My lovely readers,
I first would like to thank you for the amount of reviews I have been getting on this story. I did not expect this story to get as popular as it did, which made me a little unprepared for the length and amount of reviews I got right off the bat.
I am not a perfect person. Hence, I accept criticism in many different areas of my life. However, there are a few things I think I need to be clear with before posting this next chapter.
Anyone who knows me knows that I am a feminist. A huge feminist. I absolutely hate how that word has somehow become "dirty" in our society. Yes, there are militant feminists who taint it, but women should not be afraid to stand up and call themselves one. This is why I absolutely love Olivia Pope. She is everything that I essentially want to be: brave, bold, intelligent, and strong. It's what originally attracted me to the show. Not Fitz (because I did not even start shipping it until three(ish) episodes in), not really anything else.
Shonda Rhimes is not afraid to risks in her work. Neither am I. The scene with Karen was a risk, and I do realize it was a strong scene, but I am a realistic writer. I struggle to write AU at times when I choose to do so because I always feel the characters for who they are. I didn't really see Karen being very supportive of Fitz and Olivia, and I wrote it how I would see it playing out. Now at the end, I did offer hope for the future, and I will definitely expand on that in future chapters. It's one of a few storylines that will continue to grow around Isabella. I don't really see Karen as a "bitch" necessarily, but rather a girl who grew up in a broken home, similarly to Olivia, and is still trying to figure herself out. And I also do not see Mellie as one either, because I think there's parts of me that I can identify with in those characters. Not them entirely, just parts. And in NO WAY do I condone their behavior because of their pasts, but rather explore it.
In addition, the message I was trying to send with Olivia returning to Washington was not that she has to pick between being a mother and working. I myself grew up with both parents working, and in this day and age, a woman should be able to break out of the domestic realm if she wants to. I wanted to send Liv to Washington because I honestly do not see her being just a mother in a fluffy Vermontgate world because she is such a strong feminist character. What I love about Fitz and Olivia is that he supports her being on equal footing with him, and she calls him out when he belittles her like so many men do today. So, in all, my intentions are for Olivia to go to D.C. after having Isabella and living the Vermont life to see how she wants to continue on. And Fitz, while nervous at first, is supporting her in this venture. This is where this chapter picks up.
I never write long author's messages, but I felt as though I really needed to write one at this point. I sometimes am going to make mistakes (like the AirForce One insertion that was accidently left in the final draft I finalized at 1 AM), especially as my own BETA. Reviews are not for just giving me a pat on the back, but for talking about what was presented. This is not me complaining, because I honestly have loved the amount of reviews I have been getting. I'm truly honored. I just did not want anyone to be offended or take my story in a direction I was not aiming for.
I hope this effectively cleared up some things, and please enjoy the next chapter! Thank you again so much for the support and love. I do really appreciate it. Can't say that enough.
With love, Becca
The morning sun peeked over the mountains of Montpelier, Vermont and dimly lit the room of Isabella Rose Grant as her mother looked down at her in her crib. Olivia's pointer finger lightly traced the crevices of her head. She would miss the scent that always calmed her nerves, but it was best she leave her daughter sleeping and leave without her immediately noticing. She was not nervous to leave her with Fitz for two days. He was a loving father and had really dedicated himself to learning how to be one during her pregnancy. She tucked a stray curl behind the tiny baby's ear and smiled.
"I love you my Bella." She murmured, her hand trailing down to lightly rub her arm. A huge part of her wanted to scoop her up and pepper her skin with kisses, but she knew that she had to leave. She felt warm arms wrap around her stomach.
"You're so beautiful with her." Fitz whispered hotly into her ear, kissing her lobe. She turned around to face him.
"The helicopter will be here any minute." He said. She nodded and grabbed his face.
"I know. I just needed a moment." He kissed her gently on the lips. She looked at him, her eyes glossy.
"Take care of our daughter." She said, smiling slightly. He nodded. She bunched the Navy tee he was wearing in her hands and sighed.
"Nothing in Washington could ever make me want to leave this life." She whispered, enveloping him in a tight hug. He kissed the top of her head and ran his hands lovingly down her back.
