Chapter 8

"What the fuck do you mean you're spending Christmas with him and his family?" Harrison asked Olivia in a hushed tone. They were in the b hallway outside of the auditorium. It was the last day of filming and the day of the talent show.

"Exactly what I said. I don't wanna be around my parents or our other family members. You know all they're gonna ask me about is Lance and I don't wanna talk about it." Olivia reasoned.

Harrison ran his hand down is face, then clasped his hands together. "I get it Liv you like this guy, but do you honestly think spending the Christmas holiday with him is the wise thing to do when the world doesn't even know if you're breaking up with Lance or not." Harrison just wanted Olivia to see things from his perspective. He doesn't want to confuse Olivia's fan with the idea that she and Lance were in some type of open relationship. Olivia is not some freak and that's not the image he wants to present to people.

"Harry no one will know I spent the holiday with Fitz and his family. I'll have them sign NDA's." Olivia didn't see the big deal over spending Christmas with Fitz and his family. She is positive they won't run to the press.

"This is not a good idea Liv…just be careful. And why the hell is Julian not going with you?" It's not that Harrison didn't trust Fitz. He didn't trust Fitz family. Can he really protect Olivia is what Harrison is concerned about?

"I'm okay Harry." Olivia assured.

"Alright let's get you back to the hotel so you can change into your gown."

"Okay let me tell Fitz I am leaving."

"Hurry please."

Olivia smiled and walked off looking for Fitz.

"Hey Michelle, is Fitz in his office?" Olivia asked.

"Do I look like his keeper?" Michelle curtly replied.

Olivia scrunched up her face at Michelle's rudeness. Olivia gets it though, she came in and swooped Fitz right from Michelle. Olivia would be jealous too if she was Michelle.

Olivia just politely smiled and headed to the back where his office was located. She was about to knock until she heard him speaking with a student.

"You have to be a better person not only for Keira, but for yourself as well. If you love her as much as you say you do then act like it. How do you think Keira feels seeing you hugged up and flirting with Jasmine in the hallway, don't you think she's hurt by that?"

"Yeah I know she's hurt by that, but Mr. Grant I am young. I am not ready for all that lovey dovey type of shit you know."

"So tell her that then Brandon. You can't keep leading her own with thinking that you two are going to be together when you're having second thoughts."

"I hear you Mr. Grant and I understand."

"Alright and Brandon thanks for coming to me about this man it means a lot. You know you can come and talk to me about anything."

"Yeah I know Mr. Grant thanks man for being so cool."

"No problem man."

Olivia leaned against the wall waiting for Brandon to leave Fitz's office.

"Hey Olivia." Brandon said as he left out of Fitz office.

"Hi." Olivia smiled.

"You're so pretty in person I just thought I'd tell you that." Brandon blushed.

"Thank you."

"Brandon that's why you're in the trouble you're in now." Fitz said walking to his door.

Brandon just laughed and walked off. Fitz pulled Olivia into his office and locked the door.

"You wanna know what's funny, his girlfriend Keira opened up to me about her relationship with him and I saw myself in that girl it was so scary." Olivia told Fitz.

"Really?" Fitz asked leaning against his desk. He pulled Olivia between his legs.

"Mhm, you gave him great advice."

"Thanks it's hard not having a guidance counselor here full time, so I have to put on all the hats." Fitz hand idly were resting on Olivia's small waist. He's so comfortable with her, vice versa. Her hands were comfortably resting on his shoulders.

"Yeah I bet. You're doing such a wonderful job."

"Thanks babe." Fitz pecked her lips.

"I came to tell you that I was leaving. I have to get ready for the talent show."

"You look fine to me."

Olivia was dressed in a pair of distressed high waisted Balmain jeans, with a black leather jacket to match, and thigh high leather Louboutin's. Her hair was pulled up into a messy bun and she was rocking a face full of makeup. She looked sexy and edgy.

"Thanks but my stylist wants me in this custom-made gown."

"Of course she does." Fitz replied with an eye roll. "During Christmas I want you natural Liv. No makeup, no wigs, no fancy clothes, just you." Fitz seriously said.

"Okay." Olivia nodded. She isn't insecure with her looks, if he wants her natural, then she'll be natural. She can step away from 'Olivia The Star' and just be Olivia.

"I am serious."

"I know." Olivia kissed him again and reluctantly pulled herself from between his legs.

"See you at the talent show." Olivia winked before leaving his office.

Just as she left, Michelle walked into his office with some papers in her hand. She looked festive in her holiday sweater, skirt and heels.

"There's a student that wants to transfer into here after winter break. Here is his information." She informed Fitz as she handed Fitz the manila folder.

"Thanks." Fitz took the folder and sat it on his desk.

Michelle turned to leave when Fitz stopped her.

