A/N-This chapter once again talks about some hot button items in the news, but it is my spin on how I wish they would be handle. There is some sensitive language in the middle so be aware.
The protest changed the tone of the country, but with Fitz and Olivia leading it was something that remained in control. The Republican party began to question Fitz's allegiance to the party. Fitz was quick to explain that his loyalty was to the American citizens, and to his family. If the Republican party had a problem with that then he had no problem becoming an independent.
Olivia, who was now in her second trimester was shocked as she watched her husband at the podium make the statement. He had discussed with her drafting a statement, but he never said that he would be delivering the statement. She knew the impact of him being the one at the podium addressing his party.
He was clear and concise. When he walked off the stage everyone knew where he stood especially the Republican party. The ball was in their court, but either way Fitz was going to be okay. He didn't have another reelection campaign to run. At this point he was playing with house money.
He knew that Olivia was probably reeling at this moment. She knew he was releasing a statement, but not that he was giving the statement himself. He couldn't tell her, because then she would know. They were finally at a place where they trusted each other. He wasn't worried about her stopping him. He knew she would feel like it wasn't necessary, but he felt differently. This was one time where he decided as not only President of the United States, but as man of his household.
He would have to deal with the fallout later. Right now, it was time for him to be a dad starting with his oldest son. He headed back to the Oval office where Jerry's Advanced History class was waiting on him. He was impressed with them by the time the two-hour session was over. While many of them could not vote at this time he valued their opinions. Many of them were concerned with recent school shootings, and it hurt him that as children no longer was their biggest fear what to wear to school or who their friends were, but if a simple disagreement with a student could lead them down a dark path. He was asked a specific question by a student. He didn't respond to him but promised that when the session was uploaded to the social media account tonight he would see his response.
Before heading to his next meeting, he made some calls. He figured if he was going to start a small war within his own party he might as might go all the way. He had nothing to lose professionally. When he looked at not only his son, but every one of those articulate children speaking to him he knew at that moment he had to do better. He knew if he stepped up then others would, and his decision would be the first step into saving lives. He knew there would be another shooting, but the difference would be that the country knew he was willing to do whatever it took to be part of the solution and not part of the problem.
Once he handled that business he headed down to meet Ayden for their lunch date. Once his son started attending school part time he promised him that he would eat with him at least twice a month. It wasn't always easy, but anything in life worth having isn't easy. He always loved being a parent but parenting with Olivia was a joy. Having a partner who was just as invested in their children if not more was everything. He never wanted to intentionally disappoint them.
When he walked into the room Ayden ran up to him, "Daddy you made it?"
"I did. You reminded me this morning that today was our lunch time."
"Yep, but mommy said you had some important meeting and may have to come another day."
"I did, but I took a break to spend time with you."
"Thank you, daddy, but if you have to save the world then I can wait. Mommy told him how portant your job is."
"Well if you need to one day then I understand daddy. We have time."
"We do buddy and thank you for understanding. Come on let's enjoy our lunch."
He enjoyed his lunch with Ayden.
Afterwards he headed back to the office where he was in back to back meetings. He didn't have a chance to talk to Olivia. Before ending his day, he recorded his response so that it could be posted to the White House Facebook and Twitter account.
He sat down and took a moment to gather his thoughts. He just hoped that he made the right decision. It felt like the right decision.
By the time he made it to the Residence his video had gone viral. He had officially broken the internet. When he walked into the family room he saw his family looking at the television screen where his video response was breaking news.
He looked at his wife as he listened to the end of the video session with the students from Jerry's class. The young man said, "Mr. President, we read about war a lot in history class. Today it feels like we deal with a different type of war. My family has always believed in the second amendment, and the right to bear arms. My grandfather however believes that the weapons that everyday citizens can buy have no place on the streets. You can protect yourself with a 22 caliber, 9-millimeter, or a 360. Why do we need assault rifles on the streets? We no longer just go through fire and tornado drills, but we must go through a test in the event of a shooting at our school. I understand if you decline to answer as it doesn't have any direct involvement with history so to speak, but these shootings will be a part of history. My question to you is when future generations look in their history book what side of this will you be on?"
