A/N: This chapter is incredibly late, but please know I am committed to finishing this at home during the pandemic can be all-consuming at times, leaving me little time to focus on this story or other activities that brought me joy pre-COVID. My professional workload has increased exponentially and I am exhausted after video-conferencing all day. These are not excuses - just facts. I hope this chapter provides some entertainment for those who are still interested. BTW, I cannot find the document listing all the characters so forgive me if I messed up some names. Stay safe.
Chapter 72. Sunday Best
Staring in the rear-view mirror, Fitz has the perfect line-of-sight of his girls in the backseat. Dressed in their Sunday best and sporting their aviator sunglasses, they look like an artist's palette of beautiful watercolors. Asha is wearing a sleeveless lilac-colored dress with contrasting purple ruffles at the shoulders and hem. Jolie is wearing a creamy mint green dress and Cena is donning a pale pink dress with a red sash tied in a bow around her waist. He smiles as he eavesdrops on the girls' chatter.
"Stay in your car seat, Jo," Cena orders her little sister.
"I wanna see," Jolie says, trying to free herself from the restraints of the car seat buckles.
"Jo is getting excited," Fitz says as he presses his foot on the brake pedal to slow down the truck.
"There's a lot of activity for a Sunday morning," Olivia says, staring out the window at the construction site.
"Jo's fascination with construction trucks: cement mixers — backhoes — is the strangest thing. I don't understand it."
"You don't have to understand — Jo is being Jo."
"Truck, dada. Truck," Jolie says excitedly, pointing to the yellow backhoe parked on the side of the highway.
"That's right, Angel. Those are trucks. That's called a backhoe."
"GoGo."
"Yes, sweetheart," Olivia replies, staring straight ahead as Fitz gradually accelerates the truck."
"What's Sunday School? Cena said we're going to Sunday School."
Olivia looks over at her husband and they stare at each other for a moment. Last night they did not discuss Sunday School with Asha when they were preparing her to visit the church where she last saw her mother. They assumed Asha attended church with Kelly and, therefore, attended Sunday School.
"It's where we learn about The Bible and Jesus and God," Cena interjects. "Miss Britney is our teacher - she lets us read Bible stories on the computer and draw pictures and sing church songs. Right, mommy?"
"That's right, Cee."
Olivia looks at her Fitz, silently thanking Cena for rescuing her from another awkward situation.
With lips pursed brow knitted, Asha still is not sure what Sunday School is. She imagines it is like her regular school where she learns about all sorts of things, play at recess, and eat lunch. But she does not learn anything about God, Jesus, or The Bible at her regular school.
"Asha — look at the people camping over there. They're sleeping in tents just like the one daddy made - but they don't have lights," Cena yells, pointing to the homeless encampment on the other side of the highway.
Snatched from her thoughts by Cena's outburst of excitement, Asha cranes her neck to get a look at the tents.
"Baaba - can we go camping?" Asha asks excitedly when she sees rows and rows of colorful tents lining the parkway.
"I wonder when that happened?" Fitz says, glancing quickly at the homeless site.
"Slow down, babe. I want to see" Olivia says, twisting in her seat to get a good look at the encampment. "There are hundreds of tents," she says in awe.
"Liv," Fitz says in a warning tone.
"Liv what?" She responds, still fixated on the tents as her husband cruises past the site.
"I see the wheels turning in your head. Don't get involved - you can't fix everything. The problem is too big. There are homeless encampments like that all across this country."
"Baaba — can we go camping?" Asha repeats, looking out the back window at the rows of tents that seem to get smaller in the distance.
"We can — but not over there."
"Yay," Asha and Cena squeal, kicking the backs of the adults' seats with their shiny shoes.
"Yay," Jolie the parrot squeals with clapping hands.
XXX
Fitz holds Jolie's hand as they slowly stroll up the walkway that leads to the church. Eyes fixed on the large red doors and a hand resting on her round belly, Olivia walks briskly up the walkway ahead of her family. It is their first day back to church and she does not want to miss any of the pre-service activities.
"Daddy - will Deon be at church today?"
"I don't know, Princess."
"Who's Deon?" Asha asks.
"He's my friend," Cena says proudly. "Will Miss Britney be here —too? I like her."
"Yes, Miss Britney will be here today."
"Who's Miss Britney?" Asha inquires about another unfamiliar name.
"She's our Sunday School teacher. We're going to have so much fun," Cena says.
"Dada — look," Jolie says with excitement, pulling her hand from her father's and bounding off in the direction of the colorful flowers.
Fitz and Cena stop to watch Jolie peer at the flowers and Asha skips up the walkway to catch up with Olivia. She slips her hand in Olivia's and smiles. Olivia smiles down at her new friend as she continues walking toward her destination. She knows once her baby girl gets fixated on a thing, she will dawdle all morning and her doting husband will not hesitate to indulge her.
"Wow — what's that?" Fitz says, smiling at the look of wonder in his daughter's eyes.
"Flower," Jolie responds.
"That's right - flower."
"I want flower," Jolie says, reaching for the pinkish-red dahlia.
"We can't pick the flowers, Angel. Rev. Walker wouldn't like that."
"I want," Jolie demands, beginning to climb up the flower bed wall.
