A/N: So I have good news, good news, and more good news. Firstly I found my 5 missing chapters to this fic taking it from 150 chapters to 155 chapters. Secondly, I start a new job in a couple of weeks that will take me out of the home and take a lot more time, which will make it harder to post, however my last bit of good news might just make up for that. Lastly, I have already edited all of the last 7 chapters and will be posting them all ... right now!. Enjoy and thank you all for reading. You are the reason I keep posting.
Chapter 149
The following morning was a flurry or motion as the Spencer-Rivera clan got ready for the day. Clara had woken early and made breakfast, which was a relief since Natalia had a hard time waking their youngest and getting her dressed due to a fitful night the previous evening. The poor girl had woken twice with nightmares of her brother going away again. She didn't really understand what was going to happen today, all she knew was he was going to have to go in front of a judge again and she was scared he would go back to jail.
Once Natalia finished helping Emma, she still needed to get herself ready and make sure Olivia was actually out of bed, which, she was, completely dressed and headed out of the room as Natalia was rushing in. "Hey there speed racer. Slow down." She chuckled, grabbing her wife by the biceps to keep them both from tumbling over as Natalia barreled into her.
"I'm sorry honey. Emma had a hard time waking up so I helped her get dressed and get her hair done while trying to explain that today wasn't a hearing that could result in Rafe going back to prison."
"Did she understand by the end of it?"
"I think so. It was a hard night last night. Poor thing. I didn't even think to speak with her about all of this. I was just happy that Rafe's record might be cleared, I didn't think about Emma not understanding all of this."
Olivia brought her love into her arms and held her tight. "Don't be so hard on yourself love. I didn't think about it either. This is a good thing and none of us thought to talk to Emma and tell her what a good thing it was. As smart as she is, she's still just a little girl."
"I know. I just feel so bad that she had such a rough night."
"She'll be okay. Why don't you go finish getting dressed and I'll make sure the rest of our family is fed and ready to go." Olivia offered with a kiss to the crown of her wife's head.
Realizing just how late they were running, Natalia quickly scampered off to do just that. Olivia all but ran down the stairs to get Emma out the door for the bus, yelling for Isabel to get her butt downstairs and ready to walk out the door.
To her relief, Rafe, Ava, Emma, and Clara had all already eaten and her wonderful eldest daughter had made her and Natalia both to go cups of coffee and wrapped them each up a bagel and some fruit since they wouldn't have time to eat properly. The bus honked and Emma ran out the door, shouting a goodbye and good luck to her family on the way. Rafe and Ava followed her out to start Natalia's car and Rafe's truck so they could warm up for a few minutes before they all loaded up and headed for the courthouse.
Luckily, they made it to the courthouse with no issues and walked in at the same time as Mr. Nolan, meeting Doris and Ashley just inside the doors. They headed into the courtroom together, Olivia, Ava, Natalia, Clara, Isabel, and Ashley all sitting behind Doris, Mr. Nolan, and Rafe who sat at one of the tables in front of the judge with the parole board seated where a jury would usually sit and the lawyer for the state at the other table in front of the judge.
Doris leaned over to Rafe who was fidgeting in his seat. "Relax Rafe. This is no big deal. The worst that can happen is nothing changes and you finish your parole."
"I know, it's just, they are gonna dig up my past, and, well…" He trailed off unsure of exactly what he was trying to say.
Doris placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed. "Rafe, look at me." Once he turned his face up to meet her eyes, she continued. "You ripped off Josh Lewis and accidently shot Jeffery O'Neal. You don't have a laundry list of wrong doings, and you didn't do anything completely malicious. Your record while incarcerated is impeccable and you've made vast improvements with your attitude and employment since being released. You've become a strong, protective, dependable young man. I should have never pushed for such a harsh punishment and for that, I am truly sorry. I used you as an example for my own political gain and it is something I regret deeply. You have nothing to worry about Rafe. I promise."
Rafe hugged the woman he once thought was worse than Olivia could ever be. "Thank you Aunt Doris." He said with sincere affection.
"You're welcome, nephew." Doris replied ruefully.
Just as Judge Riker walked in, Rafe leaned over and whispered in her ear. "For the record, I forgive you." He knew going to prison was probably for the best anyways, although he still needed to do some growing up after his release, prison had helped him get a grip on himself a little. Doris just smiled and stood for the judge, motioning for Rafe to do the same.
"You may be seated. We are here today to address the matter of Rafael J. Spencer-Rivera vs the state of Illinois. The defense has asked to be acquitted of the charges against him and his record be expunged. Is that correct?" Judge Riker asked as he looked down at Rafe.
