settling her between his legs and against his chest.

"I don't understand what could have triggered his mental breakdown. Do you think it could be related to reaction he had to the bee sting? "

"I don't think so. If he had been infected by a parasite, or an amoeba I would say yes, but Dr. Brookside was thorough in his examination and you told me Gerry intended to have a full work up when returned to the states. I would think if he contracted anything his physicians would have uncovered it."

"You're right, we've been home for two months. " He exhales, stilling for a moment.

"What is it, what are you thinking? Olivia asks softly, intertwining their fingers.

"Other than today, I've only spoken to my father twice since I returned home. Between school and my Van Hauser project responsibilities I haven't had much free time. The little time I have had I've spent with you. I mean it's not like Gerry and I talked on a regular basis or anything like that but seeing him in that manic state I can't help feel I should have..."

"Ssh, your father determined the nature of your relationship long ago. He pushed you away by ignoring your dreams, by trying to mold you into someone he failed to be. He alienated you, now he's suffering the consequences. What's important is you are here now and will be when he truly needs you. You're a good person Fitz, despite your father's manipulative shortcomings you love him. You have a forgiving heart, you want to see the best in everyone. It's one of the many attributes I love about you. I'm sure your father will recover. Who knows maybe he'll grow from this experience, maybe make a lasting change in his life, including developing a true father-son relationship with you. Whatever you need I'm here, Lily is here, we're here for you."

Rising, Olivia turns, straddles Fitz, pressing her brow to his. She softly sings an ancient Egyptian ballad. The stirring romantic words are familiar to him, yet he knows he's never heard the song before. The song is about lovers separate by death, reunited in another life, then for all eternity. The song, the feel of their skin touching, spurs the need for closeness to take hold of them. A consuming desire that engulfs them whenever they are together. Olivia feels Fitz's worry, his need for assurance without speaking a word. She unbuttons his shirt, revealing his ripped chest. She lays soft kisses along his collarbone and throat while slowly slinking her hands down his chest to his waistband. Unbuckling his pants, she slips one hand into his boxers and gently caresses his stiffening penis. Fitz grabs her face, kisses her supple lips, and rims his tongue along the crease to edge it into her awaiting mouth. Their hearts pound in sync, their pulses race as their desire increases. Breaking for air, Olivia stands, takes Fitz by the hand, and leads him to her bedroom.

"Come I wish to feel the other attributes I love about you."

He stands positioning himself behind her. He wraps one arm around her waist and uses his other hand to fondle her breast. Olivia's head tilts to the side exposing her neck, inviting more contacting. Fitz accepts her invitation, sliding his tongue down her throbbing jugular, planting kisses and sucking hard at the base of her neck leaving his claiming mark. They walk as one down the hall to her bedroom, every step causing their lusty body parts to souse, engorge and quiver with anticipation. Half way down the hall Fitz stops to cup Olivia between her legs. He bends her forward pressing his hard cock against her butt while continuing to cup her sex and pinch her hardening nipples.

"Imi-ib", she cries out dropping to one knee, her body inflamed.

