Title: Confessions Lead to Strange Bedfellows
Author: Kimberly21570
Fandom: Guiding Light
Pairing: Olivia and Natalia
Disclaimers and Other Assorted Ramblings: The characters of Olivia and Emma Spencer, Natalia and Rafe Rivera, Buzz, Frank, and Daisy Cooper are owned by Guiding Light, CBS/TeleNext and Proctor & Gamble. Mary No copyright infringement intended with regard to GL, CBS/TeleNext, Proctor & Gamble, or any other entity. Written for fun, not profit. All other standard disclaimers apply.
Chapter 8 consists of 9 updates that will be presented in smaller segments than what you're generally accustomed to receiving. I find this to be the most prudent presentation because, while there is an overarching theme, each major segment has its own specific purpose. The segments will be posted weekly over the course of several weeks, which will allow me to continue providing you all with regular updates through the end of my semester. I will endeavor to post on the same day each week. Dialogue in this update is original.
Rating: Chapter 8.4 is rated PG-13 for sexual innuendo.
I apologize for posting this so late in the evening. I was working on it earlier, only to be rudely interrupted by a tornado… Thankfully, it missed my place by about a half mile—not the closest I've come to being hit by one, mind you, but still unnerving. Anyway, after my sister texted to tell me it was safe for me to "come out of the closet"—yes, she was totally baiting me—I've spent the last couple of hours fielding texts and phone calls from frantic family members who are seeing the damage reports on local news updates.
Also, just to let you all know, this is crunch time in my semester—two weeks to go, and I'm working on a paper, a huge group project, and two presentations, all due on May 2nd. But I'll keep my word and continue to post weekly updates, and promise to post responses to your generous comments very soon.
Anyway, all is well now. Here's the promised update for this week. I hope you all enjoy…
Regards—
Kimberly
Confessions Lead to Strange Bedfellows
Copyright May, 2009
"In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins. Not through strength, but through persistence."
Anonymous
Chapter 8.4 – Confessions and Confrontations | Cosmic Connections:
Saturday Evening—Company…
As they walked toward the front door, Olivia noticed Frank sitting at the bar. Lightly, she touched Natalia's arm to catch her attention. Natalia looked at her curiously, and Olivia handed her the keys. "Will you take Emma out, start the car? I need to speak with Frank for a moment."
Natalia nodded. "Sure," she agreed. "Everything all right?"
"Everything's fine, I promise," Olivia assured. Her smile set Natalia at ease.
"Okay," Natalia replied with a smile. "Don't be long."
"I won't," Olivia assured. She leaned in, "Thank you, Sweetheart," she said softly, brushing her lips against Natalia's.
Natalia returned the kiss. "Behave yourself," she admonished with the firm shake of a finger, and a charming grin.
The fact that Natalia knew to issue a preemptive strike against potential acts of random foolishness made Olivia grin—Natalia knew her too damned well. But the grin on Olivia's lips didn't exactly leave Natalia feeling confident that she would listen. Shaking her head, she took Emma's hand into her own, and they headed out to the car.
Olivia caught Daisy first, thanking her again for looking after the kids, as she handed her enough cash to cover the ice cream, as well as the quarters for the video games, and another generous tip. Daisy protested the entire sum, but Olivia insisted, telling her she deserved all of that and more, for having been so proactive in that situation. Olivia was profoundly grateful, and she hoped Daisy truly understood that.
Daisy thanked her, and headed toward the kitchen. But she stopped short, and turned back toward Olivia. "I know it's none of my business, but…"
Shit, here it comes," Olivia thought, as she eyed the young woman carefully. Nothing good ever followed that statement, and she braced herself for the worst.
"Does Rafe know?" Daisy was saying, as Olivia's focus returned to her.
Olivia breathed a sigh of relief, and her lips quirked into a nervous half-smile. "We're planning to tell him tomorrow," she answered. "I think maybe that's the reason Natalia asked you to check in on him this week."
