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, Gus/Nicky Aitoro, Mel Boudreau, Jeffrey O'Neill, Ashlee Wolfe, Josh and H.B. Lewis, Buzz, Daisy, and Frank Cooper, and A.C. Mallet are owned by CBS/TeleNext and Proctor & Gamble. No copyright infringement intended with regard to Guiding Light, CBS/TeleNext, Proctor & Gamble, or any other entity. With the exception of the conversation between Buzz and Frank, and some of the dialogue from the proceedings from Rafe's Hearing, which aired on 5.27.2009, the dialogue, settings, and story content in these scenes are original. Written for fun, not profit. All other standard disclaimers apply.
As always, thank you to all who continue to read and comment. Whether I am able to respond to you personally, or not, please know that I deeply appreciate your interest in this story. Your feedback is a treasured gift to me—one that inspires me to continue writing.
Finally, thanks to my pal, MoniRod for the edit. As always, I appreciate you, and I owe you—BIG TIME!
Rating: Chapter 14 is rated NC-17 overall, for some sexual situations and strong language. This particular update, however, is rated PG-13, as it mostly contains Rafe and his asshattery.
That said, I hope to have the remainder of Chapter 14, which is looking to have about 10 parts, as well as Chapter 15 and possibly more, ready for you all over the summer. For now, I hope you all enjoy Chapter 14.2: Trials and Tribulations…
K
Confessions Lead to Strange Bedfellows
Copyright May 2009
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do."
— James 1:2-8, the Bible, New International Version (NIV)
"God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it."
Unknown
Chapter 14 – Trials and Tribulations:
Wednesday, June 3, 2009… The Springfield Courthouse—11:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time
The harsh florescent lighting caused a blinding glare as it reflected off the dull paneled walls of the courtroom. The insistence of it forced Natalia to drop her gaze, lest she be stricken with a headache. That was all she needed at the moment. The air hung thick with tension, as she sat between Olivia and Rafe at the cheap, metal-framed table that served as the defendant's platform. Her son had barely acknowledged her presence when she walked into the room, and he had refused to even look at Olivia. As a result, Natalia's stomach was in even tighter knots than it had been on their drive into town, as they awaited the Judge's arrival in the courtroom. A means of distraction, she focused her attention on the chipped edges of the walnut veneer that coated the table, as her hands wrung nervously in her lap.
Sensing her partner's rising anxiety, Olivia reached over, gently taking Natalia's left hand. Instinctively, their fingers laced together, as their hands settled in Olivia's lap. Natalia offered a wobbly smile in response to the gesture, and Olivia replied with a reassuring look, and a silent, gentle squeeze.
Rafe scowled the instant Olivia touched his mother; but wisely, said nothing. His attorney, Mel Boudreau, had given him a very clear warning about the consequences of an unfitting display of attitude in the courtroom. She didn't care if he had to bite his tongue in half; he was to keep his mouth shut unless he was asked a direct question by the judge. And even then, he was only to offer a clear, direct response, and then quickly shut his mouth. Grudgingly, yet to Olivia and Natalia's relief, he had agreed.
And so they sat in blaring silence, but for the antiquated clock that rhythmically ticked on the wall.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009… Company—11:15 a.m. Central Daylight Time
Across town, Frank Cooper sat at the bar at Company, sulking, as he toyed with his plate of food. Mindlessly, he pushed shreds of lettuce and cherry tomatoes around on the plate with his fork, as he ruminated once again on his own losses.
The sound of feet shuffling against the tile floor grated on Frank's last nerve, as Buzz approached from behind. Why couldn't the old man just pick up his feet!
Surveying his son, Buzz chuckled as he turned the corner, walking behind the bar. "You know, if you wanna send this back…," he said, picking a tomato up with his fingers.
As had become his usual response, Frank said nothing, and Buzz finish with an awkward, "Y'know, you gotta think before you answer."
"It's not the food, Pop," Frank sighed. He dropped the fork on the plate, causing a loud "ping" to resonate through the half-empty restaurant. "I've just got a lot on my mind."
"It's about Rafe. I know," Buzz acknowledged. "Mallet told me."
