Recap: Olivia got a phone call from her doctor's office that something was found in her blood work. Dun dun duuunnnn! For some reason these chapters are getting longer and longer. I can't stop myself. Enjoy :)
Olivia was beside herself with worry, as she waited in one of the examining rooms with Fitz. They'd arrived at the doctor's office ten minutes ago. Shelby greeted them and checked them into the available room, before leaving to announce their arrival to Dr. Rawlins.
Olivia was seated up on the examining table, while Fitz sat on the single white chair next to the bed.
"It's going to be alright, Livvie" he coaxed, rubbing circles into her back. He was trying his best to keep her calm. When he'd picked her up thirty minutes ago, she was one breath away from hysteria. She was doing much better now. He was glad that his presence was somewhat comforting. From the moment he'd picked her up, she held onto him as though he was her lifeline.
"What if I'm really sick? What if it's cancer? Oh God!" she gasped, at the mention of the C word.
Fitz's heart was thumping fast, but he didn't let on. He had to remain calm for both of them. "It's going to be alright, baby" he repeated again, his tone lacking much conviction.
Olivia exhales loudly, easing the tension in her chest.
"I hope so" she said, throwing herself backwards to lay down on the narrow bed.
A creak in the door alert them of a visitor.
"And how's my favorite couple doing today?" Dr. Roshauna Rawlins, greeted with a big smile. She looked radiant in a light pink shift dress underneath her open front lily white lab coat. As customary, her stethoscope hung loosely around her neck. Kitten heeled nude pumps graced her feet. She always gave off an air of sophistication and elegance.
"Not too good right now" Fitz answered, honestly.
Dr. Rawlins frowned at his statement but before she can speak Olivia did.
"What's wrong with me?" Olivia asked, as soon as she found the courage to speak.
Dr. Rawlins', smile returned as she addressed her question. "Olivia, before I go into your blood work, I want to apologize that I didn't catch it when you were at my office. Because it was a regular routine checkup we allowed the test to be done within standard time, with no rush" she explained.
Olivia's grip on Fitz's hand got tighter. She felt as though she would pass out at any minute.
"What's it?" she inquired, impatiently.
"Based on your blood work your hCG levels are through the roof." Dr. Rawlins paused, and give them a smile.
"Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Grant. You're pregnant" her voice carried a happy tone.
The room went silent at her annoucement.
"What! How can that be? I take my contraceptive religiously and I saw my period last week" Olivia uttered, in disbelief.
"It's possible that you experienced spotting. Bleeding sometimes represent implantation of a fertilized ovum. From the test we estimate that you're around 5-6 weeks. Have you been having any symptoms lately?" Dr. Rawlins asked.
Olivia was shocked beyond words. She was really pregnant, she thought. Fitz was right. She wasn't supposed to be here again. She and Fitz moved on from this stage of their life.
Seeing her blank expression, Fitz came to her rescue and began listing his observations. "Actually, this morning she woke up around 4 and was vomiting. Then there's her sensitive boobs and oh, the smell of eggs. She can't stand it as of late."
When he was finished, Dr. Rawlins said "Thank you." She turned to Liv and asked, "Have you refilled your contraceptive prescription as yet?"
"No, it's still in purse" Olivia's voice was small. She could feel the tears stinging the back of her eyes. Oh God, I didn't want to be here again, her thoughts.
"Good. I wanted you to come in as soon as possible. Again I'm sorry that I didn't run any tests at your last appointment. We kind of overlooked that, because of your period" she took a breath and continued, "instead of prescription for contraceptive pills, I'll write you a new one for prenatal vitamins."
"Ok" Olivia replied, looking none too happy.
"Are you ok?" Dr. Rawlins asked, seeing the sad expression on her face.
"Yes" Olivia choked out.
Hearing her answer, Dr. Rawlins, turn her attention to Fitz, who was wearing a wide smile. His hands were intertwined with his wife. Seeing his easy expression she can tell he was excited while Olivia wasn't.
"I'll give you two a minute and I'll be back to check on the baby." Dr. Rawlins announced, before leaving the room to have a nurse transport the Ultrasound machine.
"Wow" Fitz uttered, in wonderment. He was beyond excited. Words couldn't express how happy he was to hear that they're pregnant.
"This is great, Liv" he excitedly, declared.
Olivia, doesn't say anything. She remains quiet and stares at the white wall straight ahead of her. So much emotions were running through her that she didn't know what to say. So she said nothing.
"Liv?" Fitz questioned, finally paying attention to her silence. In the midst of being excited for new life, he'd forgot that this was something she didn't want.
"Yea" she whispered, hoarsely from the tears caught in her throat.
"You want this right?" he asked, his voice low, heart racing and palms sweaty.
He watched, as she gives him a tight smile and nods her head once. He can see the tears filled her eyes but they refuse to spill.
Their moment ended when, Dr. Rawlins, and the nurse returned to the room. She advised Olivia, to lay on her back and roll the bottom of her top up – exposing her flat stomach.
