xoxo
X
She hasn't seen him since they discussed killing Danny. She didn't even bother going to the hospital to see him. For what? What could she possibly say that would make any sense? What could she say to heal all wounds he may or may not feel?
Nothing. The answer is nothing.
To be honest, he was the last thought on her mind once she left. He was never a factor. She doesn't love him; she doesn't respect him. All he is to her is a pet. A stray dog used to keep her company because she didn't have anyone else at the time. He has no real purpose.
He sickens her, making her stomach churn in disgust as her gaze wanders over him. His smug demeanor agitates her, bringing to the surface all the reasons she loathes him. Jake's cocky without the credentials to be. He stands tall when he's a dog with its tail between its legs. He believes he's power and has some destined reason for being on this earth when he works for nothing.
He has zero goals, zero dreams, nothing.
He barks when he's told to bark. He sits when he's told to sit, and he attacks when he's told to attack. Hell, he breathes when he's told to breathe. He'll always be a pet, whether it's Olivia's, her father's, or anyone above him in power and authority. That is his destiny; the only reason he's here is that someone gave him a bone.
With a firm grip on the door and a foot behind it, Olivia tilts on her right hip, eager to see where this conversation will go.
"What are you doing here?" She questions, skipping the pleasantries of this game he's here to play.
"I just dropped by to see how you were doing since you left me for dead."
Her brows furrow. "You were getting some of the best care in the world." She chuckles. "You were very much alive."
"So intelligent and yet so lost." He retorts. "Don't you get it? This path won't end well for you. There are too many factors against you this very second, and I could've been your way out, but instead, you got what you wanted and threw me to the side. How's Fitz?"
His jab doesn't shock her. "One, that's none of your business. Number two, I don't need a way out, especially not with you. Number three, you aren't some savior, Jake."
"I could've saved you!" He exclaims.
"I don't need to be saved! My goodness. Who do you think you are? Tell me. Because you couldn't even succeed at doing simple tasks with the backing of B613, why do you think you could've saved me?"
"Because I'm the only one twisted enough to understand how your father works." He answers. "You don't have to like me or respect me, that's fine, but I would hate to see you not learn from me."
"You're incompetent. What's there to learn?"
"That the only way to kill a snake is to behead it." He steps closer to her. "You'll never be able to truly escape your father's clutches or anyone around you if you don't take necessary action."
"Why are you telling me this? Why are you h-?"
"I'm here to warn you. You are far from done as command, and there will be consequences if you even think about defying your father. Consequences you won't be able to come back from."
"I-"
"You signed up for this." He leans in, putting his lips to her ear. "And now you will either abide by his rules or suffer. The choice is yours." He moves to walk away, but she grabs his arm.
"Tell him to do his best." She lets him go, slamming the door closed and emitting a sigh.
She's now three for three. Mellie, Eli, and Jake, the three-headed serpent and she's in the middle of their playground.
X
Making her way to her office, dressed in all red, heels tapping quickly over the porcelain floors as happy as possible, Mellie greets everyone along the way with a smile. She's feeling unstoppable after standing up to Olivia. For once, she is in control, relishing in all its glory.
As she approaches her office, her assistant Jonah moves to his feet.
"Senator Grant. There was a man here looking for you. He goes by Eli Pope."
"And what did he want?" Her brows furrow, confused. Why on earth would he be here?
"He didn't say, and since you were unavailable, he didn't bother to stay. However, he did leave you something." He informs. "I put it on your desk. He said it was urgent."
"Thank you, Jonah." She nods, making her way into her office. "Hold my calls for the next thirty minutes."
"Will do, Senator Grant."
Walking over to her desk, she grabs the folder and takes a seat, opening it. As she examines its contents, her eyes widen in surprise. Olivia's dirty deeds are wrapped up in a bow and presented to her.
Checkmate.
To Mellie, this is a win, a way to keep Olivia in check to achieve her goal of becoming the next President of the United States. Sure, taking information from the man that killed her pride and joy is a bit asinine, but the circumstances require extreme tactics due to Olivia being brilliant.
As she flips the page, a small notecard with a number written on it falls onto her lap. She sets the folder down with furrowed brows and reads the number and the tiny name signed at the bottom.
It's Eli's.
