I just want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. I hope your day was filled with warm hugs, full plates, stuffed bellies, children's laughter, ugly Christmas sweaters and tons of love.

AN – This chapter is not part of my original outline for this story. I wanted to do a Christmas one-shot and this idea popped into my head after I learned there has not been a full moon on Christmas day in 38 years. The idea fits the story, so I decided to incorporate it. I hope you enjoy it.

Tri-Olitz

Christmas Bonus Chapter

Christmas Eve, Grant Compound Santa Barbara California

Mellie bursts through the heavy oak and glass patio doors fighting back tears of frustration. Having spent an hour in vain trying to convince Fitz to take her to her senior prom her nerves are frazzled and her cheeks rash red from the nippy night air. Mellie is nothing if not persistent. She has her sights set on the ultimate prize and his name is Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III. He is her ticket to greatness. She chalks up his constant rejection of her affection as teenage rebellion against parental authority. Big Gerry has a plan for the two of them and Fitz is simply hellbent on throwing a monkey wrench into the whole works. His move toward independence is growing by leaps and bounds the nearer his departure date for college approaches. He is determined to chart his own path. Today it's giving the middle finger to Big Gerry's idea of them becoming a couple, tomorrow it will be something else. Undeterred by Fitz's refusal to escort her, she makes a beeline to Big Gerry to enlist his aid in making Fitz see the light.

Mellie's POV

Big Gerry and Minerva Grant stand by the huge stone fireplace in the living room talking to influential old money Republican Party supporters. Christmas marks the annual gathering of the party faithful who want to give Santa Grant their legislative wish list for the upcoming year. The living room is awash with clusters of small groups of mainly men, engaging in inappropriate jokes, smoking expensive cigars and chugging triple shots of smooth aged bourbon.

We'll just see what Big Gerry has to say about skipping my prom. I refuse to take no for an answer from Fitz any longer. We are going to be couple. I know it, my parents know it, Big Gerry knows it and it's time for Fitz to accept it. It's time for our love story to start taking shape. I wish our first romantic appearance had been at his winter formal. It would have been perfect, Fitz and I, in the gazebo, wrapped in each other's arms, swaying to the music under the stars in full-view of everyone. Curse that interloping troll Jake for spoiling that plan with his every teenage boy's dream date. How he managed to get those Victoria's Secret twin models to go to the formal with he and Fitz is beyond me. When I told Big Gerry, he just laughed and told me not worry, that there will always be another occasion. Well that occasion has arrived and Fitz is not going to spoil it for me.

I politely interrupt the grown-up talk to tattle on Fitz. "Pardon me Big Gerry, so sorry to intrude but I think there is something wrong with Fitz."

"Gerry we'll talk later", Peter Winthrop of Winthrop Oil and Gas suggests. "You go attend to your son".

"Nonsense Peter, Minerva will go see about the boy, won't cha darlin'?

Glad to escape the pretentious fawning and discussions of self-serving proposals masked as projects for the public good, Minerva quickly excuses herself to go look after Fitz. "Gentlemen, it has been a pleasure as always." The Slick Willy bluebloods smile at Minerva and resume their conversation with Big Gerry.

"Where is he Mellie?"

"In the backyard sitting on his stup...on his bench". That was close; I almost let it slip what I think of his favorite spot in the backyard.

I begin to follow Minerva to backyard but she stops me and says she'll take it from here. I don't think she likes me. She and Fitz never talk around me. I wonder if Fitz is telling her lies about me. I'll have to remember to be extra sweet around her. I can't afford to be at odds with my future in-law until after the wedding, then who cares.

"Oh, okay. I'll be inside with my parents. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help Mrs. Grant". I grab her hand to show my sincerity.

Minerva pats my hand. "No, dear, it's Christmas Eve; go enjoy yourself with the other young people. I'm sure Jake will introduce you to Fitz's other friends." Is she kidding? She has to know Jake hates my guts. In fact, he has made it his personal mission in life to keep Fitz away me and away from their friends.

I cough. "Sure thing Mrs. Grant; I think I'll do that." Not!

Fitz's POV

This is my favorite part of the compound. Here I can be alone with my thoughts and my sketchbook. This is where I can escape the dog and pony show that goes along with the only son of the two-time governor, four-term senator from the great state of California. Cloaked in the evening's chill, I was really enjoying the quiet solitude of this amazing full moon lit night; that was until crazy Mellie showed up.

God, Mellie is annoying. Whatever nonsense Big Gerry has filled her head with; I don't want any part of it. I've had enough exposure to politics to last a lifetime. There is nothing in for me; at least not in my father's brand of politics. Big Gerry's public personae is open and inclusionary, he seems the consummate man for and of the people. However, in private it is altogether different story. He works the seedy underbelly of political gamesmanship, quietly going tit for tat with his opponents and scratching the back of his allies. His backroom deal making will one day lead to his downfall and I for one will dance a jig on that day. I may be his biological son because of an errant sperm but that is where the familial tie ends. I will not let that man live his unfulfilled dreams vicariously through me. He chose the life he wanted to live and he does not get a second bite at the apple with me.