Dr. Rawlins, applied the gel to her belly and clicks some buttons on the machine. Fitz watched on in wonder as he sees a small blip come alive on the screen. And then the faint thumping rhythm of their heartbeat was sounding throughout the room. He couldn't help but cry, it was such a miracle for him to witness. He never thought that they would have a third child.
He looked at Olivia's face and see the tears rolling down her cheeks as well. Her attention was on the screen.
Freezing the screen, Dr. Rawlins said, "Based on the heart development, I'll say you're actually 6-7 weeks pregnant. Baby is healthy and everything else looks good as well."
She reminded her to stop taking the pills. She went over the Do's and Don'ts list that Olivia was sort of a pro at, having done this twice. Which after they scheduled a checkup visit, three weeks from that date. When she was finished she asked them if they had any questions.
Olivia, nervously asked, "Will anything happen to the baby because of the birth control and the glass of wine I drink most nights?"
"Doing both while pregnant is harmful for the baby but since we were able to stop it early, both you and baby will be fine." Dr. Rawlins assured.
Olivia nodded her head in acknowledgement.
A few seconds of silence hung in the air, after no one else asked any more questions.
"Thank you. Dr. Rawlins, we appreciate your discretion and helpfulness that you always provide to us." Fitz got up to shake the doctor's hand.
"No problem" she give him a warm smile before turning her attention to her patient. "Olivia, if you need me please don't hesitate to contact me" she paused and crook an eyebrow suggestively. "About anything" she finished, before grabbing the door handle to exit the room.
"Thank you" Olivia replied, giving her a little smile.
Olivia fixed her clothes and hair in silence as Fitz watched on. Once she was finished, she wordlessly signals for them to go. They made their way out of the room and to the nurses' station, she collects her prescription before leaving the building.
Fitz didn't know what to say as he walked beside her. He could literally see her shutting him out, her walls were getting higher and thicker with each stride of her legs.
Reaching the silver S600 Mercedes Benz, Fitz unlocked the doors, before opening the passenger side for her.
Once she was settled inside, he closed it and walked around to his side.
Taking his seat in the luxury vehicle, he starts the car. Before pulling off, he turned to her and asked, "Do you want to go home?"
"No. Take me back to work please" she replied, her face staring straight ahead.
"You sure you don't want to rest?"
Olivia sucked her teeth and rolled her eyes at no one in particular. Her patience was growing thin. She didn't want to be babied up. "No. Take me back to work please" she repeated evenly.
"Ok" was all he said, before pulling out of the parking garage.
He made his way through the busy Manhattan traffic. Sometimes he didn't understand why they even drive here. It's terrible most times. It takes them close to twenty minutes to drive three miles.
Silence enveloped the car as they drove back, neither one talking. Fitz, didn't know what to say and he didn't want to put his foot in his mouth. So he decided to remain quiet.
Pulling into the parking garage of the skyscraper her gallery was housed in, he parked the car.
"You don't have to come" she told him, seeing him reached for his seatbelt whilst she reached for the door handle.
"Ok" Fitz relented, wanting to give her some space. "But can I get a kiss before you go?" he bit the bullet and asked. He didn't want them to leave each other on a dull note.
He watched her back, as she stopped mid movement, she slowly turned to face him and he took it as his cue, to move into her.
He was going in for a chaste kiss but the taste of her cherry lip balm had him wanting more. The kissed lasted for a few seconds before Liv pulled away.
"I have to go" she told him, pressing her fingers to her lips as if to savor his taste.
"Ok. I'll see you at home" he said, in a voice of defeat not liking her cold disposition.
"Yes" she agreed, finally opening the door and moving out of the car, leaving him watching after her.
When she was no longer in sight, he looked up and prayed for strength to deal with the storm that was coming.
Olivia wanted to be alone in the quiet space of her office. She didn't want to be interrupted by anyone. Walking through the door of the gallery she realized that it wasn't possible. They were quite a few customers inside, and Samantha was already advancing towards her with a wide smile. She wasn't in the mood for any of it.
"Good morning, Boss Lady" Samantha greeted, happily.
"Good morning, Sam" Olivia returned, with as much warmth and energy that she could've mustered.
Being oblivious to Olivia's mood, Samantha continued in the same happy tone. "The delivery guy dropped in another set of pink peonies and this time it was accompanied by a box of chocolate truffles. Fitz, is really putting in the work" Samantha teased.
At her words, the hair on Olivia's skin pricked as her pores opened. She immediately knew that Fitz hadn't sent the flowers or the chocolate.
"Where did you put it?" Olivia's asked, harshly.
"Uh… In your office –"
Olivia stormed off before Samantha could finish. She made her way to the back of the gallery, where her office was housed. She was grateful that none of the customers had stopped her along the way.
Opening her office door, she sees the light pink peonies, standing in a long transparent vase filled with water, rested on the center of her desk. Next to it was a box of gourmet chocolate truffles with a red bow.
