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 Spencer, Natalia and Rafe Rivera, and Frank Cooper are owned by CBS/TeleNext and Proctor & Gamble. The characters of Lena Kundera, Bianca Montgomery, Alexander Cambias, Jr., and Zach Slater are owned by All My Children, ABC/Disney and Prospect Park (Bastards!).
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.
Rating: Chapter 9.12 is rated PG-13 for some minor sexual content.
I know the update is a little late this week, but I hope you all don't find it a dollar short… LOL What started out as barely 9 pages this morning, turned into a robust 12 by this afternoon. I'm actually pleased with it, which doesn't tend to happen very often… Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
Hope everyone had a great weekend!
Enjoy!
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 9.12 – When Past and Present Collide:
Tuesday, April 28, 2009… Martha's Vineyard—8:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time
Later that evening, Bianca suggested a relaxing soak in the Jacuzzi for all of them. She was certain Olivia could use a little downtime after dealing with Zach; as could Lena, who had dealt with his anger over not being told the truth about his son well before his arrival that morning.
Lena patiently explained that she had only known for a few days, and that even if she had known all along, it wasn't her place to tell him. But he was so upset that he barely heard a word she said. He called later to apologize; realizing what an ass he had been. But by then Lena was beyond consolation—she was feeling far too guilty over hurting Olivia.
Both of them knowing that Olivia and Lena needed a chance to talk, Bianca insisted that she would take care of bath time and stories for the girls, and Natalia quickly jumped in to offer her assistance.
The gesture was met with grateful expressions from their respective partners, and after appreciative kisses were given and received, Olivia and Lena were off to change.
Fifteen minutes later, Olivia released an appreciative moan, as she sank into the warm, swirling water. "My God, this is heaven," she sighed contentedly, after the heat from the water had penetrated her aching body. "We are so getting one of these for the farmhouse."
Lena grinned at her. "I'm surprised that wasn't a prerequisite to you moving in," she teased.
Tilting her head toward Lena, Olivia peeked at her through one opened eye. "Natalia is a bit of a minimalist, in case you haven't noticed," she said, with affection in her tone. "It'll take some convincing."
"I've no doubt you'll find a way." The smirk on Lena's face was mischievous.
One perfect eyebrow peaked over liquid jade, as a grin teased at the corners of full, pouty lips. But Olivia said nothing in response.
"I would suggest a live demonstration of the perks," Lena said, roguishly. "Bianca and I can make ourselves scarce after while, if you'd like." There was no question as to what she was insinuating.
"Perhaps—," Olivia said, offhandedly, as she closed her eye again, and allowed her head to lull back against the edge of the tub. The padded headrest was an absolute dream.
Lena found it odd that Olivia didn't bite at her comment, but she shrugged it off. "How was it that you ended up in love with a woman, and living in a farmhouse, again?" she asked with a teasing lilt.
"Luckiest twist of fate, ever," Olivia said, sincerely. "Or as Natalia calls it: Divine Intervention."
"I still can't get over the whole farmhouse bit." Lena was shaking her head in amusement.
"And I've never been more content," Olivia said, wistfully.
"I can see that," Lena quietly acknowledged. "Feels nice, doesn't it?"
"You have no idea…" Olivia husked, emotions rising.
"Oh, I think I do," Lena gently disagreed. "Probably better than anyone."
Olivia tilted her head, meeting Lena's gaze. "I guess you do, don't you."
Lena's response was a quiet, knowing smile.
There was a lull in the conversation, and then Lena asked, "Did you and Natalia finally have a chance to talk?" There was genuine concern in her tone.
Eyes closed as she relaxed in the water, Olivia nodded once. "Yeah—," she sighed, sounding relieved. "I think we're finally on the same page about the baby."
"I'm glad," Lena said, supportively. "I know you've both been a bit on edge about it. You just needed to talk it out."
Olivia readily agreed with Lena's assertion. "I don't know what you and Bianca said to her, but thank you," she said, appreciatively. "She's not afraid of me leaving anymore."
