Chapter 14 Quality Family Time
Olivia stood by her car in front of the Rivera house, while Natalia retrieved Rafe's things. Rafe tore out the door and down the steps. He ran the pathway, jumping in her arms.
"Hey superman."
"Hi, Olivia." Rafe wrapped his legs around her waist and laid his head on her shoulder.
Three adults watched on the porch at the scene before them.
"Talia, I'm really sorry about what I said. Miguel's health is really stressing me out. You know I love you." Ricardo spoke up. He didn't like Olivia but he never meant to show that side to Natalia.
"It's okay dad. I love you, too."
"So, Nicky agreed to keep Rafe." Natalia's mother smiled as Rafe clapped his hands over Olivia's cheeks, expelling the air puffed inside.
"Yes, he works most of the time anyway." Natalia grabbed Rafe's overnight bag. "I'll see you guys in couple of days. Tell Uncle Miguel I said get well soon." Natalia walked away before she had to lie anymore that needed.
When they arrived at the hotel Rafe had already fallen asleep.
"You get the bags and I'll get him." Olivia got Rafe out the car.
In the penthouse Natalia woke Rafe. "Baby wake up it time for dinner."
He rose onto wobbly legs. Olivia came and picked him up throwing him in the air before catching him. He was wide awake giggling when Olivia put him on his feet.
He bounced on the tip of his toes. "Again. Again." He reached for her.
"Dinner first." Natalia handed Rafe the hotel menu.
He flipped through the menu settling on the dessert page. "I want a chocolate and a strawberry cheesecake, a vanilla milkshake, apple pie with ice cream on top, and a fudge brownie." Natalia lifted her eyebrows.
Rafe sat the menu down and looked between the adults.
"Oh, no. I don't think your mom like your choices. How about you order something real? We have chicken strips or nuggets." Olivia handed the menu back to Rafe.
"And you have to eat a vegetable before you can have dessert."
"Aw, man" Rafe finally settled on the chicken nuggets, with mashed potatoes and a side of broccoli.
The three sat on the floor around the living room coffee table. Rafe had finished his chicken and mashed potatoes; he was struggling with the broccoli.
"So, Rafe how do you like school." Olivia tried to lighten the mood, inquiring about Rafe's life. "What are you, in the twelfth grade?"
He laughed so hard the punch came out his nose. "No, I'm in the second grade. We are learning how to add with two digit numbers. You have to remember to carry the one. I'm the only one who remembered." He stated, pride clear in his voice.
Natalia listened to the conversation. I should be there, reminding him to carry the one or hanging art projection on the refrigerator.
Rafe went on about school and his friends.
"Young man, you eat broccoli or its no dessert." Natalia interrupted his story.
Rafe frowned as he pushed the stems around. "I'm going to get something to drink you want anything." Olivia shook her head.
Rafe made sure Natalia was gone. "Olivia you like broccoli? If you do you can have mine."
Olivia felt bad for the little boy. His eyes had glazed over as soon as the cheesecake was delivered.
"Rafe, vegetable are good for you. I'm going to show you a trick. I'll even help. For every one you eat I'll eat one. The trick is to put as many as you can in your mouth, chew fast and swallow a lot."
"Teamwork." Rafe quickly shoved three stems in his mouth. Olivia ate the other three. The grimace on Rafe's face was priceless as he gulped the last of the greenery down.
"All gone." Rafe smiled as Natalia walked into the room.
She spied the missing broccoli. "Okay Rafe where did you hide them?"
"I didn't, I ate them. See." He opened his mouth wide showing pieces of greenery stuck in his teeth.
Natalia looked at Olivia who sat picking at her tofu.
"Okay, since you ate them you can have the cheesecake." He eats the piece in record time eyeing his mother's dessert.
"I say we order movies and make popcorn." Olivia suggested as she cleared the table.
"I vote yes." Rafe raised his hand in agreement.
"Rafe's got my back how about you?" Natalia peeked at her watch.
"Okay but it's almost bedtime for one little person." Natalia said pointing at her son.
"Okay Rafe here's the remote. Push this button to scroll through the movies."
"Wow, your TV is really big." He stood in front of the TV scrolling down the list stand too close for Natalia's liking.
