Abigail is accustomed to spending weekends studying for the bar and staying on top of her law courses. It seems like she's been in law school forever, but she is certain all her hard work will pay off. Sometimes she thinks Olivia took the easy way out; Liv has always been dedicated to her education, but she seemed less interested somewhere around their sophomore year. That was also around the time she'd started taking finance courses which came as a complete wonderment. Olivia was always interested in serving the community. At least that was the redhead's assumption.
Since she spends the entire week locked in her room preparing for exams, Abby was elated to join Olivia for brunch today. Albeit running late, she was surprised to see Olivia had already ordered without her. Taking in the breakfast spread, the redhead smiles and takes her seat. Olivia is already buttering her toast when Abby sits down. Cracking the joke, "What are you pregnant?"
Liv ignores the obvious and continues munching down.
"So, what's up? You said it's an emergency. But you're sitting in a diner, eating half the menu."
A little put off by her friend's selective memory, Olivia finished chewing and began naming off why she summoned her here today. "I'm going back to school; I'm gonna become a therapist."
Abby's gasp and simper let Olivia know right away she was on board. There was never a time where Abby wasn't supportive or helpful.
"First of all, that's amazing, so are you leaving the firm or what?"
"Well, since I'm not trying to go broke, I am staying at the firm and going to school part-time. Then take some time off after the baby is born." Said so casually that it took Abigail a second to grasp the announcement. The announcement that she's just heard for the very first time. Admittedly, they haven't had much girl time because of their busy schedules, but how the hell did her best friend being pregnant, slip by her. She didn't even realize Olivia was dating again. It's only been two months, she surmises.
Abby lowered the cup and lifted her brows, perplexed "pause, you're pregnant? Liv, when did this happen, and why didn't you tell me." the questions poured out, and she wanted answers.
Olivia hit her forehead with the palm of her hand. "I'm sorry, I could've sworn I told you, Abby. I'm almost three months pregnant. I guess I told Angie, but I could've sworn-" she trailed off.
Baby brain.
"No, I think I would remember you being three months pregnant. So it's Will's baby, then," she assumed disappointedly. "I should be checking in on you more often," she said more as a mental note.
"No, no, it's fine. I understand we all have lives and careers. Although you are handling it better than my parents and angela."
Yeah, taking it real well. On the inside, Abigail was screaming and cursing the heavens. Never in a million years did she want to hear this news. It was completely devastating, but Olivia appeared to be happy. So she wasn't going to be negative.
"I don't know how I feel about it yet, but I support you. Because if it were the other way around, I know you'd be there without question."
"I'm glad you said that; how do you feel about rooming with me? I kinda burned bridges with my parent's so I doubt they'll pay for me to go to college a second time, and I need to save all the money I can before I have to go on maternity leave. So it just makes the most sense to get a roommate."
By the look on her face, Abby didn't appear too enthusiastic about her proposal. "Liv, I'm sorry, but I can't; I would be wasting more money moving out of my parent's house. And we don't have that kind of money. I'd be in debt until my deathbed. Besides, don't you think you might be jumping the gun a bit? You're not exactly struggling financially, and you just sold a luxury beach house in the best part of Santa Monica, I might add."
"First, the house isn't sold yet; secondly, babies are expensive. I'm thinking about this in the long terms." Olivia began to tick off the points on her fingers. "Clothes, food, child care, and college, Abby. I won't always have a job at one of the most preemptive firms in California or beach houses to sell.
Abby lent her hand across the table to Liv sympathetically. "I know, and I wish I could help. It's just not idealistic. Have you proposed this to Angie? I'm sure she has better options than I."
She sighed heavily. "To be honest, you were my last hope. I can't keep living out of a hotel room, but I would lose money renting alone than I would by having a roommate. I just don't wanna live with a stranger while pregnant." Sighing frustratedly. "How are your parents?" Olivia asks, wanting to change the subject. Feeling a little embarrassed. Maybe she hadn't thought this through; having a baby while trying to go back to school.
"They're fine. Now I'm just worried about you."