"And what about you?" Lena asked, intuitively. "Are you still afraid of her leaving?"
Biting her lower lip, Olivia staved off tears. "Sometimes I think I'll be afraid of that for the rest of my life."
"Does she know that?" Lena asked, concerned. She could relate to Olivia's fears far better than she cared to admit. It had taken her years to truly believe Bianca would never leave.
"How could I tell her something like that?" Olivia asked, rhetorically. It would be like telling Natalia she didn't trust her, when in reality, it was her own intrinsic value, her own self, which Olivia didn't trust.
"How could you not tell her something so important?" Lena asked, pointedly.
The question sliced straight through to Olivia's core. "The same way you could not tell me that Alex was the father of your children." The words came out sharper than intended; and though her eyes never opened, she knew exactly what expression Lena's face wore.
Olivia's words had cut Lena to the quick, but Lena knew she deserved it. Truth be told, she was surprised it had taken the hotelier so long to confront her about it. The old Olivia would have gone on a rampage immediately after learning the truth.
"Oh, God, Olivia, I'm so sorry—" Lena's voice was brimming with tearful regret. "I never meant to hurt you by keeping the truth from you. I just…" The water swished, as she lifted her hands out, burying her face their palms. "It never seemed like the right time, and then Zach showed up early and…"
Olivia slid backward, setting herself upright in the tub. "And what, Lena?" Eyebrows furrowed, she sounded irritated, as she fixed her friend with a decided glare. "The kids came in, and did the dirty work for you, so you were off the hook?"
"Olivia, please—," Lena said, pleadingly.
"Please, what?" Olivia snapped. "Please don't call you on your shit? You've certainly called me on mine enough this week."
"Yes, I have," Lena readily agreed; feeling more confident in her stance. "And you deserved it."
"Well, you're the one who deserves it now, so it's my turn!" Olivia barked. "How could you not tell me something so important?"
Drawing her knees up, Lena planted her feet on the ledge. Wrapping her arms around her legs, she buried her face against them. "This conversation is so not going the way I had planned," she murmured. "Natalia said you would understand if I—"
"You talked to Natalia about this, before you talked to me?" Olivia sounded hurt, more so than angry.
Looking up, Lena met Olivia's gaze. "I didn't plan it that way, Spence," she said, apologetically. "It just came up in conversation, and I told her how horrible I feel about not telling you sooner."
"Why didn't you?" Olivia's tone softened upon hearing the remorse in Lena's voice.
Lowering her gaze, the swirling of the water suddenly became interesting to Lena. "Bianca kept pushing me to say something, but I didn't want to hurt you," she said, softly. "I know avoiding it was futile, but I've just missed you so much, and I didn't want to spoil our time together. So I kept putting it off. And then it was too late, and I ended up hurting you even more."
The regret in Lena's tone was palpable, and it dissipated Olivia's anger.
"I'm sorry, Olivia… God, I'm so sorry…" Lena choked back tears. "If I had known the whole truth about your history with Zach… if I had known how close our friendship would become all these years later, if… I would have thought twice before agreeing to Zach's offer to be our donor," she murmured repentantly.
"He's not just a donor, Lena. He's their father, and he's actively participating in raising them," Olivia pointed out, albeit gently. "You should have told me. I didn't deserve to have it thrown in my face like that."
"You're right, Olivia—you didn't deserve that," Lena sheepishly agreed. "And I'm sorry I hurt you that way. You have no idea how sorry…"
"Don't ever keep anything like that from me again," Olivia said, directly. It was a clear warning, not a request, and they both knew it. "We've always been completely honest with one another, even when it hurts. I don't wanna lose that with you."
Lena offered a tentative smile. "I don't either," she said, quietly. "It's one of the things I appreciate most about our friendship."
"Good, then it's settled," Olivia firmly declared. It was a new concept to her, but felt damned good to deal with things and then leave them in the dust.
