Teach Me Too Love You
Chapter 17
A/N: Get Ready because the drama is about to begin.
Happy Reading!
Fitz once again is rendered speechless as he looks at the ultrasound picture in his hand. He looks from the photo to Liv's brown eyes back to the photo shock written along the lines of his face. "Is this real Livvie? Dr. North said…"
Softly running her hand along his unshaven face, she cuts off his statement "She was wrong. I don't how, but she was wrong. I'm a little over 8 weeks."
Fitz thinks back eight weeks and try to pinpoint the exact moment of conception "The boat? When you gave yourself to me?"
With a soft smile "Yes. Our first time together, we made a baby. We did go at it at least 5 times that day making love all night into the following day."
Fitz suddenly feels apologetic "Livvie, I'm sorry. I never even considered, you possibly getting pregnant our very first time together."
"Birth control wasn't exactly on my mind either Fitz. Pregnancy was always a possibility reason being Zach and I always used protection. I was on the depo shot, but I was also due for my next injection this year. I didn't dawn on me until my breast became tinder and the nausea started."
"I guess considering all I put you through birth control was the last thing on your mind. Either way I'm sorry Livvie." He places his large hand against her stomach. "I promise to take care of you and our child."
She places her hand on top of his in union on her stomach "Are you still going back to Sicily?"
"No love. I will take care of things from here. I don't want to be away from you. You are my first priority now love. Everything else comes second."
Lifting her eyes to look at him she takes a moment before softly kissing him. The feel of his lips reminds her more of why she fell in love with him. The way his kissed her, the way he made love to her, and the way he looked at her; how could she not. "I love you." She shares
"I love you too. I always have and always will Livvie." He returns to tender words as their lips become reacquainted as he rubs his hand over her diamond finger. "I promise to love you with everything inside of me, thank you for gifting me with fatherhood." He states after releasing from the kiss
"I believe you Fitz, but can you start by finding me some food, I'm starving?'
"What do you have a taste for?"
"Believe it or not I want a large cheeseburger with peanut butter." Fitz frowns at the gross concoction "
"Where will I get something like that? That's gross by the way."
"I don't know but that's what I want." Liv pouts as she studies Fitz's facial expression "Can you get it for me or not?"
He chuckles at her poutiness "Yes love, I can get it for you."
He takes out his phone and calls Diego with Liv's request adding a burger with the works and fries and a large drink for himself. As they wait for their food the nurse comes in for the final check of the night. After checking Liv's vitals, she requests a cart for Fitz. She shares with them the testing that was scheduled for the am which included another ultrasound and bloodwork before exiting the room.
An hour later Fitz goes down to the front of the hospital to retrieve the food from Diego and returns within minutes. Liv completely devours her burger after spreading peanut butter over the bun. Fitz loses his appetite after watching her do this so Liv ate his burger as well after pealing off the onions. He settled for a few fries and his soft drink unable to enjoy his food, so he enjoyed watching Liv grossly eat hers and his food. It wasn't long before Liv fell into a food coma.
Happy just to see her keep the food down Fitz makes himself comfortable with Liv cuddled up against him right there in the hospital bed.
The following morning the doctor lightly knocks on the door before entering Liv's room. The site before him reminds him of the love he has for his own wife bringing a smile to his face. He walks up to the sleeping couple and clears his throat before speaking. Fitz raises his head and looks at him. "Hi doc."
"Hello, sir. You must be Mr. Grant the fiancé?"
"Yes, that's me." He states rising from his cuddled position causing Liv to stir
The doctor introduces himself as Liv opens her eyes and sits up. "Good morning Ms. Pope."
She returns the greeting. Within 30 minutes the bloodwork and ultrasound is performed on Liv. Fitz couldn't control his emotions at the sound of their baby's heartbeat. It was an experience he will never forget.
The 3D image would forever be engraved in his memory forever even though the image didn't quite look like a baby to him, the heartbeat was real and so was the fact that his child was now growing inside of the woman he loved.
After the bloodwork came back with normal results Liv was given a prescription for prenatal vitamins and nausea relief and then released. Instead of going straight home after picking up her prescriptions they headed to Liv's parent's home. She knew she needed to speak with them and share their pregnancy news. How they would react was a different story. She wasn't sure, but a part of her was prepared. Her mom was more understanding of life events and changes. Her dad on the other hand was a man that didn't do so well with change if it wasn't him who caused it.
