Chapter 51

Olivia had her first break of the night at ten-thirty. She had been going non-stop assisting and treating patients in the ED. The more than four hours of sleep that Fitz had insisted that she get had been a godsend. She had been exhausted and she hadn't truly realized it but Fitz had. She had fallen asleep as soon as she had laid her head on his chest. She had been both physically and mentally exhausted! Her work load coupled with the emotional upheaval of finding out her entire existence had been fabricated had taken its toll. She needed that rest!

Fitz had awakened her with enough time to get ready for her shift. They talked as she had dressed and on the ride to Mass General. Chef Stoney had prepared a large salad of mixed greens, red cabbage, cukes, radishes, carrots, almond slivers, and fresh mandarin slices. Pieces of blacken salmon and a freshly made dressing completed the meal. Fitz knew that Olivia was going to love it.

"I know you said you feel great Olivia but I worry that you may not have gotten enough rest. You look beautiful though. I'm envious of all the men that will get to lay eyes on you for the next twelve hours."

"You haven't any reason to be. No one can compare to you. I actually do feel great Fitz. Those hours of sleep were exactly what I needed. I will be fine. Did you see that salad? I can also feed a couple of my teammates today. That's a huge salad and it's one of my favorites. Chef Stoney is going to be a gem I think."

"I think so too."

"I know you skipped dinner in order to watch over me while I slept. What's your plans for dinner tonight?"

"I am famished. Some meat and potatoes, girl! I want a huge porterhouse, a fully loaded potato, and some of that salad of yours. There's plenty left. I was allowed to taste that blackened salmon. It's perfection Olivia. Wait until you taste it. It's going to make your salad pop! We do have a winner with Stoney, Olivia. She's an excellent chef."

"Who better to spot an excellent chef but another excellent chef? You will always be my favorite. You're the best chef as far as I'm concerned. You rule the kitchen and as an aside, you rule in bedroom as well. These twelve hours can't pass quickly enough. I can't wait to come home to you, but on to other things.

I plan to call my mother tomorrow. I want she and Uncle Jim to know that I want to talk to them. I'm sure they are anxious to know what I've been thinking. My anger got the best of me early on in this situation. A cooler head now prevails.

In the meantime, I was thinking how wonderful it is to have you here. I can't express in words how grateful I am that you're going to be here with me for two weeks. Two entire weeks! I know the circumstances that brought you here were funky but I couldn't be happier. I'm hoping that you'll agree with my thoughts of the two of us taking the rest of the week to explore our new home and each other. I want to spend the next few days with you, just you. I admit it's a little selfish to put off my parents but I want to do it anyway.

Will a few more days alter the outcome? Hopefully not. I imagine my parents are anxious but I feel like another few days of me coming to terms with this thing can only help the situation. We will see them on Saturday or Sunday. Hopefully to put this saga behind us. All of us need to get on with our lives."

"Yes, we do Olivia. I'm pleased that you have drawn that conclusion. Your parents will be pleased also. They have found each other again and it seems they are still very much in love. Finding true love is a very rare thing. I'm actually rooting for those two to find an enduring happiness. Your mother hasn't had a pleasant life and nor has Uncle Jim. I think he has never married and sought a family of his own because of his enduring love for your mother. If they have a shot at something special, I hope they can achieve it."

"I've realized that now myself. Uncle Jim has always been in love with my mother. He hid his true feelings for her behind a wall of indifference and pretended dislike. If Thomas Pope hadn't been so wrapped up in his own little world, he might have realized the yearning between my mother and Uncle Jim. I'm recalling more and more of the two of them and their interactions over the years. Even if Thomas Pope realized their feelings, knowing him, he probably wouldn't have let her go."

"Thomas Pope is a special breed. I believe his ego and libido have always been the primary focus in his life. I don't think he's ever put any effort into anything else, not even medicine. Being self-serving has been his life. Doing anything for others isn't part of his repertoire. I suspect you're quite correct."

"Unfortunately, I am correct. Enough of Thomas Pope. This is such a quick ride compared to driving from Cambridge. I can't believe we've arrived already. We just left the penthouse."

"We chose the penthouse for many reasons, Olivia. One of them being the close proximity to your job. We can even walk here in the spring and summer."

"Yes, we can. It's going to be wonderful, Fitz. Getting back to last night, thanks for watching over me. Letting me get that extra rest was a great idea. I'll try to call as close to eleven as I can. I love you. Have a great night."

