A/N-As promised I informed you guys that I would be finishing some stories this summer, and posting new ones. This is the first new story. I will post a couple of chapters at the time. Not sure how long it will be. The first couple of chapters may be hard to read. As far-fetched as it sounds I read out a version of what happens to Karen.

Olivia Pope was a best-selling author. When she was eighteen she published her first book about a teenager going through puberty while dealing with life. It was loosely based off her life, but mostly just off experience. It was a hit, and over the last twelve years she had written five more books. She had a loyal following. Her publisher insisted that she could widen her audience by starting a series that catered to young adults. It took her time, but she eventually took the chance. She was nervous at first, but between her publisher and family she took the leap.

The gamble had paid off. The first book shot to the top of the New York Times best seller list. She was going to a book signing today to sign copies of both of her latest books. Professionally things couldn't get much better. Her personal life wasn't so bad. She was 30 years old, and she hoped to be closer to settling down. Men were intimidated by her status and wealth. She had no problem allowing a man to be a man, but she wasn't going to let them walk all over her.

She had a great family. Her mother Maya Pope was a crisis manager, and her stepfather Rowan Eli Pope owned his own law firm. He had adopted her a year after he married her mom, and she changed her last name. He always treated her like her biological father who died in an accident when she was seven. She had a younger brother Harrison, and they were extremely close. He was in medical school.

She was worth millions. Some of it she inherited from her late father's estate, but most of it was her book earnings. The only thing her parents asked her to do was get a degree. They wanted her to have something to fall back on should her writing not work out. She agreed which is why she went to school and studied pre-law. Her dad would always joke, and say if she got tired of writing books she should get her law degree because she wrote killer briefs.

The book signing was fun. Olivia enjoyed spending time with her fans. Her security had escorted her out the back door. She was about to climb in the car when she heard some sniffles. At first, she thought she was hearing things until she heard it again.

Her head bodyguard had to told her to get in the car, but she didn't listen. She could tell that the cries were coming from someone young. She told them not to pull out their guns. They agreed, but insisted that she stay by the truck which she did.

A few minutes later a young girl comes around the dumpster. The sight of her broke Olivia's heart. Her clothes told her that the little girl was not homeless. She had on designer clothes, but emotionally she was empty.

When the young girl looked up she bust out crying all over again. Olivia ran over to her and held her as she cried.

When she finally calmed down Olivia asked, "What is your name?"

"My name is Karen Grant."

"That is a pretty name. My name is…."

"Olivia Carolyn Pope. You are 30 years old. Single and no children. You have one brother. Your dad died when you were young, but you are very close to your stepfather."

Olivia was in shock. Although she signed a lot of books she would have remembered her face. The book store was very intimate.

Olivia nodded, "I didn't recall seeing you."

"That is because my mom took her time getting me ready although she promised my dad that she would get me here. She dropped me off although I told her we would more than likely miss the signing. She said she would be back in two hours."

Olivia was stunned. The little girl couldn't have been more than 12.

"Do you have a cell phone?"

She nodded that she did.

"Why didn't you just tell her that the signing was over?"

"Because she wouldn't care. All she cares about is herself. She had my brother and I to get money from my grandfather. She hits me and threatens to send me away whenever I threaten to tell my dad."

"Okay, but why didn't you at least call your dad to tell him you were here?"

She shrugged her shoulder, "She said that dad doesn't have time to deal with stupid things. He must work so that we can have the finer things in life. Well so she can have the finer things in life. When I am at home I can't wear my good clothes. Those are only for the public to see or when daddy is home."

"What does your dad do?"

He owns his own law firms.

Olivia looked at her security. She knew that they didn't want her to get involved, and maybe she should stay out of it, but her heart wouldn't let her.

She said, "It sounds like your dad is a good guy."

For the first time, she smiled. She said, "He is a great dad. I think he believes something is going on, but my brother and I keep telling him everything is great. He fights with my mom all the time. Lately he has been purposely sending her on trips so the three of us can spend quality time."

Olivia knew she couldn't walk away. She could not allow this mother to take Karen home. Anything could happen, and she would never forgive herself if something happened, and she had a chance to intervene.

Olivia finally said, "Can you call your dad and let me talk to him?"

Karen was nervous, but she did as her idol asked.

Fitz immediately picked up, "Hi Kare Bear. Did you finally get to meet the Olivia Pope? I feel like she should have a room in our house."

Olivia said nothing. If his voice matched his body then this man had to be fine. She shook the thoughts from her head.

Olivia finally said, "She did get to meet me. Unfortunately, not in the best of circumstances."

