Chapter 22. Back on Track
While living at Fitzgerald and Olivia's home, Maura sometimes wondered how she would feel if the time ever came, no, when the time came for her to re-enter the house she called home for the last 40 years. But she never bothered to prepare herself mentally or emotionally for an event that probably would not happen until sometime in the far and distant future. Well the future is tonight. The unexpected events of the evening precipitated the need for her to return to her former home much sooner than she anticipated.
As Maura slowly walks into the family room a tsunami of memories flood her mind, all stirring an array of melancholic feelings. As she glances around the space she thinks family room is the appropriate name for the space in which they spent so much time celebrating milestones and individual accomplishments, or just having fun as a family unit. Walking deeper into the space she thinks about the many lively discussions that took place in the room over the years. She thinks about the raucous voices during game night. She thinks about the whooping and howling by Gerry and the boys whenever they watched one of those silly wrestling matches on TV. Filled with a mix of emotions, she swipes her fingers across her cheek, removing the evidence of grieving for a time gone by.
Standing in the middle of the room, it appears as though nothing has changed in the five months since she has been gone. In fact, everything looks remarkably in order, pristine, almost frozen in time. She shakes her head because Gerry never lifted a finger to clean a thing in all of the years they were married. She wonders if he has hired a housekeeper. As she studies the room's décor, she can remember where each item of furniture was purchased, much of it from Feingold's Furniture Store. She looks over at the drapes, remembering the day she suddenly went out and bought the fabric to make them. She stayed up all night sewing those drapes because she was feeling sad and lonely, even though her husband was down the hall asleep in their bedroom. She chuckles mirthlessly to herself because weeks went by before anyone noticed the new drapes.
Sitting down, she runs her fingers across the small, wooden table positioned next to the chair, her chair. She crosses her legs and thinks about the many cups of tea she savored while sitting in this chair and reflecting on her life.
"What the?" She squeals, lurching forward and reaching behind her back, between the seat cushion and the back of the chair, to retrieve whatever is jabbing her in the backside.
"I'll take that", Gerry says, extending his hand to relieve her of one of Ethan's toys John apparently left the last time they visited. I guess I missed it when I was cleaning", he says somewhat sheepishly.
"May I have a sherry?" Handing her husband the toy as she leans back against the familiar cushion.
"Of course. Of course", Gerry sputters, setting the toy onto the coffee table before walking over to the well-stocked bar and pouring her favorite sherry into the small glassware. He hands his wife the etched crystal glass, sits onto the sofa across from her, and watches his wife with concern as she sips the fortified wine.
"What's going on, Maura? Why aren't you and Nora at Fitzgerald's?"
"It's complicated Gerry", shaking her head sadly as she lifts the glass to her lips.
Gerry furrows his brow, waiting for his wife to provide some detail.
"It's all a mess, Gerry. Our daughter is in trouble, she needs our help."
"What the hell is wrong with Nora? She hasn't stopped crying since she got here", eyeing his wife as she lowers the glass from her lips and sets it onto the wooden table.
"We did our daughter a disservice, Gerry. We let our problems affect her – emotionally."
Gerry has no clue what his wife is talking about because he did not even know they were having problems. And he groans silently because has heard more talk about emotions over the last five months than he has heard in his entire life.
"We've all been through a lot over the last few months", he says solemnly.
"Nora has some serious problems - emotional problems."
Gerry does not know where this conversation is going, but he senses he is going to need a stiff drink to deal with whatever his wife is about to tell him. He has not had a drink in weeks, and his body feels much better without the alcohol flowing in his system and clouding his thoughts. But tonight he needs to break the drought, so he walks over to the bar and pours himself a healthy amount of scotch. Holding the decanter in one hand and the glass in the other, he takes a long sip before sitting back onto the sofa.
"She has never felt loved by you, or by me for that matter. I know I didn't give her what she needed as a child."
Gerry takes another sip and runs his hand through his thick, white hair and sighs. Once again he feels like he is going to end up being the bad guy.
"She needed love and attention Gerry, but she never got it."
"You're talking in circles, Maura?" He says tiredly. "What does all of this have to do with you leaving Fitzgerald's?"
With tears stinging the back of her eyes, she looks away from her husband and tries to collect her thoughts.
"Fitzgerald threw us out tonight, Gerry."
"He did what?" Scooting to the edge of the sofa cushion and looking bug-eyed.
"Well, he wanted Nora to leave and I left with her."
"Why did he want Nora to leave?"
Getting information out of his wife has always been akin to pulling teeth.
"Fitzgerald found out tonight what I have suspected for some time. He does not want her around his family."
Gerry leans forward and listens intently as his wife relays the sordid details of their daughter's sexual proclivities. As he listens to his wife recount their daughter's sick behaviors, he can understand why his son no longer wants his sister around his family.
"How long has this – this nonsense been going on?" He asks in disgust.
"A long time, Gerry. Too long", Maura says sadly. "After she was – was caught at the center, we had a long talk about all of it."
"Well what did she say? Did she say why she does this – this thing?" Waving his large hands in the air.
"It's become a pattern I suppose."
Gerry walks over to the bar, pours another hefty drink, then walks over to the window and stares out into the night. He shakes his head in disbelief. No father wants to hear about his daughter doing those kind of lewd things with different men, and in public no less.
"Did we do this to her, Maura? Did we cause this – this thing in her?"
"I don't know, Gerry", Maura says wearily. "She doesn't even know why she does it. She just says it makes her feel good in the moment."
Gerry's mouth curls down in disgust.
"She does not know if she is doing it because she just enjoys having sex or if she is looking for love – looking for some kind of connection."