"No, it's not about Rafe," Frank barked. Mallet needed to mind his own fucking business. "And I'm not supporting Natalia anymore. She's on her own now. Let Olivia deal with it."
"I assumed that you were gonna go," Buzz said, with a curious look. "I'm sure the boy could use your support."
"Yeah, well, I'm not a saint, Pop," Frank snapped.
Realizing he would get nowhere with Frank given his son's current disposition, Buzz sighed, and changed the subject. "Have you had a chance to look at the dishwasher? It's making this clunking noise, and I…"
"Give it up, Pop," Frank said dully. "I can't fix it this time."
"I think you've gotta give it another try, Frank," Buzz said, distracted by the manual he was thumbing through. He had pulled it from behind the bar when Frank wasn't paying attention. "It's gonna be okay. I think you can…"
"I'm not going to the hearing." Frank's tone was insistent.
Buzz slammed his hand down on the bar. "I'm talking about the dishwasher, Frank."
"It's beyond repair."
"No, it isn't beyond repair," Buzz argued. "It's difficult to do. You just have to… You've gotta give it… You'll be able to fix it," he stuttered.
Frank looked pained as he buried his face in his hand. "I can't possibly do that," he sighed. "I can't focus my energy on Natalia's son, when she's shoving me out of our daughter's life. I really like the kid, but he's not my family. They're not my family. And now Natalia has someone else in her life." His tone was rife with acerbity.
"All right, okay, replacement," Buzz said distractedly. "Look, we can go, we can look for one that's tried and true. We can get one of those newer models…"
"The dishwasher is broken!" Frank yelled, his patience wearing thin as Buzz continued to ramble on almost incoherently. Given his current bent on self-absorption, he refused to believe his father was really talking about the dishwasher. Why wouldn't the old man just give it up?
Annoyed, Frank scrambled to his feet, and leaned over the counter, his large frame an intimidating force. "And I am not going to the appliance store!" He emphasized the destination as he made air quotations with his fingers. His tone turned angry then. "Okay? Have I made myself clear?"
Buzz looked completely flummoxed. "No, actually," he muttered, as Frank walked out the door, slamming it behind him. What the hell has gotten into him? he wondered. And what about my damned dishwasher?
Wednesday, June 3, 2009… The Springfield Courthouse—11:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time
"Ms. Boudreau, you are representing Mr. Rivera?" the judge asked upon taking the bench fifteen minutes later. He rifled through the voluminous pages of Rafe's file. Natalia breathed a long sigh of relief that the ticking of that clock was no longer her compulsory focus. She trained her ear on the conversation that she prayed would lead to her son's release.
"Yes, Your Honor," Mel replied courteously, from her seat beside Rafe. She clasped her hands in front of her on the table, her attention fully on the judge.
"Good," the judge said. "I've had a chance to review the young man's record which, quite frankly, I found disturbing."
Natalia felt her heart drop into her abdomen, and immediately, Olivia squeezed her hand in support. Rafe struggled not to glower at the bitch for touching his mother.
"Time spent in juvenile detention," the judge continued. "An attempt on the former District Attorney's life…" He sounded appalled.
"That was an accidental shooting, Your Honor," Mel contended. The argument sounded pathetic, even to her. "I have a written appeal from former District Attorney, Jeffrey O'Neill. Even the victim in this case is in favor of Rafael Rivera's release."
The judge surveyed Rafe's file again, looking for the appeal from Jeffrey.
"I also urge you to take a look at his sterling record while incarcerated," Mel continued. "He's been a model prisoner."
Rafe looked a little too self-satisfied to suit both Mel and his mother. Mel leaned over, whispering something in his ear. Immediately, he wiped the grin off of his face.
"I will take those things into consideration," the judge commented. He clasped his hands in front of him on the bench. "What I need is compelling evidence that Mr. Rivera would be better off at home, than in a halfway house."
He turned his attention toward Natalia. "Are you his mother?"