And then the corners of Olivia's mouth tipped into a mischievous grin. "Now," she said, jade eyes sparkling in the moonlight, "let's talk about what kind of trouble we can get into before weeks' end…"
Dark eyes twinkled with their own brand of roguish glee, as Lena contemplated the prospect. "Oh, yes. Let's…"
Tuesday, April 28, 2009… Springfield—10:15 p.m. Central Daylight Time
Though it was proving a difficult task, Tracy and Jen had agreed to keep things as normal as possible for the boys—they deserved to be protected from the stress of their grandfather's threat of impending litigation. Dinner had been its usual amalgam of good food and interesting conversation, as the boys shared stories of the time spent with Grandma and Grandpa Jackson that day. They had taken a weeks' vacation to spend time with the boys during their spring break.
As she listened to her sons, Jen was once again reminded of how blessed she was to have Tracy's family in her life. They were such a gift after the loss of Jake, and the rejection she felt from her own family, and she felt eternally grateful for them. She purposed to tell them, the next time she saw them.
After dinner and baths, they watched a movie together, and both Jen and Tracy found themselves profoundly aware of the fleeting nature of time. They didn't protest for a second when the boys asked for a second movie. Instead, they made it a point to sit closer to their boys, appreciating the fact that they could. Then later that evening, having delivered the next segment of her ongoing saga, Tracy tucked them into bed, and kissed them goodnight.
Exhausted, she made her way down the hall toward the master suite, thankful that the day was finally coming to an end.
Quietly closing the door, she waited for the telltale "click" before engaging the lock. The lights were dim, and glancing across the room, she found Jen on the sofa, a glass of her favorite red in hand, as she stared into the warm fire that glowed in the hearth.
A gentle hand caressed Jen's right shoulder, garnering her attention, and then strong arms encircled her neck as Tracy bent down to embrace her from behind.
Jen sighed softly at the welcome warmth of Tracy's arms, and she tilted her head to the side. "The boys asleep?" she murmured in a lethargic haze.
"Well on their way." Lightly, warm lips brushed against Jen's temple. "You doin' okay?" Tracy's voice was brimming with concern.
"I won't lie to you, Trace, I'm really scared." Delivered on a wobbly whisper, Jen's fear was evident, as were the tears she was so valiantly attempting to hold back.
Reaching around, Tracy lifted the wine glass from her partner's hand, setting it on the nearby table. And then she was filling the space beside Jen on the sofa, drawing her into a full embrace. "I know, Honey," she said, soothingly, as she gently rubbed Jen's back. "I'm scared, too. But it's gonna be okay. It has to be." She hoped she sounded more confident than she felt.
"We have money to fight him. I saved almost everything from Jake after I paid off the house and car," Jen announced, as if it were news to Tracy.
"I know, Babe," Tracy murmured softly against Jen's ear. "I know. You've been great about protecting our boys' futures."
"But Preston has more…"
"More money?" Tracy sought clarification.
"Yes—"
"Perhaps so," Tracy granted. "But we have Olivia, and she has more connections than O'Hare International."
Completely missing the humor in Tracy's comment, Jen asked, "Have you heard from her?" She sounded hopeful that the answer would be affirmative.
"I haven't—" Tracy tried not to sound overly concerned.
"That's not like her at all," Jen commented. "I hope everything is okay."
Tracy smiled. It was so like Jen to be concerned about a friend, even in the face of her own troubles. It was one of the things Tracy loved most about her.
"I'm sure they're just enjoying their vacation," Tracy said, reassuringly. "She didn't even have her phone with her this morning. Natalia had it both times I talked with her."
"Oh—"
The disquiet in Jen's tone was palpable as she uttered her monosyllabic response, and Tracy gently tipped her chin, meeting her gaze. The usual clarity of those sparkling blue eyes was clouded over with fear and disconcertment, and Tracy's heart ached at the sight. "She'll call," she gently reassured.
