Abby inquisitively asks, "A family dinner, huh?" Liv hears the quirk in her voice, and almost spits out her bottled water she's sipping on. As she laughs at her response. Abby realizes how she sounds and says, "Sorry Liv. It's just that I've never heard you say thinks like family dinner before." Olivia replies, "I know Abs. Like I said. Things are different for us as a whole. Not just between me and Fitz. I may not be his wife yet. Or his fiancé. But we're a family regardless of my title, and that's how I feel."
Abby smiles at her reply, jokingly says, "Okay, who are you? And what have you done with Liv?" Olivia and Abby both chuckle. And when the laughter settles, "I know it's a lot to take in. I didn't think I'd ever get here myself. But I am, and I can't say a bad word about it. I want to be a family with Fitz, and the kids, living together as one. The idea of it all gives me great joy."
Abby nods as she says, "And it's joy you deserve for sure. But what about hurricane Mellie?" Olivia responds, "Since our last conversation; she's been more like cloudy skies Mellie." Abby laughs as she says, "Way to let that Bronx girl attitude loose honey. I would've died seeing her reaction." Olivia responds, "I know. I can't lie. I didn't hold back Abs and it felt good. But, I will do a better job of controlling myself going forward. I can't let her throw me off my game; I have to set an example for the kids."
Abby says, "I commend you for your maturity Liv. Because I don't know if I'd be able to do it. She's a nasty trick, and deserves to be treated the way she treats others." Olivia replies, "I can't say I disagree with you. But, at the same time. I can't allow her to take me out of character. You know. I have to be responsible for my behavior." Abby nods as she says, "Understood. Plus at the end of the day. You have more to lose than she ever could." Olivia responds, "Exactly. Anyway, it's getting late mama. Aren't you due to be leaving the office?"
Abby looks at her watch and says, "Yes. I am. I didn't realize it was this late. That hour flew by. I'd better go. I still have a few reports to prep before I go." Olivia responds, "Good deal. I will talk to you later hon." Abby responds, "Okay. Love you Livy." Olivia replies, "Love you too Abs. Take care."
When the call ends Olivia sits back on the couch thinking about her conversation with Abby. She really does feel closer to Fitz and the kids lately. No doubt their Christmas adventure solidified their commitment to one another. And she can't stop thinking about it. Too bad Cyrus didn't allow the Christmas spirit to change his heart, post-holiday. She looks over at the group photo of all of them this past Christmas, and wishes it could be this way always. But she knows, given what they suspect about Cyrus so far, this will likely be the last Merry Christmas they'll have as a group.
After Fitz clears his desk in an effort to head out to Olivia's. He claims his overnight bag from the couch, and walks out the door. As he closes the door behind him; he sees Mellie rounding the corner, as if she is coming to see him. He wants to run in the opposite direction; but it's too late. She sees him, and she's walking toward him. Knowing his lady is waiting for him, allows him the fortitude to be calm.
However, his thoughts of Olivia are interrupted by the sound of screeching nails across a chalk board, otherwise known as Mellie's voice. She invades his space as she says, "Hello Fitzgerald. I was just coming to see you." He steps back, putting space between them, as he asks, "And why is that?" She surveys his casual attire, and the expression on his face before responding. She then says, "Are you going somewhere this evening? I saw two limos and a motorcade outside when I arrived." Fitz sighs, and ignores her inquiry into his plans as he asks, "Mellie. Why did you want to see me?" She hears the irritation in his voice and says, "I was hoping to get an update on the incident with Karen." Fitz replies, "It's been taken care of Mellie. The Walker's signed a NA, and there's nothing linking Karen or Ericka to that hotel room. So barring some out of the ordinary mishap; that situation will not see the light of day.´
Mellie responds, "So it's been handled, huh?" Fitz replies, "Yes. It has. So, if there's nothing else. I'd like to bid you good night." Mellie responds, "Okay. But you forgot to mention where you are off to." He looks at her squarely, as he says, no. I didn't Mellie. Again, good night." He leaves her standing in the hallway, and he's led to the waiting care by secret service."
