June 2008

A Jittery and anxious girl sat in the chilly train station awaiting her future, or so she thought. It was mid-summer but inside felt like a never-ending winter. However, she's too excited to care. Her boyfriend is finally home. Since high school, they had been in love, so he deeply meant something to her, and she meant the world to him. Eight years later, still keeping the promise, they declared on her graduation day.

Over the intercom, the agent announced the arrival of train 3345. Her face shone brightly when he stepped off the platform. She couldn't contain herself. Thirteen long months and it still felt unreal. She launched herself into him and wrapped her legs around his middle. William Bryant isn't the biggest fan of PDA, but in this case, he wasn't complaining. Olivia came back down to earth, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

"I missed you terribly," Olivia says

"Me too, baby," Will replied, then she took his hand, leading them to the parking lot.

Life in the marines was tough because he had to be away from Olivia. If he could stay home and watch her every move, his life would be complete. But he has a duty and great honor…

At the age of eighteen, William knew nothing was out there for him, so he decided to join the marines. From then, it always seemed as if Olivia was coming, and he was going. Olivia Pope's mind was already made up before that day; she was set to go to college and become something great like her father always envisioned for her. And she is, she's one of the most accomplished accountants at her firm and coming in as the youngest: 25 years old. In the words of Eli pope, "any man without a proper education isn't much" naturally, Will and Mr. pope budded heads, but that's only because Eli doesn't believe any man will ever be good enough for his princess.

When Olivia was accepted into UCLA, her father wasn't exactly jumping for joy. Largely because she'd been accepted into twenty other ivy league schools, and to him, she chose the bottom of the barrel. Her motives were solely so she could be close to where William was stationed, which only lasted three months, and then she was stuck. Olivia ended up staying because it was the best option for her, and a little into their first year being apart, the couple split, so when he was shipped off to the next place, it was easier to focus on school and her social life outside of William. Fate always seemed to intervene on their behalf; was it fate or bad luck? After they connected again, he was different, she was different, but they pushed and pushed to make this relationship work.

"How are your parents?" he asked while buckling himself in.

"They're fine; my mom was down here last week. We went to the apple orchard; then we spent the evening baking." She was focusing on the road but talking at the same time. "What about you? You barely wrote to me this time?" He had gotten her used to three and four letters a month.

Will sighs, rubbing his nape, "I got into some trouble, some guys talking shit." bad temper this one.

"Is that what happened to your hand" glancing from the road to his swollen knuckles.

"Yeah, but it's nothing."

"Wait, so if you got into an altercation, why was your visit approved?"

"Because that was last week, and my sergeant has my back. He signed off on it, but can we talk about something else. I spent thirteen months in Maine away from you, and I'd rather not recap that shit." there was a tone, so she didn't bite. Will reached forward and turned on the radio; he hated silence.

Moments later, Olivia pulled into the driveway of their beachfront property. When she received her first promotion, they split the cost and bought their first home together. You can imagine how her parents felt about this.

William grabbed his bag from the truck and went into the house. They've lived here for a year, and he's only ever spent six days here. Olivia primarily decorated and kept it up to date with new art and decor.

"You should shower and relax. Abby invited us out, but I figured you'd be train-lagged," she said, chuckling at her own pun. "Anyways, I told her that we'd pass because we need to catch up."

"Okay, thank you!" Will jogged up the stairs.

While he showered, Olivia decided to prepare something simple for them. Before she began cooking, she remembered to feed milo: her cat, a beautiful smoky gray Persian she cared for like a baby. For dinner, she made Pan seared chicken breast plated with green beans and rice. Whereas Olivia had a taste for expensive cuisines, William pretty much ate whatever was put in front of him. A little time later, he emerged from his shower, stomping down the stairs, angry and wet.

"Liv, where are my clothes?"

"Oh, I put them in the dressers in the guest room. I need your closet space. I figured you wouldn't mind." she said absentmindedly.

"Did you have someone over? That you needed to hide evidence of your boyfriend from" he asked tersely, tightening his jaw.

She rolled her eyes then turned to him, "I'm not cheating on you, you're paranoid. Go look in the room on the right." and she went back to plating the food. She didn't have the energy to fight with him or the patience to convince him she's been faithful.

