#HappySunday #July4thWeekend #Gladiators…
Yes your eyes are NOT deceiving you, A THIRD fic is being updated this weekend. What can I say, I'm in a giving mood. This chapter has some back history for OP, Fitz and the Girls. I hope you enjoy it took a bit to write because it was emotional.
I'll be looking forward to your #JudgesScoreCard at the end. Please be safe this weekend no matter where you are. Happy and TY for reading. – Me's
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Chapter 15: Once Upon A December…
"Far Away, Long Ago. Glowing dim as an ember. Things my heart used to know, things it yearns to remember. And a song someone sings. Once Upon a December." – Anastasia: Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty
(Moments before Nina, Bells and Fitz arrive…)
"Come on James, you have to dance with me," Olivia pleads after she explains her plans for the State dinner. He is over the moon excited.
"But Liv I want to hash this stupendous idea of yours out. We have so much to plan, arrange, organize if the State Dinner Planning staff allows this," James giddy voice only warms her heart. She loves working with him. However when he becomes overly excited, it is a challenge to get him to talk - think about anything else. This will be one of those occasions.
She must nip this topic in his dancing shoes now. "James," she coos fluttering her eye lashes. He smirks. "Later. I believe right now you owe me a dance. Look at this gorgeous room we are in. Come on Mister. After the most EPIC first lesson I just finished, I need this dance with you to relax and shake it off."
James chuckles not willing to deny her request. "But Liv," he winks and half protests.
"Dance with me MISTER. It has been way too long since you have." James nods because of course he will gladly take a twirl with her around the floor. He never has the opportunity because she's either busy with Max, rehearsals, and now dance lessons with Fitz and the Twins. And of course working and running the studio.
Olivia selects music off her phone. The first song is heard without any trouble. However as the beginning notes of the second song play, Olivia freezes. The harpsicord, triangle, and xylophone chords of the beginning of the selection, cause tears to appear in her eyes. James understands completely.
He stops the music, squeezing her tightly. "It's okay honey. I got you. Waltz with me like you used to." He wipes her tears from her eyes as they hit her cheeks. He kisses her forehead. Every year at this time is a struggle.
"James I had no idea THIS would be the next song," she whimpers.
"Oh Honey I know," he exhales holding her face. :"I remember how we used to waltz to this in her honor, every year." Olivia sighs missing HER more.
"I know," she whimpers. "It – no THIS," she spins around the room, "because it was OUR thing. Hers and mine. Do you think…," she whimpers on the verge of tears.
"Oh honey you know she is," James utters, holding the dancing position for her to step back into his arms for them to begin dancing. "She is very proud of you. I can feel it. You followed your dream and look where you are." His eyes glance around the room. "Dance like SHE is the only watching. FEEL it honey. Think later. Do not do this for me, do this for yourself. All right?"
"But here of all places," she glances around the room quickly. "What if someone comes?"
"Why should it matter? You are The President's Teacher and his children's. The Secret Service is aware we are both in here. Obviously so is Abby." Olivia releases a labored sigh. James steps to her placing a kiss on her forehead, then resumes the waltz position required. "We've got this handled," he winks.
Olivia sniffles. She shifts the phone close enough to hit the play button unaware of anyone approaching the room.
"Come on we want to get back to Livy," Nina sprints down the hallway towards the room with Bells in tow where is Olivia is waiting. The opening chords of the music begin as the twins get closer to the room. They stop recognizing the melody instantly. The girls face each other with tears in their eyes.
"Daddy," Bells whimpers hearing the familiar chords of the song.
"Dad," Nina sniffles.
Fitz is to them immediately. This music is a special song ONLY heard for their mother and when they dance with their father. It was the twin's special moment getting Fitz onto the dance floor especially after seeing him dance with their mother to it.
"Come let's see why Livy is listening to it. I am sure she has a very good reason. It's a beautiful song girls and I'm sure she is not the first dancer to use this song," Fitz explains rubbing their backs to sooth them.
Fitz, Nina, and Bells enter the room, as Olivia and James, who he remembers from the competition slowly begin to dance the up tempo Viennese Waltz. James spins her on foot as the chords echo in the room. With one leg raised straight out from her waist. He bends her to touch the floor then lifts her as the final notes are heard before the first chorus.
