Title: Confessions Lead to Strange Bedfellows
Author: Kimberly21570
Fandoms: Guiding Light / All My Children
Pairings: Olivia and Natalia / Lena and Bianca
Disclaimer: The characters of Olivia and Emma Spencer, Natalia and Rafe Rivera, Marissa Spencer Randall, Phillip and Alan Spaulding, Reva Shayne, Frank Cooper, and Father Ray Santos are owned by CBS/TeleNext and Proctor & Gamble. The characters of Lena and Paulina Kundera, Bianca Montgomery, Erica Kane, Alexander Cambias, Jr. and Sr., Zach Slater, and Michael Cambias are owned by All My Children, ABC/Disney.
The television and book series The Babysitters Club are the property of Scholastic Productions. The episode to which Emma refers in this update does not actually exist; however, the book does. Call it creative license—I needed the subject matter to make the scene work.
No copyright infringement intended with regard to Guiding Light, CBS/TeleNext, Proctor & Gamble, AMC, ABC/Disney, Scholastic Productions, or any other entity. Dialogue in these scenes is original. Written for fun, not profit. All other standard disclaimers apply.
There are references to several places in London in this chapter. I fully admit that I possess absolutely no knowledge of London geography, and even less about whether or not the referenced places actually existed eighteen years ago; so we'll just have to chock any inconsistencies up to ignorance and the wonders of creative license. Anyone who may have accurate knowledge of these places, please, please, please, tell me about them! I have a love affair with London that exists only within the confines of my own head, and would love to know just exactly how ridiculously far off-base I am…
Finally, this update weaves back and forth between the past and the present, during Olivia, Natalia, and Emma's flight on the Lewis Jet. Additionally, there are a couple of occasions where there are, in essence, flashbacks within flashbacks. As such, I have included dates, times, and locations in an attempt to organize the flow of the scenes, and hopefully, avoid confusion. If ever there is a section that doesn't make sense, please don't hesitate to ask.
Rating: Chapter 9.3 is rated R for coarse language and sexual situations.
Thank you, as always, for reading and commenting. I enjoy hearing from you all. Hope you enjoy the third section of Chapter 9: When Past and Present Collide…
Confessions Lead to Strange Bedfellows
Copyright May, 2009
"Honor isn't about making the right choices. It's about dealing with the consequences."
Anonymous
"Wisdom consists of the anticipation of consequences."
Norman Cousins
Chapter 9.3 – When Past and Present Collide:
Friday, April 24, 2009… Lewis Jet—5:00 p.m. Central / 6:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time
Alexander Cambias, Jr. had been a catalyst for change in Olivia Spencer's life not once, or even twice, but now, three times. When he first arrived in her life, he brought a sense of hope to her—and when he died, he left her in despair. It was the loss of him, and the resulting choices she had been forced to make, that ultimately led her to a place where she doubted her own self-worth, and developed the soul-crushing need to control everything and every one around her—especially men. And now, his unexpected reappearance after all these years brought a sense of uncertainty to her life—a sense of unrest, because it left her feeling unbalanced. Out of control. Angry.
Beyond the anger, she was a veritable mélange of discomposed emotions. She was truly happy to know he was alive. He was such a decent man, and the idea that his life had been cut so short because of his brother's jealousy and hatred, had haunted her all these years. But in sharp contrast to the joy she felt in learning he was alive, she was also furious with him, for what his choices had cost her. As she pondered the disparity between joy and anger, her thoughts drifted back to her conversation with Natalia…
Wednesday, February 18, 2009… Olivia's Penthouse Suite, the Beacon
Olivia smiled to herself, as she remembered meeting Alex for the first time; and her voice turned soft, as she began recounting it for Natalia.
She and Lena had been working on cost projections for a project in their managerial accounting course, when Alex sauntered into his father's study late one evening. He was tall and handsome—ruggedly so; with dark, slightly wavy hair, a perfect tan, and shoulders as broad as any football player. He was dressed impeccably, in a dark gray Armani suit and impeccably polished Gucci wingtips. His crisp, white Ralph Lauren dress shirt was still the picture of starched perfection even after a long day in the office. But the highlight of his appearance, at least for her, was a beautiful silk Versace necktie, the color and design of which told her he took himself seriously, but not so seriously that he couldn't relax and just be.
He walked with an air of confidence, and his smile revealed a perfect dimple in his chin—even through a full days' scruff of facial hair. And those eyes, dark as coals, twinkled in the firelight that flickered from within the stone hearth as he approached them.
Her eyes dilated, and breath quickened, and her heart skipped more than a few beats as she took in the essence of him—it was the first time she had experienced a truly visceral response toward a man, and it caused a deep flush to burn through her body. She wasn't quite certain what to do with it; but it felt nice, in an unsettling sort of way.
"Good evening, Ladies," he said, casually, as he lifted the top off the bourbon decanter, and poured a shot of the smooth amber liquid. He moved with such confidence and precision that Olivia couldn't tear her eyes away from him.
"Hello, Alex," Lena said, warmly. "How was your day?"
"Profitable," he answered, grinning at her over the edge of his snifter. He lowered the glass, as he studied Olivia with measured intent. "Pardon my manners," he said, courteously, "You must be Olivia." He extended a hand toward her, as he walked in her direction. "Lena said one of her classmates had joined us. So, welcome. It's nice to finally meet you."
Olivia accepted his hand. "It's nice to meet you, as well, Mr. Cambias," she said, cordially.
"Please," he said, amiably, "Mr. Cambias is my father. Call me Alex."
"Okay… Alex…" She emphasized his name, sounding faintly flirty, as she tested out the sensation of it on her tongue.
A slight smirk teased on his lips, as he searched those flashing jade eyes. Setting his glass on the side table, he took a seat on the footstool in front of them. "So what are we working on?" he asked, clasping his hands together.
His hands were big, and they looked strong. But they didn't seem threatening to Olivia. They seemed safe. She watched him with measured interest as he leaned forward, intent on listening to what they had to say. "We were just having a little debate about cost projections," she reported.
Lena explained the disparity in their points of view, and Alex patiently waded through the cost-benefit of each option; ultimately coming to the conclusion that Olivia's way of doing things was the most prudent. Lena accepted his proclamation without question, because she knew his character—he wasn't simply siding with Olivia because he felt drawn to her; but rather, good business acumen pointed to her calculations as being superior.
He spent several hours with the two of them that evening, under the guise of helping with their project; and he charmed Olivia a little more with each passing moment. And she, in turn, had both charmed and intrigued him. When he finally bid them goodnight, citing an early business meeting with the Cambias Board of Directors, he ever-so-subtly made it clear that he hoped to see Olivia again soon. That only served to make her blush, yet again, as her insides turned to jelly.
"And I did see him again—very soon," Olivia told Natalia, stressing just exactly how soon. The corners of her mouth twitched into a slight smile. "He took me on my first real date that following weekend—an evening that started with Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester in Mayfair…"
"Wow, that sounds really… pretentious," Natalia teased. "What on earth does it mean?"
Olivia laughed. "Pretentious, indeed," she easily agreed. "But also very elegant. The Dorchester is known as the height of luxury amongst London hotels," she explained. "And Ducasse is one of France's top chefs. We had dinner there, and it was absolutely spectacular."
"Well, he certainly didn't spare any expense," Natalia noted, jokingly.
"No, he didn't," Olivia confirmed. "And in fact, French cuisine has been my epicurean obsession ever since that evening."
Natalia furrowed her brow. "I'm just gonna pretend I know what that means…" she said, wittily.
The way Natalia delivered that declaration made Olivia snort, as she attempted to hold back the hearty laugh that threatened to escape. "That means I liked it," she said, in as even a tone as she could muster.
"Thank you for holding back that laugh," Natalia grinned. "I know it was killing you."
