xoxo
X
His presence overwhelms her entire being as she stands across him in his living room. She folds her arms to combat his wandering, inquisitive stare. Her face is soft and broken, as is her armor.
She's defenseless.
She needs to say something. She knows that. Anything to move this forward, but all she can see is her failed attempts at ruining Ryan's life. The pain she caused him, those that care about him, not to mention herself. Words can't describe how she feels.
A small breath passes through her lips as she watches him move to sit on the arm of a chair, crossing his legs and folding his arms on his lap. She can feel herself trembling and her lips quivering when their eyes meet, but something happens.
He smiles at her.
"So, you came all this way to ask me for help? Why?" He raises a brow, curious. "Because I have to be honest, you're the last person I expected to be at my door."
She swallows hard, heart palpitating uncontrollably, stammering as she tries to process her thoughts to come out as words, but nothing comes out. Seeing Ryan is hard, but she knows this is the only way she can progress for herself and them.
"I'm sorry."
Her admittance doesn't shock him. "I know."
"You do?"
"Absolutely." A nod. "And I forgive you."
She's perplexed. "Why? I don't deserve your forgiveness. I don't even have a right to be here asking you for help." Her voice lowers.
"Not after everything I put you through."
"Although you tried to have me killed, your reasons for hating me are valid to an extent." He moves a few loose strands of hair behind his shoulder.
"You're excusing what I did to you? What I could've done."
"No. I'm not excusing anything you've done. I am showing you forgiveness because we've all been in where you once were or still might be."
"And what place is that?" She asks, knowing the answer.
"Fighting a losing battle."
She can't speak. How could she? He's right. Since becoming the formidable Olivia Pope, her life has been a complete mess. She constantly fights twice as hard to get table scraps when she deserves a seat at the table. No one truly understood her because she could never vocalize what she wanted until now.
"You see, Olivia. I was never this powerful person you're seeing right now, but what made me this person was the simple fact that I was able to learn from my mistakes and take accountability for what I've done. No matter the situation." He moves to his feet, stepping closer to her.
"I was never chained up and kept in a box. I had freedom. I was able to fail and make mistakes without being chastised. I was commended for showing courage, and I was allowed to have fun. That's the difference between us. I had the opportunity to live the best life I've ever dreamed of, whereas you were always trapped. You missed your full potential and the chance to see your true power."
Tears well in her eyes. His words hit home for her. With the goodness of her life gone, she allowed Eli to slither in and take control because he was all she had. She isolated herself before she could begin, and having him around didn't alleviate that.
"I'm far from powerful, Ryan. I've done some horrible things to the people I love. That's not power; it's control. It's me needing to be in everyone's center and not my own. It's me using them as steppingstones to push me higher on the political food chain." And she feels terrible.
"I didn't care who I hurt, as long as I benefitted from the rewards. I was happy for a while, but the fish rotted from the head, as you can see."
He understands how she feels. "You are one of the most beautiful, intelligent, and formidable women I have ever met. We all need control, but in your world, most of that stems from your father's hold on you. You're a pet to him, disposable. He locked you in a cage and was willing to sacrifice your life for his own. That's not love, nor is it worth losing yourself over." He places a hand on her shoulder.
"You have so much power within you, and that's what you need to realize because I already have. It doesn't take the White House or B613. All it takes is you. You're still in there somewhere. All you have to do is trust yourself more; everything will fall into place, including the people you love."
"You're right." She admits, wiping her tears before they can fall. "Can I sit?"
"Of course." A nod, gesturing a hand to the couch. She makes her way and takes a seat, setting her bag on the table and casting her gaze on Ryan.
"I had to be perfect. If I was anything other than perfect, I was nothing. My father made sure of that. For years, I strived for that, and with that came the power. I could never have the life I wanted with Fitz." She's being honest.
"My attachment to him and Huck and the others made me stronger, but my father told me it was a weakness, that love was a weakness. So, I decided to play chess with the people I love until I could say checkmate."
"And have you?" He inquires.
"Have I what?"
"Said checkmate."
"No." She looks away. "I made all the wrong moves, played the wrong cards, and now I'm paying the price. I have no idea who I am or who I want to be. But I do know I want to be better. I want to be free like you." She casts her gaze on him, a slight smile appearing.
"Now that I can see the light. I realize that you are the epitome of good, power, and grace. I lost those qualities when I made a turn down the wrong path, and every time I saw you, I was angry because I saw a lot of myself, a lot of who I wanted to be."
Ryan nods, moving to sit in the chair, crossing his legs. He doesn't speak but instead allows her to have the floor.
"You appeared like magic and managed to take the life I am still working towards in a matter of weeks. The person I love is now taking advice from you, which means he no longer needs me to survive, and it shows. The friends I call or called family are now looking to you for answers, and you are running the White House. A man who didn't sacrifice anything to get it whereas I sacrificed everything is unfair." She admits.
"It's why I continued to pursue taking you down because I was jealous, but now I'm glad my efforts were so fruitless."
"Really?" He raises a brow. "Why?"
"Because I could say how I truly feel for the first time. I feel like someone understands me for the first time, and it feels good."
"Sometimes, the person you hate you relate to the most. In rare cases, that is." He smiles.
She emits a genuine laugh. The weight she's been carrying is not fully lifted but lifted enough to allow her to breathe.
"I am sorry, Ryan, for everything. The point I was trying to prove doesn't exist. I was jealous and insecure and a tad bit possessive. I was there for them from the beginning, and I did feel betrayed in some instances, but I don't blame you or them for how things went down." She smiles.
