"At any given moment you have the power to say this is not how the story is going to end." ― Christine Mason Miller


Eli pinched the bridge of his nose as he asked, "Come again? When did you find out?"

Olivia persisted in packing her overnight bag. Today she's being discharged, and she's just ready to go home and sleep. Three days in the hospital has been exhausting, but it puts everything in perspective for her. Early this morning, when the nurse took her for an ultrasound, she decided right then and there she was keeping the baby. She predicted her mother and father wouldn't be too thrilled, but she also knew she couldn't keep it from them.

When she finished stuffing things into the duffle, she zipped it and turned to her parents. Maya had been mute since she exposed her pregnancy diagnosis. She couldn't accurately read thoughts, but she had an idea of what her mother would say when she eventually speaks.

"Daddy, I found out the morning after I was admitted. It wasn't planned; Will and I have never talked about kids. The only reason I am telling yall is because I am keeping my baby." she said with finality.

Eli stepped forward. "You can keep the baby, but I forbid you to tell that lowlife. If he comes around again, which I know he will, you will not tell him, and you're not going back to that house, so I suggest you start looking for starter homes or an apartment." It wasn't a request; it was an order. Judge Eli Pope has joined the conversation, and she didn't like the manner in which he spoke to her as if she's 15 and still living under his roof.

But she didn't back down. "You forget I'm an adult and put a lot of my own money into that house, right. I'm not leaving."

"Livia, do what your father tells you," Maya finally spoke; after watching them go at like angry alley cats, she couldn't take any more of it.

"We didn't fight you when you wanted to do school here to follow that piece of shit, and now we find out years later he's abusing you, and you want to live in that horrible place. Olivia, have we not taught you common sense." Eli spat, but she ignored her father and turned to Maya.

"But Mom, you know how much the house means to me."

"Well, your life means more to us than some house; a house you can replace, we can't replace you or the baby you're carrying."

Olivia just hung her head before yielding. "But I need to go get my cat; milo, he probably hasn't eaten"

Eli grabbed the duffle off the bed "nice try, Olivia, he's with the neighbors. Your mother and I are staying for a couple more days, and you're staying in a hotel. I hope you use this time wisely to look for something a little more permanent."

"Livia, we just want to know you're safe." her mother says

"I know, and I'm sorry, daddy. I'm not feeling myself lately."

"And we aren't blaming you for anything that has happened, but we also don't want you to be tempted to contact that man. My sister was a victim, and it breaks my heart that my only daughter has suffered through this. You want to have this baby, you need to protect it with your life, and that means making tough decisions which include not telling Will about the pregnancy."

"I never liked that sorry excuse for a human," her father comments as he walks out of the room.

Olivia nods her understanding to Maya, and they follow behind Eli. After Olivia signs herself out of the hospital and picks up her prescription prenatal vitamins, she's ready to go. While her dad pulls the car around, Olivia subconsciously makes a list of things she needs, like a new cell phone because her idiot boyfriend smashed it.

The car ride was soundless; there wasn't much else they needed to discuss until they arrived at the hotel. At first, she had no issues with the stay until she realized her parents reserved connecting rooms. However, she's tired of complaining to deaf ears.

"Thanks, mom and dad" using the keycard, she opened the door and went into the room. For 300 dollars a night, it had good amenities, and she wouldn't have to stay long, Olivia reminded herself.

Olivia carefully laid back on the bed so she wouldn't reinjure herself. The doctors were confident that her ribs weren't broken, just badly bruised, and she should be careful during the next couple of weeks. After lying there a few minutes, she got up, went to the duffle bag, and pulled out the printed ultrasound photos from earlier. Still, she didn't see much; it was just a tiny spec on her womb wall. But she still found herself caressing her flat stomach.

"It's just me and you, little one," out loud and softly. "I promise to protect you with my life. Your grandad might be mad at me now, but when he sees your cute little face, he'll know I made the right choice." As usual, her stomach was grumbling for food. She ordered room service; A double cheeseburger and a side salad.

As Olivia polished off the last of her burger, her thoughts and concerns drifted to William and where he might be.

XXXXX

Los Angeles county-Holding cells

For the last three days, William has been sitting in Los Angeles County jail. He has so many charges against him the prosecutors didn't know where to start. The federal crime of desertion was the main focus as of now. William wasn't in the best state of mind; he worried about Olivia and himself. This wasn't his first rodeo with the court-martial; however, this time was different.