Olivia hugged her close. "You're welcome, Sweetheart," she murmured, kissing Natalia's cheek, affectionately.
She grinned then, as she remembered more of her date with Alex. "After dinner, we had dessert at this little bakery called Babylon, in Kensington, where we listened to live jazz until well into the night. Then we walked along the South Bank from Westminster Pier, catching views of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, as well as the London Eye, as we made our way down to London Bridge. If you cross London Bridge, there's an amazing view of Tower Bridge," she tutored. "So we crossed over, and found a place to sit and talk for a while. And we ended the evening with breakfast at this quaint little place called Café Vergnano—best coffee in London," she declared, with a grin.
"Sounds lovely, Olivia," Natalia said, genuinely.
"It was," Olivia quietly affirmed. "It was the start of a very sweet romance," she remembered, fondly. "And we grew closer, during the days, weeks, and months that followed. He was ten years older than me, but I didn't care, because he was so young at heart."
She smiled to herself, and chuckled, as she remembered him at his most playful. "He took me to this place called Thames Barrier Park one hot summer evening, where there's a fountain made especially for dancing."
"A fountain made for dancing?" Natalia thought it rather odd.
"Yeah," Olivia laughed, finding Natalia's expression quite amusing. "There are all these water jets that spring from a piazza—the spray of the water literally invites splashing. I mean, I don't know anyone who could resist. God, it was so much fun, the two of us, splashing around in the water," she laughed. And then she smirked, as she thought, Maybe Reva should've done her little "Slut of Springfield" baptismal scene there…
But as quickly as her thoughts had drifted to Reva, they found their way back to Alex. "He was always so wonderful to me. So kind and caring." She paused, biting her upper lip. "We uh, we made love for the first time that night… I never told him what happened with Jeffrey; but somehow, he knew…" she quietly shared. "He knew… And he was gentle with me, Natalia. So gentle…" She sounded as though her heart might break, and tears filled her eyes, as the memory of their first time flooded back to her.
Natalia could feel the emotions emanating from Olivia's body. She pulled her impossibly closer, and gently kissed her brow. "He was your first lover…" she whispered; gently acknowledging what she already knew to be true.
Yeah…" Olivia exhaled the word in a drawn-out breath. She lingered in the memory of him until it became too painful to bear; and then she let out a harsh laugh. "You're probably wondering how I went from practically virginal, to being a man-eating whore, aren't you?" Her tone was caustic, as she chastised herself for choices made long ago.
"I wasn't wondering anything of the sort, Olivia," Natalia gently corrected.
"How could you not?" Olivia challenged. Her tone was sardonic. "I wondered myself for quite a while. And then I just decided I didn't give a damn anymore…" And there it was—the moment that changed the course of Olivia's life.
"I think you stopped giving a damn when Alex died, Honey," Natalia wisely postulated. She gently stroked Olivia's hair, and kissed her brow again.
Olivia nodded her agreement. "I think I would've given up completely, if I hadn't been carrying his child," she said in a shaky voice. "I found out I was pregnant the same day he was killed." She laughed at the irony of life, "or not killed. I was gonna tell him that night over dinner. What a fucked up twist of fate. God must have gotten a really good laugh out of that."
"I don't think God laughs at our pain," Natalia said, quietly. There was no judgment in her tone. "I think He holds us close, in ways we don't even realize, and He cries with us, all the way through it."
"Is that what He did for you, when Gus died?" Olivia's voice was quiet and tender; rather than the combative tone that might have accompanied such a question in the past.
"Yes." Natalia answered without hesitation. "His way of holding me close, was giving me you and Emma to look after, and to love."
Olivia buried her face in Natalia's chest; her entire body wracked with sobs.
Natalia held her close, caressing her lower back as she whispered reassurances. "Maybe that's why He gave that little boy to you, Liv," she said, softly. "Maybe He knew you would hold on, just to protect that baby…"
"Then why did He put me in a situation where I had to give away the child I would've given anything to keep!" It was a bold accusation, not a question.
Friday, April 24, 2009… The Farmhouse of Love—10:45 a.m. Central Daylight Time
The floor creaked and moaned beneath their feet—as if weeping for them, as Olivia held Natalia close, rocking her. The fear that Natalia might change her mind and leave had become a secondary concern to the pain Natalia was obviously feeling.
"I'm sorry, Liv," Natalia sobbed, clinging to Olivia. "I'm so sorry." Only moments prior, crestfallen, Olivia's eyes had filled with tears that burned hot with melancholy, and immediately, Natalia had been given her answer: She was pregnant with Frank Cooper's child. Dropping her head into her hands, she began to sob. She had never felt more ashamed in her entire life…
Within moments, Olivia had scooped her up, pulling her close. She made soft shushing noises, as she tenderly stroked Natalia's lower back with her fingertips. She knew nothing would quiet the woman in this moment; but still, she felt compelled to make an effort to soothe her. "Come 'ere," she gently coaxed. "Come sit with me."
Natalia acquiesced, allowing Olivia to lead her over to her bed. Sitting beside her, Natalia slumped against Olivia's body. "I'm just so ashamed…" she cried; clearly devastated.
"There's no reason to feel ashamed, Sweetheart," Olivia comforted. "You've done nothing wrong. Nothing whatsoever."
"I had sex with a man I didn't even love, Olivia," Natalia argued. "And now…" She couldn't bring herself to say those words again.
"Hey, if that were a reason to be ashamed, I would be wearing the world's largest scarlet letter, and never be able to show my face in public again," Olivia reasoned. Her voice was calm and gentle.
Natalia stiffened in Olivia's arms, and tried to push her away. "Don't mock me," she admonished.
"I'm not, Honey, I swear," Olivia assured. She had learned her lesson the last time, and swore never to do that again. She tightened her hold; refusing to let Natalia go. "I'm just trying to remind you that making a mistake doesn't make you a bad person. You're the one who taught me that," she said, giving credit where credit was due. "And it just amazes me that you could see that in me, in my life, yet you seem so blinded by it in our own life."
"It's different with me," Natalia challenged, gulping down another sob.
In the past, Olivia would have immediately taken offense to such reasoning, making the assumption that Natalia thought herself superior because of her faith. But now, she understood.
As she considered with great care, her response to Natalia's assertion, Olivia's thoughts drifted back to the day she had finally come to truly understand the woman she loved. Natalia had never once thought herself superior to anyone; let alone, Olivia. Rather, the standards she had set for her life had been borne of a promise made to God, in exchange for forgiveness and a promise that Rafe would be spared the consequences of her poor choices…
"I promised God that if He would forgive me, and protect my son from harm, I would live my life for Him; according to His laws…" Natalia had explained after a misunderstanding one afternoon in late March. "And I held true to that promise in every aspect of my life; especially when it came to sex. From the time Gus left, until Rafe and I found him again, I never looked at another man; never even considered being with anyone else," she explained. "Then Gus was gone again; this time forever," she said, sadly; eyes downcast for a moment. "And Frank was just… a horrible, horrible mistake. But what made it worse, was that I broke my promise to God…"
A guttural moan, filled with pure anguish, ripped Olivia from her memory of that afternoon, slamming her back into the reality of the present moment, where Natalia was sobbing in her arms. "I don't know how I let this happen… Again!" Natalia's entire body was shaking. "I broke my promise to God, and now…"
Before Olivia even knew what was occurring, Natalia had torn away from her. "This isn't happening," Natalia said, in anguished denial. "It can't be happening."
"It is happening, Sweetheart," Olivia said, in a tone that was calm, yet brooked no dispute. "But it doesn't have to be a bad thing…"
Natalia paced the floor, frantically pulling at her hair. "No—" she snapped, uncharacteristically. "It is a bad thing. It's terrible, and I can't do it. I just can't… I can't do this, Olivia. I can't lose you. I can't let this happen!"
