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 Rivera, and Gregg are owned by CBS/TeleNext and Proctor & Gamble. The characters of Lena and Paulina Kundera, Bianca Montgomery, Alexander Cambias, Jr., Zach and Kendall Slater, Adam Chandler, and Michael Cambias are owned by All My Children, ABC/Disney and Prospect Park.

No copyright infringement intended with regard to Guiding Light, CBS/TeleNext, Proctor & Gamble, AMC, ABC/Disney, Prospect Park or any other entity. Dialogue, settings, and story content in these scenes are original. Written for fun, not profit. All other standard disclaimers apply.

My "official" moving day begins in just a few brief hours, so I thought I'd drop the new update off for your enjoyment while I'm busy arguing with my nephews, and lugging around large pieces of furniture that have nowhere to go at the moment. LOL Seems my oldest nephew, who was supposed to be placing his furniture into storage until he buys a house, has failed to do so, and now there's nowhere to put any of my things. Including my bed. Needless to say, Aunt Kim is a little perturbed at the moment. But, I digress…

This chapter weaves back and forth between the past and the present, as Olivia's past and present begin their collision course. Additionally, there is an occasion where there is, in essence, a transitory flashback within a flashback. 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 9.9 is rated PG, I suppose.

One final, but very important note: Happy Veteran's Day to any of you who have served in our Armed Forces. Thank you for your dedication and service. It is because of you that we live in a country where, among many other, arguably more important freedoms, we are free to read and write stories such as this, without fear of retribution from the government. We may not have the legal right to marry at the Federal Level (yet), but we are afforded many a freedom that LGBT individuals in other parts of the world are denied on a daily basis. For that, and so many other reasons, I am profoundly grateful.

That being said, I hope you all enjoy the update…

Regards—

Kimberly

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 9.8 – When Past and Present Collide:

Tuesday, April 28, 2009… The Cottage, Martha's Vineyard—9:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time

Excited to see Zach, the girls squealed in unison, as they bounced up and down in front of him; Alexandria still on her knees.

Grinning proudly at them, he stooped down, tousling two heads full of dark, unruly curls.

Standing there, stock still, Olivia watched as this man, this larger-than-life man whom she had once loved, lifted the two little girls in his arms. "How are my girls today?" he asked, lightheartedly. His dark eyes flickered with sheer adoration as he gazed at the two of them.

Beaming, Jordan said, "We're great, Daddy! But we missed sure missed you." She hugged his neck tightly. They hadn't seen him since their birthday celebration the previous weekend—a rather unusual occurrence, given that he, Kendall, and the boys lived just down the road from them in Pine Valley.

Though reluctant to acknowledge the truth, Olivia's brain began completing the puzzle. Her heart raced, pounding in her ears, as the image of another picture from the mantle crossed her mind. It was transitory, but the message was undeniable—Zach, crouched down, with Jordan to his right, Erick to his left, Ian on his left knee, and a newborn Alexandria cradled in the crook of his right arm.

It seemed so obvious now, that she didn't know why she hadn't seen it before: Those coal black eyes, and angular jaw lines, the dark curly hair—the girls looked exactly like him; exactly like his sons! Jordan made sense to her, of course. She knew the truth about the child's parentage. Truth was, though it had been plain as day every time she looked at Alexandria's sweet little face; she just hadn't wanted to see it. She hadn't wanted to know that Lena was raising a child that belonged to Alex, and would soon be raising another. The truth threatened to overwhelm her.

"Well, I missed you too, Princess," he said, affectionately. He kissed both their cheeks. "Are you girls having fun on your vacation?"

"Yup," Jordan said, with a resolute nod of her head, as Alexandria babbled a response that was something akin to parroting her sister. "We've been playing with our new friend, Emma. She's Auntie Olivia's little girl."

The mention of Olivia's name made his breath catch just a little. "Oh, yeah?" He sounded amused; covering his reaction well, as his eyes met Olivia's over Jordan's right shoulder. They were the same sparkling jade he remembered so well. And then, in an instant, they were different: dark, clouded, conflicted.

Olivia's heart pounded in her chest, as his gaze fell into hers. It was hauntingly familiar, yet somehow, foreign; like déjà vu, without the protective precept of illusion. She couldn't move. She couldn't breathe. There he was, alive and well, standing mere feet away from her, after all those years. Her thoughts were a twisted amalgam of anger and relief that reflected in the darkening jade of her eyes, as her entire body went taut with tension.

