xoxo
X
Darkness surrounds her. She's suffocating with no way out, and although she appears to be okay, she's not. After her breakup with Fitz six months ago, she found herself in a numbing haze, unable to escape the harsh reality she painted in her mind, the harsh reality that came true every time.
There is no them.
With their image shattered into pieces, she wired that painful reminder into her brain, accepting the simple fact that the life she desperately wanted was only a figment of her imagination. Now, she uses those memories to become an unstoppable force of nature whose name will go down in history and transcend centuries.
She's colder, but her fire burns brighter. She's quiet, but her roar is the loudest in the jungle. She's disconnected from emotions and still more calculated than ever. She's alone, but she has everything she needs. She is power. She is grace. She is in control, and she is Olivia Pope. And whatever Olivia Pope says goes.
After picking up the broken pieces of herself after the excruciating end of her relationship, she immediately went back to work. Now that Fitz is entirely off her radar, she was ecstatic to have her attention back on Mellie Grant and her run for the President of the United States.
The two seem to be a fantastic pair together. After all, the women do have a common enemy.
Making her way to Mellie's office dressed in an all-black Armani suit with white pumps and a white Prada bag topped off with her shoulder-length, sleek, dark hair parted slightly to the right, she walks with a burning passion for success, hips swaying, attracting a great deal of attention. However, her face remains stoic.
With a subtle nod and smirk, she passes by Mellie's assistant, who's sitting at her desk, and enters the office, attracting the attention of Mellie. Dressed in an all-red dress paired with black heels and her part in the middle shoulder-length curls, she glances at Olivia with a welcoming yet worried smile.
"What's wrong?" Olivia asks, setting her bag on the desk.
"I'm nervous." She murmurs.
"About what? You have nothing to be worried about, Mellie. You will be president, your campaign will be flawless, and you will do everything these men didn't."
"Coming from you, it sounds more believable." She huffs, closing her laptop. "Coming from me . . . it sounds like I'm trying too hard to fit in."
"Elaborate." She sits in the chair in front of the desk, crossing her legs.
Mellie sighs. "I don't know, Liv. From my view, these men seem to have done everything, and I-"
Olivia raises a hand to stop her. "First of all, you're a woman. Women tend to be better than men in every way possible. Ultimately, we have the power to make and change the rules, which is why the men you're running up against want to silence and keep you backed into a corner."
"Exactly, and if we stand up for ourselves, we get called bitchy, and don't get me started when they chuck everything up to us being emotional."
A smug smile appears. "We're not bitchy or emotional . . . we're passionate, persistent, and powerful. Three things they can't take away from us even if they tried."
Mellie smiles, heaving a soft sigh. "So, what do I do, Liv? I need help."
"You let me take care of the senators."
"And what should I do?"
The look on Olivia's face says it all.
"You're insane, Olivia. I won't do it."
Olivia scoffs. "You have to. You're the one still somewhat in his good graces of the two of us. Plus, you need him to back you if I can't finish this in time. He is still the president."
"I know that." She moves to her feet, pacing back and forth behind her desk, eyes glued to Olivia. "I just don't think it would be a good idea."
"Fine." She smiles, moving to her feet while grabbing her bag off the desk. "If you want to commit political suicide this late into your career, I'll leave that decision to you, but you know I'm right." She proceeds to the exit.
Mellie ponders Olivia's words, heaving a soft sigh. She knows Olivia is correct, but she hates the gut-wrenching feeling that she'll have to see Fitz again after prying herself away from him only to ask if he'll back her.
She hates asking for favors but loves the idea of her being the next president more. Before Olivia could open the door, she scurries over to her, placing her hand on her shoulder, accepting the terms.
"I'll do it."
"Good. Update me on the verdict."
"You haven't talked to him?" She inquires.
"No." She shakes her head. "I haven't. We don't have anything to talk about."
"But you two were so in-"
"Mellie." She smiles, although the thought of Fitz weakens her tough exterior momentarily. "Let me know what he says. I'll handle the senators."
And without another word, she exits the office leaving Mellie with her thoughts.
"Love."
X
The Oval Office has been booming with unprecedented energy missing ever since Olivia Pope left. Sitting behind his desk, a warm smile upon his face, Fitz watches and listens intently as Abby, Cyrus, and Marcus go back and forth about what Fitz should do with his legacy.
