As suspected Teddy did not take to the news of seeing his mother very well. Bellie looked at him and then watched the silent conversation her parents were having. As time passed Bellie began to full appreciate her childhood of anonymity. How it allowed her a full one. The downside of growing up tucked away in Paris was not having her father and not growing up with Teddy to share those memories together but she was well aware that she had never lacked for nothing and with all her heart she knew she was loved and surrounded by people who loved her immensely. It broke her heart to know Teddy was not so lucky. Though he had their father's full love and devotion he had to contend with the expectations that came with the label 'America's Baby'. At such a young age he had to learn the weight of such a title. Bellie knew that their parents didn't want to let him go but bound to the laws of visitation rights.
"All she wants is a photo op. You both know it and I know it." At almost thirteen and at 5"6 they couldn't deny that he no longer was a child. That he too saw right through Mellie.
"She's still your mother baby." Liv said gently.
"In paper only and even then only at her convenience." He spat out angrily. For all of the compassion he inherited from Fitz he also inherited his father's temper. Bellie placed a hand over her brothers as they clenched into a fist resting on the table.
"I'll go with you." she said meeting his gaze. Immediately his body unclenched.
"You will?" He asked. Bellie looked up at her parents then back at him nodding,
"Of course. You and I are a packaged deal." she answered with a grin.
"Tell her Bellie goes or I don't." Teddy stood to his feet and headed to his room.
"Sweetheart are you sure about this?" Fitz asked as Bellie just looked at her Mom.
"Yeah, I never had to endure what he has had to in all my life. My life has been sheltered and surrounded by unconditional love. I have been free to live my life as me and have never been expected to be more than I was. Mom always loved me for me and me alone. If there is one thing in this world I know without a shadow of doubt, it's that she loves me beyond measure. That I come first. That though you may be the love of her life, the moment I existed I was nothing less than the great love of her life. We are without conditions. Teddy doesn't have that. Though he knows you love him, it's not the same. It hurts him to watch Mellie shower her new daughter with the love she never had for him. So yeah I'm sure. If by going with him I can shed some of that unconditional love then so be it. It's a small price to pay. He matters more than my discomfort." Olivia's eyes filled with tears as she opened her arms out to her daughter who launched herself into them.
"Thank you." she murmured into Olivia's neck as she sat on her mother's lap engulfed into her embrace. Fitz dropped his lips to Bellie's head feeling the mixed emotion of pride and heartache.
"My sweet sweet little girl, I wouldn't trade a day with you for anything in the world."