Hope Women's Clinic.
A small gray building sitting on the corner of 16th. It was much in the name. Their mission was to help women struggling in the worst way. The building was discreet purposely, so domestic violence abusers wouldn't right away spot it. But it was open twenty-four hours so that no women and children should be turned away because of some ungodly hour.
It's only been a month into the internship, and Olivia was both honored and excited to be taking this next step in her career. Not to say the work didn't become overwhelming or tragic. She had to learn to compartmentalize her situation from many of the charges she meets on a daily basis. That was a task in itself, but she seemed to get the hang of it after a few weeks.
Olivia came down the corridor walking and chatting with a social worker. They'd teamed up to work a grim domestic violence case. A woman and her son escaped a hostile situation, and now they're homeless. Olivia and Amber have been using their expertise in each area of this woman's life, trying to ease her load. But as they've found, it isn't the most straightforward task to find permanent housing and work for someone who is practically dead to the world.
"No family, no money. No help from the father. We can't even petition the court to serve the father with child support papers because if we do, he'll find them." Amber says grimly.
The pair come to a stop at the door. Olivia is listening, but her gears are turning. Running through a million and one solutions to their dilemma.
"I understand but a cot in the hall of the clinic isn't the best option, but since it is her only option-" The blonde woman says.
"Ms. Stevens, it's been a month; she shouldn't have to sleep on a cot with her child. This is all frustrating. It isn't ideal for the long term. Are there any referrals you can make? Housing programs, transitional housing possibly?" Olivia asks.
"I've looked into transitional housing. There's a program she can enter at Arms of Los Angeles. However, that's also a tricky road. We have to consider waitlists, the fact she has no income whatsoever. I'll keep my ear to the ground, and we'll find something for her. I just don't know how soon it'll be."
"What about county assistance? She has a small child. Hotel vouchers." She spitballs, "We can leave her high and dry. When people are backed into a corner, they do irrational things."
Both women sigh. Amber says her last piece, promising to keep Olivia up to date with the progress, if there's any at all. Olivia couldn't lie. She was taking this case personally, it's one of her first cases, and it hits near home.
Olivia hung back outside a few seconds to collect her thoughts; she could not enter that room looking distressed or worried. It wouldn't do anything but worry Tonya. She plastered her best, everything is going to be alright smile. Turning the knob, she walked into the conference room. Tonya was watching the wall with what looked like hours of dried tears on her cheeks. Her son, only three, sleeping curled in a ball in her lap. The world was on her shoulders, and Olivia could actually feel her pain. Despite being in similar situations; Olivia could recognize her privileges compared to Tonya.
"Hi, Tonya." Olivia greeted. She walked over to the mini-fridge, pulling out bottled water and a juice box for the child. "I talked to Ms. Stevens on my way over. We're still in the process of finding something a little more permanent than where you've been these few weeks. I know you said you don't have any family in the area… would you consider going home- if you could?"
"My grandmother lived in Chicago. She raised me" Tonya swallowed the lump that had lodged in her throat. "She died last year. That was the only family I had. There ain't nobody else. What did the social worker lady say about the shelter?"
Olivia's gaze fell, and her shoulders slumped with shame. "There's a lot of waitlists. Nothing is concrete yet, but we're not giving up. How do you feel about spending a few nights in a hotel? It really would be temporary. I also wanted to suggest some kind of county aid or-"
"I used to get WIC, but just until Tae turned six months. After, I started receiving food stamps from the welfare. I couldn't get general assistance because I was working at the time, even though Keith was stealing my money and spending the food stamps whenever he wanted. He still has the card." tears were beginning to form in her eyes. She turned her face toward the wall-shaking her head in defeat.
"I will not abandon you, Tonya. I'm making you a priority. Whatever it takes." Olivia promises.
The boy stirred in his mother's lap, twisting, then he opened his eyes. He looked at Olivia briefly, "Mommy, I'm hungry."
"Drink your juice." Tonya poked the straw through the thin plastic and handed it to her son.
Olivia's heart shattered. "I can get you guys something if you're hungry" She didn't want to impose and make Tonya feel ashamed for the offer, but she hoped she would accept. Olivia couldn't take hearing the child moan about hunger. A tightness in her chest made her think of her own child. A sudden urge flared within her to call and check in on her baby.
"He'll be alright. Do you have some chips or crackers? He just needs a snack."
"It's really no problem at all, it's almost lunch, and I was gonna grab food anyway."
That was a lie, according to the packed lunch waiting for her at her desk.
After a long moment, Tonya nodded her head. "Thank you"
"It's really no problem at all. There's a burger place close to here, walking distance."