Both parties are in really tough spots. Junior year, Abigail moved back in with her parents because she couldn't afford student housing. The Whelan's have always had financial issues. It was an arm and leg to put Abby through nearly seven years of college, so additional expenses definitely didn't need to be added.
"I'll be okay; I just might have to suck up to my parents." she was frustrated, but there wasn't anything she could do about it now. However, she has some serious thinking to do. "Seriously, don't worry about me. I'll find another solution."
Abigail nodded tentatively. "So tell me about your school plan and how you arrived at this decision?"
"I wanna help people, and I know that sounds so cliche. But I met this phenomenal woman in a support group, and she's kinda inspired me. I thought about writing a memoir, doing ted talks, and even hosting my own support group, but all of those things center around me and my struggle. I wanna directly help women. This is such a weird time in my life to decide something so monumental, but I want to be a role model for my baby."
Abby lifted the glass of orange juice in the air, smiling at her friend. "Well, I say let's toast to that; that's awesome and so beneficial. I'm completely on board and down to babysit whenever. Because I know how demanding the classes will be."
"Thank you, and a toast to you for sticking out of law school; I'm proud of you, abbs."
The friends clinked their glasses together, simpering as they took a drink.
The forecast was clear this morning when Fitz went out for a run. Since moving into his house, Fitz has been jogging around the neighborhood, just getting a feel for everything. He lived in a beautiful gated community just a few miles east of Beverly hills. Jeff had gone out of his way to find Fitz the perfect home, although he had ulterior motives.
Jeff figured if Fitz weren't wasting time looking for a place to live, he'd dedicate more time to book signings and then warm up to the idea of tours later on. Almost three months in California, and Jeff still couldn't get him on one out-of-town signing. Fitz was a well-known author, and his readers adored him. Jeff just wanted to get it through his head that he has fans that expand past borders.
The sun was barely peeking through the clouds when Fitz popped in his headphones and began his morning run. Shirtless and in old basketball shorts, he did a few laps around the compound before he circled back to his place.
"Hey, Fitz. I'm reminding you of this afternoon's commitment." Jeff said into the phone.
"I didn't forget; I'm eating breakfast; I'll see you in an hour or so" Fitz hung up before jeff could utter another word.
The guy had been with him since college, admittedly he took care of Fitz, but it seems like he never got a break. Two months earlier, he came off a tour. Yes, he was grateful the novel was doing well; he just needed a break every now and then.
Starting with breakfast, he fixed scrambled eggs and toast, but as he was sitting down to enjoy the savory meal, the phone began ringing off the hook. Checking the caller ID (because if it was Jeff again rushing him, he wasn't planning to answer.), but it was older brother Andrew.
"Hey, hey ace." the man bellowed through the phone cheerfully. "I hear you're back in California, I wished I had heard it from you myself, but I don't hold grudges," he laughed, making Fitz cringe a little.
"Yeah, I was planning to call; I just got wrapped up in something. So what do I owe the occasion?
Fitz and his brother were close in age, and that was about it. As kids, Andrew was a brute to his little brother and always wanted Fitz to rough house and play sports. Fitz just wasn't that kind of kid, and in high school, Andrew was captain of the football team while Fitz spent all his time in the library.
Fitz read so many books that their father built him two bookshelves to house the fantasy novels that took up the majority of his room. He was what kids call " a nerd," and he wasn't ashamed of it. Even as an adult Fitz utilized his hobby into a career- a well-paying career.
"I told you, I called to talk to my brother. I missed you, man, and I wanted to tell you that I'm getting married."
"That's great. Congratulations, Lisa must be thrilled."
"Uh, well, she doesn't know yet" he massaged his neck nervously. "I need a favor, Fitz."
Fitz sighed; he knew it couldn't just be a casual conversation. There always was another motive. "How much do you need?" hurriedly, he just wanted to get off this call and try to salvage the morning before his mood soured.
"I only need five thousand, and I swear I will pay you back."
"I'll write a check and send it over tomorrow," Fitz said dryly, then listened further as Andrew thanked him repeatedly. "I have to get going, bye Andrew."