Fitz sat up in his chair, "Are you saying that I am talking with Olivia Pope?"

"Yes, you are."

"Why, did my daughter do something to you?"

"No, I think it is best that we talk in person, but I was uncomfortable telling Karen to get in my truck. Although she knows who I am I wouldn't want my daughter to just get in the truck with someone she has only read about. I don't think it is appropriate that we talk over the phone. Do you have a tracker on Karen's phone?"

"I do."

"How about you turn it on, and give me the address to your office. You can track us until we arrive. I think you need to talk to your daughter, and I don't think waiting until you get home is wise."

Fitz was nervous. Not about meeting Olivia. She was a beautiful woman. He was nervous why Karen was with her.

Everyone was silent on the drive over. The only sound that could be heard was sniffles that Karen made as she was crying. She knew life as she knew it was over, and she was afraid of what was about to happen.

Olivia was surprised to find they were not far from Fitz's office. He was standing outside waiting for them.

Her bodyguard opened the door, and helped Karen out. Olivia stepped out, and walked Karen over.

Fitz shook her hand, "Miss Pope. It is a pleasure to meet you."

"You as well Mr. Grant."

"Please call me Fitz."

"Sure, please call me Liv or Olivia."

Fitz looked at his daughter. He had never seen her so sad and distraught. His heart ached for her, and he felt like a failure.

Olivia turned to Karen, "It was very nice meeting you Karen. You and your dad have a lot to talk about."

Karen was so afraid of her dad's reaction that she began to sob uncontrollably. She held onto Olivia for dear life. Olivia knew if she walked away chances are Karen wouldn't tell her dad what she told her. It was clear she was afraid if the consequences of telling him the truth.

She looked at her bodyguard, "Why don't you guys go grab something to eat? I am safe here, and I will text you when I am done here, and we can head home."

Her guard handed her purse and phone to her, and they got back in the car and headed out.

Fitz walked them to a private elevator that took them to his office. He owned three firms, and while he had offices at all three he worked mainly out of the first office he opened. His office took of half of the floor. The other half was conference rooms, and meeting rooms for clients.

When the elevator opened, he waited for Olivia and his daughter to step out. When he stepped out he quickly walked over to his assistant Lauren.

"Lauren, I need you to cancel my meetings for the rest of today and tomorrow. Anything that can't wait send it over to Andrew. Let them know that I have a family emergency that I need to handle. Once that is done you can go ahead, and take the rest of today and tomorrow with pay."

Lauren nodded. She finally looked to see who the woman was, and was surprised to see it was Olivia Pope.

Lauren smiled, "Miss. Pope, it is a pleasure to meet you. My daughter reads your books."

"You as well Lauren."

Olivia was surprised that she didn't ask for a picture or autograph. She could tell she wanted to, but she respected her boss more. Olivia made a mental note to send something to her.

Fitz escorts them into his office. Olivia was impressed. It was huge, and you could tell that the furniture was expensive. It wasn't overwhelming. It was clear that Fitzgerald Grant was good at his job, and that he earned good money. Olivia still got the sense that he was nothing like his wife. Money wasn't everything to him.

Fitz looked at Karen. "Are you hungry honey?"

She nodded. "I asked Mrs. Lauren to order you some lunch. It is over there on the table. Why don't you head over and eat first before we talk?"

Karen looked at her dad and Olivia before getting up to eat. Both noticed that she was gobbling down the food like she hadn't eaten in a while. It made both of their stomachs drop.

She quickly finished her food. Fitz looked at his watch.

"Why don't we take this next door to the conference room?"

Olivia was curious. His office was huge. She had a feeling that Fitz was up to something, but he played his cards close to his chest.

Just as they sat down the door opened. Olivia turned and looked at an older woman, and teenage boy walking into the room. It was clear that she was looking at Fitz's mom and son. The resemblance was uncanning.

Karen looked at her brother in shock, "Jerry, what are you doing here?"

"Nana came and picked me up from school. She said that dad needed to see me."

Fitz nodded, "Son, we need to talk. Karen was left at the book store by herself, and your mother dropped her off knowing that the signing was over with. Miss. Pope found her in the ally. Something is going on that you guys haven't told me. I keep asking, and I know that I am not getting the truth. I know that Karen would feel more comfortable if you were here which is why I asked Nana to pick you up."

Fitz could tell that Jerry was now also scared, but not as much as Karen. Elizabeth was confused. She didn't realize her son thought something was going on in his own home.

Jerry walked over to Karen and grabbed her hand, "It's time Karen. No matter what happens to us I will always be there for you."

Fitz walked over to his kids, "Why are you scared to tell me what is going on?"