Reaching inside her desk drawer, she pulls out her cellphone and dials the number. It rings a few times before he answers.
"Senator Grant." He's enthusiastic. "I take it you got my little care package."
"I did. Are you sure this is what you want to do?"
"This isn't about me. This is about you, Senator Grant. What do you want to do?"
"I want to show Olivia that I am in control." She answers truthfully. "I want to give her a taste of her own medicine."
"Then do it."
"I just have one question."
"What's that?"
"What's in it for you?"
He laughs. "Once we trap Olivia in the corner, she will have no choice but to return to what she knows. That's all I want. No strings."
She contemplates the situation, emitting a sigh as she leans back against her chair. This plan is her only chance.
"Consider it done." She ends the call, setting her phone on the desk. "Hey, Jonah!"
"Yes, Senator Grant?" He answers, moving to stand in the doorway of the office.
"I need you to get this information out to the press." She picks up the folder, holding it out to him.
Walking into the office, he grabs the folder.
"What's inside of this folder?"
"Oh, nothing." She kicks her feet up on her desk, crossing her legs at the ankle. "Just something to humble Olivia Pope."
He doesn't bother to ask questions. "Right away, Senator Grant."
"And Jonah."
"Yes?"
"Make it hurt."
X
Olivia's name is inescapable. Burning up the airwaves is all her dirty deeds regarding her actions pertaining to B613, leaving the nation both intrigued and horrified. They're intrigued to know what else is happening underneath their very noses. They're horrified to learn that someone whose influence runs deep, someone who's also loved by many, can do so many unspeakable things.
Abby's heart beats out of her chest, making her way to the Oval Office, her heels tapping expeditiously over the marble floors. She's worried. Although she and Olivia don't have the best relationship, she can't say this isn't cruel. It's different when the people closest to you call you out on your bullshit, but having the whole world watching through a magnifying glass is an irrefutable ending.
Barging into the oval, she attracts the attention of Fitz, Marcus, Cyrus, and Danny.
"What the hell is happening?"
"We don't know." Fitz answers. "It's what we're trying to figure out. Have you gotten in touch with Ryan?"
"He's on his way, sir," Danny answers, folding his arms across his chest.
"What about Olivia, sir?" Marcus inquires. "Have you tried reaching out to her?"
"I did several times, but she didn't answer my call."
"Are you sure she didn't do this herself?" Cyrus asks, attracting indifferent glares from the others. "I mean, this is her playing field."
"What reasoning does she have to release this information?" Fitz wonders, walking over to Cyrus. "What good could come out of this? She'll drown before we even have a chance to figure out what's happening and who is behind it."
"I meant no disrespect, sir, but just because you both willingly decided to play kumbaya doesn't mean everyone else has." Cyrus retorts. "Believe it or not, Mr. President, some of us still see her as the person they're painting her out to be."
His words leave Fitz speechless.
"Now that you're back on earth, I say that to say this. This sudden attack on Miss Pope stems from one thing and one thing only."
"And what's that?" Marcus asks.
"Control. It's always about control." He answers, his gaze drifting to Marcus. "People who are firm in their beliefs are immune to control, so other matters come into account."
Abby's curious, folding her arms across her chest. "What kind of matters?"
"You all just did some case where she did some good, right?" He looks at Abby and then Fitz.
Her brows furrow. "Yeah, but I'm confused about how that ties into this."
"She did something good. She did something that didn't benefit her for the first time since working for Mellie." Marcus interjects. "There was no underlying agenda."
"Just a case that resonated with something inside of her." Abby catches on. "So, wait. Do you think that whoever did this wants to have control over her? All because she did something that wasn't B613 related."
"Exactly." Cyrus nods. "When someone stops doing what you want them to do and starts doing things for themselves . . ."
"The superiority complex kicks in," Danny adds. "Without control, there's chaos. So, whoever released this information wanted there to be chaos."
"Well, we need to come up with a plan, put out a statement that-"
"That's not a good idea," Ryan warns, attracting attention as he enters the oval. He stuns in a black Givenchy flecked wool-blend single-breasted suit and red Jimmy Choo Sloane velvet loafers. He sports a high ponytail and diamond stud earrings for completion.
"You do that, and you'll ruin what's meant to happen."
"What's meant to happen?" Fitz questions, walking over to Ryan. "So, you want us to sit around and do nothing while her world comes crashing down?"
