Thank you all for the kind reviews and predictions. It's greatly appreciated. Now, readers, you do not have to announce your departure. If the story isn't flowing the way you would prefer and you don't want to read further. I won't be upset but announcing that you don't like the story is counterproductive. There are plenty of people who enjoy my story. So please don't do that.
Enjoy the chapter.
September 2008
It's a week later, and Olivia is finally moving in. Early this morning, she went straight to the storage unit she has downtown and got her stuff loaded into a movers truck, and now she's on her way to the compound. Still chary of the decision, she didn't want to feel like she was taking advantage, plus she was still contrite over not telling him upfront. Almost feeling as if she tricked him. However, he has assured her that it was no problem. She could sense that he had many questions, so at the very least, she owed him honesty.
Standing at the curtain with a piping mug of black coffee, Fitz peers out the window as Olivia is pulling up. With a large movers truck following. She's driving a satiny Prius. Before she is out of the car, he is greeting her warmly with a hug.
"That's a big truck," Fitz pointed out,
"Yea, but I don't have that much stuff; the size is solely for my bed frame and dressers."
"No, yeah, of course, I expect you to have things. I wish I could have at least offered a furnished room," saying, as he inched towards the truck that two men hopped out of. They began unloading, and Fitz directed them inside.
Olivia smiled and then went to her car, where her two main suitcases were. And then, the pair worked in tandem, filling her room with her many items. Olivia was halfway unpacked by the afternoon, but the room was still filled up with boxes and bubble wrap. Fitz suggested fixing the bed and frame first, so later, she can just fall into bed when she's tired.
About another hour and Fitz retired to his room to rest a bit. He hasn't unpacked a house in a long time, so he was certainly tired. As he was lying on his bed dozing off, two light knocks sounded against the door.
"Come in," groggily and muffled by the pillow against his lips.
"It's me. We didn't exactly discuss first and last month's rent or deposit, so I signed a check, and you can fill it in. My savings are untouched, so whatever you think is fair, and then we can discuss monthly expenses; I'll also chip in on the food." Olivia sat the blank check on his dresser and turned to leave.
Fitz was still in a hypnagogic state, but he got the gist of her offer. "Wait, wait, liv you don't need to pay me rent,"
"I can't live here for free, and even if that's what you're offering, I wouldn't feel right taking advantage of that," she said softly, picking at her nail beds.
Now fully awake, Fitz scooted to the edge of the king size. "You're trying to save money, and besides, it isn't like I pay rent." picking up the paper, "this is money you should be saving for your...um, your child."
Cringing at the manner, he choked that out. It posed a question, but she ignored it for now.
"I'm still not comfortable with that, so at least take the money this month, and we'll further discuss this in the coming months."
"Only because you are so adamant about it." He opened his drawer and slipped the check inside, promising to fill it out later.
"Thank you for respecting my wishes; I have some more unpacking to do, then I have to go out for a while."
She didn't have anything planned today because she took off work, and there wasn't a group today. Abby and Angela were busy. But she didn't want to stay in the house all afternoon crowding his space, so she would find something to do until later. See, she planned to be as invisible as possible, so Fitz could still have the house to himself in a sense.
"Don't mention it." Fitz scooted back up the mattress. "I'm gonna nap; you're welcome to any food in the house, don't be surprised only to see condiments, eggs, and bread- that's kinda all I live on these days."
"Thank you and sweet dreams, Fitz" Olivia closed the door quietly and went back to her room to finish her chores.
Finally, her bedroom is done, and she even deposited some of her hygiene products into the bathroom. Her stomach growled loudly, reminding her that she hadn't eaten since this morning. So Olivia heads to the kitchen, opening the fridge.
"He wasn't kidding, eggs, bread, and ketchup."
Biting her lip, Liv laughs inwardly and decides to go grocery shopping. That should take up a portion of the afternoon, and then she can get home and cook something for her and Fitz.
He'll appreciate a home-cooked meal, she thinks.
It is three hours later when Olivia is coming through the door with two big sacks of groceries. Fitz is getting out of the shower, and he hears her, so he steps into the foyer, and she's gone.