Doris smoothed down her blazer as she stood and responded. "Yes your honor. As you can see in the file before you, Mr. Spencer-Rivera was a minor when he accidently shot the late district attorney Jeffery O'Neal yet was tried as an adult and subjected to, what I feel, was a severe punishment given the circumstances. You also have before you a letter from Mr. O'Neal, written just after the incident, where he agrees that it was an accident and had asked that Mr. Spencer-Rivera receive leniency that I don't believe was given to him at the time." With that she sat back down.
"Yes, I can see the letter from Mr. O'Neal, as well as the fact that it was you who initially pushed that Mr. Spencer-Rivera be punished to the full extent of the law." He stated with a raised brow at Doris.
Doris stood again and took a deep breath. "Yes, your honor, that's true. I admit to my error in judgement. At the time, I saw an opportunity to use a young man, who had just lost his father and made a grave error in judgement, as a means to further my own political career. I take full responsibility for my actions and am here today to help to rectify that. Mr. Spencer-Rivera should not have to pay the price for my mistakes."
"Dully noted Ms. Wolfe. And what does the prosecution have to say on the matter?"
A tall lengthy brunette stood and addressed the court. "Your honor, the state does not believe any mistakes were made in the sentencing of Mr. Spencer-Rivera. Not only does he have a previous record as a minor, but he also shot a man of the law. District Attorney Jeffery O'Neal was simply doing his job when Mr. Spencer-Rivera brought a gun into a city building and aimed it at him. He claims that it was an accident, but the fact that he had a gun with him at all when he approached Mr. O'Neal, points in the opposite direction."
"Mr. Spencer-Rivera, is there anything you would like to say before we continue?"
Rafe glanced back at his family, who smiled at him encouragingly, before he stood and faced the judge. "Yes your honor. I would just like to say that I take full responsibility for my actions, intentional or otherwise and that I am truly sorry for the pain that I caused. Thank you your honor."
"Thank you Mr. Spencer-Rivera. You may retake you seat." He waited for Rafe to sit back down before he continued. "Mrs. Gaylor, you've stated that the state would like the punishment to stand, do you have anything further to add?"
"Yes your honor." The green-eyed women stood again, opening a file as she did. "The defense is stating that this was all an accident, a young boy in emotional distress that made an error in judgement, however, I hold here, his juvenile record. Within a month of moving to Springfield, Mr. Spencer-Rivera was involved in the mugging of Joshua Lewis which resulted in him serving time at the juvenile detention center. Before that he had several fights at his school in Chicago, two of them resulting in his suspension. Are we to believe that everything Mr. Spencer-Rivera did before his eighteenth birthday were nothing more than acts of rebellion from a distraught teenager?"
Doris stood, outraged that Rafe's school records were brought up. "Objection your honor. Rafael's school records have no bearing on this case."
"This is not a criminal hearing Ms. Wolfe. No objections will stand or be overruled. You will have your turn. Mrs. Gaylor, do you have anything further?"
"No, your honor."
"Now, Ms. Wolfe, what is it you have to say on Mr. Spencer-Rivera's behalf?"
"First, I would like to address the school fights. I also have a copy of those records, and both fights that resulted in suspension were not started by my client. During the first fight, he was verbally and physical attacked by four of his classmates simply because of his heritage and fought back resulting in not just himself, but all five boys being suspended due to school policy. The second fight was the result of my client standing up for a girl in his class who was being bullied. So, I don't believe either of those cases should be taken into account when dealing with this matter. As to the mugging of Mr. Lewis, My client takes responsibility for that. Can every crime a young man or woman commits be chalked up to teenage rebellion, no, however, in this case, possibly. Rafael was removed from his home, where he had a life and friends, and brought to a new town, by his mother, after expressing his wish to stay in Chicago. He was angry and did something stupid, I don't know many teenagers who haven't done something they really shouldn't when they're upset. Mr. Lewis has forgiven Rafael for his actions and is a very close friend of his families. He, like so many of us in the community, can see that Rafael has made drastic changes in his life and is doing his best to be a contributing member of society and a better man all around. Much of that is also true when it comes to the true reason we are here today. The shooting of Jeffery O'Neal.