"What the hell do we do about this?" He asks with fatigue lacing his voice.
"She obviously needs help – professional help."
He nods and raises the glass to his lips as Maura lets out a heavy sigh.
"I'm exhausted, Gerry. Can we finish discussing this in the morning?"
Gerry nods, watching his wife sip the last of the sherry before taking the glass to the kitchen to wash. Gerry turns back to the window and stares out into the night, thinking about how his family has completely fallen apart. He wonders how they got to this place when he worked so hard to build the perfect family. Deep in thought, he is somewhat startled when he hears his wife's voice in the room again.
"I'm going upstairs to check on Nora."
He turns with drink in hand and nods as he looks into the sad eyes of his estranged wife.
"I'll be sleeping in the guest room", she says quickly.
His eyes darken and he grips the sweating glass tightly. In all of the years they have been married they have always shared the same bed when sleeping under the same roof.
XXX
It is early and the room is still dark because the sun has yet to rise, but Fitz lay awake with an arm hooked behind his neck and looking up at the ceiling. The events of last night weigh heavily on his mind, preventing him from finding any meaningful rest. He sighs when he thinks about how the evening started out on a high note. He taught his first course, which went really well once he got over the jitters of presenting to a group of bright, young community organizers. He answered a lot of off-topic questions and was feeling great by the end of the class. Actually, he was feeling energized until Marcella told him what his sister had been doing at the center.
"Do you regret your mother and Nora leaving?" Olivia asks, unable to sleep as well.
"No, it's my job to protect our family – what we have here. Besides, mom didn't have to leave. It was her choice."
Olivia turns onto her side and studies his profile, looking for any signs of regret.
"We gotta get back on track Liv", still staring at the ceiling. "Things have been so hectic around here since we got back from Mirage. We haven't had a lot of time just for us."
She nods.
"Mom moving in was a surprise – unexpected."
"We couldn't turn her away, Fitz."
"I know. Then Nora showed up", he shakes his head. "I should have sent her packing the night we caught her with that guy."
"We were trying to help, babe."
"I just want some damn normalcy around here for a change."
"Normal is overrated babe", running her hand up and down his chest. "Our lives are anything but normal right now - we have a lot going on. A new baby. The campaign. The foundation. It's a lot."
"We need to get away, just us and the kids."
"We can't possibly get away with everything that's going."
"Joan sent us some listings for the house in the mountains. We need to look at them and decide."
She nods again, still studying his profile.
"Win or lose, I want us to have the new place by the time the election is over."
"You're going to win, babe. I have confidence in my brilliant, handsome husband", pecking him on the tip of his nose.
"We can go up there for a couple of weeks. Relax. Swim. Do naughty things to each other", turning his head and giving her a devious smile.
"Celebrate Cee's birthday", running her thumb back and forth across his smiling lips.
"Has she mentioned her birthday again?"
"No. She doesn't have a real sense of time, babe. She has forgotten about it for now."
He nods slowly.
"Babe …"
"Hmmm?" Still thinking about everything that is going on in their lives.
"Have you noticed a difference in Cee since we brought JoJo home?"
He looks at her curiously, now laying face to face with his wife.
"Cena was used to having us – you - all to herself. Now she has to share you with JoJo."
"We discussed this with her", furrowing his brow.
"Babe, JoJo is a reality. She is not make-believe any more."
"So what are you saying?"
"I'm saying Cena is jealous, not that she understands her feelings. And, on some level she's feeling abandoned because you spend time with JoJo."
"What?"
"Haven't you noticed how she tries to jostle her way onto your lap whenever you're holding JoJo?"
He frowns as he thinks for a moment.
"Haven't you noticed how she now only wants you to read her bedtime story? Not that I'm complaining about not having to read Goodnight Moon."
"So what do we do?"
Olivia arches a brow and cocks her head slightly to the side.
"You mean what do you do?" Jabbing her index finger on his shoulder. "She's attached to you. You're the one with the S on your chest." And he rolls his eyes.
"I never want Cena to feel like I've abandoned her", he says sincerely.
"I know."
"I hate that this campaign is taking up so much of my time."
"Only a few more months before you're president."
"I'm glad you're so confident that I'm going to win."
"Take Cena out, just the two if you, for a daddy-daughter date."
He nods, thinking about where to take his four-year-old daughter.
"Maybe bike riding. She'll like that.
He nods slowly, looking into his wife's eyes.
"Okay, we'll go bike riding on Saturday."
"And buy her some ice cream. She'll think she's getting away with something if you give her ice cream when I'm not around."
He nods again, pulling her close and kissing her forehead. And, within a few minutes they are both sound asleep.
XXX
Maura peeks into Nora's bedroom, who is still curled into a ball and sleeping, so she gently closes the door and walks downstairs to the kitchen to start breakfast. As she descends the stairs, she feels somewhat sad because it seems like she is right back where she was five months ago. She feels like all of the progress she made has disintegrated into a thousand little pieces. But she quickly dismisses the thoughts because this is not the time for her to be selfish. She cannot think about the new life she had begun to build because she now has to think about her daughter. She has to think about getting Nora the help she needs to become healthy.
When Maura walks to the kitchen she is surprised to see her husband standing at the stove with a dish towel draped over his left shoulder. Apparently he is cooking breakfast.
"Good morning", she says sheepishly, as she stands barely inside the doorway. For some reason she feels like a visitor in her own home.
Gerry turns from the stove and gives her a look she cannot quite read.
"Good morning", he says with a slight smile.
"Something smells delicious", walking into the kitchen.
"Hot water for your tea", waving the spatula in the direction of the whistling tea kettle.