Daisy nodded. "I kinda figured it had something to do with the two of you," she replied, non-judgmentally. "I'll go visit him on Monday."
"I'm sure he'd like that," Olivia said, confidently. "And Natalia and I certainly appreciate it."
"It's no problem," Daisy assured. "Rafe was my first love, ya know. He loved me when I didn't think I was worth loving," she said; a hint of bitter-sweetness in her tone.
Olivia considered Daisy's proclamation for a moment; then quietly declared, "Somehow, I don't think it's a coincidence that his mother loved me when I wasn't worth loving…"
Daisy heard the depth of Olivia's appreciation for Natalia's love in the tone of her voice, and offered a warm smile in return. "Congratulations, by the way." She shifted a bit nervously on her feet. "Y'know, you and Natalia. I think it's awesome."
A soft smile blossomed on Olivia's lips, and her eyes sparkled like glitter. "Thank you," she said, quietly. "Just… thank you." All other words failed. After everything she had witnessed from Diane, she really began to grasp the fact that not everyone would be accepting of her relationship with Natalia. Sure, people had gossiped, and some had stared, and a few of them had even made a cutting remark here and there. Hell, they had been doing those things long before she and Natalia were even together. But nothing had prepared her for that acrid display of hatred from Diane. Witnessing that made Olivia ever more grateful for the people who openly embraced them as a couple. And in that moment, completely unbeknownst to her, Daisy Cooper had just scored some major points with Olivia Spencer.
After squaring things with Daisy, Olivia approached Frank, placing her hand on his arm; startling him. She apologized for catching him off guard; then continued with her intended conversation. "I just wanted to say thank you, Frank," she said, sincerely. "Y'know, for everything you did to help us tonight."
"I didn't do it for you," he said, brusquely. "I did it because it's my job, and for Natalia, and for Tracy and her partner."
Olivia's curiosity was piqued. She shifted, jutting her right hip out, as she arched an eyebrow. "I get why you would do it for Natalia," she admitted, "but why Jen and Tracy?"
"I know Tracy's family," he said, noncommittally.
Her good will was short-lived. "So, I guess I'm just the odd one out, huh?" she said, sarcastically. "The only one who deserves to be treated like shit?"
"Yep," he grunted, taking a sip of his beer.
"I didn't plan for this to happen, Frankie," Olivia said, apologetically, as she placed a gentle hand on his arm. "I never expected to fall in love with her."
"You were already in love with her," he correctly accused. "And I can't believe you pushed me toward her, knowing she was in love with you." He sounded more hurt than she'd realized, and it made her feel like even more of an ass.
"Frank, I didn't mean for you—"
Frank cut her off, mid-thought. "No, you never mean for anyone to get hurt, do you, Olivia?" he said, accusingly.
She knew he had a point—even when she didn't mean to, she destroyed everything good in her path. "I thought if she moved on, we could both get over it," she attempted to explain. She didn't deserve Natalia's love—someone good, like Frank, did. And yet, it was Olivia who Natalia loved. What she ever did to deserve that love, she hadn't a clue; but she certainly didn't take it for granted—she knew it could be taken from her in a heartbeat. It was in moments such as this that she heard her mother's voice: The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away… It was like an omen, taunting her—warning her that the more she gave of herself to Natalia, the more it would hurt when God finally realized His mistake, and took Natalia away. Willfully, she shoved the thought aside, as she forced her attention back to Frank.
"Yeah, well, I don't think your plan worked out so well," he said, sarcastically. And with that, he slammed his bottle back down on the counter, slopping beer everywhere. He left it there, slid off of his barstool, and stormed out of the room.
Having heard the entire exchange from the kitchen doorway, Buzz sauntered toward Olivia. His hands were busy drying a cast-iron skillet. "Don't let him get to you," he said, in that gruff voice that somehow always managed to soothe rather than to chafe.