Fitz's response: When the young man asked me this question earlier in the day I immediately knew the answer, but I needed time to sort things out. As President of the United States I have been notified of too many school shootings. I too believe in the right to bear arms, and I have no desire to take anyone's rights away. Like the young man's grandfather, I also believe that you can bear arms, but it doesn't require an assault rifle or bump stocks. I realized that I couldn't just answer his question. I needed to be more than lip service. This morning I stood on the podium and talked about the importance of family. I don't just care about my children. I care about all children across the world. That is why I am announcing that I will not support any candidate who receives funding from the NRA. Furthermore, I have arranged for all money our campaign accepted from the NRA to be returned. I was informed that totals more than thirty million dollars. As the leader of the Free World it is my responsibility to step up and be your leader. I am under no delusion this will stop the shootings, but I do believe that I am now a part of the solution and not the problem. It is now time for the country to act. If we are truly serious about stopping school shootings then it is time to look at our gun laws, and as politicians we can't allow groups like the NRA to control the decisions we make to protect our citizens. Thank you and God Bless the United States of America."
No one said anything for a few minutes. He could tell the kids were shocked, but happy especially Jerry. He knew how his son felt, but Jerry didn't want to rock the boat. He understood politics more than most kids. It was Olivia that was scaring him. She was just silent and staring at the screen.
He couldn't take much more so he mumbled something and excused himself.
He wasn't sure when she came into the room. He was sitting on sofa staring at the ceiling when he felt her hands wrap around his waist.
Finally, he heard her say, "Turn around…"
It took a few moments before he did as she requested.
When he finally turned around and looked her in the eyes he gasped. He expected to see her disappointed and upset.
He was surprised to see her smiling.
She said, "Talk to me…"
"I'm not sure what to say to you. You don't look mad which is throwing me off."
"You have been worried all day that you would come home to an upset wife. I know that you weren't intentionally avoiding me when I saw your schedule for today. Although I never recall you saying you would be giving the statement this morning…"
"It wasn't in my original plan to give the statement, but I heard the chatter. I know you have as well. I also know that Karen and Jerry have heard it. They understand what is going on. The truth is that I have not always done right by the three of you, and we have worked hard to move on and leave the past where it belongs. It still haunts me sometimes. I couldn't take the coward's way out. My life is finally something that I can be proud of. Not just the political side. My two oldest see me as a real dad, and not just a politician dad. I have you by my side in the open, and we love each other. No secrets and no hidden agenda. I won't allow anyone to get in our way. This job is temporary, but our family is forever."
Olivia climbed in her husband's lap, "I'm not upset Fitz. I know that you didn't make this decision lightly, and even if you did I could tell by the look in your eyes that you knew full well what you were doing. I know that my past actions leave you room to doubt me from time to time. I'm okay with that because in the end we are still together, but I just want to remind you that I have your back. Not just as First Lady, but as your wife. I understand that you are the man of the house, and if you needed to do this to keep our house in order then so be it. You don't need my permission."
He just held her, and she gladly allowed him to be in a safe place. There were no decisions to make. No one to please. It was just the two of them, and he was able to fully be himself. She had been his safe place from the moment they were married, but even more so since they had finally gotten together.
After spending a few more minutes alone they spend the evening with the kids. Olivia smiled as she watched him being dad. She could see how happy Jerry and Karen were with him, and she now understood what he meant when he said they didn't look at him as a politician's dad, but their dad. From the time they were born they understood that their dad had responsibilities. First it was to the state of California, and then to the world. They expected to always come second to his responsibilities, but Fitz had changed that. He had found a way to be the "Man for The People'' without sacrificing his wife and children. They knew he would only cancel if absolutely necessary, and he always made it up to them. They now understood that they could go to him. Most importantly they knew without question they were his world. Ayden was beginning to understand how important his daddy's job was, and sometimes he had to cancel plans he had with them. The great thing was that Ayden always knew that his dad would make it up to him when he came home and had even surprised him by bringing him along when it was just a meeting that he couldn't get out of.