"Thank you", moving effortlessly in her kitchen and retrieving her favorite mug from the over-the-counter cabinet.
She opens the tin containing her favorite tea bags and feels somewhat sad as she thinks about the welcome basket Fitzgerald sent on her first day of work at the foundation.
"Breakfast will be ready in a minute", Gerry says, shaking her from her reverie.
"When did you learn to cook?" She asks with surprise.
"I've only watched the best cook prepare our meals for 45 years", giving her the Grant smile she used to love.
"Well you never showed any signs of knowing how to cook all of these years", she says with a slight edge in her voice.
"Sit down Maura", he says, sensing an argument is brewing.
Maura sighs, takes her seat, and blows onto the surface of the hot tea.
"Is Nora coming down for breakfast?" He asks, setting her usual breakfast of two eggs over light, two strips of bacon, and one slice of lightly buttered rye toast.
"She is still sleeping", looking in awe at the wonderful breakfast set before her. And, for some reason she loses her appetite. Her change in demeanor does not go unnoticed by her husband.
"What is it, Maura? What's on your mind?"
"Our daughter –"
"It's not Nora", he interrupts. "Well, it's not just Nora", he self-corrects. "After 45 years I think I know a something about you."
"Were you ever happy in our marriage? Be honest, Gerry." She looks at him holding the steaming cup of tea mid-air.
He runs a hand through his thick hair and lets out a heavy sigh. He had a feeling their marriage was going to be a topic of discussion this morning.
"Happy? What the hell is happy, Maura?" If happy is having a family and doing your best for them, then yes, I was happy. If happy is watching your children grow up and start their own lives with their own families, then yes, I was happy."
He throw his hands up in frustration and Maura looks at him, surprised by his outburst.
"You get married because that's the thing to do. You have children, because that's the thing to do. You stay married until you die, because that's the thing to do. That's what my parents did."
"We weren't your parents, Gerry. I never wanted to be like your parents, or my parents for that matter. I always wanted more."
"What the hell did you want, Maura? God knows I don't know what you want."
"I wanted a husband. I wanted a partner. I wanted a friend. I wanted a career. And yes, I wanted a lover."
Gerry's eyes widened and his nostrils flare.
"I was dying here - in our home - Gerry", looking around the kitchen. "If I hadn't left this place I would have died. Maybe not a physical death, but I would have been dead nonetheless."
"So what does this mean for us? Do you want to throw everything away – after 45 years?"
She looks at him blankly and twists her wedding rings.
"I don't know what you want me to do, Maura", looking at the woman he feels he no longer knows.
"That's just it, Gerry. I don't want you to do anything. I have - had what I wanted. I had a job, a job doing something that made a difference – that made me happy."
Gerry studies his wife's beautiful face for a long time, thinking it is time he put all of his cards on the table too.
"You know I could've walked away too, Maura. A long time ago."
She looks at him in surprise because it never occurred to her that he too might have wanted to walk away at some point in their marriage.
"Don't look surprised, Maura. I never acted on it, but I had a chance for this thing called happy you keep talking about", sitting down and tossing the towel onto the table. "But my family – my commitment to you and the kids – was always more important than some fantasy."
She nods and stares at him blankly.
"Many of our friends did just that – walked away from their families – away from their wives, away from their children, away from their commitments. And you saw the effects it had on their families. Hell, Andy left Patty and she could barely support herself and those five kids after he was gone. She had nothing. If it weren't for the help she got from us and our friends … "
"The kids got out of control. Todd got on drugs and Jennifer got pregnant at 14 for God's sake", running his fingers through his white mane again.
"Andy thought he was leaving for something better – for a happy life. But he left his family devastated. And when he came back years later, when his happy ran out on him – well you know the story. So if that's what happiness is then count me out."
"It's not a binary option Gerry", she shouts in frustration. "Couples can be committed to each other – to their family – and have fulfilling careers", Maura says sadly.
XXX
After getting a few hours of sleep Fitz left the house to meet Councilman Moton to discuss the upcoming community meeting. Olivia got up shortly after he left to feed Jolie and get Cena ready for school. She then called Abby and asked her to meet at the park after she dropped Cena off at school. She needs another perspective on what happened last night with their in-laws.
"I hate to say I told you so, but I told you so", Abby smirks as the two women push their baby strollers around the park.
"I just don't understand her, Abbs. I kind of feel sorry for Nora. She obviously has some serious emotional problems", staring down the pathway as the sun warms her face.
"I always knew something was wrong with that woman - toxic", Abby says unsympathetically.
Olivia nods.
"Olivia, you can't get stressed about someone else's poor decisions - Nora is not your problem. Gerry and Maura helped to create whatever is going on with her, they have to fix it."
"I suppose", she says absently. Still wondering if she and Fitz did the right thing.
"They should've left your home a long time ago. Did they think they were going to live with you and Fitzgerald forever?"
"I really enjoyed having them around, Abby."
"I know. I know. They're the family you never had. And you should thank god you never had a family like that."
Olivia frowns as they walk in silence for a few more minutes.
"When Fitz and I first started dating he took me to the family game night. Once a month, as ordered by Gerry of course, whoever was available would come to the Grants and play all sorts of board games."
"I'm glad I missed that era", Abby snorts and rolls her eyes.
"I thought they were the greatest family – big, loud, loving, competitive ..."
"Everything isn't always as it appears, Olivia."
"It was the kind of family I always wanted to be a part of", she says with a hint of sadness in her voice. "Sure, Gerry could be a bit overbearing at times, but they all seemed to be happy, including Maura."