"She will," Jen declared with solid conviction, as she tried to keep a positive outlook. And then she allowed herself to be drawn deep into the sofa, where she was folded completely in Tracy's comforting embrace.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009… Martha's Vineyard—12:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time
More than a thousand miles away, Olivia and Natalia were coming in from a long soak in the Jacuzzi with Lena and Bianca. As they entered their bedroom, Olivia closed the door, turning toward Natalia. A furtive grin tiptoed across her lips, as she viewed Natalia from behind. Even donning that thick, white robe, Natalia's body was a vision—and Olivia's imagination had no problem conjuring up the image of what she was wearing underneath. The sight of her stepping into the water in that stunning royal blue bikini was forever burned into her memory—as was the sight of her emerging from the water hours later. Seeing her like that, with so much of her body exposed, Olivia had a really difficult time believing Natalia was pregnant. Her body was perfect, and the only indication of pregnancy was the fact that Natalia's her breasts had grown a little—not that Olivia was complaining. She bit back a growl just thinking about it.
And then there were those long raven tresses, pulled back in a messy ponytail, leaving a graceful neck exposed to Olivia's appreciative eyes. Embracing her from behind, Olivia wrapped her arms around Natalia's waist—a familiar and welcomed gesture—and burrowed her face between Natalia's neck and the collar of the thick robe.
Quickly, warm lips made contact with heated flesh, as Olivia trailed slow kisses along the soft contours of Natalia's neck up to her ear. "Have I told you today, how beautiful you are?" she whispered softly.
Natalia felt her face flush at the compliment. "Not in so many words," she answered, "but always in the way you look at me."
"I can't take my eyes off of you," Olivia husked. Natalia's beauty was burned into her soul.
"Feeling's mutual," Natalia quietly declared.
Olivia smiled, and lightly kissed Natalia's neck. "Thank you again for the wine and the robe, Sweetheart," she murmured softly, referring to the thoughtful amenities Natalia had brought along when joining her and Lena in the hot tub. "You always take such good care of me."
"And I always will," Natalia said, with quiet satisfaction. She turned her head, lightly kissing Olivia's cheek. "I love taking care of you."
"Mm… lucky me," Olivia whispered against Natalia's ear, sending shivers that had nothing to do with being cold, down Natalia's spine.
Turning in Olivia's arms, warm brown met sparkling jade. "Y'know, that's the second time you said that to me today," she said with a coquettish grin. "Guess you must really feel lucky…" Her voice was enticingly low, rasping.
Rewarding Natalia with one of those sexy grins, Olivia whispered, "You have no idea…"
Natalia's belly did a flip-flop from the intensity of those eyes boring into her own. She bit her bottom lip, causing the hue to deepen, as she slowly released it. "Why don't you enlighten me?" she invited.
A muted growl, veiled beneath a sharp intake of breath, marked Olivia's response, and her index finger lightly teased bow-like lips. They were so plump, so ripe for kissing, and she wanted to lose herself in the sensation of them brushing against her own. "Don't mind if I do," she murmured, before claiming that soft, beckoning mouth in a slow, sultry kiss.
Several minutes later, kiss-swollen lips finally parted, and Natalia once again found herself the object of Olivia's intent gaze.
Reaching up, Olivia tenderly brushed raven locks from Natalia's face, and then her fingertips fell across a soft cheek. "I really do feel like the luckiest woman in the world," she quietly declared. "And I don't take that, or you, for granted."
"I know—," Natalia said, softly. Cocking her head to the side, she wondered aloud, "Why so serious tonight?"
Olivia offered a tentative smile. "Today was really hard, Natalia. And not just for me. It was hard for both of us. I mean… it couldn't have been easy for you to watch me go off with an old lover, the father of one of my children, even knowing that I don't harbor any lingering feelings for him. I don't think I could've been quite so generous, if it had been you and Gus," she ruefully confessed. "But you were there for me, you supported me, and I just… I'm so thankful for you."
Delivered on an emotion-filled whisper, Olivia pulled Natalia close as those final words passed through her lips. And Natalia fell into her embrace willingly, allowing Olivia to hold her until the emotions passed.
Then, taking Olivia's face in her hands, Natalia smiled into eyes of sparkling jade. "I'm thankful for you too, My Love," she said, softly. "Knowing that you're with me in this pregnancy, it means everything to me. I hope you really know that."