The dining room was lit with candles and filled with delicious savory aromas. Neither of them spoke during dinner; Olivia was fine. However, William had an attitude that ruined the mood she was trying to create. They both finished around the same time, but Will excused himself, claiming to check in with his mother. Olivia signed and refilled her wine glass; she stayed in the kitchen contemplating the events of their evening and how they ended up silently fighting.

Will reappeared. His aura felt cleansed, and he seemed to be in a better mood. He grabbed Olivia by her hips and brought her flush against his chest.

"You know I love you, right."

"Then you should act like it and trust me more often. Everything we've done to each other that has never crossed my mind." looking into his steel brown eyes.

"I know" His warm lips kissed their way down her neck and across her shoulder. Without warning, he turned her around and bent her over the counter, and ripped off her panties. Olivia smiled and took what he gave her, moaning and shouting his name.


Astounded by the month they've had, Olivia dreaded the day he would have to return to the base, and she'd have to wait another year or two just to wake up to him. They had their highs and lows, but even then, she still wanted him around. Although spending months away from him might be what's keeping them together. The heart grows warmer with distance, some say.

"Hey, stranger" Olivia's eyes met with his crystal blues, and she bounced out of her seat, running to hug him.

"What are you doing here, Fitz? I thought you were living in New York?" She smiled.

"I'm moving back. California missed me," he kidded; Fitz gestured around her office "this is new; I like it."

"You're looking at a potential junior partner." Olivia did a little spin, and Fitz couldn't help but admire her amazing figure and the skirt hugging her curves.

"I'm proud; wow, it feels like it was just yesterday you were helping me do taxes."

"Shut up!" smirking, "So are you looking for a property or just renting?"

"Property, I am here to stay, which means we have to catch up sometime. Are you and Angie still friends?"

"Yes, thick as thieves. But I'm throwing a party to celebrate my promotion. I really want you to come." Olivia grabbed a pen, scribbled her address and phone number on a post-it note, and then handed it to him.

Olivia and Fitzgerald met in college; he was working on his master's degree and putting in volunteer hours as the teaching assistant in her finance course. They became friends after she helped him do his taxes to avoid tax fraud. Fitz had no business trying to work with numbers when his strength was in words. Before graduating, he wrote and published his first historical fiction novel, "At any given moment."

Even back then, anyone with working eyes could see he had feelings for her, but that boyfriend of hers never let up long enough to allow her to breathe without him. Jealousy is a volcanic eruption destroying everything that gets in its path. Will once went awol for three days after Olivia sent him a letter saying she thinks it would be best to work on their individual selves.

Fitz smiled at the pink post, "Okay, I'll be there. It's really great to see you again, Liv" They hugged before he left for his next destination.

The party decorators have finally arrived. Olivia didn't want anything major, which is why she called a few of her close friends; Angela, Abby, and Harrison. She met Angela and Abby in college, and they've been close ever since. Harrison is from her hometown; he's more like a cousin than a friend. They each have their quirks and talents, so she knows she's in good hands.

"There's wine and beer in the kitchen, and the supplies are out in the garage," Olivia announced to the group. Angie has a degree in fashion and design, and Olivia is hoping she'll take the lead.

Beautiful, petite, and brown-skinned, she stood up first. "I'll give directions."

"And I'll take them," Harrison smirked flirtatiously.

Angie rolled her eyes and walked ahead of him. She liked him, but she'd never say it out loud.

"Liv, where's will?" The redhead whispered, mindful of her environment.

"He's at lunch with his mother; you know she's talking about moving to California. I don't even think she can afford it, but she wants to watch me while Will is away." Olivia scoffed, taking a sip of her red "That old bat can stay in her lair in Detroit."

Abby chuckled at the name, "So you really are sticking it out with him, huh?"

Her brow furrowed, and she straightened. "He's barely here, but when he is, we're good for the most part. When his stint is done, we'll see how we fair being together all year round."

Abigail just nodded; there wasn't much else she could say. What's that saying? "Nearsighted people miss even the subtle hints."

After all the decorations are hung, the gang leaves to get ready for tonight. They haven't partied together in a while, given Angie is traveling for work, Harrison lives out of state, and Abigail is busy trying to secure her Juris Doctor degree. It's a night to celebrate and have some fun like old times.