Olivia was seething mad, she didn't need this today. She marches over to the floral arrangement and grabs the card. She read it over and over again.
I just want to know if you're always thinking of me like I think of you. It can be just like old times.
~ Always Thinking of You
"What the fuck?" Olivia bellowed. She grabbed the entire arrangement and slammed it on to the floor. Water splashed everywhere from the explosion. Olivia dropped to her knees amidst the mess and broke down in tears. She was feeling extremely overwhelmed. Life felt too much for her in that moment. Her body racked with tears, she only hoped that no one could hear.
Her sobs turned into hiccups as she sat on the floor with her hand resting on her still flat belly.
"I fooled myself into believing that I wasn't pregnant, but here you are" she said through hiccups, talking to her belly. The funny thing about the entire situation is, she conceived before Fitz had even brought up the baby talk. Her conception time fell right before Fitz went out of the country for a two weeks business trip.
All this time she was pregnant and she didn't even know. She didn't want to know. She saw the same signs as Fitz but chosen to ignore it. But now she couldn't run from the idea of being pregnant, again.
Not wanting to think about her pregnancy for another second more, she gets up on her feet.
Her dark gray pencil skirt became darker from the puddle of water that she'd sat in. Looking down at the mess, Olivia let out a groan.
She just wanted to stay seated on the floor and wallow in self-pity. She didn't want to think about the positives of her situation. Her loving children or her loving husband, she just wanted to wallow.
In a timely fashion, her inner prompting brought back her favorite quote to mind. "Life is 10 percent of what happens to you and 90 percent of what you do about it."
She frowned at her mind for being so optimistic. She just wanted to be left alone. She didn't want all this positive thinking right now.
Letting out a giant sigh, she walked over to the small closet that was in the corner of the room. She grabbed a pair of boyfriend fitted jeans before walking into the en suite bathroom.
As soon as she hit the room, a wave of nausea swept over her. She rushed to the toilet, planting her knees on the ground, just before she began to hurl up her breakfast.
Olivia spent the next five minutes with her head stuck in the toilet. She was a yammering mess of tears and puking.
When she was finished, she flushed the toilet and braced her back to the wall. She was too tired to get up. She needed to rinse out her mouth but that will just have to wait.
A few minutes went by before Olivia heard Samantha calling for her. She didn't have the strength to answer her. She heard her voice getting closer and closer.
"Liv?" she heard her, calling from the outside of the slightly ajar door.
"In here" Olivia croaked, after a few seconds. Her throat felt like sandpaper had scrubbed it.
Samantha took that as an invitation to enter. "Oh my god, Liv! Are you ok?" she asked alarmed, after seeing her boss looking disheveled, sitting on the floor.
"Yup" she popped the p at the end.
"You want some water?" Samantha asked.
Olivia nodded yes. "Who's looking at the gallery?" she inquired.
"Henry is here. Don't worry about it."
Olivia nodded again.
"I'll be right back" Samantha said, before leaving to grab a bottle of water.
When she'd left, Olivia decided to get up from the tile floor to go rinse her mouth. She grabbed, one of several disposal Colgate wisps, that she keeps in one of the bathroom drawers. She made quick work of brushing her teeth and tongue. Once she was completed, she rinsed her mouth with mouth wash and discard the wisp. By the time she was finished, Samantha returned with a bottle of water and a glass.
Olivia collects both items from her and pours half of the water into the glass.
She took a long drink, enjoying the feel of the cooling sensation on her burning throat.
Samantha watched in silence. She had so many questions swirling around her head. After Olivia was missing for close to an hour, she'd decided to venture in to her office, just to check on her. But first, she had to wait until Henry was at work, before leaving the front of the gallery. Once he was on the clock and settled in, she left him to go check on Liv.
When she first saw the peonies on the floor, covered in broken glass and water, she immediately panicked. Finding her sitting on the bathroom floor didn't help alleviate her panicky feelings but rather increased it.
"Liv?"
Olivia was standing in front of her looking down at the empty glass in her hands.
"I'm pregnant" she admitted, softly.
"What?" Samantha asked, unable to hear her answer.
"I'm pregnant" she repeated, a little louder.
"Oh" she responded. Samantha didn't expect that. She thought that she and Fitz, had a fight hence the broken floral arrangement and tears stained cheeks.
"When did you find out?"
"About an hour ago" Olivia answered.
"Are you feeling ok?"
"Yea I'm good. Was feeling nauseous earlier but I'm fine now."
"Ok" Samantha said, not knowing what else to tell her. She clearly looked unhappy and she wasn't about to ask her, if she was excited.
"Do you want anything? Some tea? Ginger ale?" she started, reeling off things that she remembers pregnant women liked.
"No, that's fine. But I could use your help, cleaning up the flowers" Olivia replied. "I kind of lost it earlier" she said with a small chuckle.