"And I love you. You have a great night and don't work too hard. I'll see you in the morning."

"Fitz don't you dare get up and come with Security to pick me up tomorrow morning. Stay in bed and wait for me. Plus, I need to shower and change once I leave the hospital. You know the ritual."

"I do. I'll be waiting."

A sweet kiss and she was gone. He and Security had watched her enter the building. Fitz was confident that she was safe or he wouldn't have let her go.

Fitz was truly pleased that Olivia had chosen a path to end the breach with her parents. He knew that eventually she would do the right thing. She only had to sort out her feelings. Olivia is a warm and loving woman. Her heart is filled with kindness and love. She loved those two people and he had known she would never forsake them.

On the ride back to the penthouse Fitz and Jarrod spoke as friends. He and Jarrod were more than employer and the hired help. Jarrod was chosen from his personal security detail back in New York. He had been chosen to assemble a top-notch security team here in Boston to protect his family. He'd formed a great team. Fitz knew that Olivia was safe when he wasn't here. He had ridden down to the basement with Jarrod instead of being dropped off at the main penthouse elevator. He had some questions on the whereabouts of Thomas Pope. Some of this saga was over but not all of it. If he had to spend the rest of his life shadowing Thomas Pope he would. The man was unpredictable. He'd receive the update and then have his dinner.

His meal was superb! Once again Stoney had proven her weight in gold! Fitz had cleaned his plate. He'd been truly hungry. Now to get his daily briefing from Drey. His office was in very capable hands; he knew this. However, he was still the boss. Drey was very thorough as she updated him on the firm's court cases and two potentially new and very rich clients. He was still planning to take the full ten days including the weekends off. He wanted to make sure that Olivia had recovered to his satisfaction from this current turmoil before he returned to the city. There was nothing more important than he and Olivia's relationship.

Tessa and James had made a decision last night. They were leaving the Bostonian to do of all things, to explore Boston. They were in the United States of America and they had been hiding. Specifically, they had been hiding from Thomas Pope. At one point they had decided to continue keeping their involvement secret. They expected there was to be a price to pay when their connection was made by the man. No doubt there would be unparalleled wrath from him once he found out. They had also decided that it was Olivia's call as to what she wanted told to Thomas Pope. They were coming out of the closet. Life was too short. They didn't owe Thomas anything, but they would respect their daughter's decision about the man.

They were also going to marry regardless of whatever decision Olivia made about them. Of course, they wanted her love and understanding. Whether it was forthcoming soon or some time in the distance future, they wouldn't remain in limbo! They informed Security that they were going sightseeing tomorrow. They planned to be away from the hotel most of today and possibly tomorrow. Would it be a problem?

Of course not. Their assigned detail would take them wherever they chose to go. Security even offered to plan out their sightseeing adventure. If they would provide Security the sights they would like to see and approximately how long they would they would choose to explore, they would make up an appropriate itinerary. They agreed of course. They had spent a couple hours after dinner deciding what they would like to see. They also advised Security not to crowd the tour into one day. A couple of days, even more would be fine. Olivia would call when she called. Sitting around on pins and needles waiting for a phone call served no one well.

"That was a good call, Tess. We needed to get out of this place. I love your company and the Bostonian is top notch but we arrived here more than a week ago. We need an outing."

"We do. I'm looking forward to it."

Fitz was in the spacious exercise room. He was making a circuit on the machines of his choice before showering and waiting for Olivia's call. He stopped the circuit when he heard his phone ringing. He toweled off and answered it. It was much too early for Olivia's call.

"Good evening, Mr. Grant. It's Harry over at the Bostonian Sir. Sorry to disturb you."

"Is everything alright over there Harry?"

"It is Sir. Miss Adderley and Mr. Lockheed are requesting a sightseeing tour. It could possibly be a two-day or more tour as they have presented quite a long list of probabilities. I told them that a tour was possible Sir, knowing that Dr. Pope has returned to the Cayman's. I trust you are in agreement that a day or two of sightseeing poses no harm to them."

"I received the news that Pope has left the country. I see no reason why they can't move about freely. You intend to escort them correct?"

"Of course. They are still our charges."

"Very well then. Enjoy scenic and historic Boston."

Olivia called a few minutes after eleven. She was so glad to his voice. It meant that her world was as it should be. Fitz was there. He always would be. How had he known how much she would need him during this turbulent time in her life? He was here in Boston. He was here for her.

