Fitz is on the phone with Olivia. He made his way to DC as fast as he could. Fitz wouldn't allow Olivia to come with him. Just 24 hours ago she suffered a miscarriage. He didn't want to take any chances. Eli had a mild heart attack that could have been much worse had Maya not insisted he go to the hospital when first started feeling unwell. Fitz is giving Olivia a play by play summary of what's happening.
"Fitz don't spare me any information. Is he really okay?" Liv asks.
"Yes, considering, yes he is. The doctor said if your mother hadn't insisted he get to the hospital, it could have been massive. He was complaining about his chest and arm pain and your mom didn't take any chances."
"I should be there with my father Fitz. I am fine. The bleeding is to be expected. I am fine to fly a couple hours. I could even take the train," Liv pleads.
"Olivia, you need to rest and you need to heal. Your father is okay and he's already talking. He doesn't want you here and he's more worried about you than himself."
Liv has been crying. Her dad is her hero. She's a daddy's girl. She can't imagine life without that man. "I just want to see him for myself and know he's okay."
Fitz knows she's worried and she won't be okay until she sees it for herself. "How about this? As soon as they finish running some tests I will call you, let you see him, talk to him."
Liv takes a breath, "I trust you. You know that. I know you are telling me the truth, it's just.."
"It's just after everything that's happened," Fitz finishes.
"I just lost our baby. I can't lose him too," Liv says sadly.
In that moment it hits him too. "Livvie, you are not going to lose your dad. He's a strong man. Tough as nails. He's going to be around a long time. Long enough to play with his grandchildren."
"What if?" Liv starts.
"That's not a what if. Everything is going to be okay. We will be okay. I can promise you that."
"I love you," Liv says.
"I love you too. I will call you soon," Fitz says as they hang up. Fitz turns to walk toward the elevator when he is met by a familiar face.
"Fitz," the voice says.
Fitz turns to Curtis, "Curtis, right?"
"Yes," Curtis says awkwardly. They stand, letting the silence rise between them. They both don't know exactly what to say. "About Olivia," Curtis starts.
"We don't have to…"
"No, I think this needs to be said," Curtis says as he walks away from the elevator, looking for a spot to talk. Fitz follows him.
"Olivia told me everything," Fitz says.
"I am not trying to come between you two. She's always put me on the straight and narrow and I needed to talk to my friend. I really…"
"I am glad you were there," Fitz says. Curtis is shocked by his admission. "I mean that. I am glad you were there for her."
"I'm glad I was there too. She was my first love so I'll always look out for her, if she needs it," Curtis continues. Fitz's jaw flinches a little. "I know she has you now and she doesn't need me but.."
"I know you look out for her. I am glad she didn't go through what she went through alone and scared. Thanks for helping her. She told me about the past. I understand that you two have a bond. I know it will always be there," Fitz says. He has to admit, he is jealous of Curtis. He knows it is irrational but Curtis will always be that guy in his head.
"I am sorry for what happened. Is she okay?"
Fitz runs his hands through his hair, "She's okay. She's upset and feeling guilty but she's okay."
"I came when I heard about her dad. My mom still lives in the neighborhood and she was there when the ambulance came. She called and told me. I just wanted to come and check on him."
"He had a mild heart attack but they think he's going to make a full recovery. They are going to keep him for a few days just to monitor him and be safe."
"Okay, well I won't intrude. I am not family. I will.."
"No, I am sure you can come up and see him," Fitz says.
Curtis shakes his head in approval. "Thank you! That man laid a lot of heavy stuff on my head when I was younger and he was right. His daughter deserved better than what I was then. I am glad he called me to the mat when I needed to be called."
"He's very honest," Fitz laughs lightly.
"She's worth the honesty," Curtis agrees.
Fitz smiles, "She most definitely is."
"I am glad she found you. I am glad she's happy. She lights up when she talks about you and I know that means she's happy. Be good to her."
"I hope everything works out for you," Fitz genuinely says. He knows that a man's marriage and marriage troubles are sacred. He wouldn't want anyone in his business.
"It will be," Curtis says.
"You can go up. He's in Room 305. I will be up in a minute. I need to take care of something," Fitz says.