Mr. Spencer-Rivera has not had an easy life. He was raised solely by his mother, who was only a child herself when he was born, until he was sixteen. That's when he met his father, Gus Aitoro. He knew him little more than a year when he was taken from us by a tragic accident. Mr. Aitoro was a fine officer and an all-around good man. He always tried to do the right thing. The petty crimes he allowed to pass through, which is what Mr. O'Neal planned to bring to light when he was shot, were all in an effort to help a dear friend of his get a lifesaving heart transplant, a friend who now holds Gus's own heart in her chest. This is what caused Mr. Spencer-Rivera to lose sight of right and wrong and grab his father's gun before running to the courthouse to confront Mr. O'Neal. It was not pre-meditated in any way. It was a crime of opportunity. He heard that the district attorney was going to tarnish his late father's good name and grabbed the gun, that was literally right in front of him, and took off towards Jeffery. Once he stood before him and Mr. O'Neal was able to speak with him, Rafael saw that what he was about to do was not going to fix anything. Shooting Jeffery wouldn't bring his father back. He was lowing the gun when arms wrapped around him from behind, he did not intentionally pull the trigger and shoot Mr. O'Neal. It was a reflex.
Furthermore, while Mr. Spencer-Rivera was incarcerated, he behaved with the up most of respect and kept a spotless record, even while he was being beaten daily before he was transferred to a better prison. He sought counseling while in prison and got better control over his emotions and has used what he learned to make better decisions since. Since his release, Mr. Spencer-Rivera has done a complete one-eighty. Shortly after his release, he obtained a job at a hardware store, after a few months there, he was given a better opportunity at the Beacon hotel, which he took. Since starting, he has worked his way up to the position of executive assistant. He has an apartment that he shares with his stepsister and is fully involved in his family. Participating in family activities, helping around his mothers' home, and above all, he always does his best to protect his loved ones. Where once there was an angry and revenge seeking young boy, there is now a strong and capable young man. These reasons are why we've asked that a mistake made while he was still a child not continue to follow him. He has served his time; he is remorseful for what he did. Now he would just like to move forward with his life."
"Thank you Ms. Wolfe. Mr. Nolan, you are Mr. Spencer-Rivera's parole officer, correct?"
Mr. Nolan stood, buttoning his suit jacket. "Yes your honor."
"What are your thoughts on this matter?"
"In the short time that I have known Mr. Spencer-Rivera, I have seen a great deal of growth. When I first met him, he was, for lack of a better word, attitudinal. He had zero respect for authority and had resigned himself to a life with little possibility and therefore felt he shouldn't even try to be more then what he thought he was. Now however, he is a very driven and confident young man. His attitude has improved tenfold as well as his outlook on life. I will admit, when his mother, Mrs. Natalia Spencer-Rivera, first started her relationship with Mrs. Olivia Spencer-Rivera, I feared for Rafael. He was back sliding, becoming hate filled and resentful once again, however, sometime after last summer, there was a change in his relationship, with both women, I believe. It changed him. Made him want to do better and be more. He became very driven in his quest to better himself, both in his personal and professional life.
The way he handled the trauma his family was subjected to back in January is testament enough as to how very much he has changed for the better. Had the attack against himself and Olivia Spencer-Rivera taken place a year ago, I feel Mr. Spencer-Rivera would have handled it very differently. Where now, he was upset and sought out counseling and comfort from his family, a year ago, I feel he would have sought revenge on the man that so badly harmed his family. It has always been clear to me that Mr. Spencer-Rivera is very passionate where his mother is concerned, which now extends to both of his stepsister's and stepmother. He now handles situations that are threatening in a very different way than he did when he accidently shot Mr. O'Neal. If you are asking my opinion on whether or not Rafael Spencer-River should be acquitted and his record cleared, I would have to say that yes, I full hearted support that request."
"Thank you Mr. Nolan. I will now ask the parole board to choose one member to speak on your behalf. What decision would you like to see made here today?"
An older man, probably in his late fifties, with grey hair and piercing blue eyes, similar to Phillips', stood to address Judge Riker. "Your honor, the board has thought long and hard about this decision. There is a lot to take into account here. Had this been an accidental shooting that took place in any other building, we would easily agree to the request being made here today. However, this wasn't an accidental shooting in a grocery store. This was the shooting of the district attorney, at the courthouse. One of our own was shot by a young man who had little thought or care for anyone but himself. He did not care about the man he pointed a gun at or his family and how they would be affected. We feel for the loss the young Mr. Spencer-Rivera had just had, and we can see where he would have been angry about Mr. O'Neal speaking poorly against his father so soon after his death, however, we cannot look lightly on the shooting of a court official who was only doing his job. For that reason, we would request that Mr. Spencer-River's record stand. We are, however, willing to concede to lifting his parole as of today."