"I can see" Samantha teased her. "No problem" she give her a smile. "Let me grab a broom and mop from the supply closet."
"Thank you, Sam" Olivia smiled at her in appreciation. She was glad that she was intuitive enough to not ask her too many questions.
"You're welcome" Samantha said, before turning to leave the bathroom.
When the door was locked on her way out, Olivia peeled off the damp skirt from her body, dropping it to the floor. Then removed her four inch black pumps, before sliding into her jeans. Taking both the shoes and discarded skirt with her, she left the room.
She exchanged her pumps for a pair of red Manolo Blahnik strappy sandals, to better compliment her updated outfit. A seamlessly fitted, linen white tie-front long sleeve shirt, dark blue boyfriend jeans with her recently added red heels.
By the time she was finished, Samantha returned with the cleaning apparatus.
The two spent the next few minutes cleaning up the mess. Samantha teased her, for going hulk and it made her laugh for the first time, since that dreadful phone call that morning. She briefly forgot everything, as she threw her head back in rapture.
"Let me know if you need anything else" Samantha told her, once they were finished.
"I'll be fine. Thank you" Olivia give her a genuine smile.
"Suit yourself. Don't rush to come outside. Henry and I have it. You should take an easy day. Doctors' orders" she joked and immediately regretted it, when Olivia face fell into a frown.
"I'm sorry – "she began but Olivia interrupted her. "It's ok."
"Ok. I'll see you later" with that Samantha left the door.
Olivia sat despondent, looking out the high rising view of her office window. The outside looked as gloomy as she felt.
By 3 PM Fitz was ready to call it a day. He was beyond worried about his wife. He'd sent her several text messages, asking if she's ok in different ways, and she simply replied with a "yea" each time.
He was trying to stay focus as he listens to the female singer, record one of her singles at the studio, but his mind was so far away.
Excusing himself from the recording room, he left his assistant and lead guitarist to handle it.
Making his way to his lush office, he pulls out his chair and plops himself on to it.
He picked up his cellphone and dials his wife's number. He listened as it kept ringing and ringing until he heard her voicemail come on.
After the beep he records a message.
"Livvie, call me. I want to make sure you're ok". He ends the call and threw his phone on top of the desk in the same breath.
Fitz ran his hands through his hair as the feeling of agitation rose within.
Feeling restless, he got up from his chair and started pacing. A habit that he'd picked up from his wife throughout the years.
Their impending fallout, couldn't have happened at a more inconvenient time. Tomorrow he and Liv are supposed to be the smiling, happy couple at his album launch party.
Now she wouldn't even talk to him.
He sighed in frustration as his hands are shove roughly into the front pockets of his jeans, he continued, watching the gloomy weather through the window.
Fitz arrived home around six in the evening, to his surprise Liv wasn't at home as yet. He made his way from the garage and walked inside of the house to be greeted by the kids.
"Good night, Daddy" they greeted him at the same time.
"Hey, good night kids. How was school today?" He asked, knowing that they won't have much complains being that it was Friday.
"It was good. Not too much work today" Tommy offered.
"Mmm. And you quite like that huh, son?"
"Uh huh" Tommy nodded his head, simultaneously as he spoke.
"How about you, sweet cheeks?" He turned his attention to his daughter. He smiled at her outfit. She was adorned in a pink sequins sweater top, black leggings and a yellow tulle skirt.
"Meh. It was fine. Some of the girls were being mean to the new girl" she replied, retelling the drama of a grade 3 class.
"And I hope you weren't one of them being mean?" her father asked, looking her straight in the eye to gauge her reaction. Not only were they taught to report any bad things that occurred to them, but also to not take advantage of people.
"No, daddy. I was trying to defend her but they won't listen to me."
"You did good defending her, Sweetie. You know that small acts of kindness we do for others, come back to us?"
"Really?" Iya asked, incredulously.
"Really" he confirmed.
"How?" Tommy questioned.
Fitz scratched the back of his head as he tried to remember a personal example before saying:
"Whenever your mother is upset, I always try to do something nice for her. Like send her flowers and that makes her happy. Which in turns makes me happy."
"Mmmkay. How does her being happy makes you happy?" Iya inquired.
Fitz chuckled softly, she didn't know the half of it. "Let's say that when Mommy is in a good mood, Daddy is in a good mood too" he said, with a smile. "By the way where's, Rex?"
"We left him in the kitchen with Mama Awa. She baked him treats."
"Oh. Really? Let's go see." They all strode into the modern open plan kitchen, Fitz leading the way.
"Hey, Fitz. How are you?" Mama Awa greeted. She was seated by the kitchen counter, feeding Rex the soft chewable doggie cookie on her lap
The kids immediately went for Rex. Tommy grabbed one of his soft toys from the storage basket, and they took him on the floor and started playing.
"I'm ok. How are you doing?" Fitz answered her question, ignoring the kids and dog. He continued, "Thanks again for looking after Rex today. I know you only come here for the children but I appreciate you, dog sitting for us too."