Jerry finally looked at his dad, "Because she said if you ever found out you would send us away."

Fitz was beginning to get angry, but not at the kids. He knew if he shouted or yelled the kids would never tell him what he needed to know.

Olivia got up and walked over to Karen. She grabbed her hand, "You remember when Shelby was scared to tell her mom about the creepy neighbor?"

Karen looked up at Olivia and nodded.

Olivia said, "Do you remember what her friend said?"

Karen said, "The only way people who love you can help you is if you tell them."

"Right and remember when she told her mom she immediately called the police. I think your dad wants to help you. He doesn't seem like the type of dad to send you away, but the only way you will know if you tell him."

Olivia looked at Fitz. She wanted to see if her gut was right. She had never met this man before today, but whenever they looked at each other it was like their souls were connecting. When she looked at him she felt like he loved his kids, and once he understood what was going on he would protect them. After all, one call from Karen, and he had cancelled his schedule for the next two days. That alone told her that he cared.

Karen looked at her dad, "Mom treats me really bad. She said that she was only supposed to have boys. That is what Papa Jerry wanted. For every boy, she has she gets five million from him. When I go to school, I am in public, or around family I wear nice clothes. Any other time I wear old worn clothes. She doesn't let me eat at the table with her and Jerry. If I am bad I must sit in the corner, and I am not allowed dinner or I have to eat what is leftover. She hits me, but she makes sure that it is in areas that you can't see."

Fitz, Olivia, and Elizabeth were in tears.

Fitz was confused. He had a feeling something was going on so he installed cameras, but none of this was captured.

Jerry looked at his dad, "She is sleeping with Uncle Hal and someone else that I prefer not to say."

Fitz was shocked. Hal was a longtime family friend who was a police officer for many years. When he retired he became a private investigator? He hired him to not only investigate Mellie, but put cameras in the house. Nothing was found. Now he knew why. She was sleeping with him, and in return he covered for her.

Jerry looked at his dad. "I did plant a camera. I couldn't take much more after she found Karen's books. She knew mom would take them, because they are the one thing she enjoys especially Miss. Pope's books. I kind of lied when I said I wanted to go to college to study IT. I just knew that if I told mom that she would let me take the class. To her I am heir to the thorn. I can do no wrong. Even if I tell mom it is my fault she will still blame it on Karen. I took the class to find a way to help Karen. I knew we couldn't just tell you. Mom could flip it around. I knew you would believe us dad, but it wasn't enough. We needed to be able to prove it. I know I should have told you. She could have killed Karen, but I kept an eye on her I promise. I pulled the footage from the cameras I put in the house, and I have the proof to show you that we aren't lying."

The adults were unable to stop their tears from falling. Olivia had gotten up from the table, and was standing in the corner. Elizabeth was glued to her seat. She couldn't believe that her husband had paid his son's wife to have his children. It did explain Mellie's sudden turnabout when it came to having kids. Fitz was practically begging for a child, and she wouldn't move. Overnight she changed her mind. She could tell that her son also now understood why.

Fitz looked at his kids, "I love you both, and I appreciate the fact that you wanted to prove what your mother was doing. I know that you were scared, but I need you both to know that I love you both with everything in me. Your word is enough. I would have believed you without the proof, and I am sorry that I didn't protect you."

Karen said, "Are you going to send me away?"

"Away where honey?"

"To the bad school."

"Absolutely not. You are staying right here with me and your brother. We will need you in the house to balance us out."

"Are you going to divorce mommy?"

Fitz nodded, "I have to. I must protect you too, and I will do all I can to protect you. I will make sure that if she gets visitation that it has to be supervised."

Jerry pulled out his computer, "This should help…."

Fitz thought he was prepared for what he saw, but he wasn't in the least. The truth was none of the adults were prepared for what they saw.

From the pain and sadness on Karen's face as she was treated like a dog at times to the affairs caught on tape. That's right. Not only was she sleeping with Hal, but she was sleeping with her father-in-law.

Fitz looked up at his children. This was the person they were scared to name. It now all made sense to Fitz why the kids stopped wanting to go their grandparents house when their grandfather was in town.

He was so deep in thought that he didn't see his mom as she began to pass out, but Olivia did and ran to catch her before she hit the floor.

Karen burst out crying. The guilt eating her up. Jerry consoled his sister while Fitz went over to help Olivia with his mom.

Olivia looked at him, "Can you get me a cold cloth, and a bottle of water?"

Fitz ran into his office to get the items. By the time, he came back his mom was awake.