"You saw what you wanted to see, Olivia. That mother was the biggest pretender of all. I spotted the phoniness right away and told Jonathan I wasn't going to pretend to be part of that 1950s Cleavers-like family."
Olivia smiles at her feisty friend and wonders how John tolerates Abby's sharp tongue.
"You have an idyllic and romanticized perception of what it's like growing up in a large family. Well trust me, there's nothing ideal about having to share everything, about never having enough of anything, and never having a place of your own – a place where you could be alone with your own thoughts. There was always someone around in that small, tight house I lived in as a kid. Be grateful you didn't have to deal with that."
Each consumed by thoughts of their childhood stroll in silence along the winding path, listening to the chirping birds and inhaling the odoriferous scent of the blooming flowers.
"So how is Fitzgerald dealing with having to throw his sister and mother out into the streets in the middle of the night?"
"You know it wasn't like that Abby", rolling her eyes at her friend and sister-in-law.
"Well you gave him the green light to do it."
"I just couldn't tolerate Nora's behavior any longer. I am so disappointed in her."
"So how is Fitzgerald handling it?"
"Well, he's very busy with the campaign right now and transitioning responsibilities at the office to Geoffrey."
"How does he feel about having to step away from his business if he wins?"
"When he wins", smiling at Abby who now rolls her eyes. "I'm sure it will be difficult. He's worked very hard over the years to build that business. The law says the business would pose a conflict of interest if he becomes city council president."
"That sucks."
They stroll around the duck pond, enjoying the scenery and smiling at the toddlers running around and testing their newfound independence. Ethan gurgles and kicks his legs wildly and Jolie continues to sleep, as she has been doing since they dropped Cena off at school.
"JoJo is such a good baby, Abby. She sleeps a lot though", peeking in the stroller at her baby girl who has not budged since they left the house to meet Abby. "Sometimes I just want to pinch and wake her."
"You better enjoy this time while you can, Olivia. Soon she'll be wide awake all of the time and demanding your attention along with Cena."
"Cena's a daddy's girl, Abby."
"How is she handling having to share daddy with her little sister?"
"Actually she's having a hard time. She competes with JoJo for Fitz' attention. I don't think she understands what it means to have a sibling around all of the time."
Abby gives her a look of concern.
"Fitz didn't seem to be aware of it. He's just so busy."
"Well you better keep your eyes on this and make him aware of Cena's feelings. They became so close while you were away."
"I know."
XXX
Olivia sits on her husband's lap in the study as they discuss the voters' skepticism about him. Polling data show the voters are not sure if they can trust him because he seems to have come out of nowhere and handpicked by the establishment.
"I don't feel like I'm winning anyone over at those town halls, Liv."
"You just have to learn about what's important to them. Talk to them in their language."
"I've never been to any of those communities until I decided to run for office. They can see right through me."
"Give it some time babe", running her hand through his hair. "How is the transition going with Geoffrey?"
"Better than I expected", he says solemnly.
The timbre of his voice causes her to eye him with concern.
"Aww babe, are you having second thoughts about turning over the keys to the kingdom to Geoffrey?"
"I didn't think it would be so hard letting go."
"It won't be forever", wrapping her arms around his neck and giving him a smile and a quick peck on the lips. He quickly turns the peck into a make-out fest, sliding his tongue into her mouth, roaming his warm hand under her blouse, and caressing a leaking breast.
"JoJo is a very lucky girl", he mumbles through the kisses.
She turns and straddles him, roaming his mouth with her tongue. He slides a hand down the front of her yoga pants and she begins to ride it slowly.
"How much longer?" He asks breathlessly, sliding the blouse down her shoulders.
"Mmm", grinding harder and getting caught up in the pleasure.
"How much longer?" He repeats desperately.
"One week – seven days", kissing him and grinding rhythmically on his hand.
"Are you sure?" Trailing wet, open-mouthed kisses down her throat.
"Dr. Perry appointment ... next week", getting lost in the feelings.
He unsnaps the front of the navy blue nursing bra and bends his head to suckle. She glides her fingers through his curls and guides him to her breast when suddenly, ear-shattering wails jolt them from their afternoon of passion. Panting heavily, they stop and look at each other with concern in their eyes because they have never heard this kind of ear-piercing screams from their bundle of joy. Olivia jumps off his lap and sprints from the study with her unbuttoned blouse flapping open and revealing an exposed nipple. With Fitz close on her heels they encounter Hildie standing at the foot of the staircase with a look of concern etched on her face.
"What's wrong, ma'am? Is she not feeling well?" Hildie asks anxiously as she takes in their disheveled appearance.
Olivia and Fitz run up the stairs with Hildie following closely behind. In the nursery they find a red-faced Jolie with fists tightly clenched and feet kicking wildly. Fear once again flash in Olivia's eyes as Jolie's blood-curdling cries fill the room. She quickly checks the diaper, which is dry. Then she picks up a screaming Jolie from the crib, who quickly stiffens her body and cries louder. Fitz touches the squirming baby's forehead with the back of his hand.
"I'll get the thermometer", Hildie says, rushing across the room and grabbing the thermometer and petroleum jelly from the top of the dresser.
Olivia lay Jolie face down in the crib, removes her diaper, and carefully inserts the thermometer. And Jolie screams louder.
"She doesn't have a fever", Olivia says, handing Fitz the thermometer who in turn passes it to Hildie.
"Maybe she's hungry", he says over Jolie's cries.
Olivia sits in the rocker and offers Jolie her exposed nipple, but Jolie only screams louder. After trying to console the crying baby for over an hour, Fitz reaches into his pocket.
"I'm calling Dr. Jordan. Something's wrong with her", running a hand through his already tousled hair.
