Happy easter everyone. Hope you all are doing well. I've been on a 'streets' binge, but this story isn't far from my mind.
Be safe and be kind, everyone.
Until next time
Love,
Muse xoxo
Previously
Walking around the 'Farmer's market' she is free. Wearing a large beige floppy hat, with Hope strapped to her chest. They walk around the endless idles of vegetables and fruit.
"Why are we here?" Alice asked for the hundredth time today
"Because this is Hope and I's a happy place," Olivia says excitedly eyeing the bright red apples.
"It's boring." Alice pouts.
"This is exhilarating "Grabbing Alice's arm they walk hand and hand. Sampling and trying the new food from local farmers.
"We are meeting Ryan and Shane at your house afterward right?"
"Yes, I promised to take you and Hope to swim. Plus I have to tell you guys something."
"Okay good." Alice exhales loudly
"Al, this is fun."
"The only person enjoying it is you."
"No, Hope loves it right 'baby'" kissing her daughter on the top of her white hat.
"Hope is perfect," Alice answers
"She is." Olivia agrees holding Hope's small hand with her finger at seven months old, her personality is beginning to show.
Hope is the physical embodiment of her and Fitz's unholy union. The truest token of their love. The forbidden and sacred child created in the White House, with the President's mistress. It's every bit as scandalous as it sounds, and she would expect nothing less for the two of them.
She knows his G20 Summit is coming, and he will be close to her. Too close actually that she feels uneasy about his soon arrival in the coming week. Time is not on her side, which means she has to act quickly. Fitz will be too busy holding meetings and press conferences with all the World Leaders to come and find her, but it's a chance she refuses to take with Hope.
Fitz can continue with his life, and Olivia will gladly do the same.
They loved each other, and they lost each other.
There is no point in crying over spilled milk. Her tears have long dried, and she is moving on with her life. She's seen the press clippings about Fitz and Angela.
Her college rival is dating the love of her life. It would be fitting that Fitz would date her enemy. That woman was always after everything she had, including boyfriends.
Fitz has claimed Angela as his girlfriend to the world. And she will claim their daughter as hers, and hers alone.
Their past is their past, and she will not revisit it. She will carry on the secret that she gave birth to the President of The United States child. When the time comes, when Hope wants to know her father she will tell her, and allow her to decide whether to find him or not. But she will not share her daughter with the world. They have both made choices that changed the outcome of their relationship. Hope is not the exception.
Fitz will have Angela.
And she will have Hope.
Neither will be alone in this world.
That is fair.
Olivia stops for a moment, eyeing the tens of jars filled with jam.
"What"s wrong?" Alice asked worried.
"Nothing…it's just jam." Olivia laughs wiping the tear before it could fall down her face.
"You like jam?" Alice asked unsure.
"Yeah…I loved jam."
"Do you want to buy some?"
She ponders for a second but shakes her head "I'm good. Hope and I can start making jam at home." Olivia reaches down kissing Hope's cheek. Needing the reassurance that only Hope can give her.
After buying fruits and snack. They make the short walk to her house where Ryan and Shane are waiting for them.
Watching her family gather around her house laughing and swimming.
Olivia takes a moment.
'I'm going to miss this'.
Throwing on her sunglasses, she gets in the pool and begins to swim with Hope and Ryan, as Shane tends to the grill.
"How many burgers y'all want?' Shane ask
"Just make them all until we run out of meat."
"Okay!"
"How are Hope's ears?" Ryan asked holding Hope in his arms as they swayed in the water.
"Oh, she's doing fine! Look at how cute her earrings are."
"I couldn't see her cry."
"I know, you big baby." Olivia laughs remembering Shane had to go with her to get Hope's ear pierced since Ryan refused due to Hope being in pain.
"I just don't like seeing her hurt."
"I know. Me too. But I nursed her and I even added a little sugar on my nipple to take her mind off the pain."
"You are giving my goddaughter crack?" Alice yells overhearing the conversation.