He appreciates it. "Look, Fitz is the love of your life, and your friends are the loves of your life. I don't blame you for being possessive in a way. I was new and doing good work with the people you knew for years. I get it. But you have to realize that they have lives to live outside your orbit."
"I know that now." She chuckles, appreciative of Ryan's words. "Any advice on how I can move forward?"
That's easy. "Realize how special you are and understand that it's never too late to make amends with yourself because regardless of what's happening, you see yourself before the world does."
A warm smile. "I'm glad we had this conversation."
"As am I."
"So, do we hug now?" She asks.
"You look like you could use a hug." He smiles, rising to his feet, holding his arms open for her. "Bring it in."
She rises to her feet and walks into his arms without hesitating, reciprocating the hug. They hold one another tightly, relishing in the embrace.
It's a relief to know that she has someone even if she has no one.
"Should I start calling you little brother now?"
"I will have you arrested for defamation of character." His response makes her laugh. "So, what did you need help with?"
Reaching over and grabbing her indigo Prada bag from the table, she retrieves a black folder which he takes, examining the contents.
"Her name is Monica Shaw, and she's been missing for over three weeks now. No one has said or did anything, which leads me to believe it's because of her skin color."
"Why is that?"
"The case has been reported a dozen times, and get this. There are over two-hundred and fifty-one similar cases." She folds her arms across her chest. "Women of color are disappearing. Had this been a white woman-"
"The media would've been circulated this and found them by nightfall." He closes the folder, handing it back to her. "So, what's your plan?"
"I need to get this story out there, but I don't want to use Mellie, nor do I want to use B613." She refuses to go back. "I promised her mother I would find her, but I want to do it right. So, will you help me?"
"I will, but we can't do this alone." He walks over to the bookshelf, grabs his keys and phone, and turns to face her. "Are you ready?"
Tucking the folder back into her bag, she makes her way to him, a confident smile appearing. She's ready.
"The only thing that matters is this case. Everything else is background noise.
"Then let's go."
X
"Mr. Pryce. Thank you for seeing me on such short notice." Ryan says, approaching Curtis before he goes on set. He's dressed in a light blue Gucci Monaco single-breasted wool suit and grey Christian Louboutin Popcorn spike-embellished slip-on shoes. He carries a grey Gucci GG Supreme kingsnake-print canvas pouch to match, holding a black folder under his left arm.
"This won't take long."
"Of course." He smiles. "It's always a pleasure seeing you. How can I help you?" He asks, extending a hand out to him.
Ryan shakes his hand. "There's an issue that no one's talking about, and I need you to shine some light on it." He hands the folder to Curtis, who wastes no time opening it.
"Two-hundred and fifty-one cases of missing black girls and no one has batted an eyelash even after numerous reports."
"This is horrible." He's disgusted, shaking his head. "As if black people and people of color didn't have it bad already." He closes the folder.
"I'll do it. Anything to help you and your agenda for positive change. However, this alone won't be enough."
"The wheels have been in motion when this case came to my doorstep." He smiles, checking his phone. "I'm always ahead of the curve regarding my job. Trust me."
Curtis chuckles. "Roger that. I'll ensure it's the first thing I discuss when I get on the air." He assures. "Anything else?"
"Yes. I want to set up an interview."
"With who?"
Ryan's gaze returns to Curtis. "The President of the United States."
X
She sits on a bench a few blocks away from the White House in Lafayette Square Park, gazing solemnly at the place she still craves while waiting for Mrs. Shaw to arrive. She can feel it calling to her, pulling her in with a hymn only she knows, but the tides have changed, so she looks away, emitting a soft sigh.
The White House is the last thing she needs right now. She knows that, especially when she's more focused on doing what's best for her at such a pivotal moment. This case warms her. The simple thought of doing something that speaks to her, which sheds light on her being a lost girl, warms her.
Footsteps approach her from a distance, and she rises to her feet when she sees Mrs. Shaw. She can see the worry and stress looming over her, saddening her.
"Mrs. Shaw. I'm glad you could make it."
"I'm so sorry I'm late, Ms. Pope. I was with my-"
"It's okay." She places a hand upon Mrs. Shaw's shoulder, feeling her relax almost instantly.
"No need to explain. This situation is a very trying time for you, so you don't need to give anyone an explanation, including me."
"Thank you." She sighs. "I can't believe my baby is gone— taken from this park while selling girl-scout cookies. Every day I wait for her to walk through the door, but she never does. The pain I feel, the heartbreak. I don't know what to do."
"All you have to do is allow me to do my job. Your daughter is still out there, and I will do whatever it takes to find her. I promise." She doesn't waver. "And I don't make promises I cannot keep."
"How? How will you find my girl? No one else could. They didn't even bother to try."
"Because they're imbeciles." She folds her arms across her chest. "You called me because I'm the best at what I do. You called me because you know more than anyone how capable I am. I will find your daughter, and the best part about it is, I'm not alone."
Relief washes over Mrs. Shaw, although a slight hint of hopelessness still hangs over her.
"What's your plan?"
"To wake the American people up and shed light on this issue so that us black women and women of color can matter. So that we can be seen, heard, remembered, and free from the cages society keeps us in. Not swept under the rug and cast out. That is the plan."
"And that will bring my daughter back?"
"I'll make sure of it."
X
Dressed in an all-black Armani suit with white pumps and an indigo Prada bag, Olivia stares blankly at the conference room wall of QPA with her arms folded, leaning back against the table where the box of all the missing women's case files sits. She knows she shouldn't be here, but the storm is on the horizon, and she must wade through it.
This case means a lot more than she initially realized. What started as her doing this for Mrs. Shaw in hopes of finding her daughter became a journey to find herself because she's lost too.