Clearly, Natalia was on the verge of hysteria, Olivia realized—her behavior was becoming quite capricious. She approached Natalia with rapt caution. And not knowing what else to do, Olivia grabbed her firmly; halting her erratic movement.
Startled, Natalia blinked twice, and sucked in a deep breath of air.
Olivia commandeered that moment for an attempt to get through to her. "It'll be okay," she whispered, reassuringly, as soon as Natalia stilled. "I promise. We'll be okay."
But in her anguish, Natalia refused to be placated. "Goddamn it, Olivia, you're not listening to me!" she bellowed. She ripped herself away from Olivia's grasp again, and her eyes flashed with a ferocity Olivia had never before witnessed in her. "I don't want this baby!"
Stunned, Olivia gasped for life-sustaining breath. The tone of voice, the steely wrath in those eyes, the blatant blasphemy, caught her completely off guard. "Wh-what are you saying to me, Natalia?" She was almost afraid of the answer.
Sinking to her knees in shame, Natalia buried her face in her hands, as the tears began anew. "I don't know what I'm saying," she sobbed. "I don't know anything anymore…"
Friday, April 24, 2009… Lewis Jet—5:15 p.m. Central / 6:15 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time
Emma broke through their thoughts with a request for assistance with the DVD player. It wasn't that she didn't know how to operate it; but rather, that she just simply wasn't able to reach it.
Natalia smiled fondly at her daughter, and tousled the chestnut hair that looked so much like her mother's. "What movie are we gonna watch?" she asked, attempting to keep her voice as light and carefree as possible. Neither of them was ready for Emma to know about the baby.
"I brought my Babysitters Club DVD's," Emma answered. Digging into her backpack, she pulled out the first disc in the set. Her fingers fumbled, as she was extricating the disc from its case.
"Is that the one, Sweetie?" Natalia asked, reaching for the disc in Emma's hand.
"Yep," Emma chirped, as she handed it over. She planted her hands on her hips, as she supervised Natalia's work.
Natalia slipped the disc into the player, and tapped the power button on the giant flat-screen. Thankfully, it was programmed to the DVD interface—the thing had a million buttons, and Natalia wasn't certain which ones to push. The player started automatically, and within seconds, the Babysitters Club theme song was piping through the sound system.
"Thank you, Natalia," Emma said, cheerily, as she settled into her chair to watch.
"You're welcome, Sweetie," Natalia replied. She wandered back over to the sofa, sinking down into soft comfort next to Olivia.
Olivia wrapped her right arm around Natalia, pulling her close. Natalia responded with a soft sigh, resting her head against Olivia's shoulder.
"Ooh, this is my favorite episode!" Emma clapped her hands excitedly. "It's the one where Karen got a new baby sister, and she didn't like it."
Natalia's body stiffened. Perfect. Just perfect, she groused inwardly, even as she groaned aloud. Okay, Lord, I hear you. And just so we're clear—I don't think you're funny. She knew she was teetering dangerously close to blasphemy, but in that moment, she really didn't care—the end of her rope was even closer. She glanced at Olivia, who was doing her damnedest to maintain a straight face. "That sounds great, Jellybean." She feigned cheeriness, as her eyes dared Olivia to utter even a single word.
Olivia emptied her wine glass, swallowed hard, and fixed her expression to suit Natalia's tacit command.
Natalia turned her attention back to Emma, who was saying, "I like it when Karen decides it's not so bad being a big sister."
Feeling Natalia relax in her arms, Olivia smiled and turned her head, whispering, "Just so you know—sometimes I think God is rather hilarious."
Natalia's face adopted an expression of sheer astonishment. "How did you—"
Olivia offered a furtive grin. "I read you like a book," she answered, before Natalia even finished the question. And then she wondered how, if she really did know Natalia so well, she hadn't realized she was pregnant. Her thoughts took her back to that morning, when she had pondered the same thing aloud with Natalia…
Friday, April 24, 2009… The Farmhouse of Love—12:15 p.m. Central Daylight Time
Still feeling a bit shocked at the very idea of it, Olivia stood there, a bewildered expression on her face. "I just don't know how I could've not known you were pregnant." It seemed unfathomable to her. "I mean, we may not be having sex, but… I certainly touch you enough to have noticed changes in your body."
"I guess that's just the way my body is, Olivia," Natalia reasoned. "I didn't show with Rafe until I was almost seven months. And I've never been regular, so I never even questioned it," she added, attempting to explain. "Oh, God, I don't wanna tell Frank." Her voice was trembling. "I was finally beginning to put that mistake behind me, Liv. I don't wanna visit that nightmare again."
"Well, I think, before we do anything else, we need to go to Cedars," Olivia suggested; attempting to be the voice of reason. "We should have blood work done, just to be certain…"
"You saw the test, Olivia. Blood results aren't gonna turn out any differently," Natalia said, quietly. She sighed. "I just don't understand how this happened," she said, bewildered. "Frank um, he used a condom." She blushed, embarrassed by the mere utterance of the word.
Olivia silently wondered how old that condom must have been. If it had been one of the any number of other men, she also would have wondered whether the condom had been compromised on purpose, to trap Natalia or attempt to control her. But that was something Alan or Phillip would do; not Frank. And so she chocked the pregnancy up to an accident; even as Natalia continued to ponder its reason.
Friday, April 24, 2009… Martha's Vineyard—6:15 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time
Releasing a long, satisfied sigh, Lena slumped back down onto their bed. "Definitely one of your more valiant attempts at spoiling me," she declared, shooting her wife a dimpled grin. Every inch of her skin wore the distinctive flush of sated desire, and her body tingled in places only Bianca knew how to find.
Lena's hair was disheveled, and Bianca thought it the sexiest image in the world, as she collapsed on top of her; fingers raking through those short, raven locks. "Oh, really?" she panted, sounding rather pleased with herself.
"Top-ten contender, I'd say," Lena husked, still attempting to catch her breath. It had taken Bianca less than a minute to relieve them of every stitch of clothing—and even less time to bring Lena to the edge of climax, once her eager tongue reached its destination.
Ordinarily, their lovemaking was slow and tender; though, "ordinary" was never a word either one of them would use to describe the experiences they shared. No—when describing their lovemaking, words like phenomenal, and spectacular, often came to mind. Sometimes, rather than slow and tender, it was quick and passionate; running hard and burning hot. And on occasions like this, with passion that burned so hot the flames turned white, it felt like spontaneous combustion between them. And always, always, regardless of speed or intensity, they felt that eternal connection—the one that defined them, that bound them together, that made them one.
"Ooh, top ten, huh?" Bianca arched an eyebrow. "And it didn't even take me two minutes," she bragged. She feigned buffing her nails against her bare shoulder.
Chest heaving, Lena laughed heartily. "I love it when you get cocky, Sweetheart." She followed the declaration with a breathless kiss. Bianca had every reason to be cocky, Lena silently granted—thanks to her sexual expertise and intimate knowledge of Lena's body, of her needs, she had managed to make Lena's first climax last far longer than it had even taken her to get them there. And then, true to form, she had effortlessly brought them both to a place of shared ecstasy.
Bianca's lips sprouted a mischievous grin. "I could get cocky again, really quickly," she said, suggestively. She pulled an erect nipple into her mouth, drawing a throaty groan from deep within Lena's lungs, as she sucked hard, and released with a "pop."
Flushed with excitement from just that slight bit of stimulation, Lena smirked. "Give me a minute, and you're on," she said, issuing a breathless challenge.
"Oh, I am always on when it comes to you, Baby," Bianca flirted.
Laughing softly, Lena readily concurred, "So I've noticed."
"Complaining?"
"Never—"
"Good." Bianca grinned, and pulled Lena into a slow, open-mouthed kiss.