"Thank you. The court will take your wishes into consideration. At this time, we will take a twenty-minute recess while I make my decision." He slammed the gavel down and quickly swept from the room.
The group sat and quietly chatted as they waited for Judge Riker to return. Olivia and Natalia each squeezing one of Rafe's hands. It felt like much longer than twenty minutes when the judge finally emerged from his chambers and called the room back to order. Everyone took their seats and waited with bated breath to hear what the judge had to say.
"Mr. Spencer-Rivera, please stand." Rafe slowly stood up, making sure his suit jacket was properly buttoned and straightened as he did. "Mr. Spencer-Rivera, I have looked over everything and have come to this decision. I feel that it would be a complete injustice to the late Jeffery O'Neal, as well as his family, and the court system in its entirety to complete erase the wrong doings that were committed against him." He watched as Rafe's face fell, as well as those there to support him, but was glad in his final decision when he saw not a single ounce of malice or anger on the young man's face, but instead a look of discontentment and disappointment. He gave that a moment to set in before he continued. "For that reason, the court has decided, that this incident will be removed from your adult record and placed, instead, on your juvenile record, given your age at the time of the incident. Meaning, no one outside of law enforcement and court officials will have access to it. Your adult record is cleared as of today and your parole lifted. Congratulations Mr. Spencer-Rivera. Do not let me see you in my court room again." He slammed his gavel down in finality and once again swept from the room, but not before glancing at the smiling faces of the family before him.
Rafe quickly spun on his heel and enveloped his moms and sister in a hug. "It's over, it's really over. No more adult record, no more parole." He released them and hugged his aunt and grandma before turning to Doris and bringing her into a tight hug. "Thank you, thank you, thank you." He kissed her cheek and finally faced Ashley, and, to no one's surprise, kissed her squarely on the lips before hugging her with all his might.
Natalia was beside herself with glee. She faced her wife with a beaming smile. "It's over. He's finally completely free." Without giving Olivia time to respond, she wrapped her arms around her neck and took her lips in a heady kiss.
Olivia pulled back, smiling a megawatt smile. "I'm so happy for him. We can finally put all of this behind us and move forward."
The two wives turned and watched as Rafe shook Mr. Nolan's hand and thanked him for his kind words on his behalf. When Mr. Nolan turned to leave, Rafe ran to his moms, almost toppling them all over with the force of his hug. "Thank you guys so much for believing in me."
Natalia placed a hand on his cheek. "I have always believed in you mijo."
Olivia clapped her hands together. "Alright, what say we get your sister from school early and celebrate with Sundays at Company?"
"That sounds perfect mom." Rafe agreed as he looped one arm though each of his mothers' and escorted them from the building. Ava, Isabel, Clara, Ashley, and Doris following behind.
Just then, Doris remembered a very important detail. "Hey, Rafe, wait." She called out. He turned and looked at her quizzically. "We need to sign and file the paperwork."
Rafe released his mothers' with a sheepish grin. "Oh, right."
"How about we do that while your mothers' go and get Emma and we'll all meet at Company after."
"Sounds like a plan." Olivia said.
"I'll stay with you and Rafe." Ashley offered, walking closer to Rafe, and taking his hand.
"I can head over there with Clara and Isabel and get our order started." Ava offered. "Should I just order everyone their usual with a Sunday?"
"I think that will work out just fine Ava. Thank you." Natalia said with a kiss to her daughters' cheek.
The group all separated after another round of congratulations to Rafe. It was less than thirty minutes later that they were all sat at Company, three tables pushed together to seat them all. Emma ran in and straight to her brother, wrapping him in the biggest hug her small arms could manage.
"I'm so happy for you Rafe. Now you don't have to go see Mr. Nolan anymore." The little girl exclaimed; giddiness clear in her voice.
"That's right munchkin, now I have more time to bug you." Rafe exclaimed as he tickled her tummy and sat her down in the chair next to him.
Olivia and Natalia could only smile at their children's playful banter as Ava joined the other two in a tickle fight. Natalia could not stop the laugh that bubbled to the surface as Olivia poked her ribs. "Could your smile get any wider?" She asked her wife playfully.
"You know, I'm not sure it could." Natalia said, leaning over for a chaste kiss just as Blake and Buzz came to the table with several trays full of their order.
Blake placed a plate in front of Olivia and Natalia and then Doris, delivering a quick peck as she did. "I take it everything went well in court today?" She asked her girlfriend.
Doris beamed at her. "Yes, it did. Although his record wasn't completely expunged, his adult record is cleared and the shooting is now on his juvenile record."