"Okay — okay. But just one," Fitz relents, reaching in the flower bed and snapping a stem. Jolie grabs the flower from his hand and smiles at the colorful petals.
"Don't eat it, Jo," Cena warns her little sister, who likes to put everything in her mouth these days.
"Slow down, Liv," Fitz calls to his wife. He is impressed by how fast she can still move in high heels at five months pregnant.
"I don't want to be late, Fitz. I told you we didn't have time," not bothering to slow her pace. Fitz rolls his eyes thinking he was not the only one enjoying himself during their pre-dawn lovemaking.
"Didn't have time for what, GoGo?"
"For a full breakfast," Olivia replies with the first thing that comes to her mind. She certainly cannot tell the curious little girl the truth about what she and Fitz were doing during the early hours this morning.
XXX
Olivia's lips stretch into a wide smile when she and Asha step inside Triumph Tabernacle's Great Hall and hear the soulful voices of the choir. She glances around the hall thinking how much she has missed coming to Sunday service.
"Sister Grant — good morning. We haven't seen your family at Triumph in quite some time. Welcome back."
"Thank you - Brother Daniels. It's good to be back."
"Amen," Brother Daniels replies, as he strolls toward the sanctuary.
"Praise the Lord — look who decided to show up today," Evelyn says, leading a gaggle of women toward Olivia.
Evelyn Cromartie is an elegant woman who is known at Triumph for her trademark chapeaus. She wears a different hat every Sunday, each more stunning than the last. Some who claim to have seen her collection says she has more than 100 hats stored in her closets. Others are not convinced. Evelyn Cromartie is equally known at Triumph for being socially inappropriate at times. She has no compunction about offering unsolicited advice or commenting on someone's behavior. She has alienated more than a few ladies at the church for not respecting boundaries.
"Is that Sister Olivia — Olivia Grant?" Robin Michaels, the owner of the salon where many of Triumph's ladies go to have their tresses coiffed. Robin knows all the ladies' hair secrets, except Olivia's, who still goes to James.
"I'm not quite sure - it's been a month of Sundays since the Olivia Grant I know has attended Sunday service," Claudia, the accountant, says as she teeters on the five-inch stilettos.
Claudia is attractive and impeccably dressed, but oftentimes her wardrobe choices for Sunday service are questioned by a few. Evelyn jokes that on some Sunday mornings Claudia looks like she is still wearing the clothes she wore the night before at the club.
"More like three months of Sundays," Evelyn says, pecking Olivia on the cheek.
"Okay - ladies - I've missed you — too. How's everyone doing?" Olivia says, accepting pecks on the cheek and hugs.
"Blessed and highly favored," Claudia says.
"Amen."
"Don't pay them any mind, Olivia," Yvonne says, leaning in and pecking Olivia on the cheek. "It's so good to see you. I was telling Darius the other day it has been a while since I've seen you at Sunday service."
"Fitz and I have had so much going on lately — but we're back and it feels wonderful. The choir and band sound terrific as usual."
"You know we're just teasing you, Olivia. It's good to see you're back. You look terrific. You're having twins— right?" Claudia says.
"We are."
"What a blessing," Evelyn says.
"God is good."
"All the time."
"When are you due, Olivia?" Robin asks.
"December," Olivia responds, proudly rubbing her belly.
"I've been hearing about all the good work you've been doing with the Bryson Philanthropy. Money can be such a gift if used properly," Claudia says.
"We're trying to make a difference in the community."
"Who would've thought Fred Bryson was so altruistic? And who is this adorable little girl?" Evelyn says, staring down at a wide-eyed Asha.
"This is Asha. Say hello to the ladies, Asha," Olivia encourages the timid little girl.
"Hello," Asha says softly, tightening her grip on Olivia's hand as she peeks up at the ladies.
"What beautiful eyes she has. I would kill for those eyelashes. Do you know how much I pay for my eyelashes?" Claudia says.
"Is Asha family?" Evelyn asks, examining the little girl's face for any resemblance to Olivia.
"Asha and Cena attend the same dance school," Olivia responds.
"Where is that husband of yours - and the girls?" Robin asks, glancing around the hall. She has had a secret crush on Fitz for years, which she admitted one night to Evelyn after having one drink too many.
"He's on his way in. Jolie wanted to stop and smell the flowers," Olivia chuckles.
"Praise the Lord — as we speak," Evelyn says with a smile as Fitz enters the church with his daughters. Olivia stares at the flower in Jolie's hand then glances up at her husband.
"She wanted a flower," he says when he sees the look of disapproval on her face. "Good morning, ladies."
"Council President Grant - it's good to see you and your family are finally attending Sunday service again," Evelyn says.
"We're happy to see you — too, Evelyn."
"Good morning, Fitz," Robin says with a smile that is a little too broad and a little too red.
"Good morning, Robin."
"Good morning, Fitz, Yvonne says, with a degree of apprehension. It's good to see you and the family."
"You as well, Yvonne," he replies with a smile.
"Well — I better go find my family. It was good seeing you, Olivia," Yvonne says.
"It was good seeing you - all of you," Claudia says with a chuckle as she teeters on her stilettos. "Let's get together for lunch, Olivia."
"Olivia — come see me anytime. It doesn't look like James is taking care of you," Robin says, smirking as she follows Claudia.