He missed this a lot.
Now that he faced the harsh reality that he and Olivia were just two ships momentarily docked before passing, he's become an entirely different man and an altogether different president, although his term is ending. He's never felt better, no longer tethered to the darkness that the White House holds because now, it's filled with light, a light he hasn't seen in years.
A light that he's become.
He listens more, allowing those that work for him and with him to have a voice. He's more focused, no longer blinded by the emotional strain of dealing with someone whose only agenda is to be powerful. He's no longer distracted, and the country and his supporters can see a significant difference.
As he watches the ongoing discussion about his legacy, he leans back in his chair, relishing the moment although it seems to be heating up.
"I think Fitz should stay in DC and tend to the issues that matter." Abby states.
"And do what?" Cyrus questions. "He's done enough for this country. I say he should go to Vermont like he planned and take some time off."
"Cyrus is right." Marcus agrees, attracting a piercing stare from Abby. "He has done a lot, Abby. Give the man some time off."
"Time off? He has the power to solidify himself even after he leaves the White House. I just think that-."
There's a knock at the door, and Fritz's assistant Charlotte walks in.
"Mr. President. Mellie Grant is here to see you. Should I let her in?"
Everyone in the room looks at Fitz and then Charlotte.
"Yeah, send her in." He smiles. "As far as everyone else, I think I want to do work here in DC. Honestly, I think going to Vermont used to be my plan when I was sure I would be married, but now that that's over, I can put my energy on what matters the most: the American people." His voice is unwavering.
"If I can still do good outside of this place, then that's what I'm going to do."
"Perfect." Abby smiles. "I'll have a few options on your desk by the end of the day."
"And I'll keep my ear to the ground to see what the people need," Marcus adds.
"I'll assist, Red," Cyrus says, glancing over at Fitz. "I think you made a wonderful choice, Mr. President."
Fitz smiles. "Then it's settled. We'll reconvene in an hour to discuss what you've heard and your brilliant ideas regarding what I should do.
Everyone nods before proceeding out of the office, not once acknowledging Mellie, who hesitantly enters, closing the door behind her.
"Hi, Fitz." She murmurs.
"Mellie, how may I help you today?" He asks with a smile from his desk, eyes focused on her.
"I like what you've done with the place." She slowly walks towards his desk, examining the lighter decor. "How have things-?"
"Mellie." He interlaces his fingers together. "How may I help you? I'm sure you didn't come all this way to talk about my office and how I've been."
He was right; she didn't. She's just nervous he'll say no to her proposal regarding him backing her for her campaign. After all, they weren't on necessarily good terms either. With fear etched upon her face, she sits on the couch and crosses her legs.
"I came here to see if you would back be for my campaign. I know you, and I don't have the best relationship right now, and I don't have any right to ask you, but even if it was just a letter of-"
"I'll do it." He smiles.
"What?" She asks in disbelief, glancing over at him.
"I'll do it. Besides, it's the least I can do for you, right?" He moves to his feet and walks around to the front of his desk, leaning against it. "I feel like I owe that to you as a man, considering how much turmoil we went through. Also, this is all you've ever wanted, right?" He folds his arms.
"Right." She murmurs, her gaze drifting around the office. "If it means anything . . . I am sorry for everything."
"Bad things happen all the time. What matters most is how you pick yourself up afterward." He smiles. "You seem to be doing great. Your presidential run proves to be a success, and you seem much happier."
"So, do you." She smiles up at him.
"I am. I've never felt better. After everything that happened with Olivia passed, I didn't think I would be able to stand in this office, but here I am doing my job for the country and myself."
"You are doing good. I've heard about everything you've accomplished in such a short time." She exhales softly. "Congratulations."
"Thank you, Mellie." A warm smile. "So, with that, I'll show my support for you within the next few months. You deserve it. I want you to have everything you've ever wanted."
His words hit her like a ton of bricks. She wasn't expecting Fitz to be above the water, but here he is, living what seems to be his best life, and although she's very happy for him, she ponders what this means for them as friends.
"Thank you, Fitz." She moves to her feet, fixing herself up as she turns to face him. "I don't know what I did to deserve your kindness but thank you."