"Mom…"

Olivia grabbed his hand, and it felt like lightning struck her. They both pulled back and looked at each other.

Olivia whispered, "Your mom will be okay physically. Emotionally, I think she will need some time."

Fitz looked at his mom. Elizabeth said, "Fitz, I am so sorry. I didn't know about this."

"I know mom!"

"What are you going to do?"

"Destroy her…"

"Do you know where she is?"

"Nope, but she will be calling soon. It is about time for her to pick up Karen. I just want to see how long it will take for her to call me, and tell me that she is missing."

"This is going to be a nightmare. She is going to try, and destroy you. She is going to try and blackmail you."

"I don't care about me mom. I have failed my children enough. All I care about is making sure they are safe."

"I think I can help."

Fitz looked at Olivia, "How?"

"My parents are Eli & Maya Pope."

Fitz looked at her in shock, "Maya is the best crisis manager I have ever met. I have referred clients to her. Your father owns his own law firm."

She nodded. "My mom would want to help you especially with the kids being involved."

"If she can help then I am more than willing to hire her. I don't care the cost, but even if she can't I am going to protect my children."

Olivia picked up the phone. Maya answered, "Hi honey. How did the book signing go?"

"It was great mom, but something happened. I really need your help."

"Are you hurt?"

"No, but a child was. I would rather not discuss over the phone. Do you know Fitzgerald Grant?"

"Yes, Fitz is a great young man. Other than your dad he is one of the best out there. He has referred several clients to me. Nothing like his snake of a dad."

"Mom, we are on speaker. I am in his office with his mom and kids."

Maya was quiet for a moment. Not sure how to come back. Elizabeth said, "Mrs. Pope, no need to apologize when your assessment is spot on."

"Still…"

"I agree with my mom. Thank you for the compliment Mrs. Pope."

"You are welcome Fitz."

"Mom, can you come to his office? I think it would be easier."

"Sure, I am actually around the corner. I was heading home since we had a light day today."

Fitz said, "I appreciate it Maya. I will meet you downstairs."

A short time later Fitz returned with her mom. The two shared a hug.

Maya was quickly caught up to speed. What she saw made her sick to her stomach. She had planned to chide her daughter for getting involved, but as she looked at the little girl in front of her she couldn't blame her daughter. There is no way she could have walked away either.

Maya looked at Elizabeth, "I know that this is all fresh, but I have to ask. Do you plan on sticking by Big Jerry?"

Elizabeth, "I have stood by my husband over the years. I can't count the number of affairs he has had, but I believed in my vows. This however is unforgiveable. I have no intentions of staying with my husband, but my son and grandchildren are the priority right now. I will do whatever you need me to do to protect them."

Olivia had sent a text to her team that she was ready to be picked up and taken home. Her mom had this under control.

"Do you have somewhere that you can take the kids for a little bit? I think it is best to pull them out of school, and get them a tutor. This is going to hit the news."

Fitz nodded, "I have somewhere for them."

Olivia got a response that they were downstairs.

Maya looked at her daughter, "You headed out?"

"Yes, you have this under control. I don't need to be here. If I need to testify to anything you know how to find me."

"Okay, I'll call you later. I love you."

"Love you too. Thank you for helping them."

Maya nodded

Olivia walked over to Karen and opened her arms. She ran into them, and the hug they shared touched everyone in the room.

Olivia bent down. She pulled out a copy of her newest book.

Olivia said, "I think that you deserve to have a copy."

She took out a card, "Inside is my personal cell phone number. If you need to talk you can call me. When you come back I promise to replace all your books. We can even go shopping, and get some new ones. I want you to know that I am really proud of you."

Karen whispered, "Thank you for saving me."

"You saved yourself. I was just here to support you."

They shared another hug before Olivia left.

Fitz walked her downstairs. When they got to the door Fitz looked at her, "I can never repay you for what you did today. Thank you, and I am sorry for getting you caught up in my drama."

"I am just glad I was there. I am really sorry for what happened."

"It is my fault. My dad is scum, but he is my dad. When he introduced me to my wife I knew she wasn't the one, but instead of saying something I went along with it. For once my dad seemed proud of me. Now I feel like it was just one more way to stick it to me."

He looked Olivia in the eyes, "I should have just waited."

Olivia couldn't look away, "For who…"

"To meet my soul mate. Now I am worried it might be too late."

"It is never too late."

"I am not so sure. I have a lot of baggage."

"We all have baggage. If she is truly your soul mate them she will want all of you."

With that Olivia walked out the door. He watched as she was driven away, but he promised himself that he would get his life in order so he could one day be back with his soul mate. In the meantime, he had fish to fry.