Olivia and Hildie give him a nod of approval.
XXX
"Welcome to the world of colic", Dr. Jordan says with a smile, although having a colicky baby is nothing to smile about.
"Colic?" Olivia says in shock, rocking Jolie who has finally decided to take a break from crying.
"Cena didn't have colic", Fitz says quickly.
"Every child is different, Fitz", Dr. Jordan says.
"What causes colic?" Olivia asks, worry lacing her voice.
"It's a mystery, Olivia. Colic is uncontrollable crying in an otherwise healthy baby. A baby is considered colicky if she is younger than five months old and cries for more than three consecutive hours, on three or more days a week, and for at least three weeks.
Olivia and Fitz nod.
"Colic isn't a disease and won't cause Jolie any long-term harm, but it's a tough thing to go through for her and the rest of the family. Be prepared if you cannot comfort Jolie no matter what you try."
They look at the doctor with concern.
"You should be prepared for Jolie to repeat the awful crying or fussiness around the same time every day."
Olivia and Fitz look at each with wide eyes.
"Take this diary and track her crankiness. Once you have tracked her crying pattern you can be better prepared to try and soothe her and the family."
XXX
Jolie cried the entire ride home from Dr. Jordan's office. Fitz turned on smooth jazz, spa music, and even tried hard rock in an effort to soothe his crying daughter, but of course nothing helped. When they walk through the door with a crying Jolie, Hildie and Cena are standing in the foyer waiting.
"What's wrong with our baby?" Hildie asks with concern.
"She has colic", Olivia says, rocking Jolie in her arms.
"Poor baby", Hildie says, stroking Jolie's tear-stained cheek with the back of her hand.
"Take her back to the hospital daddy", Cena screams while cupping her hands over her ears, trying to block out Jolie's crying. Fitz and Olivia look at each other in surprise.
XXX
Now that Jolie has decided to give herself and the family a break from her crying, and Cena has been tucked into bed after Fitz has read her favorite bedtime story, Olivia and Fitz collapse onto their bed, exhausted from the day's activities.
"I didn't think she would ever stop crying tonight", Olivia says, as she rubs her favorite lotion on her hands. Fitz slides his tablet from the nightstand to review his notes for the upcoming town hall.
"I'm sure she's just as miserable as we are Liv", looking down at his tablet.
"I'm just saying Fitz", looking at him curiously as she climbs into bed. "Babe …" Lifting her tablet from her nightstand.
"Hmm?" Focusing on his speech.
"School will be out in a few weeks. We need to think about what we want to do with Cena for the summer."
"What do you mean?"
"She needs to do something that is special, something that's just for her."
Fitz looks at his wife with puzzlement spread across his face.
"We talked about this Fitz, before JoJo was born."
"So what do you suggest? What do we do for her?"
"Well, you know she's high energy and likes to dance – always twisting and turning all over the place."
He smiles.
"I called a dance and gymnastics school in the city. I had an appointment to meet with the school's director to discuss the program, but I went into labor earlier than I expected."
"I didn't know you were looking into dance schools."
"You've been a little busy lately."
He frowns as he listens to his wife.
"Cee needs a break from everyone fawning over her baby sister. Enrolling her in a dance class will give her an opportunity to have something of her own, and meet new friends", she adds quickly.
"Do you think she will like it?"
"I do."
He nods slowly, pondering everything his wife has said.
"Okay, when do we go check out this school?"
"Next week."
XXX
Three days have passed since Jolie was diagnosed with colic and the crying does not seem to be subsiding at all. She has been crying nonstop for the past two hours and Olivia cannot do anything to calm her. She is at her wits end and Fitz cannot provide her any respite from the incessant crying because he is attending a luncheon this afternoon with Councilmen Johnson and Moton. As she paces back and forth in the family room trying to soothe Jolie, her phone rings, and she smiles when she sees Colin O'Donnell's name display on the screen.
"Hi Colin", trying to speak over Jolie's screams.
"Olivia, it sounds like you have your hands full."
"I do. The baby is colicky and nothing I do will calm her."
"I understand. My wife and I went through it with two of our children. It's hell, but it will stop as mysteriously as it started."
"I can't wait", shifting Jolie to her other shoulder. "Hold on a minute Colin, I want o take Jolie in the next room so we can talk."
Olivia sets the phone onto the table next to the sofa and walks into the kitchen in search of Hildie.
"Hildie, can you please take Jolie for a few minutes? I'm on the phone and I can't hear a thing with her crying."
"Of course ma'am", quickly standing from the island and walking over to the sink to wash her hands.
XXX
"Sorry, Colin. I'm back now", plopping onto the sofa.
"No problem, Olivia. I'm calling to let you know we'll be installing new plumbing in the last six houses over the next two weeks."
"That's terrific Colin", she says with a big smile. "We're helping to change the quality of life for a lot of people."
"You should be proud of yourself for getting the funding to finance this project, Olivia. It wasn't cheap to replace all of that old lead plumbing."
"A lot of good people made this project happen Colin", she says somewhat sadly, thinking about Marla.
"Well, I just wanted to give you an update. The formal report is in the mail. Call me when you're ready to go over and visit some of the homes – to talk with the residents about their satisfaction with with the work we've done."
"Will do. Oh – and Colin – thank you for the flowers. They are absolutely beautiful."
"You're welcome, Olivia. Take care."
As she disconnects the call, she realizes she does not hear Jolie screaming. She smiles in relief and takes this time of quiet to call Mona and check on the progress of the renovations at the foundation.
XXX
"Hello Mona", she says, leaning back against the sofa cushion.