Will gets home an hour before the festivities start. Olivia is on the beach sunbathing and just taking it all in; come Monday morning, she's going to be the youngest junior partner at the firm. It's an incredible moment in her career.

"Hey, baby," he greeted as he blocked the bright globe.

She popped one eye open and smiled "hi, how was your mom?"

"She's great. I wanted to talk to you about my mom living here for a little bit; we have an extra bedroom."

"Well, I guess we would have to convince her first," stalling. "You know how much she hates the sun and California as a whole."

Will nodded because that was the gist of what Susan told him. "I'll persuade her; you know, I just keep thinking how much I would love it if you both are in the same city."

"Okay," Olivia pulled down her shades, shielding the sun again.

"What time does your thing start?"

"I said I told guest five so it can feel like a dinner and then fade into a nightclub feel."

And like she said, guests began rolling in about five, five-thirty. Out of the twenty-plus people in her home, Olivia still found herself searching for that VIP guest. She and Fitz were extremely close, and it killed her that she couldn't see him every day like in college. She wondered if he ever felt anything like she felt for him. At the time, she wasn't available, but it didn't stop her from fantasizing.

The house was flooded with congratulating friends and acquaintances. Through the chatter and music, she heard the bell ring.

"Finally, I've been waiting all night." She stepped forward and hugged him tightly.

"I brought you something: a gift if you will," he was shouting and didn't like it. "Is there somewhere quieter?"

"The beach or upstairs"

"Let's go outside; it might indulge my dream of living beside the beach." he chuckled, and she led the way.

The night sky was magical and entrancing; they walked along the shore catching up, then Fitz remembered why he wanted to escape the noise. He reached into the shoulder bag he carried, pulling out a signed master edition of his newest novel; it hadn't even hit the shelves yet.

"Oh my god, Fitz, this is awesome, thank you!" she squealed, going in for another hug which he welcomed.

"I wanted to give you something meaningful. If I recall correctly, you thoroughly enjoyed the first novel; it's only right I cure the cliffhanger."

Her eyes grew wide as she reread the cover; it was a part sequel. Sometimes Olivia acted her shoe size when she was excited; she started bouncing around in the sand. "You are my best friend because only a great best friend would ever think of something so thoughtful."

"I wrote my number on the inside so you can call me this time and share your thoughts" Fitz smiled at her smile. Olivia Pope was absolutely stunning, and he couldn't deny it.

Suddenly she felt embarrassed because her college crush just watched her geek out. Olivia nervously pulled a curly tendril behind her ear. "You are still as beautiful as ever; you know that?" Oh, why did he say that? Now she really can't stop blushing.

Unbeknownst to them, William stood on the balcony observing this interaction, and he wasn't pleased with it. Volcano activated.

Sometime later, the pair found themselves escaping the chilly breeze and came into the house. Apart, Fitz went to catch up with two members of the trio; Angie and Abby. While Olivia chatted up her guests. It was almost midnight when the last few people poured out of the house.

Trigger warning: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

An exhausted yawn escaped her lips as she toed off her heels, her feet hurt like crazy, but she won't be able to sleep knowing the house is a mess. Still not noticing the grimace plastered on her boyfriend's face, she began tidying up the kitchen.

"Who were you talking on the beach with for an hour?" his tone told her whatever he thinks he saw is about to be blown out of proportion.

"My good friend from college, he's sensitive to noise, so he suggested somewhere quiet. I chose the beach, but the way you're acting, I should have taken him right up to our bed."

He shifted towards her. "I'm not playing with you, Olivia. Have you had him in our house?" Will clenched his jaw in irritation.

"William, I am tired and don't have the energy to coddle your insecurities. He's a friend; end of discussion." However, it wasn't the end of the discussion because he grabbed her arm when she tried to leave.

She sighed, "I'm not going to fight with you about something that's not happening-"

"So why is my mother-" shaking her head, Olivia pulled away as he loosened his grip.

"Is that where you're getting? Your crazy ass mother Will think about it. She's all the way in Detroit."

"Don't call mother crazy; she wouldn't be worried if you weren't such a whore." at the offensive comment, she delivered a stinging slap across his cheek and marched up the stairs.

His delayed reaction gave her time to lock herself in the bedroom, but it wasn't long after he kicked the door in to get her. This wasn't their first physical altercation; the first was in her college dorm room, and campus security had to be called. When he finally broke through that door, talking was out of the question; Olivia's fight or flight kicked in, and she threw a lamp that didn't slow him down.

