A/N: Sweet160717, no need to worry about Deanna or Darius. Deanna is a good person and Darius is done. Dendardendan, you're right, Fitz did not take any prisoners in Chapter 55. We'll see more of Asha in the upcoming chapters. Cleo, you're right, the twins are doing a job on Liv. Yes, it's a good thing Fitz is home for the summer to help out around the house. Emma, Olivia and Bennie have a tight bond that is going to be difficult to break. The two couples are going to have to figure out how they can all respect boundaries and remain family/friends. Monica, I really do love this couple, but that does not mean they won't experience challenges and conflict. Glad you won't be joining Elizabeth, Fred Sanford's wife. Haha. Chapter 54 was about our couple coming clean with each other and finishing the work they started with Avril. Remember, they didn't keep their appointments with Dr. Brennan when they returned from Mirage, so they were bound to have issues. They're good now and the marriage is solid. You picked up on the clean desk – nice observation. kelleekellkell, waay back, before Kelly stopped the girls,' relationship, Gwendolyn suggested Asha call Fitz Baaba, an African term used for a male figure in a child's life. We'll hear a bit more about these names in Chapter 56. Guest 1, interesting predictions. Let's see if you are correct. Guest 2, Olivia wasn't really too close to Yvonne. They saw each other socially a few times, so no deep friendship to be tested. Guest 3, I'm not fixated with Kelly and Asha. They're just significant characters in this story arc. Olivia is only two months pregnant so it's all right for her to wear heels. Guest 4, I am always intrigued by the reviews because of the differing perceptions. Perception is reality. No gaslighting in this story, though.
Sheesh, August has been such a busy month and I'm posting this story just in under the wire. Only a few hours left in the month. Tell me what you think. Here we go!
Chapter 56. Ride, Sally, Ride
Friday
Breaking News: The disgraced former mayor, Theodore Wilson, was convicted in federal court today on all counts of corruption. Wilson will remain free on bail until his sentencing trial in September.
It has been over two hours since Olivia arrived home with Asha and the house is filled with the music of little girls' laughter and chatter. Cena and Asha have been jabbering incessantly, catching each other up on the happenings in their lives since they last saw each other. Even Jolie and Bowtie are unusually animated tonight, she is talking gibberish and Bowtie is barking as he tries to outrun her groping hands.
The rule of not talking with your mouth full is relaxed during dinner. Frankly, the rule is completely abandoned, the parents deeming it next to impossible to enforce it tonight. The girls are too excited, blathering on and on about the much-anticipated trip to Seattle tomorrow. Occasionally, they take a break from yapping to shovel more of the long noodles drenched with tomato sauce into their mouths. The sight of their faces covered with the red sauce sends Olivia's stomach into a series of somersaults. Aware of her parents' presence, she silently inhales quick, shallow breaths before slurping a spoonful of chicken soup.
XXX
It is 8:30 and the three energetic little girls are finally bathed, tucked into their beds, and hopefully sound asleep. An exhausted and bleary-eyed Olivia and Fitz start to wind down for the evening as well. She pulls the skin caviar from her night table drawer and begins her nightly routine and he tosses his watch onto his table. Although physically drained from trying to keep up with three screaming little girls running around the house all evening, he smiles inwardly, because it always has been his dream to fill their home with lots of children. After all, that is one of the reasons he bought such a large house. He cannot wait until they have four children underfoot all the time.
"Babe, you made the girls so happy tonight. Asha had spaghetti sauce all over her face. They both did."
"How are you feeling?" He asks tiredly before flopping onto the bed. Olivia closes her eyes because she has asked him more than once not to flop down on the bed.
"Better — and thank you for the chicken soup by the way", kissing him on the lips as he leans back against the headboard and closes his eyes.
"You hardly touched it."
"You're tired."
"It's unbelievable how much energy little girls have, Liv. Even Jo has become a little dynamo."
"They're just excited to see each other again. It's been a while. How many times did you and dad play that game?"
"Two more times after your father abandoned me."
"You're such a good dad."
"Am I getting old?"
"What?" Surprised by the question.
"I love all the excitement — but I'm exhausted, Liv."
"You're as vibrant as ever, babe", pecking him on the lips again.
"Maybe I should start working out — get in shape — for when I have to chase four children around the house."
"Working out is never a bad thing, babe. Are you thinking about running? You can run with Ben."
"Running is not the only form of exercise, Liv", he says wearily.
"So - what are you thinking about doing?"
"I don't know - I just feel sluggish. Maybe I'll join a gym."
"You should get a personal trainer — so you don't injure yourself. Many novices injure themselves at the gym because they don't know how to use the equipment properly."
"I'm not a novice, Liv - I just have haven't done it in a while. Besides - I haven't decided on anything yet", he says somewhat annoyed. She nods, knowing when to drop a subject.
"Babe —you're going to have to take the girls to the ballet. I'm not up to the drive to Seattle and back."
"I thought you were feeling better", looking at her with concern.
"I am for now — but I can get queasy at anytime."
"Do you want me to stay home?" He asks somewhat worriedly.
"No - I don't want to disappoint the girls. They've been looking forward to seeing Misty Copeland dance for months. I've already talked to dad - he's willing to go with you. He can help with Cena and Asha. Jo is staying home with me."
"I don't like going away when you're not feeling well", eyeing her carefully.
"I'll be fine, babe — it's only two days – a day-and-a-half actually. Mom will be here."
"Are you sure?" Not quite convinced he should go away when she is not feeling well.
"Call me as soon as you get to the hotel. Okay?" He slowly nods his head, trying to devise another option.
"So how much time do you think Wilson will get?"
"Perhaps 10 years. Federal law says he must do 80 percent of the sentence. He won't be released for at least eight years."