She kissed Lena nearly breathless again. And then, both of them releasing a soft moan as they broke apart, Bianca shifted her body, laying flush up against Lena's right side.
Propping her head against her left hand, she lovingly gazed down at her wife, as her thoughts turned to the child they were expecting. "I can't tell you how excited I am about this baby," she said, softly. Gently, she moved the palm of her right hand across Lena's abdomen; reveling in the paradoxical contrast of soft firmness.
An effervescent smile graced Lena's lips, and the sheer joy and excitement she was feeling reflected in those dark, expressive eyes. "I'm excited too, Sweetheart," she whispered. "A little surprised," she admitted, "but very excited. I still can't get over how quickly it happened this time."
It had taken them more than three years of frustration and tears to conceive Alexandria—but with this third child, it had taken only one attempt. Neither of them had really expected it to happen quite so quickly, and thus, Lena had passed off the early symptoms as the typical monthly annoyances. That was, until they were making love one afternoon the weekend prior, and something finally clicked for Bianca: the subtle yet prolonged changes in Lena's body—her breasts were becoming fuller and more sensitive to touch; though not painfully so, and her areolas were broadening and turning darker. And she tasted different; though, a good kind of different—slightly sweeter, if that were even possible. There were other symptoms too. Like the fact that Lena had been a little fatigued; though, that certainly hadn't diminished her interest in sex. Rather, her interest seemed to have increased—not that Bianca was complaining.
When reality finally hit her, Bianca had startled Lena, mid-climax, with a screeching exclamation, burbled against her most intimate parts. "Oh, my God, Baby, I think we're pregnant!"
The vibrations from Bianca's voice only served to intensify Lena's release. She clutched Bianca's hair in her hands, as her climax slammed through her body; splaying out through every single nerve ending. And then Bianca was kissing her, and all she could feel was the warmth of their love, flowing through her veins. A pregnancy test confirmed Bianca's assertion literally within seconds of Lena taking it; and then they laughed in jubilation, and celebrated by making love again.
"Not what I was expecting, either," Bianca candidly admitted; smiling, as she remembered that afternoon. "But I couldn't be happier."
"What do you think it will be?" Lena sounded positively wistful. "Will it be another girl? Or do you think we'll have a little boy this time?" she wondered.
Bianca brushed that familiar lock of raven hair from Lena's forehead. "Would you like to have a little boy?"
Lena thought for a moment. "I don't know," she said, thoughtfully, "It might be nice to have a son. You know… someone to carry on our family name."
"Yeah, that would be kinda nice," Bianca agreed. "But we don't necessarily need a son to do that, ya know. I mean, look at us… we're carrying on our family names, aren't we?"
"You have a point," Lena readily conceded. "I suppose it wouldn't be too far of a stretch for the two of us to raise a feminist," she teased.
"See, it's doable," Bianca grinned proudly. "And if you think about it, I'm really just following in my Mother's footsteps," she reminded. "She's the real trailblazer in this family."
"Scary, isn't it?" Lena said, drolly. She enjoyed teasing Bianca about her mother's eccentricities, but in truth, Lena really admired her mother-in-law. It had been a long, difficult journey, tainted by a sordid history of deception—machinations orchestrated by Michael Cambias, through Lena—but Erica and Lena had long-since come to a place of respect and genuine affection. Lena knew that she would never be as close with Erica as Bianca was with Paulina, but she was profoundly thankful for the relationship that had emerged.
Bianca was laughing heartily. "Terrifying, actually." She shifted just slightly, and leaned over, lightly kissing Lena's abdomen. "Well, whether we add a boy, or end up raising all girls, it won't matter to me, as long as they're healthy and happy," she declared, insightfully. "That's all I really want for them."
"Me too," Lena readily agreed. "I want us to raise strong children, who know who they are and what they want, and who aren't afraid to go after their dreams," she wished aloud for their little ones. "And I wouldn't mind raising at least one lesbian out of the bunch," she added, only half-jokingly.
Chuckling, Bianca wondered, "Who's more likely to follow in our footsteps, Jordan or Alexandria?"
"Alexandria," Lena immediately declared, in a tone that brooked no dispute. "Hands down."
"Wow, Babe, sounds like you've already put some thought into this," Bianca teased.
Lena laughed softly. "Not really," she denied. "I was just thinking about the other day. She threw an absolute fit when I tried to put her in that little dress Alexander bought for her."
Bianca smirked. "Really, Babe?"
"What?"
"Well, first of all, she's only a year old. I hardly think she's developed a keen sense of fashion," Bianca pointed out. "But if she has, well… quite honestly, if you had tried to put me in that dress, I would've thrown a fit too," she teased.
"What was wrong with that dress?" Lena feigned offense.
Biting back a laugh, Bianca candidly answered, "It's positively hideous, Babe."
Lena stifled a laugh of her own. "I know…" She sounded almost embarrassed for Alexander, as the corners of her mouth adopted a pout. "He was so proud of having picked that out all on his own. I just didn't have the heart to tell him."
"I didn't either," Bianca said. "But he did a pretty good job with the dress he bought for Jordan."
"Yes, he did," Lena readily agreed. She sounded rather proud of him.
Bianca's expression turned a little more serious. "He's such a wonderful grandfather to our girls," she quietly acknowledged. "I know it's not the same as having your father, but I'm grateful that they have him."
"So am I, Sweetheart." Lena's tone was quiet; emotional. Alexander had been like a father to her for most of her adult life, and she loved him deeply.
They lingered in stillness for several moments, and then, Lena finally said, "I know we were planning to wait until our first trimester was over, but…"
"You wanna tell Mama and Alexander…" Bianca said, knowingly.
Lena nodded, bashfully. "Yes," she confirmed.
Bianca waited for the explanation she knew would be forthcoming.
Recognizing the expectation in Bianca's steady gaze, Lena willingly delivered. "It's just that… I'm going to have to tell Olivia," she explained. "Trust me, she'll give me shit for not drinking, and I'm just… I'm too happy about our baby, to contain myself." She couldn't stop the smile that hijacked her lips. "If Mama and Alexander hadn't decided to stay to see her, it wouldn't be a big deal, but…" she shrugged, as if to say, "what else can we do?"
The corners of Bianca's lips tipped into an affectionate smile, as her nails lightly grazed Lena's abdomen. "I understand, and I agree," she acquiesced.
Lena shivered as gooseflesh appeared; though her body was anything but cold. Her pupils dilated with renewed excitement, and she felt her body flush with liquid heat.
A satisfied smirk hijacked Bianca's lips, and she leaned down, lightly brushing her mouth against Lena's. "I love how responsive you are to me," she whispered, as her fingers trailed farther south, sliding into slick warmth.
"I couldn't stop it if I tried," Lena husked.
"Lucky for you, you don't have to…" Bianca murmured, deepening their kiss.
A soft moan escaped Lena's lips as they parted way, welcoming the intimacy of Bianca's tongue. Their kiss was slow and deep; fanning the flame of that familiar slow-burning desire.
Shifting her body, Lena pulled Bianca down on top; reveling in the exquisite sensation of her wife's curvaceous body pressing fully against her own, and once again, she smiled in wonder, at how perfectly their bodies molded together.
Knowing that the changes in Lena's body would soon make it impossible to achieve such close contact, they took their time, savoring the intimacy. Kisses and caresses continued—slow, soft, sensuous—as they lingered together in that shared intimacy; losing complete track of time.
Friday, April 24, 2009… Lewis Jet—5:30 p.m. Central / 6:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time
Even all these hours later, Natalia still felt guilty for snapping at Olivia the way she had that morning. She felt even guiltier now than she did before, for having slept with Frank. And more than that, she felt guilty for being pregnant. Hell, she felt guilty for everything—including not feeling the one thing she should have felt: a connection to the child she was carrying.