"Penny for your thoughts."

"Mom. What are you doing out here? The party cannot possibly be over this early".

"Mellie said you were ill. I came to check on you".

"I'm fine mom. By ill Mellie means, I have shot down her latest desperate advance. She honestly thinks me not wanting her is a type of sickness. Can you believe that? I mean… really…is it possibly to be conceited and lack self-esteem at the same time? She knows I find her repulsive, yet she refuses to take no for an answer. Why does she keep trying to catch my interest? Mellie is a stalker; a full on blueblood, prep-school debutante, man chasing stalker."

Laughing, I unconsciously glide my fingers in circles across the front of my sketchbook.

My mom looks at me sympathetically. We've avoided the Mellie issue for years because I was younger and Mellie's clingy way could be brushed off as an innocent crush, but we're older now, about to go to college and Mellie's obsession with me is reaching the restraining order level.

"Mellie has bought into your dad's and her father's dream of the White House and a legendary political dynasty. To Mellie you are the prince who will eventually become king and she will do anything to become your queen".

I sigh in exasperation. "Mom I don't want to go into politics, well at least not dad's type of politics. I really want to help people not those who are out for financial gain".

"You have a good heart son, never lose it. Your dad has big dreams for you but they are his dreams not yours. It will be difficult for him to let go and let you live you own life. He won't make it easy for you. Your dad is a full-time politician both inside and outside of the home. He expects you to follow his orders like any other staffer".

"I'm his son mom not someone on his payroll!"

"I am aware of that fact Fitzgerald; I'm simply trying to give you insight into your father's mindset. Your father has many regrets and thinks he can rectify his errors through you".

"Sorry mom. It's just…I…I…can't, I won't. He has already taken so much from me mom."

"I know son, I know. I am sorry I haven't run more interference for you or put my foot down more often. But you're leaving soon and I am so proud you're leaving without needing your father's assistance. You earned a full four-year scholarship to Harvard; your ticket to freedom. He cannot use his money to control or threaten you. Well played son, well played."

"Thanks mom". We sit smiling, staring at the moon for few minutes, unsure of where to direct our conversation next.

"May I look through your sketchbook?"

I grip my sketchbook and move it to the other side of my lap. Jake is the only person I've let see this particular sketchbook. It's my Olivia sketchbook, my visual diary.

Surprised by my reluctance my mom asks, "Is it a book of nudes?"

"Mom!" I screech and she laughs.

"Well if it is not filled with nudes it must be all about a particular girl. Am I right?"

I nod in agreement and hand her the book.

Minerva's POV

Fitz is a good son. I need to be supportive of his push for independence. What kind of mother am I if let Gerry force my son into a relationship of misery and hate? Mellie is an opportunistic hussy. I supposed that's why Gerry likes her so much. If I do nothing else for Fitz I will make sure Mellie doesn't get the chance to sink her claws into him.

I take the sketchbook from him and skim through the pages. The book starts off with sketches of a little girl sitting in front of a beach house, then dinosaurs, then an older girl sitting on the floor in tears. It's amazing, it's the same girl at different ages. Intermixed between the images of the girl are pictures of Jake, a ring, hearts and smiley faces. The middle of book is replete with the eyes of young women, their lips, fingers, hands and brows. I look closer and realize the sketches are not of different young women, just one. The eyes are particularly captivating, possessing a mesmerizing intensity. The last two pages leave me speechless. The first page is a complete portrait of a young woman, maybe sixteen. She's beautiful, brown doe eyes, full pouty lips, unblemished brown skin, an adorable regal nose and inviting smile. I can tell she is the composite of the prior individually sketched facial features. The last picture is a self-portrait combined with the previous portrait of the young woman. Written at an angle in the bottom corner of the page in cursive is the name Olitz.

"Fitz, who is the young woman in the sketch?"

Instead of answering my question, he asks me a question.

"Mom, do you believe in fate? I mean, do you believe in soulmates?"

"Honestly Fitz, I want to believe such a thing exists but I don't know; why? Do you believe this girl is your soulmate?"

Fitz staring up at the moon replies, "yes I do. I can't explain it but I can feel her staring up at the moon right now same as me and I know she's thinking about me just as I am thinking of her."

"Fitz I don't understand, you've never mentioned this girl before. What is her name? Where is she from? Does she attend school with you? How come you've never brought her around?" Fitz turns to me and shares his story of miracle meetings. I have to say his theory of soulmates is definitely plausible given the circumstances.

"Mom, Olivia is my future I'm certain of it. I am on this planet at this time and place to love her and only her. I know it beyond a shadow of a doubt."

The passion of Fitz's conviction is awe-inspiring. His beyond his years maturity and confidence is what every mother wants to see in their child. Protecting the man Fitz is destined to become is paramount to me now.

"Son, don't worry about Mellie and your dad. I'll take care of those two. You may have to do a little play acting from time to time but in the end I guarantee you will be free to be with Olivia".

"Thanks mom".

"I think the temperature is dropping, time to head in".

"Sure mom, I just want to be alone for a few more minutes".