"Yes—," Natalia replied. "Natalia Rivera. Um, my life now is more stable than ever, Your Honor," she reported. She stole a quick glance at Olivia, and then returned her attention to the judge. "I have a very good job. I have a great home for my son to come home to. We're very fortunate to be surrounded by friends…" Her gaze fell on Olivia again. She received a reassuring smile in response. "And I can give him a wonderful family. One that's built on love and respect."
The judge's gaze shifted from Natalia to Olivia and back again, as if surveying them.
"Your Honor, we are requesting that the court release Rafael Rivera so that he may…"
"Let me stop you, Ms. Boudreau," the judge interrupted. "There's still a problem here. And I think Ms. Rivera knows what it is."
Instantly, panic set in, and Natalia fought to keep her expression from reflecting it. Her anxious gaze shifted to Olivia, whose breath was wedged in her chest.
"My concern, Ms. Rivera, is your personal life," the judge announced forthrightly.
A self-satisfied smirk fell across Rafe's lips, as he purposefully caught Olivia's gaze. Clearly, the judge was on his side. Now his mother would have to listen to reason. There was no way she would jeopardize his chances of release by holding on to this farce of a relationship.
Taking the higher ground, Olivia chose to focus on Natalia.
"Your Honor, my relationship with Olivia Spencer is the most stable bond I've ever known," Natalia declared, stealing a glance at her partner. "We're solid, and we can provide a stable, loving home…"
The judge raised his hand, halting her comment. "I'm aware of your romantic relationship with Ms. Spencer, Ms. Rivera," he announced. "And I have no issue with it."
Crestfallen, Rafe's smirk fell. Natalia's heart lightened in direct proportion, and Olivia visibly relaxed.
"But given your son's history, his reentry into society would be greatly facilitated by a strong male presence," the judge asserted. "And in that sense, the environment you intend to provide for him is lacking."
"Rafe's father is deceased," Mel reported. "He was a respected detective in this town. And Ms. Rivera, a fine role model in her own right who, in the face of that tragedy, has rebuilt a stable home for her son to return to."
The judge nodded. "I'm aware of the circumstances," he acknowledged. "However, I am making it a condition of Mr. Rivera's release that he be provided with a male mentor. And until that happens, he will remain in state custody."
"Your Honor, if I may?" Mel requested.
The judge nodded his consent, effectively handing her the floor.
Mel rose from her seat, stepping to the side of the table. "We anticipated your condition, Your Honor," she announced. "And as such, I would like to introduce you to Mr. Joshua Lewis, of Lewis Construction." She extended her arm, indicating Josh, who was sitting behind her in the galley.
Slumping in his chair, Rafe groaned, a sour expression creeping across his face.
Natalia fixed him with a glare, and he immediately straightened up.
Rising to his feet, Josh subconsciously brushed at the sleeves of his dark gray suit jacket. Stepping forward, he clasped his hands in front of him. "It's a pleasure, Your Honor."
"Mr. Lewis is a longtime resident of Springfield. A former minister, and an upstanding citizen in his own right," Mel touted. "He is a close friend of Ms. Rivera and her partner, Ms. Olivia Spencer, and he has agreed to take on the role of mentor for Mr. Rivera."
Meeting Josh's gaze, the judge surveyed him carefully. "How long have you known Mr. Rivera's family, Mr. Lewis?"
Clearing his throat, Josh weighed his words. "I've known Olivia Spencer for more than ten years, Your Honor," he answered. "And I've known Rafe and Natalia since they moved to Springfield two years ago. I also knew Rafe's father. He was a fine man, which is why I know Rafe can turn things around. He has a lot of his father in him."
The judge offered a hint of a smile for the first time since the proceedings began. "As I believe you have much of your father in you, Mr. Lewis," he asserted. "Offering to serve as mentor to a troubled young man is something H.B. Lewis would have done." There was a deep sense of respect in his tone, as he mentioned Joshua's daddy. "I commend you for carrying on your father's legacy."
Olivia and Natalia breathed mutual sighs of relief. This could only bode well for Rafe.
Tears glistened in Josh's sparkling blue eyes as he smiled. "Thank you, Your Honor."