"Olivia, it is so good to hear from you. How are you and that beautiful baby doing?"
"I'm fine, Mona. A little tired, though. Jolie is colicky and none of us is getting much rest around here these days."
"Poor baby", Mona says sympathetically.
"Was that intended for me or Jolie?"
And the women burst out in laughter. They both miss their daily talks at the office.
"And how are you doing, Mona?"
"I'm fine. Just trying to get used to working from home. I miss our little office, Olivia."
"Me too, but Fitz convinced me it's going to be a much better space once the renovations are complete. That's the only thing that keeps me sane."
"I understand. We have a lot of good memories in that office. But Fitz is right, the renovations are going to make for a much more efficient workspace. By the way, we have to meet soon to discuss paint colors, finishes for cabinets and shelves, and flooring. We also have to select new furniture – desks, chairs …"
"Wow. I haven't thought about any of that, Mona."
"I didn't want to bother you with those details until after you had some time to settle in at home with Jolie. But the designer says we have to get the order in by the end of next week if we want to have any chance of completing this project on schedule."
"Okay. Why don't you bring over all of the samples next Thursday and we can make the selections and submit them to the designer."
"OK. I'll see you next week – and take care of that beautiful baby", Mona smiles as she disconnects the call.
XXX
Olivia left JoJo home with Fitz so she could go to her post-delivery checkup with Dr. Perry and run a few errands while she is out. Fitz sits at his desk in the study trying to finalize the transition plan for Geoffrey when once again the unmistakable odor of Jolie's full diaper wafts through the room. JoJo has had diarrhea all day and this time she has made a mess of the blanket and her socks.
"Not again JoJo", walking over to his daughter who has a pained expression on her face.
This will be the third time he has changed his baby girl since Olivia left the house this morning. And, running up and down the stairs to the nursery to clean and change JoJo has gotten old.
"Come on Jo, let's do this again", scrunching his face as he bends down and picks up his daughter with the weighted-down diaper.
Fitz carries Jolie and the soiled blanket to the kitchen and lay her on the granite island top and removes the soiled onesie, diaper, and socks. He drops the soiled diaper into the trash bin, along with her pink onesie, socks, and blanket, and carries Jolie over to the large copper farmhouse sink. He fills the sink with a few inches of warm water and places Jolie into the sink.
"This makes more sense doesn't, JoJo?"
Jolie kicks her feet wildly and gurgles, also happy to have her soiled diaper removed.
"Maybe you should just stay in the sink, JoJo, until this diarrhea business over? Would you like that?"
He reaches for a cup in the dish rack, scoops a cupful of the water, and pours it over Jolie's round stomach. She squirms and kicks her feet, splashing water over her father's tee shirt. He scoops another cup of water and drizzles it over Jolie's chubby legs and she coos and smiles.
XXX
After leaving Dr. Perry's office Olivia drove over to the Springfield Heights community center to meet with Marcella. Bringing the car to a stop on the parking lot's crumbling asphalt, she reclines her seat and reflects on her appointment with Dr. Perry before going in to see Marcella.
Flashback
"Olivia, six weeks for recovery is just an estimate. Some women need more time to heal from the bruising, swelling, and sore muscles."
She nods, wringing her hands on her lap.
"Are you still doing the sitz baths?"
"Yes, a couple of times a day."
Dr. Perry nods and types notes in her chart.
"Are you experiencing any cramping?"
"Some – a little", she says softly.
"Well, that's normal. You might continue to have mild cramping as your uterus slowly contracts back to its usual size, shape, and position."
She nods again.
"And how is Jolie taking to breastfeeding?"
"She has a voracious appetite. I'm producing a lot of milk."
"Good. Good. Are you having problems with engorgement?"
"Only if I forget to take my pump when I go out for several hours."
"I see", typing more notes into her chart.
Dr. Perry finishes typing the notes, removes his spectacles, and sits back in his chair.
"Well Olivia, everything seems to be going according to schedule. Although you're healing nicely, you still have some swelling and bruising. Therefore, I highly recommend you refrain from intercourse for another two weeks - at least. You need to give your body more time to properly heal."
She nods as she thinks about her husband.
"Any questions?" He smiles kindly.
"No. I think you covered everything. Thank you, Dr. Perry."
"Good. Stop at the front desk on your way out and make another appointment for two weeks."
End Flashback
Olivia thinks about how grumpy Fitz has been lately, and it is not just because of what happened with his mother and Nora. It has been two months since they have made love and his tension is building. Although he is always so thoughtful and understanding about the need for them to wait until she has fully recovered from the delivery, she knows he is going to explode if he does not get some loving soon. She smiles as she recalls him telling her before they got married that he likes lots and lots of sex.
Staring at the graffiti-covered building, she sighs and sets aside her husband's libido and thinks about the day she came here to ask Marcella to hire Nora. She shakes her head at the memory because little did she know a few months later she would be back here to apologize for her sister-in-law's behavior. She reaches across the console and grabs her purse from the passenger seat and slides from behind the steering wheel. As she walks down the hall toward Marcella's office, she glances into the community room where she sees the beautiful, but unfinished, colorful mural. She shakes her head as she proceeds to Marcella's office.
"Mrs. Grant", Marcella says in surprise. She is truly shocked to see Mrs. Grant standing in the doorway.
"Hello Marcella", giving Marcella an uncomfortable smile. "May I come in?"
"Of course. Of course. Have a seat", standing from behind her desk.
"Thank you", nervously glancing around the small office as if this is her first visit.
"Congratulations, Mrs. Grant. I hear you have another beautiful baby girl", giving the woman a genuine smile as she sits back onto her chair.