Her mind constantly replays the conversation with Mrs. Shaw, reminding her where she is currently. She wonders what she'll do once this case is over. Will she go back and work for the woman she has come to tolerate but still loathe, or will she choose a different path worthy of who she's to become?
Time will tell.
Turning her attention to the box, she moves a few strands of her shoulder-length, sleek, dark hair parted slightly to the right behind her ear and opens the box. One by one, she begins to place pictures of the missing women on the wall, her heart heavy. So many beautiful girls gone without so much as a goodbye. It's heartbreaking, which is more reason for her to succeed.
In the distance, footsteps are heard, followed by irrelevant chatter.
They're back.
Quinn, Huck, Abby, and Marcus head toward the conference room. When they close in on the doors, their demeanors change, exchanging looks of indifference when they see Olivia.
"I know I work here and at the White House, but what the hell is she doing here?" Abby is the first to ask.
"I don't know, but I'm going to find out," Quinn assures. "Wait here." She barges into the conference room, slamming the door behind her, leaving the others, attracting Olivia's attention.
"Quinn, hi. I-"
"What the hell are you doing here, Olivia?" She looks at the wall, "and what the hell is this?"
She folds her arms across her chest. "I needed your help."
"So, what? You decided to show up and make yourself at home?"
"You wouldn't have agreed otherwise."
Quinn scoffs. The look on her face says it all. "You are unbelievable. Still think you can just waltz-"
"As long as I'm still paying to keep the lights on, I can walk in here whenever I want. Or did you suddenly forget that?"
Quinn doesn't answer.
"That's what I thought. You could use the extra clientele because the only clients you've had were Ryan, and although I'm positive he made sure each of you received a hefty check well, it's not consistent enough."
"Don't you dare come here with your disrespect thinking that you still own us!" She exclaims. "We are not your toys anymore, Olivia. We do not drop everything we have going on for you anymore either. So, you need to go. You're not welcome here. Not after what you did."
"I didn't come here to pick a fight, Quinn."
Quinn bursts into laughter. "When are you not picking a fight? That's all you do. Everything can be going your way, and somehow, you're still not happy. Did you forget how you ruined us for a taste of power you don't even have?" She's been waiting to do this.
"You destroyed Abby and David's relationship, so she's still struggling to give herself to the man she loves. I was engaged living a normal life until you needed me to be what suited you best. And Huck, he saved you just as much as you saved him, yet you still made him work around temptation, placing him in comprising positions out of your own selfish ass needs!" She steps closer to Olivia, fire coursing through her veins.
"And let's not forget Fitz. You-"
"I know what I did!" Olivia yells, smashing her hands down on the table, prompting Quinn to jump back, lips quivering, "but now is not the time because I am here asking for help! There are two-hundred and fifty-one missing black girls, and no one is doing a damn thing to find them because of the color of their skin!"
Her words cause Marcus, Abby, Huck, and Marcus to enter the conference room as she continues.
"Everyone is ignoring them, and that's just this past year. This is a criminal act, and I want to do something about it, but I can't do it alone. Ryan is feeding the story to Curtis Pryce, and then he will take it to Fitz, but in the meantime, it's just us."
"Ryan?" Abby asks, brows furrowed. "Ryan Lewis? The same Ryan you tried to kill. Why would he be helping you?"
"Because I asked him to, and he agreed." She answers truthfully, attracting indifferent stares. "If we do this right, the American people will know who these girls are. So please, help me, and if not me, then Ryan."
Quinn looks around at everyone, then at Olivia. She's still in the mood for a catfight but decides to turn her attention to the wall.
"We'll do it for Ryan, and we'll do it for these missing girls." Of course, she chooses to be petty as the others begin sorting through the numerous folders filled with pictures of the girls not hanging up on the wall.
Olivia nods. "Okay."
"So, where do we start?" Huck asks, moving to sit down behind his laptop.
"We can start by finding a face." Quinn states.
"What about two-hundred and fifty-one faces?" Marcus asks.
"Two-hundred and fifty-one missing girls is just an idea. People can ignore an idea. What we need is an individual, a poster girl, someone who can get the public's attention." Abby informs.
"Question is who?" Quinn wonders.
"Monica Shaw," Olivia answers, walking over to the wall and placing a finger on her picture.
"Missing for over three weeks now, Monica was last seen in Lafayette Square Park selling girl-scout cookies. Her record is clean, Ryan checked. However, we need at least one more."
Everyone nods, reviewing the rest of the files to find a perfect candidate while Huck readies his computer.
"Are you sure you don't wanna use B613?" Quinn asks.
The question attracts everyone's attention.
Olivia gives a firm nod. "I'm sure."
X
Pacing back and forth between her desk and office door, Mellie tries to wrap her mind around her current predicament. She's lost without Olivia, who isn't taking any of her calls or returning her messages. The sudden absence leaves her hopeless because she can feel the power of the White House, yet she's still so far away.
Walking over to her desk, she picks up her phone and dials Olivia. There's no answer. She tries again, and there's still no answer. This radio silence angers Mellie causing her to slam the phone onto the receiver, emitting a heavy sigh. This predicament can't be the way things end for her. This can't be the only taste of power she gets to relish in.
There has to be more.
"Jonah." She calls out to her assistant.
"Yes, Senator Grant." He answers, moving from his desk to the doorway of her office.
"Can you get Cyrus Beene on the phone?"
"Right away, Senator Grant." He returns to his desk, immediately picking up the phone and dialing Cyrus. It rings a few times before he answers.
"Go for Cyrus."