"Shut up." Olivia and Ryan laugh "It's just Hope doesn't consume sugar so it took the pain away. And it was over in a few minutes."
"I can't believe you put sugar on your boobs" Shane laughs
"It worked!" Olivia argues "Don't knock if you haven't tried it."
The TV is playing in the background and everyone is so enthralled with their conversation that nobody hears Hope at first 'Dada'
"What is she saying?" Alice asked
"Dada" Hope says again laughing at her joke.
Alice looks up at the TV screen "Liv, what are you teaching this girl? She's over here calling The President of The United States 'dada'. If that's her dada then my father is Michael Jackson."
"I do see the resemblance" Olivia laughs
"You better get this baby, a daddy before she starts calling any man she meets that." Alice quips taking a sip of her Corona.
"She's fine." Olivia placates Alice. Before rocking Hope in the water. "Right Hope."
With everyone eating. Olivia takes the moment to put this cherished memory into her long-term memory.
"I wanted you all here because I have to say something."
One by one everyone stops eating to look at Olivia.
Tears begin to fill her eyes.
"I have enjoyed knowing all of you, and loving you…but I'm afraid that Hope and I are going to be having to leave soon."
"What! Why!" The trio shouts in shock
Olivia begins to fidget with her ring, purposely avoiding looking them in the eye.
"Well…"
There's a knock on the door.
"Who is that?" Olivia asked scared
"I invited Terrance over, he was coming after work."
"Oh.." Olivia walks over to the door and opens it without thought.
"Hey, Terrance. We are in the back," she says turning around.
"Hi"
With her mouth open she stares at him in disbelief.
He found her.
"Hi"
X
She stares at him in disbelief, shock, worry.
It can't be.
This can't be happening.
"What are you doing here?" She blocks his entry inside her home, her refuge.
He stares at her for a second, beautiful as always. She's different, her hair is long and curly, draping down her back. Wearing a white swim cover, it's how he always imagined she would be away from Washington.
At peace.
"Are you going to let me in?" He answers hopefully
"Fitz, what are you doing here? You can't be here." She looks behind her praying no one brings Hope inside the house.
"Well I am, and I need to be inside. Security reasons."
She contemplates for a second whether to close the door, but she knows it's too late. Fitz gently walks inside her home as though he's been there before.
He looks around trying to find what exactly he's not sure? But he's looking hoping to find clues inside the woman who broke his heart new life.
Olivia stands in front of him blocking his view.
"Fitz, why are you here?" She asks again, wanting. Needing answers.
He stills manages to look around, walking past Olivia to the wall filled with black and white pictures of Olivia and what appears to be her friends, and a multitude of pictures of a baby, and some with Olivia and the baby together. Walking to the bookshelf, he grabs one photo of the infant baby and Olivia. Gripping the picture frame he can hear the soft break of the metal.
Before losing his grip slightly.
Is this her baby?
"That's my Goddaughter," Olivia answers somehow as though she was reading his mind.
Fitz turns to look at Olivia, but she lowers her head.
What is she hiding? Guilt?
"I never took you to be a liar," Fitz answers deeply, never taking his eyes off Olivia.
"I'm not lying," Olivia answers strongly this time, looking Fitz in the eyes daring him… A chill runs down her spine, she doesn't believe herself which means he isn't buying it.
Fitz stares at the picture "the baby looks like you…"
Olivia snatches the picture from Fitz's hand, placing it back on her bookshelf.
"Why are you here?" Olivia answers again this time with tears in her eyes "how did you find me?"
"I am the President of the United States, Olivia." He walks closer to her, invading her personal space as she backs away into the bookshelf "there is no place on this earth, where I can't find you."
"You managed not to find me when I was kidnapped." Olivia spat with anger she thought had absolved.
His once stoic face stumbles at the reminder of his failure to protect her. "I tried righting my wrongs for that. I had agents watching you and you refused. I went to war to find you, and bring you back. And you rejected me, again…"
Olivia folds her arms in defiance "what do you want, Fitz? You came here for something." Her words begins to crumble under the pressure of his stare.