The September weather had already begun to transform into fall. Golden leaves decorated the ground as they walked to a nearby burger joint. Olivia respected Tonya's boundaries, keeping the conversation light. In some opinions, this was highly inappropriate and frowned upon, but Olivia couldn't shake the possessiveness she'd felt over this woman and her child.
She allowed Tonya to order whatever she wanted and whatever her son wanted. Then she ordered a salad and water. They ate in silence until Olivia worked up the courage to ask the woman about herself; since Tonya stepped foot in the clinic, everyone has been so interested in her situation than her as a person.
"Why did you leave Chicago?" Olivia asked, sitting her fork down.
"I wanted to get away from my Big momma's rules. California was glamorous. I thought I could be a model. Did you always want to be a social worker?"
She genuinely wasn't trying to be nosy, but Tonya looked maybe five years older than her. And she was curious. "Oh, I'm not a social worker. I work closely with a few, but I'm studying to be a therapist, specializing in family dynamics and domestic violence."
"Why?"
"I-" she shifted uncomfortably against the leather of the booth they were seated in. "Because I went through something and realized I wanted better for myself. And to possibly help women who were in my shoes. It was all impulsive. One day I was working at a top firm, then the next, back in school."
"You look younger than me; I wouldn't even have guessed," Tonya said. The boy looked up at his mother, telling her through his eyes he wanted something. She held the cup down so he could suck through the straw.
Olivia nodded softly, then asked, "Why did you leave?"
"Why did you?" Tonya fired the question back at her.
"Well-" she was cut off by the incoming call from. "I have to take this" Olivia excused herself from the booth, taking the call outside.
"Abby, is Sydney alright?" there was a hint of panic in the question.
"He's fine. He's sleeping. But I need to be somewhere in the next hour, and I can't take the baby. I know you can't just leave work, but Angie isn't answering."
"Shit. Abby, I'm literally with a client. Okay, I'll call you right back." Olivia disconnected the call, immediately dialing Fitz's number. "C'mon, c'mon pick up. Oh my god. Fitz, can you do me a huge favor? I'm with a client, and Abby has something pressing so she can't take the baby with her. Will you please go get him? You're the only person I trust to drive with him."
"Livvie, breathe. Of course, I'll go get him." There was some slight shuffling in the background, then Fitz's voice flooded the phone again. "I'm heading out right now. I'll call when I'm there to let you know that I got him."
"Thank you again, Fitz. Get there safely." She called Abigail back to bring her up to date with the new plans.
By the afternoon, Olivia was back in the office. Fitz texted her an hour ago with an attached photo of him and Sydney chilling on the couch. Her nerves were considerably better now. Nevertheless, this morning's issue with Tonya's case was still pecking at her. Her job was clear; Provide therapy to the client. But she couldn't just leave it at that.
So she spent the rest of the afternoon contacting shelters and housing advocates. Using what power she had to get Tonya's name in the hands of someone who could help. It wasn't the most successful. Most were exactly what Amber had warned her about: Waiting list, programs, the worst of all is that Tonya still had no income under her belt. Thus the few options she had just got that much further away.
Quarter till six, Olivia was leaving Hope, exhausted and defeated, despite that she was still determined to help Tonya. She texted Fitz on her way out, letting him know she'd be on her way.
"Fitz?" Olivia used her spare key to get inside, the sun was setting over the house, and everything was quiet. She'd never known Sydney to be this calm and collected. At this hour, he would be cutting up and fussy.
The living room was empty, so she continued on to Fitz's bedroom. She opened the door, and her heart melted into a puddle of love. Fitz was knocked out on the bed, and her tiny baby was sleeping just as sound on top of his chest. One hand was on Sydney's back, the other cupping his head. Olivia pulled out her phone, snapping a couple of pictures.
The exasperation of today dissolved. She dropped her bag and kicked off her heels, climbing in bed. She laid her head on the side of Fitz's chest that Sydney wasn't taking up.
"Livvie," his raspy and sleepy voice filled the room.
"Honey, I'm home," She said with a sweet smile.
"That's nice to hear."
Fitz shifted so he could sit up without disrupting the sleeping fire alarm on his chest. Olivia sits up, too, resting against the headboard. She took his warm hand in hers.
"I love you, Fitz." Olivia's gaze found him as she looked up.
"I love you too, Livvie. You know that." he echoed.
A soft chuckle escaped her. "No, I love you, love you. Like stupidly, hopelessly in love with you."
His heart grew the size of ten, eyes widened, and the grip on her hand tightened the way his chest had when she declared it. It was something he'd never tire of hearing, but he'd be lying if he said he wasn't surprised. Happy but thoroughly surprised.
"I'm in love with you too, you and him," Fitz said.
"And I'm really grateful for you. I've always known I was lucky, but damn, it doesn't get any better than this." This time she pressed a brief kiss to his lips, and he reciprocated.