"Hello, Mr. Beene. Mellie Grant would like to speak with you."
"Mellie Grant?" He laughs it off. "Did she say why?"
"No, sir."
"What the hell. I'm feeling generous today. Send me through."
"One moment." He presses the number one on the receiver, moving from his desk to the doorway of her office. "Senator Grant. You have Cyrus Beene on line one."
"Thank you, Jonah!" She exclaims excitedly, picking up the phone. "Cyrus, Cyrus, Cyrus! Thank you for taking my call."
"Today is a good day, so I figured I'd bless you with my beautiful voice." He chuckles. "So, how can I help you today?"
"I was just calling to check in on a friend." She sits in the corner of her desk, crossing her legs. "How are you?"
"Everything is good, Mellie, but you know you didn't call to check on me because we've never been on a friend level. So, I ask you again, how can I help you today?"
"Well," she chuckles. "This will sound crazy, but I wondered if you would be my campaign manager. Olivia is God knows where and I need that one final push, and the White House is mine."
"I'm going to be very frank with you, Senator Grant. I have zero interest in running your campaign, and I don't blame Olivia for not wanting to either."
"Cyrus!"
"I don't think you understand how hard it is to make you seem like you have other qualities." He laughs. "Even with B613, she can't turn you into a diamond, and neither can I. Only you can do that."
"Cyrus, please. I-"
"I have important work to do, Mellie. So, you'll have to find someone else to do your dirty work."
The call ends before she can speak, and she sets the phone on the receiver, leaving her in a state of loss.
X
"Claudia Lopez - seventeen-year-old from Fort Myers. Vanished during her lunch break at the Gettysburger where she was an employee of the month." Abby informs, pointing at her picture on the wall.
"She dropped out of high school after being held back for spotty attendance," Quinn says, examining her file.
"So, what? We're saying she's irresponsible?" Abby asks. "Employee of the month."
"It doesn't matter." Huck states. "Whoever we pick has to be squeaky clean. Next."
"Hannah Martel - sixteen-year-old from Galveston. She went missing while at the mall with her friends." Abby points to her picture on the wall.
"Lost her private-school scholarship after smoking a cigarette at a dance," Olivia informs.
"Lost her scholarship?" Quinn asks. "I was caught smoking in the school dance and got detention." She throws her hands up. "Okay, next."
They spend a few moments looking through numerous pictures, searching their records, when Abby pulls out one and sticks it to the wall.
"Quanesha Turner - honor-roll student at Bishop High in Cincinnati. Disappeared-"
"No good," Marcus says, walking around the table.
Quinn chuckles. "Are you kidding? She's the perfect poster child."
"She's not," Olivia adds. "People hear Quanesha and stop listening. We need another name that sounds white."
"Ugh. Anyone else grossed out by all this?" Abby asks, disgust in her features.
"We're all grossed out by this, but this is what it's gonna take to get the American people to pay attention." Marcus answers.
"Our second girl is in here somewhere. She has to be." Quinn says, determined to find her.
Time is passing, and their chances of finding another girl seem slim to none. File after file, but none of these girls are squeaky clean. Hope seems to be slipping away through the cracks of their fingers until Abby finds a girl and sticks the picture to the wall.
"Zoe Adams - fifteen-year-old from Baltimore. Rangerette. Last seen at her dance practice with her troupe."
Huck begins to search through the database on the computer. His eyes brighten when he sees that her record is spotless.
"Straight-A student." He informs.
Everyone's demeanor changes as the hope sets back in.
"Hey, Marcus, reach out to your press contacts to get Zoe and Monica's story out there. With Ryan already putting a spotlight on the case, we need to get their names out before it's too late." Her gaze focuses on Huck as Marcus heads to the exit.
"And Huck, verify Zoe's background and get those school records."
"What about Baltimore PD case files? Do we have them?" Huck asks, rising to his feet.
"I wouldn't expect them to be too helpful." Olivia answers.
The answer is enough to send Huck on his way.
"I'll get David on it," Abby says, making her way to the exit behind the others.
"Where the hell is Ryan?" Quinn asks. "We need him."
"He'll show. This is just as important to him." Olivia answers, turning to face the wall and emitting a sigh.
"You know. Just because we're working together doesn't mean we forgive you. So, don't get used to this." Quinn says with venom.
"All I care about is bringing these girls home." She assures, folding her arms across her chest. "I didn't come here for any other reason."
X
Fitz is on his way back to the oval with urgency after being updated on the two-hundred and fifty-one missing black girls burning the airwaves. He tries to wrap his mind around this issue, unable to comprehend how this is even possible with him being the President of the United States.
Of course, more questions than answers leave him in utter disbelief. How did he not know? Was he that dense and ignorant? Why is this the first time he's heard this when it's been going on for years? Why is this world so fucked up that black women and women of color have gone missing, and it's silent?
A travesty.
"Mr. President, Ryan Lewis is waiting for you in your office. I told him it was okay." Charlotte informs.
"Has he been here long?" He asks, stopping by her desk.
"No, sir. He arrived about five minutes ago."
"Thank you." He smiles, proceeding into the office. He sees Ryan sitting on the couch holding a black folder upon entry. "Ryan, how are you? What brings you around?"
Ryan rises to his feet. "Mr. President, I wish this could be a friendly visit, but I'm sure you've been updated on the two-hundred fifty-one missing black girls."
"I have." He moves to take a seat in the chair, resting one foot over the thigh of the other. "I plan on making a statement later today once I figure out our plan of action."
"I already have a plan." He holds out the folder to him. "I have Curtis Pryce getting the issue as much coverage as possible. I also sent Olivia to QPA because we need all hands on deck."