Curtis extends his hand out. He and Fitz shake, "Take care." Fitz nods as Curtis turns and goes back to the elevator to go up.
Fitz dials a number and makes an important call.
Liv is sitting in the living room, having a cup of ginger honey tea. Fitz had his mom come over and bring food. Now Liv is waiting for Abby to get there to keep her company. She's glad Fitz is not home, she's found herself crying at different times. She doesn't want him to see her this way. There is a knock at the door.
She looks up at the clock on the wall, Abby's not coming over until later. She gets up slowly, "Coming," she says as she goes toward the door. She touches the panel and looks out to see Harrison. She opens that door and meets him with a hug and no words.
"Hey, hey, the old man is okay," he says.
"I know. I'm just happy to see you," Liv says as they break the hug.
"Are you okay?" Harrison asks as he comes in and closes the door.
"I'm okay. Why are you here? Why aren't you at the hospital? You are a daddy now."
"My wife felt that I needed to check on you. I know I am upset about dad and.."
Liv drops her head, "Fitz promises me that he is okay."
"I talked to Mom and to Fitz and Pops is okay. How are you?"
Liv walks away, going back to the plush couch in their living room. "I am fine."
"Trixie, you had a miscarriage. How are you doing?"
"I told you, I'm fine," Liv shakes her head. She turns away, not wanting Harrison to see the tears.
"Liv," Harrison says sternly.
"My past mistakes are catching up with me," she says tearfully.
"Miscarriages happen. You of all people know that."
"I am just feeling a lot of things right now. And I am thinking about Jake of all people," she admits.
Harrison looks at her baffled. "Why would you be thinking about that lowlife? The same guy that tried to kill you all and all the other shitty stuff he did."
"He's dead Harrison," Liv says.
"I will never mourn him. I should have beat his ass myself," Harrison continues.
"I just feel like I finally paid for lying to Jake. I took Fitz from Mellie. I didn't really want a baby, at least I thought and I lost it. I guess I deserved it."
"Listen, was it shitty to lie to Jake, I guess so. But, he turned out to not be the best guy, so maybe it was a blessing in disguise. You didn't take Fitz from Mellie. They were in marriage counseling.."
"First do no harm," Liv smiles faintly.
"You didn't do harm. You did your job and you fell in love in the process. Not the normal way but you did. I mean look at me and Quinn, who would have thought. And now I have a freaking kid, ME, Harrison Wright Pope has a kid."
"I am so proud of you," Liv smiles and wipes the tears that fall.
"I am proud of you too Trixie," Harrison says as he consoles her.
"I want a family with Fitz. I really do," Liv says tearfully as Harrison rubs her.
"And you are going to have it. The world just wasn't ready for a little Olivia yet. We have to prepare for such drama."
Liv smacks his arms, "Shut up."
"I am just saying," Harrison laughs.
"Can I see pictures of the baby?" Liv asks.
Harrison whips out his phone and then he stops. "You sure?"
"I'm sure," Liv smiles as Harrison pulls out his phone and they continue to laugh and joke.
Maya and Fitz are sitting in Eli's room watching him sleep. Maya can tell that Fitz is deep in thought. Maya pats Eli's hand as she goes and sits next to Fitz, bringing him out of his deep thought.
"Thank you for coming," Maya says as she pats the top of his hand. Fitz just smiles. Olivia is so much like her mother. He sees where all of her comes from in Maya. "Are you okay?"
"I am just worried about Livvie. You don't know how hard it was to keep her from coming here with me," Fitz shakes his head.
Maya is silent and takes a breath, "I told Eli that if he left me, I'd kill him." Fitz can't help but chuckle. "I meant that."
Fitz nods his head, "I know you did."
She rubs Fitz's hand, "I knew Eli was my soulmate and I knew that having a family with him would fulfill every fantasy I had for myself. That we would have wonderful and beautiful children that we would take care of and rear to be strong and independent individuals."
"You did," Fitz smiles.
"I almost wanted them to find love and it would be amazing and wonderful and breathtaking," Maya reveals.
"I love her with everything I have," Fitz says.