With this overwhelming sense of guilt laying on her heart, Natalia's thoughts drifted back to the day she learned the truth about Olivia's son. Thinking of Olivia and the longing she expressed for the son she had been forced to give away, Natalia's guilt increased, exponentially. Knowing the depth of Olivia's pain, how could she live with herself for not wanting this child? It was selfish, she knew; but trapped in an unwanted pregnancy, all she wanted was a means of escape…
Wednesday, February 18, 2009… Olivia's Penthouse Suite, the Beacon
"Why couldn't you keep him, Olivia?" Natalia asked, her voice gentle, comforting.
Her sobs continuing, Olivia's thoughts drifted back again, to the night she first met Alex, and the tacit pain she had witnessed in Lena's tear-filled eyes.
Once Alex's footsteps faded down the hallway, Lena leaned over, nudging Olivia with her shoulder. "You like him?" she accused; though not bitterly. A few nights prior, she had not-so-subtly let her attraction for Olivia be known; only to be let down gently by the gorgeous green-eyed goddess. Lena was disappointed, of course. Who wouldn't be? But she wasn't the bitter type, and so the idea of Olivia pursuing something with the elder Cambias heir didn't phase her one way or the other. Well, except that she would be happy for her friend if things worked out, because like his father, Alexander Cambias, Jr. was an exceptional man.
Olivia was shy about admitting to her attraction to him, but she didn't deny it. She bit her bottom lip and shrugged. "He's very charming and handsome," she said, bashfully. "Not to mention, intelligent, articulate, and downright fascinating," she added, sounding more assertive.
"Yes, he is indeed, every one of those things," Lena said, fondly.
Olivia glanced at Lena, attempting to read her reaction to what she had said. "Are you… is there… um…" she wasn't certain how to phrase it, but Lena got the gist.
"No, no, no—," Lena was quick to deny. "Alex and I are just friends. I'm a lesbian, Olivia." It was her turn to look a bit bashful. "I thought the other night would have made that clear…" She sounded rueful.
Eyeing her curiously, Olivia said, "But you're with Michael." The question was evident in her tone.
"Michael is just business," Lena said, tersely. "A means to an end. I don't have a choice with him. Not anymore. Not after I sold my soul to the Devil. Now he takes whatever the hell he wants, and he makes no apologies." She took a deep breath then, steadying herself, and her voice softened, but only slightly, "I look to women for pleasure… A good hard fuck with a hot woman is the only respite I have in this life…"
Sensing the depth of emotional pain in Lena's words, Olivia reached out to her. "Are you all right?" she asked, gently. "Does he hurt you?" She knew that he had—she could feel it in the shroud of pain that surrounded the woman, and it made her heart ache with empathy.
Lena barked out a harsh laugh. "Ha! He doesn't anymore," she said, caustically. "Nothing could ever hurt me again, after what he's done. I'm all but dead inside now. I'm just really good at masking it; putting up appearances. I should be an actress," she said, sardonically; an attempt at deflecting her pain.
"What did he do to you, Lena?" Olivia gently prodded.
Short, raven locks where whipping side-to-side, as Lena shook her head in denial. "I can't, Spencer," she insisted, as the tears began to fall in earnest. "I can't talk about it. I can't go back to that place. I won't," she sobbed.
Olivia pulled her close, holding her, rocking her, sobbing right along with her, for reasons she literally didn't understand, but that her heart understood without reason.
As Olivia's thoughts left that night with Lena, they drifted momentarily to a year later, to a revelation from Lena's mother—one that would alter the course of her life, forever…
Sitting in Paulina Kundera's living room in Cambridge, England, Olivia covered her face with her hands, as she sobbed, uncontrollably. She had gone to Lena's mother, with whom she had become quite close, for comfort, after hearing of Alex's death in a car accident earlier that afternoon. Alexander had explained to her that, because of Michael's previous behavior, he believed his youngest son was responsible for the accident; though he had no physical evidence of a crime—at least not yet. He wasn't specific about the "prior behavior," but Olivia sensed that the warning wasn't to be ignored. She left the Cambias Estate, not saying a word to anyone, including Lena, about the baby she was carrying. She held nothing back from Paulina, though, because she knew the woman was beyond reproach.
Paulina offered her some much-needed solace, holding her, mothering her, until her tears of grief momentarily subsided. Instinctively, she knew there would be many more tears to come, and she hated to be the one to cause them. But given that Olivia was now carrying the only living Cambias heir, aside from Michael, she knew the younger woman needed to hear the entire truth. So she set a course, revealing a secret she had kept for her daughter for nearly two years. And after hearing Paulina's recounting of the vile things Michael had done to her friend, Olivia wasn't even certain she had the right to cry over her own pain anymore.
"So you understand then, that Michael can never know of this child's existence?" Paulina was asking her. She could barely comprehend the words through all the pain.
Numbly, Olivia nodded her head. "I understand," she choked out. She drew in a series of quick, stunted breaths; then swallowed hard around the lump in her throat. "Alexander can't know, either, Paulina," she deduced, based upon the older woman's story. "He couldn't protect Lena," she pointed out, "and he sure as hell didn't protect Alex. So there's no way I can trust him to protect this baby…" She pressed the palm of her hand firmly against her abdomen, and broke down into another round of gut-wrenching sobs.
Paulina drew her close again, simply holding her through the tears.
And two days later, Olivia called Marissa, tearfully asking her to bring Sam and come to Cambridge. Upon her sister's arrival, Olivia told her the entire story, from beginning to end, and the two of them, with the help of Paulina's wise counsel, drew up a plan to protect Olivia's unborn child.
Friday, April 24, 2009… The Farmhouse of Love—11:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time
It had taken Olivia an inordinate amount of time to finally calm Natalia down. And still, her tears came in fits and starts; but overall, she was faring far better than she had been forty five minutes prior.
Encouraging her to lie down, Olivia curled up beside her, holding and comforting her as they lay in Natalia's bed. Whispers and reassurances continued, along with a few errant tears, as Olivia held her close.
"This isn't the way it's supposed to be, Olivia. It isn't the way I planned," Natalia insisted.
"What did you have planned, Sweetheart?" Olivia asked, already knowing the answer, but leaving an opportunity for Natalia to open up.
"I don't want Frank's baby, Liv," Natalia whimpered, "I want yours…"
Taking the moment for what it was—an opportunity to lighten Natalia's tension, Olivia brushed her lips against Natalia's ear; smirking slightly. "Well, apparently you really don't know how this whole baby thing works, Honey. I mean, not gonna lie—I'm amazing in bed, but… even if we were having sex, not even I could pull that off…"
Natalia slapped her. Hard. "You know what I mean!" she groused; but she couldn't keep the edges of her mouth from curling upward just a little.
"That's my girl," Olivia smiled; coaxing Natalia to meet her eyes. "We can still have that dream, Natalia," she said, softly. "This doesn't have to be a bad thing."
A skeptical expression painted Natalia's face.
Olivia nodded her head, acknowledging Natalia's concerns. "I don't blame you for being skeptical. I haven't exactly been supportive of the idea of more children."
Natalia choked back a deprecating laugh.
"When you first told me you wanted to have babies with me, I wasn't really sure how I felt about it," Olivia said, honestly. "But now that it's a reality, I… I think I could grow rather fond of the idea, really quickly. I mean, how could I not love a child that belongs to you?"
Natalia smiled at that, and Olivia continued, "And… I know Frank wouldn't be your first choice, Honey. But we could do a whole lot worse for a father for our child," she reasoned. "Frank's a good man. And he's a great father. He raised Marina, practically on his own after Eleni left."
"He is a good father," Natalia agreed. She sounded almost optimistic.
"So as long as we have each other, as long as you don't leave me…" Olivia hadn't meant for her insecurities to show.