The judge made hurried notations in Rafe's file, and then returned his attention toward the individuals in his courtroom. "In light of Mr. Lewis's offer to serve as mentor, I am satisfied that Rafael Rivera has fulfilled the requirements of his release, as set forth by this court," he pronounced.
In an unconscious move, Natalia reached over, taking Rafe's hand in her own. To her surprise, he didn't pull away from her touch.
Holding a pen in between the fingers of both hands, the judge leaned forward, fixing his attention on Rafe. "Mr. Rivera, I hope never to see you back here again."
The smile on Rafe's face spoke of relief. "So, that's it then, I'm free?"
Olivia and Natalia's smiles reflected the same, as their gazes fell together. But there was still worry in Natalia's eyes. Olivia leaned over, whispering, "One thing at a time, okay, Honey?"
The corners of Natalia's lips twitched into a wobbly smile, and she nodded her agreement.
"Best of luck to you," the judge said. "This court is adjourned." And with that pronouncement, he boldly struck his gavel.
Mel smiled, and gave Rafe a congratulatory pat on the arm.
He thanked her, and then she grabbed his file, and made her way toward the court clerk. There was a ton of paperwork to complete before Rafe's release would be finalized with the courts, and there was no sense wasting time.
Her eyes shining with joy, Natalia stood from her seat, pulling Olivia up with her. They shared a smile, and then her joy spilled over into a laugh. "It's really over. You're coming home!" she declared, as she instinctively threw her arms around her son.
Lost in the moment, Rafe allowed Natalia to hug and kiss him. For the first time in more than a year, she was free to hold her son in her arms. He even hugged her back—briefly. Her heart soared even higher.
After reluctantly releasing Rafe, she turned to Josh, taking his hand in her own. "I wouldn't have my son, if it weren't for you," she acknowledged. "I am eternally grateful to you, Josh. You're the best man I know." She sounded as though she were in awe of him.
Humbly, Josh smiled at her as he squeezed her hand. "Rafe deserves a second chance," he declared. "I'm glad to be a part of giving him one."
"Sometimes we all need one of those," Olivia proclaimed, as she stepped closer to him. "Thank you, Josh," she said warmly.
Rolling his eyes, Rafe turned away. He had no choice but to be on his best behavior while in the courtroom, but he didn't have to willingly watch that whore fawning all over her ex-husband—in front of his mother, no less!
"You're welcome," Josh replied sincerely. And then he turned his attention to Rafe. "I want you to know I'm taking this mentoring thing very seriously."
"Whatever, man, I'm just glad to be outta there," Rafe said flippantly. He moved around nervously, itching to be free of the place.
Mel called to them all then, indicating that they had paperwork to sign. Rafe and Josh led the way toward the court reporter's desk.
Lingering behind for a moment, Natalia wrapped her arms around Olivia, hugging her close. "Thank you," she whispered against Olivia's ear. "I couldn't have done this without you."
"You don't give yourself nearly enough credit," Olivia commented. "But I'm glad that you opened your life to me, and allowed me to be a part of this."
"I wouldn't have it any other way," Natalia declared. Taking Olivia's face in her hands, she pressed their lips together in a brief kiss, and then she took Olivia's hand, leading her toward the others.
From across the room, Rafe bristled when he witnessed his mother kissing Olivia. Cursing under his breath, he turned away, attempting to ignore it, lest he lose his temper before they even got out of the building.
After they finished signing the papers, Mel caught Josh's arm. "Hey, Josh, can we steal you for a second?" she requested. "The judge needs to go over a preliminary schedule for you and Rafe."
"Sure," Josh easily agreed.
As he followed Mel toward the judge's chamber, Natalia stepped into Olivia's space again. Her grin was infectious. "I can't believe this is really happening," she giggled, her joy overflowing like bubbles bursting from a bottle of champagne.
She looked positively radiant, and Olivia couldn't help but touch her. "I am so happy for you."
"Thank you," Natalia breathed. She fell naturally into Olivia's arms. "I'm happy for us." She emphasized the collective nature of their happiness. "You and me, and Emma and Rafe." Slipping her hand between their bodies, she touched her belly. "And our new 'lil baby…" She smiled into Olivia's eyes. "This is our new beginning."