"Say hi to Gabby and the rest of the crew for me." He quipped. She laughed softly into his chest and looked back up at him. They locked eyes for a moment before the sound of the helicopter landing could be heard outside. Taking her hand, Fitz led her down the staircase and picked up her bags to bring out to the helicopter. They walked silently towards the helicopter, arms linked. The co-pilot opened the door for her, giving the ex-President a quick salute after doing so. He took the bags from Fitz and put them underneath the seats. Olivia took a step up onto the helicopter before turning back to face her husband.
"I love you. I'm sorry I used to never say it first." He smiled.
"I love you too." He responded simply. She stepped back onto the ground and ran into his arms for one last kiss. He ran his hands down the back of her simple white dress, memorizing her every curve and crevice. She wove her fingers into his curly hair, knowing she would miss doing it only if it was for two days. He kissed her lightly on the temple and pulled away.
"Kiss Bella for me?" She asked, tears in her eyes.
"Of course." With a small smile, she turned around to reboard the plane. She slowly made her into the cabin, breathing in the fresh air of the wilderness around her.
Olivia watched as the world she had always dreamed of faded away into a sea of green, taking her husband, daughter, and home with it. She unclasped her hands, her white knuckles returning to their original pigment. She did not know what her return to D.C. would bring, but she did know that no matter what happened, Vermont would always be there to welcome her home.
Fitz decided to return to his daughter's nursery to sleep. He knew he would miss her more if he returned to the bed she had been lying in an hour ago. Her scent was his safety blanket, and without her he felt lost. But as he settled down on the couch across from his daughter's crib, he felt more comfortable than he ever had without Liv. A piece of her still remained, and he loved her all the same. He smirked as he imagined Liv coming in to take a picture of the father/daughter moment before drifting off into sleep.
"Mrs. Grant, we are about to land in Washington." The pilot announced.
"Thank you Bernard." She replied. Wrapping her cardigan tighter around her chest, she peered down at the scenery below her.
She had not been back to Washington for three years. After she and Fitz had gotten married, they moved straight to the house in Vermont. She left Abby in charge of Olivia Pope and Associates, but still remained the owner. In the beginning, they had filled her in on almost every case. After she became pregnant, the updates started slowing until she was received no news at all. She had not fought them on that, after all she had left the practice, but a part of her felt lonely. She missed her friends more than anything, and while they did visit, she missed being fully connected with them. Sometimes they felt distant, even when standing in the foyer of her own home.
Abby Whelan was now Abby Rosen. She and David had been trying for a baby for over a year, but were having serious problems getting pregnant. Liv always felt guilty that she and Fitz had conceived Isabella so quickly, and although her pregnancy was not roses and butterflies, she was so grateful for her daughter. Abby had been through too much, and she hoped that soon they would have their dreams come true.
Huck now had a close relationship with his son. He was still figuring his relationships out, as was Quinn. Olivia never knew quite what was going on with them, but she knew they would figure it out one day. Steven's firm was now partnered with OPA, as they needed help with overflow cases. Everything was running smoothly. But the main gladiator was missing, and it seemed as though no one could refill her spot.
As the helicopter engine turned off and the doors were opened, Olivia closed her eyes and took a deep breath in. A part of her regretted not bringing Fitz with her, but she knew she needed to do this on her own. Bernard helped her down onto the helipad while the co-pilot, Michael, gathered her belongings. She walked towards her silver Audi rental, rolling her eyes at Fitz's unnecessary extravagance. She felt for the keys underneath the car and clicked it on. Michael handed her purse to her with a smile while Bernard put her suitcase into the trunk.
"Enjoy your time in D.C. Ms. Pope. Excuse me, Grant." She smiled.
"I guess now that I'm here, I am Olivia Pope." She said, looking around. She bid Bernard and Michael farewell as she climbed into the front seat. She rested her hands on the wheel, focusing on her ring finger. She centered it before driving towards her old office, Sunny by Bobby Hebb flowing gently through the speakers.
"Jack O'Donnell, Representative from New Hampshire's District 3. New money, father the owner of a successful consulting agency. Has a wife named Beatrice and two children named Sam and Sophie. Basically the most generic family you could ever lay your eyes on." Abby recapped, posting a picture of the troubled Congressman on the wall.
"Which means there are some skeletons in the closet." Quinn deduced.