"Wow — I guess that's the price you pay for being corrupt", snuggling close to his side. "You better get some sleep, babe — you'll be getting on the road after breakfast. The girls are going to enjoy having you all to themselves", she says before closing her eyes.
Saturday
Wearing her colorful boubou and matching headwrap, Gwendolyn seems to float effortlessly around the spacious kitchen as she prepares her morning tea. The tiny brass charms on her bracelet jingle as she fills her mug.
"Tea, Livvia?"
"No thanks, mom", typing feverishly on her tablet. "I need to finish the video. By the way - thanks for watching Jo while John and I go check on Fitz' gift."
"You don't have to thank me, Livvia — I love spending time with my grand-baby", tickling Jolie under her chin. Jolie squeals, showing off a mouthful of teeth.
"Fitz has sacrificed so much for our family, mom - it's time I do something just for him."
"He's going to love it, baby."
"I certainly hope so. It's been a while since — since the accident", not wanting to mention Charlie's name.
"Thank goodness Fitzgerald came around about letting those two little girls be friends again. Children that age don't understand adult decisions."
"I must admit - his change of mind was surprising to me. He's always been so adamant about not wanting Cee to get too attached to friends", remembering her husband's reactions to Cena's closeness to Deon.
"Maybe his change of heart isn't just about Cena", Gwendolyn says as she sits on her stool and brings the mug to her lips.
Olivia looks up from the tablet and stares at her mother for a moment. She never considered her husband might have other reasons for reuniting the girls.
"You are so wise, mom."
"Those little girls are so happy - chattering nonstop at dinner last night — and when they left the house this morning. You know they have Fitzgerald wrapped around their tiny fingers."
"Kelly was really grateful that Fitz still wanted to treat Asha to the trip to Seattle."
"Fitzgerald is a good man, Livvia."
"He is", Olivia says, looking down at her tablet again.
"How is Kelly doing — you said she was out of work for a few days?"
"She seems to be fine – but I didn't ask any questions. Kelly is very private."
"What did she say about the nicknames for you and Fitzgerald?"
"When I explained that Baaba means willing father figure and GoGo means dear aunt— she was okay. The names aren't threatening. In fact - she actually thinks GoGo is kind of cute — so do I", Olivia says with a giggle.
"They're traditional Senegalese names for adults who play an important role in a child's life. They're also signal respect."
Olivia glances at her watch then quickly springs to her feet. "Oh my — I have to get going. John hates when people are late", pecking her mother then Jolie on the cheek.
"Well — that's something he has in common with your husband", Gwendolyn says, lifting Jolie from the high chair. "Come on Jolie — let's go see what kind of mischief we can get into while mommy is away."
XXX
Olivia eyes Abby's big belly thinking that soon she will have to tell the family she is also pregnant. She makes a mental note to schedule a party to make the announcement, but first she has to tell her mother and prepare Cena for two new siblings.
"Thank you for letting me borrow your husband for a few hours today, Abbs", Olivia says as she walks down the foyer hall toward the family room.
"You know you're the only woman I would allow him to go out alone with. Where I come from - you always have to keep your eyes on women who have their eyes on your man."
Olivia tries not to roll her eyes, wondering if Abby will ever let go of her past. "Fitz will be back tomorrow afternoon and I want to make sure his gift is at the house when he returns."
"That's a hell of a gift, Olivia."
"I hope he likes it."
"He's going to love it. Hell, I'm going to love it. Hello sister-in-law", John says, walking into the family room and giving Olivia a hug and peck on the cheek. "Maybe my dear — sweet - wife will — "
"Don't you dare finish that sentence. Olivia is the one who's making the big bucks down at Bryson's."
"Hello, John", pecking him on the cheek. "I really appreciate you going with me today. I want you to give it the once-over before it's delivered in the morning. I want everything to be perfect."
"Anything for my favorite sister-in-law", glancing down at his watch. "We'd better get going or we're going to be late for our appointment. Woman — we'll be back in a few hours", pecking his pregnant wife on the lips.
"I'm craving Choco-mint ice cream. Bring back another quart", Abby says, running her tongue over her bottom lip in anticipation.
"Yes, ma'am", John says, saluting his wife and clicking his heels like a dutiful soldier.
"I thought you didn't like anything", Olivia says, grinning at her friend.
"That was weeks ago", Abby retorts with a wave of her hand.
"Have you made your video, Abbs?"
"I did", smirking at her husband and rubbing her round belly. "I sent it earlier. Check your email."
"She had way too much fun making it — all at my expense I might add. She loved using my face as a target."
"Blame your weird brother. Fitzgerald is the one stubborn about not wanting to celebrate his birthday. Who doesn't like celebrating their birthday? And - why do we have to go through this every year?" Abby says with annoyance.
XXX
Fitz and Calvin arrive at the opera house early with the girls to orient the aspiring dancers to their surroundings before the ballet starts. More importantly, Fitz wants them to use the bathroom before they take their seats. Misty Copeland will dance the Hungarian Princess named Odette in Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake and he does not want to miss a minute of the performance, so he checks with the girls one last time before entering the theater.
"One more check before the ballet begins - does anyone need to use the bathroom?" Eyeing the girls closely.
"I didn't drink anything at lunch, daddy", Cena says, looking up at her father whose eyes match hers.
"Me either, Baaba."
Fitz smiles at his girls trying to remain calm when he remembers he should be taking pictures.
"Excuse me — can you take a picture of us in front of the poster?" He asks one of the two women passing through the hall.
"Why of course", one of the woman says, taking the phone from his hand. "A little to the left", wanting to get the huge poster of Misty Copeland pirouetting in the background."
The woman presses the button on the phone and captures the four smiling faces standing below the ballerina.
"One more — just to make sure", the woman says, snapping another picture.
"Thank you", Fitz says, taking his phone from the woman's hand.