Natalia entered the room on the heels of Zach's filler question, to find Olivia standing there motionless, staring at him. She could see the tension rippling in Olivia's shoulders and upper back, and swiftly moved to her side. Her arms instinctively encircled Olivia, pulling her close.

"Yeah, Daddy, Emma's the coolest!" Jordan exclaimed. "We played with my Barbie Dolls, and the dollhouse you made me for my birthday. And we even rode the Flying Horses, and caught two brass rings each!"

Daddy? Flummoxed, Natalia gulped, as her thoughts began to race. Bianca had been raped by a man from Lena's past. And Alex fit that description; that was certain. But beyond that, nothing made sense at all. Why would Bianca's sister marry the man? And even if that could somehow be explained away, why would Lena willingly welcome him into their home after all he had done to them? And why on earth would she allow him contact with their children? It made her sick just thinking about it. Despite Olivia's apparent pardon of Jeffrey's actions, Natalia knew she would struggle with welcoming him into their home again, after learning what he had done to the woman she loved. And she didn't know if she would ever feel comfortable allowing him around Emma or the baby. The entire situation with Zach baffled her. There had to be a rational explanation, she reasoned. There just simply had to be.

Zach broke from Olivia's insistent gaze, loving eyes falling on the chattering little girl in his arms. "That's wonderful, Princess," he said, fondly. His smile was genuine. "I'm glad you made a new friend."

"Me too," Jordan declared.

Chuckling, he asked, "Wanna do Daddy a really special favor?"

"Sure!" The sparkle in those innocent brown eyes told Natalia that the little girl absolutely adored this man. She wondered again, at the truth of this situation.

He glanced at Olivia again; and then stooped down, setting Jordan and Alexandria on their feet. "Would you mind taking Alex to play with Emma for a while?" he asked, kindly. "I really need to talk with Auntie Olivia right now," he explained. "But I'll be here all day, and we can play together later, okay?"

"Okay," Jordan chirped. "Come on, Lexie," she said, taking the baby's hand into her own. "Let's go find Emma."

Alex began to wage a protest, but the mention of Emma's name brought both a cheesy grin and eager acquiescence, and she willingly toddled along behind her big sister.

"Well, that was easy," Zach chuckled. He knew few things were with his youngest child, and he celebrated the small victories. "She must be really enamored with Emma."

"And that's the only reason it was easy." Bianca was laughing as she scurried into the room. Heading straight for Zach, she went willingly into his embrace, accepting a warm hug and an affectionate kiss on the cheek. "Welcome back," she said, warmly. "How are Kendall and the boys?"

"They're uh, they're good, thanks." In his usual manner, he gave away nothing more than what was asked.

"Oh, well, you should have brought them with you," Bianca chattered, as she led him into the room.

Shoving his hands in his pockets, he glanced at Olivia, who stiffened under his gaze.

Instinctively, Natalia's right hand swept lightly across Olivia's upper back; soothing her.

"I think that, uh, that would've been a lot to handle," he said, gruffly.

The tension in the room was dense, palpable—not even a razor-sharp knife could have cut through it. Bianca noted the unspoken interaction between Zach and Olivia—he was anxious, apologetic; she was a tightening ball of tension and inner conflict.

"Coffee?" Bianca offered, hoping to ease the friction in the air. Too bad it was too early for a stiff drink.

"Please," Zach and Olivia replied in desperate unison.

A silent exchange between Lena and Bianca found them exiting to the kitchen together. Natalia shifted, as if she was considering leaving as well—this was between Zach and Olivia. But Olivia tightened her grasp; pulling Natalia impossibly closer. It was all the encouragement Natalia needed to stand boldly by Olivia's side.

Stepping closer, Zach finally allowed himself permission to take all of Olivia in. Slowly, his soft dark eyes caressed her form from head to toe; appreciatively, not salaciously. The years had been a faithful friend to her—she was even more beautiful than he remembered. And when his eyes fell into hers again, he didn't hesitate in telling her so. "You're stunning, Olivia." His voice was a husky caress. "Even more so than I remembered."

Olivia said nothing in response, as her insides quaked with the rising tide of tension. And then she was swept away by a swirl of emotions, tumbling headlong into the abyss of confusion.

Beneath the staggering weight of her silence, he looked like a nervous teenage boy, as his hands burrowed deeper into his pockets.

She was angry beyond words, for what he had cost her. Yet, she again acknowledged that she understood his actions. And in that moment, as she stood there, looking at him, she felt the weight of her anger lift; replaced by an overwhelming sense of compassion—one that she never realized she could experience. One that she didn't quite understand.