Fitz takes the folder, examining its contents.
"Olivia? I didn't know you two were talking. Especially after everything that happened."
"My issue was never with Olivia. She knows that. We talked."
"How is she?" He casts his gaze on Ryan, who folds his arms across his chest.
"You can ask her yourself."
Fitz chuckles. "So, you said you had a plan?"
Ryan nods. "I set up an interview with you and Curtis Pryce." He informs. "With you still being in the White House, this will be an opportunity for you to do something good - something meaningful for these missing black girls."
Fitz closes the folder and sets it on the table. "Let me get this straight. You told Curtis Pryce that I would do an interview with him against my wishes for a case I'm just now being updated on?"
"I did." He answers. "This could be monumental, Mr. President. And let's not forget that you're in love with a black woman fighting this fight in hopes of finding herself, too. So yes, I did set up an interview against your will." He's stern in his demeanor.
"This will give you a chance to put your privilege to good use and help us bring these girls home."
"Well," he leans forward, elbows resting on his thighs. "You're right." He smiles, prompting Ryan to smile. "When does this interview take place?"
"We have to go to QPA. They're expecting me to return with good news. They'll update us on their collected information, and what they've done, then we'll go from there."
Fitz moves to his feet. "Let's not waste any more time."
X
"Where the hell is Ryan?" Quinn asks, staring at the picture-filled conference room wall. "We have everything we need, but if we don't figure out the next step, all this will be for nothing."
"It won't be for nothing because we aren't stopping until we get justice," Olivia says, folding her arms across her chest. "You can't rush progress."
Quinn scoffs. "So, what? You're just this newfound woman all about justice now?"
"Quinn," Huck murmurs. "Now is not the time."
"It's okay, Huck. You don't have to say anything." Olivia turns to face Quinn. "I've done some unspeakable and unforgivable things, but this case is important. Do you know how hard it is for a black woman to be taken seriously? To be seen? To be heard? Because I highly doubt that you do." She scoffs.
"You don't have to like me or care about me. None of you do." She points a finger around the others, casting her gaze on Quinn. "However, this energy you're wasting on me by being petty is redundant and can be used to bring these girls home! Even if it's just one." She points at the wall.
"There will be a time and place for this, but now is not the time. I'm sorry I hurt you, all of you. I'm sorry I was selfish and used you for my gain, but I'm not sorry for fighting this fight."
Everyone is left speechless, although Marcus smiles. He knows what it's like to be in her shoes as a black man. This alone doesn't excuse her actions but clarifies them for the first time since Olivia's been back in QPA's orbit.
Walking off the elevator just in time, Ryan and Fitz make their way to the conference room with haste, listening to the inaudible conversation become more apparent the closer they get.
"So, what is the update on Zoe?" Quinn asks, deciding to leave the drama and focus on the case.
"No one is picking up her story." Marcus answers.
"And even with Curtis Pryce discussing the case in its entirety on the show, people still aren't listening," Abby adds.
That's when it dawns on Olivia. "That's because we don't need a story."
"We need a storyteller," Ryan says, entering the conference room with Fitz following suit, whose eyes immediately go to Olivia.
"A missing girl can't speak."
"But a mother can." Olivia smiles, happy to see Ryan and Fitz.
"Exactly." He sets his pouch on the table, pulling a picture of Zoe's mother from the black folder in his and taping it to the wall.
"Nora Adams is attractive. She goes to church. She put herself through school after her husband died serving his country. She set up web pages, opened a dozen social media accounts to help look for Zoe, staged a weeklong vigil outside city hall, wrote to the governor, and even reached out to President Grant. So he's here today."
"People can't identify with a missing girl, but they will identify with a determined mother," Olivia adds.
"Precisely." Ryan nods, folding his arms across his chest. "So, if we want results, we need to put her out there and let her tell Zoe's story."
"But what about Mrs. Shaw and her daughter Monica?" Abby asks. "She also has a clean record."
"Yeah, but Mrs. Shaw is in no way prepared to be viewed by millions of people on camera. She'll crack before the cameras start rolling." Ryan says.
"Also, I owe it to Ms. Adams for not hearing her cries sooner," Fitz acknowledges, casting his gaze on Olivia. "It's the least I can do."
"So, what's next?" Huck asks, causing everyone to shift their attention to Ryan, who focuses his attention on Olivia.
"Fitz has to go on the Pryce of Power to speak with Curtis alongside Mrs. Adams, but before that, we need to speak to Ms. Adam's so that she's aware of what needs to happen."
"And who's to talk to her?" Quinn asks, looking around at everyone.
"Olivia, Abby, and Fitz will," Ryan informs. "The rest of us will wait here and see if there's anything else we can do in the meantime. Sound good?"
"Sounds great. We're taking your motorcade, Mr. President." Abby says, making her way to the exit.
Olivia grabs her bag and begins to make her way to the exit, heart beating out of her chest as she walks past Fitz to the elevator, which Abby is holding open. Fitz soon follows behind her, eyes wandering over her. She's still intoxicating to him, his kryptonite, his everything.
"Hi." He murmurs, stopping her in her tracks.
"Hi." She turns to face him, feeling his presence towering over her a few feet away.
He looks good, and she relishes in the sheer beauty and beast of Fitzgerald Grant, but she remains firm in her stance.
"I didn't expect to see you here."
"If it weren't for Ryan, I don't think I would be."
He smiles at the admittance. "You wanna know something?"
"What?" Folding her arms across her chest.
He smiles, tucking his hands in his pocket. "You in this office feels like old times."
