Franklin loved helping with the campaign, even if it was just little stuff he was doing, like running stats from one person to another, or photocopying, or helping with the design of a poster or pamphlet. Even at the White House he was becoming everyone's favourite person, and he was even becoming really good with Ella. Cyrus had had to bring her in for something and he stuck to her like glue, it was adorable.
But Olivia tried not to bring him with her too often, leaving him at OPA sometimes, or getting one of the gang to do something more fun at least once a week.
Two weeks later he had completed his pro's and con's list for a few of the schools Olivia had suggested. She noticed he had money as a con on the private schools list but assured him that money wouldn't be a problem and that he should not consider it when deciding which school he wanted to go to. Regardless, he decided on Without Walls, which Olivia was pleased about. They enrolled easily two weeks later. She took him shopping the same day for everything he would need and some things he probably didn't need, like a new laptop.
She tried to take him to the movies once a week. The popcorn was an easy incentive.
When he started school Olivia tried to provide as much normalcy as possible. She would drop him off and pick him up from school. After school at first he would go with her to OPA and do some homework, or help out if he wanted to, but eventually he asked if he could stay home and she hesitated initially but was pleased he felt comfortable enough to be there by himself.
She had had to cut down on the late nights at work, but often worked at home. She also tried very much to not work on the weekends, wherever possible, and she seemed to be making it work well.
She had even improved her cooking. She had a few basic meals that she had all but perfected. She tried to mix things up a little sometimes, and sometimes had to resort to takeout but Franklin didn't say anything, so she guessed he didn't mind.
Franklin was enjoying school. He had joined the basketball team and the debate team and was doing well at both. Olivia made every game, and every debate. The OPA team made it when they could and she had even convinced Cyrus to attend his first debate.
They were making it work.
Olivia had Fitz on a pretty strict schedule of appearances. He would be at the White House two weekends in a row, then would make an interstate appearance every third weekend. It allowed him to get on with business, but get a good spread, particularly since the election was still a year away. Mellie accompanied him on those trips, and made her own appearances in between his, furthering his visibility. The baby truly was political gold.
If Franklin wanted to and if her schedule allowed it she would sometimes accompany him to major swing state events. She would only attend with Franklin and Mellie, which meant there was no sneaking away or sharing beds, much to Fitz' disappointment. And when Mellie's doctor advised her to slow down, she made a decision case by case as to whether she should go with him or not. If she didn't go, neither did Olivia, which didn't go unnoticed by Fitz.
He had called the phone he had given her but with little success. She answered it maybe once a month if he was lucky. He kept trying though.
XXXX
In early November she heard the phone ring and decided to answer it.
"Livvie. How are you?" he asked having not seen her in person in a couple of weeks.
"Im fine. How are you?" she asked probably more as his campaign manager than…whatever she was.
"Im ok." In honesty he just missed her and was exhausted with all the work and campaigning and was having trouble sleeping.
"Good." She decided on.
"What are you and Franklin doing for the holidays?" he asked.
"Not really sure yet. Probably thanks giving with OPA, and Christmas here. Our first one." She said deciding not to be too difficult.
"Karen and Andre are hosting a few people at Andre's parents estate in France over the Christmas/New Year period. You guys should come."
"Ummm." She was slightly stunned.
"Cyrus, James and Ella will be there. Karen and Jerry as well of course."
"Im not sure if it is a good idea."
"If it makes you feel better, you could call it a working holiday?" he joked.
"Oh, how I love a working holiday" she joked.
"Will you think about it?" he asked.
"I will speak to Franklin about it." She said honestly.
"Thank you Livvie." He said softly.
"Goodnight Fitz" she said just as softly. He mimicked her before she hung up.
She slept ok that night.
XXXX
The next morning over breakfast, Franklin ate and Olivia sat down next to him.
"The President has asked if we would like to visit with him and Cyrus and James in France over Christmas. I said I would talk to you about it. What do you think?" she said.
He took a moment to think. "Who else would be there?" he asked.
"You, me, Cyrus, James, Ella I presume, President Grant, Mrs Grant and their children Karen and Jerry, as well as Karen's boyfriend Andre." She listed. "It would be our first Christmas together so we don't have to go for the whole time, but if you havnt been to France, I thought you might like to." Olivia loved France, and was sort of hoping that he would want to go. He had learnt to read her pretty well so he could sense she wanted to go.
"Sure, but maybe after Christmas?" She smiled broadly. "Ok then" she said and resumed preparing for the day.
Should I take him? She thought to herself. It was a question that remained in her head for a couple of days.
Olivia decided to wait until he called next to tell Fitz that they would be joining them. She didn't have to wait long, he called the next night. It was very late, later than normal, or should she say early. It was 3am.
"Shouldn't you be sleeping?" she said groggily, she had been asleep.
"Did I wake you? Im sorry, I didn't notice the time." He appologised.
"'s fine" dropping off the 'it' from 'it's' "Whats up?" she asked with her eyes closed.
"I was wondering if you had spoken to Franklin?" he asked. She slowly awoke enough to coherently respond.
"Actually I did. We would like to join you on boxing day. We will have Christmas here and maybe leave the day after new years day?"
"Sure thing Liv. Do you need me to send Air force 1 to get you?"
"Absolutely NOT!" she spoke fully awake and aware. She pushed herself up onto one arm.
"Ok. Calm down, I was just offering." he said with a chuckle. She lay back down. She snickered, annoyed.
"Go to bed Fitz" she said to the phone, intending to hang up but not really doing so. He just sat there listening to her breathing on the end of the phone. He heard a movement, she had turned over, and he could no longer hear her. He ended the call and walked to the residence where he fell onto his bed fully clothed and fell asleep as soon as he did. He slept for then next 4 hours and awoke feeling refreshed. He should thank her when he spoke to her next, he thought.
When he arrived at the Oval that morning his first call was to Karen.
"Karen, Honey?" he asked when the phone picked up.
"Hey Dad. How are you?" she asked.
"Im good."
"How's mum and bub?" she asked.
"Good."
"Whats up?" she asked sensing he didn't ring just to chat.