They arrive at her parent's home. Once the car stops Liv turns to Fitz. "Baby, are you ready? We have to tell them."
After inhaling and releasing Fitz answers with a yes and reminds Liv that they are in this together. They exit the car and go inside. "Mom dad, are you home?" She calls out
"We're in the kitchen dear." Her mom answers while making her way to the foyer with Eli trailing behind her.
"Livvie dear, I knew you would be okay." Candace states walking up to her and hugging she and Fitz both
"Sweet pea, what are you doing out of the hospital?" Gerry states waiting to embrace her but completely ignoring Fitz standing before him, but Fitz speaks to them both anyway "Mr. and Mrs. Pope." Was his only greeting
"I'm fine. I just fainted but there also another reason for my sudden illness. Can we talk?"
Both parents stop and look at Liv "Sure dear." Her mother answers "I was preparing breakfast for your father and I but there is more than enough for you two to join us." They all head to the large kitchen and take a seat. Candace prepares a breakfast plate for everyone before the conversation begins.
Eli is the first to start "So dear you say there's another reason for you fainting?" Liv looks at Fitz as he takes her hand into his and gives it a slight squeeze encouraging her. "Um yes, the doctor explained to us that and ultrasound confirmed that Fitz and I are pregnant somehow Dr. Norths testing was inaccurate."
Eli drops his fork at the news and quickly fumble to stop it from rattling against his plate. "So, this is why you wanted to marry my daughter because you had already knocked her up? Livvie, I'm disappointed in you. You have not known this…this fool long and you're already pregnant with his child or is the child Zach's because last I checked you were shaking up with him just a few months ago?"
If looks could kill Eli would have been dead. The expression on Fitz's face told it all. He was angry. His clenched jaw along with the large vein protruding from his forehead, and deep intake of air was a deadly sign. "Dad!" Liv yells out "Elijah Pope!" Candace yells
Fitz releases Olivia's hand. Stands using his legs to push the chair back and without a word he turns and walks out of the room. "Fitz." Liv calls out before leaping from her seat and following after him "How could you dad!" She states as she goes after her man
"Fitz, baby wait!" but he continues as he tries to tame the beast inside of him pushing to come out. No man has ever spoken to him that way. He had killed men for less. This thing called normal was testing his resolve. It was his love for Olivia and desire to have normal with her was his reason for walking away. Had he stayed and her father continued to berate him and their love/relationship Eli's existence would be no more. "Fitz please wait, babe stop…walking!" Fitz sops in his tracks placing his hands on his hips.
Liv approaches him stepping into his view "Where are you going?"
"I just need a minute Liv." He pauses and pulls her to his chest "I'm not running or leaving you. I just need a minute to calm down." He kisses her atop of her head and walks out of the house. Liv stands in dismay when her mother and father enter the room.
"Sweet pea…"
She swiftly turns cutting her fathers words off "No! You don't get to call me that! You don't get to talk to me nor my fiancé that way, and you don't get to dictate my life any longer. You were out of line dad not to mention disrespectful to the man I love. We are having this baby and getting married whether you approve or not. I no longer care how you feel about it. We came here to share the good news with the people who's supposed too love me the most, just know I love you both but I'm a grown woman and I make my own decisions and I choose Fitz. He's the love of my life and nothing you say or do will change that. However, it does change how I feel about what you think." She walks past her parents to retrieve her purse keys and phone before returning to join Fitz outside.
"Olivia, I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking. I…I…" But Liv walks out in the middle of her father apology slamming the door behind her. Both parents run to the door pulling it open calling out to their daughter as she runs into the arms of her man. The hug is short and comforting. Fitz opens the car door for Liv to slide inside. She stops and turns to her parent. "I'll be in touch." She states before getting inside. Fitz turns to his soon to be in-laws "Mrs. Pope." He states with a nod but only to her before getting in the driver seat and driving off.