"Hey, Michelle you left some things at my apartment. You can stop by and get them whenever you want." Fitz said. He honestly wanted to throw her shit away, but he knew that would be petty and that's not even in his character.

"Yeah I'll stop by to pick up whatever I left…is this weekend alright?"

"Yeah that's fine."

"Okay."

Michelle left Fitz office with a smile on her face. This was going to be easier than she thought. Olivia will be gone after this weekend, so Michelle can get Fitz back on her side, and then they'll definitely spend Christmas together and Olivia will be history.

X

For the talent show Olivia will be donned in a custom-made Oscar de la Renta strapless draped tulle gown. The gown was gold and beautiful, but definitely way too much for a high school talent show. If Abby had her wearing this for the talent show, Olivia can only imagine what she'll be wearing during the holiday party.

"You don't like it do you?" Abby asked Olivia. They were standing in front of the full-length mirror.

Olivia loved the gown paired with gold Yves Saint Laurent stilettoes, it was just too much. She had on a beautiful gold Swarovski necklace, with diamond studs to match. James styled her a blunt cut wig that he dyed an auburn color. Her makeup was dramatic to complete the look. Olivia looked like she was going to a ball not a talent show.

"I mean I like it it's just too much Abs, don't you think?" Olivia asked with a raised brow.

"Girlfriend you are Olivia everything you do is over the top. I know you're back in your hometown and being at your old school is probably bringing up memories of your humbled beginnings, but you have an image to uphold. Plus, this special will be seen by the world and the world is used to see you like this Liv." Abby reasoned.

"I guess you're right." Olivia shrugged.

"Now cheer up, you look beautiful." Abby smiled.

Olivia faked a smile. Harrison walked in and gushed upon lying eyes on Olivia.

"You look amazing." He complimented kissing her cheek.

"Thank you, can we go now?" Olivia was ready to see Fitz even though she knew he was going to flip on her for being dressed so over the top.

"Yeah the car is out front."

"Okay."

"Olivia have fun, you look like a doll." Abby said as Olivia headed out of the hotel suite.

The drive over to the school was short. Olivia wanted to check social media so bad, because she knew the internet was blazing with questions and thoughts about Lance's scandal. Harrison forbade her from looking at social media and she listened to him, knowing it was for the best. Still she was curious to know what her fans and the world was saying.

Walking into the auditorium turned into sheer pandemonium. Parents, kids, and staff went wild when they laid eyes on Olivia, as if she wasn't there for an entire week. They were snapping photos, asking for photos and screaming that they love her. Olivia loved the love she was receiving from them, she smiled and waved as she made her way to the judges table. God, she felt so out of place.

When Fitz laid eyes on her, she could see the discomfort in those blue eyes of his. She shared the same discomfort, she needed for him to know that this wasn't her idea. Olivia was seated and the show started. Fitz came onto the stage, dressed dapperly in a deep burgundy suit, with a crisp white button up shirt, black tie, and black shoes.

"Good evening everyone," he greeted the packed auditorium.

"Good evening Principal Grant!"

"You're so fine Mr. Grant!"

"Are you single!"

Olivia laughed at the catcalls Fitz was getting. Fitz just shook his head and offered a confident smile.

"I first want to say Happy Holidays to everyone. I personally cannot wait until the holiday break. This has been a long school year already and I am sure my parents in the audience can relate."

Everyone clapped.

"However, what I wasn't expecting this school year was having a celebrity come into our building. I must admit when I first received the call from this young woman's manager I thought I was being punk. I am relieved that proved to be false. While I was hesitant at first about her motives, I can assure you all that her intentions are well intent, and she really wants what's best for this school. She shares a lot of the views I do when it comes to education and this past week I saw the sincerity in her eyes when interacting with our staff and students. So, please join me in giving Olivia Pope who I believe is the greatest entertainer of this generation a warm applause."

The audience did more than applause, they hoot and hollered. Olivia blushed at the attention especially Fitz's speech. It didn't help that he couldn't keep his eyes off her the entire time.

Michelle sat on the opposite side of the auditorium pissed. She hated how Fitz blushed and gushed over Olivia.

After the students performed, it was time for Olivia to take the stage. She allowed the crowd to go wild for about 2 minutes.

"Oh please I am not that great." Olivia coyly replied causing them to break out into more applause.

"First I would like to thank Principal Grant, the staff and students for allowing me to come into their building this week. I've always wanted to come back to King and do something special for them and although I wish it was sooner, I believe it happened now for a reason." Olivia looked at Fitz specifically when she said the last part.

"This week has been amazing. The students are amazing, the teachers are great, this school is in great hands, and is headed in the right direction. I cannot wait for you all to see the holiday special it's going to be great. With that being said, I promised I'd perform a song and the song I chose is 'O Holy Night'. I hope you all enjoy it.

The music teacher and students started playing the beat and Olivia started singing.