"Your daughters are absolutely beautiful - you're a lucky man. Enjoy the show", the woman says, waving her hand as she catches up with her friend.
"A few more pictures before we find our seats", Fitz says.
"Yay", the girls scream as Fitz takes more pictures of the girls in front of the poster as they emulate Misty Copeland's dance stance.
"We have to show Miss Ebony the pictures", Asha says, and Cena nods in agreement.
XXX
Now settled in their seats, Calvin reminds the little girls of the rules. "Young ladies - do you remember what I told you back at the hotel?" Calvin asks, and both girls grip their programs tightly and nod their heads up and down.
"Stay in our seat - and no talking while the ballet is on —"
"Or kick the seats in front of us", Cena says, finishing Asha's sentence "When the lights go out and the music begins — we must be quiet", her voice dropping to a whisper.
"Very good", Calvin says with a smile of satisfaction on his face. When the theater lights are dimmed, the girls start to giggle and squirm in their seats, their shiny shoes kicking the backs of the chairs in front of them. They cannot wait to see Misty Copeland dance across the stage. As the music begins, and the first round of dancers prance onto the stage, the little girls' eyes grow wide and their mouths hang open. The costumes are magnificent. A few minutes later, Misty Copeland dances on her toes across the stage and the girls expel audible gasp.
"She's so pretty", Asha says in awe.
"Daddy says she's a Princess — just like me", Cena whispers.
"Baaba said the mean man is going to turn her into a swan", Asha whispers, too.
The couple sitting in front of the chatty girls smile because they overheard the adult remind them of the rules and of course they immediately broke them when the principal ballerina danced onto the stage. Calvin gives the girls a stern look and presses the index finger with the silver and onyx ring to his lips.
Sunday
Olivia sits at the granite island top half listening to her mother drone on about her missionary work in the small village outside of Senegal. For many reasons, she is not in the mood to hear another one of her mother's stories. Today is Fitz' birthday and she is trying to finish editing the video before he arrives. The video is the compromise to her husband not wanting a formal birthday party. She brings the glass of seltzer to her lips and tries to drown out the sound of her mother's voice chattering about how much she misses the children of Senegal and how much the people in the village need her. Gwendolyn looks over at her daughter when she hears her sigh for the second time.
"Is everything all right, Livvia?"
"I'm fine, mom. I just need to finish this video before Fitz gets home."
Gwendolyn nods her head. "You're letting your hair grow really long these days."
"I haven't had time to go to the salon, mom. So much has been going on", running her fingers through the locks that are now halfway down her back.
"I can certainly understand - when your father and I were in Senegal I hardly have time to catch my breath. There is just so much to do — so many people need our help."
Olivia expels a heavier sigh, contemplating if this is the right time to discuss the resentment that has been haunting her all these years.
"Are you sure you're all right, Livvia?" Gwendolyn asks when she sees the look of frustration on her daughter's face. Olivia sets the tablet onto the island top, runs her fingers through her hair again, then looks over at her mother. With mixed emotions, she thinks there is no time like the present.
"Mom - do you ever think you and dad might've spent too much time away from home when I was younger?" She asks cautiously. Confused by the unexpected question, Gwendolyn stops peeling the ginger root and looks over at her daughter.
"What do you mean, Livvia?" Holding the vegetable peeler mid-air.
Olivia closes her eyes for a few moments when sees the puzzled look on her mother's face. She really does not want to have this conversation right now or ever, but she knows it is necessary.
"You and dad left me alone a lot, mom. I felt so alone most of the time when we moved to Church Falls."
"What are saying, Livvia?" Gwendolyn says, taken aback by her daughter's assertion.
"When you and dad decided to move here — I had no one. No other family. No friends. Then you and dad joined Triumph and immediately began spending most of your time there. You were hardly ever home", blurting out everything that has been on her mind in one breath.
Gwendolyn sets the vegetable peeler onto the cutting board, walks over to the granite island top, and stands next to her daughter.
"Where is this coming from, Livvia? What's this all about? You know your father's company transferred him here. We had no other choice."
"I know that, mom – but dad's job didn't require you to spend every free minute at church or some soup kitchen in town", she says, revealing her resentment. "I just wanted a family – like the other kids – like the Grants. Maybe not like the Grants — Lord knows they certainly have their own brand of dysfunction. But they're a family that's rich with tradition and always supportive of each other — no matter what. No one can ever accuse Gerry and Maura of not loving their children.
"Every family has their traditions, baby. The traditions and rituals the Grants practice are lovely — and I respect them. But — our tradition of helping others — is equally as important."
"It not just about the traditions, mom. I wanted my parents. I didn't want to come home from school every day to a big, empty house. I wanted to spend holidays at home in the kitchen cooking like all the other girls at school complained about - not at the city pantry serving strangers every holiday."
Gwendolyn gives her daughter a look that says, you know I don't cook. Olivia chuckles because they both know her mother is an awful cook.
"You know what I mean, mom."
"Your father and I aren't those people, Livvia."
"I know — but I didn't understand that growing up. Actually, I still struggle to understand why it's so easy for you to put everyone else before me."
"What? That's not true", once again shocked by her daughter's remarks.
"It's true, mom. All my life you and dad were off helping someone else — leaving me alone."
"We we're allowing you to become independent."
"I didn't want to be independent. The kids at school thought it was cool that my parents were never around. I would have done anything to have their parents — parents who put their children first."
"Livvia -"
"I needed you mom. I needed my mother when we moved here and no one at school would talk to me. Thank god for Ben …."
"Baby - why didn't you tell me?" Touching her daughter's shoulder.
"How could I? You set the expectations for who I should be long before I knew who I wanted to be. I didn't want to disappoint you and dad. I never wanted to disappoint you. So - I pretended to be okay when I was really lonely and frightened most of the time. I put on a cool demeanor at school so no one would really see how frightened I was. They thought I was weird, mom. I was different - and it was hard."