Two movies and a bowl of popcorn later Rafe was stretched out on the couch beside Natalia. The two were using Olivia's leg for a pillow.
Olivia watched the pair peacefully sleep. Look how cute they are. Okay we have to do this some other time. It will be like a family movie night. What? Nothing I didn't say anything.
Natalia awoke to a small foot under her chin. Still a wild sleeper I see. Rafe had somehow gotten to the other end of the couch and was using her as a foot rest. She looked around finding no sight of Olivia. Maybe she went to bed.
Natalia rose from the couch carefully not to wake her son.
Olivia walked out the kitchen handing her a glass of orange juice.
"Good morning baby," Olivia kissed her on her neck then lips.
"Good morning, Olivia. I have to get going to check on Nicky. I just want to thank you again."
"No problem. If Nicky is sick then Rafe shouldn't be there to catch anything." Olivia looked over to the sleeping form on the couch. "Oh here." Olivia pulled the little key out of her pocket. "This is for the elevator. And you already know the key code to the door. You can let yourself in just in case." The elevator man had been riding to the top with her using his key.
"Thank you, I'll call in few to check on Rafe." She kissed Olivia one last time before walking out the door. The walk to the elevator was always a hard one. It would be so easy just to turn around and stay.
Olivia went to the bedroom to start her day. She sighed. She knew Nicky wasn't sick; otherwise Natalia would be at home. I guess it doesn't matter as long as she comes home.
When Natalia returned she walked into the room Best Buy bags, boxes, and clear paper lay scattered on the floor. She was rush by an excited Rafe. "Look Ma I got a Playstation 3 and a Wii." He pulled her over to the couch where she saw two stacks of games that were almost as tall as Rafe. "Look Ma I'm playing Mario cart. I even beat Olivia twice." He went back to his game.
Olivia walked out of the bedroom. "I didn't hear you come in." Shock was written on Natalia's face. Maybe I over did it.
"Olivia what is all this?"
"It's an earlier or late Christmas AND birthday gifts." Olivia sat on the couch next to Natalia. Rafe jumped around in front of them playing the game. "Don't be mad, okay. It didn't cost me anything. A friend owed me so she donated them to me."
Natalia relaxed a little. "Olivia you can't spoil him like this."
"I know, I know. We were just so bored. It won't happen again, baby. I'll call you first."
Olivia kissed Natalia. She quickly pulled back, realizing Rafe was still there.
The little boy smiled when he heard Olivia call his mother the term of endearment.
Natalia picked up the other controller. "So Rafe teach me how to play."
The next day Olivia sat in the back corner of the elevator. They had been in the box for an hour already. Rafe was having fun punching all the buttons and stopping on every floor. Every once in a while he would run out of the elevator, all the way down the hallway trying to make it back before the doors closed.
"You know there's a pool down stairs. You want to go for a swim." I'm getting claustrophobic.
"Maybe later." The elevator stopped at the lobby. Olivia quickly stood as guess got on.
Three older ladies got on followed by two business men.
"Where to ladies and gentlemen?" Rafe beamed a bright smile to the guess.
"Oh isn't he the cutest thing you've ever seen." The women gushed over the little boy, while the men laughed. Rafe put on the bellhop hat he stole for Bill.
"We are going to the 9th floor."
"10th for us." One man piped in.
Rafe pushed the buttons.
The door opened on the 9th floor. "You are so cute and you did such a good job here's a tip." The woman gave Rafe a five dollar bill. They exited pinching Rafe's cheek.
Olivia stood in the back of the elevator smiling as the boy turned the money over in his hands in amazement.
The men were more generous. Rafe received a ten dollar tip.
At the end of the hour Rafe had made almost 40 dollars.
"Okay Rafe it's break time. Why don't we go down stairs and get something to eat. Let Bill have his job back."
"Okay but I don't think he does it as good as me."
"We'll just have to manage."
Olivia sat at the table as Rafe went to the bathroom to wash his hands.
"Hey Green, long time no see. I got something for you." Rodney sat in Rafe's chair. His speech was almost slurred too much for comprehension. He pulled out a small bag of drugs.
Holy Shit. "Rodney I can't do this now and you know I quit."