As they make their way out of the beautiful neighborhood something catches Fitz's eye. I black van that just didn't fit. It stuck out like a sore thumb to him causing the hairs on the back of his neck to stand up. This was something he learned long ago to take notice of. His attention stayed on the van as Liv was talking to him. He continued watching it though his mirrors until it was no longer in his site. "Fitz honey did you hear me?" Liv questions
"Yes love, you apologized for you father's behavior, but you don't have too. I don't hold anything he said against you love."
Liv begins looking back over her shoulder trying to find what has Fitz attention. "What is it babe are we being followed or something?"
This is why he loved her she never missed a thing. "There was a van back there that felt out of place."
"You mean the black one? I thought so too. What are you thinking?"
He smiles not wanting to worry Liv "About getting you home and planning for our future." He states while sending a text to Tom to set up a security team and have Diego track his car. Once back at the hotel Liv notices six men in all black suits standing at the entryway of the hotel. They immediately surround the truck as Fitz pulls in with Tom leading the pack. She doesn't question it and decides to trust her man.
Once inside of their condo suite Liv remembers the camera's "Fitz can you please have the camera's removed now that your home? It feels creepy."
"No can do my love. Diego told me you found out about that. I apologize how you found out but the camera's stay. It's part of our protection."
"Protection? Protection from what? From who?"
Taking a seat on the sofa Fitz looks at her staring back at him "Just because I'm out doesn't mean I don't have enemies."
"So, are we in danger? Please don't lie to me Fitz. I saw all the extra security when we arrived. We're in this together, remember?"
Fitz smirks and decides to go with the truth "Come her love sit with me." She does "I received word that Zoey's uncle Lenny is looking for me for revenge for shooting his son in both hands and killing Zoey and Benny. I need to be prepared in case he pops up her in the US."
"More the reason for you to reconnect with your mom. Tomorrow is not promised to us Fitz. We must embrace those we love even though we are unsure of how it will make us feel. Take my parents for instance. I'm very upset with them but that doesn't mean cut them out of my life. I still need them, and you need your mother. She's family and I'm sure she misses you. She's the only family you have left to share our journey of love with. Call your mom Fitz."
He looks at Liv before pulling his phone from his pocket dialing his mother's cell number. "This is Anna." She answers without looking at her caller ID.
Clearing his throat "Ahm, hi mom it's me Fitz."
"Oh my goodness. Fitzgerald my son. It is so good to hear your voice."
"You're too mom. I umm, I just wanted to reach out. I've been thinking of you a lot lately."
"As have I son. I would love to see you. I just want to take you in my arms and hug you. I've missed so many years of that."
"Me too mom, by the way Olivia says hi." He states looking at Liv watching him
"I would love to meet her."
"And you will."
Anna pauses momentarily "Fitz how's your father?" She questions not knowing that Gerry died three years ago
"Mom, dad's dead. He was shot and killed three years ago."
Anna is taken back at his words. If Gerry has been dead for three years, why hadn't her son reached out to her sooner? Did he know the truth about his father? Was he now in the Italian mob? Did he take over for his father? So many questions? "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. I didn't know."
"It's okay mom."
"Did you take over for him?"
"Yeah I did but I'm out now."
"You're out? How? How did you get out son? It's not that easy?" She questions wondering if he knew of his father side of the family.
Fitzgerald II was born to Italian parents, Fitzgerald T. Grant Sr. and Penelope Grant. He adored his parents but was a spoiled strong headed man. He fell in love with an Anna while attending college in the US after growing up in Italy. A year after graduation he was visiting Anna in the states after not seeing her for almost 3 months. Their relationship became a secret world wind affair even as his father was teaching him the ways of the family. Two months later Anna told him she was pregnant. He married her that same week.
His parents were disappointed to say the least. But Gerry gave them the speech taught to him year in and year out about family. He used it against them to get his way after stating he was going to be with Anna and his child with or without their blessing because she and his unborn child were now family. Gerry's father gave him a choice, his blood family or her. He chose Anna and his unborn child. He was pretty much disowned by his father. His mother however did not agree but felt she had to stand by her husband's decision. Gerry picked up and moved to the US.
It wasn't long before Gerry's mother's heartbreak for her son broke his father's resolve, and he brought Gerry back in with the understanding that Anna had to be kept a secret. Gerry was assigned to the businesses in the US. Sometimes flying to Italy with Fitz in tow to spend time with his parents. Fitz was not introduced to family outside of his grandparents because of his American blood. The family knew of him, but he did not know of them because Gerry went against the family tradition and fathered a child that was not a 100% Italian and would not be totally excepted by the other families. Even though he carried many Italian features the family did not want to take the chance.
