Olivia knew their staff would be concerned with how to handle the press. The answer was simple. They were going to be business as usual.

Fitz sat down with Robin Roberts and Matt Lauer. Fitz hated that he had to sit down and discuss his past with Mellie, but he needed to do it for his wife.

Mellie opened up the door, and he walked right through it when he gave some details of his troubled marriage. He admitted their marriage was an arrangement. There was no dating and the two of them falling in love. It was what his dad felt was needed in order for him to be President.

He further went on to explain that they wanted the White House so bad that they were willing to fake it till they made it, and they did win but never made it. He explained how behind the scene Olivia spent more time refereeing them than anything.

He explained once he saw that someone believed in him for who he was the campaign turned around. He really wanted to be President for himself, and not just for others.

When it came to discussing Edison the tone of the interview changed. He wouldn't go into specifics other than to say that he was aware of the story that was out there, and there were some truths but more falsehoods. He said in time the truth will come out. Dirty little secrets always do.

While it didn't tank his reelection campaign like Edison was hoping it did narrow the lead he had over him.

Olivia told everyone they were no longer addressing the issue. Olivia could tell that some were skeptical, but they trusted her. She knew that Edison would take their silence for weakness, and he would open the door for them when the time came.

Olivia was right. Edison was eating up the media circuit. He jumped on Fitz's statement about dirty little secrets. He was trying to bait them, and thus far it wasn't working.

Edison was in his office with Leo, "What the hell Leo? I was on a roll. Narrowing the gap, and but nothing big in my favor. They are the ones who are silent. Business as usual as if nothing has happened."

"I told you not to overdo it. The press is fickle. They can smell a rat. Every time you sit down with someone you say something negative about the Grants. You are a Democrat for crying out loud. You are suppose to be more passionate. Let's also remember that you were the cheater not Olivia. You are no angel. Furthermore do I need to remind you who Olivia Grant is. Be careful Edison."

"You act like you are scared Leo."

Leo stood up pissed, "I'm not scared I'm smart. I know when to quit. If you want to play with fire go right ahead. My career will remain in tack whether you win or lose. I can spin it. You however are a different story."

He walked out leaving Edison to himself. Deep down Edison knew he was right, but he couldn't let it go.

They had a lot of stops scheduled before the holidays began so they didn't have time to waste on something that they could not change.

They were on the east coast swing with scheduled stops in South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Virginia, Maine, New York, Philadelphia, and Massachusetts.

Over the next two weeks they made stops in New York to visit the Harlem Boys School and present them their check. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia where they presented a check to them after visiting some children, bringing them toys and books, and talking to the parents about what they felt the administration needed to do to help them more.

The press was having a field day trying to break them down. They were hoping to get them to respond to anything that Edison said, but it didn't happen.

Just like Olivia expected it made them question why they weren't playing into Edison's hand. Kimberly Mitchell was the first to question Edison's motives.

By the end of the hour long special the people began to have a different take on President Grant and his First Lady. They weren't silent because they were scared or wrong, but the opposite.

Fitz was always considered a man of the people, and he was staying the course. They were out in the community visiting hospitals, homeless shelters, food banks, talking with blue collar workers, and showing the country why he needed a second term. Edison and his mouth were irrelevant.

As quickly as the scandal came it left, and everyone was back on the Grant train. Those points that Edison worked so hard to gain were shifting back to the Grant campaign.

When Edison didn't think it couldn't get any worse he watched Olivia touring a high magnet school for under privilege children. They were being given the best education money could buy, but they didn't have to pay a cent. They were chosen through a lottery. Olivia wanted to see this throughout the country so she wanted to tour the school, and meet the staff and students.

Olivia knew that the media was following her today, but she didn't want to make the children uncomfortable by being too flashy. When she walked into the library and met the kids they were so excited.

She silently thanked her husband. She was wearing a rose jade Kate Spade Color blocked Pleated Dress. She felt comfortable all the way around. It wasn't too much. Another thing her man was good at.

Olivia had opened the floor up for the kids to ask her questions. She was impressed with the questions that they were asking her.