"I spoke to Liv about Christmas. She will be coming on Boxing day and she will have … a…" he was trying to think of the right word. He was pretty sure that Karen hadn't met Franklin, but wasn't sure if she knew about him in the first place and didn't think she should tell her if she didn't know. "a guest." He decided on.
"Liv has a boyfriend, that's great. Cant wait to see her again, I feel bad that we haven't spoken as much or seen each other recently. I should call her." She said sadly.
"Ummm, she doesn't have a boyfriend, but yeah call her and figure out the details for Christmas." He suggested.
"Good idea Dad, I think I will. You sure your ok?" she asked.
"Never better." He smiled.
"Ok, well im gunna go, but we'll speak soon."
"I love you Karen." He said. Karen and Jerry were the only people he really could say I love you to openly without judgment and truly mean it.
"I love you too Dad."
"Bye" they said at the same time before hanging up.
XXXX
A couple of days later Karen followed up and called Liv. Olivia was pleased to hear from her and they talked about fashion (the only person she actually enjoyed speaking to on the topic), and Andre before turning to her 'guest'.
"Dad tells me your bringing someone with you to France. Is he your boyfriend?" she asked in a childish sing song voice. Olivia burst out laughing.
"What?" Karen said on the other end of the line, confused about what was so funny. She didn't know if she had heard Olivia laugh like that. Ever.
Once Olivia stopped laughing she explained "I'll be bringing a very cute, handsome man with me, yes. But no, he is not by boyfriend. He is 15 years old and he has been staying with me since July. I am in the process of adopting him."
"Woah. Where did this come from?" she asked, quite frankly gobsmaked.
"I have been helping him out for a couple of years and his foster carers were getting on in years and so I offered for him to come and live with me. I was lucky enough that he said yes."
"Liv, you sound happy. Im happy for you." She meant every word.
"Thanks Kare."
"I cant wait to meet him." She said excitedly.
"I think he is excited to meet you guys too. I have told him lots about you and Jerry. Im sure you will be sick of him and Ella by New Years."
"I doubt it Liv." She chastised. Olivia laughed. "Sorry Karen, but I have to go get Franklin up."
"Sure thing Liv. If I don't speak to you before then, have a happy thanksgiving and I'll see you on boxing day."
"Thanks for calling Karen. You too, and I'll see you soon."
Call ended.
XXXX
A couple of days later Olivia booked herself and Franklin's flight to France and passed the details on to Cyrus so he would know when she was arriving etc. She made a mental note to get her passport from the safe at work when she had a thought. Franklin was sitting in his room reading when she knocked before walking in.
"Do you have a passport?" she asked.
"No." he responded.
"No problem, we will have to get onto that tomorrow to make sure we have it in time. We can go before school to get the photo and application.
Olivia took him to get the photos before school and dropped him off before heading back to the office. She went to her office and began filling out the form. She quickly became anxious. Where was his birth certificate, how would the pending adoption affect the application. She called Mrs Doherty who told her to fill it in with his current parentage details, but wasn't sure if he had a birth certificate or not.
She walked into Huck's office "Huck, I need Franklin's birth certificate." 10 minutes later he placed it on her desk and she thanked him.
She filled in the application and sent it off, paying the extra to have it rushed.
XXXX
Thanks giving was approaching quickly and Abbey offered to have dinner at her house. Nobody complained. Abby could cook and she had enough space. They all pitched in with a plate of something, weather it be salad or desert or more salad.
Olivia however offered to have Cyrus and James (and Ella of course) at her house for a big breakfast (lunch would have filled them up too much prior to dinner). Olivia made pancakes and waffles, as well as serving fruit and yoghurt. They had a great morning. Ella had began saying some words and Olivia and Franklin took turns pointing out things for her to say. Franklin would sit with her in his lap and point to himself "Frank-Lin" he would sound out. Then he would point to Olivia "Liv-vee". Of course she was only 9 and a half months old so wasn't getting it but they both enjoyed the interaction. Olivia would blow raspberries on her tummy and baby talk "You are the bestest god-daughter ever" she would say before kissing her face all over.
They had a really great morning, which had to end unfortunately as James and Cyrus were obliged to go visit James' mum and dad. Both Olivia and Franklin gave Ella big kisses, before saying goodbye to Cyrus and James.
She picked up her phone to check her emails and noticed that Franklin had changed her background. From her phone smiled back at her a drewling Ella and a smiling Franklin. She was almost certain she had never seen anything that cute before. She sat down on the couch, not wanting to clean up just yet. Franklin came back into the room and sat down on the other end of the couch with a book and began reading. Olivia continued to check emails until she was interrupted by her own thought.
"I should have asked you if you had any traditions with your mum that you wanted to do for thanks giving or Christmas. Is there?" she asked. He thought.
"She would ask me what I was thankful for every year, but there wasn't anything specific." He shrugged his shoulders.
"What are you thankful for?" she asked him curiously.
"I am thankful for this book." He said holding up the book he was reading. "I am thankful for the clothes I am wearing" he said pinching and pulling the chest of the jumper he is wearing. "I am grateful that I get to attend an amazing school, live in a great city and help out with a presidential campaign. Liv. I am grateful for you." He looked at her to see her reaction. She was looking at him, touched.
She moved to sit right next to him.
"It is funny. Everyone says I have been a big influence on you. And I suppose I have" her brow furrowed before rising again. "But Franklin, I was so lonely before you. All I had was work. But now I have you. You saved me." She smiled at him, tears threatening to spill. "You taught me that love isn't always painful."
"You love me?" he asked.
"Of course I love you Franklin." She said grabbing his hand. "So, I am thankful for you. And im not saying that because you said it first. Every day I am thankful for you Franklin." A few tears slipped from each of their eyes and she wrapped an arm around his back and he squeezed her hand.
They remained on the couch for a few hours, letting their big breakfast digest. They only really moved when they needed to get ready for dinner at Abby's.
They went over pretty early, around 4pm so they could all spend some time together before the meal. Franklin suggested they bring one of the board games they had accumulated and Olivia thought that was a great idea, so they took Trivial pursuit and Monopoly.