"Thank you, Marcella."
"Well, you look wonderful. You don't even look like you had a baby. Whenever I have a baby I will probably be as big as a house."
"Thank you, and you'll be fine whenever you're ready", trying to continue the small talk.
Once the social pleasantries are over, the two woman look at each other uncomfortably.
"Marcella ..." Olivia begins.
"I know why you're here, Mrs. Grant", putting up her hand to halt Olivia's apology. "It's not necessary."
"I'm sorry I haven't gotten here before now, but so much has been happening lately. Jolie has colic."
"Is that the baby's name? That's such a beautiful name", Marcella smiles dreamily.
"Thank you. But Marcella, I owe you an apology – for my sister-in-law."
"What she did is not your fault, Mrs. Grant."
"You're being kind, Marcella. I asked you to hire Nora and she came here and disrespected you and the center. I had no idea …"
"It's all water under the bridge", Marcella smiles politely. She really likes Mrs. Grant.
"Well, my offer still stands. I will still pay for someone to help you around here."
Marcella turns her head slightly, giving Olivia a doubtful look.
"Anyone of your choice", Olivia adds quickly.
"That's kind of you Mrs. Grant, but we are fine around here now."
Olivia looks at Marcella with a new level of respect for the young woman.
"How is Amir? I saw the mural."
"He hasn't been around since …"
"I see", Olivia says.
"He just needs some time away", Marcella says sadly.
Olivia nods and begins to stand.
"And Marcella if you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to call me. I mean that, okay?" She says sincerely.
"OK."
The two women give each other a final smile before Olivia turns to leave.
"Oh - Mrs. Grant", Marcella calls out, stopping Olivia in her tracks. "Your husband, Mr. Grant, he's really something. The organizers love him. They can't wait for his next class."
XXX
When Olivia returns home from trying to make things right with Marcella, she hears Fitz talking and Jolie gurgling. She smiles at the sounds as she walks into the kitchen, but stops suddenly when she sees her husband bathing their infant daughter in the copper farmhouse sink.
"What on earth are you doing?" She asks in disbelief.
"Bathing JoJo", he says as if it is the most natural thing in the world to do. "She hasn't gotten over the diarrhea so we thought the sink would be better than running up and down the stairs."
"Aww JoJo", Olivia says, walking over to the sink. And JoJo begins to cry when she hears her mother's voice. "Is that bad diarrhea still bothering you? Come to mommy", pushing Fitz aside so she can save her crying daughter from further embarrassment.
Fitz reaches into the drawer and pulls out a large kitchen towel so Olivia can dry Jolie.
"Oh my god Fitz, it smells awful in here. Did you put the soiled diaper in the kitchen trash bin?"
"I did", leaning against the sink and folding his arms across his chest.
Olivia looks into the trash bin and scrunches her face when the powerful odor makes contact with her nostrils.
"Did you throw away her clothes too?" Looking at him in disbelief as she holds a dripping Jolie close to her chest.
"They couldn't be saved, Liv. JoJo has some powerful poop."
She shakes her head and closes the trash bin.
"Put that trash bag into the bin out back", walking quickly to the foyer carrying Jolie who is wrapped only in the kitchen towel. Olivia knows she has to make quick time to get to the diaper bag and put a diaper on Jolie before she lets loose again.
After dressing Jolie in a new onesie and socks, Olivia places the smiling baby in her father's waiting arms.
"Take JoJo, I'm going to pick up Cee from school."
XXX
As soon as her car seat is unbuckled, Cena takes off running, leaving her mother in the driveway to bring her backpack into the house.
"Daddy. Daddy", Cena yells, running down the foyer and to the study holding a flapping sheet of paper in her hand.
"Cena. Shush", Fitz says, bringing his index finger to his lips trying to quiet his excited daughter. "Lower your voice. JoJo is sleeping."
Cena looks at her father who resumes pacing around the study, holding Jolie close to his chest. Cena drops her head and walks from the study and into the kitchen where she finds her mother looking into the refrigerator.
"Did you show daddy the picture you made for him?"
Silence.
Setting various foodstuff onto the counter to prepare for dinner, Olivia looks over at her daughter who has not responded to her question.
"Cee, did you show daddy his picture?"
"No", she says sadly, setting the sheet of paper with a caricature of her father onto the island.
"Why not?" Looking at her daughter curiously.
"Daddy said shush", she says softly, and Olivia nods.
"Would you like to help me prepare dinner until daddy is ready to look at his picture? I'm making tacos", Olivia says in a sing-sing voice, trying to cheer up her daughter.
"No", Cena says, folding her arms across her chest and poking out her bottom lip.
XXX
Councilmen Moton and Johnson and Congressman Phillip Guildford have joined Fitz at his small campaign office to discuss his upcoming community event. Fitz sits behind the desk holding a print-out of the latest polling data, Councilmen Moton and Johnson sit in the small, metal chairs situated in front of the desk, and Congressman Guildford stand next to the window. The congressman clears his throat, signaling Darius to get to the matter at hand. Getting the hint, Darius shifts in his seat before bringing up what he knows is going to be a sensitive topic for their candidate.
"Fitz …" Darius begins, shifting in his chair again.
"Mhm", still reading the polling data.
"You need to bring Olivia to some of these events."
"Why?" Not looking up from the pages of polling data.
"She'll make you more …"
"More what?" Now looking up from the sheets of paper.
"More – well more likable."
"Likable? You mean I'm not likable?" Tightly gripping the papers in his hand.
"You're likable enough Fitz", Johnson says.
"Likable enough? What the hell does that mean?" Tossing the latest polling results onto the desk.