She is in the zone with no idea she along with James they are now dancing for a very astute audience. Nina and Bells squeeze their Father's hand watching James dance with Olivia beautifully around the room. It is like nothing they have ever seen.
Dancing bears,
Painted wings,
Things I almost remember,
And a song someone sings,
Once upon a December.
James waltzes Olivia around the room, as the music plays in the background. Fitz is completely mesmerized by her languid, fluid moments as her partner waltzes her effortlessly throughout the dance floor. This is the type of waltz he will be learning. He recognizes James posture as he holds Olivia.
"This is the dance Olivia is going to teach me for the State Dinner," he explains to the girls. "This is not the song though." Cristina and Isabelle of course are aware of the song choice because they picked it. They felt it was perfect for their father, and this year's theme for the State Dinner. Her dress flows beautifully from Olivia's body and around James's legs.
Olivia and James pay no attention to their immediate surroundings as they promenade in the room. Olivia is now "Her Royal Highness the Princess Anastasia," and James – Demetri – the boy, grown into a man who saved her life long ago. She is "light on her feet," as James glides her swimmingly across the dance floor, covering great distances with sweeping steps.
Fitz's undivided attention is focus on Olivia, mesmerized observing her every foot placement, hand extension, lift, twirl, and or spin as James whisks her around the room to the up-beat tempo of the music. From watching her dance in person, to on TV he has watched her many times. This is different. On the two occasions he's been in the audience he felt Olivia was dancing ONLY for him. She connected with his heart so deeply it left him aching to be in her presence again.
Watching James sweep her across the room so easily, it is as is she is another person taking his breath away. Right now he's in the room with the girls, but Olivia even with her eyes open does not seen them. She's left this place, dancing in another reality. Each movement, her eyes watch above for any signs of approval.
This SONG means so much to Fitz, Nina and Bells. He had no idea it could possibly mean anything to her. It MUST if she is dancing to it. How could she? He did not tell her, and Abby would never disclose something so personal concerning Fitz and his daughters.
Fitz crunches down bringing his two daughters close as Olivia and James dance to the next chorus of the song;
Someone holds me safe and warm.
Horses prance through a silver storm.
Figures dancing gracefully
Across my memory...
(The section repeats after a long instrumental section.)
The girls whisper to their father in awe, and then sadness emerges missing their mother watching James dance with Olivia beautifully through-out the room. The "line of dance" as Olivia taught him earlier, where James pointed hands are extended, allows Fitz to see first-hand the direction in which they will be moving. James's posture is perfection. He's straight up on his feet with his shoulders back and down.
There are no "spaghetti arms" to be found. Olivia and James revolve perfectly around each other. Her body is close to his, millimeters from touching in fact. The elegance, charm reminds his daughters of "Princess Aurora" from Sleeping Beauty as the Prince whirls her around the room in a gown that changes colors after every turn.
"Daddy," Nina whimpers. "Olivia is dancing to Mommy's song?"
"Yes Sweetie she is," Fitz kisses her brow.
"Did you tell her it was," Bells asks next, clinging to Fitz's arm.
"No Honey I didn't," he answers truthfully. "I don't understand."
The tears continue to come down the girls faces as Olivia and James waltz to the final section of the song. Fitz draws the twins into his arms as they observe the final moments of the song.
Far away,
Long ago,
Glowing dim as an ember,
Things my heart used to know,
Things it yearns to remember
And a song someone sings
As the last line "Once upon a December" is heard, James sends Olivia into one final spin in the room. She twirls across the floor. As her dress fans OUT and around her entire body, she bows going all the way down onto her knees touching the floor fully. It is the most graceful curtsey he has ever witnessed.
/
"Momma's Favorite…"
Her heads leans forward to honor James for the dance. As her eyes lift and focus it is then she freezes seeing the tears on some expected faces.
"Nina…."
"Bells…"
"Fitz...," Olivia whimpers each one of their names as she comes to the quick realization they saw entire dance. Her performance in honor of her Mother.
Before she can get off the floor, the twins rush towards her, falling into her arms. She staggers on her feet as they hit her body. They sniffle into her chest. James is taken back at the sight before his eyes. He of course knew she was close to the First Family, but not this close.