"Anytime, Mel." He smiles, brows furrowed, taking notice of her hesitant demeanor. "Anything else? I have a meeting in a few minutes, and I can't be late."
She folds her arms across her chest with a shaky exhale, eyes glued to his. Mellie knows she shouldn't push, but she can't help her curiosity after her conversation with Olivia, and she must know.
"Have you spoken to her?"
"Who? Olivia?"
She nods her head, unable to speak.
"No." He's straightforward. "And I'm okay with that. I've been better without her." He smiles. "I can honestly say that our breakup made me a better man and president. I will always respect her and her decisions, but love is only a word; without action, it's null and void." He doesn't hold back.
"Like you, she wants power, and I'm not standing in that way. Once my time is up here, you two will be able to run this country however you see fit. I'm no longer a part of her journey, and she isn't a part of mine."
There's nothing Mellie can say now. He painted a clear picture that left her feeling sick to her stomach. Olivia used to be his everything, and now he's prospering without her. It's unexpected, but she's happy for him.
"I'm happy for you, Fitz." The contentment is evident.
He smiles. "And I'm happy for you."
X
Arriving at her apartment, Olivia grabs her keys from her purse and unlocks the door. As she walks inside, she sees Jake sitting on her couch with three envelopes in his hand. A small smile appears as she closes the door behind her and sets her bag on the coffee table to her right.
"Did you get everything you could find on them?" She asks, walking over to him.
"I did." He confirms, moving to his feet. "What's in these folders should make the senators switch their votes to favor Mellie."
"Perfect. Location?"
"They're at some country club. Easy to find. Easy to get into." Holding out the envelopes.
"Good." She takes the envelopes and walks over to her bag, tucking them inside.
"Are you sure you want to do this, Liv?"
"Do what?" She turns to face him.
"Run B613."
"Yes." She's hesitant, folding her arms. "Why?"
He takes a few steps toward her. "It'll change you."
She knows this to be true. Olivia knows firsthand what the power that B613 holds can do, but she doesn't care. She wants it and will do everything to ensure that she keeps it. After all, she has nothing to lose.
"I changed the moment I let him into my life." Her voice is unwavering, although she doesn't believe the words she speaks.
"Had I never fallen in love with him, I wouldn't be here . . . grasping for straws to try and get what I deserve because I would've already had it."
"Liv . . . I-"
She holds up a hand to stop him. "I was weak, but now that he and I are done . . . I can walk myself to victory, and I hope you'll join me, Jake."
He gazes into her eyes, trying to find some weakness or softness, but he can see nothing. However, he knew that her mentioning her relationship with Fitz was only a way to deflect and blame her shortcomings and irrational behavior for the last six months on someone other than herself.
Because, honestly, everyone knows she's better with him than she is without him.
"Jake? Are you with me?" She asks, furrowing her brows, lip quivering, gaze darkening.
He nods, tucking his hands in his pockets. "I'm with you."
"Good." She turns and grabs her bag. "I'll go visit these senators, and I need you to dig up dirt on Mellie's competition, but keep it on the back burner if plan A doesn't work. Got it?" She glances back at him.
"I got it."
X
After her conversation with Jake, Olivia thinks of Fitz more than she should and is to blame. Sitting in her car in the driveway of the country club, she inhales and exhales, trying to remove the thoughts so that she can focus on the task.
She does it within a few minutes.
Getting out of the car, she closes the door and proceeds up to the entrance attracting unwelcome attention from older white men making her wince internally. She can see the senators having some conversation on the porch, so, without hesitation, she approaches them.
"Senator Klein, Murray, and Bennett. How are you gentleman doing today?"
The three men turn to greet her with smug grins spread across their faces.
"Olivia Pope." Senator Klein acknowledges. "You're far away from home. What brings you here?"
"I'm here to talk about you three changing your votes in favor of my candidate."
The senators glance at one another before bursting out laughing.
"You're a bold woman, Ms. Pope." Senator Murray places his hands on his hips. "We aren't changing our votes."
"He's right." Senator Klein agrees. "Your candidate offers us, men, nothing, so why would we vote for her?"