"Can I get another phone call? It's my right," he shouted through the bars.

"You already had it 48 hrs ago," the deputy replied, continuing to look at his phone.

"I made one call to my lawyer; legally, I'm owed another"

The dough-bellied man blew out a puff of air as he got up. "One call and then shut up for the rest of the night."

"That was the plan," he mouthed. There was only one person he wanted to talk to, so he dialed their home phone, But it rang and rang until the answering machine picked up.

"Liv, I'm in jail in la. I know you might be mad, but I'm begging you to come to bail me out." Will sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "I love you, I know you're home, our house Liv I love you, please don't give up on me" tears welled up. He was slowly breaking, and the only person who could fix him was ignoring his calls.

The line went busy, so he hung up and went back to his cell. Within the hour, he started hearing movement in the station. His worst fear was manifesting. William distinctly heard Sergeant Bates' voice. They were coming to take him back to the base, and his punishment was sure to come.

"Stand up, corporal," Bates commanded. "You're being transferred back to Maine, and we'll decide your punishment from there."

"Do I still have my rights?" Will pressed, not wanting to appear weak. He wanted to show this guy his spirit isn't broken, except it is.

"Your rights and dignity...until we get off US soil, now get up and put your hands together," Will complied, with wrist together, sergeant bates secured the restraints then removed the corporal from the cell.

A soft breeze carried a faint familiar fragrance that reminded him of the woman he loves. Will lifted his head to the dark blue skies and closed his eyes. "OLIVIA!" he shouted into the void of night. Realistically he knew she couldn't hear him, but he'd hoped their love was powerful enough that she'd feel it in her heart.

XXXXX

Grand Hotel-

The laptop propped up on his lap as he typed away fiercely; the words poured out of him like hot lava out of an erupting volcano. "Ecstasy of the heart" was basically writing itself; he also had one person in mind as he wrote. Certain freedom came with writing; knowing all the words to put on paper but not expressing those words are what caged Fitzgerald grant.

He closed the device for the evening, there was more to write, but every writer needs to recharge. Fitz pulled off his glasses and reached over to grab his cell phone. The notifications were empty, which was jilting. So he decided to call himself with the excuse of asking about her progress with the novel.

Unfortunately, he received her voicemail. "Hey, liv, it's me…Fitz. Did you want to get coffee or something- we could discuss the book and, um, call me back if… when you're free." he stammered nervously?

After the call, Fitz decided to turn in for the night.


Over the weekend, Olivia went shopping with her mother, and she was able to purchase a new cell phone and other necessities she will need during her hotel stay. Neither Eli and Maya were kidding about staying until the house goes on the market. Whereas it's only been a few days, Olivia was overwhelmed by how overbearing they were being. Moreover, she started to feel internal changes in her body; her hormones were up in the air, so she often didn't leave her hotel room unless having dinner with her parents.

Like most parents, they were hovering for her own protection. In the next room, they were discussing options for Olivia. Considering it isn't just her anymore.

There was a soft knock at the door before her mother entered. "Livia, your dad and I would like you to join us for dinner." Olivia was curled into a ball staring at the ultrasound picture like she did every evening. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. Tell dad I'll be ready in a few minutes." Responding as she sat up straight.

"Are you feeling sick...is it the baby."

"No, mom, I'm all alone. But you and daddy don't care about that." Olivia confessed bitterly. "I'm really trying to be strong, but it's hard." with tears forming.

"Oh, baby, your father and I are here for whatever you need" Maya gathered her into a hug. "You just have to talk to us and tell us what you need."

"I need to talk to Will," Olivia says against her mother's shoulder and immediately feels her tense at the request.

"Absolutely not, Olivia, that is insane. I won't allow it and your dad definitely isn't"

"Then there's nothing I need. I'll be ready in five," Liv says defeatedly as she walked into the bathroom.

Olivia tied the Burberry scarf around her neck to conceal the purple-ish bruises, and now she's ready for dinner. Tonight they decided to eat in the grand dining area of the hotel. Each exchanged smiles and hellos then took their seats.

"We haven't done this in ages," Maya comments.

"Done what"

"Had dinner as a family, Eli," she replied, reading her menu; Olivia was unusually quiet. As a child, they couldn't get her to stop talking, which is how she got the nickname; chatty Cathy. None of them spoke until the waiter arrived to take their drink orders.