"I'm with you all the way," Olivia quietly vowed. "I wouldn't be anywhere else…"
Leaning in, Natalia pressed her lips to Olivia's in a soft kiss, and then nuzzled against her nose. "I love you," she whispered.
Olivia responded with similar sentiments, sealed with a light kiss. "And that's why I'm gonna let you have first dibs on the bathroom tonight." Her playful lilt allowed the intensity to wane.
Natalia chuckled. "Oh, you are, huh?"
"Yup," Olivia said with a firm nod.
Shaking her head, Natalia said, "Let me guess: You're gonna read more of that book Jen gave you while you wait for me?"
"Yup—" was all Olivia said in response; but the mischievous grin on her face reminded Natalia that she wanted to sneak a peek at that book.
"I think maybe I need to add this to my reading list," Natalia said, as she casually lifted the book from the nightstand.
Olivia looked positively stricken at the thought of Natalia reading the contents. What if it freaked her out?
Natalia was laughing at the anxious expression on Olivia's face. "Relax, Honey. I'm not gonna take it away from you tonight," she teased.
Feigning calm collectedness, Olivia said, "I wasn't worried about that at all." She stepped toward the dresser in search of nightwear.
"Yeah, right." Natalia set the book back on the nightstand. Then, spotting Olivia's phone where she had abandoned it that morning, she picked it up. "Honey, you have a voicemail from Tracy," she announced after checking the display. "Do you want me to check it? It's probably just to confirm our furniture delivery."
"Would you mind?" Olivia asked over her shoulder, as she rummaged through the dresser drawer. A delighted grin spread across her lips when a pair of silky shorts and matching camisole emerged.
Arching an eyebrow, Natalia smirked. "Not if you promise to let me ogle you in that for a while," she said, roguishly. She had thoroughly enjoyed doing exactly that while they were in the hot tub. The turquoise bikini Olivia was wearing beneath that robe accentuated her assets perfectly, and Natalia had brazenly studied her body the entire evening.
"Deal," Olivia granted with a flirty wink, as their eyes met in the mirror. Turning, she brushed a kiss against Natalia's cheek. "I'll be right back, and then the ogling can commence."
"Mm… not so fast there, Speed Racer," Natalia teased, as she grasped Olivia's arm. "I thought I was gonna get to go first."
Olivia smirked. There would be plenty of opportunities for that, she thought naughtily. That book of Jen's had given her more than a few ideas. "I just thought you might enjoy finding the object of your continued ogling waiting in bed for you, that's all," she smirked.
Natalia's eyes flashed with the look of a child caught with her hand in the cookie jar, and Olivia released an amused laugh. "Yeah—I knew you were watching me," she teased.
"Guilty as charged," Natalia confessed, unashamedly. Pulling Olivia into her, she claimed a proper kiss. "I just couldn't help myself." And then, smiling into those sparkling jade eyes, she announced, "Now you can go," as she pressed the speed dial for Olivia's voicemail, and lifted the phone to her ear.
"Oh, I can, huh?" Olivia's tone was light and playful, as she pointed toward the door. She was about to make another witty remark, when she saw Natalia's face turn ashen. Instead, what came out was a panicky, "Sweetheart, what's wrong?"
Natalia's mouth dropped open, but all that came out was a gasp of air. And then she swallowed hard, as she held the phone out to Olivia. "I think maybe you should hear this firsthand," she said, with a worried expression on her face.
Taking the phone from Natalia's hand, Olivia looked concerned, as she pressed the key sequence to replay the message. Pacing the floor, she listened intently as Tracy's voice explained that Jen had been served with a summons to appear in court regarding a petition for full custody of their boys, filed by Jen's former father-in-law.
It was Olivia's face that turned ashen then, as the reason for the petition was revealed. "Shit—" she exhaled heavily, as the weight of the world fell on her chest. She sank down onto the bed, staring blankly at the phone in her hand. Their friends were in for a major battle—the kind that she feared every day with Phillip and Alan. It made her anxious just thinking about it. She took a deep breath, as Natalia wrapped an arm around her, offering her support.