"Girls," she mutters as they cling to her desperately. "What's wrong?"
James by now is meandering over to Fitz. They greet each other. "Mr. President," he questions. "Is everything all right?" Fitz nods but he is unable to explain to James what is going on with the girls or himself. Nina and Bells continue to cry in Olivia's arms while James and Fitz continue to observe their interactions.
"That was our Momma's song," Nina blurts out quickly. Olivia is now sitting down with both girls in her lap. "She loved to dance with it to Daddy. It was her favorite movie to watch with all of us. Momma wanted Daddy to be able to dance like that one day."
"Your Mom's favorite movie was Anastasia," Olivia murmurs on the verge of tears.
"Ah huh," Bells answers. "We used to watch it with her all the time. It was OUR thing. Daddy grew to love the movie too. He told us it was about a young girl in search for her family. Momma used to say that one day our own Dowager Empress would come along and change our lives forever and there would be a Princess for Daddy."
"Yes the RIGHT Princess would come along," Nina sighs holding Olivia's face in her hand.
Olivia's heart beats rapidly in her chest. Could the Princess be me? It can't be. How could I be? Did their Mom on her deathbed predict Fitz would meet me one day? Am I the girl searching for her family?
"Right Princess," Olivia murmurs. "Right for what?"
"Momma never said," Nina answers. "Once Upon a December was her favorite song from the movie. She loved it so much, she used to make Daddy dance with her to it. Daddy hated it, but he eventually began to like it and not step on her feet. Right before she died, when she was really sick, we saw Dad dancing with Momma in his arms. Not long after we lost her."
"Oh Sweethearts. I'm so sorry I had no idea," Olivia admits on the verge of crying herself. "If I had known…,"
"You didn't Livy it is okay," Nina brings Olivia's eyes to meet hers. "We used to always be sad when we heard Momma's song but after seeing you dance to it, it was like heaven." Olivia sniffles. She kisses Nina. "Bells and I never saw anything so beautiful."
"Will you teach Daddy to dance like that," Bells asks. "PLA-EEE-SE!"
"I am going to try. You know that was my Mom's favorite movie too," Nina and Bells mouths fall open.
"SERIOUSLY," they gasp in sync. Fitz eyes widen. He had no idea. Olivia finally smiles as it hits her. "Once Upon A December" can NOW be THEIR song. She can not only dance to it in honor her mother but for Fitz and the girls.
"Yes. I was young when the movie came out. My own Mom and I used to dance to this song ALL the time. It was OUR absolute favorite. It would come on and my goodness my mom would," Olivia gets up quickly picks up both girls at the same time and begins to twirl with them both. "We would literally twirl all over the room."
Fitz heart melts hearing their laughter. Any time this song was heard, Nina and Bells would run into his arms crying. James cannot even remember hearing Olivia laugh after they'd finish dancing. He's keeping a close eye on Fitz's reaction. Through Olivia's entire conversation his own eyes never leave where she is. James hand covers his heart.
He sees it. It's always been there, but this is the first time he's noticed it. It has been there since the very first night he saw her dance.
"Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III is falling in love with her. Hell you idiot HE IS in love with her. It's plain as day. He'd write it in the sky over the White House if he knew it." James head leans forward examining Fitz then Olivia. "He's is just as scared as she is because she is falling for him too." James eyes glance out the window to the sky. He smiles knowing Olivia's mother is watching. She led her to Fitz.
Once Olivia was out of breath, she stopped. She herself cannot believe she just got up with both girls to spin and dance.
"You and your Mom really twirled like this," Bells asks.
"We did. She tried to waltz with me like they do in the movie but I couldn't get my feet to move right. My Dad could though. He was always a good dancer." Mentioning her father brings sadness to her eyes. Olivia rarely speaks of him. Fitz is shocked as is James.
Nina and Bells hug Olivia. "What was your Mom's name?"
"Her name was Maya. I lost her when I was twelve," Olivia admits. Neither Fitz nor the girls will hear any other details on how she died. Olivia is not ready to speak of it. "My mom was the most important person in my life until…," she stops meeting Fitz's eyes. His own heart flutters in his chest as the smile only meant for her emerges on his face.
"Until Max," Nina quips knowing her Father is the one.