"It's kinda hard not to, Buzz," Olivia sighed. She leaned her forearms against the counter. "He makes a good point."
"Nonsense," Buzz protested, "He's just pouting because he didn't get his way. I think the two of you just caught him off guard is all," he reasoned. "He thought Natalia was available. Clearly, he was wrong."
Olivia grinned at her former lover, as she grabbed a bar towel and wiped up Frank's mess.
That action certainly didn't slide below Buzz's radar—Olivia Spencer never cleaned up after anyone—even herself. Natalia had certainly done a number on her!
"And what about you, Buzz?" Olivia was saying. "Did we catch you off guard?"
Buzz's husky laugh came from deep within his belly. "Nothing you do ever surprises me, Olivia." He wasn't being judgmental, just honest. "But Natalia, well… she's another story." He sounded amused. "I wouldn't have expected this from her, but it's… a pleasant surprise."
"She was a wonderful surprise for me, too." Olivia couldn't stifle the smile that brightened her face. "I love her, Buzz," she practically gushed, sheer ardor reflecting in her eyes.
Buzz offered her that roguish grin of his, as he set the dried pan on the bar. "I figured that out quite a while ago." His eyes twinkled with satisfaction. "You're happy?"
"Blissfully." Olivia beamed. And she meant it, even despite her fears. "You approve?" She bit her bottom lip nervously. For some reason, his opinion always mattered to her—like Josh's, but for different reasons.
He nodded his head in that way that he always did. "I approve."
His endorsement was punctuated with an arched eyebrow and a grin, and Olivia shrieked like a teenager, as she hoisted herself up, using the edge of the bar for leverage. "Thank you," she practically giggled, kissing him on the cheek. "Gotta go. I have a date with my girl, a ball, and some wooden pins," she grinned, lowering her feet back to the floor. She sounded so young and carefree he couldn't help but be happy for her.
"Hmmm… sounds kinky," he smirked, wiggling his eyebrows.
Olivia's eyebrow peaked playfully. "Could be…" The smirk on her lips toyed with him. "Later, Buzz…" she said, waving as she sauntered toward the door; the heels of her black leather Gucci boots clicking against the tile floor.
"See ya, Gorgeous," he replied fondly, as he tossed the kitchen towel over his shoulder. Despite the broken heart she had left in her wake not so long ago, Buzz Cooper just couldn't help but adore that remarkable woman. Retrieving the dried pan from the bar, he turned his attention back to his work. And the smile in his heart matched the one on his face as he finished the cleanup for the evening.
Olivia made her way to the car, only to discover a backseat filled with children. She glanced at Natalia, who smiled and shrugged her shoulders.
"Who could say 'no' to those little faces?" Natalia asked, sweetly.
Chuckling, Olivia agreed that she didn't possess the strength to resist either, as she climbed into the passenger seat of her car, and buckled her seatbelt. It felt strange, yet comforting, to have Natalia navigating from behind the wheel of her Nissan.
"I thought Jen and Tracy could use a few minutes," Natalia was explaining, as they pulled out of the Company parking lot.
"I'm sure they appreciate that," Olivia affirmed. She said nothing further about the incident in the children's presence. Instead, she turned the conversation toward safer topics, as they made their way across town.
And appreciate it, they did. Jen and Tracy were thankful beyond measure for Natalia's consideration in suggesting that the boys might like to ride with Emma.
Tracy had stoically held her composure while in the restaurant; but Jen knew full-well that she wasn't all right. Not by a long shot. Once they were in the car, Tracy finally let her guard down; falling into Jen's arms, sobbing.
"I never should've confronted her," Tracy whimpered, regretfully, when the sobbing finally dwindled to a soft cry. "I should've just let it go, like I usually do."
"No, Trace," Jen gently disagreed; tenderly stroking her lover's back, as she held her close. "I'm glad you stood up to her. We shouldn't have put up with her bullshit as long as we did. I'm just sorry she was so vicious. I never saw that coming."
