A Dark and Stormy Night part 2
PG13 rating
I own nothing and expect even less.
A/N. Please be warned that this story is based around Natalia being brutally beaten but not raped.
It was a dark and stormy afternoon. Olivia pulled her warmest jacket tightly around her but the cold was still getting through to her bones. The only reason she was out in the cold and rain was for Natalia. She was on her way into the hospital carrying new clothes for Natalia to wear. Natalia was finally getting out of the hospital. It had been almost three weeks ago to the day, that Olivia heard Natalia moaning out in pain and then found her rolled up in a ball on the ground in the alley next to her apartment building.
Why was she doing all this for Natalia? Why had she spent absolutely every minute she could at the hospital with Natalia? When Rick said he wouldn't release Natalia from the hospital if she didn't have someone to help take care of her, Olivia immediately without a second thought said she would do it. The first thing she did was to reserve one of the wheelchair accessible two bedroom suites at the Beacon so she could be there 24/7 to take care of her...what, what was Natalia to her?
Olivia had been trying to figure out just who Natalia was to her. Before the beating, Natalia had just been a very smart, very beautiful, but very shy woman that had somehow caught Olivia's interest. Olivia wanted to get to know Natalia, understand what made her tick. Olivia wanted to know why someone as smart and naturally beautiful as Natalia didn't know her own worth. For Olivia, they were just friends, there was nothing sexual then. Olivia is very aware that she is an extremely sexual being. She didn't have any issues with girl on girl. She had just never met a girl that did anything for her.
After the beating, the woman that woke up and found herself alive was almost completely different then the friend she had known. This woman was confident that she would fully recover from this ordeal. Even when she found out how much damage had been done to her. It just made her more confident that she would not only survive, but that she would recover beyond anything Rick was predicting. This woman intrigued Olivia. This woman that believed in herself enough to endure all the pain from the beating to survive and then endure the even greater pain of bringing her body back to healthy.
Olivia had been there for every physical therapy session. Remy's wife Christina was Natalia's therapist. Olivia watched as Natalia fought for every small victory. The look of peace and determination never leaving her face. When Olivia mentioned the change in personality, Natalia just smiled and said "I'm still here, he was wrong." This new woman that Olivia was getting to know was something Olivia had never come across before. Natalia was complete confidence without arrogance. For Olivia, that was an amazing turn on. So just exactly what was Natalia to her now? Olivia wasn't ready to think the words yet.
Frank had arrested both of Natalia's parents three days after she woke up from her injuries. Tomorrow was the first day of their trial. Natalia talked Rick into releasing her early so she could be in the courtroom. Natalia told Rick she wanted her father to see her alive and to see the triumph In her eyes. God was on her side not his.
Olivia had been in the courtroom for their arraignment. Natalia had asked her to go in her place. Olivia was amazed at how normal Natalia's parents looked. You could not tell from just looking at them, that they were capable of trying to beat their own child to death. Natalia was a blend of them both. She had her mother's shape eyes, but her father's color. Her mother's size lips, but her father's shape. Both her parents had dimples. It scared her that you couldn't see their evil.
Her father was charged with attempted murder in the first degree and felony assault and battery. Her mother was charged with conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree and felony assault and battery. Her father was the one that beat Natalia to within inches of her life. Her mother, Maria Rivera knew exactly what her husband was doing and had helped him plan what they were calling an intervention. She drove the car into that alley so they could dump, what they were sure would soon be Natalia's dead body. They said it was a warning for Olivia. They didn't want their daughter's sins to send Olivia to hell also. They both pled innocent to all the charges.
Olivia arrived at Natalia's room just in time to watch Rick remove the bandage from Natalia's left eye. Rick had done a wonderful job. When all the swelling went down and the bruising faded, no one would be able to tell that she came precariously close to losing that eye. The big question was did she still have sight in that beautiful brown orb?
Olivia stayed in the background as Rick started his examination of the eye socket and the bones around it. He was letting the eye get used to being un bandaged. The other times they had changed the bandage the swelling had kept Natalia from opening that eye or as the swelling went down, they had kept the eye covered with gauze. This was the first time in three weeks that light was entering the retina. Rick had been very concerned about the repair they did to fix the detached retina once the swelling went down.
"It looks very good Natalia. Can you open and close your eye for me please?" Natalia did as her doctor requested. It felt strange not having the bandage on. She knew there was a good chance that she might not be able to see out of her left eye. The doctor had been very good at telling her exactly what was going on with her health and the things that could still go wrong as she continued to heal. He even told her they had checked her for rape and was very happy that there was absolutely no evidence of that occurring.
"Are you experiencing any pain in the eye from the light?" Natalia softly answered no. "Lilian please bring the lights up, just a little more." Lillian brought up the lights. "How about now, any pain?" Natalia again replied no. "Ok Natalia, here's the big question, can you see anything with that eye. Olivia stepped just a little farther into the room. She wanted to be sure she heard what Natalia said and to be close by for support if the answer was no.