"No not Max," Olivia admits feeling her face become heated. "My Mom hoped a "Demetri" would send me down a whole in the wall, then be on the other side to save me." Her eyes meet Fitz thinking maybe it happened the night she met their dad.
"Is our Dad your Demetri," Nina questions with hope in her voice. Before she can answer Fitz begins to walk in her direction without any explanation to James. The girls leave her sides quickly hearing their father approach quickly. They call out to him fearing they did something wrong but it is not the case.
/
Your Demetri…
Olivia turned one of the saddest moments in their lives into a happy one. When his daughters hear this song from now on, they will remember Olivia waltzing around the room with James.
Her heart pounds in her chest as Fitz closes the distance between them. Her mind is telling her to flee but her heart won't allow her to move. As he stops in front of her his hands cover her cheeks just before he kisses her in front of Nina, Bells and James. She's powerless to stop it as her body goes limp in his arms succumbing to Fitz.
Every thought in her mind stops, turns blurry as her body betrays her. Her hands fly into the air, then find "their home" into his curls. One of his large arms sweeps behind her, tugging her nearer. Every item in James hands falls onto the floor watching Fitz kiss Olivia as if they are the only ones in the room.
Fitz mouth remains closed covering hers completely. The kiss begins tenderly, but increases in intensity as her mouth opens needing more. She clings to him desperately, requiring him for stability as everything around her becomes dizzy. Her shaking parting lips sends tremors from her own body responding to his.
A "pop" is heard Fitz separates his lips from hers in the desperate need to breathe. A whimper only audible to Fitz is heard. His eyes open to Olivia's face in utter bliss. Her parted lips, closed eye lids, flushed cheeks, semi messed up hair, are proof Fitz rocked her world leaving her completely disheveled. His smile grows as her warm breath is felt on his face.
Her legs wobble sensing his face become closer. She is still reeling from it. Olivia has obviously been kissed before but never THOROUGHLY kissed any way like this. Her Mother, Auntie Rose and Lois have told her stories of such kisses. This type of kiss not only leaves you breathless but it can transport your body to another time - place where only you and the person you love exist.
She NEVER believed in it UNTIL Fitz kissed her for the very first time. Not only did he turn her mind to mush, he left her panting, weak in the knees, swearing he ruined her perfect blow out. She swears more than her edges were showing. After he walked away, she had to stay leaning against the wall fearing she'd topple over.
It literally took her more than five minutes to move from the spot Fitz kissed her. Now when she goes to the competition, passes by that wall, she cannot help but blush. Her hands grace against the wall, wondering if it was all a dream, which of course it wasn't. Olivia gave into her feelings in his motorcade after he "rescued" her on the side of the road.
She kissed him back with equal passion and fever. She is certain Fitz left with more than a smile on his face. Her Aunt Rose and Lois are right, HE wants more than just dancing from her. Fitzgerald Grant wants it all. A life, home, family, and more children. He has not admitted to himself, but at times when he looks in her eyes after such a kiss she pictures growing old with him by her side.
It's crazy, but she can see it – only for a few seconds after he kisses her. It is not only written all over his face but it's there plain as day, in his sparkling blue eyes.
"Liv," he coos into her ear. Goose bumps appear on her arms. Fitz smirks against her skin. His hands run down her arms then hold her hands. "Open your eyes Livy. I swear I am real and YOURS for the taking after those lessons you made me promise too."
She giggles. Nina and Bells snicker then hold her hands with their father. "Open up Livy. We are all here with Daddy."
Olivia opens her eyes as Cristina and Isabelle slither in between her and Fitz. "Hi," they snicker as her eyes meet with both of Fitz's girls. She kisses their foreheads. Fitz is right there waiting for her to look into his eyes. She yearns for it but she's terrified at what she'll see.
"Liv," Fitz petitions her to look into his eyes. The girls step aside empowering their father to bring Olivia into his arms fully once again. They hear Abby enter the room and rush to her. She greets James who is watching the seen unfold before his eyes.
He never would have imagined his first trip to the White House would have ended with The President laying a massive kiss on Olivia in front of him without a care in the World. He was always told extraordinary things can happen every day to those deserving souls. Today he was privy to it.