Neighbors were woken up by the commotion, glass breaking, wood splintering, and screaming. One woman called the police, but she didn't want to risk her safety, so she stayed put at her house. When the police arrived, the front door was wide open, and Olivia's muffled coughs and pain groaning could be heard in the foyer. Paramedics rushed to her aid while officers searched the premises looking for the suspect. Upon first glance, she appeared to be fine; there was minimal bruising to the face. But as they inspected her lower posterior, from the neck down. Her neck was discolored from him, strangling her, bruises down her arms and abdomen. In William's sick and twisted mind, her face was too valuable to mess up, so he never hit her there, but the rest of her body was his punching bag.

Maya and Eli were horrified when they received the call that Olivia had been hospitalized after a domestic dispute. They were on the very next flight available.

She felt numb lying in that hospital bed. They've fought many times in the past, but tonight as much as she was trying to hold her own, it felt like he was trying to kill her. And then blame set in, she threw the first hit, she said things she knew would make him angry. She couldn't sleep the rest of the night; laying on her back was painful, breathing in and out was painful. In the midst of all that, all she could think about was her job; she couldn't show up to the office, not in this condition. Then her thoughts traveled to where William might be and if he's sitting in a holding cell.

Her inner thoughts tore into her as if she wasn't feeling awful enough. "Last time, you were dumb enough to bail him out, and the time after that, you lied for him. You're an idiot to think you can keep going toe to toe with this man. One day he'll succeed and kill you, and maybe you deserve it because every time he comes back, you allow him to. You allowed him to do this; this is your fault." until the tear rolled down her cheek; she didn't know she was crying. There were a few things she hadn't noticed; the sun had come up. Exhausted, but her body wouldn't allow her to sleep, and the doctors denied her medication.

An older man dressed in a long white doctor's coat entered the room, "Ms. Pope, how are you doing?"

"Like my boyfriend beat the crap out of me. Why won't the nurses up my dosage?" straining to sit up, so she just settled back against the pillow.

"Did you know you were pregnant, Ms pope?" he asked tersely, glancing up from her charts. "Your urine tested positive for pregnancy which is also why we can't give you anything stronger without risking the safety of the infant."

Suddenly the room was spinning; Olivia just barely lurched over the railing where vomit pooled beside her bed. The doctor called for his team of nurses to come and tend to her. They still needed to know what her decision was going to be involving the pregnancy. Later on that morning, Olivia was taken upstairs to perform an ultrasound; the physician was hoping to get an estimate of how far along she is.

"When was your last period?"

"I don't know; my cycle hasn't started yet; it's supposed to come in three days," Olivia says

"Ok, well, I'm going to take a look using the monitor. This will give us precise information- it's a transvaginal procedure. So relax and don't tense your muscles." The physician eased the lubed-covered wand in her vaginal canal. She winced slightly when the woman began moving the device.

Instead of looking at the screen, Olivia stared at the wall, contemplating her next moves. Whatever came next, she would have to handle it bravely and confidently. Her thoughts even wondered to William and where he might be. Broken from her deep thoughts, Olivia finally looked at the screen. She didn't see much, but the woman was confirmed that she is indeed three weeks pregnant. Shocked and confused, Olivia just nodded because words refused to form a coherent sentence.

After the ultrasound, she was wheeled back to her room, and before the nurse left, Olivia asked, "Do I have any visitors?"

"As a matter of fact, you do," the woman replied solemnly. "Two officers have been waiting all morning to speak with you."

"Oh," she sighed, "they can come in."

The woman returned shortly with two local police officers.

"Ma'am, do you know where William Bryant is?" Then followed with "We have an arrest warrant issued by the United state marines unit 15."

"A warrant for what? What did he do?"

"We aren't at liberty to share the extent of his crimes, but the warrant is because he went awol with the intent on desertion." one officer revealed. Olivia sat in disbelief but wasn't surprised at his actions. "Ma'am, did he do this to you?"

She closed her eyes and cleared her throat before answering, "yes, we got into an argument."

"What started the argument?"

"Jealousy. I was trying to leave the kitchen when he grabbed me," lifting her arm to show the dark purple fingerprints. "I was able to get loose and run upstairs, and he kicked the door in."