"Livvia."
"In time - I became this thing, mom; cold — emotionally dead. My life was my work and my work was my life. And when I met this incredible man - I didn't know how to love him. I didn't know how to lean on him — to partner with him — because I was this so-called independent woman. My independence was a disability, mom — and it nearly destroyed my marriage."
"Oh – baby", realizing for the first time the depth of her daughter's pain.
"When I was pregnant with Jo – I left Fitz and Cee - checked into a facility. Fitz and I were fighting all the time and I felt like I was losing my mind. When I had thoughts of harming my child I knew had to get away. Dr. Perry says I suffer from antenatal depression — caused by stress during pregnancy." Tears stream down her face when she thinks about that dark period in her life and Gwendolyn wraps her arms around her daughter's shoulders.
"Oh, baby — I didn't know. I had no idea."
"Whenever I needed you, mom - you were never here", brushing the tears from her face. "Mothers are supposed to know when their children need them. Mothers are supposed to put their children first - above all else."
"I'm so sorry, baby. We — I — thought I was doing what was best for you."
"I didn't want to be independent, mom. I wanted my parents - I wanted my mother."
Heart heavy with sadness and regret, Gwendolyn slumps onto the stool next to her daughter, slowly shaking her head from side to side. The gravity of her choices is almost overwhelming. How could she not know her daughter needed her at some of the most critical times in her life? How could she not know her daughter checked into a facility? How could she not know her daughter had thoughts of harming Cena?
Feeling like an utter failure as a mother, she chuckles mirthlessly when she thinks about the monikers church friends assigned her: Gwendolyn the Wise One. Gwendolyn the Saint. That is how churchgoers at Triumph Tabernacle referred to Gwendolyn Pope. Always ready with the right words of encouragement for anyone and under almost any situation, Gwendolyn was always available forever needed her. Before retiring, Gwendolyn worked tirelessly as a teacher, educating her students during the day and sometimes tending to their personal needs after school. Many of her students came from deprived families and needed her help. It was common practice for her to take girls shopping after school to buy them personal hygiene supplies. She has seen too many girls drop out of school because they were too embarrassed to show for class because they did not have the proper supplies at certain times of the month. Also, it was not unusual for her to go to her students' homes to meet with parents to discuss their child's progress, or more likely, lack of progress in school.
Oftentimes, after spending a full day shaping the minds of young children and tending to their personal needs, Gwendolyn would head over to Triumph to serve on the Missionary Board, developing programs to help the people from the poor villages outside of Senegal who attended their satellite church. Calvin would also join her after he finished work. Many at Triumph praised the Popes' dedication to the church and community, while others at quietly wondered how the Popes could spend so much time away from their teen-aged daughter. Most were not willing to give their teen-aged children the kind of freedom Gwendolyn and Calvin afforded Olivia. They remember the effects of raging hormones on adolescent girls and boys.
The brass charms jingle as she brushes the back of her hand across her cheek. The tears are the manifestation of the deep pain she feels for allowing her past to influence how she mothered her daughter. Filled with guilt, she sighs and looks into her child's eyes.
"As hard as I tried — I unknowingly became a version of what I did not want for you", she says through the sniffles. With brow crinkled, Olivia looks at her mother with concern. She has not seen her mother cry since Grandmom Bertha died.
"I was so intent on not being my mother — I didn't parent you the way you needed, Livvia.
And — for that I am sorry. You'll never know how sorry", shaking her head in sorrow. "I just didn't want to raise you the way my mother raised me. No child deserves that."
"Mom?" Olivia says somewhat confused.
"I loved my mother dearly — I really did. But she was so religious — so strict. She had these rigid rules about everything — about not getting involved in the secular world. I couldn't do anything. No parties. No boyfriends. No movies. No nothing. I spent all my free time at the church. We were at the church every Tuesday and Thursday and all weekend long."
Eyes red from crying, Olivia sniffs and wipes her nose with the cloth napkin.
"Don't get me wrong, Livvia - I loved serving the Lord – but momma made worshipping feel like a penance. There was so much more I wanted out of life and momma wasn't having it. Momma didn't want me to go to college - she said my job was to stay home and serve the Lord and wait for some boy to decide when he wanted to marry me. Well - I wasn't interested in marrying some boy from church — or any other boy in town for that matter. I wasn't going to leave one prison for another."
Olivia inhales deeply, trying to stifle her roiling stomach.
"Momma didn't realize she could've strapped me to one of those pews 24 hours a day and it would not have made a bit of difference. I had made up my mind I was going to leave home after I graduated high school."
Olivia smiles because her mother has always been strong-willed.
"When I told Mrs. Coraliss — my guidance counselor — that momma refused to sign the admissions papers for college — well Mrs. Coraliss wasn't having any of that. I'll never forget that day as long as I live", Gwendolyn says with a far-off look in her eyes.
Olivia quickly scrolls through her memory trying to recall if she ever heard her mother mention Mrs. Coraliss.
"Mrs. Coraliss grabbed her hat and purse from the closet in her office and marched me home after school. She wanted to talk with momma."
Intrigued by the story, Olivia arches her eyebrow and sits on the edge of her chair. This is the first time her mother has ever talked in-depth about her childhood.
"When we reached my house - momma was upset because I was late for church. But she was more upset because I brought Mrs. Coraliss home. Momma didn't like having strangers in our house. I can still see her standing in the doorway with arms folded across her chest - ready for battle."
Flashback
"I'm sorry I don't have time to socialize with you Mrs. Coraliss", Bertha Reddy says, reaching for her purse on top of the small table. "Gwennie and I need to get over to the church - the pastor is waiting for us."
"I understand, Mrs. Reddy — I just need a few minutes of your time. I certainly won't be long."