So far, her evening had been slow. The Chief Resident was down in the ED tonight. A slow night usually evolved into an in-depth teaching experience with the ED attending or the Chief Resident. Reading your textbook and passing written material was one thing, coming face to face with the practice of medicine was another.

She had been trained at one of the most prestigious medical schools in the world. Having Harvard Med on her resume would mean the same thing worldwide. Her medical school training was exceptional! Her post training was proving to be exceptional as well. All that she had done and hoped to do was coming to fruition.

Her original intent, her dreams as a young girl watching her father "Thomas Pope" being admired as he practiced his profession, was to be just like him but a better version. She was going to become a world renown physician bringing personal acclaim to the Pope name. Only thing was she was no longer a Pope. There was also another thing. Olivia was no longer dreaming as a young girl. Her dreams were that of a woman.

"Hi Babe. I miss you. I think I miss you more knowing you're close by and not in New York. Does that make any sense at all?"

"Of course, I miss you in the same way. No worries you will be home soon and these feelings of not being close enough will be over. How's the job going tonight? Are you very busy?"

"No, tonight has been totally out of character. I doubt if we've seen eight people. Even for a week night that's unusual. However, the night has turned into a teaching moment. The Chief Resident made sure there wasn't any down time. It's still been interesting night. I shared my huge salad with two other residents. It was delicious Fitz. Did you have some of it for dinner?"

"I did. It was delicious. My entire dinner was succulent. I refused dessert because I was so full from dinner. Speaking of food. Did you want any breakfast in the morning? I could cook you something myself. I'd love to try out that marvelous stove."

"No breakfast, Chef Fitz. We can eat after."

"After what?"

"After we make love of course."

"Dr. Pope, you make engaging conversation."

"That's because once I get home, I intend to keep you engaged in the naughtiest of sexual activity. By-the-way, I love the way you call me Dr. Pope. I still identify as Dr. Pope even though I'm not really Olivia Pope anymore. Would it be wrong to want to keep my name but to divorce myself from a man that in reality isn't my father? This is such a conundrum. Right now, would be an ideal time to remove Thomas Pope from my life, from our lives. Only thing is, I'm not sure I can. This saga is hardly over."

"No. It isn't over but that's why I'm here with you to sort through it. You may identify as anyone you like. This is your life, Olivia. Yours. Recent events won't change that. What you decide after talking to your parents, will be your prerogative. No one gets to challenge nor naysay any of it."

"I'm so lucky that I have you here with me for the next week and more. When I come face to face with my parents, I now know that I can be reasonable and calm because you're with me. There's much to be said and heard."

"Yes, there is and we will get right to it after we engage in some of that most naughty sexual activity you are talking about. Girl, you know that I have the most enormous hard-on for you right now."

"Isn't that sort of the point? Tonight seems like old times before I started my residency. This is the first time in ages I've had more than a few minutes to talk without my pager going off or someone calling for me. It feels good. Knowing you want me just as much as I want you is very gratifying."

"Never doubt it, Olivia. I will always love you. I will always want you. I can't wait for you to come home."

"Only seven and a half hours to go. And wouldn't you know it? We're getting our Love Jones on and my pager goes off. I must go. See you in the morning."

"Goodnight, Sweet Baby.

Her shift was over. She was on her way home. And what a home it was. It was spectacular, the penthouse that Fitz had transformed into a beautiful home for them. Olivia had never dreamed that she would be living in such a place. Only seven months ago she had been home for Thanksgiving vacation and suddenly her entire life changed. She had been a final year med student working at her godfather's resort as a lifeguard. She had always worked for Uncle Jim when she came home from school. He would insert her into the rotation and give his regular lifeguards a break. They would still get paid and she would get bonus money in her allowance.

It was true her godfather had pampered her since her birth. He had loved her and treated her as if she were his own daughter. She had been thrilled to have such a treasure in her life. He had mentored her, supported her, and had been a strong father figure to her. Now it turns out that he's her biological father in truth. It had been shocking news. She had been knocked off of her feet by it. There had been tremendous deception by her mother. That deception had sent her reeling. With the help of the love of her life she had pulled herself up and was ready to face her reality!

Tessa Pope wasn't who she thought her to be. Thomas Pope thought he had a daughter. James Lockheed didn't know he had a daughter. She and Tommy were only half-siblings. None of these issues were as grave as she had at first believed. None of this would matter between she and Tommy. They were brother and sister period! The love she had for Uncle Jim was steadfast, unchangeable.