"There's like 4 more bags outside. Can you help, please" She floats by, carrying two more bags.
"You think you got the whole grocery store," Fitz teases as he handles all four bags.
"You need food whether you like it or not"
"I like food; I just never have time to cook it or shop for it," he defends
Olivia gives him a motherly glare. "Thank you. I'll put these away, I didn't wanna bother you, but I knew this would take me all day without help," she says, with her breathing returning to normal
"No, I wasn't doing anything important; I can help. Just tell how you want it; I honestly just kinda do things haphazardly."
Olivia shook her head at his goofy grin then began giving him directions. "The pasta, rice, and other canned goods go in the cabinet. Anything cold or frozen, you already know where that goes. And I wasn't sure if you still liked the same snacks, but I got you some of those coconut caramel cookies you liked in college."
"You're telling me you remembered that," he said with awe. "I could never find them in new york, but yes, I still love these things."
"Ok, that's good, and I got mint chip ice cream for me."
Frowning at the paper bag full of pork loins, "Wow, Livvie, did you buy enough pork chops?"
"It's not me; it's the baby- I rarely ate pork before, but now it's like that's all I crave," Olivia said, mindlessly rubbing her growing bump.
The atmosphere had changed, but Olivia hadn't seemed to notice. There were so many unanswered questions he was dying to know, but it never felt like the right time to ask. There might never be a right time, so he left it alone. They continued stocking the pantry and fridge. After they were done, they each went to separate rooms to relax before dinner.
Olivia hadn't ruined the surprise, so when Fitz was in his make-shift office, she went back to the kitchen to prepare.
XXXXX
The garlicky sweet aromas wafting through the house attracted Fitz to the kitchen. Moving closer to the smells and music, he caught sight of Olivia in her own little world dancing and singing. She was genuinely having a good time, so he didn't interrupt her, just stood in the archway watching her performance-wearing a huge grin.
Olivia spun around and stood horrified to see him standing there watching her. "OH, Fitz, you scared me" hugging her chest, she started to laugh. "How much did you witness?" Relieved that her cheeks couldn't betray her, and let Fitz know just how embarrassed she was.
"Two songs worth, but it was great. I call that dinner and a show," Fitz snickered, shifting over to her near the stove, "Whatever you're cooking smells fantastic."
"Well, you're in for a treat because I made honey garlic pork chops and asparagus with corn. But that's still in the oven."
"You didn't have to cook; I appreciate it, though. Is there anything I can do?" Fitz asked, feeling kind of bad that he hadn't helped.
"You can set the table and pour drinks. I'll have orange juice," Olivia said, bending down to check the corn roasting in the oven.
Fitz did a sufficient job setting the table and helping deliver the food to the table. It was a very delicious-looking meal, and he couldn't wait to try it. Before they dug in, Olivia prayed a simple prayer, thanking the Lord.
He was practically in a food coma just from the first bite; Olivia smirked because she knew it was good.
Growing up, Maya always had Olivia in the kitchen with her, and she's picked up a few tricks around the way.
"Do you like it?" Olivia asked when she heard him moan involuntarily.
"Mhm, Liv, you should be a chef or something; thank you again."
Her lips turned upward at the compliments; she waved a hand dismissively. "It's nothing really; this is my 'thank you,' and I enjoy cooking anyway."
"So, Fitz, what have you been up to?"
Relaxing in the chair, Fitz sipped a glass of lemonade before saying, "Touring, Jeff, my agent is relentless. But right now, I'm working on my third book, and it-"
She abruptly cut him off. "No, no, don't spoil anything," Covering her ears much as a child would.
He let out a short, rueful laugh then assured her there were no spoilers- considering he was stuck on the first 100 pages and hasn't progressed since. Dinner was well finished. However, they sat in the dining room catching up on the last few years they were apart. The conversation was light and airy until it veered onto Olivia and what's been going on with her.
Usually, when they got here, Fitz would excuse himself, or she would change the subject. This time she decided to be honest because Fitz is one of her closest friends, and she trusts him. She gave him the abridged version of the last 3 months and brief information about her relationship and didn't go further than that.
"And I don't know where Will is. The last I heard was that he deserted the base. I can only assume he was either arrested or on the run."
