Part 33
"Liv are you sure about this?"
Liv looks down at the letter of resignation gripped in her hands. No, she wasn't sure, she doesn't know if she has the will to stand firm in her decision, however she is convinced it's the right thing to do.
"You don't have to go through with this, you and Fitz can still make this work..." Abby persists; the image of Fitz falling apart in the apartment driving her forward- likewise, she can no longer ignore the muffled sounds of Liv crying herself to sleep for the past two nights either. She understands why Liv is doing this, but she doesn't agree... In her eyes, this break up is just as destructive, if not more, than the possibility of them staying together and trying to make it work. At least then, they can rely on the certainty and strength of their love to get them though the rocky times.
"Liv, he loves you and despite everything, he wants you; he's chosen you... And it's obvious how you feel about him. Not many people find what you and Fitz have- true love- you can't turn your back on something as powerful as that. Plus, do you really want your baby growing up without a father?"
"If Fitz gets hurt then that will happen regardless, only then it will be permanent… My father..."
"Your father, according to Huck is longer a threat... And if you stick with the original plan and move to Vermont, then he won't get the opportunity to continue being one."
"Please Abby, leave it alone… I've made up my mind, it's done…"
"But is it, is it really done? Because I think not, as long as you have this baby it will never be done!"
As much as she doesn't want to admit it, she knows Abby's right
Xxxxxx
As soon as they enter NOW, they are immediately bombarded by Quinn, who rushes over. And in a hushed tone reveals... "Something's going on with Fitz he looks..." But then she halts suddenly taking stock of Liv's appearance, pale faced and dishevelled, then comments scrupulously... "As bad as you do! What's going on?"
"Nothing..." Liv replies, although not so convincingly.
"I told you Liv, you weren't ready to come back, you're still ill". Abby, quickly covers for her. Although she wasn't too far from the truth. In addition to everything else that was going on, Liv's morning sickness was pretty full on as well. "Actually, where is Fitz? I need to have a word with him". Liv questions Quinn, whilst trying to mask the concern in her voice..."
"He's in his office," Quinn replies, but with a subtle catch in her voice, which only Abby cottons on to.
Quinn is not far from figuring it out.
And as soon as Liv is out of ear shot, she turns to Abby and quizzes her... "It's him isn't it? The married man Liv is seeing... It's Fitz!"
Abby doesn't respond, but she doesn't have to... "My God Abby, why didn't you say something! Do you know how dangerous this is?!" She exclaims. "We needs to talk to Liv, and get her to end it now, before things go beyond the point of no return!"
Sadly, Abby think to herself, Fitz and Liv were already there.
Xxxx
With trepidation, Liv knocks on Fitz's door. "Come in..." He answers, his voice sounding hoarse and gravelly, as if strained by great sadness. But when he turns around and realises that it's her, it's the expression on his face, a mixture of childlike hope and crushing fear that completely unravels her... Choked up, she can't even get her words out, so instead she hands him her letter...
"What is it?"
"It's my letter of resignation..."
He looks down on it, in deep thought. Ever so slowly he opens it and reads it. There's no frills, just two lines, a thank you, and that regretfully due to personal circumstances she has to leave. Wordlessly, he folds it back, and carefully places it back in the envelope. He's aware that she watching his every move, and he's glad, because there is only one thing he intends to do with this letter... He puts it in the bin.
"Fitz..."
Within a flash he's in front of her, his finger pressed on her lips... "Sssh, hear me out..."
With his free hand, he reaches up and tentatively wipes away a stray tear from her cheek, causing her heart to race. At such close proximity, she can already feel the control she once had over the situation, quickly slipping away. A simple touch, but yet its effect is overwhelming. It's as if her body is a finely tuned instrument, which he plays like an accomplished musician.
"You're not leaving yet, and when you do it's to Vermont..." He tells her without ambiguity... "You're going to live in the house I bought for us, and as soon as I finalise my divorce, I'm coming straight home to you! To where I truly belong! Because being without you for the last few days has taught me only one thing, I cannot exist without you, I cannot breathe without you... That the man I am without you- is nothing... I'm nothing Liv... and you are everything and I need you to give us another chance, I demand another chance! Not just for us..." He stares into her watery depths as he places his hand on her belly, "but for our baby too".
Tongue tied… "But... what about your kids… our safety?"
"I'll consult a family lawyer, I won't let Mellie manipulate me, I won't..." He dismisses, "and with regards to our safety, I will do whatever it deems necessary to keep us out of harm's way... All that I ask. beg of you, is that you don't leave me..."
She can't fight it any longer, her love for him is too great, too strong and before she registers what she's doing she's kissing him, and he's kissing her back as if his life depends on it... tongues mating, reaffirming, passionate and sure. Their connection is undeniable, fierce and all-consuming. A force to be reckoned with.
Eventually, when the need of oxygen becomes too great, she briefly pulls apart, at which point her confession spills forth breathlessly...
"Fitz I'm terrified... Promise me, promise me we'll be safe..."
Powerfully, he vows to do just that and more. "I promise!"
But sometimes there are promises you can't keep.