Bertha Reddy grumbles something unintelligible under her breath and steps aside, allowing the guidance counselor to enter the house. She does not offer the woman a seat.
"Mrs. Reddy - I'm sure you know Gwendolyn is an exceptionally smart child – smarter than most. She's had top grades since coming to Lumberton High. In fact – she's selected as the class valedictorian."
Surprised by the revelation, Gwendolyn looks at Mrs. Coraliss with wide eyes because she knew nothing about winning the prestigious honor. In fact, she assumed Sammy White was going to be named valedictorian since he got an A plus on the last English test and she only got an A. Unimpressed by the bit of information Mrs. Coraliss has shared about her only child, Bertha Reddy stares stone-faced at the guidance counselor.
"With her grades - and being selected as valedictorian - some of the finest colleges and universities in the country have offered Gwendolyn scholarships."
Bertha Reddy scowls at her daughter because in her mind the matter of going off to college had been settled months ago.
"Mrs. Reddy — Gwendolyn wants to attend Pepperdine University — in California. She wants to study Early Childhood Education. She wants to become a teacher and help shape the minds of our young children. Lord knows the children of our communities need more nurturing educators."
"Gwennie can teach at the church — just like she been doing. There are enough young minds over there she can shape. Besides— we don't have no money to be sending Gwennie halfway across the country for foolishness."
"I'm sure the church would be willing to offer Gwendolyn a small stipend to help with the expenses."
"We don't need no help from the church", Bertha says with proud stubbornness.
"Mrs. Reddy - Gwendolyn needs you to sign the admissions papers - the deadline is next week. She cannot attend any school without a parent's signature."
"Well I guess she won't be going to that college", Bertha says, reaching for her purse.
"Mrs. Reddy — you cannot tell me that you would deny your daughter this once-in-a- lifetime opportunity just because you think -"
"Come on Gwennie – it's time to go."
"Yes, momma", Gwennie says, giving Mrs. Coraliss an I-told-you-so look.
"Mrs. Reddy - what can I say to convince you?"
"Nothing", Bertha Reddy says as she walks toward the front door.
"I'll sign them", a voice says from the next room. The three women turn and look in the direction of the darkened room.
"Papa?" Gwendolyn says, squinting and trying to see if the figure standing in the darkness is actually her father.
"What are you talking about, Earl?" Bertha demands of her usually milquetoast husband.
"I'll sign the papers, Mrs. Coraliss", Earl Reddy says as he walks into the light holding the admissions papers in his hand. "Gwennie is smart, Bertha — she needs to go off to college - so she can learn more. She needs to do more with her life than sit in that church all day."
"Shut your mouth, Earl. What you're saying is blasphemy."
"Then - I guess I'll burn in hell", leaning against the fireplace mantle and signing the admissions application. "Here you go, Mrs. Coraliss — you make sure my Gwennie get into that school." Gwendolyn smiles, immediately beginning to write her valedictory in her head.
End Flashback
"I was so proud of my father that day. He was always a quiet man — a man of few words. But that day he spoke up for me and himself. I guess he was making up for a lifetime of staying silent while momma made all the decisions."
"Wow - I had no idea grand-mom was so strict."
"Parents don't tell their children everything, Livvia. Some things are best left in the past",
walking over to the stove and filling a mug with hot ginger tea.
"I had to tell you, mom. I'm sorry."
"You have nothing to be sorry about, baby. This on me, Livvia. I failed you. Your father and I went overboard with the freedom - I get that now. I'm sorry I wasn't the kind of mother you needed — you deserved better. I hope you can forgive me."
Gwendolyn sets the mug of hot tea in front of Olivia and kisses her on the forehead.
"I love you, mom. Can we just move on from here — put the past behind us?" Hugging her mother tightly.
"Drink your tea, baby while I make you some toast. You haven't been eating much of anything lately", Gwendolyn says as she walks over to the refrigerator. Olivia closes her eyes as she sips the tea. The hot liquid feels good in her empty stomach.
"Are you feeling any signs of depression yet?" Looking over at her daughter with concern, and Olivia's eyes widen. "Don't look surprised, Livvia - a mother knows these things. Even I can see you've been sleeping a lot lately and hardly eating anything. When will my new grandbaby come screaming into this world?" Smiling as she slides the loaf of multigrain bread from the refrigerator shelf.
"Mom - it's two babies. Fitz and I are having twins."
Gwendolyn gasps and Olivia laughs out loud as the loaf of bread slips from her mother's hand. Jolie claps her chubby little hands and laughs out loud, too, when the bread falls to the floor in a soft thud. The alarm system chimes, signaling the travelers have returned from Seattle. Olivia looks at her mother and the two women nod, each preparing to play their role. They look at Jolie and she nods, too.
XXX
"Mommy — Nana", Cena yells as she runs into the kitchen. "We saw Misty Copeland and she danced on her toes and the mean man turned her into a swan."
"But the Prince loved her forever and turned her back to a Princess", Asha says, climbing onto Gwendolyn's lap.
"Really?" Gwendolyn says in that exaggerated tone as she positions Asha on her lap. Cena nods in agreement.
"It was cool, Nana", Cena chimes in.
"And Nana — we sleep at the hotel and me and Cena jumped up and down on the bed", Asha recounts just as excitedly as she twirls the brass charms on Gwendolyn's bracelet. Gwendolyn smiles, not bothering to correct the excited little girl's grammar.
Olivia bursts out laughing when Fitz and Calvin walk into the kitchen looking like two unattractive ballerinas. Calvin is carrying two tutus: one red and one purple. Fitz has two pairs of pointe shoes draped around his neck and is carrying a bag filled with gifts. He kisses Jolie on the cheek and places on her head a replica of the headdress Misty wore in the ballet.
"Dada — dada", Jolie babbles.
"Calvin, what on earth are you wearing?" Looking down at his feet.