Navigating this breech between she and Thomas Pope would be tricky. They were both disillusioned with the other. In truth, neither would lose much in severing their familial ties. That was because they never had a true familial bond. She was disillusioned with her mother as well but they had once had a loving mother-daughter relationship. Olivia now knew she wanted to reconnect that bond. The first step in resolving this entire thing was to hear her mother out.

Fitz had waited for her to see all of these things for herself. He hadn't pushed her nor inserted himself in any way. He was simply there for her being loving and supportive. She would never fully understand why he had shown up in her life but she was grateful. She was blessed. Her life was on a path she truly hadn't seen coming but she was beginning to see that path as her future. It was a future that she was most happy about.

"We're home Dr. Pope. Are you entering from the basement or the front of the penthouse? With Mr. Grant home, I wanted to be sure."

"The basement will be fine, Grigor. I'm so thrilled to have Fitz home for more than a few days. I bet he's up fixing me breakfast this morning."

"You are in for a special treat. Mr. Grant is an excellent cook. I can attest to that. Have a great day."

"Yes, I am. Same to you, Grigor."

Olivia entered the penthouse and walked the long hall down to the massive bedroom wing. Fitz wasn't in the kitchen. He was on their bed sleeping soundly. He was lying on his back. He had kicked all the covers from his body and was gloriously nude. One hand was under his pillow, the other lay passively across his abdomen. She observed something else that lay passive as well. This particular passivity was going to be short-lived. She had already envisioned the object of her desire in all of its glory. At some point it would be long, hard, and deeply imbedded inside of her!

Fitz was a perfect male specimen in Olivia's eyes. She took this moment to stare. After all he was hers. He was six foot two of muscle, sinew, and raw power. She took one last look and smiled before she turned and walked down to the bathroom. Very soon all those muscles, sinew, and power would be unleashed on her. And she would love every minute of it.

The water was just the way she wanted. She liked it hot. The type of night she had at the hospital determined whether she sanitized from head to toe. She didn't feel the need to wash her hair every night, but tonight she would. Fitz was home. She wanted every part of her smelling delightful. Sex with Fitz involved every single body part! Shower done, she was anxious to get to the gorgeous man lying on their bed. She moved under the massive showerhead for a final rinse. Out of the corner of her eye she thought she saw some movement. She had. Fitz had decided to join her.

"Good morning, Sweet Baby. How are you?"

The hot water was riveting down her body. She looked like a nude goddess standing in a waterfall. She stepped forward just a bit to get her face out of the water.

"I'm great. I'm all but done but you can still join me. I can see that you're glad to see me."

"Extremely glad. I heard you in here. I gave you twenty minutes for your after-work ritual and now I'm here with you. You do realize that we haven't christened our new home properly. I think we should do so this very morning. In fact, I say we should start right here."

"Water on or water off?"

"Woman's prerogative. Come here girl. I have missed you so much."

Olivia flew into his arms. He reached over for a towel and very thoroughly absorbed the excess moisture from her hair only. Dropping the towel to the floor, Fitz backed her up against the marbled tile. He kissed her passionately. His erection pressed into her abdomen. Her hands were wrapped around his neck. His hands firmly cupped her ass while he rubbed himself against her. It felt as if his body heat instantly dried her off. Heat and fire sparked everywhere between them. Finally, he broke the kiss to string little kisses along her face.

"Tell me what you want Livvy. Tell me."

"I want it all, everything. I've dreamed of it all Fitz, night after night. The way you make me feel. The special care you give me. You make me come so hard, so fiercely. I need…"

"I know what you need Livvy. Shall we start in here or in our bed? We could let down the massage table and start there."

"There's a massage table?"

"Turn the water off and come with me."

They walked into a more private area of the magnificent bath. On the wall directly below an elegant crystal light was what appeared to be an on/off switch for the light. It wasn't. It was a switch that triggered the marble tile to open. Once the marble opening locked in place, a massage table extended from the wall. When fully extended the legs engaged and locked in place to the floor. There were even steps to access it. Olivia was looking at Fitz in awe. It wasn't a normal sized massage table. It was more like a twin-size bed, covered in padded leather.

"It was to be a surprise; one of many my love. Lie down Livvy. Let me love you."