"Insider trading, frequent trips to the local whorehouse. The typical." Abby revealed, posting a picture of various prostitutes on the wall.
"Huck has hacked into his computers and found that he did in fact use grants-in-aid funds for his personal enjoyment. I knew he was lying the second he walked through the door." Quinn reported.
"So how do we calm this storm? I can change the records." Huck proposed.
"No. Get him on primetime admitting to it Nixon style. He has enough charisma to keep his district on his side. He will get slammed by the law, but he can win reelection. Which is what all Congressmen care about at the end of the day." All heads whipped around to find the source of the voice.
Olivia stood at the back of the conference room, a smirk on her face.
"How did you get in?" Huck asked, looking around at the various security systems he had put in place.
"I still have my keycard Huck." She said, holding up her keys and laughing. Everyone ran over to embrace her in a group hug.
"You guys are actually suffocating me." She cried giddily, pushing them off of her.
"Where are Fitz and Isabella?" Abby asked.
"At home in Vermont. I just needed a couple of days in Washington."
"Everything's okay, right?"
"Of course. I just wanted to come see you guys!" She exclaimed.
"Huck and Quinn have to go do a bit of background checking around the city, but I'm free for lunch!" Abby said, grabbing her light trench coat.
"That sounds amazing. We can all have dinner later!" Olivia said. As she turned to walk out the door, she was met with huge eyes staring at her in wonder.
"Are you…the Olivia Pope? Like the one whose name is on the wall?" The girl breathed, stunned beyond belief.
"Well Olivia Pope-Grant, yes. That would be me. And you are?"
"Maddie! Madeline Scott. It is beyond an honor to meet you." She said, shaking her hand. She read Olivia's confused expression.
"Oh I'm an intern here! I'm studying at George Washington." Olivia turned to Abby.
"We take interns now?" She asked, a small smirk on her face.
"She's a good errands-runner and dusts your office for you." Olivia laughed and turned back to face her.
"The picture of you and President Grant on your wedding day is so breathtaking. And your daughter is beautiful too. She won the 'Best Dressed Babies of 2020' category in People Magazine."
"Well, she is my daughter, after all." Olivia said, her eyes being drawn to her empty office.
"You know, you guys don't have to make my office a depressing memorial. Give Maddie a space to relax. She's earned it after working for you high-maintenance people." Olivia said, walking over to the door to her office and resting her hand on the cool glass. Memories of years in that office flooded into her head, only stopped by Abby's voice.
"Maddie, you have the afternoon off. Now scat." She said, waving her hand towards the door. Maddie quickly grabbed her purse and trotted out the door, squealing along the way.
"Don't terrorize the innocents on my behalf." Olivia quipped, smirking. Abby enveloped her in a side hug and the two walked out.
"So how is that hunky former President of yours?" Abby asked, pouring Italian dressing onto her salad. Olivia stirred her vegetable ravioli.
"He's good. He's been supporting a lot of old Republican friends, you know with Midterms coming up." She took a long sip of her wine before starting on her lunch.
"How's your crazy husband?" She asked, placing her napkin on her lap.
"He's David. Busy with work, but still has enough time to be the sarcastic man I know and love." Olivia shook her head.
"Enough small talk. Why are you really here Liv?" Abby asked. Olivia looked up at her with a sigh.
"I don't really have an answer to that. I love my life in Vermont. I really do. Fitz is so good to me, and I love Isabella more than anything. The simplicity of it is so refreshing after years of craziness in Washington. But there was something that Cyrus said when he was visiting us that stuck with me. It brought old feelings back that I think have been always lying under the surface. I'm so used to chaos that I actually crave it. I just don't know what to do with that feeling."
"You know you could always run OPA from Vermont. We just wanted to give you and Fitz the space you needed. Especially with the new baby and all." Olivia reached across the table and placed her hand on top of Abby's.
"Don't apologize. It was a good decision. And you'll have it too one day. I don't doubt that in the slightest." Abby pressed her lips in a suggestive thin line.
"It's actually funny you say that..." Abby started.
"No!" Olivia gasped.
"I don't know yet, but I got an artificial insemination treatment and haven't had my period since. I'm too nervous to tell David. You know, we've been trying for so long and have had so many false alarms-"
"Consider it handled." Olivia said, winking. Abby laughed.