"You're all facts and figures Fitz", Darius says.
"And a little distant – cold", Johnson says. "You've been uptight lately."
"Distant?" Looking at the men with his mouth hanging open.
"Don't forget cold", the congressman reminds him from across the room and Fitz rolls his eyes. "You've not been yourself lately Fitz and the voters are picking up on it."
"People want to see you as a trustworthy, believable, and warm family man", Darius says.
Trying to mask the hurt, he stares at the three men as he leans back in the chair and plants his foot on the edge of the desk.
"A lot of people know and love Olivia", Congressman Guildford says, sliding the handkerchief from his pocket and dabbing his glistening forehead.
"Just give it some thought Fitz", Darius says.
XXX
"You're home early tonight", looking up from her tablet when she hears her husband enter their bedroom.
He snatches his tie from around his neck and tosses it somewhere across the room and his jacket soon follows. Olivia's mouth falls open and she removes her eyeglasses as she watches him storm across the room, throwing his clothes everywhere.
"What's the matter? What happened?" She asks anxiously.
With his thin lips set in a hard line, he removes his watch and tosses it onto her vanity table, then unbuttons his shirt at the wrists.
"Fitz …" She calls to him as she climbs from the bed.
"I'm cold." He says in frustration, snatching off his shirt.
"Should I turn on the heat?" She asks in confusion, and he rolls his eyes as he steps out of his pants, leaving them on the floor.
"I'm taking a shower", pulling his tee shirt over his head and flinging it across the room as he walks into the bathroom.
Olivia's eyes follow the white tee shirt as it sails through the air and lands on the floor by the window. She scrunches her face wondering what has him so upset. A few moments later she hears the water in the shower.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Stepping into the shower where he is letting the water beat down on his bent head.
"I'm distant."
"What?"
She has no idea what he is talking about. But when he looks at her with those sad, blue eyes she just wants to make everything better for him. She steps closer and wraps an arm around his waist and pulls him to her.
"Darius, Phil, and Johnson say I'm not connecting with the voters because I'm cold – distant."
And she bursts out laughing, bringing her hand to her face. He tries to pull away because she is only making matters worse.
"Aww babe", wrapping both arms around his waist and locking him close to her. "Is that what has you so upset?"
He continues to sulk as the water beats down onto his back.
"They just don't know you the way I know you. You're not cold at all. In fact …" She says seductively as she runs her knee up and down his manhood. "You're very, very hot", slowly brushing her lips across his.
"Liv ..."
He closes his eyes as she continues to stroke him with her knee. She reaches down and wraps her hand around him and pumps life into him.
"So very hot", she says, squatting in front of him and taking his hardness into her mouth.
He stumbles back against the wall and instinctually begins to pump slowly into her mouth. It feels like it has been years. It feels like heaven. She bobs her head up and down and he runs a hand through her wet hair that has begun to curl.
"Livvie …" Moaning in pleasure. He has waited for so long.
She cups his sac and squeezes gently as she slowly glides her wet her mouth from shaft to tip.
"Oh my god. Just like that", pressing her head closer.
She runs her tongue around the head and he flinches from the sensation, rolling his head from side to side against the shower wall.
"It feels so good, Liv. Can you?"
She shakes her head from side to side.
"Can I?"
She nods slowly as she sucks him with ferocity, running her tongue up and down his length. She flattens her tongue onto the head and he thrusts deep into her mouth. He thrusts and thrusts and thrusts and his buttocks tighten as he shoots his seed down her throat. Holding her head close, he moans out in pleasure as he continues to flow into her mouth.
Giddy from the sensation, his thighs tremble and he collapses against the shower wall. She releases him from her mouth, stands to her feet, and allows the water to pulsate over her face and into her mouth. He reaches over and adjusts the water to one of their favorite settings and pulls her close.
"I love you more than anything", he smiles brightly as his hands travel down and caress her plump butt. The fever has been broken.
"I love you too. Now, tell those councilmen you're neither cold nor distant."
With the goofiest smile spread across his face, he cups her face and kisses her deeply.
XXX
When Olivia walks toward the kitchen the next morning, she smiles when she smells breakfast cooking and hears Cena laughing and Fitz whistling a tune.
"What's so funny baby girl?" Kissing Cena on the cheek.
"Daddy teach me to whistle", she giggles again. "Watch mommy."
Cena puts her lips together and blows, but only spit comes out, spraying across the room, and she laughs out loud again.
"I think you need a little more practice Cee", tousling her daughter's hair as she peeks at Jolie who is sleeping in the carrier on top of the island. Thank goodness, Olivia says to herself as she walks over to the stove where Fitz is cooking.
"Good morning babe", giving him a peck on the lips.
He pulls her around the waist and sticks his tongue in her mouth and she scrapes her nails through the hairs at the nape of his neck. He backs her against the wall and they get lost in the moment, kissing and stroking each other with intensity. Cena tries to whistle and once again and bursts out in laughter, breaking her parents out of their morning tongue fest.
"Somebody's in a good mood this morning", smiling up at her husband.
"That's because I'm in love, with an incredible woman", showing every tooth in his mouth as he smiles brightly.
"And don't ever forget it", she says playfully.
"Sit down and I'll get your breakfast", sneaking another kiss.
As he quickly scrambles the eggs and sets two strips of bacon onto the plate, Olivia takes her seat across from Cena, who is still practicing how to whistle.
"By the way …" Setting the plate in front of her and kissing her on the cheek. "The team thinks you should come with me to a few political events."
"What – why?" Looking at him with wide eyes.
"To make me appear less cold and distant."
"I already did", she thinks to herself.