There's something magical about being in close proximity with one another again after being apart for so long.
"Who's baby is that?" Fitz asked again, calmly this time
"Fitz… why are you here? How did you find me?" Olivia ask watching as Fitz walk around her living room. Inspecting every picture, book, and flower.
"You called me ." He stops walking as he turns to face Olivia, moving personally close to her that he can feel the warmth of her breath and the faint scent of lavender on her skin.
"I did…" Olivia looks back at him nodding her head sadly. "but you didn't answer, so leave." Olivia opens the door for Fitz to exit her home, but only he moves further inside.
Slamming the door, she yells "Why are you here, Fitz!"
"Because I want answers, Olivia!" Fitz yells back. "Who's. Baby. Is. That?" He ask again this time, angrily.
"Liv, is everything okay?" Ryan asks walking inside after hearing all the commotion.
"Yeah, sweetie." Olivia walks to Ryan hugging him more sensually than ever before, she knows he will understand the implication of her movements.
Ryan stares at Fitz in shock, The President of the United States was standing in front of him, and looking ready to murder him but why? Then he remembers not what, but who.
Hope.
"Hi, I'm Fitz. " Fitz walks over to Ryan shaking his hand tightly, quickly turning on his politician facade.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Ryan …"
"Nice to meet you,Ryan. I was in the neighborhood and decided to come check on my dear friend Olivia…she disappeared on me and I just want to catch up."
Olivia stares at Fitz, rolling her eyes annoyingly at him calling her a 'friend'. Dressed in jeans and a casual polo, this visit isn't work, but personal.
"Okay…" Ryan answers looking back at Olivia for reassurance that he won't possibly get arrested for aiding in the kidnapping of The President of United States child.
"Ryan is my partner." Olivia moves toward Ryan, wrapping her arms around his waist.
Fitz stares at Olivia and stumbles slightly at the declaration. What was he coming here for? What was he expecting?
"That's good. I'm glad someone was able to make you happy." He retorts coldly.
Her breath ceases at the remark. How he can possibly think, he didn't make her happy.
"Ryan, would you mind if I talk to Olivia?"
"No."
"Sure."
"Sweetie…" Olivia pleads grabbing Ryan's hand to save her. Only he kisses her cheek, and walks back outside. He loves Olivia, but the man standing in that room was not someone he wants to mess.
The tension between them is too thick.
/
"What's wrong with you?" Alice asked staring at Ryan as he walks back outside "is Olivia okay?"
"Seriously Ryan? Where is Olivia?" Shane asked starting to become concerned.
"You guys, please tell me you will stay outside and remain calm."
"No... do we need to call the cops? Is she safe?" Shane answers beginning to get up from her chair with a sleeping Hope.
Sitting on his chair, he reaches for the closest liquor he could find downing it in seconds before grabbing another.
"Ryan!" Alice yells again "I'm going in" She stands and walks to the door
"No!" Ryan yells "you need to stay outside for a minute."
"So you aren't going to say what's wrong?"
"I need a minute," Ryan answers looking back at Hope who's nestled in Shane's arms.
Shane is holding America's baby.
/
"How did you find me? Why are you here? Why now?" Olivia walks to the kitchen grabbing a glass of wine.
"Why did you call me?" Fitz stares at Olivia, heartbroken at the declaration he just witnessed.
Finishing her glass of wine, she pours another glass. She shouldn't be drinking in fact she hasn't had a drink since having Hope due to breastfeeding, but she'll just have to dump her milk. Because she needs something.
"Olivia!" Fitz yells watching as she finishes another glass.
She turns to stare at him with watery eyes, and her lip quivering. "I don't have to answer to you." Olivia spat
"Why did you call me?" Fitz moves closer to Olivia desperate for answers.
Her large brown eyes staring into his deep blue ones, she begins to stutter as she struggles to find the right words. "I missed you… but you have clearly moved on, so…" Olivia walks away trying to clean up and hide bottles and kid snacks.