The afternoon/night was a blast. They arrived home at like 11pm at night to find a large bouquet of flowers sitting in front of their door. It had a card that just said Thank you. Franklin asked who they were from but she showed him the card. They both knew who it was from but played ignorant. They brought the flowers in, Olivia put them in a vase and they headed to bed.
XXXX
The month of December seemed to fly by. It was the 18th before they knew it. Olivia was starting to panic slightly that they hadn't received Franklin's passport but it arrived that day.
Olivia had to pop out of work that day to buy the last part of his present. She had increasingly noticed how often he took photos, of himself, of others and of things, so she thought she would buy him a decent camera. And by decent, she really meant the best money could buy. As a part of his present Olivia had also put 'Official Campaign Photographer' into a lanyard as a little joke. She had it wrapped and took it back to her apartment and hid it under her bed.
They had put a Christmas tree up just after thanks giving, it was Olivia's first for a while, and the presents under it slowly grew, but she was going to wait to add this one to the pile. Under the tree were presents from Olivia to Franklin, from Olivia to her team, from Franklin to Olivia's team, from Franklin to Ella, from Olivia to Ella, as well as James and Cyrus. Olivia had even picked up something for Jerry and Karen for boxing day. She was debating whether or not to get Fitz and Mellie something. She had something for everyone else and thought it might look odd if she didn't get them something, but had no idea what.
They were crazy at OPA and at the White House preparing for the small holiday, trying to get everything that needed to be done, done and it was Christmas eve before they knew it.
Olivia came home a little bit later than normal that night. When Olivia did come home she brought the OPA team home with her. "Surprise" she said as they all walked in. They all had one or two gifts or bags with them and placed them under the tree. The pile was now pretty big.
"I thought we could do OPA Christmas tonight" she beamed. Franklin high fived the boys and was hugged or kissed by the women. They ordered in food and had dinner before opening gifts.
They were all pretty spoilt. Franklin had got something for everyone even if he couldn't think of something in particular, he got them something tacky, which they all loved regardless. Olivia had bought them all extravagant gifts, like normal. They had all gone a bit overboard with Franklin though, buying him all sorts of nick-knacks and quirky little things. He barely knew where he would put all of it.
Before they went to bed, and after the team had left Olivia handed a box to Franklin. "I thought we could start a tradition of our own." He opened the box and inside was a really tacky pair of pajamas. "I have a matching set too." She pulled out her box to show him. He burst into laughter and ran out of the room. He returned wearing the pajamas. This time Olivia burst into laughter and went to change. Franklin picked up his phone and took a photo of the two of them before they headed off to bed.
XXXX
The next morning Olivia sat wide awake in her bed watching the clock, excited to open presents with Franklin. She hadn't heard a peep from him so she was patiently waiting. It got to about 8am, she had been waiting for 2 hours, and she decided that she would have to wake him. So she tip toed into his room before jumping on his bed on her knees. "Merry Christmas" she said loudly when she landed on the bed.
Franklin groggily looked around to find Olivia beaming down at him. He closed his eyes and leaned back into his pillow with a groan. She began bouncing like a little kid "Don't you wanna open your presents?" she asked.
"Hey, shouldn't it be me coming to get you to open presents, not the other way around?" he questioned.
She shrugged. "I don't remember the last time I was this excited for Christmas" she said still smiling.
"Fine" he groaned rolling out of bed. Olivia all but ran out of the room to put the kettle on. "Want some coco?" she yelled from the kitchen when she heard him come out of the hall.
"Sure" he responded and a few minutes later she came back with two cups of coco. She sat them on the coffee table before going to sit cros legged in front of the tree. She waited for him to join her but he didn't so she turned around. He laughed at her cross expression and moved to sit next to her on the floor.
She picked up one of his smaller presents and gave it to him. He picked up the physically biggest present he had for her. She counted down from 3 for them both to open them at the same time. She tore at hers excitedly and he opened his normally, laughing at her. His was a new set of headphones that she had seen him eye in a shop recently, he loved them, they were exactly what he wanted. He looked to see her her recation to his gift. He had purchased a large collage photo frame and put photos of all the important people in her life. There was him, and Ella, and OPA and Cyrus and James, and the photo she had sent him when she had dinner with the Grants almost two years ago. It was perfect. She ran her hand across each picture, reminiscing on the time it was taken.
"Franklin. I love it." She said looking at him. "You know you didn't have to get me anything."
"And miss you ripping of the wrapping like that! Of course I did." He said laughing. She leant over to rub his back with her hand.
"Well thank you!" she smiled.
"How did you know I wanted these ones?" he held up the headphones.
"Im very observant." She said winking. She picked up another present and handed it to him. He opened this one, which was a bundle of books.
"Where do you think I am going to put all these books. My bookshelf is full already."
"We'll just have to get you another book case." She shrugged. She didn't think anyone could have too many books.
She handed him a couple more before picking up the last one. "This is the last one." She said placing it in his lap. He picked up her other present and gave it to her. Each of them was waiting for the other to open theirs first.
"You first." She said.
He unwrapped his gift and his eyes bulged when he saw it. "Oh my god. This is soooooo cool!" he said flipping the box over to look at the specifications. As he did so the lanyard moved on top. He picked it up curiously and turned it over. He laughed as he read it.
"Don't worry, I will take this puppy everywhere." He said before remembering her gift. "Open yours."
She unwrapped the box and flipped it open slowly. Inside was a gold bangle. The bangle was encrusted with small gemstones sparingly across it. She looked at him before she lifted it out of the box to inspected it. It was exquisite and elegant, and somehow managed to be a perfect match for her ring. As she turned it she noticed it was engraved inside. She brought it closer to her face to read what it said.
Thank you for Everything Liv. I love you. Franklin
She put the box it came in down in front of her, put the bangle on her wrist stood up. She held her hand out to him to help him up and he took it. As soon as he was standing she wrapped her arms around his torso and hugged him as tightly as she possibly could. She pulled away, slightly embarrassed by her strange behavior.
"So you like it." He asked to clarify.