After a relaxing evening with family Fitz and Olivia retired to their bedroom where they enjoyed a relaxing bath. Fitz had spoken with their teams before he came to the Residence. He trusted them to do their jobs.
They had climbed out the tub, and Fitz was taking care of his pregnant wife. The morning sickness was pretty much gone, and she was ready to enjoy her husband. He went to grab her gown. She took it out of his hand and threw it aside.
"I thought you were taking care of me."
"I thought I was, but evidently I am not doing a good job."
"You were, but you forgot that your very pregnant wife is in her second trimester, and she can never get enough of her baby daddy. She needs to feel him deep inside her. Show me how much you really love me."
"You never have to ask…"
The couple spent the rest of the evening into the early morning hours making love. It didn't matter that the world was discussing them. They were solid, and that was all that mattered.
The next morning the couple walked to the Oval Office together. She smiled when she saw both of their teams waiting on them. It was clear they had worked hard, but she saw the satisfied looks on their faces. Fitz noticed as well.
Abby looked at the couple, "It's handled!"
Fitz nodded, "I know that Abby. I wouldn't have trusted you with the job if I thought otherwise. The only question we have is how deep you had to go to handle it."
Quinn said, "Not much Mr. President. As far as your statement to the Press it went over well except with your Republican base, but they knew they couldn't openly say too much negatively because family matters to the base. It would be hypocritical and racist if they were too open about it. Some tried it, but several of them are up for reelection so we just started some small fires that didn't cause any of us to break a sweat, but I assure you they are burning."
Olivia nodded, "I suspected that would be the smaller of the two situations, but what about his video last night. I have no doubt it made waves."
Abby laughed, "Oh it did, but not in the way you would have imagined."
Abby turned on the televisions. She was shocked at the breaking news. Large retailers were following the President's lead. They were changing their rules on purchasing weapons, and some were even discontinuing the sale of assault rifles.
Fitz clutched Olivia's hand. He was in shocked that the nation and world for the most part seemed to be backing them. It put the GOP in a precarious position at this point. They weren't in the position to bluntly disregard the President's statement.
Olivia smiled at her husband, "I always knew you were a man of the people. You were the right man for the job, and although I wished that I would have had more faith that we could do this together I am glad that I fought so hard for you to be in this seat. Few have the guts to do what you did today."
"With you I can do anything…"
"Ditto…"
Two days later Olivia was headed to a luncheon with Karen. It was mostly conservative women. Some on her staff as well as Fitz were concerned, but Olivia was never one to back down from a fight. She tried to get Karen to stay home, because she was unsure what they would say. Karen wouldn't back down either.
Olivia walked in the room wearing a conservative navy Soon Myra bell sleeve maternity dress. She had her hair pulled back in a chignon bun and finished out the look with a pearl jewelry set given to her by her husband.
The luncheon was going well. The speeches had been delivered. Now they were on to the question and answer segment.
A woman stated that she had a question for the First Lady. Olivia nodded.
The woman asked, "I was just wondering when is enough enough? How much more trouble can you cause?"
Secret Service was moving in, but Olivia stopped them.
Once the woman realized that Olivia wasn't going to stop her she said, "Because you are a black woman you think it is okay to turn this administration upside down. You have the President putting his nose in places it doesn't belong just because he is now married to a nigger."
Everyone gasped and Secret Service grabbed her arm and began to escort her out. It took Olivia a moment to compose herself. Before they got her out the door Olivia stopped them.
Every was shocked especially Karen who had tears coming down her face. She turned and looked at her daughter and smiled. Karen nodded. She knew that smile. It meant she had it handled.