"I don't know why that woman hates me so much," Tracy cried; remembering Diane's odious words toward her.
"Does it really matter, Honey?" Jen asked, rhetorically. "I think it's more about her than it is you."
Tracy peered up at Jen through tear-filled eyes. "No, it isn't, Jen," she argued. "You heard what she said to me—no one disgusts her more than I do… It's personal—and I don't know why…"
"It just doesn't make any sense," Jen said, just as much at a loss as Tracy.
There was really nothing else to say—at least not at the moment. Jen held, comforting her until all her tears were spent. And then she held her a little longer, just because.
And finally, when Tracy had regained her composure, she told Jen how much she loved her, and kissed her softly. And then they headed across town toward the bowling alley, where everyone was waiting for them. They would talk in depth later that evening, about all that had transpired at Company, and whether or not it was best for Tracy to file a formal complaint. But for the time being, they would share the remainder of the evening with their children and new friends—thankful for the gifts that they had been given.
Saturday Night—Lighthouse Lanes…
Lighthouse Lanes was apparently the happening place in Springfield on Saturday nights, as the usually relaxed atmosphere magically transformed into a party-like vibe during Cosmic Bowling. The lights were dimmed, music videos were projected onto large screens above the lanes like a multiplex movie theatre, and an eclectic mix of pop, disco, and techno music sprang from the state-of-the-art sound system—kinetic energy in motion. Fog machines transformed the air into a mystical haze, and laser lights flashed and raced across the lanes in perfect time with the beat. Black lights and glow-in-the-dark bowling balls only added to the mystique, making it like no bowling experience Olivia had ever had—it was like being on stage, a part of the action. Her eyes had lit up almost as brightly as Emma's at first glimpse of the goings on—and the reactions from Jen, Tracy, and the boys hadn't been far removed. Natalia couldn't stop grinning, as she watched her family and friends experience the excitement for the first time.
They picked up shoes at the rental counter, and bowling balls that were appropriate sizes and weights for everyone—one pound of weight per year of age for the kids, and ten to fourteen pounds for the adults, depending upon preference—from the racks. Then they claimed two adjacent lanes—one for the adults, the other for the kids. Natalia had requested bumpers for the kids' lane, to give them an extra advantage while they learned; and she was surprised to learn how quickly technology had changed since Rafe was little enough to need them. No longer were bumpers made of inflatable tubes, but rather, they were retractable, and raised and lowered automatically, depending upon whose turn it was to bowl. Wonders never ceased.
A young man dressed in a classic turquoise and black 50's retro-styled bowling shirt arrived right behind them to give the kids a few pointers to get them started. Once shoes were tied, pointers had been received and processed, and a bowling order had been decided, the games began—the adults taking turns helping Emma and the boys during their own downtime between frames.
The recurrent weighty thud against the hardness of maple, the extended whirr along whispering pine, the loud clatter of pins, and the sweeping clunk that unfolded each time a ball was released from a bowler's hand and sent gliding down a slick lane, quickly became background noise, as they immersed themselves in both the party-like atmosphere and the game. The loud clatters were often followed by even louder cheers, rounds of high fives, and impromptu dance numbers as they celebrated frame after frame of falling pins—sometimes as few as one, but more often than not, as many as ten.
It turned out that Tracy had been bowling since grade school—it was a sport her entire family enjoyed together; and Jen had learned a bit of technique during the years they had been together, as well. The boys hadn't really played before, except on the kiddie lanes in the arcade, so this was a first for them, and they matched Emma's skill level quite nicely. It made for a rather pleasant evening—no one was crying because someone else was better. All four mommies were profoundly thankful for that.
Natalia held her own against Jen and Tracy, her skill level being a bit closer to Jen's; and for someone who hadn't bowled in years, Olivia was certainly at the top of her game. She gave Tracy quite a run for her money, and Natalia couldn't help but watch her as she moved. The muscles in her arms, shoulders, back, and thighs flexed and rippled, that body moving in perfect form as she delivered the ball with the precision of a seasoned pro. It was like watching a sensuous dance, and Natalia found herself growing ever more curious about Olivia's body. The mere thought of exploring those muscles—of tracing them with her fingertips, discovering them with her mouth—seriously turned her on, making her own body flush with heat.
