Olivia woke up with Fitz already gone from the bed. She heard a ruckus outside of the bedroom and sat up slowly. She smelled something burning and stood as quickly as she could with her little round belly and headed out of the bedroom, following the smell. When she got to the kitchen Fitz was cooking while the girls sat at the kitchen counter table and complained.
"It smells bad daddy," Lily said.
Daisy pinched her nose dramatically.
"I'm trying-" Fitz retorted. "God, you guys are so mean to me."
They laughed at him.
"What's going on?" Olivia asked.
Fitz turned around and smiled. "They woke up a while ago and they're hungry so I'm feeding them…well I'm trying to but they're roasting me." He walked to Olivia and kissed her lips softly. The frying pan began to smoke and he quickly walked back over and turned it off then removed the burnt pancake with a spatula and placed it on a plate. He then brought over all three plates to the island for the girls.
"Ewww," Isabelle said.
"You're hurting my feelings," Fitz said.
Olivia walked closer and looked at their plates with burnt pancakes and terribly scrambled eggs.
"When mommy makes it it looks better," Lily said.
"I'm sorry I can't make it look aesthetically pleasing like mommy," Fitz mocked.
"Aesthetically?" Isabelle repeated the word confused.
Olivia laughed then saw him turn and grabbed a plate from the counter for her. "Oh god," Olivia said but it slipped out.
Fitz rolled his eyes, "it's not that bad. Come on."
Lily lifted the slightly burnt pancake with her index finger and thumb and bit a piece then spit it out. "Yuck."
Fitz gasped, "you know what-" he grabbed all the plates from the counter. "Nobody gets any breakfast then."
Lily and the twins burst out in laughter. Olivia smiled because she loved his antics.
"Mommy, can you make breakfast," Lily said. "You make it so yummy."
"Sure my love," Olivia said.
"Yay," Isabelle said.
"Let's leave Mommy alone, she just woke up. We'll just do cereal," Fitz said.
The girls nodded. "Coco puffs," the twins said together. Lily nodded in response.
"Fitz, those cereals are all sugar, I can make something quickly, babe," Olivia protested.
Fitz ignored her and walked to the cabinet and took out a box of cocoa puff cereal and then a jug of milk before he grabbed four bowls. He filled the bowls with cereal for all three girls and himself then grabbed spoons and they began eating.
"What do you want for breakfast?" Fitz asked Olivia. "You need to eat."
"I'll just make toast," Olivia said.
"I can make it for you," he said as he ate another spoonful of cereal and then grabbed some sourdough bread from the breadbox. Olivia smiled as she sat on the last free stool at the island while Fitz toasted her two slices of bread and then spread butter on it from the counter and gave it to Olivia on a plate.
"Thank you, babe," Olivia said.
"Finally," Fitz said, "someone who appreciates me."
"Thank you, daddy," Isabelle said as she picked out the cocoa puff from the milk.
"Thank you, dad," Lily said as well.
Daisy gave him a thumbs up and it made him chuckle.
"Once we're done here we're gonna head upstairs," Fitz said.
Olivia nodded and took a bite of her toast. Fitz ate another spoonful of cereal before he tossed it. "Too sweet?" Olivia mocked.
"I might as well chug a jar of sugar," he groaned as he grabbed bread from the bread box and placed it in the toaster.
"So Lily," Olivia began, "Your birthday is so close, I think since we're back home we might be able to have your party. If you'd still like that?"
Lily jumped out of her chair, "yes, yes, yes, I want a princess party with a bouncy castle house."
Daisy groaned, "I didn't have a party."
"Me either," Isabelle added.
"Well you two have the same birthday so-" Fitz began.
"Honey, we celebrated on the island," Olivia said.
"But we didn't have a party," Isabelle said.
"How about we have a grand party for you next year. All your friends will be there-" Olivia said.
"Can we have a party with Lily?" Daisy asked.
"I think so," Fitz said. "Lily, it's your birthday. Will you share a party with your sisters?"
Lily nodded with a smile. "Yes!"
"Alright, I'll call Jonas and tell him to get started planning and girls your only job is to let us know who you want to invite," Olivia said.
"I'm gonna invite all my friends from school," Lily said. "And all my other friends from dance and down the street."
Isabelle and Daisy nodded, "me too."
They finished breakfast and Fitz left the panic room for just a few minutes to double check the house just before he came back to them and brought them up to the house. He made a couple trips to bring their toys and a few other things back up to the house before he instructed the guards to bring Erin down. She was staying in a janky cabin Fitz had in the woods outside of Los Angeles. He didn't trust Erin in the house nor did he trust her at a hotel so if she had to spend one night at a creaky old cabin then so be it.