"There's the Olivia I know and love." She squeezed her hand.
"The Pope never dropped off of my name when I became Mrs. Grant." She murmured.
"I would love to come back to OPA. I just love my life in Vermont. I've considered running for mayor or Congress, but I always have run the show from behind the scenes. I've never been completely in the spotlight handling my own career. Plus I'm a wife and mother now. I'd never want my commuting back and forth to Vermont to affect that. I'm here to sort of figure this all out."
"Well, your office is waiting for you."
"So is the pregnancy test back at my apartment." Olivia said, smirking.
"Why do you have one there?"
"I'm always prepared. I'm Olivia Pope."
Olivia found the key on her chain that she had not used in three years and unlocked the brown door to her apartment. Over the years, she had rented it out to Abby and a couple of other people. She could not bring herself to sell it, and if she did end up commuting she could use it as her second home. Bending down underneath her counter, she felt around for the pregnancy tests she had stashed there years ago in case of an emergency. She felt one in the far back corner, and brought it out to look at the expiration date.
"They're still good." She said. She looked up at Abby cautiously.
"Are you sure you want to do this with me and not David?" She asked.
"We've taken tons of pregnancy tests before. I want this to be with you." Olivia handed her the box.
"Okay go pee." Abby laughed and headed towards the bathroom.
Liv sighed and took a look around her apartment. For the most part, everything remained the same. She had left her furniture and most of her décor. With the exception of a few favorites, she had also left behind her wine glasses as well. She looked towards the couch and remembered the one minutes shared between her and Fitz. Her mind floated back in time to the time where she was in Abby's position.
Olivia pressed her hands against the cool countertop as she awaited news that potentially would change her life. Outside of the bathroom, Fitz sat anxiously waiting on their master bed. She could not wait with him, she was far too nervous. Besides, it was only a matter of time before the bars would show up.
Three tests sat in front of her. They had decided that three would be a good sampling, even though Fitz had come home with twelve. Olivia had laughed at his over-attentiveness, especially after he said that they could just keep them for future babies. She felt like there was a brick floating to the pit of her stomach, and she felt more nauseous than she had in the past couple of days. She wanted a family so badly with Fitz, and they had decided it was time to try. She was surprised they hadn't accidently conceived before, as they weren't exactly careful, but they both wanted this more than anything.
She did not know how she would leave the bathroom and face him either way. She didn't want to disappoint him, yet the feeling that she would be someone's mother made her nervous beyond belief. She knew Fitz could be a good father, but she doubted herself. She knew she would not turn out like her parents, but she wondered if this was a situation she could handle.
She was so lost in thought that she did not notice all three tests change. She looked down and read them. They all had the same picture displayed.
Two bars.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Tears threatened to fall from her eyes. She could not gather her feelings and thoughts. She tenderly walked out of the bathroom and walked over to Fitz, who was sitting at the edge of their bed. He put his hands on her hips, awaiting the news. She tore her eyes from his chest and met his eyes. A small smile formed on her face. She felt tears starting to fall.
"We're having a baby Fitz." She crackled. Fitz's face dropped.
"Oh Livvie!" He exclaimed, swooping her up in his arms and twirling around like he had at the Westmont Hotel years earlier. He held her in his arms and looked at her, tears streaming down her face.
"This dream is ours." He whispered, kissing a stray tear away on her cheek. She nodded and started to sob. He held her flush against his body and began to rub her back.
"I'm just- so happy. I didn't know how this would feel." She said, trying to gather herself. He kissed the side of her head and rubbed her back lovingly.
"And hormonal." He said, laughing. She felt his hands move lower down her back, igniting a fire in her stomach.
"And also…hot for Daddy." She whispered, tugging at the bottom of Fitz's red flannel. He threw it over his head and kissed her neck deeply.
"Let's celebrate, shall we? Maybe if we're lucky, we can make twins." He whispered hotly into her ear. She giggled as he flopped back onto the bed, taking her with him.
"Liv?" Abby called, breaking her out of the memory.
"Do you have results?" She asked, making her way towards the bathroom. She opened the door to find Abby with her hands covering her eyes.