"These are what male ballet dancers wear", flexing his foot to show off the leather slippers. "I have you to know, Mrs. Pope — I was told I could be a ballerino", spinning around on his toes. "That's a male ballet dancer — if you didn't know."
"Nana — GranPop danced with me and the lady with the flashlight told him to sit down", Cena reports.
"You didn't?" Gwendolyn says with surprise.
"He did", Fitz confirms, shaking his head at the memory.
"And what did you do?" Olivia asks looking at her tired husband.
"Baaba and I watched the play", Asha answers for him. "Baaba - I wanna show GoGo my mommy's gift."
Fitz digs through the bag of goodies they bought from the theater's gift shop until his fingers come in contact with the small square box that has settled at the bottom of the bag.
"Here it is", holding the little silver box in the air. Asha slides from Gwendolyn's lap and jumps up and down, trying to reach the box. Fitz smiles, playfully holding the box higher, out of her reach. Everyone laughs as Asha jumps higher and higher, trying to snag the box from his hand.
"Give it to her, babe. I want to see."
Fitz hands Asha the box and she carefully opens it, revealing a silver ballerina charm hanging from a delicate silver chain.
"Look, GoGo", Asha says, proudly showing her mother's gift.
"She's beautiful. May I hold her?"
Asha nods her head up and down, and her long braids bounce around her shoulders. Olivia carefully lifts the ballerina from the cushion of cotton and nods with a smile.
"She's doing a pir -pir", looking over at Fitz for help.
"A pirouette", Fitz says, demonstrating the ballerina stance.
"Your mommy is going to really love her. You're such a thoughtful daughter", Olivia says, kissing Asha on the forehead.
"Baaba helped me pick it at the store."
"Baaba has good taste", Olivia says with a smile.
"Mommy - daddy helped me pick a scarf for you", Cena says, looking up at her father for the gift. Fitz digs into the bag and hands Cena the wrinkled pink scarf printed with silhouettes of tiny ballerinas.
"That's beautiful, Livvia", Gwendolyn says.
"You'll have to iron it", Fitz says.
"I love it", wrapping the oversized scarf around her neck. "Thank you, baby", kissing her daughter on the lips. "Mommy loves her scarf."
"A little something for you, dear", Calvin says, handing his wife a small box.
"Oh, Calvin — I just love it", she squeals when she sees an African-inspired brass ballerina charm.
"Another charm for your bracelet", Calvin says, smiling proudly.
"You're such a good husband", pecking him on the lips.
"Come on girls — we've had a long day — let's get your bags and take all this stuff upstairs", Fitz says, turning to leave with the girls skipping behind him.
"Babe, before you go — I need you to take a look at my car. It sounds funny. It's been making a strange noise since yesterday."
"I'll look at it later, Liv — I'm beat. I just want to shower and —"
"I need you to look at it now, Fitz. Mom and I want to go to the store."
"You can use my truck."
"You know I hate that monster. It's too big. Take a look at it, please. I'm sure it won't take long."
"Can't you drive your parents' car?"
"It's not big enough. We have to get a lot from the store."
"How about I look at it?" Calvin volunteers, and Gwendolyn squeezes his arm. He frowns at the death-grip his wife has on his arm. Cena and Asha look up at Fitz, waiting to follow his lead.
"Fine — I'll take a quick look. Did you call the dealer? It's still under warranty."
"Here are the keys, babe", dangling her keychain in the air.
Fitz exhales softly, takes the keys from his wife's hand, and walks from the kitchen. Cena and Asha follow closely behind as he walks down the hall that leads to the garage. Calvin looks at his daughter then back at his wife, he knows the woman are up to something. Olivia grabs Jolie from the high chair and she and Gwendolyn run toward the garage.
"Come on, dear", Gwendolyn calls over her shoulder to Calvin.
Fitz flicks on the light in the garage and three mouths instantly fall to the floor and three sets of eyes come close to bulging from their heads. The sleek, black sports car topped with one of those oversized red ribbons is breathtaking.
"Happy Birthday", Olivia screams with the biggest smile on her face, and Jolie claps her hands and babbles dada. Fitz walks slowly down the three steps that lead into the garage, and slowly glides his long fingers over the hood of the car.
"Babe — Fitz, say something."
"Mother of god", Calvin says, peeking over his wife's shoulder. "Is that the same —?"
"The same", Fitz says in awe, finally finding his voice as he walks around the car, admiring the workmanship of the German manufacturer.
"Do you like it?" Olivia asks nervously.
"Like it? I love it. When did you? How did —?"
"You should take it for a drive, babe", reaching into her pants pocket and tossing him the keys. He nods excitedly as he snatches the huge red bow from the roof and throws it onto the floor.
"Come with me", he calls out the window as he starts the loud engine. Olivia places Jolie in her mother's arms, runs around the car, and climbs into the passenger seat.
"Get my shoes, Cee", Olivia yells over the roaring engine. "And my tablet, Asha."
The two girls take off running down the hall in search of Olivia's shoes and tablet.
"Don't wait up for us", Fitz yells to his in-laws as he backs the Porsche from the garage.
"Mommy — your shoes", Cena yells, holding up her mother's sandals as she runs toward the car.
"GoGo — here's your tablet."
"Thank you, girls", taking her shoes and tablet. "We'll see you later. Bye Jo", Olivia calls out as Fitz steers the car down the long driveway.
"Where are we going, babe?"
"Wherever we want", flashing her that crooked smile she loves so much.
XXX
As he approaches the traffic light, he shifts the transmission into a lower gear and Olivia slides her hand on top of his. He looks so happy.
"I love this car. Thank you", leaning over and pressing his lips to hers. The light turns green and the cars behind them, without hesitation, blow their horns, interrupting their make-out session.
"Put the top down, babe — it's a nice day."