"Because she's a woman." Senator Bennett answers. "And without a man by her side, she's-"
"Without a man by her side, she's still Mellie Grant." Olivia retorts. "One of the most powerful women in the country, and she isn't even president yet." She smiles.
"I find that to be insulting that you three can stand here believing the toxic, emasculate bullshit spewing from your mouths as if you are any better." She jabs a finger at the three of them.
Senator Klein scoffs. "Now listen here, Ms.-"
"No, you listen here, Senator Klein." She interrupts, stepping closer to the three men. "This can go my way or the hard way. If you choose my way, you change your votes, and I walk away from here, and this never happened. If you choose the hard way, you'll lose everything."
"Who the hell do you think you are?" Senator Bennett asks. "You come onto our property demanding that we change our votes for a woman who's a political threat to this country without backing up your reasoning. You must think we're stupid."
"I do." Her voice lowers. "I do think that you lack the brainpower to run yourselves, let alone to vote for a man who wants to strip everything away from everyone . . . not just women. Have you seen the polls? Or are you also as blind as you are incompetent?" She waits for an answer but doesn't receive one.
"That's what I thought. I-"
"I'm sorry, Ms. Pope, but insulting us isn't going to help your case, nor will it bring President Fitzgerald Grant back." Senator Bennett spews, making Olivia scoff in disgust.
"I mean, come on, teaming up with his ex-wife spewing some we're women, we rule the world bullshit isn't the woman I expected you to become. It's pathetic."
She glares at them angrily, lips quivering at the mention of Fitz but also at how little women seem to mean. With a deep exhale, she reaches into her bag and pulls out the three envelopes, holding them out to the senators, which they take, opening them slowly.
"One, who I team up with and why is none of your concern, but since you're so curious to know what kind of woman Olivia Pope is . . . let me reintroduce myself." She's back.
"Hi, I am Olivia Pope. Aside from fixing everyone's problems and making them disappear, I also made a two-term president and planned to make another. I've gone against men more powerful than you and won. I'm one of the most sought out crisis managers, and don't get me started on how excellent a lawyer I am." Stepping closer to them.
"I may not have a pair of balls, but I have methods to hang you by yours. Two, inside these envelopes, you'll see every dirty deed of yours from the past to now. Take a look."
The three men slowly look through their envelopes without pulling anything out, their mouths agape with incredulity. She, however, smiles confidently, folding her arms across her chest.
"As you can see, these envelopes are hot. Hot enough to ruin your marriages and political careers." She informs.
"Imagine your lives without those women that have no idea just how reckless and disgusting you are. Imagine your lives without the power you hold. Imagine your lives with Mellie as president. A woman who is for all people, not just men. Vote for her, and this information will stay hidden. Vote against her, and every major network will have this out to the public within seconds, and before you know it, your lives will be over." A smile.
"Got it?"
The men were speechless, for their words didn't affect her as much as they'd hoped. Now they were eating their tongues, facing the monster herself.
"Good. And you can keep these. I've already made copies on the off chance you decide to go against me."
Before they could even mutter a word, she makes her exit leaving them with a tough decision.
X
Fitz, Cyrus, Marcus, and Abby sit on the couch inside the Oval Office, reconvening after their last meeting to discuss Fitz's post-presidency options.
"So, what did you hear, Marcus?" Fitz asks, brows raised.
"Well, the people need someone who's a beacon of light and justice. Something like OPA, but above the fray and underhanded tactics to achieve goals."
"Considering we used to work there, I find that insulting," Abby's words make Fitz chuckle.
"You and I know what we had to do at times." He smiles. "It wasn't all bad, but it wasn't all good either."
"That's a better way to put it." She chuckles, handing Fitz a folder that he opens. "Inside, you'll see a few options for you."
He smiles as he scans the folder's contents, glancing up at Abby.
"A library? What could that possibly do for the people?"
"Not sure, sir. That wasn't one of my best ideas, but a library in your honor could be a way to keep your legacy alive after your time here."
"We'll keep that on the table." He nods, reverting his attention to the contents of the folder. Besides the library, all the other ideas were lacking. "However, the rest of these are crap, no offense."
"None taken." Abby smiles.
"Cyrus? You're quiet." Fitz notices.
"I'm just thinking, sir."