"I know you do. You flew here to sit with me and Eli so you could take care of our daughter. That's what I am talking about. I know you love her. You are her soulmate," Maya assures him.
"I'm always gonna take care of her," Fitz answers.
"You better or I will kick your ass," Eli mumbles from the bed. Maya and Fitz look up surprised.
"Well someone is awake and feisty," Maya says, rolling her eyes playfully as she pats his forehead with damp cloth.
"Is my baby okay?" Eli asks, referencing Olivia.
Fitz goes to his side, "Yes, Livvie is okay. She is taking it easy."
"And how about my new grandbaby?"
"Doing great," Fitz says.
"Harrison sent me some pictures," Maya says as she brings it over to Eli so he can see. He is smiling at the picture as the doctor comes in.
"You are awake Mr. Pope. Good to see you looking so much better," the doctor says.
"I feel so much better," Eli answers.
Fitz decides to excuse himself to go and give Olivia an update
Maya decides to follow. "I will be right back. Let the doctor do what he needs to do."
Fitz is already on the phone with Olivia. "He just woke up. He's doing good." Maya appears behind him.
"He looks good," Maya says. Fitz passes her the phone. "Hey baby. How are you?"
Liv smiles. Sometimes you just need to hear your mother's voice and you know that everything is okay. "Everything is okay. I think I just need to hear daddy's voice."
"As soon as they are done running tests, I will let you talk to him. Are you taking care of yourself? How are you feeling?"
Fitz just stands to the side, leaning on the wall. He knows that she needs to hear from her mother. Liv answers, "Feeling sorry for myself and feeling guilty but physically I feel fine."
May looks up at Fitz and smiles, "Don't feel sorry for yourself. Mother nature is a funny thing. When the stork is ready to visit you and this wonderful husband of yours, he will. In due season."
Liv smiles, "He is everything I ever dreamed."
Maya smiles, "I know he is. Let me go make sure I know exactly what the doctor is telling your father so he doesn't keep it from me. You talk to your dreamboat." she winks at Fitz as she hands him the phone. She goes back into Eli's room.
"Your mother is amazing and very hot," Fitz says playfully.
"Excuse me! You are checking my mother out," Liv laughs.
"I just know you are going to be hot no matter how old you get," Fitz says saultryly.
"It's because our black doesn't crack," Liv answers.
"What?"
"I have to teach you ethnic slang. There's a saying that black doesn't crack. Our skin stays forever tight until it decides to sag."
"Great skin, a great ass, luscious lips, and.."
"Someone is horny," Liv laughs.
Fitz gets serious, "I just love you, that's all. And I don't want you to worry about us. We are a family and we are happy. We will just keep trying until we get pregnant again but it's no rush. And we don't have to have children for us to be happy."
Liv's throat catches, "But…" She stops herself, knowing how what she was about to say would sound. "Nevermind," she answers. "I love you too."
"What were you going to say?" Fitz asks. He knows her well enough to know when her thoughts are all over the place.
"Nothing, I love you and I'm happy with you. I don't want you to ever think that I'm not."
Fitz stays silent. He's in her head now and knowing what's really on her mind. "This is not a contest."
"What are you talking about?"
"This is not a contest. You are not in a contest with Mellie. You of all people know my marriage to Mellie was built on a lot of lies. You and I, we aren't. She gave me two children and took one away with her lies. He's still my son and I love him but the truth is someone else's blood runs through his veins. I want you to have my baby but I want you a whole lot more. I wanted to find the love of my life and I did."
She's sniffling into the phone, "I found mine too."
"The doctor is coming out. How about you talk to your dad, here his voice. I bet it will make you feel a whole lot better," he suggests.
"Thank you," she says softly as Fitz goes back into Eli's room.
"Someone wants to speak to you," Fitz says as he passes him the phone.
"Sweet Pea," Eli says.
"Hi Daddy," Liv says as she lets out the longest breath she's been holding since this all happened. "You promise me you are alright and you will do everything the doctor says."
Eli looks at Maya, "I promise you, I will do everything the doctor says. Your mother will kill me if I don't."
"You better believe it," Maya chimes in.
"Baby girl, don't worry about me. How are you feeling?"