"Ahh nonsense. I'm just happy to help. Where's Liv? Late meeting?" she inquired.
Fitz shrugged his shoulder casually. "Probably."
"Ok. Since she's not in as yet, I'll be happy to make you guys some dinner. The kids had a snack earlier in the afternoon and they're probably hungry now" she offered, kindly.
"I don't want to inconvenience you" Fitz reasoned, with a smile.
"It's no problem. By the way I was meaning to talk to you and Liv about something."
"Yea? What's that? Please don't tell me you're quitting. Olivia won't have that. You're the only person, besides family she trusts to leave our children with" Fitz truly hopes, that she wasn't quitting on them. Plus with a third addition, they truly needed the extra hand.
"No I'm not quitting. I may be a middle aged woman but I still have plenty energy" she joked.
Fitz was relieved by her admission but was still curious as to what she wanted to talk about.
"I'm getting older and I'm looking to cut down on the different part time jobs that I do. You know I'm only here when you need me and then I have other families that does the same. Well I'm looking to be a full time nanny and would happily take care of the house when the children are at school. I know Liv love doing all those things herself, but it's just a suggestion."
Fitz couldn't help but smile at the timeliness of her proposal. "I think that would be great. I'll talk it over with Liv and we'll get back to you."
Mama Awa smiled brightly at the slightly open door of opportunity. To further open that door, she got up from her seat and started preparing dinner, a delectable meal of Cajun chicken pasta.
Time had literally flown by that evening. She'd gotten off work since four, instead of going home she went to a nearby café. She'd taken a window seat, watching people as they walked by. It was something she liked to do but never have time to. It made her feel like a tourist in this world. In her mind, she came up with stories about what the passersby's life looked like. It was a silly game because you really can't judge a book by its cover, but it was fun. She sipped on hot chocolate as she was lost in her own world. It wasn't until the waitress asked her if she needed a refill that she was conscious about her environment. She declined the refill, seeing that the time was already six. She paid her tab and left the café, still as confused and overwhelmed like she came in.
By seven O' clock, Olivia was coming through the front door.
Entering into the family room, Olivia heard laughing coming from the kitchen. The kids were laughing and Fitz was chastising Tommy, for feeding Rex from off of his plate.
Listening to them, made her smile and she felt guilty for avoiding this, her family. She loved them with all her heart but today she just needed to be by herself. She hoped that Fitz won't be too mad.
Taking a deep breath, she made her way into the kitchen. "Well what do we have here?" she said brightly, with a wide smile plastered on her face. This was the happiest she sounded all day.
"Mommy, where have you been? Mama Awa made dinner for us" Tommy announced. He was truly a mother's boy. His first concern was always about her.
"Oh that's nice. Thank you for doing that" Olivia turned her attention to Mama Awa.
"You're welcome" the older woman said from the kitchen island. She was clearing away the dirty dishes.
Not wanting to intrude and still needing some time alone, Olivia said, "Mommy is tired, your father is going to tuck you in tonight" she spoke, her attention on both Iya and Tommy.
"But I want you to tuck me in" Tommy protested.
"Baby, I'll do that tomorrow. I'm tired" she tried again.
He pouted at her.
Olivia rubbed her eyes, feeling the drowsiness stepping in.
She kissed both of her kids on their foreheads before making her way to the refrigerator.
All this time she had yet to fully acknowledge Fitz. She eventually turned to him and said, "I'll talk to you later" with that she grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and marched up the stairs to their master room.
Once she was in there, she stripped out of her clothes and hit the shower. She allowed her head to be soaked, not caring about the blowout she'd recently gotten. She stood under the large oval shower head as water drops like a water fountain.
When she was tired of the beating droplets, she grabbed her coconut shampoo and worked a sudsy lather on to her hair. Then moved onto her skin, applying her favorite creamy body wash to a loofah. She scrubbed her skin until she felt it was clean.
She took her time stepping out of the steamy shower. Grabbing a fresh towel from the towel warmer, she made her way to the large walking closet.
In the midst of pulling on her night gown, Fitz entered the room. She quickly pulled the gown over her naked body, maintaining an appearance of modesty.
Halting her movement once the thin straps were on her shoulders, she watched as Fitz watches her from the doorway of the closet. His body braced against the doorframe, his arms wrapped around his waist loosely.
Olivia was becoming unraveled under his penetrative gaze.
"Why didn't you answer your phone, Olivia?" he asked, ever so sweetly. His voice was calm and quiet but she wasn't fooled by it.
Olivia took a few seconds before answering him. "I just needed some time alone" she replied simply, her eyes looking into his.
"Didn't it cross your mind that I would be worried sick about you? I haven't spoken to you since I'd dropped you off this morning" his voice raised a few octave as he spoke. He was trying to be cool but he was angry that she would shut him out like this.