Sometimes seemingly irrational fears turned out to be exactly that—Irrational, Olivia quickly reminded herself. But then, the realist in her took over, reminding her that sometimes… they turned out to be intuitive wisdom in disguise.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009… Springfield—11:15 p.m. Central Daylight Time
Jen and Tracy were lying on the sofa, bodies entwined as they shared a slow kiss, when Tracy's phone chirped out the ringtone that told her Olivia was calling. They had been snuggled up together in front of a blazing fire, talking for the better part of an hour. They openly discussed the fact that their decision to come out was the most likely catalyst for Preston's actions; though they were hard-pressed to figure out exactly how he found out. It wasn't as though they ran in the same circles, and his contact with the boys was very limited.
Regardless, Jen was firm in her convictions—she wasn't the least bit sorry for their decision, and she made it clear that she wouldn't stand for Tracy regretting it either.
Tracy just smiled at her, and assured her there was no need to worry—there was no room for regret between them. Long before they even shared their first kiss, she had been all in, and she had no intention of changing her mind. Not now. Not ever.
Jen just smiled and kissed her, and then she rested her head against Tracy's chest; burrowing into the comfort and safety of her partner's body.
Though the gravity of their situation was never far from their thoughts, thanks to Tracy's efforts, the weightiness of their conversation had lightened considerably as they lay there together. She found cute little anecdotes to tell, and spent a little time flirting with Jen, all in an effort to calm her tattered emotions.
It was in one of those moments of levity that Jen shifted from where her head had been pillowed on a familiar breast, peering up at her partner. Earth met sky, as their gazes fell into place, and Jen offered a faint, yet sincere smile. "Thank you," she whispered. Her fingertips lightly brushed Tracy's cheek.
No further explanation was necessary. Tracy knew exactly what Jen meant, and she smiled into those eyes of soul-piercing blue. "Anything for you—always and forever," she quietly vowed, as her fingers fell into silky golden locks.
Gently, she caressed the back of Jen's neck. And Jen responded by shifting her body upward, brushing her lips against that soft mouth that always begged to be kissed; even when Tracy was asleep.
"I love you," Jen murmured against Tracy's mouth, before deepening the kiss.
And it was within the midst of that kiss, with Jen's hand languorously exploring the soft breasts beneath Tracy's faded Bears jersey, and Tracy's hands burrowing beneath the back of Jen's t-shirt, that the phone rang with Olivia's return call. They both knew exactly where their encounter was leading; and both were in desperate need of the connection lovemaking would bring. And had Tracy not known who was calling, a discontented groan would have slipped from her lips, and she never would have touched that phone. Instead, she was thankful to finally be hearing that ringtone.
Jen, on the other hand, wasn't so thankful for the interruption. She practically growled with discontentment when Tracy slipped a hand into the pocket of her jeans to retrieve the intrusive object.
"Please don't—," Jen husked, as she grasped Tracy's wrist, attempting to halt the excavation. "I need you—"
The words came out in a raspy plea, and it nearly killed Tracy to deny her; but this call was far too important. "I have to, Babe," she murmured regretfully against Jen's mouth. She pressed a parting kiss to those lips. "It's Olivia."
The puzzled expression on Jen's face asked the question.
"I set the ringtone for her and Natalia this morning, after I left the message."
Jen backed her hand away, allowing Tracy to pull the phone from her pocket, as Tracy continued her explanation. "I didn't want to chance missing their call."
Nodding, Jen relented completely, and together, they were moving into an upright position when Tracy hit the button to accept the call. "Hey, Boss Lady," she greeted with genuine affection. The phone was on speaker, and Jen was perched in her lap.
Olivia could tell that Tracy was trying to keep things light, but she could also hear the worry in the young woman's voice. "Hey, yourself, Tracy," she said, warmly. "I hope it's not too late to call." Her tone asked the question.