He decided not to tell Olivia when Erin was moved down to the panic room until after it happened.
Olivia was busy as well. They needed to figure out the new normal after the tumultuous few weeks they'd had since the videos of Fitz was released. That was still an issue because the film was still scheduled to be released in just a week now. Olivia decided not to worry about that, instead, she tried to focus on her family. She called their party planner to begin planning for the girls' birthday party. She also reached out to her assistant. It had been some time since the incident on the island and she wanted to know if she was ready to come back to work because she needed help finding child therapists for the girls and a therapist for Fitz. She also called her obstetrician to set up an appointment and continue her pregnancy checkups all while she kept her eyes on the girls because Fitz had to go take care of the Erin situation. She also called the fixer to invite him back to continue to prepare for the interview.
By the time she was finished, she could smell Greg preparing a late lunch in the kitchen and brought the girls down for food and texted Fitz as well to come and eat. She had just seated the girls at the island and laid a setting for Fitz because she knew he would be there soon.
Greg made grilled cheese sandwiches and a side salad for Olivia and Fitz and he made chicken tenders and fries for the girls.
Lily picked at her fries and seemed displeased. The twins ate their food just fine.
"Lily darling, do you not like your food?"
"Mommy I like when you make food, I don't like Greg's food. It's nasty."
"Nasty Lily? It looks quite good."
Fitz walked into the kitchen.
"You're eating without me," he complained.
"No," Olivia said with a smile. "The girls are. I'm waiting for you."
Fitz kissed her cheek and then her belly and sat beside her on the stool. "Lily, you look very pouty over there."
"She wanted me to cook lunch because she likes when I make food."
Fitz chuckled, "I like when mommy makes food too but mommy can't cook for us all the time it's a lot of work."
"Okay maybe sometimes then," Lily countered.
"Baby we have someone to cook for us."
"Greg's food is yucky."
"My food is yucky, Greg's food is yucky. You only like mommy's food right?" Fitz said.
"Yes."
Fitz bit into his sandwich and chewed. "Daisy, Izzy do you guys like Greg's food?"
"Mommy's food is better."
Olivia chuckled and began to eat her salad. "So maybe I can cook us dinner on Sundays."
"Every day," Lily countered.
"Darling, I can't cook every day but on Sundays, we can all cook together as we did in the panic room."
Lily nodded and smiled. Olivia turned to Daisy and Isabelle and they were happy with the compromise as well.
" I guess now I know why you hid your cooking abilities for so long," Fitz quipped.
"I never said I couldn't cook- you just thought that because at one point I couldn't."
"You barely knew how to throw together a sandwich when we met-"
"And I learned because I wanted to know how to cook for our babies-"
Fitz took another bite of his sandwich. "But not me?"
"Not at the time. You weren't h-e-r-e," Olivia said.
"Here?" Lily asked.
Fitz laughed and teased, "Oh, now you can spell?"
Lily jumped off her stool and ran to Fitz and pointed in his face. "You're a meany Mr."
"And you're short? Fitz teased before he ducked off his chair and ran off. Isabelle and Daisy dived from their stool and followed Lily as she ran after him.
"Arghhhh-" Lily screamed as she ran.
Olivia laughed and took a bite of her sandwich as she waited for them to return. Minutes later, Fitz walked back huffing and out of breath. He stopped beside Olivia and kissed her belly. "I lost."
Olivia laughed and shook her head and ran her hands through his hair. Lily and the twins came running in.
"Daddy lost," Lily said with a giggle.
"Doesn't he always?" Olivia said.
"I feel attacked," Fitz said as he took a bite of his sandwich.
"Girls, do you want to take a swim in the pool after lunch?" Olivia asked.
All three of them nodded and continued to finish their lunch. Fitz finished his food first and went to get the floaties from the pool shed and uncover the pool and make sure the pool was clean. The handyman had been scheduled to clean the pool intervals while they were gone but he thought it wouldn't hurt to check before the girls came out. Once he made sure the pool was clean he threw the girls' pool floaties in the water and went up to check on them. He found them in their room. The girls were all changed into their swimsuits.
"Do you want them to wait a little so they don't get sick?" Olivia asked. "They just ate."
"They'll be fine. Where's your swimsuit?" Fitz said.
"I wasn't going to change."
"Why not?" he complained.
"Fine," Olivia said. "I'll change into something. I'll be right back."
Fitz grinned and nodded. Olivia changed into a pink bikini swimsuit and met him back in the girls' room.
"Mmm," Fitz hummed. "Girls, aren't you thankful that I gave you such a beautiful mom."