A young lady asked, "Mrs. Grant, how do you keep yourself motivated when everyone assumes that you are going to fail?"

The question took back for a moment. Not the question, but the heartbreak in her voice.

Olivia asked, "Do you teachers support you?"

"Yes ma'am. Just outside of school is a little bleak."

"I want you to remember that you have more people cheering for you than you know, and one of those people is me. It is human nature to want family to be your biggest cheerleader, but it doesn't always work out that way. You can still turn out to be powerful. You know why I can tell you this?"

She shook her head.

"I am proof. The next time you wonder if you can push through remember me. My mom died when I was young. I didn't have a close relationship with my dad. I received the best education like you are, and I put all of my energy into school. You can do it because I did, but I want you to be better than me. Don't settle for anything because it looks good on paper, or it is what is expected. You will know when it is right because you won't have to change to keep it."

The young lady had tears in her eyes. Olivia stood up and consoled her. She said a couple of private things to the young lady before she went back to her seat.

A biracial young man asked her was she nervous about raising her son in a society that still had racial tensions especially towards blacks and ethic individuals.

Olivia nodded, "I am. The truth is that no amount of money, power, and prestige will change that I am a woman and and I am black. To some people that means I am nothing. The President and I are well aware that our son will be told that he should decide whether he wants to be black or white. I hope that by the time he has to deal with this that we as a society will finally accept that no one person is more important than the next, but realistically I know we still have work to do. As a parent I will raise him to do right, and to accept who he is. No matter what the color of your skin is you have to accept who you are. When you do then you become unstoppable."

She took several more questions. A young woman stepped up to ask her the final question.

She asked, "I have always wanted to be a lawyer. When I heard what you did I became fascinated so I researched being a crisis manager. Recently I saw you handle a crisis of your own. Does it ever get personal? How did you feel about the Democratic Nominee Edison Davis attacking you and your family, and why did you stay silent?"

Olivia thought for a moment, "Let me start by saying you all of you have asked very intelligent questions. I am impressed. You guys are more mature than some of the adults I deal with."

They all laughed.

"To answer your question when I am dealing with my client it never gets personal. If you decide to be a lawyer or a fixer you can't allow it to get personal, or you could make a mistake that could ruin them. For me the scandal was personal. I promised I would never discuss it again, but I think you all deserve an honest answer from me. The interview and the comments that came as a result of the interview were personal. If you asked me would I do what I did to help my husband get elected I would tell you yes, because the candidate deserved to be in office. It would be no different than you guys getting accepted into this school. You don't deserve to get a marginal education, because you don't have money. You guys deserve to be here, and you deserve a chance to go the college of your choice. To not become a statistic because of your circumstances. My husband deserved a chance to change our country. His failed marriage didn't equate to him being a bad leader. The older you get the more you realize what matters and what doesn't. Some of you have exes, and what they say and do doesn't matter to you anymore because you have moved on. When they say hurtful things or spread lies you walk away, because you know that talking doesn't change a thing. If it makes them feel better go for it. I feel better waking up to a husband that I love and who loves me. One that I can trust to have my back. That is honest with me and his country. I didn't say anything because that was my past. I have a family, children, staff, and a country that depend on me. Being negative does nothing for me. Do you understand what I am saying?"

"I think so. The silence didn't mean he won. It meant that you had no interest in going backwards. You were concentrating on what was in front of you, and your future."

She smiled, "Exactly. All of you are finishing your last years of high school. I hate to say it but college can be worse, because there is more freedom. Life happens guys, and most of the time not the way we want. I don't regret my past. It has made me who I am. People come in your life for a reason. I don't regret anything that has ever happened to me. It made me the woman I am today."

When Olivia climbed into the limo she didn't realize how much she had been holding in, because once the doors closed she broke down sobbing.

Tom, Quinn, and Michelle were stunned. Tom immediately sent a text. A few minutes later they pulled up to the hotel where they were staying for the night. Quinn & Michelle got out, and Fitz stepped in.