"About?"
"I think what Marcus said about OPA could benefit you. Think about it. You are currently at the final stages of your career as the President of the United States and doing a damn good job. If you were to open a foundation of some sort to help those who'll need help and those who don't have access to the tools we have now, that could be a good way to solidify your legacy." A suggestion.
"And while continuing to do good work, we could have a library built containing all your trials and tribulations of your time here if you felt up to it."
"I agree with Cyrus," Marcus speaks up. "A foundation could be perfect for you. You already have the American people on your side. They'll follow once you leave here as long as they continue to believe in you."
Fitz nods. "What do you think, Abby?"
"I think it could be a fresh start for you. It can be a way to make even better connections, and a way to-"
"A way to do things right." He adds.
"Exactly." She smiles.
"Well, thank you all for being such good help. I think remaining in DC doing work that I'm proud of that the people can be proud of is a good step in the right direction."
"What should we do now, Mr. President?" Marcus asks.
"Abby should make a statement regarding my choice to build a foundation. You can keep your ear to the ground and report to me what the people need or expect once the statement is out. And Cyrus, if you can find someone to help me pursue this, I would gladly appreciate it."
"Roger that, Mr. President," Abby moves to her feet and exits the office with Marcus following.
"The only person I can think of that's good at what they do is your ex-girlfriend, Olivia Pope," Cyrus admits. "She would be perfect, although I hate to admit it."
Fitz chuckles, moving to his feet and proceeding to his desk.
"Then you aren't thinking hard enough. Find me someone, or you're out. How's that for a fire under your ass?"
Cyrus springs up from his seat. "Right away, Mr. President."
X
Sitting in her office watching Abby make a statement regarding Fitz's choice to start a foundation, Mellie smiles, happy about his decision. She always knew he wanted to continue doing good work, so seeing him pursue it is everything.
"I have good news," Olivia says, walking into the office.
Mellie glances back at her. "Really?"
"Of course." She smiles, stopping when she hears Fitz's name on the television, her smile slowly fading. "What's this about?"
"Oh, I'm sorry." She hurries to change the channel. "I-."
"Leave it."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm fine." She says with as much conviction as she could. "He's starting a foundation?"
"According to this, yes." She nods, setting the remote down. "I'm so proud of him. He's changed it around these last few months."
Olivia doesn't acknowledge what Mellie says. All she can see is her and Fitz's tumultuous time together flashing before her eyes. Olivia knows she's not supposed to think of Fitz, but she misses him.
"I got the senators to change their votes." She changes the subject. "They will now be voting in favor of Mellie Grant. Have you talked to him?"
"What? That's good news." She smiles, moving to her feet, hands clasped together. "And I did. He said he will be showing his support for me within the next few months."
"Perfect. You're well on your way, Mellie. You'll be sitting behind the desk calling the shots in a few months."
Mellie smiles, proceeding over to Olivia, placing her hands on her shoulders.
"And you'll be by my side."
X
While sitting in his office, Cyrus looks through a folder of potential candidates that could help Fitz with his foundation. None of them seem up to par, so he swipes everything off his desk in a fit of irritation.
"Cyrus?" Abby asks from the doorway, jaw agape. "Are you okay?"
"Come in and close the door, Red."
Quickly, she steps inside the office and closes the door behind her.
"What's going on?"
"I have to find someone qualified to help Fitz with his foundation; otherwise, he will fire me."
"Why is this so hard for you? And you know he's not going to fire you." She assures.
"It's hard because I can only think of Olivia Pope, and she's no longer in his life."
Abby chuckles. "Cyrus Beene without a plan. This predicament is interesting to see."
"Now is not the time for jokes, Red." His irritation was apparent. "Help me!"
"Relax. I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out. Many people qualified for the job other than Fitz's ex-girlfriend, Olivia Pope."
"I'm guessing you haven't spoken to her?" He inquires.
"She tried to ruin me to get closer to the White House, so I haven't talked to her." She admits. "She's hasn't been a thought in my mind, and she shouldn't be one in yours." She walks over to the desk.
"Get your head in the game, Cyrus! Get that image of Olivia doing the right thing out of your mind because that Olivia is dead, and as far as I'm concerned, she's a ghost that still haunts these damn walls!"