"Yes Dad, Mommy is pretty. You say it all the time," Lily said.
"Okay but aren't you thankful because if mommy's pretty then that means you're pretty."
"I know I'm pretty because you tell me all the time," Lily said again.
Fitz groaned.
"Let's go," Olivia said as she chuckled. They headed downstairs to the pool. The minute they were on the edge of the pool Fitz lifted Lily and threw her in the water. "DADDYYYYYY," she screamed as she fell in. Isabelle immediately ran off but Fitz chased her until he reached her and tossed her in the water. She screamed as she fell in. Daisy ran all the way around the other side of the pool and Fitz chased her. "Daddyyyy," she screamed. "You can't catch me."
"Oh yeah slow poke," Fitz called as he chased her. When she caught her she screamed as he threw her in. Lily and Isabelle were in the water treading and laughing. Once Daisy was in they swam to the edge to where Olivia was sitting with her legs in the water.
Fitz jumped in the water and swam to Olivia and stopped between her legs before he kissed her belly again.
"Daddy, why are you always kissing Mommy," Daisy asked.
"Because she's my wife and I love her so I kiss her over and over and over again all day," Fitz said. "She's all mine."
"No, she's my mommy."
"But she's my wife and actually I will point out that I've known her longer also," Fitz said with a grin.
Olivia laughed and Daisy scrunched her nose. "She's my mommy and Lily and Daisy's mommy. Not your mommy."
"I never said she was," Fitz teased. "She's not your wife. She's my wife and only my wife. You have to share her with your sisters."
Daisy swam closer to Olivia. "Give me kisses Mommy."
Olivia leaned down and kissed Daisy's lips. "Daddy is just being a troublemaker. Don't mind him."
"Yes, Daddy is a meany," Daisy agreed. "And he's ugly."
Fitz gasped, "You take that back."
The girls laughed at him.
"Do you realize how beautiful you three are, you should be thanking me and Mommy for making you rich and beautiful but instead you're bullying me," Fitz said.
Daisy splashed water on Fitz and her sisters followed then ducked under the water and swam away. Fitz chased them and once again the ruckus playing started again. Olivia watched them with a smile on her face and before she knew it she was crying. She was so happy her daughters could have what Fitz gave them. He was so playful, so loving, and the best father she could ask him to be to their daughters. He brought the ultimate balance to their lives. He was the opposite of Eli and she didn't repeat the cycle of giving them a terrible father.
They played for a while before Fitz swam back to her and stopped between her legs.
"Are you okay? You're very quiet. You usually laugh at me when they're roasting my ass."
Olivia smiled, "I'm just hormonal and crying because I'm so happy they have you."
Fitz leaned forward and kissed her on her thigh. "Don't cry."
"I can't help it," Olivia said as she laughed and rubbed her stomach. "Ignore me, it's the hormones. I'm a heavy crier when I'm pregnant. You remember how I was with Lily."
"Yes, but you had plenty of justified reasons to cry then."
Olivia laughed, "Don't start a shame swirl darling."
"I'm not, that's a fact isn't it?" Fitz returned with a smile.
"What's a fact is that I've started looking for a therapist for you and the girls. The fixer will also come back tomorrow. We need to start working on PR."
Fitz groaned, "I've been feeling better."
"You're going," Olivia said. "And so are the girls."
"Yes ma'am," he said as he swam away to give the girls his attention once again.
Later in the night after the girls were done and both Olivia and Fitz showered they climbed into bed together.
"So, I made plans for our anniversary," Fitz said. "I wish I had more time to do something bigger but I couldn't. Still, I can't let it pass without celebrating with you."
Olivia smiled as she snuggled closer to him, "so much happened. We got so sidetracked. I'm excited to celebrate with you because it certainly deserves celebrating. We've been through alot."
Fitz wrapped his arms around her and kissed her lips before he caressed her belly.
"Erin is in the basement," he said.
He waited for Olivia to respond but she didn't.
"Are you going to say anything?"
"That's where she needs to be," Olivia said. "It'll be good not to worry about her for now. However long now is."
Fitz nodded in agreement.
Days later.
When Olivia woke Fitz was still asleep beside her. He usually slept on his back and she saw his erection under the cotton sheet. She leaned up until she was sitting up and pulled the sheets back then reached into his underpants and pulled his stiff penis out. She leaned down and took him in her mouth and began sucking him slowly. Fitz jumped out of his sleep and grabbed her roughly. Olivia froze as her breath got caught in her throat.
Once Fitz realized it was her he let go of her arms and sat up. He'd had a couple of anxiety attacks in the prior days but now he was jumpy even in his sleep.
"I'm sorry baby," he said breathlessly.