"We texted"
"'Yea' is not a conversation. I needed to know that you're ok. You can't not answer your phone for hours and except me to not worry. If I hadn't called the gallery and spoken to Samantha, I would've come there to check on you."
"I'm fine. I just needed some alone time, that's all. I'm sorry for worrying you" she placed her index and middle fingers to her temple area. A mild headache was forming.
His voice softened, as he took in the distress look on her face, the last thing he wanted to do was stress her out. "I get that, baby. I do, but you can't just shut me out. We're a team. Remember? Us against the world" he reminded her.
Olivia gives him a small nod, her eyes refilled with tears. She was still not in the mood for talking.
"Can we talk tomorrow?" She asked, her voice lacking much energy.
Understanding that she must be tired he relents and say, "Sure."
"Ok, well I'm going to bed. Good night" she kissed him briefly on his cheek before walking out of the closet.
After applying body lotion and throwing the decorative pillows in to the storage bin, Olivia was finally able to relax in bed.
As soon as her head touched the pillow, her body succumbed to slumber.
Before Fitz was even finish with his nightly routine, Olivia was already knocked out.
He kissed her forehead good night before claiming his side. He listens to her breathing and like before, he prayed for strength to deal with whatever situation may come their way.
All he knows, is that he'll support his wife one hundred percent even if it pains him.
The next morning Olivia was awaken by loud noises. The kids and Rex had somehow made it into their room.
"Shhhh" Iya whispered to her brother. "You're going to wake mom up" she said after seeing her mother stir.
Olivia saw the three of them at the foot of the king size bed. They were both still dressed in their pajamas, lying on their backs with Rex in the middle. She's going to have to remember, to establish a no bed rule for Rex.
Turning to her side, she saw Fitz sprawled off asleep. His mouth was slightly open and a light snoring escaped his lips.
Then the nausea hits her. Jolting from the bed, she rushed to the bathroom, leaving the kids looking on in bewilderment.
She felt bad for throwing up in front of them but she couldn't help it. They'll be worried about her and she wasn't ready to tell them about the pregnancy.
"Tommy – "she was about to tell him to go back into the bedroom, when another wave of nausea hits her. She dry heaved for a few seconds before it stopped. Putting on a brave face she got up and clean up her mess.
Facing her son she said, "Mommy, is all better now" her voice was bright as ever, even though she felt the complete opposite.
"You sure?" Tommy asked, still standing in the middle of the en suite bathroom, looking up at her with concerned eyes.
"Yes, honey" she replied.
He wasn't convinced but he took her word for now.
Feeling a little better, the two of them returned to the bedroom, only to see Iya and her father snuggled together – eyes wide open, with a sleeping Rex.
"Good morning" Olivia officially greeted, they all grumbled a form of good morning to her – sleepiness clogging their mannerism.
Both she and Tommy climbed onto the bed beside them. Fitz and Olivia were at the end while the kids and dog occupied the middle.
With nothing else to do in the cozy room, they slept in for another few hours.
When they'd woken up, Fitz and Olivia got them ready for their sleepover at their grandparents'. They were anxious to go to Long Island. As promised years ago, Big Jerry did purchase a horse. Betsy was his pride and joy, and the kids enjoyed riding her, whenever they would visit.
Once they were sure to have everything ready, they ate breakfast, and after that loaded the car with their sleepover essentials.
Olivia hugged and kissed the kids – see you laters. She wasn't accompanying them on the car ride. She'd chosen to stay back and let Fitz do the task.
"Love you mom. I'll see you tomorrow" Iya said, giving her a kiss on the cheek.
"Love you too baby" she replied squeezing her.
"Mommy, if you get sick again, just call me and I'll come home to you" Tommy said, seriously.
"I will, Sir, but just know that I'll be alright.
He gives her a brief nod in acknowledgement. Fitz gives her a chaste kiss before jumping in to the car.
After seeing them off, she returned to the sanctuary of her room.
Throughout the day, Olivia behaved like the Grinch, stealing joys. She was moody and easily irritated. Too bad, Fitz felt the brunt of her craze hormones. He tried his best to not take it personally.
It was around 7 PM, when they started the multi-tasks of getting dressed for the album's release party. The theme for the evening was classy elegance, in keeping with his new music. The party was being held on the rooftop of the Peninsula hotel, located on Fifth Ave and 55th street.
Fitz was decked to the nines, in a black fitted Giorgio Armani Soho wool crepe four season suit. Forgoing a tie, he wore only a white shirt underneath with the top two buttons undone. His Ermengildo Zegna wingtip bluchers reflected the lights of their walking closet. He finished off his look, with a mustard and black geometric design pocket square. Lastly, spraying his favorite Tom Ford Black Orchid cologne, on main pulse points, he turned his attention to his wife.