Natalia took a moment to look around. She put her hand over her good eye just to be sure. A small smile started to form on her lips. "I see light and shapes. I can't make out any detail. I can't make out your face. But I'm not blind." Rick used a small flash light to get a good look at the back of Natalia's eye. Olivia knew if that had been her and all she could see was light and shapes she would be crying right now, not the triumphant smile Natalia had on her face.
"Well I think that's a very good sign that you'll get back a lot of your vision in the eye. My guess is that you'll get more and more sight in the eye as the swelling goes down. Once all the swelling is gone, what ever you have at that time is the best you'll get. This is actually better then I was expecting. I don't think we'll have to go back in and make any surgical corrections." The lopsided smile on Natalia's still slightly swollen face still could have lit up Springfield.
Lillian began to clean up the old bandages. Rick got busy signing Natalia's release paperwork. An orderly came in with the wheelchair Olivia had rented for Natalia while her leg was still healing. She still had six weeks to go before she could start putting any weight on it. The chair was light weight but still electric. With all the healing bones on Natalia's left side, she wouldn't be able to push herself for another month at least. This way Natalia would have a little bit more independence by getting around by herself.
"Ok miss, the only reason I'm letting you leave the hospital is because Olivia promised she would be looking after you. If you have any increased or new pain, I want you back here asap, you hear me?" Natalia gave him a very serious face and saluted, then burst into her lopsided smile. Olivia was happy to see that the swelling on her face had gone down enough for her dimples to start showing again. It sent a tingle to places she rather not think about right now.
By the time all the paperwork was signed and Natalia was dressed in the clothes Olivia brought, it was time for dinner. "Now that you're free, would you like to go to Company and get some dinner? Even just some of Buzz's chicken and barley soup has got to be a thousand times better then the hospital food you've been eating." Natalia let out a groan and licked her lips at just the thought of some of Buzz's cooking. Olivia felt a sharp wave of desire run though her from the sound that Natalia made and seeing the tip of her pink tongue dragged across her lips.
Olivia got herself under control. If or when that was going to happen, it certainly wasn't going to happen tonight. The poor woman is just getting out of a three week stay in the hospital.
Natalia watched the desire flit across Olivia's face. Not only did it make her smile, it confirmed what she had been thinking since she woke up. Olivia wanted her as more than a friend.
"I think some of Buzz's chicken and barley soup sounds divine, but I don't think I have the stamina to eat at Company. Could we just go in and say hello, but take the food and just go back to your apartment? I want to look and feel strong tomorrow in the courtroom. Natalia gave Olivia a little smile. They really hadn't talked about the living arrangements. Natalia just needed to be out of the hospital so she could attend her parents' trial. She would have agreed to just about anything Dr. Rick said. Staying with Olivia was actually bonus points for her.
"We're not going to stay at my apartment. One of the best things about being the general manager of one of Cassie Winslow's hotels, is that she allows us to use a suite at no charge for as long as we need it. I reserved one of the two bedroom suites with a living area that is also wheelchair accessible so you would have a much easier time moving around on your own." Natalia was going to complain about the expense until she heard it was free. Then she realized how thoughtful Olivia was being by trying to make it easier to be a bit more independent. It was just more proof in Natalia's heart that God truly was all about love.
"Thank you for being so thoughtful Olivia. I can't thank you enough. For saving my life and then staying to help me heal. I love you more then I can put into words." Natalia had a smile on her face and tears in her eyes. It was the first time she had ever said those words out loud. Olivia didn't know how to respond to Natalia's heart felt words. She smiled and started to push Natalia out of the room. Olivia didn't want to just say anything, she wanted to make sure she used the right words.
Olivia walked to the elevator and pushed the button. "There is a lot we need to talk about. But this is not the time nor the place for that conversation. I promise once we get settled in the suite we will have that conversation." Natalia just smiled at Olivia. She didn't want to overwhelm her. Her feelings just came out of her mouth and it felt wonderful to say it out loud. She could wait until Olivia was ready. She knew what she saw in Olivia's eyes and in Olivia's actions. She could wait to hear the words.
Olivia pushed Natalia up to the wheelchair accessible van she had rented. She opened the side door and lowered the lift. She pushed Natalia onto the lift and raised her up into the van. Natalia moved herself into position and locked her wheels in place. Olivia closed the door, walked around to the driver's side and got in. The drive over to Company was short and done in silence. Natalia was letting Olivia get her bearings.
Buzz was out having a smoke when Olivia pulled up in the van. He came over to help when he realized who was in the van. He had a large umbrella to keep Natalia as dry as possible. All three of them went into the restaurant as fast as possible. Natalia was quickly surrounded by all her friends and co workers. They were all happy to see her looking so much better. Olivia order their dinners to go while Natalia was being treated like a rock star. This gave Olivia a few moments to herself to think about what she wanted to say to Natalia.