She smiles, "I'm okay. I promise."
"You do everything Fitz says," He instructs her.
"I thought I was the doctor," Liv laughs.
"You are, but right now let someone take care of you. He's the right man for the job. I sometimes hate that I like him so much," Eli jokes.
"He likes you too Daddy," Liv says.
"He better," Eli chuckles."Listen, I am going to send him home so he can take care of you. They said they will let me go home in a couple of days."
"Okay, I will see you soon. I love you."
Eli smiles, " I love you too."
Liv gets off the phone and goes to heat some of the food that Corinne brought over. Abby's coming over later to keep her company. There is a ring from the security desk. She presses the button. She hears, "Hello Mrs. Grant, I have a Mellie Grant here to see you."
"Send her up," Olivia answers.
She's more than curious why she is here. Olivia stands in the door to wait for her. Mellie gets off the elevator. Mellie gets off with a solemn look. "Olivia," she greets.
"Hello Mellie, come in," Olivia answers.
Olivia goes into the kitchen, "Would you like something to drink? Would you like some coffee?"
"No, I'm good. I just need to talk to you about something. I know Fitz is not here. Is your dad okay?"
Olivia is surprised by her demeanor. It's not the Mellie she's used to. "He's doing better. They are going to keep him a couple more days for observation, but he's okay. Thanks for asking."
"That's good. That's really good."
"Have a seat," Liv says. Mellie sits at the table opposite Olivia. "What's going on?"
"I'm sorry about your miscarriage and I'm sorry if I had anything to do with it."
Liv smiles faintly, "You didn't have anything to do with it."
Mellie nods, "Gerry hates me," Mellie blurts out.
Liv is taken aback. "Gerry doesn't hate you Mellie. He hates that you lied to him. The same way Fitz hates that you lied to him."
"He wants to live with you and Fitz. He does hate me," Mellie says.
"I don't know what to say," Olivia answers.
"I know it's something you have to discuss with Fitz but I'm fighting with Gerry all the time and it's.." Mellie stops and tries not to cry in front of the woman that has everything she screwed up.
"Mellie, some wounds take a long time to heal. Some wounds are deeper than the others and you just have to work through it. You have to give Gerry some time to work through his feelings and his anger."
"I've said I was sorry many times. I don't know how to say it anymore."
"Some things can't be fixed with I'm sorry. That's why they say time is a great healer," Olivia advises.
"Karen's going to want to live with you too. She loves you so much. You are so good with children. You are a much better mother to them than I am," Mellie admits. That hits Olivia in a warm spot and she can't help but react with tears. Mellie realizes what she said and quickly brings her hand to her mouth. "I am sorry. I didn't mean to…It was a compliment," Mellie defends.
"I know, I just…thank you for saying that," Liv answers.
"I know you have to talk to Fitz about it but.."
"I will talk to him but Mellie, you will never lose your children to me. I adore them and you can always trust me with them. But you are their mother. The best advice I can give you, is try to be the mother you haven't been and learn with them. Grow with them."
Olivia can tell that Mellie truly receives what she said, "I'm not a bad person Olivia."
"No, you aren't."
Mellie gets up to leave, "Thank you for seeing me."
"I'll talk to Fitz as soon as he gets back. Talk to you soon," Olivia says.
Liv heads toward the bedroom so she can change her padding. There is a text from Fitz.
F: I'm coming home. Your father kicked me out of Washington DC. He told me you needed me.
Liv smiles bashfully.
L: He's right. I miss you so much.
F: I miss you too.
L: I can meet you at the airport.
F: No, I will send for a car. I'll call you when I am on my way. Why don't you run us a hot bath so we can soak together.
L: But what about….I mean..
F: I don't care. I just want to hold my wife. And when we do a water birth with our first child I'll have practice.
Where has this man been all her life?
L: I want to shag you so bad.
Fitz sends blushing emojis that make her laugh.
F: How many weeks?
L: Just one more
F: See you in a few hours. I love you.
L: Love you too!
She heads into the bathroom and takes care of herself. She's going to make sure that she and Fitz have their new beginning.
There will be a time jump in the next chapter. I hope you enjoyed it.