"Not at all," Tracy assured. "It's a relief to hear from you."
"How you guys holding up?"
The sincerity in Olivia's tone touched Jen deeply, and she felt the sting of tears as they welled up in her eyes. Doing her best to keep her voice level, she answered honestly, telling Olivia that they were hanging in there, but that it was tough, and they were scared.
The empathy that Olivia felt for the two of them was overwhelming—she knew it could very well be her facing this ordeal. And her only thought was to do everything she could to help them. It was a side of her character that began its development with Natalia, and had been growing steadily ever since. She found herself offering to contact Grayson McAlister, a high-profile child custody attorney she knew in Chicago, and retain him on their behalf.
A look of surprise passed over Natalia's features when she heard Olivia say his name. He was so well-known and highly respected in his field of expertise that even she knew who he was; and she was beyond impressed that Olivia knew him personally. Though, she realized she probably shouldn't have been surprised that was the case. With an attorney of his caliber in their back pocket, Natalia had no doubt that Jen and Tracy would prevail against Preston Morgan—and so would she and Olivia, if Phillip, Alan, or Frank ever came after their children. A slight smile touched her lips as she took comfort in that knowledge, and she casually draped an arm around Olivia, resting her chin on Olivia's shoulder.
"If the two of you need some time, then please take it," Olivia was saying, as Natalia tuned back into the conversation. "Natalia and I can call in reinforcements to handle the Beacon."
Jen graciously declined the offer, saying that it was better for them to keep busy. And then they both thanked Olivia for being willing to contact the attorney on their behalf. Olivia's response was that she was just glad she was able to help, and she would call Grayson first thing in the morning.
A few more minutes of conversation revealed that Olivia and Natalia's furniture had been delivered and set up as scheduled—and that it looked absolutely fabulous in the master bedroom. "The perfect addition to the rustic ambiance of the farmhouse," Tracy declared.
"Elegant, and not at all overstated," Jen added with a smile. "It's perfect. The two of you have great taste."
"Thank you," Natalia said, warmly. "And thank you again for taking care of that for us."
"Really," Olivia said, sincerely. "With everything you had on your plate today, taking that on was above and beyond," she willingly acknowledged.
"Believe me, it was a much-needed distraction," Tracy commented.
"Well, we still really appreciate it," Natalia reiterated.
"You're welcome. It was no problem," Jen replied. "Let us know if there's anything else we can do while you're gone."
"Thanks," Natalia said, appreciatively. "We will. And you do the same."
"Absolutely. Anything you need," Olivia readily concurred. "And I'll be in touch after I talk with Grayson in the morning."
Jen and Tracy thanked Olivia again, and just before they ended the call, Natalia offered a few words of encouragement. She promised to keep them covered in prayer, and assured them that everything would work out all right—she had faith that it would. And even as she said it, she wondered how her faith could be so strong for them, when it was so lacking when it came to her own circumstances. It was something she needed to explore, and soon, she silently acknowledged.
Then, setting her ponderings aside, they shared a few more parting words, and said goodnight.
Though there was no way to completely eradicate their fears and concerns, thanks to Olivia's promise of a powerhouse attorney, and Natalia's promise of prayer and declaration of faith that all would work out, the conversation left Jen and Tracy feeling infinitely better. They acknowledged as much to one another as they crawled into bed just a few minutes later. And then, what had started earlier as an act of seeking comfort in one another, became a tender expression of the intimacy they had always shared, as they made love together, long into the night.
As for Olivia and Natalia, that same conversation left Natalia feeling uncharacteristically restless, and Olivia increasingly concerned.
"I'm worried about you, Natalia," Olivia whispered, pressing her lips against Natalia's temple, as they lay in bed together. Their bodies were intertwined, with Natalia's head resting against Olivia's right shoulder.
"Why?" Natalia asked, more out of lack of anything else to say, than any real need to ask the obvious.
"You just seem so lost, Sweetheart, and that's not like you at all. I know how torn up you are about this pregnancy, and I don't know how to help you. I don't know how to fix this." Olivia's voice was riddled with emotion.