Olivia didn't even realize what had happened until he pulled her into his lap. She tried to apologize, because she wasn't crying over Edison or her dad for that matter. The pain that they caused her over the years was something that she had put out of sight, and out of her mind. Edison's need to get back at her and Fitz brought it up all over again.

She didn't know how long they had been driving around before she was able to compose herself.

She looked at her husband who smiled at her. "Do you feel better now Livvie?"

She nodded "I'm sorry..."

"Don't apologize to me because the weight of the world is on your shoulders. I know you want everyone to believe that this crap with Edison and Mellie doesn't really phase you, but I know otherwise. I'm sorry for the part I played in this whole mess. You were never a mistress in my eyes, but I know others don't see it that way and it has made you a target Livvie."

She looked at her husband, "Yes, we should have went about things a different way, but despite the pain I went through it was worth it to be here with you. Speaking with those kids was freeing in a way. I went through it, and now hopefully I can reach some of them. Hopefully they won't make some of the mistakes I did."

"I agree Livvie. I love you so much."

"I love you too Fitz."

Later on Olivia's tour was the talk of the night. Every news channel, blog, social media, etc was breaking down Olivia's tour. Everyone loved her dress. The fact that it only $398 sat well with a lot of people.

The staff raved about the First Lady. They stated that she was respectful. They showed her how they run the school, how the kids are selected, and their plan to make sure that the children succeed. She gave them a couple of suggestions that they thought would work perfectly with their goals.

They had polled the students who absolutely loved the First Lady, and in a second poll they asked all of the students who were eligible to vote who would they vote for. Only three people stated that they would vote for Edison.

That was telling considering Edison is a Democrat, and Democrats typically poll better with middle class and blue collar workers.

What was also telling was that people felt that Edison was a bully, and that his actions were to much.

Olivia was applauded for the advice and support she gave to the children. Everyone felt that she was sincere, and for those people who still had a hard time understanding why she deceived the public now understood. She made it simple for everyone to understand. Those points that Edison worked so hard to get were disappearing.

Leo sat in his office and watched the news. He knew it was going to happen. He warned Edison. He always had an understanding with Olivia. He knew he was good at his job, but he knew Olivia was better although he would never admit it out loud. She wore the white hat.

What Edison didn't get which was scary since he was in a relationship with her was that she was patient. She wasn't going to force any doors or windows to open. However anytime one opened for her or her husband she was going to use it. What happened today would not be the last time, because Edison didn't believe his shit stunk. He wasn't going to tell him again to stop.

Edison watched Olivia. What frustrated him more than anything was that she said she would never be his woman again. The truth was now hitting him in the face every time he saw her in the capacity of First Lady, and that she didn't want to be his First Lady.

He loved Olivia. He knew that he loved her more than she loved him when they were together, but that was okay. They were perfect together on paper, and he felt that if Olivia made more of an effort they could have lasted.

If it came down to it he did cheat, and no one would excuse that because Olivia wasn't a bad person. She had not wronged him so he would have to find ways to throw her under the bus. Sure she was good at what she did, but there had to be a way to break them.

The east swing had been successful thus far. They had made up the ground that Edison & Mellie caused.

Thanksgiving was approaching so they were headed back to D.C. to pardon the Turkey, and they decided they were going to spend Thanksgiving in their D.C. home. Ayden was now six months old, and coming into his own. They wanted him to get comfortable in both of their homes.

During her spare time Olivia had been working on responding to the blogger. The woman's name was Angela Jones. She owned several businesses, and she spent most of her time in Texas. Olivia planned to surprise her when they were in the area, but first she wanted to respond to her blog so she knew she read it.

The week of Thanksgiving Olivia posted a response. It read:

Angela, this is First Lady Olivia Grant. I must say when my team showed me your blog it was a humbling experience. The stop in Virginia was last minute, and I have to say all of you from the directors to the attendees were very gracious. You really hit the nail on the coffin. I am still learning how to navigate the waters of being the First Lady. The woman in front of the camera instead of behind. While I never thought I would enjoy this role I do, and my husband plays a large role in it.