Olivia sat up as well. Fitz looked down and saw his erection pulled from his underpants.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
Olivia nodded as she climbed off the bed and headed to the bathroom. "Livie?" he called.
"I'm fine," she said, though she didn't turn to face him. Once she got to the bathroom she closed the door behind her. Fitz stood and pulled up his pants. He realized she was obviously going to give him a blowjob before woke up and grabbed her. He walked to the bathroom and knocked.
"Livie, I'm sorry," he called from outside the door.
"It's alright," Olivia called from behind the closed door.
"Please baby, let me in," Fitz said softly.
Olivia wiped her eyes and walked to the door then opened it. Fitz stepped inside and wrapped his arms around her and kissed her again. "I'm sorry. I'm really fucking sorry."
Olivia nodded against his chest as he held her.
"It's alright. You didn't hurt me. I was just frightened," she said with a sigh as she wiped her eyes.
"Don't cry," Fitz said frustrated.
"I don't know why I'm crying," Olivia said. "I'm just frustrated because you won't admit you have a problem and you don't want to do therapy to fix it."
"I am doing therapy today. I already agreed to it," Fitz said.
"You agreed to it but you don't want to do it and you don't think it will help. If you don't have an open mind and an open heart then it won't fix anything."
Fitz sighed, "Baby, I'll be open. I promise okay. I want to fix this."
Olivia leaned back and smiled. Fitz wiped her eyes with his thumb.
"You know I don't want to see you cry."
"I know," Olivia said with a chuckle. "But I'll blame it on the hormones this time."
"You blame everything on the hormones," Fitz said as he kissed her lips.
"Of course," Olivia said with a grin. "It's a major pregnancy perk."
"There's no chance of the blowjob still happening, is there?" Fitz asked.
"Oh, of course, but it'll be you servicing me this time," Olivia countered.
"Don't threaten me with a good time," Fitz said as lifted her around his waist and walked her to the vanity counter. Olivia chuckled and he lifted her legs and pulled her pajama shorts and underwear down before he opened her legs.
"Mmm," Olivia groaned, "be nice to her."
He planted a kiss against her glistening pussy lips. "She's gonna push out my son later this year so of course I'll be nice."
Olivia grinned as he ran his tongue between her lips and tasted her. "Hmmm," she moaned again. She couldn't see her vagina because her belly blocked it but she enjoyed his tongue all the same. He pressed his face firmly between her lips and gently sucked on her clit. Olivia bit her lips and closed her eyes. He licked her until she squirted to orgasm then he leaned up. He grinned as he watched Olivia breathe deeply to recover.
He pushed his underpants down and kicked them off. His erection was stiff. Olivia leaned up and smiled. "Fucking hell," she said exasperated. "I'm ready for your cock."
Fitz lifted her from the vanity counter and brought her over to the couch. He laid her down and bent her over before he against the cushions.
Fitz leaned down and kissed down the curve of her arched back as he ran his hands under her and settled on her breast. Olivia opened her legs wide and moments later he slid into her slowly. He gripped her breast tighter as he took a moment to enjoy the feeling of her walls clinging to him. She was wet and warm and when he began thrusting into her they quickly climaxed. The moment he pulled out a dollop of cum ran out from between her lips. Fitz quickly turned her around and kissed her hungrily as he pulled her against his body. He pushed down the straps of her tank top to see her perfect breasts before Olivia wrapped her arms around his shoulders. He felt more cum drip down on his thighs and he chuckled and broke the kiss from her soft lips.
"There's a lot in me," Olivia said.
"I know," he said with a grin before he kissed her again.
He let her down shortly after and they both headed to the shower.
It was just around mid-morning when the child therapist came to sit down with the entire family. Sonia and the entire staff were on their second day back. They met in the family room on the first floor. They screen the therapist for devices because Olivia remembered her experience with a former therapist Suzie all too well. It was a precaution because Fitz had already done a background check on both women they hired just a couple days prior.
The first therapist was a child therapist named Lyla and the other was a therapist who specializes in veterans with PTSD and their families named Dr. Nandi. Olivia had Rumi, her main assistant, schedule the appointment for the same day to get through all the emotions in one day and begin moving forward.
For the first session, the girls wouldn't be present initially. Sonia had them in the playroom waiting for Olivia to text her to bring them down.
"Hi, my name is Lyla, it's great to meet you."
Fitz stood and Olivia did as well. "It's nice to meet you as well," they both said before they sat down.
It took some time to get through all of the introductory conversation and for Olivia and Fitz to walk the therapist through the night on the island and then all of Lily's and the twins' behaviors since. Once they had talked for over an hour, Olivia texted Sonia to bring down the girls.