Smiling, Olivia nodded. "Yes," she agreed, as she pulled Natalia impossibly closer. "Yes, it is."
And then she met Natalia's gaze again. "Listen, I know this is gonna sound weird, but…" she brushed her fingertips against the scar on her chest, "I'm kinda glad Gus's heart was here today."
Reaching up, Natalia took Olivia's face into her hands. "I'm glad you were here today," she whispered. "Gus was my past. And you, Olivia… you are my future."
The looks that passed between them as they talked were palpable, and though it pained him, even Rafe couldn't ignore the intensity of them. But he still recoiled as he witnessed his mother kissing Olivia again. It was a chaste kiss, as far as kisses went, but it made him sick to his stomach just thinking about it.
When he returned from signing off on the judge's schedule, Josh noticed Rafe's response to Natalia's display of affection toward Olivia. In that moment, he realized how much work he had cut out for him. Leaning toward the young man, he said, "I know it's a big change, Rafe, seeing your mom with someone else. But they're good for one another. I think you'll come to see that, in time."
Rafe glared at him. "You don't know shit," he grumbled, keeping his voice low enough that the judge wouldn't hear. "And I'll never accept that bitch as a part of my family." And with that, he stomped away; a ball of anger simmering in the pit of his stomach.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009… The Farmhouse of Love—12:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time
Exiting the courthouse, Rafe walked out into the bright light of a warm June afternoon. He released a long sigh of relief, and felt some of his tension dissipate. Tilting his head back, he closed his eyes and lifted his face toward the sun, allowing its warmth to penetrate his skin, as he slowly breathed in the fresh, balmy air. It was the first time in more than a year that he was allowed to simply enjoy being outdoors without someone looming over him, threatening to take away the privilege if he so much as flinched.
Walking up beside him, Natalia threaded her arm through his. "Are you ready to go home, son?" she asked quietly.
"I don't know, Ma. It's a lot to take in all at once," he answered honestly. "I just know I'm ready to not be here."
Natalia nodded and squeezed his arm. "I can understand that," she said empathically. "We'll just take it one thing at a time, okay?"
"Okay," he agreed, halfheartedly. What other choice did he have?
He had been none too pleased when reality finally hit him. Going home meant a car ride with Olivia, to a house where Olivia lived, shared a life—and a bedroom—with his mother. And thanks to the judge's orders, he had no other choice but to go there, and to stay. The provisions of his release required that he live with his mother, that he spend at least fifteen hours per week with Josh Lewis, and that he find gainful employment within sixty days of his release. If any of those provisions were broken, he would be returned to the state penitentiary for the duration of his initial sentence. Fuck his life.
Upon their exit from the courthouse, Olivia had immediately been on the phone, confirming arrangements to have Rafe's things picked up from the prison and brought to the farmhouse. In her estimation, there was no reason why he would ever have to step foot in that place again. Natalia gently touched Olivia's cheek, as she whispered her thanks to her partner.
Rafe thought he might vomit right there in the parking lot. He stomped away again, searching for Natalia's car, to no avail. His annoyance escalated at the realization that it was Olivia's vehicle that would take him to this place he was now supposed to call "home." And things only got worse from there. He couldn't even describe the level of umbrage he experienced when the ultimate realization came—the brand new SUV that they led him to appeared to be his mother's! She climbed into the thing as if she owned it, and Olivia had been completely content to ride shotgun; while he was stuck in the back seat like a child.
Thirty minutes of pure, unadulterated hell later, they were pulling into a long, gravel driveway that led to a huge white house with giant shade trees, and the greenest, most perfectly manicured lawn Rafe had ever seen. The house was even bigger than the one Gus had bought for him and his mother. Olivia Spencer was a rich fucking showoff. And his mother was falling for it!
Natalia had babbled nervously the entire way home, and continued to make small-talk, as they exited the car. Rafe had behaved while in the courthouse, but only because he had been threatened into it. She had no idea what to expect from him once he was completely free to do as he pleased. As a result, she had filled the ominous silence with mindless chatter, while Olivia watched with a reticent air of concern.