Natalia released a heavy sigh. "You can't fix it, Liv," she said, softly. "And neither can I—at least not by myself. Only God can fix what's broken inside me, and right now, I just…" She paused, swallowing around the lump in her throat. "You're right, I feel lost, and I don't know how to find my way back…"
"You haven't prayed at night like you usually do. Not the whole time we've been here," Olivia gently pointed out. She understood Natalia, and knew that prayer held the answer to finding her way back.
There was a long pause, as Natalia contemplated her response. "Because… I feel like I've lost that connection," she finally confessed. It was the first time she had acknowledged the feeling, even to herself. "I feel confident praying for others, but not for myself. I've tried so many times, but… I just can't seem to find any peace."
"Is it because I'm here?" Olivia asked, concerned that she might be intruding. "Do you need me to leave so you can be alone with God?"
Shifting her body, Natalia found Olivia's gaze, desperately searching worried jade by the light of the moon. "Never—" she declared with a firm, quiet resolve. "This isn't your fault, so don't ever think that," she commanded; more out of need to ensure Olivia heard her, than any harsh feelings. "I don't care what we're going through; there will never be a time when I want or need you to leave. Do you understand?"
Words that began as quiet, yet firm, ended in a tender whisper, as Natalia's tone pleaded with Olivia to answer affirmatively—and Olivia was more than able to oblige. "I understand completely," she quietly confirmed. Her eyes never left Natalia's, as she vowed never to leave—even if Natalia ordered her to go. She had no way of knowing how prophetic Natalia's statement was, or how crucial that vow would prove to be in ensuring their future.
Several minutes passed, as they found themselves lost in thought.
"Why don't your prayers bring you peace, Natalia?" Olivia finally asked. Her voice was soft and filled with empathy. "They always have in the past."
Hot tears prickled in Natalia's eyes, and she buried her face in Olivia's chest. "Because I feel so ashamed, Liv…" Her confession came out in a gut-wrenching sob. "More ashamed than I was when I was pregnant with Rafe. I feel like… I don't deserve to be forgiven a second time for the same sin."
Gentle fingertips tangled in raven tresses, slowly caressing the nape of Natalia's neck. "Didn't you once tell me that no one deserves forgiveness?" Olivia gently reminded, emphasizing the part about being deserving. "That it's a gift?"
"Yes—" The answer came out on an exhaled breath, and Natalia couldn't help the faint smile that formed on her lips. It felt good knowing that Olivia actually listened to her sometimes.
"Whew! Thank God!" Olivia feigned intense relief. "Because that's the line I gave Zach today, and I'd hate to have misquoted you." There was humor in her tone, and it drew a light chuckle from Natalia. Mission accomplished.
"You're incorrigible," Natalia accused, as she gently slapped Olivia's chest.
"So you keep telling me," Olivia replied teasingly. She smiled into those beautiful brown eyes, and kissed Natalia tenderly. And then her tone turned serious again. "Why don't you start by telling God how awful you feel?" she quietly suggested. "You've always talked to Him like a friend, so it shouldn't be any different than telling me or Bianca, or Jen and Tracy."
The suggestion made perfect sense to Natalia, but it felt so much harder than it sounded. Regardless, she nodded her head against Olivia's chest, and began searching for the words to begin. And what emerged from Natalia's lips in the moments that followed was a gut-wrenching litany of the guilt, shame, anger, and self-recrimination she had been experiencing since the moment she slept with Frank.
Olivia held Natalia close, gently caressing her upper back. But she didn't shush her—she needed to get the feelings out, no matter how painful they were for her to utter them, or for Olivia to hear. It was the first real glimpse she had been given into the depth of torment Natalia was experiencing over this pregnancy, and it absolutely broke her heart.
And when Natalia finally drifted off to sleep after finishing her prayer, Olivia lay there, holding her impossibly close, forcing back the sobs that threatened to shake both of their bodies with tremors more forceful than any earthquake ever possessed.
TBC…