But it wasn't just that enticing body that drew Natalia's rapt attention. Olivia grinned to herself as she caught Natalia, not for the first time, ogling her custom-crafted teal, sapphire, and black marbled bowling ball. Sidling up next to her unsuspecting partner, Olivia whispered against Natalia's ear, "You wanna play with mine?"
Natalia gasped at the tacit insinuation in Olivia's tone, and she felt another flash of warmth spread throughout her body. She glanced toward Olivia, and the deep blush that crept across her face drew a grin from the hotelier. Biting her bottom lip, adorably, she contemplated the possible responses, and decided to give as good as she received. "Depends…" she smirked, "are you offering me your body… or your ball?" Her own brazenness made her blush even more.
Olivia's grin blossomed into a full-blown smile, her eyes twinkling proudly at Natalia. "Which would you prefer?" she asked, flirtatiously.
"I have to choose?" Natalia's face adopted that adorable pout.
"For now, yes," Olivia grinned.
"But I'm greedy. I want both!" Natalia whined.
Olivia's soft laughter filled Natalia with warmth, as she pulled her close, nuzzling against her ear. "Why don't we just stick with the ball…" she nipped at Natalia's ear, "for now…"
Spurred on by Jen's earlier statement about how Tracy had never been shy about what she wanted, Natalia arched a determined eyebrow. "What if I'd rather have your body?" she whispered, almost seductively, against Olivia's ear.
"Then you can have it—," Olivia proffered, pausing for effect, "in eight to ten weeks."
A protest bubbled up within Natalia, but Olivia quickly cut her off with a chaste kiss. "Your idea, Sweetheart." She playfully taunted Natalia with the reminder.
Natalia's expression carried a weightier pout. "Me and my bright ideas," she grumbled, frustrated. Her bright ideas, indeed. She had hoped that by taking sex off the table, Olivia would be inclined to want it more—Natalia certainly did. In fact, she couldn't stop thinking about it. And besides, Natalia had reasoned when conjuring up her suggestion, the Olivia of old viewed unavailability as a challenge, so it should have been a no-brainer. But she had misjudged two things: One, Olivia Spencer really was changing—and thanks to Natalia's influence, that change was for the better. And two, it wasn't a matter of wanting—Olivia wanted her. Desperately so. Of that, there was no question. No—it was a matter of feelings that ran far deeper than desire; feelings that were far more self-destructive than Natalia would ever realize.
Natalia's obvious frustration only made Olivia grin and kiss her again. "You're up," she said, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, "so I'm just gonna sit back here and appreciate the way that sexy ass of yours moves in these jeans…"
Blushing again, Natalia's eyes swept over Olivia's body. "Don't think I haven't been doing the exact same thing… all night long," she brazenly flirted.
"Oh, I'm well aware of that fact, Ms. Rivera," Olivia flirted in return.
"Good," Natalia declared. "Now where's your ball?"
Olivia laughed and picked up the ball, handing it to Natalia along with another light kiss. "Enjoy it, Sweetheart," she said, with a roguish grin, "The way this ball slides from your fingers is… practically orgasmic…"
The way those last two words slid from Olivia's tongue caused Natalia to blush nearly crimson. She was thankful they had been murmured against her ear, rather than spoken loudly enough for Jen and Tracy to hear. "You're absolutely incorrigible, Olivia Spencer," she chastised; but the grin on her lips said she was amused.
"So I've been told," Olivia smirked, eyes twinkling with mirth.
Natalia glanced sideways at her as she landed on her mark, preparing for her delivery; and the look that passed between them spoke volumes to Jen and Tracy about the depth of their connection. It made the two of them sigh in unison; then grin at one another, because they recognized themselves in the exchange.