As he danced with his friend to a song both her and her mother loved, she became the dancer he always felt she could be. They had no idea Fitz or his twins where in the room. But this place is their home and this room still had a sense of their presence, especially of The President. Olivia kept a piece of him with her, as James leisurely and with ease waltzed with her.
Olivia had danced with James many times to this song, BUT THIS time it was different. She truly felt her Mother, Maya Pope in her heart. And James knows why. He can sum it up in only a few words.
Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III is IN love with her.
If James Novack was unsure of it before he's not any longer. There is no denying THIS MAN, the President of HIS country has fallen for one of his dearest friends. He could not be happier for Olivia. It is time for her to "get her happy ending" she longed for since the death of her own mother.
James has never been a privy to her being in a relationship. Max is great. He's a terrific partner understands her completely on the dance floor but he's not "the one." Olivia has been pushing off his offers for them to become a couple for so long, in fear it would ruin their dancing. It could. Still in all the years James has danced with her, and has seen her compete, watching her coming alive truly dance for herself is awe inspiring.
And it's all because of one man. Yes he's the Leader of the Free World. But as James watched The President leave his side, saunter up to Olivia then KISS HER as if he's very life depended on it – NO HER for survival, it left no doubt in his mind. THIS off STAGE – area – competition she's entering with Fitz, will be like none other.
THIS TIME – SHE WILL WIN. Why? Because she has the love she's always looked for at her fingertips. Olivia only has to be ready to embrace, leap and be caught. Fitz has already caught her literally from falling. He will continue to do so until the end. It will take time for Fitz to be truly in her heart fully but when it happens, Olivia not only will become the dancer she was always meant to be but the woman deep down she keeps hidden.
She is refusing to believe he's falling for her because she's told herself she is not worthy of a man like Fitz's love. He's too good, pure of heart, kind, and gentle. But underneath hidden is a man who WILL fight for her heart, love, soul which includes going against her Father.
Any man with TRUE power at his feet will NEVER choose his heart's desire over it. She learned it the hard way after her mother passed away. Losing her mother destroyed her Father. He not only turned to power but he pushed his children and family away in the process. When Olivia and her older brother would not conform to his will, he turned nasty.
Olivia of course has nothing to do with her Father, but she's certain her brother is in contact with him from time to time. He's not discussed. And she would like nothing more to keep HIM out of her life and in the past.
Fitz is slowly bringing Olivia out of her shell while her core, the inner most pieces of her essence are falling in love with him as well and his daughters. It cannot be helped nor stopped. She's fighting it but from what James can observe with his own two eyes, The President and his very astute daughters will only embrace that idea for so long.
James continue to stand off to the side watching the couple opposite him. She picks up on hints of their conversation. "You won't tell anyone that our Dad likes Livy right," Bells asks holding onto Abby's hand.
"Dance teacher's honor young lady," he replies with his hand over his heart. "It would seem your Dad really likes our Livy."
"Yes he wants more than just dancing lessons," Abby bites her lip to prevent herself from laughing. "I heard someone tease Livy that Daddy wants to do the horizontal mambo but I have no idea what that means," Nina states proudly not having the slightest what she is referring too.
Abby scolds her which sends Fitz into a giggle fit and Olivia to burying her face in her hands. "This is too much," she speaks to herself.
"Look at me," Fitz begs a second time. He bends is knees.
"If I do everyone will find out," Olivia answers barely above a whisper.
"I think it is kind of late for that don't you Liv," James announces. "And from what I looks like to me The President is a really good kisser."
"Someone save me," she speaks to anyone willing to help.
"I'm always here to catch you when you fall Sweetheart," Fitz coos holding her hands in his own. "A promise is a promise." She lips curl into a soft smile recalling earlier when Fitz TRULY caught her and made the promise. "Open your eyes please."
She relents just as her phone chimes, "Answer your phone Pudding," which sends the twins into a fit of giggles. Olivia forehead falls against Fitz's chest even more embarrassed. It's her Aunts reminding her that dinner is in the oven and she along with the entire group best not be late.
"Liv it's your Aunt's," Abby responds checking her phone. "We need to leave. We'll meet you at the motorcade."
"Okay."
"Oh Abigail," Fitz speaks. Abby stops. "The Vice President will be waiting for you downstairs. He told me to tell you he CANNOT wait for tonight. He would not have missed this dinner for anything in the World," he teases.