She chuckles, as does he, continuing.
"We should get a drink and catch up."
She laughs, becoming lost in his ocean eyes. It feels nice to laugh with him again. It's a shame they haven't been able to do this sooner, for it feels like a fresh start.
She smiles. "Let's see how this case goes."
With his eyes locked on hers, he smiles. Olivia's answer isn't a complete no, so he'll take it. The spark between them is still there, but he's okay with taking it slow should Olivia want that. And yes, there's plenty for them to discuss, but for now, he's happy to be back in her orbit— even if it doesn't last. He's so lost in her browns that he forgets they have something important to take care of until Olivia snaps him out of the moment.
"We should . . ."
"Right." He motions a hand towards the elevator. "After you."
X
"All of these girls just . . . gone." Ms. Adams says, looking through the files of all the missing girls provided by Olivia. "It's like no one even cares."
"This is an uphill battle," Abby says.
"The media, local police, the public - you're right. They don't care. They haven't been listening." Olivia adds.
"But we can make them care," Fitz assures. "Make them listen." He leans over the island, casting his gaze on Mrs. Adams.
"You can make them. Let us fight for your daughter - for each of these girls."
"Fight?" Mrs. Adams closes the folder, indifference consuming her features.
"Yes." He answers. "Us. Together." He stands tall.
"I've been fighting this whole time. It's about time you showed up."
X
"The police insisted she had just run away." Mrs. Adams informs Curtis, sitting next to Fitz on the couch. "They said it happens all the time - that she would turn up eventually. That was three months ago." She doesn't falter.
"I kept calling them . . ." Her voice withers, but she keeps herself together.
Fitz, sensing her distress, places a hand on her shoulder, thumb gently rubbing as she continues to speak.
"They don't know my daughter." She heaves a shaky sigh, eyes welling with tears. "Her dance recital was last week. She missed it. She would never miss it unless-" she struggles but pushes through.
"My daughter's out there somewhere. She needs help, and nobody seems to care. I just want my baby girl back!"
"Thank you, Ms. Adams, for sharing your story today," Curtis says. "I can't imagine how difficult all this must be for you. You're encouraged to call the number if anyone has any information that might help locate Zoe Adams. It's free and completely anonymous."
"Thank you, Curtis," Fitz says. "It's an unfortunate truth that girls of color, like Zoe, go missing every day in this country. Girls who aren't just slipping through the cracks. They're being ignored and forgotten outright."
"Yeah, I'd call that more than an unfortunate truth, Mr. President," Curtis responds. "I'd call that a national crisis."
"I couldn't agree more," Fitz agrees.
"But something occurs to me. If it's a national crisis now, it was a national crisis when you first became president." His statement causes Fitz to shift slightly in his seat.
"If time is of the essence in cases like these, why didn't your Justice Department do something to shine a light on these missing girls?"
"I wasn't aware of the problem." He answers, standing in his truth, attracting Ms. Adam's gaze.
"You're claiming ignorance."
"I am." He nods. "As I'm sure many of your viewers would've before our talk tonight because girls like Zoe aren't just being ignored by the justice system. They're being ignored by the press."
"So, you're saying the media is to blame for these girls going missing?"
"No, Curtis. I'm saying that the media is to blame for them staying missing. And for the fact that the only reason Zoe's picture is on TV tonight is because a rich white guy is sitting next to her mother right now." His brows furrow.
"Curtis, I didn't come here to spar with you. I came here hoping that your viewers could help us find Zoe Adams. That's why I'm here."
"Fair enough, but what happens when you leave this studio here tonight - when you go back to the White House and-"
"You and your viewers already know I want what's best for this country, so I've been working closely with my colleagues to enforce positive change." This is true.
"To enforce equality because my real work will continue with the Grant Foundation when my time as president is done. Cities like Baltimore, Atlanta, Chicago, right here in D.C." He informs. "That's what I plan to do because reuniting girls like Zoe with their families can't wait."
X
"So, are you and Olivia like besties now?" Quinn asks Ryan, who's sitting on the edge of the table.
"Would that bother you?" He wonders, texting back and forth with Danny.
"Yes, it would bother me, actually," She's honest, taking the pictures of the missing girls off the wall. "I think it bothers all of us."
"Why?"
"Because of what she's done." She glances over at him. "Before you came along, she had already ruined our lives for selfish reasons. On top of that, your boyfriend was collateral. She also tried to have you killed."
"Your relationship with Olivia is none of my business." He makes it clear. "Your issues will never be my viewpoint of her and who she is." He sets his phone on the table, meeting Quinn's stare.
"I am sincerely sorry for whatever she's done to you, but you don't have to be petty towards me because I chose to forgive and move on."
"I wasn't . . ."
He smiles, returning his attention to his phone. "You were, and it's okay. No hard feelings."
"Why did you forgive her?" Marcus asks from the doorway of his office. "What she did was pretty extreme."
"Not that it's anyone's business. I forgive Olivia because I see Olivia. Not the masquerade she chooses to show when she steps foot outside her home. Made it easier for me to understand her actions regarding me."
"Is she back?" Huck inquires, walking over to Ryan from the kitchen, holding out a cup of tea.
Lifting his head, Ryan smiles, taking the cup of tea.
"Thank you, Huck."
"It's chamomile with honey. I didn't add any sugar." He smiles.
"That's perfect." He takes a small sip of tea, cradling the mug. "And to answer your question, I don't know, but I know that wasting energy hating someone will only hinder your growth and progression."
"Should I forgive her?"
Ryan tilts his head slightly to the right, the unexpected making him smile.