Sensing the shift in Olivia's emotions, Natalia gave her a gentle, reassuring squeeze. It was both permission and encouragement to engage with him.

A brief glance at Natalia was accompanied by a whispered, "Thank you." And then Olivia stepped from Natalia's embrace, moving toward him. "It's so good to see you, Alex," she said, softly, as she allowed him to embrace her.

Breathing a sigh of relief, their eyes met again, as his hand fell to her cheek. "There aren't enough words to tell you how sorry I am, Olivia." His tone was laden with remorse. "I didn't want to leave you. I did it for your own—"

"You're right, Alex. There aren't enough words." Olivia cut him off brusquely; but she sounded more resigned than angry. "But you're alive. And you're here." A hint of a smile tickled the corners of her mouth. "I think I can stomach the inadequacy."

It was so like her to sidestep emotions with humor. At least some things never changed. He laughed softly. God, he had missed her wry sarcasm.

And then she was smiling up at him through tearstained eyes, as she reached her hand behind her, looking for Natalia.

Accepting Olivia's hand, Natalia gladly joined her.

Wrapping a possessive arm around Natalia's waist, Olivia began introductions. "This is my partner, Natalia Rivera," she said to him, with a proud smile on her face. "Natalia, this is Alex Cambias."

"Zach Slater," he corrected politely, as he extended his right hand to Natalia. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Natalia."

"Likewise, Zach," Natalia replied, somewhat forcing a smile. She was wary of him; yet… somehow, not. She couldn't explain it, except to say that her head and her gut instincts were in total conflict, and her instincts were winning the scrimmage.

He smiled at her, and reflexively, she relaxed under the warmth of his gaze. There was something uniquely compelling about this man; the way he moved, and his innate ability to put others at ease. She indulged her curiosity then, taking in the essence of him—his poise, his demeanor, his rugged good looks. It was no wonder Olivia had been so attracted to him. Recognizing that didn't make her jealous, it simply helped her understand the depth of Olivia's loss. And she found that she was sorry too, that the two of them had lost out on so much; especially their son.

But there was still that lingering question about Jordan…

Tuesday, April 28, 2009… The Beacon, Springfield—8:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time

Staggering backward, Jen fell hard against the edge of the desk. Her heart was racing, and coherent thought was a challenge. The tension in the room felt thick, oppressive, as it pressed in around her from all sides.

"What is it?" Tracy asked, her own heart pounding, as she closed the office door behind her. She prayed her worst fears weren't about to be realized; but nothing else made sense.

Staring blankly at the papers in her hands, Jen's entire body shook, as she tried to speak. "It's uh, it's… P-Preston," she said, her voice trembling. "He's, um… he's trying to take…" she swallowed hard around the lump in her throat, choking out the remainder of her truth, "our boys."

"What?" Tracy leaned against the door, seeking stability. Her mind felt numb, as she struggled to process what Jen had just said.

Jen's tongue felt like sandpaper, as she tried to form more words. "He, uh… he's petitioning for full custody," she gulped. "Alleging that I—I'm an unfit mother."

Never one to be at a loss for words, Tracy was uncharacteristically stunned into silence. Just the thought of someone alleging that Jen was an unfit mother angered her beyond words. And the threat of losing their boys was crushing. Inside, she was a mess. Her heart was pounding, and her palms began to sweat, as her mind raced through a thousand disjointed scenarios. She wanted to scream. She wanted to cry. But she had to be strong, for Jen, and for their boys. And in that moment, all she could do was take Jen into her arms; crushing the offending document between their bodies.

And then Jen was clinging to her, shaking, crying, and somehow, Tracy found her voice, her strength. Whispering softly against Jen's ear, she made promises that everything would be all right—that nothing Preston could do would ever touch them or their boys. She hoped her words were more convincing to Jen than they were to her own ears. Preston Morgan was a force—he took whatever he damned well wanted. And now, what he wanted was their boys. He would get them, over her dead body, Tracy silently vowed, as she pulled Jen impossibly closer.

When finally, Jen calmed down, Tracy led her to her desk chair, settling her. Crouching down beside her, she took Jen's hands into her own. "We need an attorney," she said, doing her best to keep a clear head. "Do any of Jake's former colleagues specialize in Family Law?"

"I don't think so," Jen said, wearily. "It's a criminal defense firm."

Gently, Tracy wiped tears from Jen's face with the pads of her thumbs. "Then we need to find the best," she declared. "Olivia has connections. Maybe she can recommend someone."

Sniffling, Jen nodded. "Will you call her?"

