A/N-I am not going to rant. To the troll that hates my writings and stories so much yet you pulled up my new story to make hateful comments I say thank you. I can't imagine what kind of life you don't have to spend time doing this. Any other sane person would unfollow and move on to something they enjoy. You however have nothing else to do, and if I can be your form of entertainment then so be it. You are one person. You don't get to steal my joy, and I now realize you are not just doing it to me. Karma is a bitch, and when it comes around I hope you are ready.

Mellie was in the courtroom with her attorney when everyone else began to arrive. She was relaxed. She was hoping for probation, but Big Jerry said she may have to do a couple of months at most which she didn't like but accepted.

She recognized Elizabeth, Maya, Rowan, and Harrison from a picture. She wasn't sure why their son would be in court with them today.

She also recognized Marian as their former housekeeper. She didn't understand why the help was in the courtroom. She assumed that the man beside her was her son. He looked just like her.

She knew who Andrew was. Truthfully, she was attracted to him, and she used to flirt with him a lot. She even offered herself, but he was loyal to Fitz. He agreed to never tell Fitz about her throwing herself at him if she never did it again. She was humiliated, but took his offer. Since Fitz didn't bring it up she assumed that he kept his end of the bargain.

A short time later Maya came back with Jerry & Karen. It was the first time she was seeing them in almost a year. She had to admit that she was shocked at how much they had grown in that short amount of time.

Karen had changed the most. She could tell that she was more confident, but she was also beautiful. Her hair had grown out, and it was now straight. Very different from when she cared for her.

She didn't think that anything else could surprise her until the door opened. She saw that it was Fitz holding the door. A moment later she saw Olivia Pope walk through the door. She found out after she was arrested that it was Olivia who found Karen in the alley, and was prepared to testify if necessary.

She wasn't prepared when she saw the two of them link hands, and it was clear that they were in a relationship. Mellie knew that at some point Fitz would move on, but she wasn't prepared to see it. She also wasn't prepared to see how happy he truly was. He never smiled at her the way he smiled at Olivia even on their wedding day.

It was sobering to watch the couple sit down with Karen and Jerry on each side of them. It was clear that she had been around the kids, and they cared about her. Karen was beside Olivia, and she was so loving towards her. She was making sure that her hair looked good, and when Karen leaned into her she pulled her closer. She was something to Karen that she had never been, and that was her mom.

She tried to shake it off. She was close to getting her freedom, and that was all that matter.

A few moments later the bailiff instructed everyone to rise. He said Judge Judy Jones presiding, and Mellie's heart sank. This was not the judge that had been presiding over the case.

Once the judge entered the courtroom. She instructed everyone to sit.

Judge Jones said, "Good Morning Everyone. If you were expecting Judge Michael Peterson he had to recuse himself. He is currently under investigation, and all his cases were reassigned. Since Ms. Carmichael who was Mrs. Grant when these proceedings started had already pleaded guilty there was no need to delay the case. I was assigned the case two days ago so I am familiar with the charges. Are there any questions before we began?"

Mellie's lawyer was not aware of the deal with the judge. Mellie leaned over and whispered, "Were you aware of the change?"

Her lawyer nodded, "Yes, she sent us an email. As she stated you had already pleaded to the charges. Since this is a sentencing there really is no grounds to ask for a continuance. Either way the judge would be hearing the testimony for the first time. I can ask if you want me too."

Mellie thought about it for a brief second, but realized there was no use. She could find a way to drag it out, but at this point she would only be hurting herself. She decided to roll the dice, and hope for the best.

Both the prosecutor and Mellie's lawyer stated that they had no questions.

Judge Jones said, "In most courts after hearing the case we allow the victims to make their victim impact statement, and then the defendant can make a statement. In my courtroom, I do things a little different. I'll hear from both lawyers, and if the defendant wishes to make a statement then she will make her statement before the victims."

Fitz inwardly smiled. He could just kiss his future mother-in-law. Huck had informed Maya some time ago that Big Jerry had used his connections to blackmail the judge to give Mellie a favorable sentence. Maya waited until the last moment to make the call about his activities which would force him to recuse himself. She made sure that Judge Jones who was on rotation. She was not only fair, but could smell bull shit a mile away. It was why she had the defendant to give their statement first. She didn't want them to come up with a sad sob story after the victims spoke with the court.

When Mellie glanced back at her she smiled. She knew in that moment that Maya knew about the judge, and she made sure that he would not hear the case.

After the lawyers spoke she gave Mellie an opportunity to speak.

Mellie stood up.