Olivia looked at the woman, "You don't get to be a coward and call me out of my name and get escorted out. That is what you are relying on. Let me remind you ma'am. My name is Olivia Carolyn Pope Grant, and I am First Lady of the United States. You will address me as such. Since I don't know your name I will respectfully address you as ma'am. If you really kept up with this administration, then you would know that President Grant has always leaned a little left while Vice-President Langston has always been the more conservative of the two. It is why they have made a perfect pair for both of their terms. We both know that you don't care about the administration other than the fact that the President married me. I don't fit the hue of the Republican party. What I find interesting is that like the previous First Lady I to graduated at the top of my classes. I used the degree that I worked my butt off for like many of you in this room. I am so good at what I do that I am fortunate enough that I could choose who I worked with. None of that matters because of the color of my skin. If you want to discuss race and race relations I am all for it, but what you will never do is call me or my family out of our name. You will not disrespect me in front of my children. Not because I am the First Lady of the United States, but because I am a human being and I deserve to be respected just like you do. Did you have any other questions ma'am?"
You could have heard a pin drop in the room. The pose that the First Lady showed was remarkable. The media was there, and it was trending everywhere. No one expected her to give the woman the one thing she really didn't deserve, and that was respect and dignity.
She demanded that her agents not roughly move her, and while they knew she would be questioned for the safety of the family she didn't want to press any charges. Olivia knew the media coverage alone would ruin her.
Olivia had stepped away from the podium to compose herself. She thought about leaving but decided that she couldn't.
Olivia stepped back onto the podium to speak.
"I know that many of you were surprised when you heard that I did not cancel this invitation. Since we are being brutally honest this invitation was on the previous First Lady's calendar. When I became First Lady I have tried to keep as many of her previous engagements as possible. I know many of you in this room question my marriage, my hue, my pedigree, my everything just because of the color of my skin. One woman was brazened enough to call me out of my name, but your mannerisms told on many of you. Your silent agreement of her actions and words spoke volumes.
Olivia took a moment to take a breath. She rubbed her baby bump and took a moment to think about her family before continuing.
She looked at the crowd, "I didn't come here for you. I'm judged all the time. I came here for two reasons one is to show I have no fear. I am proud of who I am. The color of my skin does not bother me, because it does not define me. Color doesn't define anyone. It might affect the journey but nothing more. Secondly, I want to show young women especially young women of color they can have a place at the table. If there are no seats, then they can create one. We must stop being silent. For those that believe the Jim Crow era still exist respectfully remind them we are in the 21st century. I appreciate you still wanting me to come despite your individual reservations and fears. Now I can make it clear I am not going anywhere. Our country is seeing our children die to weapons of mass destructions. Opioids are killing people at an alarming rate. Instead of judging each other and tearing people down for something they have no control over why don't we focus our time and energy on issues that matter. Thank you and God bless."
By the time they entered the car their emotions were high especially Karen. Olivia could tell that she was not in the mood to talk and she wasn't going to force her.
When they entered the White House one of Fitz's agents walked over to Karen. "Ma'am the President got your message. He is in the Oval waiting for you."
They walked away before Olivia had a chance to process what happened.
She couldn't be upset with Karen, but it stung that she hadn't said anything to her since the luncheon.
Olivia sent a message to Quinn and decided to go take a nap.
While Olivia headed to the Resident for her nap Karen was walking into the Oval. As soon as she saw her dad she ran into his arms. You would have thought she was a little girl. He held her as she cried.
After some time, she composed herself.
Fitz wiped her face, "Why are you mad at your mom?"
"What makes you think I'm mad at her?"
"You texted me stating you needed me, but you were with her. I also had a bug in my ear that the two of you didn't talk in the limo. What gives?"
"I'm not mad at her per se. I'm mad at the situation. I guess I am a little mad at her. Why does she always have to be the martyr? She knew how most of those women felt about her still she walked into the fire. I'm tired of people treating her bad because she is a black woman. She is smart, she is loving, kind, respectful, and the list goes on. She is the only mom I've had. She cares about us. She is raising us not the help. We are not props but her children. They are vultures. It's like they won't be satisfied until they have her blood."
Fitz listened to every word his daughter said. He understood her frustrations and had been in her shoes before. Time and wisdom helped him understand.
He kissed his daughter's forehead.
"I know that it was incredibly difficult to witness what happened to your mom. I'm proud of how you handled yourself. To answer your question your mom does what she does because someone has to."
Karen looked at him confused.