"SHIT," Abby curses only creating more laughter out of Fitz's twins. She hurries the girls and James out of the room leaving Olivia and Fitz in much need of a quiet moment.
/
"Sweetheart…?"
Finally she lifts she sighs her face to gaze into Fitz's eyes. They dance under the lights off the room. He's gazing into her eyes as if this is where he was always supposed to be –with her – in this moment.
"Hi," she coos feeling flustered under his gaze.
Fitz smiles. "Hi. That dance was…,"
"For my Mom. It was our song." She moves away from him to speak. "Mom and I used to twirl to it all the time. I had no idea it was so special to you and the girls. If I had known…," she begins to explain but Fitz's lips fluttering over hers stops her. She was rambling so much she didn't realize he closed the distance between them so quickly.
"Oh Livy I am not upset. You didn't know. How could you? It was more than all right," he assures her kissing her lips again.
"I didn't mean to upset you," she whimpers ready to lose it in his arms.
"I'll admit I did not expect to hear the song. But when I walked in and saw you waltzing, I was speechless. It was perfect," he explains touching his forehead to hers. "You blew me away. This time it was YOU that caught me from falling."
"Fitz," she sniffles.
"You saved me," he creeks bending his knees to gaze into her adoring brown eyes. "And the strange thing is I thought you had already UNTIL I came in and saw you dance." She is ready to fall apart in his arms. He senses her resolve weakening and wraps his arms around her. "Once Upon a December always made us cry until now. Now when we think of it the girls and I will remember this. Thank you Sweetheart."
Her eyes raise at him calling her Sweetheart.
"What," he chuckles.
"You called me Sweetheart," she warns.
"Yes. And? What's your point?"
"I'm not your girlfriend you can't," she scolds him through playful eyes. "We have a deal," she cautions mindful of the agreement they had prior to his lesson. After a specific number of lessons, she'll go out on a date with him. Not before.
"Well then screw the deal we made so I can say I have a girlfriend," he quips wiggling his eyes. He an accomplished politician who has brokered many agreements, deal over time. Fitz is confident he can wiggle is way into her good graces earning him a date sooner.
"No."
"Oh come on why not," he whines as she struggles to break free of his arms. "You kind of are Olivia."
"I am not," she chastises.
"Oh no," he counters. "Well I don't kiss a woman unless she's my girlfriend."
"Phew well now that you cleared that up Mr. President I have nothing to worry about," she jests as she breaks free of Fitz's arms. "No more kissing." She takes off running from him.
"Right," he agrees then it hits him. "WAIT. WHAT. OH HELL NO," he bellows after her. "You come here."
"You can't chase a woman who's not yours Fitzgerald," she chastises.
"You want to make a bet," he warns bolting in her direction. She scurries to get away but Fitz's long legs are too fast for her. He catches her from behind. He spins her quickly then forces her back into the wall behind her. "FITZ," she moans aching to wrap her legs around his waist. They are nose to nose.
"Kiss me Olivia."
"Excuse me." Her voice is tight.
"Kiss me." This is time his voice is barely audible and lower.
"No."
He smirks leaning further into her. She gasps as he "crushes" her into the wall. He's not hurting her but she's wishing he could stop the ache from brewing inside. It has been too long since any man has wanted her in this manner.
"Why?"
"Because we have to go. Abby, Cristina, Bells and James are waiting at your Motorcade. And if we are late for dinner my Aunties will never let either one of us forget it. Trust me you don't want to be a minute late for one of their meals," she explains as his hands ghost down her sides. Then stop almost near the bottom of her dress.
"I think they'll excuse this lateness. I'll just tell them I was getting more than sugar from you and get a free pass," he jests with hooded eyes.
"You will do no such thing," she snaps. Her hands are on his chest using all her strength to break free of his hold. A wicked gleam appear on his face. "Let me go."
"Never," he sighs now cupping her face. "You in my blood. I won't ever be able to give you up whether you give me a chance or not." His words stop her. The sadness – uncertainty in his eyes breaks her heart.
"Fitz you have me in every significant way. I do not want to be broken when I enter a true relationship with you. It's not your job to fix me," he opens his mouth to argue. His objections are silenced as her lips press to his in a soft kiss. He arms pull heave her higher and closer. He does not deepen the kiss giving her control.