Just about 5 minutes later Lily and the twins skipped in.
"Hi Mommy, Hi Daddy," Lily said.
"Mommy," Isabelle screamed.
Daisy ran to Fitz, beating Lily to sit in his lap but Lily didn't care as she still went to Fitz and shared his lap with Daisy. Isabelle sat in Olivia's lap.
"Hi," Lyla said. "My name is Lyla and I am really happy to meet you. Can you tell me your names?"
"I'm Lily," Lily said.
"I'm Daisy Grant and I'm 4."
"I'm Isabelle."
Lyla chuckled, "It's so nice to meet you girls."
"Daddy calls us guys," Isabelle said.
"Oh- well it's nice to meet you guys," Lyla said.
All the girls nodded.
Fitz couldn't help but grin.
"So, your mommy and daddy told me that something happened to you a while ago."
All three girls stared at her.
"Do you think you can tell me about it?"
"What happened?" Lily asked.
The twins shrugged.
"Did anything happen that has made you sad recently?"
"Umm- when we were on the island mommy was hurt and she was bleeding from her head," Lily said and then she became tearful.
Fitz hugged her closer. "It's okay honey."
"And a bad man came into my room and he was so scary. He looked like daddy."
"He did?" Lyla entreated.
Lily nodded, "and daddy shot him dead, in the head and he had blood all over his face and the wall and the floor and Daisy and Izzy were screaming."
"Does it make you really sad that happened?" Lyla asked.
Lily nodded, "it was really scary. I was so sad and mommy wouldn't wake up."
"What about you Daisy?"
Daisy shrugged.
"Were you sad?" Lyla asked.
"I don't know," Daisy said shyly.
"Isabelle?" Lyla asked.
Isabelle shrugged but did respond.
"So can I ask you something Lily," Lyla asked.
The girls nodded.
"What made you feel better after something so scary happened?"
Lily thought for a moment, "When I'm sad and I cry mommy makes me feel better but when I'm sad and I'm scared daddy makes me feel better."
"Mommy and Daddy make you feel safe huh?"
Lily nodded.
Lyla continued talking to the girls but only really got responses from Lily. The twins were silent. In the end, after talking to Lily for a few minutes, Lyla let them go back to Sonia and once they left the room she began talking to Fitz and Olivia again.
"So I observed what you told me about the twins. They've totally internalized what happened and they're not really able to express themselves."
"Are they too young to understand?" Olivia asked.
"No, they know what happened and I believe they understand to an extent but they don't have the tools to express themselves. Being able to sit in while I speak with Lily should help in that regard."
Both Fitz and Olivia nodded.
"Now onto Lily, I think she's definitely deeply affected by the incident. The way she describes the night, even in as few words as she used was pretty vivid which means that there are certain images she's formed such as her explaining that after you shot that man in the head there was blood on the walls and carpet. She describes her mother getting hurt before she even describes herself getting hurt which probably is an indication of the order of how she was affected by the events."
"Do you think we can get to the other side of this?" Olivia asked.
"I think the twins will forget this eventually but I don't think Lily ever will. The good news is that she clearly sees you two as her safe place, her mother is her safe place emotionally and her father is her safe place physically. The fact that as an almost 6-year-old she can describe that is remarkable and a good place to start quite frankly."
Olivia nodded as she reached for Fitz's hand. They finished up the meeting and then as they headed up the stairs to the playroom to check on the girls they heard screaming and crying. Fitz dashed up and Olivia held her belly and ran up. Fitz got to the bedroom before Olivia and saw Sonia in the middle of a fight between the twins and Lily. Both the twins were fighting against Lily and Sonia was trying to break them up.
"Hey, hey, hey," Fitz said as he moved in between them and pulled Lily from the twins. All three girls were crying and screaming. Olivia ran in just after Fitz pulled Lily away and lifted her off Daisy. Olivia moved to Daisy and kneeled beside her and held her and Isabelle as well.
"What happened?" Olivia asked.
Fitz had the same question. Sonia was out of breath from the entire ordeal.
"Lily pushed Daisy and Daisy pushed her back and they started to fight," Sonia said. "Isabelle joined in and hit Lily so then it was Lily against the two of them."
"Lily, why did you hit your sister?" Fitz asked her as he wiped the tears from her eyes.
"I don't know," Lily said crying. "I was sad."
"Honey, I told you that you can't beat up your sisters or your mother. You remember what your mom said-"
"Yes but you and Mommy weren't here," Lily said tearfully. "So I couldn't give it to you."
Fitz sighed and hugged her, "Lily, I know it's hard to talk about what happened that night? Is that why you got sad?"