Fitz stares froze where Olivia left him, until he finds the strength to watch her move around the kitchen so naturally. He never thought he would see the day that Olivia Pope would be in a kitchen, better yet cleaning one.
"The baby is your God baby?" Fitz asks again seeking clarification.
She jumps at the questions, fortunately, her back is turned against him.
"Yes."
"You have a lot of baby things…"
Olivia doesn't respond. "Why are you here, Fitz? You can't be here. This isn't America."
"I know that, Olivia" Fitz answer walking towards her again "I decided to get a head start before the summit and spend a few days here."
"You shouldn't have come."
"Why are you here, Olivia?" He realizes that he flew nine thousand miles, to see her. To get answers to his own 'why's.'
With her back turned to him, she continues picking up. Ignoring his question.
"Answer the question, Olivia!" Fitz yells growing tired of Olivia and her stalling.
"Liv, is everything okay?" Alice walks in hearing yelling.
The President of the United States is standing two feet away from her, yelling at her best friend, why?
"Alice now isn't a good time." Olivia turns to Alice exhausted but fine.
Looking at Olivia and the President her mouth drops and her eyes grow two times in size. " Mr. President!" Alice squeals in excitement as she remembers all the stories Olivia told her about the 'president'.
Fitz stares at Alice in shock at her happiness and that she recognized him "Hi, I'm Fitz." He walks to Alice shaking her hand, only she doesn't let go.
"What's your name…" Fitz tries to let his hand go, only Alice doesn't budge.
"Alice, leave" Olivia demands
"Right." Alice answers waking up "nice to see you , I heard a lot about you." Alice smiles looking him up and down before walking back out.
Fitz stares at Olivia with a smile, and despite her anger she too smiles, silently thanking Alice for easing the tension between them.
/
"It's true."
"Of course it's true. I said it!" Ryan answers annoyed.
"I didn't believe you," Alice answers simply sitting down at the table with everyone else.
"I told you not to go inside!"
"I thought you were lying," Alice answers sitting down, finishing her corona off.
"Why would I lie about Olivia and The President of the United States arguing."
"That's crazy!" Alice whispers "You think secret service is here?" She asks looking around for them.
"Of course." Shane answers drinking her beer " he's the president."
"I'm gonna go look for them," Alice answers getting up, and walking around the backyard, she freezes at the sight of several officers all staring at her from Olivia's neighbor's back backyard.
"Fuck my mummy. They are here." Alice whispers scared running back to the group.
"What do you expect? That they wouldn't be here when the president is overseas" Ryan answers laughing.
"I'm sorry Ryan for being shocked that the world leader is in our best friends house arguing with her, and not to mention Shane is holding The President of the United States baby in her arms."
"Alice!" Shane and Ryan whisper in fear that the secret service may hear them.
"Shut the fuck!" They hiss in unison.
"I bet they are fucking." Alice quips taking a sip of her corona wondering when they do end up having sex, if she can watch.
/
"I like her" Fitz smiles at Alice
"Me too." Olivia answers honestly, smiling.
"Why did you move here?"
Olivia blows out an exaggerated sigh "I wanted to escape you."
Fitz stares at Olivia hurt "I asked…"
"You seem fine, you are dating Angela…my old classmate at Harvard."
"I didn't know she was your classmate."
Olivia rolls her eyes "like she would miss the opportunity to say it. And I told you about her"
"I didn't know at first." Fitz corrects himself. " and I didn't think that was her."
They stare at one another, everything feels different yet thankfully the same.
Neither talks for what feels like forever.
"Fitz, why are you here? why now?"
Reaching inside his back pocket he dropped some items on the table.
Walking to the table, she grabs the pictures inspecting them before looking at Fitz who never takes his eyes off her.
"That is your baby," Fitz answers calmly this time, he's not asking, but confirming.
The pictures are of Olivia and Hope at different places and sometimes at home in the backyard.
He knows.
"Yes," Olivia answers with tears in her eyes.