"I'll have a lemon water, and they'll have the Château Margaux," Olivia ordered for her parents. Eli smirked, impressed that she remembered.

"So, what's new. I feel like all we've been talking about is me. How's work, mom, how is the store" back in Clawson, MI, Maya pope owned a vintage book store; it started as a hobby collecting rare and first edition novels which she later turned into a business. Where she refurbishes old book covers and sells vintage items. In high school, Olivia worked there during the summer until she left for college.

"Well, the store is doing well as always, and your father will be retiring in a year or two." Judge Eli pope, who presides over juvenile court, had there been since Olivia was 3 years old, and she's just now learning off his retirement.

He caught the look on her face and tried to clear it up as much as he could. "Sweetheart, it isn't set in stone yet, which is why I didn't tell you; I guess your mother is a bit of a chatty Cathy too." chuckling.

The waiter returned with the drinks, and they were ready to order. Olivia started ordering the steak medium rare, but her mother quickly stopped it, telling her she wasn't supposed to eat raw meat while pregnant, so she compromised with the honey garlic pork loin instead. In contrast, her mother and father ordered the steaks.

Halfway through the meal, Eli struck up a conversation regarding her living situation. "So sweetheart, what do you think about moving back home...just until you get things sorted?"

Looking to her mother, who obviously wasn't phased by the proposition. "Daddy, I can't. My career and life are here in Santa Monica."

"Baby, it would only be until you have the baby; we'll finance you, and don't you want them to experience where you grew up. It's still your home, you know." Maya tries.

"It isn't about that, and you know it. You think I'm foolish, and moving me back home is your way of keeping a leash on me." Olivia spat as she snatched the cloth napkin out of her lap. "Waiter… can you pack this? I'm taking it to go," she requested.

Caught between the tense glares, the waiter quickly gathered the plate and scurried away.

"Mom, you had dad when you were pregnant; I don't have that luxury. Where's yall's empathy and compassion?"

"Watch your mouth, young lady. We're offering to help in many ways, financially and emotionally. If you were to move back home, you wouldn't have to worry about money or safety. We just want you to think about it.'' Eli pressed. However, she didn't relent. When the waiter returned, she took her food and excused herself.

Almost sprinting out of the restaurant and into the lobby, she hit what felt like a wall but turned out to be a very firm chest.

"Olivia!" surprised to find her here.

"Fitz, what are you doing here?" Olivia inquired

"I was about to ask the same thing; I'm staying here until my apartment is ready. You?"

"My parents are in town, so we had dinner, we're-they're staying here." Her thoughts had been scrambled, and she forgot to contact Fitz; his number was in her other phone, which she no longer has.

"I left you a message; it was brief, coffee."

"Oh shoot, I just got a new phone and number." she palmed her forehead.

She appeared to be comfortable, and it didn't feel like she was actively avoiding him. When he saw an opening, he said, "Well, the bar is open; we could have a drink instead of coffee."

"Um, okay"

Fitz's left hand went to the small of her back, pushing her towards the bar. Olivia suggested a seat on the floor, and he obliged.

"I'm glad we ran into each other, I really am," Wearing that charming grin that made her knees a little. It almost made her forget the hectic week she had.

"I agree, I haven't seen you in two years, and now I'm seeing you twice in a month."

"So tell me, did you get the bigger office?"

The question stirred up anxiety about her job, and her parents' offer was swimming fresh in her mind. "Well, um, some stuff came up, so I'm not really sure what's next." Fitz was very intuitive, and she was hiding something. Something was off about her ensemble; never has he seen her wear scarfs in all three years of knowing her. His expression was apprehensive, but he said nothing.

"I hope everything works out" As Fitz sat sipping his scotch, noticing she hadn't touched the wine she ordered. It was accidental on Olivia's part, and it didn't register until the bartender set the glass down.

"I have to get back to my parents." As she was getting up, she remembered to get his number "Put your number in my phone, and we'll definitely grab lunch or coffee or whatever you want" handing Fitz the phone, he typed in his cell and saved the contact before handing the device back to her.

When Olivia made it to the elevator, she took a deep calming breath. What the hell just happened? she thought.


Abby climbed on the barstool beside Fitzgerald, and she was suspicious of the reunion. They were never close in college, just mutual friends of Olivia pope. So when he called, she was reluctant at first, but then he said he intended to discuss her best friend and the uneasy feelings surrounding her. And now they're here.