Lily nodded.
"I understand. I really do. When I think about it I get sad too but Lily hitting anyone is not okay."
"I'm sorry Daddy," Lily cried then she turned to Olivia, "I'm sorry mommy."
"You need to apologize to your sisters," Olivia said firmly. "This is not okay and you've made me really upset. These are your baby sisters and you keep hurting them."
"I'm sorry," Lily screamed.
Olivia took her breath because she was becoming frustrated and it wouldn't help.
"I'll take her," Fitz said as he lifted Lily and carried her out of the room.
"Lily's so mean," Daisy said as she cried and hugged on to Olivia closer.
"I'm so sorry my darlings," Olivia said softly as she leaned back and inspected them. Daisy had a scratch on her cheek. It was slightly red but not actively bleeding. Olivia kissed her softly on the cheek then she did the same for Isabelle.
"What can mommy do to make you feel better?" Olivia asked.
"Mcdonalds and candy?" they both said at the same time.
Olivia chuckled, "I'll send a guard out to get you some."
Downstairs Fitz took Lily outside by the railing that had a view of Beverly Hills. Lily was still crying though not audibly. He sat her on the railing and wiped her eyes.
"Are you still upset, Rosebud?"
"Is mommy mad at me? I-I didn't mean to-"
Fitz chuckled, "Your mom is not mad at you. I think she's not happy you hit your sisters but she's not mad at you."
Lily nodded.
Fitz caressed her hair and kissed her against her head. "When I was younger, when I got sad or scared, I'd hit people or start a fight," Fitz said.
"Really?" Lily asked.
Fitz nodded, "it was not a nice way to behave but I know how you feel. Hopefully, we can talk to Lyla and help you to feel better because I know what happened on the island was scary and I know seeing your mom get hurt was a lot for you to deal with but your mom and I won't stop trying until you feel better okay?"
Lily nodded and Fitz wondered how much of what he said she truly understood.
"What do you need to feel better?"
"Mcdonald's," Lily said.
"You know, I could eat some McDonald's too," Fitz said. "Let's go get your sisters. You can tell them sorry and then I'll drive to McDonalds and you can get anything you like."
"Can Daisy and Izzy come too?" Lily asked.
"I wouldn't leave them," Fitz said.
Lily nodded and smiled. Fitz lifted her off the balustrade railing.
"By the way, they kind of jumped you, Lily, if I were you I don't know if I'd start another fight with them," Fitz said with a chuckle.
"Jumped?" Lily asked, confused.
"Nevermind," Fitz said.
When Fitz and Lily headed back inside Olivia and Sonia were standing with the twins and two guards
"What's going on?" Fitz asked as he walked to them with Lily.
"I'm sending Roger out to get the twins McDonald's and candy."
"I was going to take them to Mcdonald's. Lily wants that too," Fitz said.
"Can I talk to you a moment?" Olivia said to Fitz as she stepped away from the girls.
Fitz followed her a few feet away. "Lily shouldn't be rewarded for her behavior. She can't keep beating her sister and we just let it happen."
"She's going through a lot. I understand if it was happening out of nowhere but we know exactly why it started because she never did this before so I don't think punishing her is the best way to stop it."
"She hit that girl at dance class-" Olivia countered.
"Okay that kid was annoying and she was bullying her because the videos were released so don't put that on her."
"She can't keep hitting them-"
"-I get it," Fitz said, "she can't but punishment isn't the way to get her to stop."
Olivia sighed frustrated. Fitz held her by the shoulders and looked into her eyes. "Take a breath. I'm gonna let her apologize to them and take them out to bond."
"Over McDonald's," Olivia said with a humorless chuckle. "They're your children for sure."
"Later on we'll reminisce about conceiving them."
"We have the therapy session," Olivia said.
"It's okay, let her wait-"
"-no-"
"Thanks a lot baby," Fitz said as he walked back to the twins. He stooped down beside them and hugged both girls. "I'm sorry Lily did that. Can I take you out to Mcdonald's?"
"With Lily?" Daisy asked.
Fitz nodded.
"No, she's a meany."
"And she's ugly," Isabelle added.
Lily gasped and burst into tears. "I'm not ugly. That's mean Isabelle."
"What's with you guys and calling people ugly. " Fitz groaned, "Everyone go to your car seat"
All the girls huffed and headed out to the car. Fitz followed them without waiting for a response from Olivia. When he got to the closest car in the lot the twins and Lily were already inside and strapped themselves in. Fitz double-checked the straps of each of their seats then he got in the front.
"Lily, I need you to apologize to your sisters for hitting them."
Lily huffed and folded her arms. "Isabelle called me ugly-"
"Apologize to your sisters," Fitz said again.