She stood facing the full length mirror in their walking closet, which was more like a dressing room. Olivia's hair cascade in waves of curls down her shoulders. Earlier she'd teased and coiled it into perfection. She wore her diamond chandelier earrings, the first really expensive gift Fitz had given to her at his cousin's wedding. She paired it with the matching bracelet, that he'd gifted her on their 5th anniversary. She was draped artfully in a skin-baring halter back dress, with a deep neckline and an alluring center slit. It was in the most beautiful shade of yellow. Not only was the fit of the dress perfect but the color also was. It made her already glowing skin, brighter. Her makeup, simple and elegant.
When the two were satisfied with their own looks, they made their way out of the door and into the waiting SUV, greeted by their bodyguards for the night.
The vehicle pulled away from the house and in to traffic. Both of them sat quietly, looking through the windows of the back of the car. The dancing lights of the high rise buildings twinkles at them.
"You look great" Fitz said genuinely, taking his eyes off of his window to look at her, realizing that he hadn't complimented her for the evening.
"Thanks. You look great too." She replied simply without turning away from her view.
The atmosphere returned to silence.
As soon as the car had arrived at the hotel, an onslaught of shouting and camera flashing could be heard. One of their bodyguards for the evening got out and opened the car door. Liv, stepped out first with his assistance and he followed. With smiles wide, they waded through the live paparazzi camped outside of the hotel.
For publicity sake, Fitz answered some of their questions and posed for pictures with Olivia along the way.
Fitz held on to Olivia's hand as they entered the glass wall elevators all the way up to the 23rd floor.
With a ding, the elevator doors opens. Olivia immediately broke into a beautiful smile, the first for the night, as she took in the tasteful atmosphere and the soulful voice of her husband – emanating from the surrounding speakers that were strategically placed around the rooftop. It always made her giddy with happiness, whenever she would hear him sing.
They were immediately accosted by Lauren, Fitz's assistant, to the photo booth. A picture of the album cover was blown up to be used as the background.
After taking some required pictures, Olivia moves along with Fitz as they mingled and talk with various music producers, singers, managers and other celebrities that were in attendance. Over the years she has learnt to not be so star-struck, she'd become accustomed to it. Besides she'd learnt that these people are just that, people.
Olivia hugged Sean and asked about his wife. It wasn't often that they see them. They made some more small talks, all the while Fitz's soulful voice serenades the posh crowd in the background.
The décor was classy and incoming with the music. She was grateful for the heat lamps that were tactically placed throughout the floor. It kept her warm despite her back was outside.
Olivia and her husband broke off from each other within an hour of their arrival. He went off to obligatory impromptu meetings with various powerful men, while she chitchatted with some of the women in attendance.
All night she sipped on expensive orange juice, out of crystal flutes, while everyone else either drank champagne or some other liquored down beverages.
All conversations halted instantly, when the keys of the baby grand piano – perched on a little stage, in the middle of the rooftop, sounded.
Her breath was caught in her chest, the minute she looked up and saw Fitz's eyes trained on her. He wore a wicked gleam, his baby blues penetrated her brown orbs from ten feet away. Her legs almost gave out in that moment.
The melody of the piano were being expertly played softly, while the other band members joined in.
Seated upright behind the piano, Fitz said, "This album is dedicated to my one true love. I love you, Livvie."
Olivia gasped, clutched her chest and looked around self-consciously. Everyone's eyes were on her, they all looked on with a smile twitching at the corner of their lips.
She returned her attention to Fitz as he soulfully began singing,
(Look up Stay with you by John Legend as you read this part)
Oooo Ooooo Ooooo
We've been together for a while now
We're growing stronger everyday now
It feels so good and there's no doubt
By now she was swaying in time to the beat as the song picks up.
I will stay with you as each morning brings sunrise
And the flowers bloom in springtime
On my love you can rely
And I'll stay with you
Oh I'll stay with you through the ups and the downs
Oh I'll stay with you when no one else is around
And when the dark clouds arrive
I will stay by your side
I know we'll be alright
I will stay with you
Ooo Oooo Oooooo
Tears pooled in her eyes as she watched her husband passionately sings for her, in the presence of a hundred people.
Though relationships can get old
They have the tendency to grow cold
We have something like a miracle
Yeah, and I'll stay with you
Oh I'll stay with you through the ups and the downs
Oh I'll stay with you when no one else is around
And when the dark clouds arrive
I will stay by your side
I know we'll be alright
I will stay with you
By now she was crying. Tears flowed effortlessly down her supple cheeks. Her vision clouded but she was still able to watch Fitz. His eyes were closed and his fingers skillfully caressed the keys of the piano. He was in his element, singing out of his heart.
And there will be heartaches and pains, yes it will
But through it all, we will remain
In this life, we all know
Friends may come, and they may go
Through the years I know
I will stay
And in the end I know that we'll find
Love so beautiful and divine
We'll be lovers for a lifetime, yeah
And I'll stay with you
I will stay with you
Olivia took a seat in the nearest outdoor chaise, after feeling like she couldn't handle standing anymore – due to the overwhelming emotions rising in her chest.