As a fixer I would wake up and spend my whole day making problems go away, find ways to make a problem a solution, and spin the truth. It was a daunting task, but I loved it. I can't say that I was a self-made woman, but I didn't have a ton of people in my corner molding me. I was fortunate, but everyone can't do what I did which is why it is important that people with power use it to help others.

I realize that I have a platform to do good, and so do you. The young woman I met that day will stay with me forever. She changed me. She showed me how important it was that we embrace those around us who need support. I don't want anyone to be me not even my children. I want everyone to be the best version of themselves, and the way to do that is to utilize those around you and your resources.

The biggest fights my husband and I had when we were dating, and during our marriage was my need to try to do everything on my own. I use to feel like asking for help was a sign of weakness when in actuality it is a sign of strength. As a country if we stop tearing each other down because of the color of our skin, our sexual preferences, how much someone makes, where someone lives, the clothes someone wears, and so on then we would be in a much better place.

As women we need to encourage each other not step on each other. When I look at my daughter I don't have any preconceived notions about her future. I just want her to be happy, healthy, and productive. I don't want her to anything unless that is what she wants to be. The one thing I do want is for my daughter to be able to stand on her own two feet. I don't want her to depend on anyone when she is an adult. I want her to fall in love with a man who loves her for who she is, and not because on paper they are considered perfect.

Part of being in the public spotlight means that people get to tear your life apart, and determine if your actions were justified or not. They get to decide if you handled something the right way. I get it. Having this title means I am allowing others to analyze me. People have to remember that those in the spotlight whether it is the President or myself or any other celebrity that they look up to are humans. It means we make mistakes. None of us are God which is why no one should want to be exactly like anyone but themselves.

Like most I do have some regrets in life, but the ones that lead me to the life I have now I don't. I love my husband and children with everything that I am. My children are my life, and while some may question our relationship I don't. The people I was with before my husband are my past. They taught me valuable lessons about what I did and did not want in a relationship. While some lessons can be painful we should embrace them for what they are. That is a teachable moment. I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that I love being Mrs. Grant. If I wasn't married to the President I would still be Olivia Pope, the fixer.

In closing I want to thank you Angela. Not so much for the kind words you said about me which were lovely, but showing the world that when we look beyond color we see human beings. What I loved the most about your blog was that you stated facts. The fact is that I am a woman who happens to be black. I got where I am at today because of hard work and dedication. The same way Angela has, and if there is nothing else that you take away from Angela's post or mine is that hard work pays off. I can never say that if you are a woman you won't be turned away for that reason, or if you are a person of color that you won't be denied. What I will say is that don't let that be the final answer. Get back up and keep going, and if there is no path for you create your own. I promise you I am not where I am because I followed the straight and narrow. We are just getting started. You never know where you might see me. I'm always looking at my accounts. I read more than you would think. Thank you and much love. First Lady Olivia Grant.

Olivia had given it to Fitz to read first, and she was surprised to see a tear fall. She remembered him looking at her and saying, "I could not be more proud of you than I am now."

The kids and their staffs read it next. The reaction was pretty much the same. She wasn't normally this open, but as they began to travel she realized that people listened to her. She was a functional First Lady, and people cared about what she had to say just as much as Fitz & Sally.

Two things happened when Olivia posted her response Angela became an overnight sensation. Her blog went viral along with her response. Olivia heard good things were coming here way.

Before the holidays began they gain numbers in the women vote.

They were back in D.C. for the next couple of weeks, and it felt good for them to sleep in their own beds.

Fitz was pretty busy dealing with issues that were waiting on him to return.

Olivia & Abby were prepping for Thanksgiving dinner. Abby said, "I'm happy for you Liv. I know that this was not where you thought your life would lead you, but if I had a little girl I would want them to listen to you. I would be okay with them looking up to you."

Olivia looked at Abby, "Thank you. It has been an adjustment, but each day it gets easier especially with the supportive team and husband that I have. I know I couldn't be this woman with Edison."

"He doesn't get it Liv."