"Of course I will, Honey," Tracy said, softly, as she brushed her hand down Jen's back in a soothing motion. "And I think you should come with me when I go to the farmhouse this afternoon. You need the time away, and we need to be together right now. I'll get Gregg to cover for you."

Again, Jen numbly nodded her acquiescence. "Thank you." Her voice was trembling.

Gently, Tracy cupped Jen's face. She knew her partner was talking about far more than just a phone call to Olivia, or getting Gregg to pinch-hit for the afternoon. "I would do anything for you," she said, softly. "I love you." The declaration was followed by a tender kiss, and then she pulled Jen into her arms again, simply holding her.

Despite the fact that they were both completely numb, they already knew they were in for a long, hard battle—Preston Morgan never backed down from anything, especially a fight over something he wanted. What he didn't count on, though, was the fact that Tracy Jackson didn't back down either. The family she and Jen had created together was a testament to that, and she had no intention of losing them. Not now. Not ever.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009… The Cottage, Martha's Vineyard—9:45 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time

The initial tension had waned, and everyone gathered in the family room for coffee and casual conversation. There was so much that needed to be said; explanations and apologies to be offered and accepted. Olivia and Zach both acknowledged that. But for the moment, small-talk was their saving grace. Especially Olivia's—Zach hadn't a clue what truly lay ahead.

They talked about the Beacon, and Olivia's plans for expansion. She shared tidbits of information about properties she had recently acquired in Chicago, Indianapolis, and St. Louis, indicating that she thought the Chicago property would be the first to open.

Not unexpectedly, Zach heard himself offering financial backing if she needed or wanted it. No strings attached. He was a shrewd businessman, who was well-aware of Beacon Enterprises, and he knew it was a damned good business move.

Olivia thanked him sincerely, and indicated that she might be in touch. Business was business, and when a man of Zach Slater's standing offered financial backing, one didn't just arbitrarily turn it down.

And then the conversation turned to the series of massive tornadoes that had all but leveled Pine Valley the previous October. They talked about the emotional toll it had taken on the residents, especially those who had lost loved ones. Olivia and Natalia expressed their gratitude that the Montgomery-Kundera/Kane/Slater/Cambias family had been spared such enormous grief. And though Zach's financial losses were immense—lost revenues due to structural damage to his casinos, he couldn't have agreed more—the safety of his family was far more precious than money or any material possession to him.

He talked of plans to renovate, and Olivia said she could recommend a good architect if he was still in the market—the woman had done wonders for her on a personal project she had underway in Chicago. The comment earned her a curious look from Natalia, who knew nothing of a second project in the Windy City. Olivia offered her a teasing grin, kissed her cheek, and told her she didn't always need to know everything—at least not yet.

And then they joked about Lena's finely-honed penchant for corporate raiding.

"So who's on the radar now?" Olivia's tone was light, teasing. She needed a few moments of levity to get her through the emotions that simmered beneath the surface, threatening to erupt.

"Chandler Enterprises is ripe for the picking," Lena announced. "Adam and that band of bumbling idiots he calls a Board have run it into the ground."

"Sweet target!" Olivia exclaimed; a congratulatory lilt to her tone.

"I know… we could pick it up for a song," Lena grinned; enjoying the illusion of being back in the game. But illusion was all that it was or would ever be. She was far too happy to ever take that type of risk again.

Zach scraped his fingernails across the scruff on his face. "That's not a half-bad idea, Lena," he declared, contemplatively.

She simply laughed and brushed him off. "Between the family and keeping the business going, I have enough on my plate already," she said, passively. "Besides, my days as a corporate raider are long past."

"That's kind of a shame," he said, only half joking.

"Yes, well, you know that Bianca and our girls are my first priority," Lena reminded.

"They're my first priority, too, y'know—Along with Kendall and the boys," Zach insisted. His point was clear. "Everything I've done has been for their protection."

"A fact that is never far from my awareness, Mr. Slater," Lena readily acknowledged. The use of his alias sent a deliberate message, and there was fondness in her tone, as she said it. She gently squeezed a broad shoulder as she walked by, and he responded with an affectionate grunt.

A lull in the conversation was unexpectedly filled by Jordan when she bounced into the room like Tigger, with Emma close on her tail. "Is it playtime yet, Daddy?" Her dark eyes were bright with expectancy.

Growling playfully, he reached out, capturing her easily. "Come 'ere, you," he said, pulling her into his lap.

She squealed with delight when he tickled her.