"No. I love it. It is beautiful. Where did you find it?" she asked curious.
"I was walking past the jewelers and it was in the window." He watched her admire it.
"Remember how I told you I wanted to get Ella something super special?" he asked. She remembered, he had asked her for some money to buy whatever it was he had seen but said it was a surprise. She eyed him suspiciously.
"I just got her a toy, and used the rest of the money for that." He smiled.
"I like the way you think" she winked. "But you didn't have to get me anything."
"I know. I wanted to." He said. She turned around to pick up the large frame he had also given her.
"So where do you think we should put this?" she said holding it up to admire it again.
"I thought you might want to put it in your bedroom?" he suggested. She walked with it towards her bedroom. And held it against her wall just to the right of where you walk in. She had an art piece hanging there but rested her photos against the wall on the floor, removed the art and hung the collage in its place.
"Perfect" she said. Franklin agreed.
A couple of hours later, after they had had something for lunch, Olivia decided to ask him something she had been thinking about for a couple of days.
"Would you like to go visit your mum?" she asked.
"That's ok, we shouldn't have to spend half of Christmas in the car." He said not wanting her to have to drive him.
"Doesn't really worry me, as long as I'm with you." She heard how corny she sounded, but it was the truth.
"Go on, get ready." She motioned for him to go to his room to get ready.
They hadn't had much time to visit the memorial and Olivia had felt bad. She made an effort on his birthday though and thought they should visit today, especially because they wouldn't be here for a good chunk of the holidays and she didn't know when she would have enough time after that.
Olivia followed him as he left the room, both going to get ready. They put on their big coats and layered up, knowing how cold it would be. They were out the door half an hour later. On the way down they alternated between singing Christmas carols and the normal radio. She was surprised by how many she still knew, not having sung any for so many years.
When they pulled up to the memorial and there were a few other cars there too. The two other times they had been, they were the only ones. She was curious to see how Franklin would feel. "You ok?" she asked.
"I guess it is kinda nice to see them. I havnt seen anyone who lost anyone since the day it happened. Makes me feel…less lonely." He said barely above a whisper at the end. His words made her a little sad. He made her feel less lonely and she wanted to be able to return the favour. Franklin opened his door and jumped out of the car. Olivia did the same.
The cold whipped her face and she held her hands up to her cheeks to protect them. She walked around the car and they began walking towards the sandstone wall. There was what appeared to be 3 sets of people standing there too. They walked up and joined the sort of line they had made. They nodded to the others as they approached, receiving a nod in response. They stood there, reading the names. He wrapped one arm around her, noticing she was shivering even with all the clothes she had on but when he noticed she was still shivering after a few minutes he told her he would meet her back at the car. Olivia scurried off to get warm.
Franklin moved closer to the plaque and rubbed his finger over his mothers name, before moving towards the growing trees. He strolled around for a while before heading back. He hopped back in the car and they headed back to D.C.
They had a nice dinner, just the two of them and watched a Christmas movie after, before Olivia suggested they head to bed, to be up early for their flight.
XXXX
The next day they were on a 5am flight that arrived in Paris at 4pm. Olivia had arranged for a hire car in France but when they arrived they were greeted by a stern man in a black suit with black glasses and an ear piece. It was Tom. Comically he was holding a sign that said Olivia and Franklin. She rolled her eyes at the sight of him. She walked right past him, Franklin in tow.
"Liv?" Franklin asked confused as they walked past Tom.
Tom chased after them, blocking them at a door.
"Ma'am. I have instruction to drive you to your destination." He said flatly.
"I hired a car. So, if you would move, we will be on our way." She said sternly. Trying to move around him. He didn't move.
"Ma'am, you know I can't do that." He said trying to get her to understand. She huffed.
"Tom. If I agree, would you be obliged to take us straight there, or could we make a detour?" she asked.
Ten minutes later, and after having to convince Tom that he would prefer him to drive her wherever it was she wanted to go, to know where she was, than for her to drive herself, and refusing to get in the car unless he drove somewhere else first, he agreed.
Franklin had no idea what the detour was. "It is a bit of a drive, you could sleep if you wanted to." She said watching the French scenery pass by. He did and she woke him up when they arrived almost two hours later.
"Where are we?" he asked groggily.
"Forêt Dominiale d'Hardelot" she said with a French accent.
"Where is that?" he asked.
"Right on the English Channel not too far from Belgium I guess."
"Why? I though we were going somewhere landlocked." He asked.
"Let me show you." She suggested getting out of the car.
By this time it was 6pm, cold and getting dark. She could see Tom was anxious.
"You can come, but stay at least 50ft behind." She instructed.
They began walking down a dirt road. 10 minutes later the road opened up to the top of a cliff. At this point she turned to Tom. "Do you mind just staying here. We will never leave your sight I promise." She gave him a small smile. He nodded.
She kept walking towards the edge. Eventually they stumbled upon a small wooden bench chair. Olivia sat down. Franklin followed suit. He looked at Olivia curiously. She was looking out over what he assumed to be the English chanel but she looked peaceful.
"Hey Ma. I know it has been a while, Im sorry." She paused. "This is Franklin. He also lost his mum in a plane crash. And in a month or so the adoption should be finalised." She smiled at him. "He is really smart, and pretty funny, and kind hearted and Im sorry you don't get to meet him, so I thought I would bring him here. "
"I opened up my own crisis management firm with Abby, and Steven, Huck and Harrison, and business is good. Me and Franklin are currently working on the next presidential election." She paused for a while.
"I miss you." When she saw Franklin was still confused she crossed her legs.
"20 years ago, my mothers plane crashed into the ocean somewhere over there" she pointed in the north westerly direction. "With 329 people on board. Only about half the bodies were found, my mothers was one. She is buried in DC, but I have never felt a connection to her there. And then my father sent me to boarding school in Switzerland and I read an article about the man who had called the authorities to tell them of the crash. So during the holidays one year, I found his details and met him. He showed me this track and showed me where he was when he saw the plane go down. He was right here." She said looking at the bench they were sitting on. "This was where she was last seen alive. I feel like this is where her soul is. Well out there anyway."