Feathery black laces fluttered as Sydney opened his eyes. His chubby cheeks grew as a smile spread across his face.
"I love you too, Porkchop," Fitz said.
Olivia waltzed about the kitchen, her boyfriend's shirt raising as her hips swayed. Dancing to the song in her heart. Strong hands engulfed her waist, and she was pulled against something hard. His chest. He breathed in her scent. Taking it in as he took in the morning sky. It was no earlier than 5 am; he knew that because he glanced at the stove clock. Naturally, she melted into his body heat, moaning as he nipped at her nape.
"Is the baby sleeping?"
"Sound, snug as a bug."
She spins around, and he takes her lips hostage. Raising her so that only the tips of her toes touched the white tiles. Fitz delves deep into the kiss, putting his absolute all into her. He's determined for her to feel him. In a quick motion, he lifts her over the height of the counter. Carrying her to the couch in the living room. Their bedroom was off-limits due to the sleeping infant.
She's bare in one swoop. For once, she's able to see herself through his eyes, and there isn't one inch of her that he doesn't worship. Miraculously, insecurity leaves her. Wetness pools in her eyes, it overwhelming being in the moment when one realizes they're being loved unconditionally. Fitz's hands explore her body, appreciating every insecurity, cherishing her. He cups her breast, taking the heavenly fruit into his mouth, sucking and kneading. Falling back on the couch, he pulls her down on top of his lap.
"God, I love it when…" the sentence breaks and floats in the air along with her moans.
He smiles against her flesh, kissing the valley between her breasts until he treads into new territory. The silky skin of the neck bumps up as his breath passes over it. She shudders, rocking her hips into him.
"Fitz"
"Yes, baby?"
"I want you to touch me," Olivia says, staring into his blues.
Fitz sticks his index and middle fingers into his mouth to lubricate them. It's insane how fast he sipped his fingers into her panties. Groping until his middle finger landed on her clit, Rubbing ferociously, she was almost there. He could tell by the desperation in her voice as she called out his name. The way her lower half ground against his fingers. The aggression in the way she held onto his hair for some sense of balance before falling over the edge of bliss.
"You came. I felt you," Fitz said. He gripped a handful of her hair, pulling her into another searing kiss. Standing with her in his lap. Olivia let her toes touch the carpet, the first feeling she felt in her legs.
"Want you inside of me," she murmured into his chest.
He didn't need to be told twice, laying her down on the couch while he fished a condom out of his pocket. The racy smirk that crossed his face attested that he'd had high hopes when he'd opened his eyes this morning.
As he rolled on the condom, Olivia took that as her cue, and she widened her legs for him to fit in between. He sunk into her warmth, moaning himself at the contact. She was the same woman he loved and had been intimate with for over a month, but something about the way their bodies danced today. It was a whole new meaning of love for him. Overwhelming enough that he paused his movement, just savoring the moment. Beautiful brown eyes stared back at him. Fitz moved slowly, drawing his hips back and forth in a pleasing way.
"Mhmm…just like that baby," with one arm wrapped around his neck and the other gripping his ass, pushing him further into her vagina. Every time he hit that sweet spot, she saw stars as if it was placed somewhere that only he could reach.
"I love you, I love you, I love," her chest rising and falling aggressively; Olivia chanted this over and over.
"I love you, too," Fitz gritted, thrusting and thrusting. He came to a grinding halt as his release approached. Stopping, he lifted off her, bringing his fingers down to stimulate her clit. Sending waves of pleasure through her like a tsunami. A moaning melody sang through her as her climax reached its breaking point.
"Ahhh, Fitzzz. Mhmmm."
"My god, you're beautiful."
Fitz thrust a total of three more times before exploding.
The sun was at the top of the sky, shining through the living room window, warming them. There hasn't been a peep from the baby since Olivia checked on him ten minutes ago. She squeezed back on the couch, basically sharing Fitz's skin. Facing his chest, appreciating her scent on him and his on her.
"We have to get up; I have to be at work in two hours. Then drop off Sydney to Angela." Olivia said.
"Don't"
She looked at him incredulously. "I can't play hooky with you, Fitz; I have clients and hours to fulfill."
"No. Don't take Syd to Angela. Leave him here. I'm more than capable of taking care of a baby. I work from home, I have more than enough time and patience to watch him. And after work, just come home to us."
"I- Fitz, if you're sure. You know I trust you."
"I'm sure," Fitz said, then pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I'm sure."
"Okay! Well, let me give you a key to my place. I need clothes if I'm gonna spend another weeknight here, and the baby needs diapers and the baby bath."
Fitz nodded as he stood scooping Olivia up bridal style. "Let's see if we can shower before-"
"-Before that," Olivia giggled as Sydney's whines interrupted them. "You get him while I shower." Hopping out of his arms.