"I understand. I'll see if I can find someone to distract your stalker".

We both laugh and I kiss my son on the nose. "Not too long, okay?"

"Okay".

Gaithersburg Maryland, Christmas Eve

Olivia's POV

I feel so silly. Am I really sitting here wishing on a star? For some reason I have not been able to get Fitz out of mind for last three days. I wonder where he is. I wonder what he is doing. I wonder who he is with. Since my mother died we've never gone back to the Hamptons, it's too painful. Maybe if I had gone back I could have gone to his house or at least found out his last name so I could contact him. It's more than mere coincidence that we've crossed paths twice and not known it. We're connected in some way; a very good way I believe. Our futures are inextricably linked. I feel it. I know it.

"Olivia what are doing out here in the freezing cold? Your grandmother is going to pitch a fit if you come down with something."

"Dad I'm wearing a jacket and gloves, I'm not cold."

"That still doesn't explain why you are out here".

"I needed a break from the Pope clan. I love our family but at times, it is a bit overwhelming. There has to be forty people in there not including the kids".

My dad comes to sit next to me on the porch swing. He can sense my desire for solitude has nothing to do with my extended family.

"I miss her too sweetheart. I thought after a few years it would get easier and it has in some respects but during the holidays, everything reminds me of her. Your mother lived for the holidays. It was her favorite time of year and she made every day of the holiday season special. The decorations, the food, the little daily holiday trivia notes she would paste on our bathroom mirrors."

"Don't forget the colors of the week clothing assignments. Olivia Halloween is this week. You need to wear orange or pumpkin every day this week, no reason to wait until the 31st to be festive, she'd say". We both chuckle as we reminisce.

"Your cousin Dora says you've been preoccupied since you came back from the mall. She says you disappeared from the group for an hour. Where did you go?"

Will he understand if I tell him the truth? I barely understand what happened myself. The only word to explain what happened is compulsion. I woke up three days ago obsessed with Fitz's face. I dreamed of his face. I brushed my teeth and saw his penetrating blue eyes staring back at me in the mirror. I passed by the sliding glass doors and I saw his reflection not my own. Either he was trying to send me a message or I was going crazy. I had to get his face out of my mind. When I went to the mall with my cousins, I noticed a couple of caricature artists setting up shop. Half way through the family shopping extravaganza I slipped away and had a portrait drawn of Fitz.

Flashback

"Ah, fair maiden, will you allow me the pleasure of capturing your beauty on my humble canvas?"

"Actually, I was wondering if I describe someone to you, do you think you can recreate his image.

"Of course I can. You have no picture of this person?

"Ah no, thus the reason I want the sketch."

My first attempt to describe Fitz came from a place of infatuation rather than objective observation.

"Okay describe your young man.

"Well he has expressive blue eyes, a strong jaw, even chin, wavy brown hair, thin kissable lips, a movie star nose, and a warm mischievous smile.

"I see this going take some time. How about we start with the shape of his eyebrows?"

"Dad, can I tell you story?

"Sure sweetheart, you know you can tell me anything".

"Promise not to judge or be dismissive".

"Olivia, should I be concerned? Are you in some sort of trouble? Has someone hurt you?"

"No dad, it's nothing like that." I take a deep breath and tell him about Fitz, the museum, New York, the waking dreams and the portrait. He looks at me with an expression I can't quite identify.

"Olivia, I'm not sure what to think or how to respond. Clearly, there is a connection between you two but whether to call it fate, kismet, karma or coincidence remains to be seen. What I do know is that you cannot let these chance meetings consume your thoughts or divert your focus from living in the present. If this connection is real, it will play itself out in due course. You cannot force it or pursue it, it has to happen naturally".

"Thanks dad". Tears trickle down my cheeks and because it is so cold outside they turn into little ice flakes.

"Time to come in Livvie."

"I will dad. Can I have few more minutes?"

"Five minutes no more". He pecks me on the forehead and wipes away my flaky tears before going inside.

Fitz and Olivia's Mutual POV

Gazing up at the moon, the two linked souls, separated by time, twenty-three hundred miles and nine states recite in unison their heartfelt desire.

Olivia: "Star light, star bright",

Fitz: "The first star I see tonight";

Olivia: "I wish I may, I wish I might",

Fitz: "Have the wish I wish tonight".

"Fitz I wish you a Merry Christmas and I pray one day soon you find me again".

"Olivia I wish you a Merry Christmas and I hope you are thinking about the good times with your mother and not her dying days. I hope and pray one day soon we find each other and spend the rest of our lives together".

"Goodnight and remember me Olivia". I gather my sketchbook, stuff it inside my suit jacket and head into the house.

"Remember me Fitz and I'll see you soon". I fold up my sketch of Fitz and put it in my jacket pocket. I linger a little longer taking in the moon's bright soft glow.

"Olivia where are you child? These sweet potato pies are not going to make themselves!" Olivia shakes her head and grins at her grandmother's snarky comment.

"Be there in a minute NeNe".

Once both Olivia and Fitz are in their respective houses, a star shoots across the evening sky and two stars twinkle in harmony.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight.