TO THE GUEST REVIEWER IN CHAPTER 13, I'M VERY SORRY IF I TRIGGERED ANYTHING. I WAS JUST TRYING TO BE TRUE TO THE STORY FROM MY PERSPECTIVE AND MY DOING SO MAY HAVE BEEN INSENSITIVE. I AM TRULY SORRY.

I wanted a time jump within this chapter, but it would've been too much. And I've always prefer time jumps in the beginning of a chapter, so maybe in the next.

THE HEALING POWER OF GENUINE FORGIVENESS

'You piece of shit.

Good for nothing.

How I wish your mother aborted you.

I hope there's a Hell so rotten flesh rot there till eternity.'

Those were some of the words written on the headstone of Michaela's father's grave with different kinds of permanent marker.

"I guess he was hated by many," Olivia said in front of the grave.

"Nah, I wrote all of it. I've been coming here since I turned ten on my birthday to give him a piece of my mind," Michaela said insouciantly.

They were both quiet, and unexpectedly, Olivia's eyes were fixated on the name engraved on the headstone. She realized she had gone through all these years without knowing the name of the person who took everything from her.

Michaela asked Olivia if she needed a moment alone and she said yes. As Michaela stepped away, Olivia found her heart heavy. Tears were on the verge of pouring out, but she told herself no, she was done crying over things she couldn't change, especially things from her past.

"I will no longer let what happen to me rot my soul," She said out loud.

She then voiced out the name of her rapist for the very first time, "FRANKLYN GLYNN, I'm here to tell you I've accepted what you did to me as part of my life, but I refused to allow it to define me anymore. I've let what you did to me overpower me for more than half of my life."

Trying not to cry, she looked up to the sky, "You've robbed me of so much. What you did to me was unfortunate, and I've chosen the easiest path for the longest time, hating you, but at the same time hating myself too.

Despite how justified my not forgiving you may be, I know deep down, I'm just allowing bitterness, hatred and anger to be piling inside of me. And if I keep doing this, I'll be giving you too much power over me. A refusal to forgive you or let go of what you did to me, will only be prolonging my suffering

So, today, I'm here to say no more, and I forgive you. Forgiveness is the only way, whether or not you deserve it. And this is a testament of my new found power. I'm so sick of seeing myself as unlovable. I now know I deserve peace, I deserve love. There's a man out there call Fitz, who loves me with every fiber of his being. But I know I can't really love him the way he deserves if I don't love myself first. Thus, I'm forgiving you for me. In doing so, I'm accepting the reality of what you did to me, and I'm now to live in a state of resolution with it. I no more self identify as your victim. Unfortunately, I will always remember what happened, but I will never be bound by it. From the bottom of my heart, I forgive you."

Olivia closed her eyes, inhaled deeply and inwardly visualized saying goodbye to the images of Franklyn Glynn abusing her. She felt something leaving her upper chest. And she found herself smiling from ear to ear.

She later on called Michaela to give her one of her bold marker and she wrote on his grave. Dear rapist Franklyn Glynn, I forgive you.

"You are a better person than me," Michaela said after she saw what Olivia wrote. She then asked Olivia, "What now?"

Many thoughts were going through Olivia's head at the same time.

While Olivia was still staying with Michaela in the hospital before she was discharged, they got to know each other more during their stay and found out they had so many things in common.

During that period, Olivia also got a call from James and Cyrus, talking about fostering Michaela. She had no problem with it since she wasn't up being anyone's guardian.

Immediately as Michaela was discharged, she took Olivia to see their grandmother first, who in one minute knew who Olivia was and in the next minute thought Olivia was Maya. But within the whole ordeal, she gave something important to Olivia, a note or a diary of her shortcomings and how Maya was raised, written when she was seeking peace with Maya. Olivia read it and couldn't stop herself from crying.

Michaela also told Olivia there was one time she went searching for Olivia's dad, thinking through her dad he could tell her where to find Olivia, and she got to meet him. But her dad couldn't help because he was paralyzed, in a wheelchair and couldn't speak. And that was when the wife of Olivia's father got to know he had another kid outside.

"Olivia, Olivia, Olivia?" Michaela called her to get her attention to her question.

"What?" Olivia asked, after coming out of her stupor.

"I said what now? You've forgiven Franklyn…."

"You once mentioned you know where my dad lives, right?"

"Yes."

"I'd like to pay him a visit."

"What for?"

"I seem to be in a forgiving mood. He should benefit from it too."


Whatever happened before they found themselves in front of a house that belonged to the man who was supposed to be one of the important men in Olivia's life was of no importance to anyone.

The whole place was crowded and seemed to be in mourning due to everyone wearing black.

They were now maneuvering their way into the crowd, "Today is easier. It wasn't easy to get in here the day I visited. I was interrogated at the entrance and I had to lie I was you, his daughter with another woman before they let me in," Michaela informed Olivia.

"They seemed to have something big going on today," Olivia stated.

They walked a little further before Olivia saw a big portrait of her dad, written, Elli Pope January 9, 1954 - February 10, 2018.

"They are all dead," Olivia's thought was audible, "Franklyn, mom and now dad." She stared at the portrait for a long time, but seemed to be thinking of some good times with her dad, due to the smile on her face.

A lady recognized Michaela and was approaching them, "Michaela, how did you know about this and what are you doing here?"

Michaela quickly informed Olivia the woman approaching them was her step-mom before she reached them.

"This is Olivia, your step-daughter," Michaela immediately informed the lady and left them to take a go at it.

The lady and Olivia did a stared down before she asked Olivia to follow her in a room so no one could eavesdrop.

As soon as they were alone, the lady wasn't in a mourning mood anymore, "I don't care which of his lawyers contacted you, but you are not getting a penny from that will," She fired at Olivia.

Olivia chuckled, "Lady, no one contacted me. And I don't want a penny from your husband or you. I just need to forgive him, for my wellbeing. Please can I see his body?"

Before the lady could say anything, someone walked in "Mom, I've been looking for you," She looked at Olivia, "Rachel, your husband is also looking for….. you…. Wait, you are not Rachel."

"Vivien, close the door," Olivia's step-mom said to her daughter.

"Mom, what's going on, who is she?"

"This is the Olivia, your father's….."

"OMG! She looks just like Rachel. I'm going to get Tom and Rachel," She rushed out before her mother could finish.

Within Seconds the whole family was staring at Olivia. Olivia could tell Tom was the eldest, Rachel was almost her age, and to be sincere, there was a slight resemblance between her and Rachel. She now remembered how her dad mistook her for a Rachel so many times that made her question him about it. But he told her he wanted to name her Rachel because it was the name of his mom, but Maya refused. Vivien must be the last child, because she looked younger than all of them.

Their staring was getting to Olivia, "Look guys, I'm not here to cause any problem. I wasn't even aware he is dead."

"So what are you doing here then?" Tom demanded.

"To forgive him," Olivia answered.

Rachel didn't buy it, "Oh please, you think we're that stupid? We all know you are here for your share of the inheritance."

"Why would I want anything from someone who abandoned me knowing full well I was being abused?" Olivia was so over what they thought of her, "Look, I don't care if you guys believe me or not. Can I just see his body? Please I need to air my mind. I promise you people will never see my face again."

"Fine," Their mother said before anyone could protest, "Please, don't just create a scene. People do think the bastard was a saint. We want to keep it that way."

Tom went to where his father was laid and asked everyone to excuse them, saying they needed a moment with their father.

Olivia wanted to be alone with the open casket, but she knew his family wouldn't want that since they were trying to keep his reputation intact, and her being alone with him would be suspicious. They gave her some distance, though they could hear what she was about to say.

Getting closer to the casket was tough for Olivia. But she finally made it there with sweaty hands.

She stood quietly for a minute, then licked her lips, "Dad," She whispered, the word dad sounded so foreign in her mouth, "It's Olivia," She paused and thought of some fun memories she had with him, "You were my rock when you were available. I remembered when I was 9, and wanted you to attend the father/daughter dance, but you said you have to take one of your long business trips and won't be there. Some kids were already teasing me for being there with mom, but you showed up out of nowhere with so many flowers, and then asked me if we could ditch the dance and go sight-seeing on your friend's chopper just the two of us instead. I think that is my funniest memory with you."

Smiling boldly, she couldn't hold a tear dropping from her eye, "I also remembered I told you I've been raped, and you were loudly silent. I thought you were sympathizing with me or feeling my pain, but just like mom you didn't care and you even asked me to mine my business. Latter, I got to know you had more important priorities in life, your beautiful family that I just met today."

She wiped the tear on her face, "But dad, I've come to the acceptance of everything, it doesn't mean resignation. I need to live a happy life, and happiness can only come through acceptance. I know what I've been through due to mom and you, is what it is, and I'm finding my way through it." She paused again, thinking of what her life would've been like with her dad by her side. She shut her eyes preventing more tears from falling.

With shaky hands, she touched the casket, "I'm sorry for the life you lived. For the lies you told. For the people you hurt. And Daddy, from the bottom of my heart, I forgive you."

There were tears in everyone's eyes from Olivia's speech. Her step-mom was the first one to walk to her and hugged her. Then everyone followed suit and hugged her too.

They asked Olivia if she would like to stay for the funeral, but she declined and told them they knew him more than she ever did. They insisted for her to take her share of the inheritance, but she also declined.

XXX

Olivia met with Michaela outside, and Michaela asked her what now.

"Now, we go claim mom's body for burial," She said as she led the way.

But Michaela didn't follow her, "I can't."

Looking behind her shoulder, Olivia could see the fear in her face, "Yes, Mich, if I can so do you. Trust me."

"Can we just look for a different person you need to forgive?"

Olivia chuckled, and faced her, "No, she's the only one left."

"If you finish with mom then I'll be alone. I don't want to be alone."

Olivia felt bad for her, but wanted her to understand their situation, "Michaela, you know I can't really be your guardian, right?"

"I know that," She said with her head bow down.

She took some steps closer to Michaela, "You remember James?" Olivia asked, but didn't wait for her to answer, "They want to talk to you. He and his partner want to foster you. They are good people. I'm certain they're going to treat you well. And since I'm a friend of theirs, we'll be seeing each other all the time."

Michaela now looked at her, "Seeing me all the time won't trigger what Franklyn and mom did to you?"

Olivia thought about Michaela's question, "Maybe and maybe not, but it'll also be a testament of my strength too. Just staying with you in the hospital and our little adventure, getting to meet grandma, Franklyn and now my dead dad has shown me how strong I am. Throughout this process I've never seen mom or Franklyn in you. I've seen just a smart pretty girl with a good sense of humor."

"You think I'm smart and pretty?" Olivia's validation meant so much for her.

"Yes."

A huge smile appeared on Michaela's face, "Coming from you, I'll take it. And you're not that bad yourself."

Olivia laughed, and took her hand "Now, let's go bury mom."

"She wanted to be cremated."

"Thank God, less work. Do you want to keep the ashes?"

"No. I don't like thinking about sad stuff."


Days passed by before Karen got to know about her reality and she was uncontrollable. Mellie gave up; she couldn't bear seeing her daughter like that. So everything was left for Fitz to figure out.

"Honey, I promise you I'll do everything to make sure you walk again," Fitz tried to console her.

"What if I never do?" She cried out.

"Baby, I love you. I'll forever love you. You just need to keep a positive mind. The doctors said you might be able to work again someday."

"Might? And what day?"

Fitz had asked this same question to the doctors, but they didn't have the answer. He didn't know what to tell Karen.

"Tell me the truth," Karen shouted out.

"They don't know, honey," Fitz was as broken as Karen, "Baby, we're going to do this together," He held Karen as she cried herself to sleep.

After Karen fell asleep, he called for arrangements to be made in his house so to make life easy for Karen after she'd be discharged.

Fitz couldn't believe his life at the moment. Nothing was working in his favor.


After Maya had been cremated, Olivia and Michaela were on a beach to scatter her ashes.

In Olivia hands were the dairy or note from her grandmother and the urn where Maya's ashes were in, "I tried pleasing you with every fiber of my being, but it was never enough," She said to Maya's ashes.

"Mom, you were self-centered. You hated me because of daddy. You pushed me to the edge when you blamed me for the rape. I've been alone for as long as I can remember, and I've blamed and hurt myself for being unlovable," She stopped talking, just looking at the urn.

"I remember it wasn't always like this. I started feeling your hate when I was about 10 years old. You made me feel undeserving, unwanted. And after the rape I attempted my first suicide playfully. Soon after, I started treating my body like it wasn't a temple,"

She thought of all the disgusting things she had done with her body, and her tears were just pouring like a waterfall, "I said I won't cry over my past. But here I am doing exactly that."

Breathing in and out, now thinking of the grey areas in life, Olivia looked at her grandmother's diary or whatever it was, "Mom, from grandma's dairy or whatever this is called, I've got to know you a little. I now understand why you hated her, and I can't believe you two made peace. She listed all the things she did wrong by you, her forcing you to sell your body and steal for food, her drug problems and many more. I see how all of that shaped you, and the way you raised me. You wanted desperately to be different from her, and you did for a while until daddy's reality started catching up, then you put all your frustration on me just like grandma did to you."