"It's not quite time yet. I still have some grown-up stuff to do," he answered. "But maybe later, we can go for ice cream—just you 'n me. What do you say?"

"Can Emma come too?" Jordan asked, excitedly. She reached for Emma's hand. Solidarity.

Zach glanced at Olivia, obtaining unspoken approval. "If it's okay with her Moms," he agreed, with a caveat.

"Can I, Mommy? Can I, can I—please?" Emma entreated. She bounced up and down, awaiting approval.

Olivia nodded. "That sounds like fun, Jellybean," she said, giving her consent.

"Yay!" Emma and Jordan squealed in unison.

Little fingers were grasping Zach's cheeks, as Jordan kneeled in his lap. "I love your scruffy face, Daddy," she announced; drawing a grin from him. "Does your Daddy have a scruffy face, Emma?" she asked, innocently.

Emma shrugged. "I haven't seen my Daddy in a long time," she said, sadly. Phillip had taken Natalia's advice, and hadn't pushed for rights to see Emma since his return. It was difficult for him, because he missed her; but he knew Olivia well enough to know that pushing her or making demands would only make her more wary of him.

The expression on her daughter's face sent a pang of guilt through Olivia for having kept Phillip at bay. But given her continued distrust of him, her regret was transient. Sensing her disquiet, Natalia brushed her hand along Olivia's upper back, comfortingly. Olivia responded with a wobbly smile, and leaned into Natalia's embrace. Sometimes words just simply weren't necessary.

The corners of Jordan's mouth drooped into a pout. "I'm sorry," she said, sincerely. She reached for Emma's hand again, pulling her closer. "You can share mine if you want. He's the greatest," she declared, proudly. And then she began to ramble, the way she often did when she was excited. "You haven't met my little brothers yet. I have two of them, and they're really fun, aren't they, Daddy?" She didn't wait for a response. "And he has enough love for all of us. I know, 'cause he told me," she said, matter-of-factly. "So I know he has enough love for you, too, Emma. Don't you, Daddy?"

Amused by her chatter, he grinned. "Yes, your brothers are fun," he said, answering her first question. And then his eyes fell on Emma, who looked so much like her mother, it made his heart melt just looking at her. He reached out a hand toward her. "And yes, I have plenty of love for Emma, too," he assured.

An uncharacteristically bashful grin crept across Emma's face, as she accepted his hand, climbing into his lap next to Jordan. And then Jordan was chattering again, telling Emma that Zach couldn't ever be her 'real' Daddy because, "You only get one real Daddy," but they could pretend if that would help Emma not be so sad.

Emma responded by saying that she missed her real Daddy a lot, but that she had loved having Bill as her Daddy when she was little. And Uncle Buzz was pretty cool, too, she admitted. Uncle Frank, not so much, she expressed with a grimace. Finally, she said she thought sharing Jordan's Daddy sounded really great. But she warned that her Mommy and Natalia had promised to only go on grown-up dates with each other, no more Uncle Frank, and no more anyone else, so Jordan's Daddy would just have to find someone else to date.

The adults in the room chuckled, even as they felt bewildered by the depth of the conversation between the two children. They used childlike language, but the concepts and emotions were far beyond their tender years. Lena felt proud of Jordan, for the display of empathy she had shown toward Emma. And conversely, Olivia felt saddened by the endless series of losses she had caused in Emma's young life. It was a miracle the child turned out normal, she silently chastised. And in that same moment, she swore that no matter what she had to do, Emma would never lose Natalia.

Jordan smiled triumphantly, and then she was talking animatedly about her baby brothers. She prattled on about how silly they were, and how Ian and Lexie always fought over the toy cars, and how they liked to play in the dirt, but that made Aunt Kendall crazy because she didn't like messes.

That led to the explanation that her brothers didn't live with her and Lexie and Mama and Mommy, but with Daddy and Aunt Kendall, because she was their Mommy.

And then she chattered about how Erick loved to give hugs, but Ian didn't, so she liked Erick best. "But I'm not 'aposed to say that out loud," she attempted to whisper clandestinely. But her voice was loud enough for everyone to hear.

Natalia leaned over toward Lena. "She seems to have learned to tell secrets the same place Emma did," she said, humorously. The comment drew a soft laugh from Lena.

Bianca, who had gone in search of Alexandria when Emma and Jordan entered the room, returned with the baby on her hip. "Somebody just can't seem to stay out of trouble," she said, with a lighthearted lilt to her voice, as she deposited her wayward daughter in her father's lap with older girls.

Zach laughed knowingly, as he accepted the baby from her hands. "What was it this time?"