"I'm sorry Daisy and I'm sorry Izzy."
"Sorry for what honey?"
"I'm sorry for hitting you," Lily said. "I'll never ever do it again."
"Promise?" Daisy asked.
Lily nodded.
"Okay," Isabelle said. "Sorry, I called you ugly."
Daisy nodded as well. "Sorry, I called you a meany."
Lily smiled and Fitz was finally satisfied and pulled off. He returned an hour later after the girls scarfed down cheeseburgers, chicken nuggets, and fries with an M&M mcflurry. Fitz ate the same as well as a quarter pounder and he brought back fries for Olivia though he was almost sure she wouldn't eat it.
Olivia was outside the house speaking with her assistant Rumi and Zeus was there after just being dropped off from the kennel. He helped the twins and Lily out of the car then he headed down the driveway to meet Olivia. As he walked he pulled out his cell and called Lucky to check in on him and his family once again. Zeus dashed after him once he whiffed his scent. After a quick conversation as he walked, he ended the call when he approached Olivia with Zeus jumping on him excitedly.
"Hey boy," Fitz said as he petted him. Lily and the twins were already stooped down and playing with him.
"Zuzu, you're back," Lily laughed as he licked her face.
The twins hugged him as he excitedly panted and shook his body.
"Darling, we have to meet the therapist," Olivia said. "Wait- did you bring me fries?"
Fitz nodded and stood from petting Zeus and handed her the bag.
"Mcdonalds is horrid babe."
Fitz chuckled, "I didn't think you'd eat them but I didn't want to not bring you anything."
"Are they hot?" Olivia asked.
"Warm-ish," Fitz responded.
"I'll try them," Olivia said, then she smiled. "Can you feed me?"
Fitz laughed and opened the paper bag and pulled out a few fries. Olivia opened her mouth and Fitz brought them to her lips and she bit into them. She chewed briefly then rolled her eyes. "It's gross."
"Fine," he said as he pulled out the rest of the fries from the bag and began to feed Zeus.
"How was lunch, my girls?" Olivia asked.
"Good," Lily said as she stood from playing with Zeus and she walked to Olivia. "Are you mad at me mommy?"
"No sweetheart," Olivia said as she bent down so she was face-to-face with Lily. "I just don't want you and your sisters to hurt each other."
Lily nodded, "Sorry mommy."
Olivia kissed her cheek tenderly. "It's alright my big girl. We'll get through this, okay?"
Lily nodded.
Olivia smiled and stood, "Sonia's waiting for you inside. Apologize to her for not listening and be good until your father and I return."
All three girls nodded as they ran inside the house with Zeus chasing behind them.
"Are you ready?" Olivia asked Fitz.
He nodded as he moved closer to her.
"Rumi, I think you can head out for the day and I'll see you tomorrow with Jonas to have a walk-through for the party."
Rumi nodded, "also Leo is coming over to continue discussions on the interview. They want to aim for it by the weekend. Right before the release of the film."
Fitz groaned, "Thanks."
"Thank you, Rumi. I'll see you tomorrow," Olivia said then she headed inside with Fitz to the den to meet Dr. Nandi.
She was already in the den with one guard monitoring her. When Olivia walked in just before Fitz she stood.
"Hello again," she said with a smile.
She was a slender brown skin woman with a low-cut afro. She was well into her fifties and was stunning in her features.
"I'm so sorry for the delay," Olivia said.
"It's my fault," Fitz said. "I apologize."
They exchanged handshakes.
"Don't worry at all," Dr. Nandi said. "I totally understand."
Olivia and Fitz sat across from her on the couch.
"Hello again," Dr. Nandi said as she sat down as well. "So let me start by telling you a little about myself."
Both Fitz and Olivia nodded and Nandi watched as Fitz reached for Olivia's hand and placed it in his lap as he held it.
"After undergrad, I joined the Navy for 4 years so I'm a veteran as well. Hooyah!"
Fitz chuckled, "I hate the U.S. military but Hooyah."
Olivia shook her head and laughed. As did Dr. Nandi. She made a note on her notepad and continued.
"After my military commitment, I attended Brown medical school and graduated with an MD/PHD. I have over 20 years of clinical experience in Psychiatry and I completed my dissertation on PTSD effects on the male psyche and also how that affects their interpersonal relationships, whether it's with their parents, wives, children, friends, or co-workers. I've been doing just this- which is consulting with veterans, firstly diagnosing PTSD, working to combat its symptoms whether through medication or counseling- usually both, and working on their interpersonal relationships as well. My method is a bit unconventional but you know, I'm a straight shooter. I like to call it as I see it because I don't think beating around the bush helps anyone. I don't like to use therapy speak but I occasionally do and I hope that you can be honest with me about your thoughts and feelings. Enough about me can you tell me about yourself?"