"I know that nothing I say will excuse my behavior. I was wrong. I went from nothing to having everything, and I got greedy. I didn't really want children, but I couldn't turn the money down. I felt like I deserved it. I now understand how wrong I was. I also understand that nothing I can say today in court will make the pain my children went through go away so I won't try. I am truly sorry for my actions. From the moment, I was arrested I have begun to pay for my poor decisions. I lost my marriage, my children, family, and friends. I have humiliated myself and others around me. I understand that I must be punished for my actions, but I have never been in trouble with the law. I asked the court to take that into account when sentencing me."

Mellie sat down, and the judge thanked her.

The judge asked if the victims wished to make a statement.

Fitz, Karen, and Jerry stood up. Before they walked down the aisle Karen looked back at Olivia.

Olivia whispered, "What's wrong?"

"Come with me please?"

Olivia looked up at Fitz, and then turned and looked at her mom who nodded. She handed her purse to her mom before taking Karen's hand.

They had decided before court that Fitz would speak first then Jerry, and finally Karen.

Fitz went to the microphone, "Good morning Judge. When this process first started I hated my ex-wife, and I had every intention of letting everyone know when the time came. She made me question everything that I have ever done. More importantly the only thing I ever wanted from her was to take care of the children. I was okay when I realized that she wasn't in love with me. I was no fool. I knew she loved my money more than me, but I never thought that her love of money meant sacrificing the well-being of our children. I know that everyone is expecting me to say she deserves to rot, but truthfully that is not my call. Although she hurt our children especially our daughter I thank her. Her poor decisions allowed everything to come out in the open. I found out the truth, and made sure that my children are safe. Today I can assure you that we are in a much better place. My children and I are happy. I have a wonderful girlfriend who I think the world of, and she not only cares about me but my children. She has done something that their biological mother has never done, and that was put them first. Today is closure for us. We are ready to move on with our lives. I do hope that you punish Ms. Carmichael, but I am not saying that from a place of hate. I am saying that she needs to be held accountable for her actions. My children suffered for years, and I own my part. I am not sure that she has which is why I hope that she receives just punishment."

Jerry went next, "I wasn't hurt like my sister was physically. Until recently I really didn't know how to feel. I carried all this guilt, because I was treated better simply because I was a boy. Not just a boy, but one that made my mother get millions because I could follow into my grandfather and father's footsteps. That was hard considering I have no desire to go into politics or be a lawyer, but I would have done it for my dad. I finally had the courage to sit down, and talk with my dad. To my surprise he didn't have the same expectations of me. He is okay with me loving computers. I don't feel anything towards my mother. Although she did not horribly treat me I knew it was because I was her meal ticket, and not because she loved me. Thankfully those days are over. My life is great, and I think it is only going to get better. I'll be honest I want my mother to sit in prison for a long time. If I had my say I would say for 12 years. That is how long my sister had to suffer, and I think that it is only fair if she served the same amount of time. If not, I understand, because after today I never have to physically see her again."

It was now Karen's turn, and she found herself stuck where she stood. She knew she needed to speak, but she was scared in that moment.

Olivia stood in front of her and whispered, "We are all right here with you. If you get nervous just touch your locket, and remember when this is over we are going to change our clothes go to Dave & Busters and beat your dad and brother."

Karen looked up and smiled, "I love you…"

"Love you more KareBear."

Karen looked up and smiled at her dad to let her know she was okay, and she walked to the microphone. Everyone watched the interaction that Olivia shared with Karen, and it melted everyone's hearts. Mellie was stunned. She didn't know how to take it, but considering the charges she knew it didn't bold well for her.

Karen looked at her mother for a moment, and when their eyes met Mellie finally looked away in shame. She had tried to break her daughter, but in the end the only one that was broken was her.

Karen faced the judge, "As I stand here today I still don't know what I did to deserve the way that my mother treated me. No matter how good I was it was never enough for her. The older I got I realized that there is nothing I would have ever done would have been good enough for her simply because I wasn't a boy which would have gotten her more money. She made me feel less than human. At times, she treated me like I was less than human. I would read books, and pray that I could be anyone but myself. I never knew that my favorite author would become more than someone that I looked up to. Today I understand what love is. I know that my dad loves me unconditionally, and I can tell him anything. I am glad that my brother knows that I love him, and that none of this was my fault. I can say we are all truly happy, and that my mother didn't win. She tried to break me, and I bent but I am not broken. When my mother spoke she never apologized to us, and that is not a shock. In a way, I am glad that she didn't, because I know that it wouldn't be coming from a good place. I've learned that my mother loves to play games with people's lives so that she can come out on top. It doesn't really matter who has to get hurt. Today I hope that you hurt her. By that I mean I hope that the punishment you give her hurts. That she doesn't get off easy as she normally does, and I don't know what number that is. I just hope it isn't probation, but if you decide to do that I will accept it, because she doesn't own me anymore."

The four of them made it back to their seat. Everyone watched how Fitz & Olivia consoled the children. Even though the couple might not be ready to admit it, but they were in love with one another. This was it for them, and everyone was rooting for them except Mellie.