"That's wonderful. Congratulations Rafe. I'm so happy for you." Blake smiled at the young man.
"Thanks Blake." He responded around a mouthful of burger.
"Rafael!" Natalia chastised.
Rafe swallowed before peering up at his mother. "Sorry Ma."
Buzz slapped a hand on Rafe's shoulder. "Congratulations Rafe. I'm glad it went how you were hoping today."
Rafe smiled up at him. "Thanks Buzz. Me too. I'm ecstatic that I don't have to meet with my parole officer anymore or ask permission to leave town."
"I bet. Especially with how well the hotel business is doing."
"Yeah. We have to go back to St. Louis tonight so we can open this weekend and then the moms want to go check on the property in Chicago. It'll be nice to just go wherever I'm needed and not have to ask permission and give a 'reasonable reason' for needing to go."
Buzz laughed at Rafe's air quotes around the words. "Well, I'm sure happy for you." With that he walked off back to the kitchen to prepare the desert for the large group.
After Sunday's, including a sugar free ice cream for Rafe, the family prepared to head home and get ready for their flight back to St. Louis. Josh was allowing them use of his jet since Phillip was tied up with business in California. Emma was upset that she couldn't go but was soothed when she heard she got to stay with her abuela instead of at the mansion since Phillip was away anyways.
As the family exited the restaurant and headed for their vehicles, Doris approached her friend and bumped her with her hip. "So, Rafe and Ashley huh?"
Olivia shook her head. "It would seem so. I'm not completely surprised. They've been getting closer since Rafe's release and especially since Ashley came home, and now, with all the time they are spending together…" She trailed off, letting her friend fill in the blanks for herself.
"I know. I actually think I have Rafe to thank for Ashley coming around after I came out to her."
"I'm pretty sure we have Ashley to thank for Rafe's change of heart as well. Those two really complement each other don't they."
"They sure do. You ready to be tied to me forever."
Olivia threw her head back and laughed. "As if I wasn't already. Auntie Doris."
Doris laughed as well. "Yeah, I guess that's true. But, hey, just think about how cute our grandbabies will be."
Olivia laughed again. "With her eyes and his curls…" She shook her head, knowing if Ashley and Rafe did ever have children, she and Doris would both be putty in their hands. With Ashley's big eyes, Rafe beautiful curls, and most likely, Natalia and Rafe's dimples, Olivia would be well and truly screwed.
"Alright, I really need to get back to the office. I'll see you on Friday?"
"Yup. Natalia and I are going to fly back and get Emma after school. Can you get off work early so we can all go then?"
"Why don't I just grab Emma after school and we can meet you in St. Louis Friday. Save you and Natalia the trip and give you more time to stress over every little detail." She teased her friend.
"Are you sure?"
"Of course, I'm sure. I know you guys still have a lot of work to do."
"That we do my friend. Can you pick Clara up at the Beacon and bring her with you and Emma? She's working a half day so she'll be off at three. I can tell her to meet you out front with her suitcase and then you two can grab Emma and head straight to the airport."
"I can do that."
"Oh wait. How about I just have one of the Beacon drivers pick you up. That way you don't have to leave your car at the airport."
"I have a driver Olivia. I just choose to drive myself from time to time."
"Right. Okay. You sure it's not too much?"
"I'm sure Olivia. Now, stop worrying so much. Just go and get that hotel ready. I'll check on Emma and Clara tomorrow and Thursday and pick them both up and bring them to St. Louis on Friday."
"Thank you Doris. I'm a little worried about leaving Emma with Clara for the first time."
"I know you are. That's why I plan to check on her. And you said Jane will be getting her from school and keeping her until Clara gets out of work at five thirty. Right?"
"Yes. I feel a little bad. I purposely scheduled her one thirty to five thirty the next two days so that she would only have Emma for dinner and bed. It's not that I don't trust her, it's just, Emma can be a handful and…"
"And you are still getting to know her. I understand. I can swing by the farmhouse tomorrow around seven, saying you needed me to get something from your home office, and on Thursday I can go over and help Emma pack a bag for the trip and take it with me so I already have it on Friday. Clara won't need to know I'm checking in and you can have some piece of mind."
"Thank you Doris. I really appreciate it."
"No sweat. Now go. I can see Natalia glaring from here."
"Alright. I'll see you Friday. Call me tomorrow night."
"I will. And try not to stress too much."
The two hugged with a kiss on the cheek before parting and getting in their respective vehicles. This kiss was one of thanks and love. Two powerful women sharing an understanding of the worry every mother goes through.