"She was emptying our nightstand drawer when I found her," Bianca answered, issuing a pointed glare at her wife. "I don't even know how she managed to get to the other end of the house that fast, let alone already have the drawer almost emptied," she muttered.

Lena just laughed. She knew exactly what their youngest had gotten into, and she was thankful it hadn't been Jordan—that would have required some creative explanation. Amused, Bianca was chuckling and mumbling something about the child being out of control.

"She's one!" Lena was laughing as she pointed out the obvious.

"Yeah. And someday she'll be a teenager," Bianca countered, "and I'd rather have her under control before that happens."

"Sweetheart, you worry too much," Lena said, lightly.

The comment earned her that look from her wife. "This, from the woman with the endless stack of books about marriage and raising children?" Bianca teased; amusement in her tone. Lena was known for reading every marriage and parenting guide she could get her hands on, including Bianca's textbooks from her series of classes on marriage and family.

"Bookworm." The accusation was muttered under Olivia's breath.

Natalia elbowed Olivia, and Bianca laughed.

Lena grinned at the teasing from the two of them. "It's working, isn't it? We're solid. Our girls are healthy and happy."

Bianca pulled Lena close, smiling up at her, as Lena's arms fell around her. "It's working perfectly, Babe," she said with gentle conviction. "In fact," she said with a playful lilt to her voice, tipping up on her toes, "I think this much happy should be illegal." She pressed a light kiss to Lena's lips, sealing her declaration.

Smiling against Bianca's lips, Lena murmured her agreement. "Well, lock me up, then, because I only intend for us to grow happier."

"The two of you are kinda sickening," Olivia said, drolly. "You know that—right?"

"You and Natalia are rather sickening, yourselves, Spencer, so I wouldn't talk," Lena teased.

Playfully, Bianca peeked around Lena's shoulder, meeting Olivia's gaze. "Sickeningly happy is a great place to be, Olivia," she declared. "Don't take it for granted for a moment."

Glancing at Natalia, an appreciative smile played on Olivia's lips, as she wrapped her arm around the woman she loved. Remembering all that Lena and Bianca had been through made her all the more appreciative of the life she and Natalia shared. "Believe me, I don't. Not for a moment," she said, almost breathily. Suddenly feeling emotional, she pulled Natalia closer.

Zach caught Olivia's attention then. He was on the floor with all three girls, tickling and teasing them. Emma was laughing like Olivia hadn't seen her laugh in a long time, while Alexandria squealed and Jordan giggled at the way her Daddy was teasing her new friend. They looked as though they weighed nothing, as he grabbed them, one-by-one, turning them upside down and shaking them playfully. Then he would set them loose, and they would run around him, begging to be grabbed again, with their feigned attempts at escape. Even Alexandria joined in as best she could on her still-unsteady feet.

The rougher he played, the louder they squealed. And the longer Olivia watched him, listening to Alexandria and Jordan calling him "Daddy," the more emotional she became. Before she even realized what was happening, she was running from the room, in tears.

Natalia was immediately on her feet, and Zach glanced up at her with a look of concern on his face. "What just happened?"

Lena and Bianca looked on in concern.

Biting her bottom lip, Natalia shook her head back and forth. "I'll, um… I'll be right back," she said in a disquieted tone. And then she rushed from the room in search of Olivia.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009… Martha's Vineyard—10:45 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time

As expected, Natalia found Olivia down on the beach. She looked rather statuesque, sitting barefooted on a large rock, legs bent with her arms wrapped around her knees. As she stared out across the water, she was thankful for the refuge of sand and surf—the rhythmic pounding of the waves had always soothed her as a child. She was hopeful that it would do the same for her now, as she contemplated her current reality.

It was one thing to wrap her head around the fact that Alex was alive. That had taken a while to sink in. And it was another thing to deal with the fact that he had other children. That knowledge hurt, but it was manageable. That some of them were with Lena had come as a complete shock, a crushing blow. And watching him with the girls, Emma included, listening to him talk about his boys; it was all just too much, too soon.

It seemed the passage of time hadn't changed much—the roar of the ocean still felt numbing to her. But not in the way that it once had. Dropping her head into her hands, the tears began anew. What she really needed was Natalia.

Natalia could see the tension rippling in Olivia's neck, shoulders and upper back; her body shaking. Approaching her gingerly, she reached out, gently brushing a hand along Olivia's upper back.

The touch didn't startle Olivia—she felt Natalia's presence before contact was even made. "This is so hard, Natalia," she managed to say, between a gasps for air.