"What makes you think her world is crashing down?" He tilts his head slightly to the left, a brow raised. "Did you speak to her today? Did any of you speak to her today?"
No one responds because they haven't.
"Exactly my point." He folds his arms across his chest. "I spoke to her. Face to face. She's fine." He assures. "This is something she needs to face herself. This bump in the road is her only way out. So, will you take this away from her, or will we focus on the bigger picture?"
The question opens their eyes to the bigger picture— Ryan's right.
Danny smiles. "What'd you have in mind?"
"I need you to look into all possible sources of this information could've come from."
"Of course." He turns his attention to Fitz. "Is that okay, Mr. President?"
"Are you sure about this, Ryan?" He inquires. "Like really sure?"
"I'm sure, Mr. President." As he always is.
"Then it's okay, Danny." He assures. "Just be careful."
"Will do, sir." He nods, making his way out of the office, squeezing Ryan's shoulder as he departs.
"Why him?" Abby inquires. "It'll be quicker if we all do it, right?"
"Yes, but that's also expected." He moves to sit down on the couch, crossing his legs. "This isn't our fight. It's hers."
X
She knocks on the big red door, waiting for Eli to answer. She's one hundred percent sure that the only reason Olivia is being crucified right now is because of him. He can't let go. He can't stand to see someone flourishing without his control. He can't stand to see someone happy.
He is cancer this nation should crucify, not Olivia.
Finally, the door unlocking attracts her attention, and when it opens, Eli steps out, and his chipper yet smug demeanor is unavoidable. There's not an ounce of worry looming over him, only self-proclaimed victory at the expense of his own daughter's demise, and she's had enough of the games.
"Maya, what a pleasure s-"
"Save it, Eli." She brushes past him, walking into his house. Eli follows her inside, closing the door behind him.
"What brings you here, Maya?" He tucks his hands into his pockets.
"You know damn well what brings me here, Eli." She turns to face him. "What the hell is your problem? Why do you insist on tormenting your daughter? You constantly push and push and push her and wonder why she's so oblivious to what she truly wants. What kind of father-?"
"Oh, please!" He exclaims. "Don't even attempt to teach me parenting when you haven't been here for years. You show up on your white horse believing you're saving someone when you've done nothing. She will always be my baby girl. She will always come home to me, and contrary to what you believe, this isn't my doing, for I'm not the only enemy Olivia has made during her time as command."
"You let her become this monster!"
"I gave her a choice, and she made her decision!" He retorts.
"More like you decided for her." She huffs, head shaking in disgust. "I know how you operate. You're like a parasite, constantly whispering in her ear, affecting her decisions until she only has one you've already made for her." She steps towards him, jabbing a finger at him.
"You wear her down until she's nothing but a teenage girl who needs her daddy because some boy broke her heart. That doesn't make you father of the year. That makes you a grown-ass, obsessed-ass, trifling-ass man who would rather wear rose-colored glasses to hide the fact that no one needs you, to hide the fact that you are no one's family instead of realizing that you are your only family."
He goes to speak, but nothing comes out. He can't combat the facts, and although he tries to remain calm and unaffected, the look on his face says it all. Eli shakes his head, hysterically laughing as he steps away from her. He turns to the bookcase behind him, unnoticeably grabbing his gun.
"You know what, Maya?" He turns to face her, exhaling softly. "You're right, and your surprise for being right is that you lose." He pulls the gun from behind his back, aiming it at her.
"I'm sorry you had to come all this way for nothing."
She bursts into uncontrollable laughter, stepping towards him; pressing her forehead against the gun. She's not afraid of him. She never was.
"Shoot me. Prove my point so we can all move on with our lives."
His hand begins to shake, nerves coursing through his body.
"Do it!" She yells.
"Fuck!" He emits a long-drawn-out yell, stepping away from her and throwing the gun aside. "I want you out of my house, now! This idea of me being the bad guy is beneath you!" He stings.
"I have done nothing!"
She steps closer to him, putting her lips to his ear.
"Oh Eli, even when you're doing nothing . . . you're always doing something."