XXXXX
Olivia lifted a stack of chairs which earned her a glare from Kimberley. Setting the stack down, she deposited them individually, and Kimberley gave her a warm glance this time. She might not have been seven or eight months pregnant, but she could surely strain herself, and it wouldn't be pleasant. The women worked silently, setting up the space for today's group secession. It was a part of Olivia's schedule now, every Wednesday at 12.
Who knew group therapy could be so therapeutic.
"I had another nightmare," Olivia blurted out. Kimberley wasn't her official therapist, but she gave her a lot of great advice and counsel. So she felt comfortable confiding in her.
"The beach?" she asked.
"Yeah, but it was different this time; the masked man tried to propose before strangling me."
Olivia snorted dryly. She hadn't had to see his face to understand the message her subconscious was seeking to send. Some nights she slept peacefully, and other nights she woke up in a cold sweat trying to escape imaginative death.
"You mentioned that in high school, he proposed, and then nothing after that; why do you think your nightmare is changing?" Often doing that, asking a question so that Olivia arrives at what she already knows. No one can control their dreams, but there are often many answers to them. So by asking Olivia's opinion, she comes to her own conclusion, which serves as closure for the young woman.
"That day at graduation, I said no, and it was the only rational thought I've had while dating him. It sounds wrong, but I kept thinking I could find my soulmate, and I didn't want to be tied to him. After that summer, I was officially a freshman in college, and I wanted to explore and experiment and even though I didn't actually do it. It was nice to have the option." Olivia said ruefully but carried on. "I expected him to ask again, and he never did, so I never brought it up. I used to think that his possessiveness and jealousy were him showing that he loved me. Only within the last two years of our relationship did I realize he was just insecure and controlling." Scoffing at how foolish she sounded, Olivia ceased the conversation.
Causing Kimberly to turn and stare at her, she waited for her to get over the embarrassment and continue. Each time Olivia pulled back another layer of the last eight years of her life, she discovered more and more about herself and the woman she was trying to be.
"I was foolish, and there's really no excuse," shaking her head side to side in shame. "He was my first love, and I let him do whatever he wanted, make my decisions because I felt guilty about turning down his marriage proposal."
"Let me tell you something." Kimberly set the paper plates down and shifted towards Olivia. "First love doesn't mean the best love; it just means at some point you did care. You shouldn't be angry at past Olivia; you should be embracing present Olivia. Now tell me about your appointment this morning."
Olivia smiled warmly, the woman was amazing at her job, and it never ceased to astonish her.
"I heard the heartbeat today, and the baby is 3.5 inches long and 1.6 ounces. It went really well. They also checked my blood pressure which is really good despite all the stress I've been under trying to find a roommate."
"How is it going?"
"Not good; the last person on my list was Abby, and she isn't financially capable," Olivia replied, wearing a look of devastation.
"And school, how's that coming along?"
"I start next month, for the fall semester."
"I think you'll find something before then, and if you don't, I'll help you figure out a solution," Kimberly promised kindly.
"Thank you!"
Bookworm bookstore
Fitz spent the entire day signing copies, shaking hands, and doing impromptu photoshoots. He was exhausted, and Jeff was determined to work him to the bone. It was past lunch, and more fans were pouring in. He sighed before announcing to the crowd, he needed a break and would be back momentarily- when a sweet familiar voice sounded through that crowd.
"Sign my copy first" he whirled around to see Olivia standing there, gracefully and smiling wide. She was donning an ass-hugging skirt that instantly made his pants feel tighter, a dainty blouse, and what seemed like a blazer fitted larger than usual.
"Liv, this is a pleasurable visit " she slid her already signed copy across the table and smirked when he clicked his pen and signed for a second time.
"It's such a surprise seeing you here; I didn't know you were like famous," she said sarcastically.
"Yeah, I was just about to take a late lunch; what are you doing here?"
"I was leaving- a meeting, and I saw the sign and thought I'd say hello."
Raising his brow airily, "So you carry a copy of my latest novel in your bag?" grinning goofily.
