The Past and Present
Chapter 1
ADA Rafael Barba was in a major slump. The past three cases had been difficult. Everyone was questioning and doubting Rafael. After losing three cases in a row, the DA's office and the City, even he doubted himself. One person knew Rafael, knew he was the best ADA the City of New York had. Olivia Benson had such confidence in Rafael. She never thought her friendship with him, would turn into something more. She knew a relationship with Rafael was not possible. So she kept her feelings to herself. A friendship was all she could ever have and she had to settle for that. But she couldn't shake what she felt for Rafael. Her feelings ran deep.
The final summation for the trial against a man who brutally raped and tortured a young 15 year old girl was underway. He swore to himself to get justice for the victim. During his closing arguments Rafael made the jury see the victim's pain in his summation. It took the jury all but 20 minutes to find the defendant guilty on all counts. Rafael looked back a slowly gave a nodded to Liv.
With a smile Sergeant Olivia Benson walked up to him "Congratulations Counselor" Olivia said.
"Thanks. You have such confidence in me."
"Of course I do. I have and always will." She said. Rafael felt good. Better than good, he felt proud, complete. A feeling he hadn't felt in a while.
"This calls for a celebration, don't you think counselor? My treat." Olivia said.
"Ok. Sounds good to me. But I'm paying." Olivia nodded with a smile.
"I'll pick you up around 8? Olivia agreed. Good, see you then."
Rafael walked out of the court room and walked to his office. On the way he was going over his short conversation with Olivia in his head. He couldn't help but grin. He always longed to hear those words from Olivia Benson. Deep down he wanted to hear three little words from her "I Love You". His feelings for Liv were strong. He finally found someone he was comfortable with. There was only one other person he loved with his soul. But she even hurt him. He vowed to himself that he would not let anyone get so close to him again. He didn't want to go through the pain, anger and disappointment again. But with LIv it was different. He couldn't explain it. But he knew they were co-workers in a sense and it would never work.
He had a change of plans. He went to his favorite liquor store and bought his favorite bottle of scotch and Olivia's favorite wine. On the way to Liv's he picked up a large variety of his favorite Cuban food. It was going to be a quiet night in. He would love to go to his favorite restaurant, but after a long trial, peace and quiet is what he needed. He wanted, no needed time alone with Olivia.
Olivia was in the bedroom deciding on what to wear. If she knew where they were going it would be a lot easier. Noah was sitting on the bed playing with all the clothes Liv decided not to wear. Just as she was about to take off another dress the doorbell rang. She thought to herself it must be Lucy. She picked up Noah and headed to the door. To her surprise it was Barba.
Raphael couldn't believe his eyes. She looked beautiful, elegant, and exquisite. If he could he would take her here and now. But the two of you are only friends. He thought to himself.
"Uh, Barba you're early. Lucy is not here yet… what did you bring?" She said.
"I really just need a quiet night in. So I thought I would bring your favorite wine and my favorite scotch and Cuban food. I also called Lucy and told her change of plans. I hope that's ok?"
"Sure. Just let me change into something more comfortable and put Noah down for the night".
"Don't change. I think you look great."
"Yeah…I am a little over dressed. I'll be right back. You can set up the food and get the drinks ready."
Olivia was relieved. A quiet night in sounded great. She could spend some quality time with Noah and Rafael. She changed into a pair of jeans and tank top. As she walked out she heard Rafael's phone ring. Disappointment rang in her head. She wanted time alone with him. She heard him swear and the ringing stopped.
Everything okay? She asked
"Just finished, setting everything up. My phone rang and I didn't recognize the number so I hit ignore. Not tonight." He said Hell not tonight.
As they sat on the couch eating and laughing, Rafael's phone rang again. It was the same number he didn't recognize. He hit ignore once more.
"Rafael, don't you think you should answer your phone. It could be important." Liv said.
"I don't know the number. They haven't left a message, so I don't think it's important." Rafael said.
"I need some time to myself. There are other ADA's who can handle the case load."He said.
"Okay Counselor, if you say so." She said
The night was going peacefully. They laughed and then all of a sudden the mood changed in the room. LIv and Barba were staring at each other. It was as if time was standing still. They each didn't know what to do. Barba wanted to lean into a kiss, and Olivia was smiling and waiting. They were less an inch from their lips touching….His phone rang again...His world was about to be change….
Chapter 2
"Barba answer it this time. Please." Liv said.
Rolling his eyes, he leaned over to pick up the phone when he saw it was his mom calling. His heart sunk, he knew something was wrong. He couldn't explain it, he just knew. He looked up to LIv, and she even saw the look of concern on his face.
"Mami." He said.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Barba." An unfamiliar voice said.
"Who is this? Where is my mother?" He demanded.
"My name is Nurse Flores with Mercy General. I tried calling and didn't get an answer, so I'm calling from your mother's phone. Your mother was admitted to our ER with chest pains. She is asking for you." Nurse Flores said.
"I'm on my way. Thank you." He said. He quickly hung up the phone.
"Barba is everything Ok?"
"Those calls were from Mercy General. Mom was admitted to the ER with chest pains. I've got to go." He said
"Yes, yes of course. I can come with you; I just have to get Noah ready."
"Thank you, but you don't have to."
She gently laid her hand on his. "Raf, I want to, but it's up to you. " She said
He slowly nodded. She got up and ran to get Noah. The ride to the hospital was quite. Noah was sound asleep. Olivia text Rollins to see if she can come to the hospital and pick up Noah. She needed to be with Rafael. That is the only thing she was sure of right now. Liv slowly put her hand in his. It startled him. When he turned towards Liv, he held onto her hand tightly and relaxed. He knew with LIv by his side he can conquer anything.