He glances at the the array of buttons and knobs on the dashboard and presses the switch to retract the roof. A warm summer breeze blows their hair and he revs the engine. Olivia opens the glove box and hands him a new pair of aviator sunglasses.
"You've thought of everything", shifting the car into gear as they approach the entrance to the highway.
"I have", opening her tablet and pairing it with the Bluetooth system. She taps the song he has always liked, and when the introduction to Steppenwolf's, Magic Carpet Ride, flows through the Burmester High-End Surround Sound System, they look at each other and smile.
I like to dream, yes, yes
Right between the sound machine
On a cloud of sound I drift in the night
Any place it goes is right
Goes far, flies near
To the stars away from here
Well, you don't know what
We can find
Why don't you come with me little girl
On a magic carpet ride
Well, you don't know what
We can see
Why don't you tell your dreams to me
Fantasy will set you free
Olivia watches him sing at the top of his lungs as he zooms down the highway, causing the ballerina-covered scarf around her neck to dance in the breeze.
XXX
The hour-and-a-half-long drive turned into two-and-a-half hours because they stopped at two different convenient stores so Olivia could use the bathroom. The engineering masterpiece attracts the attention of passersby and customers going in and out the stores as he waits for his wife. Smiling proudly, Fitz eagerly answers the questions of the awestruck young men circling the car. He had forgotten how much he missed his custom BMW.
Relieved when they finally arrive at the lake house, Olivia grabs the few plastic grocery bags and hurries up the front steps. She has to go to the bathroom again.
"Are you going to leave the top down?"
"She'll be fine — it's not going to rain tonight", he says, standing on the top step of the house smiling as he admires the car.
"She —huh?" Olivia says under her breath, flicking on the hall lights as she walks quickly toward the kitchen. She drops the bags onto the counter then hurries back down the hall to the powder room.
XXX
Her bladder finally experiencing relief, Olivia leans over the sink, pushing up the window to allow the fresh mountain breeze to flow through the kitchen. She smiles, thinking about the last time they were at the house. It was a snowy day and she was inside disinterestedly stirring the risotto. And Fitz was out back on the deck grilling. She shakes her head as she recalls how the snow slowly piled on top of that silly knit cap Cena picked out for him at the mall.
She walks over to the counter and begins to unpack her seltzer, crackers, and popsicles. Popsicles are her new favorite thing; the coolness helps to calm her stomach. She peers inside the refrigerator, where only a few condiments and beer are on the shelves, then sets the seltzer onto the shelf next to the beer. She slides the popsicles into the freezer.
"I love it, Liv", pressing his body against hers.
"What's her name?" Reaching into one of the plastic bags for his dinner. His brow with confusion. "You said she would be fine with the top down. So — what's her name", turning and wrapping her arms around his waist.
"Sally. Ride, Sally, ride", grinning from ear to ear at his attempt at humor.
"Should I be jealous of Sally?" Pecking him on the lips.
"Never", deepening the kiss as he caresses her butt. He roams his tongue inside her mouth and she moans slightly, scraping her manicured fingernails through the fine hairs at the nape of his neck. Unbuttoning her blouse, he kisses down her chest, his mouth quickly devouring a bra-covered breast.
"Babe — no — not …" Trying to squirm from his embrace, but he is caught up in the rapture and is unshakeable. "Babe …." She whines before summoning enough strength to push him away. He stumbles backwards, baffled by the turn of events, as she makes a mad dash toward the sink. Her body lurches and the tea and toast her mother made earlier spill from her mouth and into the sink.
"Liv …." Rushing over to his wife when he realizes what is happening. He rubs his hand up and down her back, trying to provide her some comfort.
Hunched over the sink, her body lurches again, expelling the last of her breakfast, and a putrid puddle forms at the bottom of the sink. She fumbles for the faucet handle and turns on the cold water, quickly rinsing her mouth then splashing water onto her face. Fitz grabs a red and white, striped kitchen towel from the counter and holds it under the cool running water. He squeezes out the excess water then places the towel on the back of her neck.
"Come sit down, Liv", guiding her to the family room. She sits on his lap and nuzzles her face in his neck.
"I'm sorry, babe."
"You have nothing to be sorry about. Can I get you anything?" He asks in a sympathetic tone as he tenderly strokes her arm. She shakes her head no.
"I've ruined your birthday."
"You've done no such thing. You gave me the best birthday ever", kissing the top of her head.
"You really like, Sally?"
"I love Sally. I love you. Now lie down — get some rest — while I put things away in the kitchen. He pulls the multi-colored cashmere throw over her shoulders and she nods as he walks toward the kitchen.
"Babe, I have another gift for you", she says weakly before falling off to sleep.
XXX
After scouring the kitchen sink, Fitz pours a healthy amount of his favorite scotch over ice then walks out onto the deck. He he stares at the mountains and inhales a lungful of sweet mountain air. He loves the peacefulness of the lake house, everything is so simple and easy here, not like at City Hall. He raises the glass to his lips and closes his eyes, enjoying the taste of the smooth brown liquid flowing down his throat. He leans back in the comfortable chair thinking life cannot get much better than this. He is a lucky man. An hour or so later the sun begins to set as Olivia joins him on the deck. It is a beautiful evening.
"Did you eat anything?" Sitting on his lap and laying her head on his shoulder. He holds up the glass and smiles.
"Are you feeling better?" Pressing his lips to her temple.
"I am — for now."
"When do we go back to Dr. Perry? Maybe you should call him."
"A few more weeks. There isn't anything he can do, babe. Projectile vomiting is normal", trying to make light of the matter. He pecks her on the lips.
"You taste like vomit, Liv", he says with a frown.
"And you taste like scotch. Are you trying to make me vomit again?"
Holding up a hand in surrender, he grins and kisses her again.
"I have your other gift", lifting her head from his shoulder and opening her tablet. He furrows his brow as she presses the PLAY icon.