"Is it mine?" He answers hopefully.
She stares at him for what feels like years. He looks like Fitz, her Fitz.
"No ." Her head lowers in shame, she shouldn't lie. But she knows what will happen if Fitz thinks Hope is his.
"I don't believe you," Fitz answers back hurt but not defeated.
"It's Ryan's baby…" Olivia looks up at him, she can see his eyes watering at her declaration but it doesn't match his physical response.
Shaking his head, he refuses to accept that answer "That's not his baby. I refuse to accept that answer" Fitz answers angrily this time walking outside only for Olivia to block the door.
"Move," Fitz demands his teeth gritting in anger.
"No." Olivia refuses
Grabbing the doorknob Olivia covers Fitz's hand with hers.
Silently pleading.
"Move, Olivia." His voice is cold. "I want to see the baby."
"I'm not moving. That is my baby. There is nothing for you to see." Olivia pleads with tears threatening to fall down her face.
"You are the one, who went for an abortion, not me," Fitz whispers in her ear before walking out the front door.
She stares at his departing figure before falling on the floor in exhaustion.
There is something comforting about the cool wood floors soothing her burning flesh. How she can feel her heart beating out of her chest onto the floor and back inside her body.
Counting to three, she gets up. Fixing her blouse and wiping her tears away, she unlocks the door and walks outside to her waiting family.
"You okay?" Shane asked
Olivia shakes her head, she can't speak. She just needs her daughter. That is all that matters in her world. Is Hope.
Holding Hope to her chest, she can breathe again.
She's safe.
"I hope I'm not intruding," Fitz answers walking to the backyard where he sees Olivia holding a sleeping baby.
His sleeping baby.
He stops short of touching them. He stares at his living dream. In awe and fear.
"We are going to go," Shane answers.
"No." Olivia pleads
"We have too," Ryan answers dragging Alice by the hand as they walk out the backdoor.
"Ryan, you have to stay," Olivia whispers as Fitz stares at them not attempting to hide his disappointment.
"You have to face your reality, Olivia." He kisses her on the forehead and Hope on the cheek.
All of them stopped to hug Olivia. And saying goodnight to Fitz, who smiles briefly but doesn't speak.
"Inside," Olivia answers walking back inside the home with Fitz close behind.
Locking all the doors. Olivia moves to sit down with a still-sleeping Hope. Fitz moves to sit next to her on the couch, not wanting any distance between them.
"You think you can be honest?" Fitz ask softly
"I will, if you can." Olivia gives up meekly, kissing Hope on the crown of her head.
"The baby…"
"She's yours…" Olivia whispers with tears in her eyes "She's your baby, Fitz."
Fitz turns his head to wipe his tears. He wanted this baby the first time he saw Olivia. He's dreamt of her, prayed for her. When he saw that Olivia went to the abortion clinic, he gave up on his dream. He sold there would be a home in Vermont and dedicated his life and term to being 'better,' a better father, a better boyfriend, a better president. There is a silver lining to this melancholy story.
Fitz got better, but he never felt it.
"A girl?" He asks again
Olivia nods her head, "Her name is Hope."
Fitz smiles as he watches his daughter sleep in her mother's arms. He's dreamt of this moment for eight years. It was always a dream, a desire, but now. It's reality. His reality.
"I thought you had an abortion…"
"That was the plan. I was on the stretcher but at the last minute, I decided against it. I wanted her." Olivia whispers her most sacred thoughts to the only person who would understand.
"Why didn't you tell me?" His voice is constricted.
"I tried. You didn't answer." She reminds him.
"That is no excuse to keep a father away from his child." His anger is starting to fester at the thought of all he has missed. "I missed her delivery…I missed her first smile…I missed her first laugh…I missed her before I knew she existed." His voice breaks up.
"I'm sorry," Olivia answers softly and she is.
"You aren't sorry, you are evil, Olivia." Fitz stares at her with anger.