Completely in shock by the turn of events, that night took, he can't help but feel somewhat responsible. "Liv I-"
"Stop looking at me like that, like you feel sorry for me or like you're disappointed," Olivia clarified without making eye contact.
He put his hand on her arm, his gaze warm and comforting "I'm not disappointed in you, a little in shock, but you did what you wanted despite the circumstances, and I think you're courageous for that. I'm happy that you confided in me, and I hope that we never have to hide from each other. I'm your friend, Olivia, and I'm here for you and your little porkchop."
Olivia chuckled softly with tears in her eyes. "Porkchop?"
"Well, that's all you seem to crave. I think it's fitting."
The awkwardness surrounding her pregnancy is starting to fade slowly, and Fitz doesn't seem bothered by the news anymore. Still, it will definitely take some getting used to, even for Olivia. She has a long way to go with this pregnancy. And now, she feels a little less scared and helpless.
Olivia pushed away from the table, "Well, I'm going to bed; I have class in the morning."
"I'll clean up since you cooked and entertained me. Good night, Livvie."
"Goodnight"
Before Olivia climbed out of bed this morning, she played a soft melody and stretched. A tip she picked up from one of the many first-time mother websites she frequents. Its goal is to relax her and the baby and prepare them for the day. She's only done it once, and it's working.
Following her morning aerobics, she showered and then ate breakfast; Fitz was still asleep, so she didn't bother him, but she wrapped an extra plate of bacon and eggs and left it in the oven, with a note on the counter.
As she was pulling out of the compound, it dawned on her that today is the first day of college for the second time, and it was almost surreal. She never imagined coming back when she graduated the first time, so today was a good day for multiple reasons. She's officially 17 weeks pregnant, and her belly is expanding, but it's nothing she can't cover up with a large shirt or sweater. She isn't ashamed of her baby; however, she'd rather not have her professors making assumptions about her character or dedication to her education, so for now. Her belly will be incognito.
Olivia arrived on campus and found the counselors office in the main building. Not much has changed in the 4 years since graduating from UCLA. The same ole campus, just with new additions. And although the campus remains the same, she is substantially different from the impressionable 18-year-old she was eight years ago.
"Hi, I'm Olivia. We have a meeting to discuss my ED plan." Olivia pretty much knew all the counselors except the woman greeting her now. She wondered if there was a whole new facility also.
The woman stood and extended her hard, giving Olivia a warm but firm shake. "Nice to meet you; I'm Teresa Wilks; I am one of four counselors that work with incoming students. I know that you've already chosen your courses. However, we have to start over. Two of your classes will actually be online, and only two are on campus. Lucky for you, there in the morning, so you didn't wake up early for nothing." The brunette smiles.
"Okay, thank you. And I will have the same professors?"
"Not exactly; since your schedule was adjusted, that also meant the professors did as well." Teresa tapped loudly on the keyboard. "Here it is, and I'll make sure to print this for you. Pr. Melory Davis will be conducting the psychology course." she spun around to her printer and grabbed the slip.
Olivia skimmed over the list, then smiled politely and folded it up. The rest of the classes seemed to be in order, and it was an added perk that the other two were in the afternoon. And were not in-person, that will work in her favor as she progresses in her pregnancy.
"Thank you so much."
"No problem, and you can always come to see me or send an email."
XXXXX
At least 100 students were enrolled in the psychology course. There were even more coming in. Olivia took a seat in the middle section. Since she wore glasses, the center was always the perfect spot without looking like she was competing for a teacher's pet award, as many of her peers would tease.
Professor Davis had not arrived yet, so Olivia read emails and began adjusting dates in her calendar in the meantime. Moments later, a tall brunette with a great set of legs graced the class. She set her bag down on top of the desk in front of the large board.
"Good morning!" Pr. Davis spoke loud enough to penetrate the students furthest in the back. "This is psychology 1 A. I presume we're here because you all have a passion for social work and helping others, whether you're striving to work in MFT or LCSW. With that being said, let's begin. I hope all of you grabbed a syllabus on your way in." She said, pointing to the untouched stack of papers.