X
She sits in the lobby of the Supreme Court, eyes closed, head resting back against the wall. She's away from everyone to get her thoughts together and compartmentalize her press conference. She can feel the indifferent, fear-embedded, and disgusted glares, but it doesn't faze her. She's too close to her freedom, and the tipping point is near. She's never been happier.
You see, she never claimed perfection. She's a human who deals with emotional turmoil regarding life, just like everyone else. The only difference is that her mistakes, tough calls, mishaps, and shortcomings are simply vilified in the press, making her an easier target to scrutinize. However, she's used to it, for that is the job she signed up for and her expertise.
This step is new for her. Standing in her truth no matter the consequences, finally living up to the person she's meant to be. One without fear, one without pain, one without regrets, one without hindrances, one with love, one with respect, one with hope, and one with power. She is Olivia Carolyn Pope, surrounded by snakes inside the serpent's playground with nothing but a worn shield and rusted sword.
But she's ready for the fight.
Olivia opens her eyes. A smile manifests on her features as she fixes herself up. She's dressed in her standard all-black Armani suit and white Prada pumps. Her hair was now middle-parted and lightly waved. This reawakening is new for Olivia, and now it's time to press her blade against her enemies and unleash her inner gladiator.
She makes her way out to greet the tons of press awaiting her appearance, emitting a sigh. Her heels tap over the concrete floors as she walks with purpose and her head held high. They scream her name when she becomes clear, asking her question after question as she approaches the podium, but she drowns them out, all but one, ready to face the fire.
"Olivia Pope, is it true that you did all these things?"
She looks into the eyes of everyone in front of her, but her firm stance and demeanor never falter. Time slows for a moment, and she hears them, loud and clear— Ryan and Fitz's words of encouragement in her mind. That's all she needs to push herself forward.
She smiles, leaning into the microphone to speak.
"It's true." She admits, the answer shocking all those watching. "I have done some unspeakable and unforgivable things. I ruined those close to me to prove some point that doesn't exist. I filled my head with fallacies that I could change this nation if I made calculated chess moves. I flaunted the power I had as an accessory. An accessory I could use whenever I pleased just for fun instead of implementing the change I would've liked to see." She continues.
"I pulled strings to get people in power while eliminating those in the way of my objectives. But you want to know something? There isn't an objective. There never is. My quest for power led me down a dark path filled with hurt, loneliness, regret, and sorrow. I fought so hard to get nothing in return, so when I was in a position of power, I enjoyed it because people like me, a black woman, rarely get that chance." She's confident in her stance.
"I don't regret the fight I needed to fight for myself because I never would've gotten here. I never would've admitted that I, Olivia Pope was wrong. But what I do regret is causing so much damage to myself and those closest to me. This regret goes for those who look to me as an inspiration. I take full responsibility for my actions and will take the consequences." She smiles.
"So, before I go, I want to say that I'm sorry to those I've hurt, lost, and those watching me today. I also want to say that you are enough and don't ever let anyone dictate your life for you because you'll end up like me."
The questions come flowing in after her very truthful yet heartfelt admittance speech, but she walks away from the podium back the way she came, her head still held high and a smile on her face. There was no spin, no deflection, just Olivia. And now that her secrets are out, no one can use them against her.
She's free.
X
Making his way back to the Oval Office after watching Olivia's press conference, Ryan responds to a few text messages from Huck regarding Olivia and a few funny memes. Her admittance was powerful, and he's proud of her for finally finding her light again. He also can't seem to stop laughing at the memes Huck sent.
"Mr. Lewis," Danny calls out from behind, attracting Ryan's attention. He spins around as Danny approaches him with a red folder in hand. "I found something you're going to want to see."
"What do you have?"
Danny holds out the folder, and Ryan takes it, opening it and examining its contents.
"The only person who could've accessed these files had to be someone that knows B613 like the back of their hand." He informs. "There's only one person that fits that description."
Ryan looks up from the folder. "Eli Pope."
"Exactly, and get this, he isn't working alone."
"What do you mean?"
"Did you know that Jake was out of the hospital and that he visited Olivia shortly after?"
"She mentioned it, but what does that have to do with this?" He finds the answer in Danny's eyes. "Eli sent him."
"That's not all he did." He turns the documents inside the folder to the last page. "He sent Senator Mellie Grant that information, and she released it to the press."
"Why her?"
"Control."
"Makes sense. That woman's approval rating dropped drastically since Olivia's departure, not to mention her ignorance."