"As much as we love your mom we have never walked in her shoes. She is a woman who happens to be black. Unfortunately, that means she must work twice as hard. The reason she throws herself to the wolves is because she wants change. She knows what may happen when she puts herself out there, but she also understands it comes with the power she has. Today hurt her, but if it helps one young girl especially a girl of color then it was worth the pain to her because the pain is temporary."
Karen relaxed in her dad's arms taking in all that he said.
Finally, she got up, "Thanks for the talk dad. I'm going to check on mom and change clothes."
"Do you need anything?"
"No, I'm good. I've got everything I ever needed. Love you…"
"Love you more Princess…"
Karen headed to the Residence. When she knocked on her parent's door her mom didn't answer. After a couple of knocks she decided to open the door to make sure that she was okay. She was relieved to find her mom curled up on the bed asleep.
After changing she decided to head into the kitchen and fix some lunch. They barely touched the food at the luncheon. Hopefully her mom would be up soon.
Just as she finished lunch and was setting up their plates Olivia emerges from her room. She was surprised to see Karen in the kitchen.
Karen smiled at her, "I figured you would be hungry…"
"Starving…"
The pair enjoyed their lunch in silence. Neither knowing what to say to the other.
Olivia looked up at her daughter, "Karen, I am really sorry about earlier."
Karen looked at her in shock, "Mom, why are you apologizing to me?"
"I know that you are upset with me, and I know that today was an uncomfortable situation."
"Mom, I'll admit that I was upset earlier and even a little mad at you. Not for the reasons you think. I just didn't understand why you would put yourself in the middle of things knowing there is a high probability that you could be hurt, and by hurt, I mean emotionally. Then dad reminded me of something important, and that is that I am a white privileged girl."
Olivia sighed. She could see that Karen had gone from sad, mad, to now frustrated. She knew that her daughter was a lot like herself in that she wanted to be able to solve everything, and this was out of her control.
Olivia got up and ushered Karen over to the couch. Once they got comfortable Olivia looked at her, "You are like me in so many ways. I know that you want to have the answers to everything, but the truth is that you can't. When I was growing up it was hard for me to accept that. My version of life, and reality were two different things. I know that you have spoken with your dad, and I don't think he was so crass in his explanation of things. Yes, you are privileged, and you happen to be a white girl. That doesn't mean that you don't understand or don't care. It just means you can't completely walk in my shoes, but what makes you different is that while you have a wonderful life and will never want for anything you have decided to do good. I have seen more than my fair share of rich girls black and white. Not only do they not know the value of a dollar, but no concept of what it is like for those who don't have a dollar. It is not easy being me, but I wouldn't change anything. Sure, I have been disappointed and hurt more than I would have liked, but to end up here is everything."
"How do you let it just roll off your back?"
"I don't. Some jabs are easier to handle than others. Today stung for a lot of reasons. The main reason is that you were there. I never want you to witness that kind of ignorance, but as a mom I am learning that I can't protect you from everything."
"Ha, I want to protect you. Why can't they see how wonderful and awesome you are? Why can't they see how loving you are?"
"Because they don't want to. You will learn in life that when you are dealing with ignorance it doesn't matter if it is staring them in the face they will still ignore it."
"I'm sorry I ignored you earlier."
"It's okay…"
"Not really. I just had so many emotions going on, and I didn't know how to process them."
"I know. It stung that you didn't say anything to me. Once again, I am your mom. Naturally, I want you to talk to me, but I was okay with you going to your dad. I wish that I could protect you from the world, but I can't. Just know that I will never intentionally put you in harm's way, and I will always protect you when I can."
"I know mom. Today stung for both of us for different reasons, but I am glad I was there. I need to see the real world. I can't be a part of the change if I don't know what the reality is. I know the solution won't happen tomorrow, but I plan on being part of the solution and not the problem."
Olivia kissed her forehead, "You already are…"
The first part of the day sucked, but the afternoon was much better for the pair. After they finished eating they decided to watch a movie.