"I wouldn't. Not ever," Natalia said; adamantly reiterating her previous declaration. "I love you," she whispered. "And I never wanted to be with Frank. It was always you…"
Natalia was overcome with an insatiable need to be closer to Olivia; to kiss her, and be kissed by her. And without a moment of preamble, she took Olivia's face in her hands, covering the hotelier's mouth with her own, in a deep, passionate kiss.
Fingers tangled tightly in chestnut locks, as Natalia kissed her fervently; aching to be near her.
Olivia responded, like a moth to a flame; her fingers gently caressing the skin of Natalia's lower back, as Natalia's kisses became more urgent. Moving higher, embarking on an exploratory journey across the smoothness of her torso, Olivia's fingertips burned into Natalia's flesh.
Natalia moaned softly, reveling in the touch of Olivia's hands, even as she reached between their bodies, fumbling with the buttons on Olivia's shirt. "Liv…" she breathed; as the hotelier's tongue slipped deeper into her mouth, exploring her. "Don't stop… Please, don't stop… Not this time—," she entreated; attempting to pull Olivia down on top of her. She was desperate to hold on, as if relinquishing Olivia's mouth would lend opportunity for the hotelier to say the words that would forever separate them from one another.
Olivia resisted the pull of Natalia's body, as well as her own. As much as she wanted to, she just couldn't. Not now. Not under these circumstances. "We can't… do this, Natalia…" she groaned; slowly pulling away from their kiss. "Not like this. Not out of fear…" She was gentle, yet firm.
Natalia's eyes clouded with more tears. Not tears of rejection; but of understanding. She slumped into Olivia's arms and lay there, lost in self-recrimination for what seemed like eons. And finally, releasing a long sigh, she spoke. "You're right. I know," she said, feeling ashamed of her reaction. It was a case of history repeating itself. "Using Frank to combat the fear of my feelings for you is what got me in this mess in the first place," she recognized. "And I'm sorry, Liv. I didn't mean to treat you that way."
Shaking her head, Olivia gently brushed raven tendrils from Natalia's face. "There's nothing wrong with you seeking comfort in me, Sweetheart," she reassured. "I'm glad you turned to me. I want you to turn to me." Her voice was soft, but adamant. "I always want to be that safe place for you…"
Natalia's lower lip began to quiver, as that dark, expressive eyes filled with tears. "You're really not gonna leave me over this?"
Empathizing with Natalia's deepest fears, Olivia pulled her close, as they lay facing one another in Natalia's bed. "Hey—," she said, softly; calling Natalia's eyes to meet her own, "I'm really not going to leave you," she vowed. "I know this is unexpected, scary even, but… I promise you, things aren't like they were with Rafe. You're not alone, Sweetheart. You'll never be alone…"
Sniffing back tears, Natalia burrowed deeper against Olivia's body. "Will you just hold me a little longer?" she quietly entreated.
"For as long as you need me," Olivia pledged. She lightly kissed Natalia's hair. "I love you," she declared, on a breathless whisper. And she felt her heart swell upon hearing those words returned to her.
The cards were different now; they had been dealt a hand that neither of them wanted. That meant the stakes were higher, of course; but the corresponding payoff was exponentially more precious. Olivia smiled, despite herself, and pulled Natalia impossibly closer. Maybe, just maybe, the rules hadn't changed after all.
Friday, April 24, 2009… Lewis Jet—5:45 p.m. Central / 6:45 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time
"Mommy?" Startled from her ruminations by Emma's insistent tugging on her arm, Olivia jumped as she let out a high-pitched squeal.
Wide-eyed, Emma recoiled. She looked positively frightened, and Olivia's mouth immediately adopted an empathetic pout. "Aw, Baby, I'm sorry." Her voice was soothing, as she pulled her daughter into her arms. "I didn't mean to scare you. What did you need?"
"Natalia's in the bathroom, and I don't think she feels very good," Emma reported. The little girl sounded worried.
"Shit!" Olivia cursed without thinking, and jumped up from her seat. "Sorry, Jellybean," she quickly apologized, as she scrambled toward the bathroom door. "I'll pay the swear jar—I promise."
"It's okay, Mommy," Emma replied. "I won't tell on you."
A brief pause was marked by a fond smile, directed toward her daughter. "Thanks, Em," she said, softly, "but I think I'll pay it anyway." One of the best gifts Natalia had ever given her was the understanding that one's character is defined by the choices made when no one is looking. It was a life-lesson that she wanted to pass down to their children.
Confused, Emma furrowed her brow; then shrugged it off. Sometimes grown-ups were just weird. Fishing through her backpack, she found her new PSP—a surprise from her two mommies. Once the prized possession was in her hand, she tossed the backpack aside, and climbed into the chair to play.
Turning her attention back to Natalia, Olivia rapped lightly on the bathroom door. "Natalia, Honey, are you all right?"
Natalia's response came not in words, but in guttural sounds that clearly indicated she was anything but. Gingerly, Olivia opened the door, finding her, for the second time that day, kneeling on a bathroom floor; paying homage to a porcelain god.
Abruptly, she pushed the door wide open, and dropped to her knees beside Natalia. Positioning herself directly behind, she braced her feet against the wall. Reaching around Natalia's body, Olivia steadied her with her left arm, as she used her right hand to draw back the curtain of dark tresses that fell across Natalia's visage. Face flushed, she looked positively feverish, and alarm bells immediately sounded in Olivia's head.
"What can I do to help, Sweetheart?" she asked, concerned. She brushed her fingers through Natalia's hair, settling it over her shoulder.
Barking out a cough, Natalia slumped backward. She exhaled sharply, and finally relaxed, resting against Olivia's body. "You're already doing it," she said, quietly. There had been no one with her during such times when she was pregnant with Rafe. She had been completely alone. Her memory of that made her profoundly thankful for Olivia, and she counted her support as a blessing within trying circumstances.
Sighing softly, Olivia closed her eyes as she pressed her lips against Natalia's temple. The tendrils of dark hair were damp with perspiration, and Olivia lifted her hand, pressing the palm against Natalia's face. She was warm, to be certain, but thankfully, she didn't feel as feverish as she looked. "How often has this been happening?" Her voice was tender, yet brimming with concern.
"I've been nauseated, off and on, for several weeks," Natalia ruefully admitted. "But I swear, Liv, I haven't been sick before. Not like this."
"Do you think maybe this is something else?" It was more a postulation than a question.
"Honestly?" Natalia sighed, pausing to weigh her thoughts. And then she was nodding her head. "I think… I didn't feel like this until I started thinking about the possibility…" Just the thought of finishing that thought made her nauseous again.
Olivia tightened her hold. "Are you saying you think it's all in your head?"
Natalia could hear the light humor in Olivia's tone, and it brought a genuine, dimpled smile to her face for the first time since getting the test results. "Anyone ever tell you, you should never tease a pregnant woman?"
The moment of levity was exactly what they both needed. Olivia brushed her lips against Natalia's temple again. "You feeling better?"
"Yeah—" Natalia seemed surprised that she actually meant it.
"Good," Olivia declared with a soft smile. She helped Natalia up from the floor. And then, reaching down, she closed the toilet lid, and hit the button to flush it, before instructing Natalia to sit. "You stay here. I'll be right back."
The expression on Natalia's face begged explanation.
"Toothbrush, toothpaste, and water," Olivia said, simply.
Natalia's eyes held gratitude. "Thank you," she said, softly.
Olivia tenderly cupped Natalia's chin, and leaned down, kissing her cheek. "Anything for you."
She turned to leave, and Natalia called to her. "Olivia?"
Pausing in the doorway, with her hand on the frame, she turned back toward Natalia. "Yeah?"
"We're really gonna be okay?" Natalia's tone sought reassurance.