"Take care, Olivia — Fitz. Remember — one Sunday is not a trend," Evelyn says as she walks toward the sanctuary.
"Daddy — there's Miss Britney," Cena yells, pointing across the hall at the young Sunday School teacher.
"Lower your voice, Cena," Olivia admonishes her overly zealous daughter.
"Mrs. Grant. Mr. Grant. It's so good to see you," Britney says with a huge smile on her face.
"Hello, Britney — it's good to see you - too," Fitz says, offering the Sunday school teacher a polite smile.
"Mrs. Grant - you look beautiful as usual."
"Thank you, Britney — you're very kind."
"Hey, Cena. Look at you getting to be a big girl."
"Miss Britney — guess what? I'm going to camp and it's going to be so much fun and my friend Asha is going — too - but not the same camp," Cena reports in one breath.
"Wow — that sounds exciting. You are definitely going to have a lot of fun at camp."
Cena nods her head up and down in agreement.
"Hello, Asha — my name is Miss Britney — I've heard a lot about you," bending down to the timid girl's level.
"Say hello to Miss Britney, Asha," Olivia coaxes Asha again.
"Hello," Asha says softly.
"She's a little shy," Fitz says, as he stops Jolie from running down the hall.
"That's all right — she'll open up when she meets the other children. Would you like to go back and meet the other children? I can tell you about the first time I went to summer camp."
Asha looks up at Olivia.
"It'll be all right — Baaba is going back with you and Cena. Okay?"
Asha looks up at Fitz and he flashes her a reassuring smile.
"Come on, daddy," Cena says with excitement as she grabs her father's hand.
"Take Jo — I'll be back shortly," Fitz says, placing the toddler's hand in her mother's hand. Asha grabs Fitz' other hand as they follow Miss Britney up the hall to the classroom.
"Have fun," Olivia says, waving and grinning like a Cheshire cat.
"Have fun," Jolie the parrot repeats, waving her hand like her mother.
XXX
"Good morning, Olivia — it's good to see you're back in the Lord's house."
Olivia gasps softly at the sound of the familiar voice, instinctively tightening her grip on Jolie's hand and placing a protective hand on her stomach.
"Darius - it's good to see you — too," plastering on a smile before slowly turning to face her husband's foe.
"It's been a while," Darius says, taking a step closer.
"It has — but it's good to be back," bending to pick up Jolie who is tugging at the hem of her mother's dress. "I saw Yvonne earlier — how are the boys? Are they enjoying the last weeks of summer before school starts?"
"Jalil and Malcolm have been in sports camps all summer - except for the two weeks we visited Yvonne's parent's in South Carolina."
"South Carolina? That's quite a distance."
"We drove. It was a nice road trip. The long drive gave the family time to reconnect - reflect on what's important," bending to pick up the flower that has fallen from Jolie's hand.
The characteristic sounds of the tambourine jingles grow louder as the choir and band begin to reach a crescendo, signaling it is time to end the socializing and business dealing and enter the sanctuary.
"It sounds like the choir is close to finishing — I guess we better get inside. You know Deacon Butler dislikes when anyone comes into the sanctuary while he's reading the bulletin. How about I take this little one from you? She's knocked out."
"Thank you, Darius — I think I can carry her," shifting Jolie in her arms.
"Nonsense - she looks like an armful," Darius says.
Olivia scans the almost-empty hall for her husband, but only sees a few stragglers who are finishing their conversations. She wonders what is taking Fitz so long.
"I'd appreciate that, Darius. Jolie is like dead weight when she's sleeping," reluctantly placing her baby girl in the arms of the man who hates her father.
XXX
As she slides onto the pew, Olivia smiles up at the stage as the choir sways from side to side singing praises to God.
"Here you go, Olivia — I need to get back to Yvonne and the boys," placing Jolie in her mother's arms. "She is pretty heavy," Darius says with a chuckle.
"Thank you, Darius," Olivia says with a polite smile as she lay Jolie across her lap.
"And the little lady's flower," he says, handing Olivia the crushed petals.
Fifteen minutes later Fitz slides on the pew next to his wife and hands her the girls' sunglasses before taking a sleeping Jolie from her lap.
"What took you so long? Is Asha all right?" Olivia asks in a hushed tone as she drops the sunglasses into her purse.
"So far — so good. I wanted to hang around awhile to make sure she was comfortable," he says, leaning into his wife and whispering.
"I saw Darius," Olivia whispers and Fitz groans silently, he certainly did not miss seeing Darius for the past few months.
"Shh," someone in the row behind them says, in an attempt to quiet the couple. Deacon Butler is reading the church bulletin. Fitz turns to offer an apologetic look and he briefly locks eyes with the man he once considered a friend.
Darius grips the program tight when he sees his nemesis, the person he despises more than anyone in the world. His rage is as hot today as it was the day Fitzgerald Grant used his white privilege to single-handedly destroy his career. He will never forget the way the self-righteous bastard took him to task, lecturing him about his personal affairs. Glaring at the back of his enemy's head, Darius recounts how Grant mercilessly twisted the knife, demanding he relinquish the prestigious position of Chairman of the Appropriations Committee.