Everything now made sense to Olivia, and it was all the closure she needed. "I know you had no manual on how to raise a child. You were once a young child just as I was. You've suffered the heartache and pain of life even more than I did. You were just a fallible human being as I am. You were not perfect, none of us are. But mom, I also know, no matter what a person has been through in life doesn't give them the right to treat others badly."

Olivia has hated her mom for as far back as she could remember, and now recognized all she ever wanted was for her mother to feel her pain, "Now, I know why I've resented you for so long, it was a yearning for your empathy, for you to deeply see, feel and recognized the pain you caused me, and I know you did before you died because you tried to make amends. And so, mom, I forgive you from the bottom of my heart. I no longer hate you."

Michaela also gave her own heartfelt speech and they scattered the ashes on shore. They hugged each other and cried for a while.

Olivia's body, soul and spirit felt so pure, she let out a long breath and the first person that came to her mind was Fitz.

"What now?" Michaela asked Olivia.

Olivia smiled brightly at her, "Now, I am to have a talk with the love of my life. Then we talk to Cyrus and James concerning you."

"Is the father of Jerry the love of your life?"

"Yes, he is."

"I like him too."


Fitz had just settled Karen in his house and was watching the news while Jerry and Karen were sleeping. He saw Olivia's face plastered on his screen with Jerry and Abby. Olivia just accepted she was about committing suicide before noticing Miriam on the balcony, and Fitz was totally dumbfounded.

He was about to call Olivia when Jerry joined him, "Jerry, what is this I'm watching, how come I'm not aware of this?" He pointed at Olivia on the news.

"I forget to tell you. We've all been so busy with Karen."

"Is it true, was she really about to do that?"

"Yes…."

The doorbell interrupted Jerry before he could say more. He went to the door, and was surprised to see Olivia and Michaela, "Olivia, Michaela?" He then shouted out, "Dad, you have a surprise," Jerry hugged Olivia, and was then confused whether to give Michaela a hug or a handshake, but extended his hand for a handshake at last. Michaela and Olivia then followed behind him.

"Wha…..wha….t?" Fitz was about to ask Jerry of the surprise, but stuttered as he made eye contact with Olivia.

"Hello Mr…"

Fitz didn't notice Michaela at first, until he heard her voice, "Michaela, I once said you can call me Fitz. And how are you doing?"

"Fine, thank you."

This was Olivia's first time in Fitz's house. Her eyes roamed her surroundings, "Your home is beautiful," She said to him.

Fitz was blanked out; he didn't know what to say or how to respond to Olivia especially after learning she was about committing suicide just some few feet from him days ago. He has been beating himself since that day for overreacting she might hurt herself, thinking he was just looking after his own selfish interest, but he was right all along.

Jerry looked at his dad, then Olivia, and recalled what he and his dad were talking about before the bell rang, "Michaela, why don't I show you around. I think my dad and Olivia have a lot to talk about."

"Sure," Michaela followed Jerry.

Fitz was still short of words, just staring at Olivia.

Someone has to say something, Olivia thought, "How is Karen doing?"

"She's in her room sleeping. You want to see her?" He asked, and started walking in the direction of Karen's room, doing the first thing that popped into his head. He had no idea why Olivia was in his house. He remembered she wanted some distance to heal and know herself.

Olivia's voice stopped him in his track, "No, I won't want to disturb her, plus she doesn't even know me"

He turned back and faced Olivia, still not knowing what to say or do. His emotions were complicated. Fitz didn't know if he should be mad or happy to see her in his home.

"Won't you offer me a seat?"

"Sorry…" He was about offering a chair, but had to say instead, "I can't count how many times I've beaten myself for not having enough faith in you after we left your mom."

Olivia immediately knew what he was talking about, "Jerry told you."

"No, I just saw your face on CNN right now, today Olivia."

"CNN, like really?"

Fitz didn't reply.

"Okay, let me have it," Olivia was ready for him to say whatever he had to say and be done with it so they could talk on important issues.

Instead, Fitz shook his head in annoyance, took some distance, turning his back at her in frustration.

Olivia offered herself a seat, crossed her legs, an elbow on her knee and her chin resting on her fist. She was staring at his back. She understood why he was acting like this.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you, and you had to get it through CNN. You don't have to worry about me ever attempting something like that again."