When he gets into the car, he takes a breath and takes his phone out of his pocket. He takes note that the tracking devices he had put into all of Karen's devices, and Teddy's are active. This will be his back up plan, in case Mellie decides to let Karen run wild again unsupervised.
As he puts his phone away, he sits back in the seat. Only to be interrupted by Mark, who says, "Sir. The plan is now going into effect." Fitz nods as he says, "Good. It's time to get this over with. Once and for all. Is everyone in position?" Mark replies, "Yes sir." Fitz says, "Then let's do this gentlemen." Mark nods and as he radios to the backups; the car pulls off. Fitz settles with the fact that after tonight he and Olivia will be one step closer to clearing another looming hurdle standing in their path.
Olivia's Apartment
Olivia finishes up her last minute touches; she checks off the list of essentials. Dinner is done. She has the chicken warming in the oven. And the table is set. Mood music is set to play, as soon as he arrives, and the candles are lit. Her landscaping is done, and she has her hair pulled back, like he likes it. With her natural curls showing, and wearing just lip gloss. Lastly, she slips on a red strapless top, with a matching short red skirt and red heels. And she's wearing the black French lace thing and bra set, he purchased for her last Valentine's day.
She gives herself a once over in the mirror and smiles at her reflection, as she checks herself out. Turning to view her backside, she is pleased to see adding 200 squats a day has really made a difference in her physique. She smiles thinking of how much more Fitz has also enjoyed her expanding asset, and she considers how this skirt accentuates her new set of curves.
As her mind shifts to her love. Who she knows is on his way, according to his last text. She's interrupted by her phone ringing. She looks at the phone and answers it. Despite seeing it's from a blocked number. She stands in her hallway, as she presses the speaker button and says,, "Hello." The voice says, "Hello Liv. Do you miss me yet?" The smile she was once sporting fades immediately, and the color drains from her face.
She instantly looks at the clock, and sees Fitz should be arriving any minute. And she knows he's going to use his key. She's not sure of what to do, or what to say. She told him she was done with Jake. But now, with him calling her. How will it look?
Her heart is pounding, and she's starting to sweat. She manages to speak, as she asks, "what do you want Jake?" An evil laugh flows through the phone as he says, "Deflecting huh? I guess I'll take that as a yes, you miss me." Feeling a sense of anger rising, she says, "Jake, I don't know what kind of sick game you think you're playing here. But I told you I was done. So stop calling me!
Jake replies. "Or wat Liv?" Your boyfriend can't help you. Right now he's the one who needs help." She instantly feels a sense of uneasiness when she realizes it's past 8pm, and Fitz hasn't arrived yet." Frantically, she yells, "What have you done? Jake I swear to God if…" He cuts her off as he says, "Save your breath Liv. What's done is done. Turn on the TV and you'll see just how badly things can go, when you cross me. And get ready, because I'm coming after you next."
Olivia turns on the television and there's news coverage of an accident. She drops the phone as soon as she sees a limo with the presidential seal on it, wrecked beyond recognition. The image causes her to be in so much pain, that she can't bear it. She screams out, as she falls to the floor in disbelief.
Thanks for reading my fan fiction tale. What did you all think of the Olitz Christmas? Looks like they are moving closer toward their ultimate goal huh? Nothing beats Christmas in Vermont. Perhaps even Cyrus now sees the point of their struggle. When it's true love, it's worth it. Also what did you all think of how they handled Karen's incident? Olivia appears to be moving into the step mom role without missing a beat. Much to Mellie's chagrin though, as always. I'm thinking Mellie now knows Olivia is about that life, but she's not. I loved writing that scene between them. I've long since wished Olivia said something similar to Mellie on the show. But we all know that's not going to happen. Anyway, I can't wait to read your responses.
In the next installment we find out more about the conversation between Olivia and Jake, and we find out the details surrounding the accident. Additionally, Olivia finds out more than she ever wanted to know about Cyrus. You think you know somebody, right? Join me next time for the continuation of The Path to Vermont.