Fitz wanted to be with her, but she refused. He didn't like her being alone. But, he agreed to allow her to be after they talked. Because as she told him, he had to trust her. He had to trust her to tell him when she needed him, and when she didn't.
To say that this was difficult for him to face is an understatement. But, she smiles as she thinks about it. Because her love is a man of his word. He agreed to trust her judgment and let her deal with her emotions, without him thinking he had to save her.
Something her dear friend Abby didn't waste any time reminding him, when he was initially struggling with her request. And Olivia is eternally grateful she went to bat for her. Even when she hadn't really told Abby what was going on. Still, Abby stepped up for her when she needed her to, unprompted.
Feeling thankful, and still in thought. Olivia then recalls for two days after that session, she worked from home. She couldn't bring herself to go to the office. She needed to be in her feelings, so she could wrestle with her emotions and settle herself. And, eventually, she began to do just that.
Right now as she reflects on that period. She doesn't feel angst, she feels free. And now she understands that moment needed to happen. If she was going to heal, it had to happen.
While she didn't realize it at the time. Dr. Baker previously prepared her for that moment. She told her that one day, the reality of what's lurking behind her ability to compartmentalize everything was going to show up, and when it happened, it wasn't going to be pretty, nor would it be something she could control. She'd be at the mercy of her emotions, and that's when the real work would begin, leading to a breakthrough.
In the end, over the course of 10 sessions she has reprocessed several meaningful changes that have occurred in her life. And for the first time she is present, and allowing herself to feel the emotions behind each instance.
If she could use a word to describe what she's felt in the last few weeks; it would be rebirth. She feels like she's been able to see everything for the first time with new eyes. Which is why her personal and professional life has changed so drastically over the last few weeks.
Hiring an accounting firm, hiring Sean and Alaina, spending an abundance of time with Fitz publicly, and finally opening up to the idea of creating a sisterhood, and friendship with Abby and Quinn, are just a few of the recent changes Olivia is experiencing these days. And it feels both frightening and amazing all at the same time.
For the first time in a long time she doesn't have all of the answers, she doesn't know exactly what to expect next. But, she knows that life in itself has an array of twists and turns she's willing to experience, knowing that she's got the love of her life by her side. And, she has great friends and a work family she can count on for support too.
A sense of calm comes over Olivia as she counts her blessings, and takes a deep breath. It's all been surreal. And, she is excited to see what happens next, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Her thoughts break as she hears a knock on her door frame. She looks over and sees Quinn standing in the door way all bundled up. "Hey Liv. Are you ready to go?" Olivia smiles as she stands up, grabbing her coat from the coat rack, and her purse from her desk, as she says, "ready when you are." They both grin and walk out together, saying good night to everyone.
Olivia drives them to Abby's and on the way she and Quinn talk about their day today, and some of the cases they've been working. But the conversation makes a turn when Quinn asks, "Have you noticed Huck has been pulling a lot of hours lately?"
Knowing that he's been doing some work for Fitz. And, not really wanting to divulge that detail. Olivia quickly runs interference as she replies, "Yeah. I noticed. He's a workaholic. You know him. It keeps him happy and busy. Which is good for everybody." Quinn nods in agreement, the world doesn't need someone of Huck's caliber to get bored."
Surprisingly, she lets the topic go after Olivia's comment; something that is a saving grace, and they arrive at Abby's minutes later, just in time for dinner.
After everyone has each had two plates of food and at least two glasses of wine; the conversation is flowing effortlessly. Everyone's relaxed, laughing, smiling and spilling all of the tea about their personal and professional lives successes and struggles. Abby again shares the details of Leo's proposal, and both Olivia and Quinn listen as if they hadn't heard it before.
When the story concludes the conversation naturally opens up to the idea of relationships. Quinn offers her perspective by saying while marriage seems right for some people, she doesn't think its right for her. Both Olivia and Abby hear her out without judgment, and both agree with her. Marriage isn't for everyone, but it doesn't mean it's not for some.