"I heard them beep, so I know there's results. I'm just too scared to look at them. Can you look for me?" She asked. Olivia slowly made her way to the counter and peered at the results.
"Abby!" She exclaimed, clasping her hands together.
"What." She breathed, opening her fingers to allow her to see Liv.
"You're pregnant." She said, clapping her hands together happily. Abby threw her hands down and stared at the tests.
"It worked! Oh my god it worked!" She cheered, tears flowing down her face. Olivia wrapped her in a tight embrace, rubbing her back as she cried.
"You're going to be an amazing mother. I just know it." Liv murmured, hugging her tightly. Abby pulled away and took a tissue off of the counter to wipe her mascara.
"I'm going to have to pass on dinner. I have to go tell David."
"Go. We can all have dinner tomorrow. Good luck!" She walked Abby out of the door and shut it behind her.
Fitz spent a wonderful day with Isabella. They had strolled through the local park together, of course with Secret Security detail, and eaten at Fitz's favorite local restaurant. He even had gotten her to try strawberry ice cream, which he got on video for Olivia.
Now he was lying in bed watching CNN with Isabella fast asleep on his stomach. He did not have the heart to move her to her crib, and he liked her company nonetheless. However, he was starting to really miss his wife. He reached for his phone on the nightstand gently to not wake Isabella up from her slumber. He hit speed dial and waited anxiously for her to pick up.
"Hi." She murmured. He smiled.
"Hi." Five-hundred thirty-eight miles away, Olivia was in her robe watching The Judge in her old bedroom, a bowl of popcorn sitting in her lap and a glass of wine on her end table.
"How is D.C. running without the two of us?" He asked. She looked down at her lap and smiled.
"Pretty well. Although we were the best team."
"Still are." He murmured. She smiled.
"It's pretty weird to be back in my old bedroom." She said.
"What do you mean? I got you a hotel room! Did Bernard and Michael not tell you that?" She shook her head.
"No, they did. I just…wanted to go home." She knew he would not be happy about this.
"Olivia, that apartment has a lot of bad memories attached to it."
"I know." She replied. The treated, faded wine stain on the couch had torn her back to a place she didn't want to remember. Despite all that had happened, she needed to be home. She felt safe knowing Secret Service was outside of her door and across the hall. She ran her hands against the sheets of her bed.
"But I do remember some amazing things that happened in this bed. One in particular sticks out."
"Run out the clock?"
"Mmmm." She hummed, slowly untying her robe.
"I would love to partake in what you are suggesting, but our infant is currently lying on my stomach." Olivia laughed.
"How is she?" She asked.
"We had an amazing day. I forgot to send you the video of her trying strawberry ice cream. It's hilarious." Olivia smiled.
"Put her in her crib and I'll call you in ten? You need to properly tuck me in." Olivia murmured.
"I'll be waiting anxiously by the phone."
Olivia clicked off her phone and snuggled into her bed. Even though her real home was miles and miles today, he always made her feel at home.
Firstly, you may have noticed that this was an extremely long chapter. I spent HOURS writing it. I just couldn't stop. Most chapters won't be this long, but combined with the author's note and everything this was an exception. I threw in a few Vermontgate details from the premiere in. If you found them, you're awesome ;)
I basically lost it during the Vermontgate sequence. Lost it is actually an understatement. If you want to check out my live reactions, I have them in my 4x10 review video on my YouTube channel. Simply go to my channel (AleccaOfficial) and they'll be there. They're quite entertaining as I was watching with my two friends who are Olake shippers :P Our fighting is pretty hilarious. The main bulk of the video is me reviewing the episode, and I'll be doing reviews every week, so make sure to check it out!
Also follow me on Twitter (itsmebeccax) to live tweet Season 4 with me and have some fun ;P I'd love hearing feedback there as well.
Next chapter will be Liv's last day in D.C., in which she will make her decision. Stay tuned! It will be up within the next two days. I also will be writing more family fluff chapters, so don't think it will be all drama. I just don't equate Olitz to being totally fluffy all the time :)
Let me know in your reviews also what you thought of 4x10! It was so crazy and SUCH a departure from the normal episodes. Even though it makes me sad that things won't ever be the same again, I loved it. Again, a Shonda risk that I liked.
-B