"I tried to do the right thing, but you have been occupied with your girlfriend, so you don't get to call me evil. I did this alone and will continue to do so."
"Angela has nothing to do with the fact that you kept my daughter from me. You didn't have to do this alone. I wanted her. You made a choice."
" And so did you. You decided not to answer the phone, Fitz. That was your choice. And I respected it, so respect that Hope is mine. We both got something out of it."
"What did I get besides heartbreak?" He asks
"You aren't alone." Olivia reminds him
"Who says I'm not?" Fitz counters
They stare at one another for a second before looking back at Hope
"I can't exactly reach you, Fitz. You made a decision not to pick up. Live with it. That's not my fault."
Hope begins to squirm and move in Olivia's arms.
Her eyes flutter before opening them and staring at her mama.
"Hi, baby." Olivia smiles at Hope, her loose curls falling down her face. 'She's perfect.' It is amazing to think that she and Fitz could create something, better yet someone as perfect as Hope.
But they have.
Eased by her mama's presence Hope begins to look around and move until she sees Fitz staring at her.
"It's okay, Hope." Olivia assures her "he loves you…"
Fitz doesn't talk, but he cries silent tears as he looks at the manifestation of his dream. He's wanted her for so long that it feels surreal to see her, to know that she exists. Despite their obstacles and emotional turmoil, they were able to create life and a beautiful one at that.
Olivia watches Fitz, feeling immense guilt and regret that she has kept them apart. She wipes her tears quickly, not wanting Hope to become frightened, but Hope and Fitz stare at one another until Fitz reaches out to touch Hope's hand. She snuggles deeper in her mama's arm but never takes her eyes off Fitz in the process.
He marvels at the softness of her skin, her large hazel eyes staring back at him. With such wonder and curiosity, he wants desperately to place her in his arms but he can't scare her.
Fitz won't scare Hope like he did her mom.
Sitting back on the couch he watches Hope peer over Olivia's shoulder to look at him. She smiles and laughs as he begins to move closer to her.
Peaking over Olivia's shoulder he smiles "boo." Causing Hope to giggle and jump deeper into Olivia's arms as they laugh at the encounter.
Becoming more comfortable as time passes, Hope reaches over to touch Fitz causing him to jump and Hope to laugh loudly.
Fitz makes eye contact with Olivia briefly, the look on his face is indescribable anger. Love? Betrayal? She can't distinguish his expression anymore, she doesn't know him.
Playing sleep on the floor, Hope moves towards Fitz with Olivia's reassurance. Touching him on the chest, she begins to jump and yell until Fitz grabs her and lifts her in the air as they play and laugh.
Exhausted, Hope hugs Fitz, and their Fitz cries. This time he doesn't wipe his tears, he wants Olivia to see his pain, he looks at Olivia briefly before closing his eyes and hugging Hope tighter.
Hours pass and Fitz refuses to leave Hope's side as she moves around the house. He's enamored with his daughter, and desperate to learn everything about her that he can.
/
A knock is heard and his agent John appears.
"It's time sir."
"No." Fitz answers definitively
"Time for what?" Olivia asks looking at Fitz but he ignores her.
"Mr. President, the neighbors are due to return home in the next hour, we can't delay anymore, you need to get back to the hotel."
"I'm not leaving." Fitz answers again standing up with Hope in his arms
"Sir, this is a security breach, we agreed to leave when the time came."
"I didn't know about my daughter" Fitz snaps, trying not to yell and scare Hope. "You can blame, Olivia for that."
"Fitz you need to go," Olivia speaks knowing that Fitz listens to her.
"Why so you can kidnap my child and move her to the middle of nowhere?" His voice drops and he becomes increasingly cold.
Olivia's mouth drops at the low blow, but she doesn't want to fight. Not now at least.
"Mr. President, we can do this easy way or hard way."
"I'll have you arrested and fired." Fitz spat refusing to leave without a fight.
"Fitz go." Olivia hisses this time, Hope moves for Olivia to take her much to Fitz's disdain.