"So this is where I come to talk to her." She finished.
Franklin inspected the chair more thoroughly. He saw a plaque between them. To sit and talk to the fallen. Was all that was inscribed.
Olivia saw him read it. "I came here as much as I could when I was at school. I became quite close to the man who showed me here. After I went back to America I came less frequently and unfortunately he passed away about 10 years ago. When I came back for his funeral I found this chair here. His family said he had put it here for me before he died." Franklin nodded, taking it all in.
They sat for another 10 minutes before it was was getting too dark and cold. Olivia stood up. "Come on, lets go." She said and they walked back past Tom and they all went to the car.
It was another 3 hours before they would be in Saint-Amand-les-Eaux. The next time Franklin awoke they were pulling up to an actual castle. It was a massive stone building, complete with turets.
By this time it was about 10pm. Tom escorted them in and the house was pretty quiet. He showed them to their rooms and they headed to bed.
But with his nap in the car Franklin was barely tired, despite the time difference. After an hour or so he made his way back down to the bottom level in search of a kitchen to get some water. He noticed that the house was pretty much split down the middle. He walked into a room and found what he was looking for, the kitchen, however he also found Karen and Jerry sitting at a bench as well.
As he entered the room they stopped talking to look at who was coming in. They were eating from a tub of icecream, each with spoon in hand.
Franklin stopped as soon as he entered the room, they all just looked at each other.
"Franklin, right?" Karen asked getting up from a stool to move towards him. Franklin nodded, having recovered from the shock. Karen held out her hand for him to shake.
"Karen. And this is Jerry." She motioned to Jerry who had stood up and walked over to offer his hand as well.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." Karen said while Franklin shook Jerry's hand.
"Do you want some ice-cream?" she asked motioning to their late night snack.
"Err, no thanks." Franklin replied quietly. "I was looking for a glass of water." He said looking around.
"I'll get that for you." Karen insisted. She moved to get a glass and filled it with water. She smiled when she handed it to him.
"If your not tired you should stay and we can get to know each other." Karen said somewhat nervously.
Franklin really wasn't very tired so he thought for a moment before shrugging his shoulders "Sure." And he sat down on one of the stools with Karen and Jerry.
"How was your Christmas? What did you get" Karen asked.
"Umm, I got a camera, a heap of books, some headphones, a new watch, a couple of board games, and a few other bits and pieces." He said.
"Awesome." This was the first time Jerry had spoken. He thought the situation was a little awkward but did want to make an effort, but wasn't as good at it as Karen.
"What about you guys?" Franklin asekd them both.
"We don't really do gifts anymore. We have a secret santa thing and we mainly just do funny or quirky things. I got a thermos with a quote about being a coffee addict on it, cause I'm adicted to coffee." Karen explained.
"And I got a play doctor set, because…"
"Your studying medicine" Franklin finished his sentence. "Liv talks about you guys all the time." He smiled. Jerry smiled impressed.
"So why don't you tell us about you?" Jerry asked.
Franklin told them about himself and he began to feel more comfortable. They were talking for another half an hour when they heard yelling. They all looked around confused before the voices became clearer as they moved into the large room next to the kitchen.
"Isnt that…" Jerry said looking around to Karen and Franklin who were looking a bit anxious. He saw Karen nodding her head, confirming his suspicion.
"How dare you yell at me. I don't have to explain anything to you." They heard Olivia spit.
"I want to know where you were." Fitz demanded.
"Ask Tom. He will tell you." She said.
"I know where you were, I just don't understand why!"
"And it is none of your business." she reiterated.
"Stop saying things are none of my business. Just because we arent together anymore doesn't mean it is none of my business. I love you, and I am never going to stop worrying about you, especially when you run off to some random cliff in another country."
Franklin was looking at the floor, Karen was biting her cheeks. Jerry's head swung around when he heard his dad say 'I love you'. He looked at the both of them confused.
"Let me go Fitz. Just let me go! There is no future here. Your wife is about to have your baby."
"And whos fault is that? Who fixed that for me?" he asked rhetorically.
"This conversation is over!" she said before walking to where they had entered the room.
Jerry recovered from the shock and walked towards where Fitz and Olivia were yelling at each other. He was furious.
Fitz took three large steps to catch her and grabbed her arm, pulling her back to him. He crashed his mouth down onto hers. To his surprise she kissed him back, desperate for a physical connection with him, wrapping one arm around his neck and running her fingers through his hair with the other . He grabbed her face with one hand and lifted her leg with his other hand. Instinctively she wrapped her other leg around his waist too.
This is how Jerry found them as he stormed into the room. Karen had chased after him when she saw him move but was too late. Jerry watched the passionate exchage before yelling "What the hell!". They had been so absorbed in the kiss that they didn't hear him enter.
They broke the kiss and Olivia pushed away from Fitz. He was so stunned he didn't try to stop her. They both stood there, Olivia's eyes wide as saucepans. Jerry stood with his hands in tight fists and his chest heaving with anger. Karen was standing off to one side of him, her eyebrows so high they almost met her hairline. Franklin was leaning against the kitchen doorframe, feeling awkard.
Noone really knew what to do or say. Fitz decided he should try to explain or something so he moved towards where Jerry and Karen were standing, which was a bad idea because as soon as he got close enough Jerry quickly moved one of his clentched fists back and brought it up to his fathers face. His fist connected with Fitz' jaw and Fitz stumbled backwards until he hit a couch before sliding down. Jerry quickly left the room, presumbly returning to where he was sleeping.
Karen yelled "Jerry" before running to her dad. "Dad, are you ok?". She watched him run out of the room concerned. Olivia ran over too and when she saw Karen looking at Jerry running out of the room she said "Go." She didn't hesitate before taking off after him.
Olivia crouched next to him on the side Jerry had hit him and examined his jaw. She stood up and walked towards the kitchen to get some ice and to talk to Franklin, even though she had no idea what to say.
"Are you ok?" she asked, gently moving him into the kitchen.
"Im fine. Are you ok?" he asked.
"Im ok." she said unconvincily as she moved to the freezer to get something to put on Fitz' chin. She pulled out some peas.