"Oh so you quit, now you don't have time for old friends. So what was last week about, didn't look like quitting to me" He tossed the drug on the table.
"It's not that. It's just now is not the best time." Olivia eyes never left the bag. "And last week was a mistake, I'm over it now. Like I said now is not a good time."
He slammed his fist on the table, rattling the silverware. "When is a good time for you?"
Olivia's eyes narrowed as she leaned across the table, her word came through tightly clenched teeth. "Look Rodney you're high. I don't know if you are on a bad trip but you need to sleep it off. Go home and I'll call you later."
Rafe came out the bathroom and headed for the table. Olivia began to panic.
Rodney physically relaxed. "You're right. I'm sorry. I'll go and sleep it off. But you'll call right?"
"Yes now…" Olivia swiped the drugs of the table hiding it in her hand.
"Hey, that's my seat." Rafe stood beside Rodney, pointing at his chair.
"I'm sorry I didn't know you had company." Rodney rose as Rafe claimed the seat.
"You going to introduce me, Green." Rafe eyebrow furrowed at the nickname. Rodney's movement became more erratic and uncontrolled as he waved his hands through the air.
"I'm not supposed to talk to strangers." Rafe eyes were on Olivia. She could see he was uncomfortable.
"That's right, he was just leaving." Her eyes dared Rodney to disagree.
"Alright, I can take a hint. Remember to call me." Rodney walked away from the table.
Green eyes followed him until he left the room.
"I don't like him. Is he your friend?" Rafe sipped at his milkshake.
"Not anymore."Olivia's hands started to sweat and shake. The bag was burning a hole in her hand. She could feel the high already. I'll just do a little, one line. Relapse is a part of recovery. "I am going to go to the bath room…"
"Good, cause I like hanging with you. I don't like him… Can we go play games now?"
Her hands stopped trembling as a sense of peace began to spread, after Rafe cut her off, she stared at the small child across the table. You just got one more reason to stay clean. "Race you."
Rafe ran to the elevator. Olivia dropped the little bag in the trash can on the way out. I am a force.
The next night when Natalia came back she was quiet. Olivia was worried but Natalia assured her nothing was wrong.
Everyone had changed into their pajama and the movie had ended. The youngest was half sleep already. "Rafe, bedtime."
"Goodnight Olivia." He waved at Olivia before he disappeared in the bedroom.
"Goodnight." Natalia followed Rafe.
"Hey, what no goodnight kiss." Olivia feigned hurt.
Natalia walked back to Olivia. "I don't know have you been good."
"Very good." Olivia pulled Natalia closer, kissing her, her tongue invading Natalia mouth.
Olivia pulled back, tightening her hold on Natalia. "Please don't take this the wrong way but you've have gained weigh in all the right places." Olivia squeezed her behind for inference.
They broke when Rafe called Natalia.
Natalia walked by the in the living room mirror, looking herself up and down. Poking her butt and chest out, she bit the inside of her lip to keep from smiling. I swear if Rafe weren't here, you would be in so much trouble.
Olivia laughed at Natalia's check of herself in the mirror. "Goodnight baby." Olivia watched Natalia disappear.
Olivia rolled around the bed trying to find a comfortable position. I never knew how big this bed was, until Natalia. She rolled over again.
"Olivia." She was startled by a small voice at her doorway.
"Rafe, what's wrong?" She sat up on the bed. The moon light shone on his face.
"Can I sleep in here?" He walked to the edge of the bed.
"Don't you think your mom will be lonely?" He shook his head, no.
"Okay, hop in. But when you go to sleep I'm taking you back to your room." She pulled back the covers for him.
He scooted over until he was against Olivia. "What's that mirror for?" He pointed at the ceiling.
"Um." This is a little awkward. Olivia laid still.
"Is it so you can watch yourself sleep?"
"That is exactly what it's for." She agreed.
"Are you going to marry my Ma?" Olivia smiled in the dark. I wish I could.
"You know your mommy is very special." Rafe nodded. "I can't promise to marry her but I can promise to make sure she is happy." Rafe watched her, waiting. "You and I have to make sure she never cries."
"Why?" He wanted to tell Olivia about his dad again but his Ma swore him to secrecy, before he came.