Fitz reopens his eyes, making contact with hers as he finished off the song.
Oh I'll stay with you through the ups and the downs
Oh I'll stay with you when no one else is around
And when the dark clouds arrive
I will stay by your side
I know we'll be alright
I will stay with you
Everything will be fine
And I will stay with you
Through the end of time
I will stay with you
As the music slowly dies down, Olivia gets up and rushed out of the room as a wave of nausea hits her. She tried to be as graceful as possible as her legs moved quickly on 5 inch stilettos. For some reason her morning sickness came at all times.
She made it to the bathroom just in time, to close the door of the elegant and spacious stall, before dropping to her knees and throwing up. She was an unforgiving mixture of tears and vomit.
After finishing his only live song for the evening, Fitz took a bow and got off the miniature stage.
He looked around for Liv but she was nowhere to be seen. Before he was able to go look for her, he was seized into ambush after ambushes of congratulators.
Finally, being able to free himself from the crowd, he made his way to the gents' room before searching for his hot date.
Emerging from the lavatory, he went in search for Olivia. It didn't take him long to find her as she was standing in a deserted corner of the rooftop, leaning against the rail.
His legs made quick work as he moved into her direction – at the same time a server was passing and he grabbed two goblets of lemon infused waters.
Her back was to him as he approached her. She looked small and sad. The sight broke his heart, he felt it constricted within his chest. While his hands almost, carelessly releases the goblets of water.
"Hi" was all he could croak, after staring at her back for a few seconds.
"Hi" he heard her reply. Slowly, her face was revealed to him, as she took her time turning around. Her cheeks bared signs of tears once fallen.
"How are you?"
"I'm fine" she replied, in a small voice.
"I brought this for you" he hands her one of the glass.
She takes it from him, "thanks" she muttered. She brought the glass to her lips, taking a good drink – quenching her thirst and soothing her raw throat.
When she was finished, the two stood staring at each other in silence. Fitz's heart was breaking with each breath that he made. He needed to ask her something, something that would either bring pain to his life or joy.
"Livvie –"he stops himself, unable to go forward.
He looked behind him to see if they were all alone and thankfully they were. One of his slower songs came on and people were dancing with their significant others or friends.
"Do you want this?" he asked, despite his voice being shaky.
"What?" she asked, confused by what he's saying.
Fitz, takes a deep breath before continuing.
"The baby, I know you didn't want another baby" his voice choked in his throat. "If you want to" he stopped unable to say the word. "If you want to…I'll understand… I…I love you too much to see you sad…It's going to hurt me if you want to but I'll understand…" he trailed off, determined to keep the tears flooding his eyes at bay.
Olivia started to really cry, she couldn't believe what she was hearing. Was I acting so badly that he thinks I want to abort our child? She asked herself. God, knows she wasn't keen on having a third baby but she couldn't fathom aborting something that they'd made out of love.
"Hold me" she whispered through her tears.
Fitz held on to her, like she was his lifeline. The words of his song blaring through his sub-conscience. I will stay with you through the end of time.
Wrapped up in each other they swayed to the music, in their own world, away from everyone else. Olivia was still sniffling in his chest as she let fear, worry and unplanned burdens go.
"I'll never end something that the two of us created out of love" she reassured him, her mouth pressed into his chest as she inhales his masculine scent.
Fitz literally felt his body grow light, because he'd meant what he said. If she didn't want to do it, he would still support her. Love hurts sometimes.
He felt her lifting her head from his chest and he looks down to see her beautiful smile. A smile he hadn't seen in close to 48 hours.
"But you, Sir, is getting a vasectomy. There's not going to be a fourth time" she said sternly with a smirk growing on her lips.
He smiled that million watt smile at her and said, "Yes ma'am."
A/N: Oh friggin' shit! This chapter was my favorite to write. Fitz being sacrificial over her happiness vs his. Like how many dudes does that? What are your thoughts on what he asked? Was he noble to ask her that or not? It made me cry while I was writing it.
What are your thoughts on how Liv handled the news? She's not all smiles and giggles but she'll be ok.
Plus we got a glimpse of overprotective Tommy. :) He'll be home for his mother, just call him. Lol.
Also, Liv got another floral arrangement but this time it was accompanied by chocolate truffles. Yikes. We'll dive into more of that in the next chapter. I wanted this one to be more Olitz centric since there's a, you guessed it, a third child on the way. Unfortunately, it will only be one. I was going back and forth as whether to make her pregnant or not but I went for it. Because things like this happens in real life and I try to be realistic in my writing.
Cleo – Thank you kindly for pointing out that dogs don't really consume milk. Guess you figured out who don't own any pets. Lol
I really enjoyed your reviews for last chapter. ParadoxEquation, I used to be around kids a lot but all that dialogue comes from me being a big goofball. Lol
Sorry for the long A/N, just wanted to thank you and shed some light on my favorite parts of this chapter.
Thank you for your readership and support. Leave them reviews!
Sayonara.