"Do you need a hand?" he asked. She shook her head.
"Why don't you go back upstairs and try to get some sleep." They both walked out of the kitchen and Franklin glanced quickly at Fitz before returning to his room.
Olivia walked over to Fitz and put the peas gently on his jaw.
"Franklin knows?" he asked. He had observed his somewhat cool demeanour. Olivia nodded.
"He heard you yelling one night." She said as she rearranged the peas.
He moved his hand up to cover the hand that was holding the peas. She quickly pulled her hand away, letting him support the bag. "Liv" he groaned. She stood up and walked to the corner of the room, where she looked out a window onto the expansive grounds. He stood up and moved towards her.
"What kind of a role model am I?" she asked in a whisper.
"The brilliant and generous kind." He said sweetly. She laughed.
"And weak." She added.
"If loving you makes me weak, then may I win the award for being the most weak man ever to walk this earth." He said tenderly and with conviction.
"Can we not do this now. Please. You need to go talk to Karen and Jerry."
"They arent children anymore Liv, they will be fine." He said.
"Talk to them, don't talk to them. Either way, I'm going to bed." She said and he didn't stop her.
XXXX
Fitz didn't know if he should go up and talk to them now, or wait till the morning, till they had time to calm down. He decided to go now, in case Jerry tried to pull a runner in the night or something silly.
He got some more frozen vegetables from the freezer and walked up to where Jerry was staying. He knocked lightly. "You guys in there?" he asked. He waited.
"Fine" he heard Jerry say agrily before Karen opened the door.
"Can we talk?" Fitz asked. Karen nodded. Fitz walked over and handed the vegetables he just got from the freezer to Jerry who half snatched them before putting them on top of his swollen hand.
Fitz hesitated before speaking. Jerry was clearly still angry and he didn't want to further anger him.
"Im sorry you had to see that." He said genuinely. "Im sorry you had to find out that way." He shook his head. Karen looked around slightly awkwardly.
"But your not sorry for cheating?" Jerry asked snidely. Fitz exhaled, trying to think of what he should say.
"You arent children anymore. You should understand that not everything, especially in politics, is what it seems."
"So as soon as mum goes home, you bring your mistress here?" he asked hurt. Fitz had to grit his teeth.
"Liv is not my mistress."
"What is she then?" he asked.
"She is the love of my life." He said honestly, smiling at the thought. They were all quiet for a few minutes.
"Is Franklin your son?" Jerry broke the silence.
"What?" Fitz asked completely thrown off, his face scrunching slightly in confusion.
"He has your eyes." Jerry clarified.
"No." He said adamantly. "Liv and I only met when I first ran for President."
"And this has been going on since then?"
"Not exactly. We resisted for a while, and when she quit that was supposed to be it. Up until this election we had barely seen each other and she barely took my calls."
"And what about mum?" he said acusingly.
"Your mother and I care about each other. But we have grown apart. She knows though."
"She knows?"Jerry was confused. Fitz nodded.
"So you decided to have another baby?" he said frustrated.
"That was… That was …" he didn't really know what to say.
"Selfish?" Jerry accused.
"I will love this child just as much as I love you guys." He said offended at his insinuation.
"I didn't just mean this poor baby. What about Liv? If she is the love of your life, how could you do that to her?" Fitz only blinked at his accusation. Jerry looked at Karen who was staring at the ground.
"Im tired. Can you guys please leave."
XXXX
The next morning Cyrus, James and Ella were up first. Fitz came down next, barely having slept.
"Did Liv and Franklin get here ok?" Cyrus asked. Fitz nodded.
"Where is everyone?" Cyrus asked a little confused. Fitz shrugged.
"Oooookaaay" Cyrus dragged out.
Franklin came down next. Ella squeeled with joy at the sight of him and James, Cyrus and Fitz all turned to see him.
"Hey Ella" he said sitting in the seat next to her highchair.
Next to come down was Karen and Andre, they were holding hands. Her hair was a mess and she looked tired.
"Good morning Franklin, this is my boyfriend Andre. Andre, this is Franklin." She motioned between the two of them. Andre dropped Karen's hand to shake Franklins.
Andre's skin tone was not quite as dark as Franklin, but it was darker than everyone else's which seemed to make him warm to Andre immediately. "Nice to meet you Franklin." Andre then picked up Karen's hand again.
"Tea or coffee anyone?" Andre offered. Everyone gave a response before Andre and Karen moved into the kitchen.
"Franklin, can you give us a hand?" Karen asked sticking her head out of the door. Franklin obliged.
"Are you ok?" Karen asked as soon as he entered the room.
"Yeah, Im ok. Are you ok?" He really was ok. It was weird seeing Liv with President Grant last night, but he knew about them, it wasn't a shock as it seemed to be for them.
"Did you know?" She asked. He nodded, feeling a little guilty that he knew and she didn't. "He came to her apartment once and I heard him yelling."
"Is Jerry ok?" he asked.
"I dunno." She shrugged with concerned eyes.
Fitz checked his watch and saw that it was 8:30am. He thought he should probably go check on Olivia, he knew she would be awake. He slipped out while Karen, Andre and Franklin were in the kitchen.
He walked up the stairs and moved to the door he had knocked on last night that had started all the problems. He hesitated before knocking. No answer. He knocked again. He was worried so he opened the door just enough to make sure she wasn't naked or something, before opening it wide to find Olivia sitting in her bed. She had her knees tucked up to her chest and her arms around them, looking straight ahead.
"Liv?" he asked from the door, before closing it behind him. She looked up at him.
"You shouldn't be here. You need to leave." She said sternly. Fitz walked over to the bed and sat down on the edge. Olivia moved to the opposite side of the bed and returned to a tight ball. Fitz moved to sit with his back against the headboard and his legs outstretched where Olivia had just moved from.
"Are you ok?" he asked concerned. She snapped her head towards him, tears threatening to fall.
"No. I am not ok Fitz. Your children caught us. Jerry hit you because of it." She said before putting her chin on her knees.
"Liv, they are mad at me."