She wasted little time placing herself in the center of the table. Also, within the wall were shelves that held warm massage oils, pillows, and leather restraints amongst other things. Fitz wasn't into bondage or sex toys but sex between them would go where they decided to take it. He grabbed a couple of the leather-covered pillows and some oil. The table itself was padded but for somethings simple padding might not be enough. He didn't join her on the table, yet.

He stood beside her. He bent his head to take a gentle kiss. It was very gentle at first. Then his own hunger hit. He was literally devouring her. Eventually he left her mouth for her breasts. Within minutes his intimate licks, tugs, and deliciously wicked suction had her squirming in delight. She reached for his hair to hold him where he was. He was sending fire directly to her core.

He knew what could happen if he continued on. He had given Olivia her very first orgasm not attributed to mechanical device with his mouth at her breasts. Her breasts were perfect in every way. Reluctantly he took his mouth from them. Olivia was also momentarily bereft. Fitz at her breasts made her want to explode but she knew he wasn't done. He blew his hot breath across her wet nipples before he palmed both breasts. His fingers began to tweak her nipples while his nails gently scrapped against the hardened tips. It was magical what he did. Just a little more and she would burst. She called out to him.

"Fitz! Please!"

"There's more Livvy, much more. All that you crave, I will give to you."

Olivia knew Fitz would never disappoint her. As he had said, he knew what she needed. She took a deep breath to slow down her pulse and her breathing. She waited for whatever came next!

He left her and reached down for the oil. It had been warmed to just the right temperature. He poured a generous amount on her breasts and then trickled a trail of the warm oil down the center of her body. He stopped after pouring a decent amount atop of her bush. It was as if he had been trained in the art as he sensually massaged the oil onto her breasts and abdomen. His next stop was where she wanted him to be.

"Are you ready to come for me, Sweet Baby?"

He really didn't expect an answer. Olivia had begun her dainty little pants. Even as her head moved from side to side, their eyes met. Her tongue left her mouth to wet her lips and she bit down on her bottom lip. She was ready. She knew he was about to touch her there!

Damn, she made him so hot. Surely, he couldn't get any harder or longer! He was tempted to touch himself but this wasn't about him right now. He began to massage the oils into the dark triangle that fascinated him so. He searched within the dense bush. His his oil-slick fingers found her engorged love bud and gently began tracing circles around it. Olivia purred at his efforts. When his middle finger sank inside of her, she let out a small cry. He went directly to her spot and started a different type of massage. Involuntarily her legs opened wide as her bottom lifted from the table. He inserted a second finger and started a familiar rhythm. His thumb continued making circles. Her grip on the sides of the table tightened. She looked at him and called his name.

'Fitz!"

"Come for me, Olivia."

She did! Watching Olivia come apart was an extraordinary sight. And it took his body to a new level of need. He wanted to be deep inside of her right now. However, he wasn't done yet. With her body still quaking he gave her little time to savor her release. He pulled her down to the edge of table. He knelt before her. With his knees on a pillow, he put his mouth to her. Fitz was the best lover. As far as Olivia was concerned Fitz wrote the book on oral sex. Olivia simply gave over to the pleasure. He was masterful as he quickly steered her to a second mind-blowing orgasm.

She was weak as he pulled her up into a sitting position and stepped between her legs. He kissed her. She could taste herself. Drowsily and sucking air back into her lungs, she opened her eyes. There he was smiling at her. His blue eyes were dark, intense and ablaze with passion. She smiled back.

"That was wonderful. This table, you had it made especially for us, didn't you? I remember our first massage together. It was an amazing experience."

"Yes, it was. We could never fully replicate that day, but we can try."

"I want to taste you too. Let me…"

"Not yet. The morning is young, Sweet Baby. You will get your turn to taste and tantalize. Right now, pardon my lack of finesse but I need you flat on your back and your legs locked around me. I want to be so deep inside of you Livvy. We won't know where you begin or I end. Lie down."

She scooted back up and lay in the center of the table. She propped up on her elbows, opened her legs, and smiled at him. He climbed the three steps and once again got on his knees. His need for her was so great he had the curb the impulse to bury himself inside her without preamble. He knew she was wet and ready for him but there wasn't any need to be a beast, yet.

He was staring, getting his fill of her. He loved her so much. They were approaching eight months as a couple and nothing had waned between them. Waiting for her to come to terms with her true parentage had kept them from THIS. Her initial anger had blurred her reality. Sex would never be off the table for the two of them. Their energy, their sexual bond, their love, and in the end the primal need they had for each other would keep sex between them hot and volatile into middle age and beyond. He thought of his parents, still deeply in love and sexual as hell!