That's when it dawns on Cyrus as he listens intently. Moving to his feet, he walks around his desk to Abby.
"Thank you, Red!" He laughs. "I know who can help!"
He exits his office before she can speak and proceeds to the Oval as quickly as possible, smiling at those he passes. He gives a subtle nod to Charlotte and enters the office, immediately attracting Fitz's attention.
"I hope you've come with good news, Cyrus." He smiles.
"I know who can help us."
X
Irrelevant chatter fills the Le Cinq restaurant in Paris, France, where Maya Lewis, also known as Maya Pope, sits at a table in a form-fitting, strapless black dress and her hair draped over her right shoulder, sipping on a glass of their finest wine. She's awaiting someone, becoming slightly impatient as her gaze drifts around the room, not realizing the waitress is approaching her table.
"Hi there. Are you ready to order?"
"I'll take the-" She smiles when she sees her son entering the restaurant.
He's dressed perfectly in an all-black, form-fitting Alexander McQueen Military Frock with matching trousers, paired with Valentino Soul Rockstud leather brogues. He carries a matching Valentino leather tote, topped off with his mid-back length, wavy, black hair, walking confidently towards Maya.
With a smile on her face, she takes a moment to admire his warm brown skin, perfectly parted lips, the subtle swaying of his hips, and his hazel yet frigid eyes. Damn, was she blessed to have given birth to someone just as chic as him.
"My baby, I'm glad you could finally bless me with your presence." She moves to her feet to greet him.
"I'm so sorry I'm late." He smiles, setting his bag on the table and hugging her tightly. "When I realized the restaurant you were at, I had to make sure I looked the part."
"Well, honey, you look fabulous." She laughs, taking her seat.
"So, do you." He smiles, taking his seat across from her and crossing his legs. "How are you? How's dad?"
"Mama's good and Donovan is Donovan."
He chuckles. "You can't stand him, can you?"
"Chile, not really, but I love him dearly."
"That's good. I love you two together." He smiles, slightly flipping his hair over his shoulder.
"And what about you? Are you seeing anyone I don't know about yet?" She inquires, leaning forward on the table.
"Not. Men are a distraction. Work is more important."
"You haven't met the right man yet."
"Mom."
"I know you, Ryan. You're just like me. A callous exterior, but when you care, you care hard. Someday, you will meet someone who makes you feel something, baby."
Approaching the table, the waitress refills Maya's glass. "Would you like some, sir?" She glances over at Ryan.
"Sure." Grabbing his wine glass, holding it up to her as she pours him a drink.
"I'll check back with you in a moment to take your order." She smiles, leaving the table.
Taking a sip of wine. "Honey, she's been watching over me like a hawk since I came here,"
"That's her job." He chuckles, taking a small sip of wine. "Besides, this doesn't look like your usual crowd. I'd be watching over you too."
She chuckles, setting her glass down. "You get your humor from your father . . . it's terrible, but I still love you. So, how's work?"
"I love you more, and interesting you asked because I received a call from Cyrus Beene before I arrived." Setting his glass down.
"And what was this call about?" She wonders, raising a brow.
"He wants me to come to DC to meet with President Grant regarding some foundation he wants to build. Said I'd be the perfect candidate."
"And what did you say?"
"I said I don't know." He huffs. "Last time I was in DC, it was a mess in every aspect."
"Oh honey, you could be a part of history if you say yes. Not many people get the chance to work for the president, let alone with him."
"True, but wouldn't I be following in my sisters' footsteps?" Lifting a brow. "That would be kind of redundant."
"You would be following in your footsteps because you can handle anything thrown your way without cracking under pressure, unlike your half-sister. I raised you to be better than everyone, including the spawn of Eli, but I also raised you to be you." She smiles.
"Take the job, baby. Show them turncoats in DC how you operate."
A nod. "One question, though, Olivia doesn't know about me, does she?"
"Of course not, baby, but I'm sure she will soon enough." She smiles, raising her glass to him.
He reaches into his pants pocket, exhales, and pulls out his phone, dialing Cyrus's number. It rings a few times before he finally picks up.
"Cyrus Beene speaking."
"Cyrus, it's Ryan Lewis. I'll take the job."