"Well, if she is sad, that will make the angel sad and they might cry."
"What happens if they cry?"
"It rains until they're happy again."
"Really?" Rafe thought back. In Chicago his Ma was always sad and it always rained.
"Yes and that goes for you to. If anyone ever hurts you I want you to tell me." Now would be a good time. "Even if they tell you not to, you can call me."
Rafe rolled away from Olivia. "Can you tell me a story?" He scooted back until his back connected with her side.
"Once upon a time there was a brave little boy named Rafe who could fly."
Natalia woke up from her sleep in a panic. Her hands searched the bed for the little body. She jumped out of the bed and searched every room trying to calm herself. She finally made it to Olivia's room. The sight made her heart flutter. Olivia lay on her stomach as Rafe laid half way on her back.
Like it was rehearsed, Rafe sat up as Olivia shifted on her back. He laid his head on her shoulder when she settled.
How cute is that. Natalia walked to the other side of the bed and slid in beside Olivia. She settled her head on her favorite shoulder. I love you.
Olivia woke up with up unfamiliar weight on both her shoulder. Don't panic. Don't panic. One green orb peeked out of its hiding. She saw Rafe lying on her shoulder. A string of drool hung from his mouth connecting to her nightshirt. She looked at her other shoulder to find Natalia sleeping on it. Natalia's arm was thrown across her body touching Rafe as to make sure he was still there. This is definitely not a bad way to wake up. I love you. Olivia hugged Natalia closer.
Two of the three occupants of the suite ran around getting everything packed.
"Natalia why are you packing so early, we still have time." Olivia packed all of Rafe's games into the bag.
"I really sorry that I didn't tell you, I just didn't know how."
"Tell me what." Olivia turned serious.
"Nicky is feeling better, he wants to see Rafe." Natalia continued to pack Rafe's clothing. Nicky had caught her yesterday asking about Rafe. She didn't want to take Rafe home but Nicky was adamant about seeing his son. It was the first time in a long time Nicky called Rafe his son.
She caught the panic in Rafe's eyes.
"Wait there is something in the bedroom." Olivia ran to the master suite.
The tears gathered in Rafe's eyes. He shook his head, no.
Natalia sat beside him on the couch. "Baby, it's okay. I won't let anything happen to you. Your dad just really wants to see you."
"But Ma he doesn't like me." Rafe climbed into his mother's lap. The last time he had seen his Dad, he had peed on himself, because of the screaming.
Natalia didn't know what to say, because it was true. Maybe this time would be different. She prayed it was. "Don't worry I will protect you." She wiped his eyes before Olivia returned.
"Olivia we really have to go, it's already six."
"I'll help you with his bags."
The three exited the elevator. They were met by the young man who ran the counter. "Ms. Spencer, the Tokyo hotel is on the phone."
"It will have to wait. I'm busy." Olivia held the bag with Rafe's games. They were headed out back to the taxi.
"It can't there was a major fire. Three floors were severely damaged." The young man fidgeted.
"Natalia I'll be right there, give me one second." She followed the young man to the counter, while Natalia and Rafe walked to the car.
Natalia and Rafe waited in the car, it was already 6:30. "We have to go."
"No, Ma we have to say goodbye."
"Baby we'll call before you leave." The taxi headed to the destination. She could smell the rain in the air.
Natalia and Rafe barely made it home before Nicholas. At the breakfast table not a word was uttered as the three ate their meals. Natalia kept an eye on Nicky, watching for any sudden movement. Rafe sat across the table from Nicky.
The two were on edge and Nicky loved it. The calm before the storm. I make the rules.
"Maybe you should go easy you're getting fat." Nicky smiled as Natalia frowned. "Isn't that right?" He looked at Rafe for affirmation.
Rafe dipped his head and started to mumble. "Olivia likes it."
"What did you say? You know how much I hate it when you two start talking under your breathe." The cop's voice rose.
"Rafe drink your milk. It's good for you." Natalia pushed the glass closer to Rafe as she spoke. She heard what her son said.
The seven year old sighed. "Dad, do you like milk?" He reached for the glass.
Nicky exploded, "Don't call me that, I'm not your fucking dad."