"I know it is, Honey," Natalia quietly empathized. Sitting down next to her on the rock, she wrapped her arms around Olivia, pulling her close.

"I'm glad you're here," Olivia murmured against Natalia's shoulder, as she burrowed into her neck. "I need you so much."

"Of course I'm here," Natalia said, reassuringly. Her fingers tangled in soft chestnut. "I'll always be with you when you need me."

Finding respite in the security of Natalia's promise, Olivia gave in to the wave of emotions, breaking down into gut-wrenching sobs. And Natalia simply held her, soothing her with whispered words, and gentle caresses, and light kisses against chestnut locks.

"It's hard, huh?" Natalia said, knowingly, after the intensity of Olivia's emotions began to wane. Her voice was soft, full of compassion, as her fingers caressed the nape of Olivia's neck. "Hearing him talk about his little boys? Watching him with Emma, seeing him with his girls?" She was still really confused about that, but it was a topic for another time. "He should have had those moments with your little boy. You both should. It makes you wonder what might have been, doesn't it?"

Olivia knew the questions were rhetorical. They were just Natalia's way of letting her know she understood. Still, she pondered the questions for a good, long while. Then finally, jade eyes, dulled like watercolors diluted by too many tears, peered up into compassionate mahogany pools. "I can't help but wonder what might have been," she quietly confessed. "But I wouldn't change what is. I wanted that baby, Natalia. I wanted my son, more than anything back then. But having him then, would mean giving up what I have now—you and Emma. And I want the life I have with you, more. So yes, it hurts. It hurts like hell. But knowing what I know now, I wouldn't change it, even if I could."

Gently, Natalia wiped tears from Olivia's face with the tips of her fingers. "I can't tell you how happy it makes me to hear you say that." The true depth of that happiness was evident in her tone. "But you need to make peace with what was, so you can be free to fully embrace what is," she wisely tutored, in a statement that was heavy with implication. She had a fleeting thought that she needed to take her own advice.

"I know," Olivia nodded, as she quietly agreed. Her fear of abandonment was something that had escalated through the years, as time and again, the people she loved had left her. She knew in her heart that the origins lay in losing her father at such a young age, but that losing Alex and their son the way she had all those years ago had done more damage than he would ever know. But she also knew that she bore the responsibility for much of her own subsequent pain, because she had long ago learned to sabotage her own happiness to avoid the chance of ever feeling that depth of pain again. "Will you help me?"

Delivered on a shaky breath, the question sounded more like a plea, and immediately Natalia responded by taking Olivia's face in her hands. "Of course I'll help you. Whatever you need," she vowed. Her thumbs caressed tear-streaked cheeks. "I love you, Olivia, and there's nothing I wouldn't do for you."

Offering a teary-eyed, wobbly smile, Olivia admitted, "I really needed to hear that right now." She sounded beyond relieved, and Natalia felt taut muscles finally begin to relax.

Leaning closer, Natalia brush her lips against Olivia's in slow, tender kiss.

Smiling into the kiss, Olivia whispered, "I love you, Natalia."

Natalia responded with another light kiss, and then pulled Olivia close again.

Releasing a heavy sigh then, Olivia shook her head against Natalia's shoulder. "God, I feel like such an ass. I shouldn't have run out that that," she said, chastising herself.

"Hey—" Gentle fingers under Olivia's chin guided their gazes into alignment. "You did what you needed to do for you, and there's nothing wrong with that. You taught me that," she reminded.

Olivia couldn't help but smile. "Yes, I did, didn't I?" She sounded rather proud of herself. "It's good to know you actually listen to me on occasion," she said, teasingly.

"I always listen to you," Natalia replied with sincerity. "You're the one who doesn't listen." The accusation was punctuated with a playful bump of her shoulder against Olivia's.

"Me?" Olivia cocked an eyebrow.

Natalia chuckled. "Yes, you," she countered.

"Oh, puhleease." Denial was evident in Olivia's dismissive tone. "I always listen to you."

Natalia barked out a laugh. "Yeah, right," she challenged. "You definitely have selective hearing. And don't even bother trying to deny it," she playfully insisted.

Olivia feigned momentary offense, and then grinned in response.

Natalia's fingertips fell against Olivia's cheek. "I don't mind though," she said, her tone turning serious again, "as long as you promise to always hear me when I tell you how much I love you."

"That's a promise I'll gladly make," Olivia whispered, "As long as you promise me the same."