As they navigated the sidewalk toward the front door, Natalia told him about his bedroom, and how it was only temporary—until he and Josh could implement the plans for the efficiency apartment above the garage. Rafe looked less than impressed, which angered Olivia beyond words; but true to character, Natalia soldiered on. She chattered on about how they would have a light lunch, because she had plans to make his favorite meal for dinner that night, and how excited Emma would be to finally have him home.
Olivia added that there was even a sugar-free cake that they had ordered from Company, as she held the door open for them. She had been that certain that he would be coming home.
Rafe simply glowered at her in response.
The following hour promised more of the same, as Natalia offered to give him a tour of their home. He refused, and demanded to be shown to his bedroom. There were certain things he didn't want to see—like Olivia Spencer's personal belongings in his mother's bedroom. Seeing such things would make them a reality. And he simply refused to allow them to be true. Silently, he vowed never to visit the second floor of the house. Ultimately, that would prove difficult, given that the entrance to his apartment would be on the second floor.
Natalia relented, and led him down the hall toward the main floor guest bedroom, explaining again that it was only temporary. According to Josh, it would only take about two months to complete the work for his garage apartment, she reported. She went on to explain all of the features they had planned, and the fact that Josh had already ordered and taken delivery of all of the materials. That meant they could get started on the job immediately. Rafe sounded less than enthused.
Frustrated by her son's lack of appreciation, Natalia turned her attention toward lunch. Olivia had suggested that they pick up some of Rafe's favorites from Company on the way home. And true to recent character, Rafe promptly declined the offer. Not because he wasn't interested, but simply because it had been Olivia's idea. He refused to acknowledge that she had any place in his world.
Striving for some sense of normalcy, Olivia and Natalia went about their regular tasks, as if nothing was different. As if this negative, resistant force hadn't just landed in the middle of their world. They talked about everyday things, attempting to engage Rafe in conversation, as they prepared a light lunch—grilled chicken salads with poppy seed dressing, sugar-free muffins, and mixed fruit for dessert. But he would have none of it. So they worked together, side by side, operating like the well-oiled machine that they were, as they put the finishing touches on their meal. Perhaps seeing the ease with which they interacted would help him understand how perfect they were for one another. They both prayed that he would come to see the truth, sooner, rather than later.
Lunch was eaten in fits and starts of tense silence, and Olivia and Natalia grasped for bits of conversation that might spark an interest in him. Nothing worked. Not sports. Not video games. Not satellite television with every imaginable channel. Not a new cell phone with unlimited everything. Not the promise of full access to the gym and the pool at the Beacon. Not even the fact that Natalia's old car was ready and available to him if he wanted to go out. Nothing. And so the conversation naturally turned to the Beacon.
Thinking it a chance to finally break through the wall of silence, Natalia suggested that perhaps they could find a position for Rafe at the hotel. After all, they were about to launch both the Book Nook and Rhapsody, and there were always new positions opening up at Watershed.
"Yeah!" Olivia said with more enthusiasm than she actually felt. She honestly didn't believe anything would help in the moment. "I'll have to check with Jen, but I think we have some openings at Watershed." She was slowly beginning to release control of the day-to-day functions, including staffing, to her new operating manager. "And there might be something available in maintenance, if you'd prefer that."
Even that topic didn't interest the sullen teen. Releasing a long, slow sigh, he finally asked to be excused to his room. He'd had enough of this family togetherness crap to last him a lifetime. And it had only been an hour! He could hardly wait for Emma to get home, so they could continue this farce over some lame-ass joke of a "family" dinner.
Not really knowing what else to do, Natalia excused him from the table. At least he had minded his manners enough to ask, rather than simply storming off, she reasoned. It wasn't much—but at least it was something, and at this point, she would take whatever she could get.
She looked completely dejected as he walked away. Olivia's heart ached for her. She reached over, giving her partner's hand a gentle, comforting squeeze. Natalia offered a shaky smile in response, as a knowing look passed between them.