Fitz now looked at her, "Ok, fine," He responded sarcastically, but didn't add anything. His hands were on his waist just staring at her.

Olivia tried to smile at him, but he wouldn't smile back, "These past days, I've forgiven, Franklyn Glynn, Eli Pope and Maya."

A confused look crossed Fitz's face, "Apart from your mom, Maya, who are the other people?" He then had an epiphany, "Eli Pope, your dad, and Franklyn Glynn?" He asked.

"My rapist, he now has a name."

"You forgave them all?" He took some steps toward Olivia, pleasantly surprised.

Olivia smiled at him again, "Yes, I went to Franklyn's grave; spoke to my dad's dead body and Maya's ashes."

"Wait, Maya is dead?" Fitz was now really confused, "When and how?"

"Jerry didn't tell you? I told James. Her blood pressure went up after we left and she died."

"God, I've been so consumed with Karen. You said you forgave….?"

"Yes, I genuinely forgave them all. I don't hold any ill thought about them anymore. I've held on to grievances and bitterness for years, and since they weren't physically present with me to take my frustration on them, I took it on myself, abusing my body and hating myself. I gave them too much power by being angry. It feels so wonderful to let go and be free. I am now at peace with my mind, body and spirit."

Fitz couldn't help, but being turn-on from the words that were coming out of Olivia's mouth, he took a chair opposite Olivia's, "I'm so proud of you, doing all that by yourself, I would've loved to be with you through it all though."

"I know, but it was important I did it alone, though Michaela was there, but I didn't need any motivation from anyone to do it. I did it out of my own strength, and that's very important to me."

"I'm sorry how I acted at the hospital. You needed my support, not my insecurities."

"I would've been insecure in your place too. I was indifferent and distant, but after taking all the load off my chest, by forgiving them all, my inner most control was restored. I'm now able to empathically connect to my inner sense of compassion and love for myself, which helps me to connect to the love you've been showing me. You were the first person that came into my mind after I let go of everything."

"Really?" Fitz smiled cannily and stood up from his chair.

She rolled her eyes with a smile and shook her head lightly, "Yes."

"So?"

Olivia looked up at him seriously for some seconds before saying, "I love you too."

"I want to reach out and kiss you so badly right now, but you have to finish your recovery steps. Still, I'm dying to touch you, can I hug you?" He had to ask due to how his last hug to her went.

Olivia chuckled and stood up, "Yes, you can."

They hugged each other and got lost in the moment. Olivia couldn't be more grateful, finding love after everything she has been through. While Fitz was so content just being in her arms, until something tried to make itself known.

"Fitz?" Olivia laughed in his arm.

He back off a little embarrassed, "I'm sorry, the guy seemed to have a mind of its own.

Olivia decided not to think about that and changed the topic, "I want to travel a little."

"When and where?"

"Everywhere and soon."

"I can't really leave Karen right now."

"I didn't invite you."

"Ouch! That hurt, you wound me," He held his chest playfully, adding, "I think it's a good idea. I'll be right here when you're back, and take all the time you need."

"Aren't you scared I may relapse or fall in love with someone else after getting to meet so many attractive strangers?" She teased.

Fitz knew she was only teasing him, nevertheless, his heart skipped a little bit, because what she said wasn't really all that far-fetch, but he also knew it was important for her to see what she was capable of, "Well, you know what they say, if you love something or someone let it go," He smiled brightly at her, "You know the rest." He Became serious and took her hands into his, "I know I have a special place in your heart. And even if you relapsed or fall in love with someone else, I'll never stop loving you, and I'd be forever grateful to have experienced such strong connection of this thing called love.

Olivia was so consumed with Fitz's statement and his love. And the way he was just staring at her after saying all that. She reached out for just a peck on his lips, but the contact was so magnetic and strong that it turned into a heated kiss. Olivia once thought she has lost such craving due to how she reacted to Fitz when he tried making love to her after Miriam's incident, but boy was she wrong.

They didn't know how badly they both needed that. They kept on going and going.

I AM AWARE THIS JOURNEY WAS A DIFFICULT ONE FOR OLIVIA AND ALL YOU GUYS WHO ARE STILL READING BUT SHE MADE IT. AND I TRULY APOLOGIZE IF I WAS IN ANY WAY INSENSITIVE IN MY HANDLING OF THIS TOPIC.

THERE IS POWER IN FORGIVENESS