Yvonne places her soft hand on top of her husband's clenched fist, silently trying to calm his anger. Her husband never told her what happened between him and Fitz, why their friendship ended abruptly, and why he stepped down from his cherished position. A smart and talented litigator who has cross-examined some of the most hardened criminals on the witness stand, Yvonne knows when someone is hiding information. Darius refused to discuss the matter and she did not press him for answers. As the stalwart wife, she remained silent as she did when she learned about her husband's long-term affair with Victoria Sanchez.
"Hallelujah. Hallelujah," Rev. Walker booms as he walks across the stage clapping his hands to the beat of the music. "Good morning. Good morning - family. Everyone - stand up - clap your hands - and give God praise this morning."
With palms turned skyward, the congregation praises the Lord, shouting Hallelujah over and over. The drummer bangs on the symbols and the organist pulsates the chords. The energy in the sanctuary is electric.
"You may be seated. Grace and peace be with you on this glorious morning. This is the day the Lord has made — and we should all rejoice and be glad in it. Somebody shout Amen."
"Amen," Olivia shouts, feeling the Spirit of the Lord around her.
"This morning - I was moved by the Lord to preach a certain sermon — not the sermon I worked on all week — but the one God wanted you to hear this morning."
Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah.
"This morning — I'm going to talk about holding a grudge. Not everything that is faced can be changed — but nothing can be changed until it is faced."
Amen.
"The Scripture says - we are to forgive because we are forgiven. Perhaps one of the reasons people cling to their hates so stubbornly is because they sense — once hate is gone — they will be forced to deal with pain. Have you ever heard someone say - "You don't understand what they did to me?"
"When you hear that phrase — you know that person is trapped - trapped in the past. While we may not understand - but Jesus Christ does. He lived a perfect life — but was beaten — mocked — spit on — and hung on a wooden cross to die a cruel death. Yet — John 3:16 teaches us that He loved the world enough to go through this humiliation."
Amen.
"Sometimes we mistakenly think Jesus died only for us — but when He died —He died for the world—including whoever offended you."
Praises to The Almighty.
Glory to God.
"We are told to forgive others just as Christ forgave us. Do they deserve forgiveness? No. Do we deserve it? Again — no. But still — He hung on that cursed tree because of His love for each of us."
Hallelujah. Hallelujah. To God be the glory.
"When we have an unforgiving spirit - our eyes are not on Him - they are fixed on ourselves. Once when someone dear to me hurt me — I said to God, "Someone should pay for this." And — in His kind — loving — tender way — He said to me, 'I paid.'"
The powerful words bring the congregants to their feet, shouting hosannas and dancing in the aisles for the Lord.
Glory to God. Glory to God.
Hallelujah. Hallelujah.
"God knows what's going on inside of you. He knows your thoughts. He knows how the other person hurt you. He was there. As humans - we sometimes don't have the ability to forgive others — but the Apostle Paul — in his letters to the Philippians — 4:13 — said God can empower us to forgive those who have hurt us."
Jaw clenched tight, Fitz shifts uncomfortably in his seat and Olivia places her hand on his knee. She prays her husband will find a way to forgive his father.
"Dwelling in a place of anger and resentment does not help you grow or live a happier life. Know that God requires forgiveness. Amen?"
Amen.
"Let us pray."
The organist begins to play and the choir starts to sing as Rev. Walker concludes the prayer and takes his seat on the stage. The rousing sounds of the band and the clapping and singing stir Jolie from her nap. She looks around the sanctuary and starts bouncing up and down on her father's lap, clapping her hands. She's also filled with the Spirit.
XXX
"Baaba - guess what?" Asha calls out as she runs across the Great Hall with a piece of paper flopping in her hand.
"What is it, sweetheart?" Scooping up the excited little girl in his arms.
"Look what I made on the computer. Miss Britney let me print it. She said maybe I can frame it."
"Wow — that's a real work of art."
"Can I frame it, Baaba?"
"You certainly can. Did you enjoy Sunday School?" Asha nods her head up and down.
Across the hall, Darius slyly glances over at his nemesis when he hears the little girl call Fitz a strange name. He wonders if the girl is Olivia's family member.
"Daddy, Deon is here today. See." Cena has once again forgotten her indoor voice as she runs toward her father with Deon on her heels.
"Hello, Deon."
"Hi, Mr. Grant," the young boy replies, extending a handshake, which Fitz promptly accepts with a smile.
"Daddy - can Deon come home with us and swim?"
"We need to arrange a play date with his parents for another day, Princess. Okay?"
"Okay," Cena replies sadly. "We have to arrange a play date with your parents for another day," Cena says to Deon.
"Hello, Deon — it's good to see you," Olivia says, smiling down at the little boy.
"Hi, Mrs. Grant. Mommy said the Grants don't come to church anymore."
"Son —you mustn't repeat what mommy says," Deon's father says with embarrassment as he joins the Grants in conversation.
"David — it's good to see you," Fitz says, extending a handshake.
"Good to see you — too, Fitz," David says, nervously accepting the handshake. "You're looking well, Olivia."
"Thank you, David. Where's Thalia?" Olivia asks, glancing around the crowded hall.
"She's meeting with Sister Inez. She should be out shortly. Well — it's good to see you're back at Triumph. Have a good day. Come on, son – let's go find your mother."
"Bye Cena. Bye Asha," Deon says over his shoulder as his father pulls him down the hall.