Rising from the table in unison, Olivia pulled Natalia into a hug, simply holding her, comforting her, allowing the pain, and the heartache, and the disappointment flow from Natalia's body into her own. And then she took Natalia's face into her hands, kissing her tenderly. Sometimes, words just weren't necessary. This was one of those times, and they acknowledged that as they set about cleaning the kitchen, working in harmonious silence.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009… The Farmhouse of Love—4:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time
"Rafe?" Natalia called, as she tapped gently on her son's bedroom door. He had cloistered himself in there since leaving the kitchen after lunch, and she wondered what he had been doing all afternoon.
Groaning, he rolled over on the bed where he had been brooding for the past four hours. Why couldn't she just leave him alone for a while? Begrudgingly, he found his purchase, and shuffled toward the door to unlock it. Given his unfortunate incarceration, never would he have imagined preferring a locked door; but that was before his mother brought him home to live with the devil incarnate.
Swinging the door open, he barely acknowledged her with a glance. "What is it, Ma?" he sighed, as he turned his back on her and trudged toward the bed. He took a dive right back into it, face first.
"I need to get a few fresh ingredients for your welcome home dinner, and then I'm going to pick Emma up from her play date," she reported. "I thought you might like to come along. I know she'll be excited to see you."
Why can't Olivia pick up her own fucking kid? Rafe groused inwardly. "I'm not really up to this whole family thing right now," he whined. "It's just too much all at once."
Tentatively, Natalia inched her way into his room, and lowered herself to the bed beside him. "Well, what about friends? Maybe you could ask Daisy or Ashlee over for dinner," she suggested. "I know they've both been visiting you lately."
"Yeah, I don't really wanna hear anything either of them has to say right now," Rafe grumped. They had visited him all right. And both of them bombarded him with a load of bullshit about how his mother's relationship with Olivia was some kind of a gift. Something he should be grateful for. Bull-fucking-shit.
"Don't cut yourself off from the people who care about you, Rafe." Natalia's voice was gentle, caring, as she raked her fingers through his thick curls. She was grateful that he didn't pull away from her. "You've been separated from us for long enough."
He turned his head toward her, meeting her eyes with a callous glare. "You seem to have found plenty to occupy your time," he said harshly.
She frowned at him. "That was uncalled for, Rafael."
"It's also the truth," he retorted. "You've made yourself a whole new family. What do you need me for?"
Natalia could feel his pain. She reached out, stroking his cheek. "I will always need you, mijo. And the family I've made includes you," she said softly. "Everything we've planned for the future includes you. You just have to decide you want to be a part of it."
Rolling over, Rafe met Natalia's gaze. There were tears in his eyes. "I just don't understand why you think you need her," he said. "I'm here now, Mama. And I can take care of you."
"I don't need anyone to take care of me," Natalia replied. "I've been taking care of myself, and you, since I was sixteen years old. I'm with Olivia because I want to be, not because I need to be." She stressed the parts about want versus need. "Being with her makes me happy, and I deserve to be happy, Rafe."
"You were happy without her," Rafe contended.
"Not happy like I am now," Natalia countered.
He rolled his eyes, and sighed. He'd had just about all he could stand.
"Sigh all you want, Rafe," Natalia said dismissively. "It won't change anything. Olivia is good for me. She challenges me, makes me expect more of myself. And because of that, I've realized how much more I'm really capable of accomplishing."
She paused for a moment, studying him as she gathered her thoughts. "Did you know I was thinking about going to college?"
"Why?" Rafe sounded almost annoyed.
"Because I can," Natalia answered matter-of-factly. "I never thought I was capable before Olivia, but now I know that I am. She helped me find that confidence in myself."
Irritated, Rafe drug himself out of the bed. "You know what, Ma, I really don't wanna hear about how great Olivia is, okay?" It wasn't a question. "I'm going for a run. Don't bother with the special dinner, 'cause I don't want it."