They both nodded sympathetically while scribbling on their note pads. "Do you know or have an idea of where he would go? Does he have family in the area?"

"His mom is staying at the Hyatt hotel downtown."

While his partner relayed the information to the dispatcher so that units would already be on the scene.

"Thank you for all your help, ma'am. Get some rest." she smiled weakly and nodded. When the officers left, she decided to take his advice and try to sleep. However, that was a pipedream; she distinctly heard her father's sonorous solid voice demanding to see her.

Susan opens the door and is taken aback by her child's appearance. "What happened? William, what happened?" she said firmly.

"Liv and I got into a fight," he replied, walking into the bathroom.

"And she did this to you?" whereas William had his reservations about where he inflicted bruises on Olivia, she didn't have the same reservations. He was suffering a visible black eye, busted lip, and scratches on his neck, face, and arms. He pressed a cold rag underneath his eye, and it hurt like a son of bitch. His girl was quite the fighter, and he expected nothing less, to be honest.

"We argued. I grabbed her arm, and she went ballistic, slapping me, kicking. She even threw a lamp." his face stung as the water touched it, but he couldn't walk around bloodied. Last night, he got away before the police arrived, but the entire night he was paranoid, worrying they would find him. Will couldn't go home because he predicted they'd be waiting there. Susan's hotel was the next option considering she doesn't live in California. Who would know she's here?

"Where is she?" Susan asks

"She's in the hospital. I'm on my way there next. I have to see her before the police get there."

"Why are you going to see that vile girl? She hurt you."

"Mom, don't start, I love her, and I'm not gonna let her be alone in some cold, damp hospital. You show up for the people you love." he was talking as if he wasn't the one who put her there. Susan stared in utter disbelief; her son didn't have the sense of two cows eating beef. Was he really going to sit here and act as if this was a regular disagreement between couples?

"How many times have you put her in hospital, huh, William? How many times have you two almost killed each other?" but he ignored her and changed his clothes. "This is insane, William." frantically, desperately needing answers.

"Mom, I told you not to worry about it- it's my relationship, and as soon as I can get to her, I can make sure she's okay."

Nevertheless, his plans would have to wait as William opened the door. He was greeted with five semi-automatic pistols and three more men aiming AR-15s at him. Sargent Greenland stepped from between the armed men holding a pair of zip tie cuffs.

His shoulders fell, defeated. "You are under arrest for desertion. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court-martial law. You have the right to a line attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you."

It's over now. William put his hand behind his back and complied. Susan was crying; this morning was truly jarring, now watching her son be arrested was worse.

Meanwhile, at the hospital, Olivia was having a hard time communicating with her parents. She could smell the disappointment from them, and whereas they didn't come out and say it, she knew they were upset that she hadn't spoken up sooner.

Maya sat on her left and her father standing at her right. He examined the pink-ish circle on her cheek where it looked like she was slapped. "Livia, I hope you told the police everything they needed to know." her father says.

"I told them everything, for the last time, daddy."

"Baby, why would you keep this from us? Why would you stay?"

"Because I loved him, we were gonna get married."

Eli looked at her in disgust "have you ever seen me hit your mother, Olivia?" Maya gave him a stern look which he ignored. "Answer me!"

"No, sir," she said softly, "I hit him first." was mumbled.

Her mother's heart crumbled at that statement. "Livia, that doesn't justify you laying in a hospital bed right now. He should know better; what kind of supposedly honorable man hits a woman?" Liv wore a far-away look that told Maya she wasn't listening. "Listen To Me, Olivia Carolyn pope. Never let a man put his hands on you ever, do you hear me. You are smarter than that and worth more. And so help me god. Olivia, if you ever let this man back into your life, I can't promise your father and cousins will be gentle about it." she finished sternly, giving Olivia a look she knew all too well.

She still hasn't decided what she's going to do regarding her pregnancy. "I understand, mama," she muttered.


Author note

Hi, new here. I'm Skye, and I enjoy writing, I'm used to writing original characters, but I love olitz so much I thought I'd try something. I welcome all positive thoughts and opinions; however, I am open to constructive criticism. Leave a review, and I hope you all enjoy and stick around for what I have in-store.

Love and light- Skye-Anne