O Holy Night

The stars are brightly shining

It is the night

Of our dear Savior's birth

Long lay the world

In sin and error pining

'Til he appeared and the soul felt its worth

A thrill of hope

The weary world rejoices

For yonder breaks

A new and glorious morn

Fall on your knees

Oh hear the angels' voices

Oh night, divine

Oh night, when Christ was born

Oh night, divine

Oh night

Oh night divine

Fitz sat back in awe watching Olivia sing her heart out. He's heard her live before in and every time he feels like she outdoes herself. The girl can blow. She moved everyone to their feet by the time she was finished.

"Thank you all so much. I'll see you at the holiday party. Happy Holidays everyone." Olivia blew kisses to everyone and exited the stage.

Olivia stayed behind and signed autographs and took pictures with fans. They wrapped everything up around 11pm. Olivia was exhausted. Her feet hurt, she was hot in the dress, and all she wanted was to shower and lie down.

"Are you ready to get out of here?" Harrison asked.

"She's coming with me." Fitz replied walking up startling Harrison and Olivia.

This fucking guy, Harrison thought. Harrison is sure Fitz is a nice guy, but Olivia doesn't need another distraction right now. Her career is in its prime and she needs to be on her A game at all times. He can already see that Fitz will be a distraction and a problem. He's already having Olivia questions things she would've never questioned in the past.

Harrison looked at Olivia, who looked at Fitz, who looked between the both of them with an assured look on his face, he said what he said, and he meant it. Olivia is coming with him tonight. He knows if she goes back to that hotel, she will not be able to get the rests she needs. Olivia looked exhausted, she needed rest, and she was going to get that at his apartment.

"I'm going with Fitz. Ju you can go with Harry." Olivia replied standing next to Fitz.

Harrison threw his hands up. "Keep your phone on please." Harrison and Julian walked away with a huff.

"I am not his favorite am I?" Fitz laughed with a shrug.

"Probably not, but he's just protective." Olivia replied.

"I get it." Fitz grabbed her hand and led Olivia to his Audi.

As they were making their way to his Audi, they spotted Harrison and Julian arguing with a guy. Olivia or Fitz couldn't tell who it was because it was dark outside. But as soon as the guy started talking, Olivia knew it was Lance.

"He never left." Olivia rushed over to Harrison, Julian and Lance.

Fitz followed behind her.

One look at Lance and Olivia could tell he was either drunk, high, or both.

"Lance you need to get the fuck out of here before you cause a scene." Harrison hissed. There are residential houses around King and he didn't want to alert anyone to their presence.

"I'm not leaving unless Liv leaves with me." Lance slurred.

"Lance it's over." Olivia spoke stepping between him and Harrison. Julian and Fitz went to grab her.

"You don't mean that shit, you didn't say that when we made love the other night." Lance spilled.

Fitz looked at Olivia with a weird expression. He hopes Lance isn't talking about the same night Olivia came to see him. She wouldn't do that, he hoped. She's not that dumb.

"Lance that was a mistake." Olivia calmly replied. She needed to remain calm to diffuse the situation.

"It wasn't you couldn't even face me like a woman to tell me it's over that's how I know it's not…you left my fucking ring on the nightstand…here put it back on." He hiccupped.

"Lance it's over." Olivia stated with finality.

"Who the fuck is gonna replace me? This fucking principal!" Lance yelled pointing at Fitz threateningly.

Fitz just laughed at Lance making a fool of himself.

"Lance you need to go. You need to let me go and move on because that's what I am going to do." Olivia needed Lance to understand that it was really over between the two of them. There was no more manipulating, she was done.

"We'll see…you'll always love me girl I don't care who you open your legs to…I'll never let you go…believe that." Lance blew Olivia a kiss and staggered off to a waiting car.

Olivia turned and headed to Fitz Audi. He walked behind her and helped her inside.

"Is it really over between the two of you Olivia?" Fitz asked as he started up his SUV.

"Yes." Olivia replied. She hated to see Lance like that, but she knew together they were toxic for each other. She needed to close that chapter of her life.

"Yet you opened your legs to him the other night." Fitz shot at Olivia.

"Don't throw that up in my face." Olivia snapped.

"Throw what up in your face, facts!" Fitz shouted.

"I was confused okay! I thought sleeping with him would put things into perspective for me – "

"Oh don't feed me that bullshit!" Fitz cut Olivia off.

"You know what I don't need this bullshit!" Olivia tried to get out of Fitz's SUV, but he stopped her by grabbing her arm.

"I'm sorry." Fitz softly apologized.

Olivia thought about if she should stay or go, deciding to stay, she slid back into the passenger seat and shut the door.

"Fitz I don't want Lance my relationship with him is over. I am ready to close that chapter with him." Olivia spoke looking straight out of the windshield.

Fitz leaned over and turned Olivia's face towards him so he could kiss her. The way she kissed him was all the answers he needed.