"That's up to you, Huck. Sometimes, forgiveness doesn't come easy. However, it goes a long way if you can let go of the negative feelings you harbor and forgive someone that may need your forgiveness."
"Okay." He takes a sip of his tea. "I'm glad we're friends, Ryan."
"I'm glad we're friends too, Huck."
X
She stands outside Maya's hotel door, heart racing, hands trembling. It's been some time since she's seen her, but she figured she would pay her a surprise visit.
She knocks on the door, quickly folding her arms across her chest, and waits for someone to answer. Not even a minute later, the door opens.
"Olivia? What are you doing here?" Maya asks, taken aback by her daughter's sudden appearance.
"I just wanted to see you." She smiles. "I know you always stay in this hotel when you visit."
"I'm glad you came." She smiles, moving out of the doorway. "Come in. There's some wine in the cabinet if you fancy it."
"Thank you." She makes her way inside, setting her bag on the tiny table by the door and sitting on the couch. "How are you?" She wonders.
"I'm good. Peaceful." She chuckles, moving to sit on the couch across from Olivia. "How are you?"
Olivia sighs, crossing her legs, a soft chuckle passing through her lips.
"Where do I start?"
"Wherever the wind blows you."
"Well, I've come to terms with having a brother. Quick, I know, but he understands me. He sees me. We talked when I got back to D.C., and we've been doing good work together working on this case regarding the missing girls. It's strange, but he makes me feel like I have a seat at the table."
"You've always had a seat at the table, baby. You just left your seat for a moment to explore other options that weren't in your desired plan."
"That's a good way of looking at it." She chuckles. "Aside from that, Huck, Abby, Quinn, and maybe even Marcus still feel negatively towards me, and I don't blame them. However, for the most part, we could put our issues aside to focus on what's important."
"You faced the pack of wolves alone?"
"I had to."
"And how did that feel?"
"Good. It felt good." She means it. "I don't care how they see me right now. I don't care how anyone sees me, but I care about doing what's right and finding a sense of self."
Maya smiles. "That's my girl. No matter what, you have my support. Not everyone will come around during this newfound journey of self-discovery, but good things will follow as long as you're doing what's best for you."
"Do you think I can turn myself around? And be honest."
"You know I've never been one to shy away from the truth." She curls up on the couch.
"Realizing the problem was the first step. Doing this case because it resonates with you and not because of some hidden agenda was step two. You not giving a damn about who's on team Olivia was the third step. You've already begun to turn yourself around."
Olivia smiles. She hasn't felt this much comfort in some time. It was nice to spend time with her mom again. She needed a different perspective outside of her father, and with Maya's words resonating within Olivia, she can see it all now.
"Thank you." She smiles, tears welling.
"For what?"
"For being here for me."
Maya smiles and joins Olivia on her couch, holding her hands in her own.
"No matter if you go right or left, I will always be here for you. You know why?"
"Why?"
She smiles. "Because you are never alone."
With warmth washing over Olivia, she pulls Maya in and hugs her close, unable to put her feelings into words. The embrace is everything she had hoped for, a smile appearing as she feels Maya hug her even tighter.
"You're right," Olivia murmurs. "I'm never alone."
X
Arriving at Ms. Adam's place of work, Quinn makes her way to the receptionist's desk, where she and Ms. Adams lock eyes, prompting her to move to her feet with haste. Quinn can see the nerves overwhelming her.
"No, no, no." She says, shaking her head, tears welling. "Let's go to the back. I can't take this. I-"
"Ms. Adams. She's alive." Quinn assures, and she grins, fighting back her tears.
"My baby?" Her voice breaks, tears falling from her tired eyes. "She's alive?"
"She's alive. She's with a counselor in Alexandria. I'll take you to her."
Ms. Adams begins to cry, hugging a coworker as Quinn watches.
"She's alive. She's alive!" She laughs softly. "She's alive!"
Quinn emits a soft sigh, wiping her eyes as she watches Ms. Adams come to terms with her daughter being alive. The feeling of reuniting a worried mother with her child is like nothing she's ever felt.
They did good.
X
"Mr. President, Olivia Pope, and Ryan Lewis are here to see you," Charlotte announces from the doorway of the Oval Office. "Ms. Pope isn't on the list, but-"
Fitz looks up from his desk. "Send them both in and remove Olivia from the banned list."
"Are you sure, Mr. President?"
"I am." He confirms with a nod.
Charlotte smiles, leaving the office and informing Ryan and Olivia that they can enter. They walk into the office following the OK; Olivia first and Ryan second, closing the door behind them. The sight of them together brings a smile to Fitz's face.
"I'm glad you two could make it." He rises to his feet, grabs the two black folders on his desk, and walks over to them.
"I have some good news and thought I'd share with the two people running head on this case." He holds the folders out to them, which they take, examining the contents.
Periodically, Olivia glances up at Fitz, who smiles warmly at her, his stare never leaving her. She can feel his presence looming over her, evidenced by how she grips her bag tighter to contain herself. When their eyes meet again, Olivia finds it harder to pull away, but she tells herself it's not the time. Still, she can't seem to stop herself, and neither can he.
The tension is palpable. Almost a year of not being in each other's orbit is all coming to a tipping point, and it's inescapable. As Olivia and Fitz fall deeper into the consuming moment, Ryan focuses his attention on them, confused by the silence. That's when he captures the juncture, chucking to himself as he closes the folder.
"Our efforts worked." He says, attracting their attention.
Fitz smiles. "Our efforts worked. Not only will Zoe Adams be reunited with her mother, but Monica Shaw was also found and will reunite with her mother."
"That's great."