"He doesn't. He sees me and thinks well she is Olivia. What is so different? Edison has this need for control, and he wants to always be right. While he will never admit it he hated that I was smarter than him. He hated I could run my own company. He was the man. He had to be more powerful. With Fitz there is no competition. I don't have to fake it with him. He really knows me like when I got upset after the tour. Edison would have been clueless."

"I know. You know he is not going to let it go. Edison is a fool, and he will not quit because in his eyes you guys have not accused him of anything directly."

"I know. All I can say is he is going to regret not listening to me. That was always a problem in our relationship. He never listened to me, and he under estimated me."

"Well that is on him."

"Agreed"

Thanksgiving was fun for everyone. Ayden loved their D.C. home, and he crawled to his daddy for the first time.

The next couple of weeks they took care of issues around the White House. The family enjoyed the Christmas tree lighting, and other programs they held during the holiday.

They spent time at homeless shelters and hospitals giving back before they left for their vacation.

They spent the week of Christmas and Christmas Day in Vermont, but Fitz had a surprise for the family.

The day after Christmas the family boarded Air Force One, and after a ten hour flight the family found out they were in Hawaii.

Fitz loved their reaction especially his wife. If anyone deserved a break it was her, but this wasn't the biggest surprise.

They were in Honolulu. The family was taken to a sprawling estate. Fitz told her that it had over 73,000 square feet of land.

It was exquisite. From the ocean views to the Gardens it really felt like paradise. The kids went inside to check out the house.

Fitz & Olivia were in the gardens looking at the ocean. He wrapped his arms around her waist. Both of them enjoying a moment to themselves.

Olivia kissed his hand, "Thank you. This has been a wonderful holiday. Coming here is just what we needed."

"I know baby."

"How did you find this gorgeous rental property?"

"A friend of a friend, but it is not a rental property."

"So they own it. Lucky them."

"No lucky us. This home is ours Livvie. For right now I thought we could spend Christmas here if we get another term. If not some whenever."

She turned to face him. She could tell by the look on his face he was ready to argue why he got this for her. She was going to say something, but decided against it. There was nothing this man would do for his family.

Just the day before he had given them everything they wanted, and now this. He had a heart of gold, and when he was out of office and he could freely give more she knew he would. So she decided in this moment she was going to stop making him feel bad for loving her, and spoiling her.

"I love baby. Thank you for this surprise. I can't wait for us to make memories here together."

"Me too Livvie. When the time comes I haven't forgotten about how much you love Paris, and want a home there. I know we all love the ocean, but I didn't want to get a house in California. I wanted us to have an oceanfront property that was ours to create memories in. This seemed like the perfect location."

"It is. I agree with you baby. Why don't we head in and look around? You know that son of ours will be babbling for us soon."

"Leave my little man alone."

Olivia laughed, "Fine, let's go my big man."

"Don't you ever forget it."

She laughed as they headed in.

Edison had spent the holidays with his family. His parents had arranged for him to meet a young woman who the daughter of a mayor. They had been friends of his parents for years.

Edison should have been grateful that the young woman practically bowed down to him. It seems that her dad was old school. Women bowed down to men. She had a college education, but that was only because she was trying to find a husband to take care of her.

She was engaged to be married, but her fiancee died in war. Now she was be given to Edison like she was property, and not a human being.

She was a beautiful woman. She reminded him a little of Olivia in the looks department, but she had no spunk.

He protested at first, but his dad berated him. Pissed that he was allowing Olivia to run all over him.

Right now he didn't have a bunch of options so he accepted the plan his parents had before him. At this point he didn't have much left to lose.

A/N-This was a heavy chapter for the most part. Really centered around Olivia more than anything.

Next update you will start to see some showdown between Edison/Fitz, Olivia/New Woman, and Sally/Vice-President running mate which will be named in the next chapter.

There will be a time jump. By the time the chapter ends the election will be over, and winner announced.

It is going to be Juicy.

For those of you who keep up with Kerry you will notice that I borrowed some of her statements for the blog response.

When Olivia talks about being the best version of ourselves, and allowing others to help was something she said in her recent interview for Self magazine.

I have posted some pictures for this chapter. Check them out at kmberl17711667