A sum of students filed out of the rows to retrieve the syllabus. Olivia, however, remained seated, already reading it over.
Professor Davis sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. It's gonna be a long year, she thought.
It was a great introductory period, so the rest of the year is looking very promising. Although Olivia knows how challenging exams and homework can become. She just has to make sure; it's always her first priority.
By 11 am, both on-campus classes were finished for the day, and she was free to go home and prepare for the next two. However, she wasn't feeling so well, so she decided to rest in the quad. Her head was spinning, and she was sweating profusely. The spell came out of nowhere, so she didn't feel safe driving herself home. Olivia's vision ceased blurring long enough for her to call Abby, who also happened to be on campus at the time.
"Liv, are you sure you don't want to see a doctor?" Abigail suggested as she lent her arm to help Olivia to her feet.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I need to lie down until my next class."
In the car, Olivia gave Abby the address, and she entered it into the car's GPS. It was still bizarre that Olivia and Fitz were living together; furthermore, she reserved comment. It wasn't her business, and for once, she was going to stay out of it.
Abby pulled into the driveway and assisted Olivia inside.
"Thanks, Abbs. I know I made you late for class, but I'm extremely grateful" Olivia expressed appreciation for her lack of comment and reliability.
"It's no problem, but how are you gonna get to campus tomorrow?"
She was climbing into bed as the redhead posed the question, "Um, I'll ask Fitz or take a cab."
Nodding, Abby smirked so slightly, Olivia almost didn't catch the look. "Ok, well, I have to get back. Call me later if you need anything. Maybe I can stop by later and bring you some soup."
"I promise, I'll call, but I'll be fine by then."
Abby bowed her head agreeing. And left to return to campus.
The rest of the afternoon, Olivia spent in bed underneath the chocolate brown duvet. Now she was cold, which wasn't shocking; usually, her body temperature cooled after hot flashes and dizziness. So she worked through class with her camera off but often speaking, so her professors knew she was still present. It was her first day and first impressions that meant everything to professors.
Jeff was going well out of his way to sell this perfect fantasy of book touring. National books tours were this laborious task that Fitz didn't like in the least. The only joy he got out of it was meeting his fans and discussing the novel. But traveling back and forth, living out of the dingy hotel, was not part of the dream, which is mostly why he bought a house and intended to settle in it. He's closer to family and friends. And somehow, Jeff always finds a way to pull him away from it all.
Fitz walked into Jeff's office, ready to decline the tour until…
"This is the last for a while, Fitz. You have to trust me after this tour; I'll give you a year of peace where you can start on the next trilogy. This is a promise, Fitz."
Jeff was preparing to beg some more until Fitz agreed, unexpectedly, "Ok, and then you give me a year. Oh, where did you say we were going again?"
"Toronto Canada." Jeff beamed. He pulled Fitz in by the shoulder excitedly. "It's one month. I have three book store signings, two local libraries, and one literary event lined up. But they're all stretched out over the month and in different cities. It'll be great."
He grimaced at the set itinerary but honored the commitment. "Ok, well, set everything up with hotel reservations and flights. Email me all the info, and we'll keep in touch" Fitz patted the older man's shoulder and left the office.
Jeff slumped into the chair, relieved. After he was sure Fitz was gone, he picked up the landline. He dialed quickly, staring fixedly at the door. Then the line picked up.
"He's going; he'll be there." whoever was on the other line didn't bring relief to his nerves. But he held up his end.
XXXXX
Fitz was positive Olivia would be fine without him for a month. He had no qualms about leaving her home alone; he lived in a gated community in one of the safest neighborhoods. All he had to do was tell her about the trip and leave her some necessary information to have while he's away. He was also considering that Olivia might appreciate the alone time.
Fitz got home late in the evening. The living room was dark as well as the kitchen. Olivia must have been in the bedroom, he assumed. He knocked gently, only entering after her soft voice pierced the darkness.
"Livvie, did I wake you?"
"No, I can't sleep. It's too hot" It was back and forth, either too hot or too cold, so she didn't even bother turning on the fan or the heater because she'd regret it seconds later. She decided to stick with a light throw blanket instead.
"Are you sick?"