"Bye," Cena and Asha say in unison.
Olivia and Fitz smile at each other because more than once they have been embarrassed by the words coming out of the mouth of an innocent young child.
XXX
Fortified with the Word of God as can only be delivered by Rev. Walker, Olivia sits at the farmhouse table humming as she cuts up the fruit for the fruit salad. Asha watches her intently as Olivia slices the fruit. Free of his church attire, Fitz smiles when he walks into the kitchen. He loves when his wife hums, it means she is happy. He presses a kiss to her cheek then walks over to the refrigerator to get the fixings for lunch.
"You better go up and change your clothes, Ash. Lunch will be ready soon," Fitz says.
"GoGo — I'm going to put on my swimming suit then I'll be back to help you. Okay?"
"Okay," Olivia says with a smile as Asha hurries from the kitchen.
"I guess I'm chopped liver now," Fitz says, setting the fixings for their lunch on the granite island top.
"Don't be jealous," Olivia says, plopping a plump raspberry into her mouth.
"I'm not jealous at all. I think it's wonderful the two of you are becoming close. She needs you right now, Liv—not me. She needs a mother."
"Rev. Walker delivered a thought-provoking sermon this morning," she says, waiting for his response.
"Mhm," he mumbles as he surveys the foodstuff spread over the island top. "What kind of sandwich do you want?"
"What are you having?" Olivia replies, answering his question with a question.
"I think I'll have ham and cheese."
"Then I'll have turkey. We can share — half and half."
The corners of his mouth turn down as he sets the jar of mayonnaise on the island top. He does not believe he has eaten a whole ham sandwich in the-almost 10 years they have been married.
"And babe — don't use mayonnaise. I want mustard on the ham sandwich," she says.
Fitz sighs softly. He does not want to share a sandwich today. He does not want turkey and he does not want mustard on his ham sandwich. He wants mayonnaise.
"You know I can fix one of each for you — the way you like them."
"Don't be ridiculous — we always share," continuing to cut up the fruit. "Babe — we need to redecorate the guest room — Asha's room. She's not a guest. We need to make it look special for a little girl — special for her."
"That's a good idea. Call Lindsay and have her help you — it shouldn't be too much work since no demolition is involved."
"I'll call her tomorrow. I think I'll schedule her to come over one day after camp. I want Asha involved in selecting colors and a few accessories."
"We know the paint color she'll want. Purple," they say with a chuckle.
"Daddy — we're hungry," Cena shouts as she and Asha run into the kitchen wearing their bathing suits. Jolie and Bowtie follow in a distant third and fourth.
"One egg salad sandwich and one chicken salad sandwich coming right up," the short-order cook announces.
"What about JoJo?" Asha asks as she and Cena climb onto the bench seat across from Olivia.
"And one tuna salad sandwich for Jo — without mayo," Fitz adds.
"Who wants fruit salad?" Olivia asks cheerfully as she tosses the fruit medley around in the bowl.
"I do, mommy," Cena replies.
"GoGo — do you want me to help you put the fruit in the bowls?"
"Thank you, baby — but why don't you just relax. I'll do it this time. Okay?" Carrying the large fruit salad over to the island top.
"Okay," Asha says.
Olivia presses a kiss to her husband's cheek and he smiles as he spread a hefty amount of mustard on the bread for their ham sandwich.
"GoGo — is my mommy in Heaven with God? Miss Britney said when people die they go live with God in Heaven."
Standing on her tippy toes trying to slide the small dessert bowls from the cabinet shelf, Olivia turns and looks at her husband with wide eyes before responding.
"Well, sweetheart — we are all with God — no matter where we are," hoping Asha finds the non-answer acceptable.
"Oh," Asha says, swinging her legs back and forth under the table.
"Mommy — we have to wait an hour before going swimming. Right?"
"That's right, Cee."
Fitz breathes a sigh of relief. For once he is happy to hear his daughter repeat the old wives' tale.
XXX
Later that night as she massages the expensive cream on her thigh, Olivia shakes her head as she thinks about the kinds of things they take for granted with Cena and Jolie that they cannot take for granted with Asha. When they learned they could not enroll Asha in summer camp without a birth certificate, Fitz finally agreed to take John's advice and meet with Child Protective Services. It is time they make the agency aware of Asha's situation.
"What's the matter?" Fitz asks as he enters the bedroom after taking a long hot shower. It has been a long day and he is exhausted from spending the morning in church and playing in the pool for hours with the girls.
"Babe — we should be better prepared to answer Asha's questions about Kelly. We look light deer caught in the headlights whenever she asks about her mother."
"This is new for us, Liv. It's only been three months."
"I know — but we shouldn't be caught off guard each time. Her questions are to be expected. It seems unfair to keep giving her vague answers."
"She's seven — she'll accept whatever you tell her. Besides — we don't want to confuse her about where dead people go. She doesn't understand the concept of Heaven."
"One — she won't be seven forever. Two, Heaven is more than a concept," she says, massaging the cream on her arm.
"You know what I mean," groaning as he stretches his achy legs across the bed.
"We also need to figure out how we're going to introduce Asha. There were several questions at church this morning about who she is."
"It's nobody's business," he says dismissively.
"That may be so — but it won't stop the questions — especially when she shows up with us every Sunday."