"We're gonna be more than okay," Olivia quietly assured. "We're gonna be perfect. You and me, and all of our children. I promise we'll make this work."
Natalia's eyes filled with tears for what felt like the millionth time that day. "I love you," she said, with a depth of sincerity the likes of which Olivia had never experienced. The declaration felt like it came from the very core of who Natalia was, and contained within it every ounce of love, respect, and gratitude Natalia had ever felt for her. It filled her heart with a sense of wonder, and more importantly, the sense of security Olivia had longed to feel from the moment they first confessed their love. And in that moment, those three little words made all the difference in the world.
Friday, April 24, 2009… Martha's Vineyard—6:50 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time
Twenty minutes later, as they basked in the afterglow of yet another shared climax, Bianca took a casual glance over Lena's shoulder, checking the clock. The bright blue digits read six fifty. "Shit!" she exclaimed. She grabbed her t-shirt, as she scrambled to get out of bed. "We have to get up, Babe. Olivia said they were scheduled to land around seven. They'll be here in less than twenty minutes!"
Lena laughed, and pulled her back into their bed. "Sweetheart, relax! I'll just call the car service and have them tell the driver to take the scenic route. That'll kill at least another half hour." Her grin was positively mischievous.
"You're just a little bit devilish sometimes, ya know that?" Bianca teased.
"I'm well aware," Lena concurred; kissing her wife again. "And right now… the devil in me is in need of a little more your heavenly attention," she murmured, as she stealthily slipped their joined hands between her legs.
Groaning at the ever-present wet warmth she found there, Bianca broke free of Lena's grasp. Immediately, she went in search of her prize, and Lena's body instinctively responded, pressing firmly into her wife's touch.
Bianca sighed, happily. "God, I love pregnancy hormones," she declared.
"You and me both, Sweetheart," Lena adamantly agreed, as she pushed her wife back down onto their bed.
Friday, April 24, 2009… Lewis Jet—6:00 p.m. Central / 7:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time
An obstacle the size of a mountain had planted itself, obstinately so, right in the middle of their path, and Natalia hadn't run away. She certainly could have; and probably should have, given the circumstances—at least in Olivia's estimation. That was the last thing Olivia wanted, of course, but anyone, even Olivia, would have understood if she had—it certainly would have made life easier for her.
Rafe and Father Ray would have been ecstatic. It's what they both wanted, after all—for Natalia to get her head screwed back on straight, so to speak, and walk away from the "sinful lifestyle" she had chosen to live with Olivia. And yet, despite the challenging circumstances that had arisen, Natalia had, in fact, chosen to stay. Olivia was profoundly grateful. She could handle anything life could possibly throw her direction—including a collision with her past, as long as Natalia was by her side.
Conversely, her life would feel empty and meaningless, if Natalia ever walked away. She had lived every moment of the past two months; hell, the past two years, if she were to be completely honest with herself, with the keen awareness of that very fact. And now here they were, standing on the precipice of their future—a future that was different than they had planned; but a future they would embrace—together.
Olivia pulled Natalia impossibly closer, as they snuggled on the cabin's sofa. "You doing okay?" she asked, tenderly.
"Yeah, I really am much better," Natalia answered, honestly. "I'm glad we decided to go ahead with this trip."
"I am, too," Olivia agreed. "I'm nervous about seeing Alex again, and dealing with everything from our past, but I know it's the right thing to do."
Her thoughts drifted back then, to the conversation that had almost halted their plans, and found that she was thankful for the decision they made to forge ahead…
Friday, April 24, 2009… The Farmhouse of Love—1:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time
"Maybe we shouldn't go on this trip," Natalia suggested, when they returned from having blood work run at Cedars. The test had confirmed her worst nightmare—she was three months pregnant with Frank's child. She wasn't certain how she felt about meeting Olivia's friends, with this unwelcome news weighing on her mind.
Pressing the palms of her hands together under her chin, Olivia considered the notion carefully. Given the news that Alex would be expecting to see her during their trip, the idea of grasping at Natalia's suggestion as a means of escape, was quite appealing to her. But running away was something the Olivia-of-Old would do—not the Olivia who was loved and respected by Natalia. Instead, it was Natalia's needs that were foremost in Olivia's heart and mind. "I can understand why you might think that's best. And I'll call Lena and cancel, if that's what you really want," she agreed. "But… I think this trip is exactly what you need," she presumed. "I think… given the circumstances, Lena and Bianca just might have some wisdom to share with us."
"I don't understand," Natalia said, bluntly. The expression on Olivia's face told her there would be no further explanation. "Let me guess—that's their story to tell?"
Olivia nodded, solemnly. "I'm sorry, Honey. I just…" Her voice was filled with apology.
"No—," Natalia was quick to allay. "I get that you don't wanna tell their secrets. I respect that," she said, sincerely. "I just wish I had a few more pieces of this puzzle, y'know? Things about their history seem to be so intricately interwoven with yours, and…"
"That's because they are…" Olivia readily conceded, shrugging her shoulders, as she shoved her hands into her pockets. She sounded resigned to the fact.
"I just feel a little left out sometimes," Natalia admitted.
"I don't mean to leave you out," Olivia said, empathically. "I promise, I've told you everything that's germane to my own history."
"I know you have," Natalia granted. She paused for a moment; then added, thoughtfully, "There's something about the parts you haven't told me, that makes me think they both struggled a lot to get to where they are."
Olivia slowly nodded her head. "They did. Neither of them had an easy time of it before they found one another," she validated. "And the things they faced after they fell in love were even worse in a lot of ways. But they worked through their problems together, and they got their happy ending, Natalia," she explained, her tone turning hopeful. She took Natalia's hands into her own, squeezing tightly, and with sincerity in her eyes, she said, "And that gives me hope; helps me believe that we'll get ours too. We just have to do this together—just the way they did."
Natalia offered her a wobbly smile. "Okay," she acquiesced, "I trust that you know what's best. We'll go ahead with the trip."
"I really do think it's the best thing—for both of us," Olivia asserted. It was then that she explained to Natalia about the call from Lena, announcing that Alex wanted to see her.
Olivia's devotion had never been more palpable than earlier that day, when she promised Natalia would never be alone. But knowing the stress Olivia must have been under given the news about Alex, the inherent value of Olivia's devotion increased tenfold. The fact that Olivia had set aside her own concerns meant everything to Natalia, and she had never loved Olivia more. She told her so, and kissed her soundly, as the sound of tires on gravel announced the approaching Beacon SUV. Within minutes, their bags were loaded, and they were on their way. They had just one final stop before picking Emma up from school. Both of them still harbored fears about the future—the unknown always evokes some sense of fear; but they were ready to embrace it, come what may…
Friday, April 24, 2009… Martha's Vineyard—7:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time
The telltale patter of little feet and the familiar "click-click-click" of toenails against the hardwood floor told Bianca that Jordan and Sandy were quickly closing in on the kitchen. She dropped the final handful of torn lettuce into the salad bowl, and paused, waiting expectantly for their impending arrival.
"Mommy!" The little girl drew out the salutation, sounding like a siren, as she popped into the room. Screeching to a halt, Sandy nearly skidded right into her.
Curly brown locks bounced around the angled edges of Jordan's face, and those dark, expressive eyes flashed with determination, as she planted her hands firmly on her hips. Bianca smiled fondly at her eldest daughter; still amazed by the fact that the child looked so much like Lena.
Her sentimental reverie was cut short by the announcement Jordan had clearly come to make. "Lexie shewwwed," she tattled.
Lena walked in the back door just in time to hear the announcement. She and Bianca both laughed at their daughter's description which, in Jordan speak, meant her baby sister was in need of a clean diaper. Jordan had adapted the description from Lena who, when changing Alex's dirty diapers, would smile down at her and playfully say, "Shewww! Stinky girl!" as she waved a hand back and forth in front of her wrinkled nose.