"Pregnancy symptoms, I'm fine. What's up?" Olivia switched on the bedside lamp to brighten up the room
"I had something I wanted to discuss with you." He was fully inside now, so he sat at the edge of the queen bed. "I'm gonna be on a book tour for the next month," letting the announcement hang in the air.
"Fitz, that's awesome; where are you going?" Olivia's lived on her own longer than a month; she can brave that. There are other factors, but she isn't going to force him to cancel or reschedule.
"Canada. Jeff's even hired a guide" he rolled his eyes. "I've been before, so I don't see the reason. Are you alright? Will this be an inconvenience?"
"No, not at all. My face isn't a good expression of happiness right now because I'm feeling a bit queasy, but this really is great."
"Do you need a bag or a bucket, some water or um crackers? There's a pack of Ritz crackers in the kitchen." Fitz asked, appearing more concerned.
Olivia snorted a laugh. "You are so cute when you don't know things. Saltine crackers are good for nausea; Ritz will probably make me feel worse. But no, I'm fine. Abby stopped by and brought me tomato soup." She assured him with a smile.
"Okay, good." Fitz got up from the bed. Cheeks flushed as red as a rose.
"Before you go, when do you leave?"
"Next week, on the 12th."
"Okay"
It is the night before the 12th, and Olivia is reaching into Fitz's closet, picking out shirts and ties. She offered to help him pack, and he had no idea it would turn into a runway show. Olivia convinced him that he needed specific ensembles for each event. So when she tore his wardrobe apart, he didn't complain. He thought it was endearing that she cared this much. Aware of the time, he was a little worried he'd be dragging in the morning and miss his flight, but he just couldn't take her Tyra Banks moment away.
"What about this" Fitz emerged from the connecting bathroom, dressed impeccably, donning a charcoal grey blazer, baby blue button-up, and slacks to match. He looked handsome and lucky for him; this was actually the last outfit. And he'd hope she approved so he could wear it to the literary event.
Fitz was often the youngest author at these kinds of things, and he never put any thought into the clothes he wore. One year he didn't wear a tie and left his shirt unbuttoned. The book snobs were not pleased about that at all. But this year could be the growth they've been pressing him about.
Olivia talked so much that it was literally impossible for her to be speechless until right now. She mindlessly licked her lips and smiled before approving the suit with a nod. "It's perfect. Take it off so I can pack it."
"Okay, bossy pants," he smirked.
While Fitz was undressing, Olivia began getting the room back in order, so she started folding pants and hanging suit jackets. "Fitz, why do you have so many suits if you don't wear them?"
"It's Jeff; he buys them as gifts whenever I publish or make a sellers list. He says I should look like an author. And I always reply, I write in jeans and a hoodie, I am looking the part." and he chuckles at his joke. Olivia goes quiet for a minute then he comes out.
"You've accomplished so much in the little time we've been apart. I hate that we lost contact." Olivia says, running her hand up and down her arm. If all the suits were an indicator of his success, he was more accomplished than she had presumed.
"Well, that's not gonna happen again because I'm staying in California, and after this tour, I'll be here a lot more."
"I hope so, Fitz," she said, seriously.
"I pinky promise, Livvie," goofily holding out his short finger, and Olivia wrapped her pinky around his.
"We're such babies."
"I know you are, but what am I." he teased.
"Looks like I am running a daycare here" suddenly, Olivia gasped in surprise as she grabbed her belly.
Eyes full of worry, Fitz moved towards her; he grabbed her shoulders gently, asking, "What's wrong? Are you in some kind of pain?"
"The baby just moved; it was so soft, I just barely felt it." smiling in wonderment, "Here feel" she grabbed his hand, pressing it against her shirt-clad belly.
The flutter was slight, but he swore he felt it; he looked up at her, smiling just as big as she was. "Active, aren't you porkchop."
They sat there a moment in awe, her small hand on top of his large one.
Author note
MFT: marriage family therapy
LCSW: Licensed clinical social worker
Leave a review. Thoughts and predictions are encouraged. I love reading what yall think. There will be some shocking events in the next chapter but stay with me.
Love and light- Skye-Anne