"It takes two to tango." Her head moving as her jaw remained in place. He didn't speak for a minute or so.
"They asked me if Franklin was ours." He said looking at her. "Apparently he has..
"Your eyes." She finished for him. She looked at him sadly resting her cheek on her knee with her head tilted to the side.
"When I first saw him, they reminded me of my grandmother, and I know I have my grandmothers eyes, but I didn't think about it I guess." He said slightly amused.
"That would have made me 18 when I had him. Im not sure if I should be offended or not." She said smiling slightly. He laughed.
"I think you should talk to them." He suggested, seriously once more. She lifted her head and he saw a tear fall. He reached out and pulled her to his side.
"Whats wrong?" he said while rubbing her shoulder.
"They must hate me." She said giving in and leaning into him. "Maybe we should leave." She suggested.
"No!" he exclaimed. Desperation clear in his voice. "Please stay. You are my best friend Livvie, and…I miss you." She thought before responding.
"I…I miss you too." She said softly.
"Ok then, I'll go get Karen and Jerry and you guys can talk and hopefully we can figure it all out." She supported herself as he unwrapped his arm from her and moved off the bed.
"Ok." Was all she got out.
Fitz walked back downstairs and found Karen. "Karen, do you think you could get Jerry and go speak to Liv? She is pretty upset." Karen nodded and headed off.
About five minutes later Olivia heard another knock. She had been sitting in much the same position since Fitz left, butterflies hammering her stomach. She couldn't remember ever being so nervous.
"Come in" she croaked. She moved her legs down from her chest to be crossed on the matress. Karen and Jerry entered. Karen moved straight to where her dad had just been and sat next to her, grabbing her arm and resting her head on her shoulder. Jerry moved to sit at the foot of the bed resting one bent leg on the covers so he could look at them without turning too much.
"Im so sorry." Olivia blurted out. Her bottom lip quivering. The affection Karen was showing her regardless of what happened had confused her and thrown her off slightly.
"I don't understand why you let him do this to you?" Jerry asked. Olivia looked at him confused.
"What do you mean?" she asked, not sure she understood what he was saying.
"You are incredible Liv. Your smart and caring. You deserve to be with someone who can give you everything you want. Who can be there for you. You asked him to let you go. If he loves you, like he says he does, he should let you go."
Olivia was speechless. Jerry was angry at him for her.
"He never asked me to wait for him." She shook her head. "But it isnt that easy."
"Why not?" Jerry asked.
"Because you love him." Karen answered. Olivia shook her head no before speaking.
"I do love him, but it is more than that." She paused looking at their faces. "I was never a romantic, in high school, or college. I sought compatability and it worked. … When I met your dad there was something else, a physical, emotional connection. I looked in his eyes and felt comfortable. And once you have felt that, you cant just stop."
"So it was love at first sight?" Karen asked smiling. Olivia laughed slightly.
"That's what your dad calls it. But I find that a little shallow." She exhaled, she had never said these things aloud and she felt somewhat lame. "I think it is more like…soul mates." She said with a pained look on her face. "but we havent been, whatever we were since he was inaugurated." There was silence while everyone thought.
"Im not sure I completely understand, but thanks for being honest Liv." Jerry said standing up.
XXXX
Olivia walked downstairs half an hour later after a long shower. Franklin and Ella were playing on the floor.
"Theres my favourite two people." She said watching them.
A collective "Hey" could be heard around the room as everyone, except James and Andre reacted to her comment. They all laughed. She sat down on the floor with the two of them.
"Sorry guys" she said looking around the room. She rubbed Franklin's arm, giving him a smile and then picked up little Ella. The three of them played on the floor until Fitz put a tea on the coffee table for her and smiled at her breifly. She sat Ella on the ground and moved to the couch to drink her tea.
About 5 minutes later Fitz walked out with a pile of presents wearing a santa hat.
"MERRRY CHRISTMAS" he boomed. Olivia and Franklin spun around to look at him. Everyone else laughed at him.
"You guys missed Christmas so were having Christmas again now." Franklin and Olivia laughed before they went to retreive the presents they had brought.
It really was almost like Christmas again. Ella was playing with the wrapping paper, rather than the presents within them and Karen put on some carols.
Olivia and Franklin had purchased a watch for all of the boys. Cyrus' was also a pedometer and heart monitor, Jerry's was a large black watch with the face being almost as big as the palm of Olivia's hand but was apparently in fashion, Andre's was similar but wooden and leather in texture, and Fitz' was an elegant gold rolex. They got Karen a silver Tiffany necklace and a baby one for Ella, as well as toys for her.
Cyrus and James gave Olivia a very expensive bottle of wine and Franklin a Time Magazine subscription which he was pretty chuffed about, as well as the hardpass for the white house which he really loved. Karen and Jerry had no idea what to get either Olivia or Franklin so they went out on a limb and got them bycicles. It was perhaps the most random present, but Franklin thought his bike was pretty cool and they even put a cute little basket onto Olivia's purely white bike, which she thought was perfect.
Olivia and Franklin were sitting on their bikes near the entryway, Franklin talking about where they should go on them back in DC, when there was a knock at the door. Fitz answered it and was handed a yellow envelope.
"Just in time." He announced as he rejoined the group. He walked to the front of the bikes and placed the envelope in front of him.
"This is for the both of you."
Olivia looked at him confused. He had a large smile on his face. This made her suspicious. Neither made to take it.
"Come on." He said shaking the envelope. Olivia moved off the bike before grabbing the envelope from him. Franklin got off his too to inspect the envelope as Olivia opened it. Olivia pulled the paper out. Her eyes moved back and forth across the paper before she gasped and looked at Franklin. He was worried until she smiled.
"This is the court decree of your adoption." She said handing it to Franklin.
He read the document. He would have had no idea of the importance of this document if she hadnt told him before she handed it to him. He read over the words until he read 'establishes the relationship of parent and child, together with all the rights, responsibilities, and duties, between each petitioner and the individual being adopted' and looked at the stamp. He looked back at her before enveloping her in a tight hug. She wrapped her arms around him in return and let a wave of emotion rush over her. She closed her eyes and rubbed his back.