The yelling startled the seven year old. His hand jerked knocking over the milk. The white liquid quickly ran to the other side of the table dripping onto Nicky. The man jumped out of his chair. Natalia hurried to stop the spread of liquid.
"You little bastard you did that on purpose." Nicky yelled stepping closer to Rafe. Natalia stepped in front of him, keeping herself between the two.
"I'm sorry it was an accident." Rafe whispered. I'm superman, you can't hurt me.
"I'll show you sorry." Nicky pushed pass Natalia, raising his hand to strike his son.
Natalia caught his wrist in the mid air. "Don't touch him, it was an accident." The last part was a command.
Rafe slid under the table and covered his ears.
The angry man ripped his arm away, hovering over Natalia. "Or what?"
Natalia stood silently. "That's what I thought." Nicky reached down grabbing Rafe by his arm. Rafe yelped in pain as he was dragged out of his hiding place.
Natalia pulled Rafe away out of Nicky's grasp as he raised fist. When Rafe was out of Nicky's grasp she pushed the man with all her might. He stumbled backward hitting his side on the cabinet behind him. They both looked stunned.
Nicky held his side, are you fucking crazy?
"I'm sorry Mommy, it was an accident." Rafe cried breaking the building tension.
Natalia looked down to see a dark trail running down the inside of his jeans.
She picked him up. He wrapped his legs around her and buried his face in her neck. "It's okay baby, it was an accident." She walked out of the kitchen and went up stairs. Natalia and Rafe made it to the bedroom where she locked the door. "Okay let's get you in the tub and into some clean clothes." Rafe sat on the bed. "I'll fix some water. Get undressed."
Natalia disappeared into the bathroom. She started the water. Sitting on the side of the tub, Natalia rocked herself. She could hear thing breaking downstairs over the running water. "Rafe come on." He didn't answer. "Rafe?" Still no answer.
She walked into the bedroom to see Rafe talking on the phone.
"I forgot what the number is. I just want to talk to Olivia. It's important." Natalia ran over grabbing the phone. The operator was still talking. She hung it up, trying to push the trapped air out of her chest. "Rafe, what were you doing?"
"I was calling Olivia, you said I could." He started to cry again as more glass broke downstairs.
"Yes, but I also told you, you can't tell Olivia." Shaky hands ran through her hair.
"But look it's raining outside. The angels are sad."
"Rafe what are you talking about?" Natalia watched him as he quietly looking out the window. "Come on we have to get you cleaned up."
"My arm hurts."
Natalia raised his shirt to see the red hand print around his tiny bicep. She hung her head. The whole morning had been a bad ideal one she never planned to repeat again.
After Rafe changed clothing the two lay on the bed. The house was quite, either Nicky left or had tired himself out.
"Rafe you can't tell Olivia okay."
"But she can help. We can't let you be sad." His little hand pulled at his shirt.
"Rafe, I already told you it's a secret, like when we played hide and seek with your father."
"Sounds like lying to me and grandma say if you'll lie, you'll steal, and if you'll steal, you'll kill."
Mother of the year. I can't believe this is what it has come to, teaching my own son to lie. "One day I promise, me and you will leave without your dad."
"Can Olivia come?"
"Of course."
"Will there be sand? Can you eat it, and what flavor will it be?" He closed his eyes to image the place.
"Of course there will be edible sand. It will be whatever flavor you want. And everyone can fly, so people won't walk on the sand. The sun is always out and the water is clear."
A loud knock on the door startled them both. Rafe clung closer to Natalia.
"Let's go." Nicky yelled before returning downstairs.
The ride to Chicago was quiet. The radio wasn't even on. Nicky pulled the car to the curb. "Get out." Rafe opened his door, Natalia tried to follow.
"Not you, him." He locked the door.
"Bye Ma." Rafe closed the door. Before Rafe could step away from the car Nicky sped off.
Natalia sat tensed in the passenger seat waiting for the explosion.
"If you ever pull anything like that again it will be your last move." The policeman gritted his teeth, beyond anger. I see I've been neglectful in my duty as the man. Things are going to change, no more slack in the leash.
Natalia sat looking at the passing scenery. Today was too close for everything. Nicky could have really hurt Rafe; he could have killed me for hitting him. I have to get away. It still felt good to retaliate.