His eyes flicker open joining hers. "Livy you are already everything I could ever need in a person. You do not need to be repaired if you are not broken."
"I am broken Fitz. When I dance or," she pauses searching for the correct words.
"Or?"
"When I'm with you and the girls." She lowers her eyes unable to look into his eyes.
"Hey," he whimpers. "Don't hide from me please." Olivia looks deeply into his eyes again. "Then my twins and I will continue to be here until YOU are ready for all four of us to be a…," he stops. The word he'd like to speak is on the tip of his tongue but if it's said, will she bolt?
"Family," she murmurs barely loud enough for Fitz to hear. He heard it. He hoists her up in the air. "FITZ," she cackles. The smile on his face widens as he gazes in her eyes. "Yes?"
"Do you know how you've changed my life in such a short period of time?" She bites her lips nervous. "Whenever YOU are ready I'll see to it you will get the girls and me. All right?" He leans in to kiss her but they are interrupted. He turns to see an agent.
"Sorry Sir but Miss Whelan insists you two come with me so we are not late for Miss Pope's aunts. We have leave now if we are going to make dinner on time. The wine is with your Chief of Staff as well." Fitz thanks him. He releases Olivia and they walk to meet Abby, the girls, and the Andrew who has just arrived.
Abby groans seeing Andrew Nichols but as she sneaks a peek, she has to admit he looks extremely handsome. Fitted pair of jeans, with a collared shirt, casual jacket, and shoes. "Miss Whelan," Andrew saunters over to her the from behind his back he presents her with a bouquet of flowers. The flowers are unexpected. "These are for you."
Olivia who has been standing by Fitz leaves his side to pest Abby. She shoves her playfully earning snickers from the twins and Fitz. "Say thank you Mr. Vice President," Olivia speaks for her. Abby head snaps to hers. "Take the flowers Abby and remember your manners. You know my Aunties won't have it."
Abby rolls her eyes. Olivia shoves her towards Andrew. ""Thank you for the flowers. They're beautiful," she bashfully answers as Andrew places the flowers in her hands.
"As are you," Andrew utters the words before he can stop himself. Fitz smirks.
"Thanks," Abby replies clearly flustered.
"I'm happy you called me to come to dinner," he turns to Olivia. "Nice to meet you Miss Pope. I've seen you dance. You are incredible. Fitz is a lucky man," Andrew admits watching Fitz come to stand by Olivia linking their hands together. He has never seen him so happy.
"I appreciate that Mr. Vice President." Olivia blushes.
"Liv time hack," Abby points to her watch.
"Yes we cannot be late," Olivia giggles. They all pile into Fitz's seven seater SUV. With a minimal escort to not draw attention, they head out of the White House. No one realizes it is Fitz because the SUV is unmarked.
Abby insists on sitting with Olivia for the ride. They sit in the third row of the SUV. Fitz and the girls in the second row, and Andrew in the passenger seat. The Secret Service normally does not allow this but tonight Fitz insisted they arrive in only one car. If too many vehicles left the White House it would have drawn too much attention.
Twenty minutes later even with some light traffic they pull into Olivia's parking garage. It is nearly 6:00 pm. Olivia sees the time and hurries everyone up to her floor of the apartment building. The elevator opens at 5:58 pm. Just as she walks to her aunts door, it opens precisely at 5:59 pm SHARP.
"See I told you she'd arrive right on time," Auntie Rose opening her arms for Olivia to step into them.
"Yes Rosie I am aware. We helped raise to her to be on time and by the looks for things," Lois steps up to Olivia noticing her lipstick is smudged, "thoroughly kissed."
"Someone save me please," Olivia utters feeling her face heat up.
On cue Fitz steps behind her placing his hand on her back. She shivers as his hand connects with her body. She turns to face him. He kisses her brow then BOTH Lois and Rose on cheeks. "Evening Ladies, this is for you," handing them the wine.
"My, my aren't you a charmer," Lois teases Fitz. Her hand touches his lips. "Nice color. It looks good on you POTUS."