And with that, he bolted through the bedroom door, slamming it behind him. That was the last time she saw him all day.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009… The Farmhouse of Love—10:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time
Several hours later, Olivia and Natalia crawled into bed, both of them physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted from the events of the day. The mere presence of Rafe in their home fostered an atmosphere of tension that had never before existed—even when they first moved in, and fought about everything from decorations to dishes. The evening brought even greater stress, given his refusal of dinner with the family, and his complete disregard for the feelings of others.
Slipping in through the back door well after dinnertime, he went directly to his room. He hadn't even come into the living room to say hello to Emma; leaving the child crestfallen, almost inconsolable. As a result, as they tucked her into bed a few hours later, Olivia and Natalia spent a good amount of time talking with her, helping her understand that his behavior wasn't about her, it was about him.
A fresh bout of Emma's tears brought a vow from Natalia to confront Rafe about his choices, and while Olivia agreed, she encouraged Natalia to wait until morning. They had all been through enough for one day, she reasoned, and everyone could use a good night's sleep. Natalia hadn't argued, which told Olivia that her partner was even more exhausted than she realized.
As they crawled beneath the covers, Olivia reached for her. Holding her from behind, she tucked Natalia's body close against her own. "I'm sorry today was so difficult for you," she said, as she nuzzled against Natalia's ear. "I wish I could do something to make it better."
Natalia pulled Olivia's arms tighter around her. "You're making it better right now," she declared. "Just… don't ever let me go."
Olivia smiled against Natalia's ear, and kissed it lightly. "I won't. You have my word on that," she vowed. "Maybe tomorrow will be better, when you have some time alone with him."
"I sure hope so," Natalia sighed.
They had decided that Natalia would take the remainder of the week off, to try and help Rafe with the transition back into the world outside of prison. They both knew it wouldn't be easy, and Olivia wanted Natalia to have as much time and space as she needed, to make the transition as uncomplicated as possible for him. Their relationship was enough of a challenge, Olivia had argued. And though they had agreed that absolutely nothing would change in terms of their interactions, regardless of his presence, Olivia saw no reason to exacerbate the problem by being in his face all the time. Hence, Natalia would spend two days alone with him, and Olivia would go to work, as usual.
Natalia was none too pleased—she saw no reason for Olivia to leave her own home. But Olivia had insisted that Natalia needed time with her son, and Natalia finally agreed. The compromise had been that their date night on Thursday would not change, regardless of Rafe's behavior.
Shifting in Olivia's arms, Natalia turned to face her. Tracing the contours of Olivia's face in the moonlight that streamed through their bedroom window, she lightly brushed the backs of her fingers against Olivia's cheek. "I'm gonna miss you tomorrow," she whispered.
Fingertips brushed Natalia's face. "I'm gonna miss you too," Olivia quietly agreed. "But we have the whole evening to be together. The time with Rafe tomorrow will be good for both of you."
"Thank you," Natalia whispered. Her concerns about Rafe were many and they ran deep. But somehow just knowing that Olivia was there to support her made everything so much easier, and she was beyond thankful for that.
Olivia didn't need an explanation. "Always…"
A soft smile flickered across Natalia's lips, as she brushed them against Olivia's. "So where are you taking me for date night?"
"Hmm…" Olivia feigned contemplation, and Natalia laughed.
"Well?"
"How about I come home early from work, pick you up, and we go back to the Beacon for the evening, instead of going out somewhere," Olivia suggested. "We can have a nice, romantic dinner in our suite. Maybe take a long soak in the Jacuzzi together. And then watch a movie that doesn't involve Disney Princesses or talking fish," she grinned.
"That sounds delightful," Natalia said wistfully.
Olivia smiled. "Then it's a date," she declared.
"It's a date," Natalia confirmed with a smile. And then she sealed it with a kiss.
They talked for a little while longer, but their mutual exhaustion quickly took over, and they both drifted off to sleep. It had been an eventful day, to be certain. Another trial, of sorts. And their life was infinitely more complicated now than it had been just twelve hours before. But Natalia rested easily in the knowledge that Olivia would stand beside her, regardless of the circumstances. She had already proven that in more ways than Natalia ever imagined possible, and Natalia knew in her heart that Olivia's commitment to her would never waver.
TBC in Chapter 14.3: Trials and Tribulations…