"I love you Franklin." She whispered.
"I love you too." He responded.
They hugged for a about a minute longer before breaking apart. The rest of the group had gone back to the loungeroom, only Fitz was left and he had moved away somewhat, trying to give them some privacy. Franklin walked straight up to him and stuck his hand out. Fitz reached out and shook it.
"Thank you Mr President. This is the best Christmas present ever." He said smiling. Fitz smiled back.
"My pleasure."
Franklin gave the envelope back to Olivia before going back to the loungeroom. She stood where she was for a while. She wanted to thank him, but didn't know how.
"Thank you." She said as she took a few steps closer. "How did you know?" she asked. Most people knew that adoption was the endgame, but she had thought it wise not to tell anyone till things were final, just in case something went wrong. They werent expecting the decree for another month at least.
"I am the President." He said smuggly, she raised an eyebrow. "Overheard you mention Justice Pain when you were on the phone last week." He clarified. She recalled a conversation with the Court which must be the conversation he overheard.
"You shouldn't have." She tried to scold but she was honestly ecstatic.
"What good is being President if you cant do something for a good friend." She shook her head with a smile before returning to the group. They all congratulated her.
That was a good day. They just enjoyed being in each others company. They played cards and Franklin and Jerry made a card tower before Ella knocked it down by bumping her head on the table. Even though Franklin was dissapointed that the four storey tower fell, he picked Ella straight up to make sure she was ok.
They ate a big Christmas dinner before Andre and Karen suggested going to the movies. Jerry jumped at the idea. Franklin was kneeling next to the coffee table trying to make another card tower. He had heard them talking but didn't want to be presumptious.
"Franklin" Jerry asked as he stood up. "You coming?"
"Liv?" he asked with a big smile.
"Of course." She nodded. "You take care of him" she said looking at Karen, Jerry and Andre and wiggled her finger at them. They laughed before Karen affirmed they would. They would have at least one secret service agent with them so she really wasn't worried.
Just after they left for the movie, Ella started to whine so James and Cyrus stood to get up.
"It takes two of you to put a baby down?" she asked.
"Our bathroom has a spa bath which I would really like to take advantage of." James said giving Cyrus a look that told her they would probably not get any sleep tonight. Cyrus blushed, slightly embarrassed she supposed. They each kissed her goodnight and she gave Ella a big cuddle and smothered her with kisses before handing her to Cyrus.
"Night." She called just as James grabbed Cyrus' ass.
Olivia remained on the couch, a large mink blanket over her legs and tucked under her. She was looking at her ipad, reviewing the campaign schedule for the next month or two. From an organisational point of view Olivia hated this baby. It meant that she couldn't lock anything in so things kept changing. After becoming frustrated by the lack of certainty she began checking emails and reviewing documents that she had received.
Fitz made his way down from his office after he had to make a call to the Prime Minister of Australia about one of his ambassadors who had made the news over there for drink driving. He was going to make some coffee to review a breif he had been sent by the CIA. He had the report tucked under his arm in hopes of finding the library Karen had spoke of to read in. He noticed a light on in the loungeroom and saw Olivia sitting there on her ipad. He continued into the kitchen to make his coffee and a tea for her. He walked back towards her and she almost jumped when he said "Hi".
He placed the tea and coffee on a side table before moving the coffee table closer, within reach for her while she sat on the couch. He was just going to put the tea down and leave but when he put the tea down he couldn't pull himself away from her proximity. So instead he sat down right next to her. She subtly shifted away from him.
"Do I need to remind you what happened last night." She said pointedly.
"Im sorry. I lost control of my emotions. Three years without being able to really touch you is… Im sorry."
She looked at him sympathetically.
"Thanks for the tea." She said moving to pick it up and sipping it before putting it back. Fitz nodded before picking up his breif and began reading. Olivia returned to her ipad for about 10 minutes before becoming uncofortable in that position. She considered moving to another couch to spread her legs. She began moving slightly and turned on the couch so that she was facing Fitz with her side against the back of the couch, her head resting on her palm with her elbow resting on her knee. He looked up to see her nose twitch as she looked at her ipad.
He knew she was uncomfortable so put his brief on the table infront as if he was going to pick up his coffee but instead he pulled gently on the blanket she was wrapped in,untucking her, before reaching under it. "Fitz" she looked up at him and saw him move towards her. He grabbed her calves and moved them onto his lap. She was about to protest when he simply began tucking the blanket in around the both of them. He knew her well. He knew how she liked to sit on her couch, especially when working.
He barely looked at her before he picked his brief back up. She watched him do so and smiled at the simplicity of the act. He mindlessly placed one hand on her feet over the blanket and rubbed them, making sure they were warm.
Olivia resumed her reading.
She didn't know how much longer they sat there but she felt herself falling asleep. She was trying to stay up until Franklin came home to wish him goodnight but she seemed to be failing. The couch was just the perfect pillow. She didn't notice as her head slowly moved forwards.
Fitz eventually noticed in his periferal that the light from her ipad had gone. He looked to see her eyes closed, resting against the couch. He turned his head and rested it against the couch too. He just looked at her for some time before deciding he should wake her to go to bed.
"Liv." He whispered. Nothing.
"Liv." He said again slightly louder. No response.
"Livvie." He repeated giving her shin a gentle rub. Her eyes remained closed but she scooted her bottom closer to his leg and turned her knees towards his stomach. Her head moved to his shoulder. He smiled. He turned his torso slightly to pick up her ipad from her lap. She maintained her grasp momentarily before releasing it. He put it on the table next to the couch. He leaned back and his hand instincively went to her thigh. His arm nudged her hand as it sat on her knee and she followed it with her hand until she reached his shoulder and then it fell slightly onto his chest. She made a slight moan as she pulled herself closer to him still asleep. Her movement allowed him to move the arm pinned between them and wrap it around her.
He knew he should wake her up. But he wasn't lying when he said it had been three years without really being able to touch her. It wasn't the sex. Yes he loved making love to her, but it was moments exactly like this that he missed. He held her tightly and rubbed her arms and legs and back before falling asleep himself.