With Hope out of his arms, he stares at Olivia and Hope. They look perfect together.
They are everything he's ever wanted…
"I want my daughter."
"Okay, you can see her tomorrow." Olivia offers
"No…" Fitz shakes his head "That won't do. I want her now."
"Fitz…"
"I am not going to spend another day away from her." His voice starts to break "I want my daughter, Olivia."
"You can't have her." She answers back coldly.
Moving closer towards Olivia he touches his daughter's cheek "My agents will be picking Hope up in the next hour."
"No" Olivia yells moving away from Fitz "You can't take a baby away from its mother!"
"Well, you were okay with keeping her away from her father!"
"Fitz, I'm breastfeeding. I nurse Hope every night, she sleeps with me."
"I don't care…" moving again to Olivia and Hope " I want my daughter and if you try and run away. I will have you arrested."
"Fitz" Olivia pleads
"You took one kid away from me. I'm not allowing you to take another."
Her eyes water at the verbal assault. That Fitz would hold her accountable for what her father did.
"That wasn't my fault." Olivia cries " I loved Jerry too, and I would have gladly taken places with him."
"You've caused me nothing but heartbreak, Olivia. If loving you was going to hurt this bad…I would have done things differently."
Olivia stares at Fitz with pain and hurt.
Kissing Hope on the cheek " I'll see you in an hour, Hope." Fitz promises
"She's not leaving my sight." Olivia vows with equal venom "You may hate me, but I hate you too. And you can try hurting me with your words, but when it comes to my daughter…you've never seen a mother like me. But you will." Olivia promises moving closer to Fitz with equal disgust.
"My daughter will be at my hotel room, in the next hour." Fitz warns walking away
"We'll see."
Turning back around he walks to Olivia "Don't play with me, Olivia. The Fitz you were able to manipulate is gone. I care nothing about you, and I will fake a warrant and do whatever I have to do to get my child."
"You forgot that I made you." Olivia responds coldly "And I will ruin you."
"You already have." Fitz walks away
/
He stares at his watch
"Call Rick again! And give me an ETA on when my daughter is here!" Fitz yells slamming his phone down.
He hasn't drunk in six months, but today, he needs a drink, he needs relief. Olivia had his baby, he saw the pictures, but he couldn't accept the truth, he couldn't imagine Olivia keeping something this big from him. But she did, and because of that, he's missed out on his daughter's life.
Blaming Olivia is easier than blaming himself. She tried reaching out, but he was afraid of falling under her spell. Now, he's missed out on the life he's always wanted with the woman he loved.
It's not fair.
He downs the glass of whiskey, and downs another before stopping himself. He can't get drunk with Hope coming, he has to be alert. It's been some time since he took care of the baby, but he's never been more ready than he is now.
He wants Hope. Needs her. He's been drowning slowly, painfully day after day. But today, he felt something and still does.
He's alive again, and it's because of Hope.
He brushes his teeth and gargles, he orders his agents to buy clothes, a crib, and any toy that they can find and bring it to him.
Eyeing the phone on his nightstand he contemplates answering it. But he knows ignoring the phone call will lead to other issues that he simply doesn't have the time for.
It's Angela.
"Hey." He answers
"Hi, sweetie. How's it going over there."
"Ugh, it's been enlightening…"
"You seem tired."
"Yeah, I am…it's been pretty overwhelming over here."
"I told you to let me come, I could have relieved that tension."
Fitz lets out a slight chuckle "What was I thinking" he smirks
"You weren't thinking" Angela laughs reminding him. One day, Fitz told Angela he was leaving for New Zealand early when she tried to come as support. He declined, as he told her it wouldn't be fair for her to be stuck in a hotel room waiting for him.
"What did you do today?"
He takes a minute to answer the question "I met some locals, did some searching and I reconnected with a friend."
"What's his name?"
A knock is heard and the door opens and closes immediately.
"I have to go." Fitz hangs up without saying goodbye.
Walking back into the foyer he sees Hope nestled in Olivia's arms.