As they walked into the hospital, Amanda came and got Noah. She took Noah and wished the best to Rafael and his mom. They asked the nurse at the nurses' station where his mom is. She kindly got up and walked over to his mom private room. Rafael was shaking, and panting hard. He prayed to God that his mother was ok. He wanted to cry, but he knew he had to be strong. His eyes scanned the room. When he saw his mother, his heart jumped from his chest to his throat. Liv stepped closer to give him support. He moved to his mother's side.
"Mami! It's me Rafael. Mami!" He cried." Why won't she answer?" He asked.
"Let's find out from the doctors. She's resting. "Liv said
Just then the door opens and the doctor walks in.
"Rafael." The doctor says.
Rafael recognized that voice. Slowly he turns and he can't believe his eyes. He never thought in a millions years he would lay eyes on her again. Daniela Dominquez. The one woman who actually broke his heart. The love of his life. Everyone thought Yelina was "the one". But no one knew of Daniela. He loved her with every fiber of his being. And in one night it all changed.
"What are you doing here?" He hissed.
"Rafael. I'm here seeing to your mother. I'm her Doctor. She has been my patient for the past three months. I come to New York once a month to see her. And my mother of course. "Daniela said.
Olivia coughed. Rafael looked at her and apologized.
"Sergeant Olivia Benson, this is Dr. Daniela Dominguez." The two women looked at each and shook hands. Rafael was baffled. His head was spinning. He couldn't believe this was happening, any of this. Olivia and Daniela in the same room, and his mother lying in that hospital bed. His past and hopefully his future in the same room. Sharing the same space. Then reality hit. This isn't about him or them. It was about his mother.
"Daniela, what is going on with mami?" Rafael asked.
"I am running some test to pinpoint the issue. I will know more when I get the results. Three months ago I was here visiting my mom. All three of us went out to lunch, and your mom mentioned she had been having dizzy spells. So I called a colleague from school and she let me use her office to see your mom. I have been coming here every month since then. Rafael I can assure you I will do all I can for your mother." Daniela said
He shook his head. "Thank you." He said.
"I will leave you two alone to visit. If you need anything just ask." Daniela walked out of the room.
"Well, you can cut the tension with a knife." Olivia said under her breath. Rafael turned to her.
"It's a long story. Someday I will explain, but not now. I really don't want to get into it now. Thanks so much for being here. It means a lot to me."He said
She smiles at him, and nods. "Whenever you're ready, I'm always here. "She said quietly.
Rafael's mother stirred in the bed. "Rafi?"Lucia asked.
"I'm here mami. Do you need anything? Are you ok? Please tell me what you need." Rafael asked as tears filled his eyes.
"I need you to stop asking so many questions. I'm ok." She looked at him with loving eyes. "Did you see Daniela?" She asked nervously
"Yes. Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't you tell how you've been feeling? I had to find out this way about your health and Daniela." He said sounding a little frustrating. He felt Olivia's hand on his arm and sighed.
"I am going to call and check on Noah. Mrs. Barba I am glad you're ok." Olivia said.
"Sergeant Benson. Thank you for being here. "She said. Olivia nodded and left the room.
When Olivia was gone Rafael turned and looked at his mom. He didn't know what to say. He didn't know what to feel. He laid his head on his mothers arm as tears ran down his face.
"I don't know what I would do if I lost you." He cried. "Hush now. I'm not going anywhere, at least not before I have a couple of grandbabies. His mother chuckled. He whipped his up and rolled his eyes.
Olivia returned and said she had to get home to Noah. Before leaving she told Rafael if he needed anything, anything at all to call or come by anytime. He thanked her and walked her out. Before returning to his mom's room he grabbed a cup of coffee. He was trying to make sense of what was happening. Walking back so many memories came crashing back. The night his heart was broken, his feelings for Daniela. She always had a place in his heart. Now all the feelings of anger, pain, hurt, loss, and emptiness filled him.
Returning to the room he thought to himself 'Rafael, pull yourself together. It's in the past. You moved on. So has she.' As he opened the door Daniela and her mom were in the room. "Mrs. Dominquez. It's good to see you." He nodded at Daniela. "Rafael. You look good." Mrs. Dominguez said as she got up to hug and give him a kiss on the cheek. She looked at Daniela and then at Rafael. He gave her a weak smile. Daniela questioned Mrs. Barba to see if she was taking her meds and what changes in her diet she had made and what exercises she was doing.
"Por favor Daniela, poner fin a las mentiras." Mrs. Dominguez said. Daniela just looked at her mom. Rafael looked baffled. "What lies? What are you talking about?" Daniela you need to tell me what is going on. And you need to tell me now!" Rafael hissed.
"Is it about my mom? Tell me!"
"Calm down Rafael, it has nothing to do with your mom. It's about us."Daniela said.
Rafael scoffed. "There is no `us'. He said.
"You two need to talk." Mrs. Dominguez said." I will stay with Lucia."
"It's late and I have court in the morning. I really don't feel like dreading up the past right now. Mommy, you will be ok if I go?" He asked. "Yes, yes of course. Martha will stay with me. You go home and rest. I will see you tomorrow. Love you mijo." Mrs. Barba said. Rafael kissed his mom goodnight and said his goodbyes as he walked to the door; he turned to his mother and gave her a nod and smile.