Fitz looked at Olivia.
"Oh- I'll start," Olivia said then she paused to think for a moment, "I don't even know where to begin- um-Fitz is my husband which obviously you know. We've been married for 5 years, and we have three children together. They are Lily, our oldest she's almost 6, and then Daisy and Isabelle, they are our twin girls and they are 4 years old. We're expecting our son in the fall. Our marriage isn't typical, for just around 4 and a half years he was away which is an entirely different thing. We've never done therapy together before but after the incident we spoke about on the island- it affected everyone but for him, he began to have very severe panic attacks-"
"-I wouldn't say severe," Fitz interjected.
"I would," Olivia said. "They've been severe and quite frequent, maybe once a day but he hides it from me so I can't be sure. As we talk you'll find that he's very guarded. You won't get through to him today or even in the next few days but my hope is that eventually he'll let you in and we can actually fix the cause of these attacks and anything else that he's dealing with."
Olivia turned from Dr. Nandi and looked up at Fitz, waiting for him to speak.
"I think Olivia pretty much covered it."
"So just based on this introduction, I can see that your wife basically is your emotional crutch."
She expected him to deny it but was surprised when he admitted it.
"And that is the only reason why I'm here," Fitz responded.
"Can you explain that?" Dr. Nandi said.
"Emotionally, she does carry pretty much all the weight in not just our marriage but with our children as well and I just think it's not fair for her to shoulder all of that so if being here can help me be a better partner then I'm all for it."
"I really wouldn't say I carry all the weight. Fitz is very good at being emotionally supportive to me, he just isn't emotionally supportive to himself, you know, like he's always okay even when he's not."
Dr. Nando nodded and made a note.
"So what does the endgame look like here for you both? What would you classify as a success coming out of these sessions."
Both Olivia and Fitz thought for a moment but Olivia answered first.
"A success for me fixes his panic attacks or even gives him some sort of coping mechanism for it as well as figuring out the source of the attacks. I also would want him to feel more comfortable being vulnerable."
"Can you give me an example of what vulnerability looks like to you?"
"Well, this is a really simple example but I really appreciated it," Olivia said before she began. "I shut down sometimes when I'm upset so after a disagreement or something I'll give him the silent treatment. I didn't know how much it affected him until he opened up to me about it and I loved that because now I can't just retreat into my safe place of you know, being silent I have to make 1 of 2 decisions when we fight which is to let it go or resolve it by communicating with him."
Dr. Nandi nodded, "is there a reciprocal example for Olivia."
Fitz took a breath before he answered. "In that same conversation, Olivia told me that she doesn't like being yelled at because it makes her shut down so now I don't yell."
"Do you think that has helped your relationship?"
"Yes," they both said at the same moment.
They continued talking with Dr. Nandi and in the end, they agreed that Fitz would continue the session alone with Olivia occasionally joining them. When Olivia and Fitz went back to meet Sonia and the girls, they had already begun dinner. They quickly relieved Sonia and joined the kids for the lasagna dinner Greg prepared.
Sonia had already given the girls a bath before dinner so they took them up to their bedroom and allowed them to have some screen time while Olivia and Fitz took turns showering as well. Just after 8:30pm they put the girls down for bed and kissed them goodnight before they headed back to their bedroom.
The moment they stepped through the door Fitz lifted her honeymoon style and walked her over to the bed. Olivia giggled and held him closer as he carried her and then laid her down. He pulled the sheets back from under her before he climbed beside her and covered them both. He snuggled behind her and wrapped his arm around her belly.
"Tomorrow is our anniversary," Olivia said. "5 years officially."
"I have plans for us tomorrow night," he said. "So we can celebrate how lucky I am that you're my wife."
"So the plans are to celebrate you?" Olivia asked with a chuckle.
"Yes, we're going to celebrate me celebrate you."
Olivia shook her head, "you're so silly. Where are the girls going?"
"Sonia will watch them but they'll be close to us."
Olivia nodded. "Today was good, right?"
Fitz nodded in agreement.
"Did you like dr. Nandi?"
"She'll do," Fitz said.
Olivia chuckled as she turned around and faced him then caressed his cheek, "I just want you to be okay. I want you to know that you can always be vulnerable with me. I will always take care of you?"
Fitz pulled her closer and kissed her softly, "I know that but I have a lot of fucking demons so if I can work through some of that then we'll both be better for it."
Olivia nodded and kissed him tenderly before she fell asleep in his arms.