Now it's Fitz's turn to blush. "Thank you." His twins step forward to meet Rose and Lois. "These two young ladies are my daughters. Cristina and Isabelle." They cling shyly to their Dad which is highly unusual.
"Nina. Bells. These are my Grandmother's best friends," Olivia explains kneeling before them. "It's all right." They move from Fitz into Olivia's embrace. Rose winks at Olivia. "You know ladies I bet my Aunties have some cookies that need decorating for dessert. Would you like to help?"
"Yes," they snicker.
As they begins to step into the house Rose stops them. "Did they bring it Livy?"
Olivia chuckles. She gives Abby her keys. She rushes into her apartment across the hall, and returns with it. Olivia hands it to Nina and Isabelle. "BUNNY TRACKS," the screech in unison. Nina hands it to Lois. Her aunts thank the twins and they finally begin talking. It is then does Lois notice the Vice President.
"Rose did you see we have another sexy man with us this evening," eyeing Andrew who blushes. "And Abigail was smart girl and did bring him."
"Yes he's here," Abby blushes behind Andrew's flowers.
Andrew steps forward for an introduction but Rose and Lois stop him. "We know who you are Sugar," Fitz laughs. "My, aren't you even more handsome in person. Keep him Abby considering he's crushing on yah awfully hard," Lois teases. "Right Mr. VP."
Andrew only nods completely flustered. He reaches into his bag he brought with him pulling out dessert, a German chocolate cake, their favorite. "Rosie look Mr. Sugar VP brought us our favorite dessert. Now how'd you know this cake here is our favorite," Rose questions turning to glare at Olivia.
"I didn't say a word," Olivia giggles.
"Don't look at me," Fitz replies now holding Olivia's hand. Nina and Bells are standing in front of them.
"I had no idea," Abby utters. Andrew chuckles. "Okay fine I gave him a little hint. He needed to make a good impression."
"Oh trust me Darling," Lois gestures for everyone to step inside. The girls walk in with Olivia, then Abby with Fitz and Andrew. Rose follows with Lois closing their door. "By the looks of these two men in this Levi's they are more than making a good impression."
"Auntie Lois seriously," Olivia chastises even more embarrassed. Fitz and Andrew stand there completely flustered.
"What Child I may be up in my years but I sure has hell ain't dead," Lois kisses her cheek. "Neither are you I may add. You both best handle these two men of yours soon because Lord knows a good sexy man is hard to come by. POTUS and The VP would be a nice addition to this family. Don't you think?"
"Lois," Rose scolds. "Leave them alone." Rose manages to cajole Olivia into her arms. "But I have to agree Livy," she whispers only loud enough for Abby and Olivia. "A double wedding at the White House would be nice before we're gone."
"You are too much," Olivia kisses her cheek.
"Oh Sugar you haven't seen nothing yet," Rose quips showing everyone to the table so their dinner can begin. "Trust me we'll get what we want and it will be more than the German Chocolate the VP brought with him."
Olivia along with Abby blush. As they sit down for dinner the doorbell is heard. Rose and Lois have no idea who it could be. They hear the agents outside the door talking not allowing the person outside to continue to knock on the door. The voice level increases and it is then Olivia realizes who it is.
"Liv," Fitz questions watching her leave the table. He stands up but does not follow her to the door. Rose and Lois insist he stay with Andrew, the girls and Abby.
"I'm sorry," Tom utters in the hallway. "I cannot allow you to pass." The person argues with Tom. "I do not care who you are. You are not permitted to be here."
As the voices rises, Olivia opens the door and freezes seeing WHO is on the other side. She cannot believe this would happen now. "Tom it's all right," Olivia explains meeting their visitors gaze. "I know him. He's my older brother."
"Hi Libs."
"Hi Eli."
/
TBC….
Yes my darlings I am just going to leave this here. I figured it was time for you to meet Eli, OP very protective older brother. Why is he here? Will he be allowed into her the Aunts house? What will he say when he realizes who is inside? Oh yes this family dinner will be interesting.
And yes "Once Upon a December" has a very special meaning to Olivia, the girls and Fitz. I had been planning this chapter for a while and I'm happy I got to write it. The you-tube video I used for Olivia dancing is /EQzc79qvAGU.
As always TY for reading and I'll be looking forward to your #JudgesScore on the flipside.
Me's