The video starts with Cena and Asha wearing silly birthday hats, grinning broadly, and jumping up and down in their Church Falls family room. He smiles at the screen.
"Happy birthday, daddy", Cena yells, definitely not using her indoors voice. "Nana helped Asha and me make you a poster", pointing to the decorated cardboard placed on the easel that is situated on the coffee table.
The camera pans to the oversized poster and he reads the Happy Birthday, Daddy, written in multicolored letters. He smiles because he recognizes his daughter's left-handed scrawl.
"Watch daddy — I'm going to eat cake for you."
Cena picks up the plate from the table and takes a huge bite from the slice of cake. The icing covers her mouth and nose, and Asha laughs out loud.
"I love you, daddy — so — so much", bringing the palm of her hand to her lips and blowing him a kiss.
"I love you, too, Princess", he says softly, his eyes filling with tears. Olivia presses her lips to his cheek.
"Happy Birthday, Baaba. I'm going to eat ice cream for you."
Asha picks up the bowl from the table and slides a large spoonful of ice cream into her mouth and is immediately struck with brain freeze. Cena looks at her friend in horror and Fitz cringes, watching Asha's face contort as she rides out the pain.
"I love you, Baaba. You're the best Baaba ever", Asha says after recovering from the temporary headache. The girls resume jumping around, flapping their arms, and blowing party horns.
"I love you, too, Ash", he mouths at the screen. His smile broadens as Olivia coaxes Jolie into wishing her father happy birthday.
"Say dada, Jo. Tell daddy happy birthday, baby."
"Dada, dada", Jolie parrots her mother while grabbing for the tablet. Fitz' eyes brim with tears as he watches his family celebrate his birthday.
"Come on, Bowtie — say happy birthday to daddy", Olivia says, videotaping the dog as he reluctantly walks into camera view wearing a crown of balloons and a sign hanging around his neck that reads: Happy Birthday, Daddy."
"Oh, god - he doesn't look like he's enjoying wearing any of that stuff", Fitz says.
"I gave him extra doggie treats for being a team player", Olivia says, smiling at the screen when she sees Ben and Marion's faces appear. Both are wearing party hats and those cheap, plastic leis around their necks.
"Happy Birthday, brother. I'm going to eat this cake in honor of your birthday." Bennie cuts the fork into the cake then slides a healthy forkful into his mouth. "So good - you don't know what you're missing. Wish you were here."
"He'll be up at the crack of dawn running off that morsel cake", Marion says, perched on Ben's lap and waving to the camera. Happy birthday, Fitz — many more", sliding a small amount of ice cream into her mouth.
As he brushes away the tears, his godson's handsome face appears on the screen.
"Happy Birthday, Uncle Fitz", Ethan says, waving excitedly at the camera. "I have a gift for you", holding up a gift-wrapped box.
"Happy Birthday, Fitzgerald", Abby says, smashing cake on her husband's face. "I would have smashed this cake on your face if you had a real birthday party instead of this fake video party", Abby says, sticking out her tongue at the camera.
"You see how I allow myself to be humiliated for you, brother. "Happy Birthday, Fitz", John says, scraping icing from his face then licking it from his finger. Fitz throws his head back in laughter.
"John loves every minute that Abigail tortures him", Fitz says as he watches his father settle into his favorite chair, balancing a cake plate onto his knee.
"Happy Birthday, Fitzgerald. When are you going to stop this silliness about not celebrating your birthday? This has been going on long enough. I don't know why your mother allowed you to get away with it as a kid. Who doesn't enjoy their birthday - or at least allow family and friends to celebrate it?"
"Don't pay your father any mind, dear. It's your special day and you get to celebrate it however you like. I remember the day you were born", tears welling up in her eyes.
"Enough, Maura — that was 42 years ago."
"Happy Birthday, Fitzgerald", Maura says, ignoring her husband and blowing a kiss at the camera.
"Happy Birthday, Fitz." Nora giggles as she throws a handful of confetti at the camera.
"Nora seems to be doing well", he says, and Olivia nods, smiling at the screen when her mother appears.
"Happy Birthday, Fitzgerald. I made this bracelet for your birthday. It's a Senegalese tradition to give the man of the house a special gift for his birthday", Gwendolyn says, holding up the brown leather bracelet covered with small infinity stones.
Fitz smiles. "Did you talk to your mother?"
"I'll tell you about it later", smiling as her father appears on screen.
"Happy Birthday, Fitzgerald", Calvin says. Livvia is videotaping this before our trip to Seattle. It's going to be really hard keeping this party a secret while we're on our road trip. Hit it, Gwennie."
Gwendolyn presses the icon on her phone and Stevie Wonder's, Happy Birthday To You, begins to play. Calvin and Gwendolyn start to dance.
"Happy Birthday, Fitzgerald", Gwendolyn and Calvin say in unison, waving at the camera as they spin around the room.
"Your father did not say a word about this. He can really keep a secret."
"He can", Olivia says as her face appears on the screen. Fitz pecks her on the cheek when she begins to speak.
"You told me you did not want a birthday party — and I listened to you because I respect your wishes. But — I — the family — wanted to celebrate the man — my husband — who does so much for everyone else. So — I thought a virtual birthday party is the next best way to celebrate you. Baby — I love you more than anything — and I hope this is the happiest birthday ever", rubbing her belly. "Happy Birthday, babes", picking up a slice of cake and smashes it on the tablet screen.
The video ends with a montage of family members wishing him a final Happy Birthday as balloons and fireworks splash in the background. He now feels silly for not wanting to celebrate his birthday.
"When did you have time to pull all this together? And how did you get everyone to wear those silly hats - especially my father?"
"I have my ways, babe."
"And I have a fantastic wife", pulling her close and kissing her deeply. The taste of vomit no longer matters.