"Mhm", he responds with heavy eyelids.
"Babe — I'm a little nervous about our meeting with the social worker on Tuesday."
"Nervous? Why would you be nervous?"
"I don't know — I just don't want her to hold it against us for not contacting them sooner."
"You worry too much," he says, rolling over and placing a kiss on her bare shoulder. "John says it's just a formality. Everything is going to be fine. Stop worrying and get some rest," turning off his lamp.
"Babe — don't forget — I'm going to visit Mona at the foundation tomorrow. I feel awful I haven't seen her since she returned from her brother's funeral."
XXX
Olivia's serene face immediately shifts into a frown when she enters the foundation. The alarm system is not activated. After the Charlie matter, Mona knows the importance of arming the system. As she punches the four-digit code on the keypad to set the alarm, her brow furrows at the sound of laughter flowing from the private office area.
"Olivia — Mrs. Grant?" Marcella screeches, springing to her feet when she sees the foundation's owner standing in the office doorway.
"Hello, Marcella," Olivia says, glancing back and forth between Marcella and the man sitting in the chair in front of the desk.
"I wasn't expecting … I didn't know you were coming to the office today," Marcella says nervously.
"Hello, Mrs. Grant. My name is Angelo — I am Marcella's friend. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Marcella speaks very highly of you. Your foundation does wonderful work," Victor says, extending a handshake.
"Hello, Angelo", Olivia says, accepting the handshake as she wonders who the man is and what he is doing at the foundation.
"Mrs. Grant — I didn't realize you were .… Angelo owns the bakery down the street," Marcella sputters nervously.
"I see. Is Mona in her office?"
"Mona isn't in today — she's not feeling well. A migraine."
"I see."
"I better get back to the bakery — those doughnuts aren't going to bake themselves. It was a pleasure meeting you, Mrs. Grant. I voted for your husband — he's a good man. I think he's going to do great things for this city."
Olivia flashes Victor a polite smile.
"I will call you later, Marcella," Angelo says, sliding his cap from the desk before leaving.
"I better clean up this mess," Marcella says nervously.
"I set the alarm, Marcella — you'll have to let your friend out."
"Of course. I'll be right back," Marcella says, hurrying down the hall to the waiting room.
Olivia walks into the small office and sits down on the seat vacated by Angelo. She frowns at the sandwiches, salads, and drinks spread over the desk.
XXX
"Mrs. Grant - it's been a while. It's good to see you," Marcella says nervously as she begins to clean up the leftovers.
"You didn't set the alarm, Marcella. There is a reason I had the alarm system installed. Anyone could've come in."
"I know. I'm sorry. It won't happen again, trying to avoid Olivia's eyes as she drops the food containers into the trash can next to her desk.
"Marcella — who is Angelo and why was he here?"
"He owns the bakery down the street," nervously wiping the desk with the white paper napkin.
"You've said that — but why was he here?" Olivia asks, staring at Marcella and waiting for an answer.
"We've started dating recently. He's a really nice man. He brought me lunch today — that's all."
"Sit down, Marcella," Olivia says calmly. "Marcella— I'm sure Angelo is a nice man — and I'm happy you found someone you like — but you cannot date at the office."
Marcella opens her mouth to speak, but Olivia raises her hand to halt whatever excuse Marcella is about to offer.
"This is a business office. The clients that come here are disadvantaged and in desperate need of our help. When they come here — I don't want them turned off because you are distracted by a non-OPG employee sitting in your office having lunch. I want our clients to know when they come here for help — they have our fullest attention. If our clients cannot trust us — then there is no foundation. Do you understand?"
"Yes, ma'am. I'm sorry — it won't happen again."
"I'm sure Mona told you to always eat your lunch in the kitchen so the clients don't have to contend with the smells of leftover food."
"Yes — she did."
"Marcella — I need to trust you will always protect the OPG brand and reputation Mona and I spent years building."
"You can trust me, Mrs. Grant. I am really sorry. It won't happen again."
"Fine. I need to get going — I have a few more errands to run this afternoon."
"Yes, ma'am," Marcella says, following Olivia to the small waiting room.
"And Marcella - set the alarm when I leave. I want you to be safe when you're here alone."
Marcella enters the code on the keypad then hurries back to her office to empty the smelly trash can. She shuts her eyes tight for a moment, she was not expecting Mrs. Grant to show up today. She has not been to the foundation in quite some time. Marcella sighs as she carries the trash can to the small kitchen thinking Angelo cannot visit her anymore for lunch. She loves working at the foundation and does not want to lose her job.
XXX
As she climbs into her car, Olivia wonders if Mona is aware Marcella entertains her boyfriend at the foundation. She wonders what else is going when Marcella is there alone. She hopes she has not made a mistake hiring the young woman. Thinking one more thing she needs to worry about, Olivia presses the button to play her voice messages through the car's speaker system.
Olivia dear — check your email. I sent three more resumes for your review. Fingers crossed you and your hubby will find one an acceptable candidate to be your new housekeeper. Toodles.
XXX
Asha nervously climbs on the sofa and sits in the space between Olivia and Fitz. She does not know why GoGo and Baaba stopped her when she and Cena were going upstairs to play after dinner. She wonders if she did something wrong or maybe pronounced a word incorrectly. She has been trying really hard to speak like Cena.