"As a matter of fact, I do; I haven't had a chance to finish it, so I read it whenever I'm on lunch or just out and about. You mentioned lunch, have you eaten?" glancing at the clock on the wall, she noted it was well past that period.
"I'm starving."
"Well, I'm not doing anything, and I could eat."
Olivia smiled when Fitz circled the table and, before they departed, reassured his readers. The crowd moaned and groaned, and some followed the pair out, snapping pictures with Fitz.
They could have easily gone to their favorite cafe. However, Olivia was craving something greasy and unhealthy. So they hit up the local burger joint; he'd only been there a handful of times; by the way, Olivia was ordering without the menu, it was known that she frequented the restaurant. A double patty bacon burger with extra cheese and grilled onion with a strawberry shake and fries. Fitz smiled at her large appetite then ordered the regular hamburger with an egg.
After eating that monster of a burger, Olivia slouched in her chair, like a drunken man in a bar.
"That meeting must've been long," Fitz said as he polished off his food.
"Why?"
Chuckling and pointing at the empty plate and cup, one would have thought she hadn't eaten in hours.
"Oh, yeah, it was pretty long," giggling. "I wanted to apologize for not calling you in a while. There's just been so much and-"
"Don't worry, I've also been crazy busy; I moved into my house a month back and just been occupied trying to make the place feel like home. Enough about me, have you found a place yet? I know last time we talked, you were still staying at the hotel."
Her eyes fell to her hands, and she was nervously picking at the skin around her thumbnail. "Still staying there, actually, but I'm trying to fix that. It's just isn't the easiest process, especially with going back to school and-"
With astonishment, Fitz beamed and said, "You're going back to school, that's amazing, but I thought you were happy where you were?" leaning further into the table.
"I rediscovered an old passion, and I wanna give it a shot; I officially start next month as a psychology major," Olivia said hopefully.
"So, what's your issue with housing?"
She hesitated initially, then reluctantly opened up about her parents' brief quarrel and current dilemma while purposefully leaving out her pregnancy diagnosis. "I don't wanna ask them and have them say no or use it against me in the future. I'd rather stay in a homeless shelter." scoffing stubbornly.
"Well, I don't live in an apartment, but I have extra bedrooms, and there's plenty of space in the house; you wouldn't even know I'm there." Fitz offered casually, sipping the beer he ordered.
"Fitz, I couldn't ask that of you, You just got settled, and all I would do is impose and-"
He laid his large hand on top of her small one "you didn't ask, I offered. Just think about it because right now I'm all alone in a big ass house," and they laughed together.
Her smile faded slowly, and she put her hand atop his this time. "I will think about it. Thank you, Fitz."
"I hope you really do. I have to get back to the bookstore, but call me and let me know what you decide." At her nod, he stood rounding the table and delivering a sweet kiss on her cheek. And that caused her to blush and grin happily.
XXXXX
Finishing up folding her clothes when a call from her mother came in. It was close to 10, so she knew it was even later in Clawson. She neatly placed the folded jeans in her suitcase then answered the call.
"Hello, mama."
"Livia, I wish I didn't hear updates about my daughter through family grapevines. Harrison told your father that you're going back to school. How come you didn't tell us, sweetheart?" There was a hint of frustration in her mother's voice.
"I was gonna tell y'all. Things have just been hectic."
But you had time to inform Harrison, mhm. However, instead of saying that, Maya let it go for now.
"Okay, baby, how are things, is the house sold yet?"
Dipping her knee into the mattress, Oliva climbed in the bed, "I've met with two couples and a single guy, and they all like the house and are comfortable with my price."
"So what's the hold-up? Give it to who came first," Maya said rather impatiently.
"I'm not stalling, mama. I'm meeting with the second couple later this week and hopefully have the papers signed and the keys in their hand." Olivia said for her mother's benefit. Even though she no longer desired to live there, it didn't feel right to just sell to any-old-body.
"And how is the baby? I saw that you sent some pictures through the phone, but you know your father and I aren't that great with phones and texting."
Olivia chuckled lightly. "I know, mama. I'll send some copies in the mail, k."