Bianca glanced at her wife. "Thank you, ever so much, for that," she said, dryly.
Clearly amused, Lena grinned as she edged further into the room. "Lexie's a stinky girl, huh?" she said to her daughter.
Jordan's dark eyes widened like saucers, as she nodded her confirmation. "Pew-weee, Mama!" she exclaimed. The expression on her face was pure revulsion.
"Well, we'll take care of her in a minute, okay?" Lena said, patiently.
"Okay, Mama, but hurry," Jordan entreated, bouncing up and down. "Lexie's crabby when she's stinky."
And that, she certainly was! Unlike Jordan, who was a happy, agreeable baby, Alexandria had been a demanding handful from before she was even born. Active and willful, she had walked practically before she even crawled—and she was constantly getting into anything and everything she could get her grabby little hands on. And she didn't take well to being told "no." She wasn't a bad baby, not by any means; but she had proven to be a challenge after Jordan spoiled Bianca and Lena through her laidback personality.
Chuckling, Lena turned her attention back to Bianca. "Good call on eating out on the deck tonight," she praised. "It's beautiful out this evening. I can't believe how warm the temps are for this time of year."
"Perfect," Bianca smiled. Things could not possibly be going better. "Lamps and fountain?"
"Burning and running," Lena confirmed.
"And you checked again; made sure their room was ready?" Bianca checked in, as she tossed chopped green peppers and onion into the lettuce. She sounded a bit harried. "Extra towels in the guest bath?"
"Sweetheart, would you just relax." Delivered on a light chuckle, it wasn't a suggestion. "Everything is perfect. The deck looks gorgeous. Table is set. Potatoes look good, and the vegetables are on the grill now too," she reported. "Keep an eye on them, will you? I'll go take care of our little stink bomb before our guests arrive."
"Thanks, Babe," Bianca said with a chuckle, as she turned her attention back to making the salad. Chopping tomatoes was next on the agenda. Wiping down the cutting board, she set it on the countertop, and turned toward the sink, to rinse the tomatoes.
"No problem. I have a few minutes. I don't want to start the filets until we're certain when dinner will be, anyway." Lena kissed Bianca on the cheek, and headed toward door that led into the living room. "Come on, Mój Mały," she said, placing a gentle hand on the back of Jordan's head of bouncy curls. "Let's go see what we can do about our stinky Little Bear."
"Do Mnie," Jordan said to Sandy, calling the dog to "come here;" and as they walked out of the room, Sandy obediently fell into step at Jordan's right leg.
Slicing into a juicy tomato, Bianca rolled her eyes at the conversation that was echoing back into the kitchen. "Can I have chocolate milk for dinner, Mama?" Jordan was asking Lena. Bianca could just see her peering up at her Mama with those big brown eyes that Lena could never refuse. The child had had her Mama wrapped around her little finger from before she was even born. "It's my very favorite."
"It's my favorite too," Lena said, conspiratorially. "We'll see what Mommy says, okay, Mój Mały?"
"She always says 'no'." Bianca could hear the pout in Jordan's voice. And then her attention was drawn elsewhere. She really didn't want to hear Lena's response to that particular comment.
"Bianca, Darling, I think your t-shirt is inside out," Paulina casually observed, as she sauntered into the kitchen to see if she could help with dinner.
Bianca blushed profusely. "Shit!" she cursed.
Paulina laughed. "Why don't you go get ready for your guests," she suggested. "I'll take care of the salad."
"Oh my gosh, Mama, thank you," Bianca said, appreciatively. "I need a quick shower before everyone gets here, and I wasn't sure I'd have time." She had wisely declined Lena's suggestion of another shared shower when they finally got out of bed—she knew better than to think that would get them anywhere, fast.
"Anything else I can do to help?" Paulina offered.
"Just the bananas for the fruit salad we're having for dessert. They need to be sliced and mixed in," Bianca answered. "Lena took care of everything outside, and all that's left is to get the filets on the grill. She'll throw them on a few minutes before we sit down to eat."
"How long do we have until they get here?" Paulina asked.
Bianca glanced at her watch. Seven fifteen. "T-minus fifteen and counting…"
Paulina could hear the anxious excitement in Bianca's voice. And then she was off to the shower.
Friday, April 24, 2009… Lewis Jet—7:15 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time
Their plane touched down just a little behind schedule—strong headwinds, Captain Kirkpatrick had explained. Once the jet was at a standstill, Olivia helped Emma pack her things into her backpack for the ride to Lena and Bianca's cottage. Natalia was busy tidying up—straightening glasses on the wet bar, throwing wrappers away from Emma's fruit snacks and making sure the remote for the entertainment system was in its proper place. Olivia smiled fondly as she watched the familiar ritual. She knew better than to try to stop her—it was simply Natalia's nature to restore all things to order.
Captain Kirkpatrick and First Officer Watkins joined them in the upper cabin, after securing the jet and lowering the airstairs to allow them to alight. Checking in to ensure everyone had a pleasant flight and were no longer in need of his services, Captain Kirkpatrick wished them a pleasurable stay on the Vineyard. He confirmed their return flight plans, and indicated that the jet would be on the ground four hours prior to their scheduled departure, Sunday after next. Olivia shook both their hands and thanked them, before leading Natalia to the door.
Emma was out the door and down the stairs like a shot, backpack slung over her shoulder. They laughed together, knowing it would have done no good to tell her not to run down the stairs.
A sleek, black limo awaited them just beyond the bottom of the airstairs, and the chauffeur ascended the stairs with ease the moment they appeared at the doorway of the aircraft.
"Good evening, Ms. Spencer, Ms. Rivera." He tipped his chauffeur's cap in cordial greeting. "May I offer assistance?" he asked, presenting an arm.
Extending a hand, Olivia encouraged Natalia to take the offered arm, and followed behind them as the descended the stairs. Escorting them to the limo, he opened the back door, helping each of them in. Not surprisingly, Emma was already inside.
Once they were inside, he bent down, peering through the open door. Not expecting Emma to be there because he hadn't helped her in, he greeted her warmly. "Well, hello there, Little Miss."
"Hello, Mr. Lambert," Emma replied, cheerily, as she scooted back into the seat. She had picked up his name from the gold tag on his jacket.
Emma was so much like Natalia, it made Olivia smile. "She gets her people skills from you, ya know?" she murmured against Natalia's ear.
"Are you ready for some fun on the beach?" he asked Emma.
"Yeah!" Emma exclaimed, nodding her head enthusiastically.
"Well, then, I'll just get your luggage, and we'll be on our way in few moments," he reported.
"Yay! Thank you!" Emma exclaimed, as Olivia and Natalia offered him a warm thank you as well.
He smiled in response. "You're welcome," he said, affably.
They settled in then, getting seatbelts fastened, as they waited for him to return. Emma chattered on, asking questions about how far the beach was, and what the house would look like, and how many days they were staying.
Olivia and Natalia patiently answered each question as it was asked, and soon they felt the trunk of the car slam shut. Natalia reached over, taking Olivia's hand into her own. "Ready?" she asked, offering an encouraging smile.
The corners of Olivia's mouth tipped upward, forming an affectionate smile. "I'm ready for anything, as long as I have you by my side."
Natalia leaned over, kissing Olivia softly. "Then I think we're ready to take on the world…"
And as the car slowly rolled forward, taking Olivia infinitely closer to her collision with the past, she truly believed that they could take on the entire world, and walk away victors. She squeezed Natalia's hand affectionately, and smiled contentedly when Natalia's head rested against her shoulder. She had wondered, several times throughout the day, just exactly how things would turn out in the end. And despite endless amounts of worry, of doubt and fear unimaginable, she was happy to know her early-morning premonition had been correct, and their day turned out to be good after all…