Fitz picks her up to carry her the rest of the way. Once in the room, he sets her down and closes the door. Eyes locked, moving toward one another, they slowly undress, discarding garments wherever. Naked, they hold each other tight, content for the moment to revel in the comfort found in the other's embrace. But momentary contentment quickly gives way to resolute hands caressing and groping, sending titillating waves of pleasure to their pulsating bodies. The scent from their combined arousal suffuses their senses driving their fervor, their need to become one. Olivia wraps her legs around Fitz's waist and using thigh leverage, she impales herself on his erect hardened flesh. The second they connect both cry out in sheer bliss, uttering rapturous guttural moans. Her primed channel is warm, silky wet a perfect haven for his venereal longing. He lifts her up and down, pacing her glide along his rigid member. He carries her to the bed. They tumble atop the plush bedding never missing a stroke. He plunges into her, going deeper with each thrust, feeling as though there is no end inside her. Olivia grabs his muscled posterior pulling him in deeper, closer. He takes her right nipple between his teeth, bites down then suctions the delicate nub between his lips. Her satisfied gasp ramps up his drive. His coital pumping clips her clit with friction perfection, challenging her celestial control. Their bodies writhe and fuse, captive in intense passionate sensations. Their loving making is sensual, euphoric, pure ecstasy. For a second Olivia's control slips, releasing a nano's worth of power. The orgasmic power surge overwhelms them both. Fitz's eyes roll to white, his body shakes, he pounds unhinged into Olivia. His frenzied pounding peaks and he screams her name, before collapsing. At the same time Olivia shouts "imi-ib"and her nails claw deep into Fitz's back drawing blood. Her climax is intense, potent. The incredible power from her release blasts the bedroom door open, shatters the bedroom mirror and bowls the walls. Sated and breathless, she wraps her arms around her unconscious lover, gently kissing his face and shoulders, rubbing his back and whispering in his ear, in the ancient tongue, how much she loves him.

Rolling him over, Olivia eases herself atop Fitz and strokes his cheek. A single tear escapes her haunting eyes. "From the day you were born your ultimate purpose has eluded me, yet I know we will never part. This new vessel carrying your ka, is not unlike your former countenance. I long for you to remember me, to remember us. It vexes me despite my celestial might, I cannot make you remember. My heart how I covet the day your memories return. We will rejoice and the heavens will glow brighter from the power of our eternal love. Time has reunited us and I will not rest until its' troth is fulfilled. The fallen plot revenge even though they know you are an innocent. My love put you in danger in the your last life and in this one. The time has come for me to put an end to the fallen for their evil has no cure save death. "

Olive changes into Hathor. She waves her hand and the splintered door closes restored, the broken mirror reassembles and the walls return to normal. She gets out of bed, instantly she is clad in her goddess attire. She kisses Fitz on the lips and his back heals.
"Sleep my beloved. Find me in your dreams. I await you."

Hathor dematerializes, then reappears in her temple chamber. She sits on her throne. Opening her hands, Cyrus' face appears. "Come to me priest, the time draws nigh for the fallen to strike. And bring the gift that will bestow the quietus they have earned."

Cyrus nods and his face disappears.

Hathor stands away from her throne. She walks over to the eternal flame. "It is time to excise the fallen from this realm." Standing akimbo she separates into her heptad. "They have learned nothing from their punishment" Past says. "Hate and revenge consume them in blind rage" Present adds. "I do not see their presence in this realm beyond the new moon", Future declares. "I will be victorious," Triumph declares. "Yes, but with victory will come loss. The serpent schemes with a scheme, his evil cannot be allowed to grow in power, Tragedy warns. "Loss, pain, suffering, strife and hate, will always present in this realm. But joy, happiness, selflessness, caring and love are more powerful and everlasting," Hope counters. Hathor speaks, the serpent has spellbound a minion without Ptah's consent. They are not truly allied. The serpent is clever, Ptah is not. Ptah will not see the betrayal until it is too late." Hathor looks to each of her selves. "We see, we concur, we will end this contagion of evil and send it to Duat's darkest abyss."

She raises her hands above her head, then extends her arms out to her sides and calls the heptad to reassemble into one. "Wait they all shout at the same time. The presence is coming!, Future yells, "No it is already fully in this realm", Present shouts. "I cannot discern its's intent or sense anything disclosing its' origin," Hathor cries out.

They all open their hands, cloudy orbs appear before them. The tumultuous clouds inside the orbs swirl and spin ensnared by a turbulent force. Slowly a steady hand reaches out above the maelstrom in each orb, then the orbs vanish. The heptad rejoins Hathor and she drops to her knees breathless.

"Can it be…

Who can it be? Any guesses? Let me know your thoughts.