"You sound good, Livia; I'm happy. Anyways, I'm gonna get to bed; make sure you're checking in with your father and me; I don't wanna hear from anyone else about what's going on with you. And Livia, mama loves you."
"I love you too, mama; tell daddy I said goodnight and sweet dreams."
"Ok, I will" both made loud smooch noises then hung up.
Olivia didn't bother asking her mother for financial help because she'd already decided on her next move.
And for a second, Maya felt compassionate enough to almost tell Olivia about the letter, and that Susan (William's mother) came to the house begging for them to help William, but she didn't. These things are better left unaddressed, and Olivia is better off not knowing. Maya wasn't lying when she said Olivia sounded happy, and she wasn't going to spoil her joy.
The next morning Olivia met Fitz at his house. He wasn't kidding; the compound was beautiful. She admired the manicured lawns and rose garden surrounding the house. Never pegging him for the gardening type. The house itself was just as gorgeous. It was one story but large. She couldn't wait to see the inside.
She rang the doorbell, and Fitz answered shirtless and rubbing his tired eyes. Her eyes scanned over his naked, sexy chest. She knows Fitz worked out but godly; the man looks as if he was sculpted "good morning liv, come in."
He couldn't help but stare as she entered the house, her ass looked perfect in those jeans, and she was wearing an oversized UCLA sweatshirt.
"Goodmorning-" Liv replied, then her jaw dropped; it was spectacular. The kitchen really caught her eye; she hadn't even noticed that Fitz slipped away to put on some decent clothes. The marble countertops and mahogany cabinets. Breath-taking, she thought she had the best house in Santa Monica, but Fitz was taking the crown.
"Yeah, that was my reaction when I saw it," Fitz said from where he stood, leaning against the entryway, admiring her, admire his home.
"And you're sure you want to share all of this with me?"
"Positive, you need a place to stay, and who am I to deny you the luxury of this awesome house. C'mon, I'll give you a tour and show you the bedrooms." He placed his hand on the small of her back, leading them down the hall.
"This is my room, and yours is across right here" he opened the next door revealing a room that was about the same size as the master, and she adapted a smile accompanied by a look of awe. There wasn't any furniture yet, which was good because it gave her a chance to customize the space.
"This is incredible, so does it also have a connecting bathroom?"
"No, but the bathroom is down the hall; that can be your personal; I don't use it. And down there are two more rooms, I'm turning one into an office and the other into a home gym."
Well, that concluded the tour, so they sat down in the living room to discuss further information. And Olivia also thought it might be a good time to tell him that she wouldn't be the only one moving in.
"Okay, so most importantly, are you allergic to cats? Because milo has been staying with my neighbor, and I think he misses me."
"Nope, and that's fine. He can stay," Fitz chuckled mirthfully.
"Um, there's something else." Reluctant, Olivia cleared her throat "Fitz, I'm pregnant, three months to be exact," she said quickly, ripping the proverbial band-aid off.
Olivia studied his features, and she noticed right away when his face dropped, and a look of disappointment flashed briefly. "I should have told you sooner; this is probably a deal-breaker for you" she stood and started to leave, but he stopped her.
"I'm sorry, I don't wear my emotions well. Olivia, you are still welcomed to live here. I don't mind at all."
Her eyes shone hopefully. "Are you sure?"
"I'm certain, Olivia, we've been friends for too long. I wouldn't turn you away. It just took me by surprise, that's all" He hadn't meant to bore into her soul, but yesterday he thought there was something different about her, and now he knows why. She has a pregnancy glow. Now he found himself understanding why she was wearing such a big blazer: to conceal her growing stomach.
Olivia had been speaking apparently because he was knocked out of his daze when she threw her arms around him and squeezed.
"Thank you, thank you!" Olivia squealed.
Author note
I hope my readers are still around. We've finally arrived at the beginning of the rollercoaster ride, yall should buckle up and enjoy the ride. because there is a lot about to happen in the next few chapters. Like always, leave a review, I read each and everyone, and I enjoy them quite a bit.
Q: How do yall feel about this chapter, and are there any questions pertaining to anything that has happened so far?
Love and light- Skye-Anne