"Asha — how would you like to have your bedroom redecorated?" Olivia asks with a big smile, but Asha is confused. She does not know what redecorate means.
"How would you like to get all new furniture—new everything?" Fitz asks, and Asha's eye sparkle with delight.
"Can my room look just like Cena's – but purple? Cena's room is so pretty," Asha says as she eagerly looks up at Olivia.
"Sweetheart, Cena's bedroom is designed especially for her. We will design your bedroom special for you – in purple of course," Fitz says.
"Oh - okay. I have to tell Cena I'm gonna have a pretty bedroom — too," Asha says, bursting with excitement as she runs from the room. Halfway across the room, she stops quickly, runs back over to the sofa, and throws her arms around Olivia and Fitz.
"I love you, GoGo. I love you, Baaba."
XXX
Olivia wrings her hands as she scans the pale-green walls plastered with posters of families smiling happily. She wonders if the posters actually reflect reality. She has read the horror stories of how CPS allowed a child to fall through cracks which resulting in harm and sometimes death.
"What's the matter?" Fitz asks, looking down at her hands.
"I'm concerned, Fitz. I don't want anything to go wrong today."
"Will you stop worrying. Everything is going to be fine."
"You keep saying that — but my gut tells me — "
"Mrs. Grant. Mr. Grant. Hello — my name is Cynthia Harrington. I'll be handling your case. Please join me in my office."
Cynthia Harrington's office is similar to the waiting room to the extent it is painted the same awful shade of green and is filled with lots of pictures. Instead of posters of smiling families hanging on the walls, framed photographs of smiling faces line her desk and credenza. Olivia wonders if the photographs are of clients or Ms. Harrington's family.
"May I offer you either of you something to drink?"
"No — thank you," Olivia replies, and Fitz waves his hand dismissively as they sit in the chairs placed in front of the small desk.
"Well — let's get started. Mrs. Grant — Mr. Grant — you contacted Child Protective Services to make the agency aware you have a non-relative, minor child living in your home."
"Yes," Olivia replies. "Asha has been living with our family for the past three months."
Cynthia nods her head as she scribbles notes on the yellow legal pad.
"Asha Innis — is seven years old. Correct?" Cynthia looks at Olivia to confirm Asha's age.
"Yes," Olivia replies.
"Can you explain how Asha came to live in your home?" Cynthia asks, her eyes slowly scanning the couple's faces.
Wringing her hands on her lap, Olivia inhales softly before recounting the sad and tragic story of Kelly's death. Unfortunately, she will never forget the day Kelly's lifeless body was wheeled from Bryson Foods headquarters.
"The day Kelly — Asha's mother —died — Asha was at dance class with our Cena — our oldest daughter. Cena and Asha met at dance class almost two years ago and they became friends almost immediately. Over time — the girls became really close and had many sleepovers at our home — which the girls enjoyed — of course."
"Of course," Cynthia replies with a smile. She has an eight-year-old daughter who loves having her friends to sleepover so they can watch movies and chatter late into the night.
"The occasional weekend sleepover evolved into Asha living with our family several days a week."
"Why did Miss Innis allow her daughter to live with your family several days a week?"
"As a single mother — Kelly was struggling financially. So - she took a part-time job — working a few nights a week — to help with expenses. She asked Fitz — my husband — and me if Asha could stay with us on the nights she worked."
"Of course - we agreed," Fitz chimes in for the first time.
Cynthia nods her head as she writes notes on the legal pad.
"Continue, Mrs. Grant."
"The day Kelly died — I called my husband to tell him what happened. I asked him to pick the girls up from dance and take them to our home. I was so nervous — I didn't know what else to do."
Fitz covers her trembling hands with his large, warm hand.
"A little girl had just lost the most important person in her life and I wanted to make sure Asha was somewhere safe and familiar."
"Of course. And how did you learn about Miss Innis' death, Mrs. Grant?"
"Oh — I forgot to say — Kelly and I worked at the same company — Bryson Foods. She died while on the job."
"On the job?" Cynthia says with surprise.
"Yes," Olivia replies, not offering any detail.
"I assume Miss Innis was a young woman — do you know the cause of her death? Had she been ill?"
Olivia looks at Fitz.
"Kelly was a good mother who had some personal challenges," Fitz says tersely, causing the social worker to set her pen on the legal pad and lean back in the chair.
"I am not the enemy here, Mr. Grant. My job is to understand how this child came to live in your home for the past three months. I can get a copy of the Death Certificate — but it will make things so much easy if you tell me what you know."
Olivia looks at her husband's set profile before speaking. She sees he is getting angry.
"As my husband said — Kelly was dealing with some challenges: financial — emotional — and physical. To cope — she - unfortunately - turned to drugs — legal prescriptions at first — then illegal. Kelly died from an accidental overdose. We had no idea the depth of her pain," Olivia says, still feeling incredible guilt for not knowing more about Kelly before her death.
"Asha knows nothing about how her mother died and we want to keep it that way," Fitz says adamantly.
"Of course," Cynthia replies.
"We love Asha — she has become a member of our family. We are here today because we want to make it official," Olivia says.
"Let me explain Washington State law regarding orphaned children."
"Asha is not an orphan — she has a family. We are her family," Fitz snaps.