The ball released from Natalia's hand, landing squarely on the hard maple surface. Then there was the familiar whirring sound as it glided along the softer pine that lined the length of the lane, until finally, there was the loud clatter of pins as the ball crashed into them, leaving the dreaded seven-ten split. Natalia pivoted toward the ball return, as the sweeping clunk followed, indicating that the displaced pins had been knocked out of the way. The remaining pins were reset on the pin deck.
"You like it?" Olivia smiled expectantly, as Natalia lifted the ball from the return.
Natalia smoothed her hand over the surface of the ball. "You can't bowl with this anymore," she declared. She sounded determined.
Olivia smiled. "What? Why? Are you stealing it from me?" Her tone said she was amused.
"No—," Natalia replied, firmly. She looked a bit anxious.
"Then why can't I use it?" Olivia sounded confused.
"It's too heavy for you," Natalia informed.
"No, it isn't," Olivia argued. "It's regulation. Fourteen pounds."
"Fourteen pounds is too heavy, Honey," Natalia insisted. "I don't want you to stress your heart."
Olivia's heart skipped a beat—she loved the way Natalia was always looking out for her. It felt amazing, now that she understood that she was the object of Natalia's concern, and not Gus's heart. She reached out her hand. "Come here," she gently beckoned, urging Natalia toward her.
Natalia set the ball back into the return, and took Olivia's hand, allowing the hotelier to draw her near.
Once Natalia was secure in her arms, their eyes locked, and Olivia reached up with her free hand, deftly opening the upper buttons.
Natalia's eyes shifted, "Olivia, what are you do—"
She sounded anxious, but Olivia cut her off. "Shhh—," she gently shushed, brushing her lips against Natalia's. When the buttons were opened, Olivia lifted Natalia's right hand, pressing the palm firmly against her chest, directly over her heart.
Her thumb was pressed against the soft slope of Olivia's breast, and Natalia sucked in a breath at the sensation of Olivia's skin beneath her hand.
"Feel that?" Olivia asked, softly.
Natalia nodded, indicating that she could feel the steady rhythm of Olivia's heart beating beneath her fingertips. She closed her eyes, and relaxed, allowing the gentle pulse to soothe her.
"It's strong, Sweetheart," Olivia assured. She took Natalia's face into her hands, searching those dark, expressive eyes. "I've never been healthier in my life, and I promise you, I'm not going anywhere."
Olivia's whispered words covered Natalia like a promise. "It's beating so fast…" she observed. There was no fear in her voice.
"You make my heart race," Olivia quietly declared, nuzzling against Natalia's ear.
Wordlessly, Natalia wrapped her arms around Olivia, burying her face in Olivia's neck; simply breathing her in.
Olivia simply held her close. "It's gonna take a lot more than a bowling ball to take me away from you," she whispered; brushing her lips against Natalia's temple.
"It better," Natalia murmured, in a warning-filled tone. "But you're still not using that ball anymore," she declared, her eyes meeting Olivia's again. "We're trading, and that's all there is to it."
"Admit it—you just wanna play with my ball." Olivia's smirk was priceless.
"Well, it'll have to do," Natalia sighed, "for the next eight to ten weeks, that is. After that, I'm throwing it away…"
Olivia arched an eyebrow in question.
"I'm far more interested in playing with your body…" Natalia whispered, nipping at Olivia's ear.
Olivia whimpered, as her blood ran hot causing her body to flush from head to toe. Take the pressure off, my ass! Jesus fucking Christ. If I didn't know any better, I'd swear this whole thing was just a cleverly disguised seduction tactic…
And then it was Natalia's smirk that was priceless, as she sauntered back to the ball return.
Retrieving the ball, she landed squarely on her mark; readying herself to take the spare. And take it she did, with that priceless smirk still on her lips.
TBC… in Chapter 8.5: Reality Bites…