"It is," Olivia adds. "How does this help us prepare for the future?"
"I'm glad you asked." Fitz smiles, moving to his desk. He grabs a white folder from it and hands it to Olivia, which she opens.
"The Justice Department, as ordered by the Attorney General and me, is setting up a special division within the FBI to focus on missing persons of color."
"Really?" Ryan and Olivia ask simultaneously.
"Really." He smiles, tucking his hands into his pockets. "I handpicked the chief investigator to lead it off. It will be well-funded and made a top priority."
"Thank you." She focuses her gaze on Ryan and then on Fitz. "This is incredible. Since when have you been so woke?"
"Do you want the honest answer or the sugar-coated answer?"
Ryan snickers. "Just tell her, Fitz."
"Fine." He chuckles. "It started when I fell in love with you." His gaze returns to Olivia, "but when Ryan came, it pulled me back to reality because I had lost my way when it came to those issues."
She smiles, closing the folder. "And now?"
"Now, I plan on continuing that work. It's why I'm trying my hardest to do all I can while I sit in this office because the journey will only get harder once I start work at my foundation." He smiles.
"I just want to do good."
She agrees. "The world could use some good."
"Amen to that," Ryan adds, folding his arms across his chest.
Fitz smiles. "So, how's about a drink to celebrate our win? I think I have just enough scotch for the three of us."
Ryan's phone rings before anyone can answer.
"Sorry about that." He chuckles, pulling his phone from his pouch. He answers it when he sees it's Danny calling.
"How did it go?" He holds up a finger, walking away to talk.
"Who's he-?" Olivia inquires.
"Danny," Fitz answers, reverting his attention to her. "You used to do the same thing when I called."
She chuckles, feeling the heat rush to her cheeks. "You're funny. Who's writing your jokes? I doubt you've mastered humor."
"Why does no one think I'm funny?" He laughs, as does she. "If you must know, I'm unintentionally funny. At least that's how Ryan put it."
"He's right. You tend to sound forced and awkward."
He snickers. "Says the woman who used to write my jokes."
Olivia bursts into laughter. "Your funny and my funny are two different things. You have to pander; I am a natural."
Fitz laughs, relishing in the calmness of the moment. If it weren't for Ryan, this intersection of peace wouldn't be happening. They both know that.
"He's great, isn't he?" Fitz asks, casting his gaze on Ryan.
"He is." She nods, a smile appearing. "I never thought I would be happy to have a brother. An actual brother. Not what my father tried to pass Jake onto me as because you see where that went." She chuckles.
"Somewhere it didn't need to go." He smiles, "but you live, and you learn."
"I'm just happy I could catch myself before I fell."
"Ryan wouldn't have let you fall." His words attract her stare. "And neither would I."
Her lips part as she gazes into his ocean eyes. She can feel herself moving closer to him, wanting nothing more than to feel his presence consume her, a presence she misses dearly. She focuses on his eyes, lips, and eyes, fighting the urge to become one with his taste.
It's almost as if they were alone.
"Sorry to interrupt," Ryan returns to Olivia and Fitz, ending the call. "I can't stay. I have to meet Danny."
"Good news?" Fitz wonders, taking a small step away from Olivia.
He smiles. "You made him head of secret service, so he wants to celebrate."
"He deserves it." Fitz smiles. "Tell him I said hi."
"Will do." A nod, making his way to the door. "Thank you both, and don't do anything I wouldn't do." His comment elicits soft chuckles from their lips as he leaves the office.
And then there were two.
"I should probably go, too," Olivia murmurs, facing Fitz.
His brows furrow. "What? Why?"
"I was only here because of him. I'm sure there's no need for me to stay."
"I want you to stay. Just for a little while."
"Why?"
"Because I might not get another chance once you leave this office."
His words weren't something she expected to hear, which saddened her. Olivia would never stay away from him, and if she followed the urge she felt to kiss him and wipe away any doubts he may have, she would, but she stepped away from him, releasing the breath she's been holding in.
"I'm sorry, Fitz."
"It's okay."
"No. About us." She exhales. "I'm sorry about how we ended things and how I acted when we were together. It wasn't fair to you, and you had every right to act accordingly. I allowed the feeling of power to get to my head, and I did whatever was necessary to keep it, including hurting you."
"Liv."
"When we were together. I felt trapped." She admits. "I felt like you didn't understand that all I wanted was a seat at the table. I wanted my name in lights, the same as yours, but I wanted to do it independently. I wanted to stand on my own two feet and say I am Olivia Pope and a powerful woman." She continues.
"I wanted to prove to myself that I had what it took to be at the top of the food chain without needing a man. That's what I wanted, and when I didn't get it, I sabotaged our relationship, so I am sorry. I'm sorry for hurting you."
Fitz places a hand on her shoulder. "You have every right to want your name written in history. Although your methods of going about it were wrong, I could never take away your reasoning behind our breakup. Not only that, I was a bit overbearing and needy." He chuckled.
"I didn't know how to be the man I am today. I didn't know how to stand on my own two feet. I relied on you too much, knowing you had a journey ahead. It was unfair to you, and I'm sorry."
She smiles. More weight lifted from her shoulders now that where they went wrong was out in the open. That's more than enough for now. Focusing her gaze on Fitz's, she nods.
"I should go."
"Without joining me for a drink?" He raises a brow, a smile appearing.
"Maybe another time." She smiles, making her way to the door. "It was nice seeing you, Fitz. Thank you for doing this." She opens the door, catching one last glimpse of him.
"Anytime. I hope to see you again."
"I hope so, too."
And with that, she leaves the Oval Office, hopeful for what's to come.