"I gave them an offer they couldn't refuse." He takes a moment "Mom? I really would like to see you. Can I fly you out to LA one day soon?"
"I would love that son. I have a look into some legal matters regarding your father's behalf, but I think this weekend will be fine."
"I'll book you a flight for Friday. A car will pick you up from the airport." Liv hits Fitz on the arm causing him to turn to her. "No Anna we will pick you up from the airport, right babe?" Liv looks at Fitz with her big brown eyes after loudly making her statement. "Oh yeah, my badd mom Liv and I will pick you up from the airport."
"Oh Fitzgerald it's no bother I can wait for a car."
"No mom as Liv stated we will pick you up. Do you have an email so I can send you the flight information?"
Anna shares her email information before the two ended the call and she mourns from the news of Gerry's passing.
What Fitz never knew was that almost 4 years ago to the date Gerry had came to visit her. He had a sit down with her and professed his love for her and apologized for how he treated her. He also confessed why he started to treat her so badly. Angry with himself for being a coward and not standing up for their relationship. He didn't realize until it was too late that living in both worlds bought on stresses that he did not know how to handle. He lost site of his real life and was drawn into the family life. He was not as on point as he should have been and when the US customs started looking into his business practices and he needed to leave the US, Anna's refusal to go with him angered him more.
He hadn't realized the damage from his mistreatment of Anna. How fearful she had become of him. He thought that if he treated her as his family treated their wives as the man of the house, Anna would get on board. It frustrated him that she didn't. He explained to her the tradition of the family and how he was willing to take a chance of bringing her along with him knowing that it would be risky, also she would not be accepted as family. He still wanted her with him and leaving his son was unacceptable. Leaving him with no choice but to take him with him. His anger grew more when Anna took Fitz and ran off. He punished her by not allowing contact with Fitz once he got him back.
He also shared with her that Tony Grantello aka Antonio Grant know to other's as the Godfather was also his brother and that if anything ever happened to him and she and/or Fitz needed help to contact him. He promised her that he would forever take care of her and that he had been putting money in an account that he opened in her maiden name. It was too late for reconciliation with the two, but Anna grew a great deal of respect for Gerry and kept his secrets. It was now time to share them with their son. He deserved to know the truth about everything including how he got out of the mob so easily.
…..
Friday morning arrived Fitz and Liv's love making comes to an immediately halt when nausea hit her without notice. She never made it to the bathroom as all of last nights dinner came back up. She was unable to swallow the large pill last night and skipped taking it all together. She now regretted it. She vomited for almost 20 minutes and dry heaved for 10 before her stomach settled down and gave her a break. She was totally wiped out and exhausted following the event.
She tried with everything inside of her to get herself dressed to go with Fitz to pick up his mother. but the energy just wasn't there, and her body ached all over. Fitz put her back to bed before leaving to pick up his mother alone. He notified Diego that Liv would be home alone because she wasn't feeling well and to keep and eye on her. Diego agrees turning on the camera system in the apartment.
After Fitz left for the airport. Diego turned on the Camera's. He quickly noticed one of the camera's angle was slightly off showing only a part of the room. Not wanting to disturb Olivia he attempts to use the connecting door but finds it locked. Thinking Fitz forgot to unlock it he steps out to use the main entry way and as soon as he opens the door, he feels something hit his chest. The sound of a gunshot with a silencer is all he remembers as his body hits the floor.
One of the now four men remove his key from his hand and opens Liv's apartment. As one man drags Diego back into his apartment the other's move silently around Liv's apartment until she's located. The taller of the three places his hand over Liv's mouth as a second guy quickly place duct tape over her mouth. Her eyes open wide and a muffled scream sounds behind the tape. Fear immediately takes over her body sending panic throughout her entire being before her world goes black.
One of the men lift her from her bed and places her in a large black suitcase zipping her limp body inside after taping her hands and feet together, walking directly out of the hotel and into a parked SUV driving off without a single person noticing anything.
A/N: Cliffhanger of all cliffhangers, I know….Until next time…..Keke