"It's a deal," Natalia quietly agreed. She sealed their deal with a kiss, and then wrapped her arms around Olivia, pulling her impossibly closer. And then, with Olivia's head resting on Natalia's shoulder, they sat together in comfortable silence, watching the waves roll ashore.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009… Martha's Vineyard—11:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time

When Olivia was finally ready to face Zach again, Natalia offered her a few final words of encouragement, hugged her, and then went inside to get him. Nervously, Olivia paced the sand, preparing for the conversation she would have given anything to avoid. And as she did, her past came flooding back, her thoughts drifting back to that conversation with Natalia, in her penthouse suite, two months prior…

Wednesday, February 18, 2009… Olivia's Penthouse Suite, the Beacon

Slowly, Olivia's thoughts returned from the day she, Marissa, and Paulina drew up the plan to protect her son, to Natalia, who was gently asking again, "Why couldn't you keep him, Honey?" as she tenderly stroked Olivia's hair.

"The baby, um… he was…" Olivia swallowed hard, searching for the best way to explain, without betraying the confidence of people she loved. "He was in danger, because of Alex's younger brother, Michael."

Natalia offered an inquiring expression. "In danger, how?"

"Michael is a sick bastard, Natalia, and he did some unbelievably vile things, the very least of which was being responsible for the accident that killed Alex."

Flabbergasted, Natalia wondered aloud, "What kind of man would want to kill his own brother?"

Olivia released a sardonic laugh. "A man who has no soul," she answered bluntly. "I'm telling you, even Alan and Phillip at their very worst, have nothing on Michael Cambias. He's a soulless monster, Natalia," she extrapolated. "A rapist and a baby killer—and those are his good qualities."

Shocked, Natalia gasped. The iciness in Olivia's voice told her to be extremely wary of this faceless creature, and she was afraid to know the fullness of the truth. But she had to ask one question. "Olivia, did he—"

Natalia's voice was thick with concern, and Olivia was quick to assuage it. "No, Sweetheart, no—he never hurt me," she reassured. "But he hurt people that I care about, and he wouldn't have hesitated to kill my son had he known I was pregnant," she said, with absolute certainty.

"But, why?" Natalia couldn't even fathom a heart so cold.

"Power and money," Olivia answered, callously. She sounded as if those trappings sickened her. "He had Alex killed—or at least we thought he did—because he wanted control of the Cambias Empire. It's worth billions, and as the eldest son, Alex was in line to inherit all the power. If Alex had an heir, Michael would lose out again. He wouldn't have hesitated to have my son killed."

"But Alex isn't dead…" Natalia reasoned.

"Yes, but no one knew that then," Olivia reminded. "And no one can know it now…"

"I don't understand." This entire scenario was baffling to Natalia. Like something out of one of those mindless daytime soap operas.

"If Michael were to learn that Alex is alive, he would immediately be a target again," Olivia explained. "That man will stop at nothing, to get what he wants."

Natalia nodded. "I think I understand now," she said. "But there's one thing that still doesn't make any sense…"

"What's that?"

"Lena knows what Alex meant to you. She was your friend through all of this. And yet, she was so cavalier about telling you that he was alive," Natalia processed, aloud. "She seems to care about you, so why? It just doesn't make sense."

"No, Natalia. No—" Olivia replied, "Lena didn't do anything wrong, Honey. She doesn't know anything about the baby. I never told her."

"But why?" Now Natalia was really confused.

"Because Lena's own grief was so profound," Olivia answered, honestly. "She was grieving the loss of Alex, who was like a brother to her. He tried to protect her, just like his father did, and she was a mess after he died. And her grief was compounded by another loss—one even greater than Alex," she explained. "But, one that I can't share with you," she said, apology in her voice, "because it's Lena's story to tell." She hoped Natalia would understand.

Natalia squeezed Olivia's hand, as she nodded her acquiescence. "I can respect that. And I respect you for being so protective of the people you love."

As Olivia's thoughts returned to the present, Natalia's words reverberated in her mind. It felt good, knowing how much Natalia respected her—and not just because she demanded it, like she did with her employees, but because Natalia truly approved of her choices. That kind of respect felt different. It made Olivia want to be a better person. That's what Natalia did for her—she made Olivia want to be better, made her want to strive for more. And then she heard Natalia's voice, telling her she needed make peace with her past, so that they could move forward together. And in that moment, Olivia purposed to face her past and deal with it, no matter how painful it might be, because Natalia and their family were all that mattered to her now.

"Natalia said you wanted to see me." Startled from her ruminations by the sound of Zach's voice, Olivia turned slowly toward him.

The past and present were about to collide…

TBC…