Olivia watched how Natalia interacted with everyone. Natalia was definitely changed from the beating. The new confidence was on full display. She was enjoying being the center of attention. That was definitely new. Olivia had always thought there was great passion just below the surface. Now that passion showed in every word she spoke, in her unreserved laughter. Olivia was searching her mind for the right word to describe the change, free was the only word that was coming to mind. Natalia seemed free of some weight she had been carrying. It became very clear to Olivia in that moment that she was more than attracted to Natalia. Olivia knew she falling in love with this new Natalia.
Olivia's musings were interrupted by Blake. She had their food ready for them. "She looks pretty good for all she's been through. I don't know if I'd be smiling if my mother and father tried to kill me." Olivia took one more look at Natalia before turning her attention towards Blake.
"When she woke up and realized she was still alive, that they hadn't been able to kill her, she started to smile. A sparkle entered her eyes that's still there. It doesn't matter what the doctor says, she smiles. She was so sure she was going to die that everything that has happened since she woke up has been a bonus." Blake just shook her head in disbelief. Maybe there was some brain damage that no one was talking about? How could any normal person be happy that their parents tried to kill them? She didn't say that to Olivia. It was really none of her business and Olivia wasn't the one to get any good gossip out of anyway.
Olivia noticed that Natalia was starting to look like she had had enough. She grabbed her wallet and handed Blake enough money for the food and a nice tip for her. She took the food and went to save Natalia from her fans. They both bundled back up and headed back out into the rain. Olivia got Natalia up and into the van and then climbed in after her. Natalia turned on the radio and spent the ride back to the Beacon singing along to the radio.
Olivia got them upstairs and into the suite with very little trouble. This was going to work out just fine. Olivia was pleased that all the plans that she had made for Natalia were working so well. "Olivia do you mind if we eat right away? I'm kind of hungry and the thought of eating really good food is making me salivate." Olivia giggled and set up the table for them to eat their dinners.
Olivia helped Natalia up to the table and then sat down herself. They both dug into their food. Natalia sat back and decided it was time to tell Olivia the truth about her life. It would explain the big change that everyone was noticing. She poured herself and Olivia another glass of wine and smiled at the woman that had saved her life.
"Olivia I'm going to tell you a little bit about how I was raised. It will help you understand why I'm so happy to be still alive and here with you." Olivia sat back from her plate and lifted her glass of wine. The interested look on her face was all Natalia needed to start on her history.
"I knew I was gay when I was very young. I didn't know it had a name or anything, it was just how I felt. I must have been four or five when I fell in love with my next door neighbor Cindy. She had blonde hair and big green eyes. I was so happy about it, that I ran to my mother to tell her all about the beautiful little girl from next door. That was when the beatings began. They told me over and over that they were going to beat the devil out of me. That God hated people like that and if I ever touched another girl, I would be going straight to hell. I was a willful child and wouldn't give in. The beatings continued until I was a teenager. I was so tired of trying to hide the damage they were doing to me. It finally dawned on me, that if I lied to them and told them how wrong I had been, and that I was very much in love with a boy named Nicky, the beatings would stop. It worked, the beatings stopped. But by then I believed them when they said if I ever touch another girl I would go straight to hell. I have yet to touch a girl." Natalia paused to take a big sip of wine.
Olivia was shocked by everything Natalia had told her. Her mother wasn't great, but at least she never beat her. "You said they stopped beating you when you were a teenager and that you've never been with a woman. What made them start again now? What happened?" Natalia hesitated for a moment. She didn't want Olivia to feel like any of this was her fault. Then she realized that the truth would come out in court and it would be better for Olivia not to be surprised it.
"They were getting suspicious that I wasn't married yet and not only that, but that I wasn't even dating. They decided to follow me when ever I wasn't at work. They saw us going out to dinner on several occasions. When they confronted me about I went into a rage. How dare they follow me like a disobedient child. I lied to them and told them yes that we were lovers. That I didn't care if that sent me to hell. I said that I loved you, which was true then and is still true now. But I lied and told them that you loved me too. It wasn't true then, but I think that might have changed." Olivia blushed and couldn't quite make eye contact.
"It was their turn to go into a rage. My father started to punch me. My mother started praying for the devil to leave my soul. It went on for three days. The whole time he was beating me he was telling me that either he was going to beat the devil out of me or he was going to kill me and let the devil have my soul. He kept telling me that God was on his side. He was doing the Lord's work to keep me pure. Then he told me he was going to dump my dead body where you would find it as a warning of what could happen to you if you let my evil ways corrupt you." Natalia was looking very carefully at Olivia to make sure she wasn't trying to take any of the blame for what happened. Olivia gently smiled at Natalia to continue the story.
"When I woke up in the hospital and you were there holding my hand, it was like an enormous light went on inside me. God wasn't on his side. God didn't hate me. God had saved me. He sent you to find me. God loves me just the way I am. I don't have to live in fear of hell. God will take me in his arms when the time comes." Olivia was just sitting there. She couldn't believe how Natalia turned a near death beating into God loves me, but very clearly she did and even Olivia was beginning to believed that God did indeed love Natalia.
"I want to sit in that courtroom tomorrow and show him how wrong he is. That God didn't let him kill me. God used you to save me."
TBC