"I hear you're still getting your law degree," he said, trying to make casual conversation.

"I'm almost done just two more years, and then I'll take and pass the bar."

"Confident as always." taking a swig of scotch, before he said, "How is Olivia...like what's going on with her?" Abigail had been his last resort; he was invasive, but his gut told him to dig. Angela was tight-lipped, saying, "It isn't my business to tell" Fitz respected her loyalty to Olivia.

"I can imagine she's not good. Liv was in the hospital last week." he closed his eyes and breathed; Fitz suspected something like this. His troubled gaze came back to her face, preparing himself for the details.

"I don't know the details, but it was domestic and bad enough to make her parents fly in from Michigan," She blabbed. "She asked Angie and me to come over and help her move out of the beach house. That's all she would tell us."

Fitz adapted a faraway expression; Abby snapped her fingers in his face bringing him back to reality. "That's good because if she moved out, she left him, right?"

She shrugged her shoulders, unsure. "No one knows where he is; he hasn't been seen since that night. Liv is my best friend, but she's not known for her strength when it comes to leaving that boy. He always ends up coming back one way or the other."

"Have a little faith, damn. She knows what she's doing." he defends. "So, what day are you guys going over there?"

"Tomorrow, I'm sure Liv wouldn't mind the extra help."

Fitz just continued to nod and look straight ahead, but his features presented a look of concern and empathy. "Ok, I'll be there."

XXXXX

Fitz woke up early on Tuesday morning to get in a few hours of cardio before he's off to Olivia's house later. Starting his morning with a pre-workout shake, he grabs his gym bag and heads downstairs. Since it's early, the place is pretty empty for the first hour, but he barely noticed the other members pouring in. Sweating and thoroughly exercised, Fitz opened his gym bag and grabbed his phone and water bottle. He downed the water and then checked his notifications, seeing that he had several missed calls from his publishing agent.

"Hey, Jeff, how's it going? Yeah, I was working out, but what's up?"

"The book is selling like lemonade on a sweltering day in June. What do you say to a tour, a couple of lectures and some signings, two months tops" Jeff, the publishing agent, throws out there. Fitz wasn't super keen on book tours; all the traveling was overwhelming. Whereas he enjoyed meeting his readers, the stress of traveling wasn't always worth it. He's been doing book tours since sophomore year college.

"Uh, Jeff, can I get back to you on that? I've finally settled down in one area, and I'd like to keep it that way for a while. Say when I get moved into my apartment, I'll let you know how I'm feeling. But for the time being, I'll do the local stuff," he compromised.

"Oh, you're killing me here, Grant. I'll give you a month, and then I need you out there."

"We'll talk" Fitz disconnected the call and then went up to his room to shower and get dressed.

Donning a denim jacket, he left the hotel, his mind already back on the issue he needed to discuss with Olivia, and he was praying that she would be receptive.

Her palms were sweating at the memories the beach house held. Olivia opened the door and reluctantly stepped inside, sighing before she went upstairs. Since no one has been here since the altercation, the house was still a mess, and the master bedroom looked worse. The door was damn near torn off the hinges; picture frames were smashed. It looked like a tornado hit; a tornado called William. Starting with his belongings, she packed what clothes and shoes he had at the house into a plastic storage bin and set it to the side.

Twenty minutes later, the gang pulled up, Abigail and Angie arrived together, and Fitz was close behind. The foyer area to the living room held a peaceful ambiance; there wasn't any destruction or disturbance. Angela took the lead and went fishing out boxes and bins from the garage while Abby let liv know they were here. On the threshold table sat the home phone and answering machine flashing a bright red light; Fitz pressed the button out of curiosity and played the recording. Listening in disgust as William pleads for forgiveness, he listens to the voicemail fully before erasing the message.

"What were you doing?" Angela asks, eyeing him suspiciously.

"Nothing," he replies with a hint of innocence, "waiting for you. Should we start down here?" Fitz grabs the boxes from her grasp.

Just as she was about to answer, Olivia and Abigail were coming down the stairs, and when Olivia's eyes met his, a wave of embarrassment clouded her expression. She ignored all of them and walked out of the house.

Trying to keep up with her speed, "Liv, liv, what's wrong? Where are you going?"

Her stride never faltered "to get milo," So he stopped following her. A few seconds later, she emerged down the neighbors driveway hugging the Persian. "I'm sorry, I just wasn't expecting to see you here."