When Fitz took a break to come and check on them the pair was cuddled together sleep. Karen was laying in Olivia's lap with her hand on the baby bump. It was so adorable that Fitz had to take a picture. He decided to have Ayden brought to the Oval since he didn't have anything going on that he couldn't be in the room for. He sent Olivia a message so when she woke up she knew where Ayden was.
When Olivia woke up a couple of hours later she didn't realize she went to sleep again. Being pregnant and the events of the day had tired her out. She panicked for a moment when she realized what time it was, but her phone had two messages. One from Karen that she turned off her alarm since her dad had Ayden, and of course the message from Fitz that he had taken Ayden to the Oval to give her a break.
She called the Chef and let them know that she was handling dinner.
Down at the Oval Fitz had finished his meeting. He was just going over briefs and handling paperwork. Ayden had finished his homework with his dad's help, and now he was playing a game on his tablet.
He had just finished a round when a thought came to mind. "Daddy…"
Fitz looked up, "Yes, son…
"Are you allowed to take breaks?"
"What kind of breaks son?"
"Well, I was wondering if we could take a bacation. Maybe it would make everyone feel better."
"What makes you think that we feel bad?"
"Well, I saw mommy cry. She said the baby makes her do it to let them know they are in there. I saw Karebear cry, and she said she had a lot of work. Jer looked sad, but I don't know why. Your ears are red a lot, and mommy says you are not happy when your ears are red."
Fitz was shocked for a moment as his son accessed his family. Between the demands of life and the White House they were all stressed. They could use a break, and he didn't want his pregnant wife to deliver early or lose their baby due to the stress.
He let Ayden know he would see what he could do about a bacation. After getting his dad's permission he sat down to watch a movie. Once he got the headphones on Fitz knew his son would tune out the world.
He called Lauren into the office.
"You rang Mr. President?"
"Yes, spring break is coming up. What is my calendar looking like?"
She checked his schedule against the kids. You have a couple of meetings, but your schedule is light considering that Congress is on break during that time also.
"Good, Ayden just pointed out that we could use a break. I agree with him. Let's take the last five days of Spring Break, and head to Puerto Rico. Privately this is a vacation for my family. Publicly, schedule one press-op and one meeting. As a family we will privately schedule additional time to give back, and we can release pictures. My family needs this time, but I also need to make sure that Puerto Rico is not forgotten. They are a part of this country, and I want to treat them as such."
"Yes sir! Anything else?"
"Yes, I need to meet with Abby, Quinn, and Harrison. They will be coming along, but don't tell them the purpose of the meeting."
Lauren nodded and turned to leave. She heard him call her name.
"Lauren, I will make sure that Tom has time off so that the two of you can enjoy some time together. As President I can't be totally on vacation, but I want to spend quality time with my family. You, Abby, Harrison, and Quinn will also have to do minimal work, but you will be doing it from Puerto Rico so you all can get some down time as well. As soon as we are done working I expect you to play and relax. Are we clear?"
Lauren smiled, "Crystal…"
When Lauren left Fitz turned to his son who was engrossed in his movies. He had missed the interaction that started with him.
Fitz called him. He looked at his dad, "Yes sir…"
He went over and climbed in his dad's lap.
It was moments like this that Fitz treasured. He enjoyed being President, but he was looking forward to a quieter life in the future.
He kissed his son's forehead, "Son, you remember you asked daddy about going on a vacation before you began to watch your movie?"
"Yes daddy. I think it will make us feel better."
"Well I think so too son. I talked to Miss. Lauren and she is going to help daddy get away from the big White House. Daddy will have to work a little bit, but I will have time for us to do some fun things."
Ayden jumps up and begins to dance around the seal. Fitz laughed. The joy on his son's face was everything at this moment.
When he calmed down he looked at his son, "Do you want to help me surprise your mom, brother, and sister?"
Ayden began to jump up and down while nodding his head.
Fitz laughed, "Well alight then…"
A/N-I am stopping it there. The last couple of chapters have been intense. I wanted to end the intensity for a moment. We will pick up in Puerto Rico. Expect some fluffy family moments, couple moments, and moments when the family engages with the citizens…