"You are so beautiful Olivia. Inside and out. I love you girl. I want you so much right now."

"Not any more than I want you. Come to me. Let me touch you. Let me guide you where you want to be."

He moved forward. She reached up. Her hands were gentle as they rubbed across his abdomen. It was flat, rock hard. She traced lines along his six-pack. There was a swift intake of his breath at her touch. His muscles rippled. She left his stomach to run her fingers through his glorious chest hairs. His nipples had hardened at her first touch. He closed his eyes as she pinched, pulled and grazed them with her nails just as he had done to her.

Her purpose right now was to tantalize, if she couldn't taste her prize. She left his hardened nipples and traced a path down to what was going to be an instrument of pleasure for them both. She gently grasped ahold of it. With one hand she stroked him. With the other she cupped his sac and traced an imaginary line back and forth along that sensitive area beneath it. She knew where to touch him too. She could swear she felt him grow at her touch!

"Oh my god, Livvy. You make me so fucking hot. Your touch sets me on fire. I want to fuck you girl, so damned bad. Let me in!"

She placed him where he wanted to be. He hissed at the feel of her. She was so hot and so wet! Finally, he had the reins! He circled her entryway coating himself. Then he pushed in not even half way and the sensations nearly broke his reserve to go slow. Why? Because Olivia was moving on him literally screwing him in. Dammit, he wanted to fuck them both into oblivion for the next twenty or more minutes but Olivia was putting that Caribbean Heat on him. His stamina in the bedroom was above average but the Olivia Pope mojo was wicked. Her body was made just for his. The friction was incredible. He bent down and whispered how much he loved her. He kissed her as he embedded himself to the hilt. Olivia whispered the sentiment back and then locked her ankles across his back.

The christening of the penthouse began.

"It's been a wonderful morning Fitz. You being here with me has meant the world to me. The way you put me first in everything, I've never had that before. The sibling love that Tommy and I share is similar but very different. We've always had each other's back. You are my knight in shining armor, and I love you even more for it."

"This morning was fantastic. I'm sure in the history of penthouse christenings there's never been one more fulfilling. You rock my world, Olivia. I love you too. Are you hungry? It's almost lunch time you know."

"I know. Some people don't know when to stop."

"I actually thought we were done but you did that thing practically insuring a third round. I don't know a man alive that can resist as you call it, mouth-to-phallus-resuscitation. You were extraordinary this morning by the way."

"You're funny mister! You were more than extraordinary Fitz, you were superb. I am hungry. You know that sex makes me ravenous. We need to eat and I have other things to do. I want to call my parents today. I want to talk to them. Should I call them before or after we eat?"

"Call them. I'll rustle up some grub while you make the call. Do you have taste for anything?"

"Anything with bacon. If you're cooking instead of Stoney, could you wait to start? I want you with me when I make the call. I know I want to talk to them but I'm nervous Fitz. I know that I've hurt them by not responding to them. To be honest I wanted my mother to suffer a little. It was wrong but I was so disillusioned by her actions. I need your strength and courage to help me get through this call. I literally need you to hold my hand. I'm being ridiculous, I know."

"No, you're not Olivia. You were traumatized by that news. Of course, you responded with astonishment and anger. You were lied to everyday of your life by the one person charged with loving you most. Surely Tessa expected an adverse reaction! Dropping that type of news practically a quarter century later wasn't well done of her. But she is your mother. The decision you've made to confront this situation is a good one. Count on me for anything you need including holding your hand. I love you, Olivia. I want you to remember one thing, though. Tessa and James are your mother and your father, they love you too."

"Shall I call them right now?"

"Why not? Do it."

This was the seventh or eighth ring. Tessa was staring at the phone like it had three heads attached to it. Her hands slightly shook and her eyes had closed in fear. She had prayed for this phone call and now she was afraid to even answer it. Jimmy was staring at her willing her to answer it.

"It's Olivia, Jimmy. That's her number. She's finally calling. I'm so nervous. What if it's bad news. What if she rejects me? And you too? It would devastate me and hurt you as well. I wish this wasn't so hard."

"The ball's in Olivia's court. No matter where her head is right now. we know what we are doing. Right? We have decided our course. Pick up the damned phone and talk to our daughter!

"Hello."

"Hello Mother. It's me, Olivia."