Cynthia sighs silently thinking Mr. Grant is going to be a problem.
"When there is no parent or legal caregiver — and there are no relatives willing or able to assume guardianship — a child automatically becomes a ward of the Court."
"Asha will not live in some institution. She is a member of our family." Fitz says angrily.
"Let her explain, Fitz," Olivia says, placing her hand on his arm.
"Council President Grant — I am simply explaining how the law works in cases like this. I'm sure as an attorney you can appreciate that."
Fitz crosses his legs and stares at the social worker with cold eyes. She returns the stare thinking the man is testing her patience. She inhales deeply then continues.
"Mrs. Grant. Mr. Grant. I can see you both care for Asha very much. I wish we had more families like yours who are willing to take in a child — especially under such tragic circumstances. However — if you had come to CPS after Miss Innis died — all of this would have been explained to you. We would have explained how the process works. We would have explained that Asha living with you could be temporary."
"Temporary?" Olivia shrieks.
"Let me finish — please," Cynthia says, raising her hand to halt Olivia's outburst. "Temporary in that we — perhaps — would have assigned you as Asha's foster parents — if you chose to take on that role."
Olivia nods her head with understanding.
"While Asha was in your care — CPS would have tried to find an acceptable family member that was willing to take her in. If there was no such family member — then CPS would find Asha another foster family if you were not willing to continue in the role. Full transparency – CPS strives to unite children with family members."
Fitz shifts in the chair and uncrosses his legs. He does not like anything he is hearing.
"By the way — do you know anything about Asha's father?"
"Asha never knew the man — he was killed in prison," Fitz says flatly. Cynthia scribbles another note.
"We tried to find her family. We engaged a family friend at the FBI," Olivia volunteers.
"FBI?"
"Yes — my husband has a friend who works for the agency."
"I see. And did your friend find any family members?"
"No," Fitz replies immediately, conveniently leaving out his encounter with Asha's grandmother.
"Ms. Harrington — we were simply trying to do what we thought was best under the circumstances. We wanted to provide Asha as normal a life while we searched for her family," Olivia says.
"Of course — I understand. Mr. Grant — I can see you are protective of Asha and you care for her deeply. But — as much as you care for her — love her — even feel like she is a member of your family. But the fact is — she is not. Asha Innis is not your child. Right now - she is a ward of the State of Washington."
Fitz' face turns a deep shade of crimson. Ms. Harrington has just drawn the line. He knows he has lost control of Asha. Cynthia Harrington is now in control and she knows it. She has CPS and the State of Washington on her side This is exactly what he has been trying to avoid all these months.
"Let me explain the next steps," Cynthia continues. "The Court will appoint a guardian ad litem to conduct an investigation and search for viable family members."
"A what?" Olivia asks with confusion.
"A court-appointed person to look out for Asha's interests," Fitz replies without taking his eyes off the social worker.
"It's standard, Mrs. Grant," Cynthia says.
Olivia slowly nods her head, thinking she was right to be concerned. It feels like the rails are coming off. This meeting is not going the way she hoped.
"While we search for family members — CPS will begin the investigation."
"Investigation?" Olivia says with concern.
"If you opt to become Asha Innis' legal foster parents — you and Mr. Grant will need to undergo a thorough background check: prison, drugs …"
"Of course — we'll be Asha's foster parents," looking at her husband who is close to exploding.
"Good. Then I will recommend to the Court you and Mr. Grant be awarded temporary custody."
Fitz shifts in his seat.
"I will interview your family members — your friends — co-workers — to determine suitability. I will need to inspect your home to ensure Asha is living in a safe environment."
"Of course — our home is safe," Fitz growls.
"Fitz — let her finish. This is all routine," Olivia says, looking at the woman for reassurance.
"Yes – all routine," Cynthia responds.
"You will receive a monthly stipend of $500 to pay for Asha's basic needs."
"We don't need the money," Fitz says dismissively. Cynthia ignores Fitz' comment and continues.
"The State provides additional benefits for orphans. You will be issued State-sponsored medical insurance so you can legally take Asha to doctors' appointments without coming out of pocket. You will receive a letter from me — and a copy of Asha's birth certificate — allowing you to enroll her in camp."
Fitz is silently seething.
"Mr. Grant — I can see you're not comfortable with any of this — but this is the law. Everything we do here at CPS is in the best interest of the child. You have heard the horror stories."
"Of course — we understand," Olivia replies.
"Now — shall we check our calendars. I need to schedule a visit to your home. I need to meet Asha."
XXX
"Dammit," he snarls as they walk toward the elevator.
"What's the matter?" Olivia asks, holding her stomach as she tries to keep pace with her husband's long strides.
"I hate this. What the hell does she mean she needs to check if our home is safe. Of course — our home is safe."
"She's just doing her job, babe."
"This is why I didn't want to get the system involved," tugging at the knot of his tie. He cannot breathe.
"We had no choice — you know we had no choice. She said we should've brought Asha in long ago. She was understanding."
"Understanding? Don't be fooled by that sweet demeanor she pulls out at will. That woman is hellbent on taking Asha from our home and turning her over to a bunch of strangers. Asha doesn't know Kelly's siblings. Hell — none of them are any condition to take care of her."
Olivia rubs circles on her stomach to calm the babies; they are unusually active today.