This morning left a smile etched on her face. She couldn't break the thoughts of Fitz and the pleasure he inflicted. She knew this feeling. It was a familiar one but different in so many ways. The ache to get back to him was relentless. The desire to have his arms wrapped around her body or even watch him interact with her son. Olivia was in love. For weeks the sentiment lay dormant until last night when she couldn't hold it any longer.
This time she would allow herself to be happy and not feel guilty about it.
Still smiling, Olivia got out of her car. Cutting across the parking lot and into the grass. She's on her way to meet with her sociology professor, Dr. Kumar. When she turned the corner heading down the corridor, she found him standing with his arms crossed, glasses hanging on the edge of his nose. A quick glance at her watch explained his frown.
Olivia immediately switched over to apologetic student mode. "Sorry, I'm late. I had to find a babysitter, then I got stuck in traffic."
"Do you have the assignment? And the hour's sheet recording your progress?"
"All there," she vouched, handing him a large binder.
Professor Kumar moved sideways, allowing her entrance into his office. Before they began their meeting, he briefly skimmed through the data.
"How's the clinic? Is it challenging? I understand having a small child can complicate things-"
"It can be challenging, but that's any job. Especially on top of school and personal life regardless of a child. You can read about my performance; trust me, it'll be there if something isn't up to standards. Dr. Robinson wouldn't have it any other way."
"I trust you can handle it. I just don't want to saddle you with all this extra responsibility if it isn't absolutely necessary. We can get you in a shadowing program with less rigorous hours, as I've said from the beginning. There are still openings in the Lancor program, same work, different criteria. You'd still be helping people just in a more controlled setting…."
Olivia scooted to the edge of her seat "there is nothing controlled or easy about what these women go through. The clinic is the right fit; that's why I chose it. I don't doubt the other programs, but I'm where I want to be."
"I have another meeting. I'll have the next progress report here on time next week. Thank you, Dr. Kumar."
"You are very welcome, Miss Pope. And I expect to see you before next week," he pointed to the calendar, noting Friday's class.
"Right"
She has had it with people doubting her abilities. And using her child to prove some false narrative that she can't handle what's been given to her. It's exhausting having to prove oneself over and over again.
XXXXX
Mid-afternoon, Olivia was able to get to the clinic. She already had a couple of ideas in her mind about what she could do as far as Tonya's case. She just had to get them approved.
"There's nothing we can do at this point she went back to him. If she wants to try again, we'll accept her and provide resources and counseling. But for now, the case is closed with our office" Olivia heard Amber's voice from the hall. She went back.
She closed her eyes and cursed. If she's just held on longer, been more patient, Olivia could have really helped her. She believed that. It's what convinced her to go into the conference room.
Kate's expression was sorrowful; Olivia nodded and sat down. Where is Kim? She mused. Amber peered across the table then started re-explaining what Olivia had already overheard.
"We're not giving up, but we can't keep cases open if the client isn't cooperating. She willingly went back to a hostile situation." Amber's voice held a condemnatory tone that personally offended Olivia.
"She did what she thought was best for her, and even if we know, it wasn't. We shouldn't judge her for it. She came here with no money, nothing to her name. What would you do in that situation, Ms. Stevens?" Olivia asked with spite.
The look of smugness disappeared. Amber let out a nervous chuckle. "Well, it's fortunate we're not playing hypotheticals. I just came here out of courtesy. Ms. Charles' case will be discontinued. We don't gamble with clients; if she wants our help, she'll come back and follow the process." Amber bared her teeth, reminding Olivia that she could be cheeky.
"Thank you for your consideration" Kate smiled, extending her hand to shake Ambers.
Kate waved as Amber exited. Olivia closed her eyes and breathed in deep, letting the breath expel loudly.
"We don't discipline social workers. We don't antagonize them. Ms. Pope, I know this is your first internship, and Kimberley vouched for you, so I know you're serious about this work, but a huge part of this work is not letting people affect you. Ms. Charles' case is a difficult one, especially when there are children involved. But you, as her champion, have to know when to push boundaries. Picking fights with social workers isn't something we make a habit of. Don't do it again," Kate said.
"I apologize" Her tone suggested she was quote-unquote Sorry. But there was nothing behind her eyes suggesting sincerity.
"Why don't you get started on the closing paperwork."
Author note
Truly sorry, as I have left y'all to fend for yourselves. I hope y'all enjoy this chapter. Luckily it won't be another month and a half for the next chapters. Because I have already written them. I'm just proofreading at this point so I can have them up later this week.
Happy holidays to those who celebrate and happy regular day to those who don't
As always
Love and light- Skye-Anne