"I know me popping up here isn't ideal, and I look a little crazy but hear me out." leaning into her personal space, "I'm not here to judge you I'm your friend, and I want to help,"

She truly didn't know how to respond. Being vulnerable didn't come easily to Olivia. She'd always been admired for her strength and resilience. Weakness was never an option for her, and she hates it, but how do you unlearn everything you've been praised for. Olivia took his hand into hers, squeezing it gently.

"Thank you...that means more than you know."

"I meant every word. Come, let's get this done so we can get lunch afterward" she smiled inward once again, amazed at how he was able to take away her fears and anxiety.

They worked through the afternoon, packing up her clothes and personal items. Fitz was horrified seeing the bedroom contents but reserved comment, not wanting Olivia to sense his pity. They were finished with the entire upstairs by four o'clock, and then the movers came to transport the boxes to storage. Just until she found somewhere more steady than a hotel room, she left out the majority of her work clothing and whatever else she fit in those three suitcases. It was no questions as to why she needed both sides of the closet; she enjoyed shopping a great deal.

Olivia clapped her together, dusty off invisible dirt. "That's it for today. I can't thank you all enough; I honestly don't know what I'd do without yall."

"We love you; no need to thank us."

Fitz smirked at Angie's statement because he also loved Olivia Pope, and he wondered if she'd ever truly know of the love and admiration he carries in his dear heart for her. It's always been her. Their eyes met across the room, and they looked away, turning their attention to Abby, who was apparently speaking.

"I have to go; Leo is waiting for me" The group exchanged goodbyes, and then it was just the three of them left, exactly like old times. Angela had always felt somewhat of a third wheel when it came to the pair.

"If y'all are down, we can get a late lunch at bluestone, and liv we can finally have that coffee" a goofy grin played on his lips.

"Yeah, definitely Angie you down?" at her nod, they filed out the house and into their cars. One following after the other. In college, Bluestone cafe was their favorite spot to eat at. The cafe served spectacular avocado toast and sandwiches. And every time they ventured to the cafe, it was a day to remember especially since they had to drive twenty minutes outside of Los Angeles to get the delectable treats.

After the throuple ordered their meals, they spent the hour going down memory lane and laughing.

"Remember when we took that trip to grove California water park, and Jake lost his swim trunks going down that huge slide" Fitz was laughing so hysterically tears were in his eyes. Both women were also doubled over laughing.

"He didn't speak to us the entire ride home, and it wasn't even our fault," Angie said, chuckling. Jake was sometimes the butt of their jokes, but they loved him all the same.

"Oh, that was too good. I haven't heard from him since graduation."

"I think he moved to Washington to help his father with their roofing business." liv chimed.

The entire evening Fitz couldn't keep his gaze from shifting to her, and she was having the same issue. Every time she tried to sneak a peek at him, he was already looking at her with those soft cerulean orbs, his gaze was enchanting, and his presence was intoxicating.

After spending hours in the cafe, the group decided to split up for the night. As he walked Olivia to her car, he pondered his next question. There was a comfortable silence, strolling in the night.

"Olivia, you know I'll always be here, right," Fitz said out of the blue.

"Now that you're back, I can see that, and I'm grateful, I really am" She squeezed her eyes shut and prayed that romantic thoughts would cease to invade her. Currently, her personal life remains messy and unbalanced. So many difficult and confusing things she would never want him to find out. It's better to live in reality than to be fooled by the fantasies of a perfect world. "Fitz, I'm just a ball of complications." She sighed exasperatedly

He cupped her cheek with one of his large hands, and she was embarrassed to feel tears gather. "Livvie, don't hide from me" Fitz was the only one who ever called her that; it was sweet and endearing, and it was the crack in her vault. He hesitated, then wrapped his arms around her, resting his cheek against her head. "I'll never hurt you."

She leaned against his chest for a moment, comforted by his sympathetic embrace. Finally, she pushed away from his grasp. "I have to go" on the verge of tears, Olivia got into her car and drove off.


Author note

A little bit of background on Olivia and her parents. Next up, we'll see more into Olivia's teenage past concerning William, and we'll figure out what's going on with him and hopefully find out what his punishment will be. Leave a review; thoughts, and opinions.

Q: Do you guys think Olivia is doing the wrong thing running away from her feelings? or should she be embracing them?

Love and light- Skye-Anne