"Amongst other things."
Ryan chuckles. "Mellie's in a cage, and she thinks Olivia is the way out but fails to realize that she just played right into Olivia's hands."
"So, what should we do?" He folds his arms across his chest.
"Inform the president of this." He closes the folder, handing it back to him. "And make sure he doesn't do anything irrational."
"Right away, Mr. Lewis." He nods, squeezing Ryan's shoulder as he departs to the Oval Office.
Emitting a sigh, Ryan dials up Huck and makes his way down the hall opposite the Oval Office. It rings a few times before he picks up.
"Ryan, hi. Did you like the memes?"
"I did, Huck, but this isn't a social call."
"What do you need?"
"I need to know more about this Mellie Grant."
X
"What do we do now?" An apprehensive Jake asks, glancing across the living room at Eli, who stares blankly in front of the television. "She admitted to everything. You said she'd spin it. You said-"
"I know what I said, boy!" He snaps back, turning his attention to him. "Just because she did the opposite of what I said she would do doesn't mean anything!" He throws his hands up.
"The damage has been done!"
"So, what? She's going to come crawling back to daddy and B613 because of the damage to her reputation?" He inquires, scoffing in disbelief. "If that's what you believe, you don't know your daughter."
"I would watch your tongue when you speak to me, Ballard." He warns, walking over to him. "I am still your superior."
"No. You're just some sad, lonely, and desperate old man attached to some idea that doesn't exist. She's not the woman you raised her to be. You must face that fact. You also have to face the fact that you are no longer in control."
"And you are?" He jabs a finger at him, disbelieving the back talk. "You have been her pet from the beginning; do you think this is the conversation where you shine?" He laughs.
"What a joke." He moves to sit on the back of the couch. "But tell me, since you know her more than I do, what will she do?"
"What she always does. Run away." He assures.
"Ah, right." He laughs, shaking his head. "This time, you are wrong. You think she's going to run because you still have this feeling that she'll run away with you. You attempted that once already. Do you think she'll fall for it again?" He doesn't give Jake a chance to answer.
"You're a joke, and I didn't raise you to be a joke. Olivia, my daughter, isn't running away from her problems. She's facing them head-on, which means she is no longer afraid. Which means we have nothing to use against her. Everything is out in the open now, Ballard."
"If that's the case, why would she come back to you?"
"Because Olivia doesn't know how to live a life without chaos. She needs the danger, the thrill, the power." He assures, folding his arms across his chest.
"And what if she doesn't come back?"
"She will."
"And if she doesn't?"
"The war begins."
Jake huffs. "No offense, old man, but the war has already started, and it's only a matter of time before we're in her crosshairs."
X
Thanks to Huck, Ryan discovered all he needed to know about Mellie Grant. Aside from her experience as a lawyer who graduated from Harvard, she lacks political education. This insight is confusing to Ryan.
He's not impressed.
From the file alone, he can see that she's very entitled, privileged, ignorant, and misinformed about tons of issues this nation faces. And although there are a few positives, they mean nothing to him, for she crossed the line attempting to ruin Olivia.
Ryan departs from his bedroom to the living room with the folder. He tucks his cellphone between his shoulder and ear, talking to Huck about the next step now that they know who's involved in the attempted defamation of Olivia Pope's character.
"So, what's the plan?" Huck asks.
"Hard to say right now without knowing Olivia's standpoint."
"We could go after Mellie. Expose the kind of person she is to the public."
"That'll happen in due time." He assures, sitting down in the chair and tossing the folder into the table. "What we need now is something that'll shake up not only Mellie but also Jake and Eli."
"One stone, three birds." He laughs. "I like it."
Ryan chuckles. "Good. Now that that's out in the open, what if-?"
A knock on the door interrupts what he was about to ask.
"Huck, I'll talk to you soon, okay? Someone's at the door."
"Okay. Can I send you more memes? I found more funny ones."
Ryan laughs, getting up from his seat and making his way to the door.
"Send me all of them."
"Will do. Later."
"Later." He ends the call, opening the door to see Olivia standing on the other side.
"Olivia, what are y-?"
She's frantic in her demeanor. "I need your help with something."
His brows furrow. "What is it?"
"I need you to kill Jake Ballard."