Once everyone was seated the judge told Mellie to rise for her sentence.

She took a moment and looked at Mellie. She looked over her notes before speaking.

Judge Jones spoke, "I know that most people consider murder, rapes, and assaults more serious crimes than child abuse and neglect. In some cases, it is, but the reason I think that child abuse is worse than murder or assaults is that children don't have a say. No one deserves to be murdered, raped, or assaulted, but there are cases where the adults have put themselves in situations that resulted in those actions. No matter how you slice it a child is never asked to be born. We don't get to choose who our parents are. I have never presided over a case where a child asked to be beaten, starved, and treated anything less than human. As adults we can make decisions, but children rely on us to make good decisions for them. Ms. Carmichael, I am appalled at the decisions you made concerning both of your children, but especially your daughter. I want to applaud you Mr. Grant. I reviewed this case for two days, and although you were unaware of what was going on I appreciate you taking accountability. Even for things that you were not responsible for. If nothing else I think that it showed your children how much you love them, and if nothing else Karen and Jerry I believe that your dad loves you. Jerry, I know that you made some adult decisions to protect your sister. I am sorry that you had to do that, but I am proud of the young man you are. You may not want to enter the same profession of your dad, but I believe that you are like him in so many good ways. You were saved from abuse so that you could save your sister from abuse. She needed you, and you came through. Remember that the next time the guilt set in. Karen, my heart goes out to you. Reading what happened to you broke my heart. The pictures of the clothes that you had to wear. Seeing some of the food that you ate, and how you were treated was deplorable especially since your family has the means to care for you. Some victims never recover, but I want you to know that I am proud of the young woman that I see in front of me. Don't let anything that happens today to change your progress. I am going to go out on a limb and say that Mr. Grant & Miss. Pope are in a relationship. (The couple nodded) Miss. Pope, you care about the children very much, and the children seem to care about you. I know your mother, and I know she raised you well. You know what you are getting into since Ms. Carmichael waived her parental rights. If you are half the mother your mom is then those kids, and your future kids are in great hands. When I listened to you Ms. Carmichael like your daughter I noticed that you never apologized to them for the hurt and pain you caused. I know when you are in open court it can be scary, but it wasn't fear that made you forget to apologize. As I looked and listen to you it became clear to me that the only thing you are concerned about is getting out of this with the lightest sentence, because in your eyes you didn't do anything that terrible. Let me be clear felony child neglect and endangerment is terrible. It is worse than terrible. You had one job, and that was to love and protect those kids and you failed. That being said Millicent Carmichael you pleaded guilty to one count of felony children endangerment, and one count of felony child neglect. Those charges carry a maximum penalty of 15 years. I wasn't sure what your sentence was going to be. I wanted to listen to everything before passing judgement, but after listening to your son I agree with him. You are hereby sentenced to 12 years in prison to be determined by the Department of Corrections followed by three years of supervised probation. Court is adjourned.

Mellie was stunned as she was handcuffed and taken away. She had played a dangerous game with people's lives for so long, and she had lost everything.

Fitz & the kids were relieved that it was all over, and were happy that the judge gave her time. They had officially closed this chapter of their life, and they were ready to begin a new one with Olivia.

Fitz grabbed Olivia's hand and walked over to where his brother was standing. "Ethan, I would like for you to meet my wonderful girlfriend. Liv, this is my brother Ethan. As you know he is going to be working with Andrew so I won't have to commute as much."

Olivia smiled, "It is great to finally meet you. Fitz has told me so much about you. I am happy to hear about you working at the firm."

Ethan smiled, "It is great to meet you as well. I have heard lots of wonderful things about you too."

Elizabeth looked at the couple, "I just have to ask. Does this mean you too are official? I know you are dating, but you being here says this is serious."

Fitz didn't want to put Olivia on the spot, but she didn't mind. Olivia said, "We are serious Elizabeth. I am done traveling for a year. I need to finish my next book, but I have written most of it. I plan to use this time enjoying life with my wonderful boyfriend and his two children."

Every cheered especially the children when they heard the news.

Maya smiled, "I think we can all agree this great news. Let's celebrate."

Olivia looked at her mom, "Can we take a raincheck for tomorrow or the day after? I promised Karen that after this was over we would change, and head to Dave & Busters to eat and beat her dad and brother."

Fitz looked at Olivia and smiled. Maya nodded, "Of course. Let's get out of here so you guys can enjoy your time together."

They made it out to the car. Fitz helped Olivia into the passenger seat. He leaned over and kissed her. He wanted to tell her he loved her, but not this way. She caressed his cheek and said, "I know."

He nodded. Fitz got in the car, and knew that by this time next year he was going to make her Olivia Pope Grant.