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, Doris and Ashlee Wolfe are owned by CBS/TeleNext and Proctor & Gamble. The original characters of Ana Mackenzie, Detective Sergeant Langston Malloy, Attorney Danika Kováč, and their daughter, McKenna, Tracy Jackson, Jennifer Morgan, and their sons Jacob and Dylan, Jacqueline Morgan, Bennett Thomas and her daughter Lauren, and Toni Martin are the property of this author, and any resemblance to fictional characters, or real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
No copyright infringement intended with regard to Guiding Light, CBS/TeleNext, Proctor & Gamble, or any other entity. With the exception the Farmhouse of Love, and some dialogue from the 5.20.2009 episode of Guiding Light, the dialogue, settings, and story content in these scenes are original. Written for fun, not profit. All other standard disclaimers apply.
Rating: Chapter 19 is rated PG.
Author's Note: This update moves us forward to May of 2010, as I work to sync up Confessions… and Snapshots… Pay particular attention to the dates because it does bounce around in time just a bit toward the end. And don't mind the snippets of seemingly "lost" story. They aren't really lost… for the sake of time and continuity between the two stories, they'll just be told out of sequence.
Finally, this update has not been edited, so all mistakes are my own.
I hope you all continue to enjoy!
Kimberly
Confessions Lead to Strange Bedfellows
Copyright May 2009
"Sometimes life takes unexpected turns. Sometimes we hide the very core of our existence because we fear the judgment of others. Sometimes the universe shifts and we are provided with a brief moment to begin anew. These moments allow us to become fearless and let our perfectly created souls shine."
― Cori Garrison, New Beginnings
Chapter 19.2 – New Beginnings:
Monday, May 3, 2010… The North Shore, Highland Park, Illinois—10:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time
Ana Mackenzie lounged comfortably on the cushioned wrought-iron loveseat on the veranda of the picturesque cottage she had called home for nearly a decade, her bare feet tucked up beneath her. With a breathtaking view, it overlooked the North Shore of Chicago's Lake Michigan, and she never tired of gazing out across the deep blue waters. A typical breezy Spring morning in Highland Park, the winds drifted across the lake, catching the sails of the boats that lazed in the water. Dark eyes scanned the lush green lawn that stretched out from the terrace until it disappeared over the knoll that led to the boat dock on their private beach, as slowly, she sipped her morning coffee—a Jamaican blend that they had brought back from their last vacation. It was perfect, as far as mornings go.
She heard the familiar creaking of the screen door, and glanced up, meeting sparkling emerald eyes and a smile that still made her heart race, even after fifteen years of togetherness. "Good morning, Love," she said, softly.
"Morning…" The softly murmured sing-song reply was followed by a welcomed kiss, and then Ana was being enveloped in strong, loving arms. She reveled in the solid strength of that warm body against her own.
Releasing a soft sigh, she leaned back, enjoying the firmness of that familiar body wrapped around her own. There was a comfort in it like none other, and she truly felt blessed by God to be loved so completely.
They sat in quiet solitude for a while, listening to the rush of the water in the nearby fountain, and the birds singing their morning tunes. "Something on your mind?" her partner finally asked.
Ana smiled, producing the most heart-stopping set of dimples. She loved the feeling of being known so intimately that her silence spoke volumes. Taking that familiar hand into her own, she intertwined their fingers. "I was flipping through the Tribune this morning, and found a job listing that looks really promising," she shared.
"People still look for jobs in the paper?" There was a teasing lilt to that smooth alto voice.
"Yes—" Ana laughed, as she bumped her shoulder into her partner's chest. "Not everything in this world is electronic. At least not yet."
There was a decided pause, and then, "Are you certain you're ready to go back to work, Darling?" The voice held affectionate concern. "It's not like we need the money."
"I know we don't. And this isn't about money."
"What is it about, then?"
"I don't know. There's just something about this particular job. I feel like it's drawing me, Honey. A new beginning, perhaps?" Ana replied. "All I know is that when I saw it, I knew it was right. Like I've been waiting for it most of my life. Maybe even longer…" The sense of rightness simply baffled her.
A light kiss was bestowed upon her temple, followed by a softly uttered promise. "Well, you know I'll support whatever you decision you make."
"I know…" Ana smiled into that mesmerizing emerald gaze, as her fingertips brushed her partner's cheek. "I love you for that, and so much more." Leaning close, she sealed her declaration with a tender kiss that soon lingered.
"I love you more," came the intimately whispered reply as their lips parted. It was what they had always said to one another in response to a declaration of love. "I have to get going now, or I'll be late."
"And we wouldn't want that," Ana said, supportively. "Your work is far too important."
An affectionate smile sprouted in response. "Yes," came the solid agreement. "But never more important than you."
Tuesday, May 4, 2010… Governor's Mansion, Springfield—6:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time
"So when does Lauren get in?" Doris inquired as she poured Bennett's morning cup of coffee—the first one, at least.
"Around nine on Friday evening," Bennett answered. Absently, she flipped through the pages of the Springfield Journal. "Though I don't imagine we'll see her until Saturday afternoon," she commented, wiggling her eyebrows at Doris over the top of her newspaper. Having just recently discovered the finer art of lady love, her youngest daughter was prone to being preoccupied whenever she was home from school.
"Oh, you stop," Doris fussed. She set the cup of coffee down in front of her.
"Thank you, Darling," Bennett said appreciatively.
Doris shrugged. "It's the least I could do," she said. "I burned your toast."
"You never have been much good in the kitchen," Bennett lightheartedly accused.
A roguish grin hijacked Doris's lips. "That's not what you said the other night…" she intoned.
Bennett cocked an eyebrow. "I was referring to your cooking skills."
"Cooking… eating…" Doris nonchalantly paralleled.
Amused, Bennett chuckled. Setting her paper aside, she reached out an arm, wrapping it around Doris's waist, and tugging. Doris let out a screech of surprise that turned to laughter, as she was pulled down into Bennett's lap. It reminded her of their early days together, and how much she loved Bennett's playfulness.
Casually, she draped her arms around Bennett's neck, settling in. "You make me feel young again," she mused.
Bennett smiled. "I just don't ever want to lose sight of how lucky we are to have this new beginning," she said.
"It's been almost a year," Doris reminisced.
"Yes, it has," Bennett agreed, her warm mouth trailing soft kisses along Doris's neck. "And every single morning with you is a gift," she whispered.
Tilting her head, Doris searched Bennett's dark eyes. "Let's make this one extra special," she said suggestively.
"We'll be late for work," Bennett noted.
"I'm the fucking Governor," Doris reminded with a grin, as if that was the answer to everything. And then she claimed Bennett's mouth in a searing kiss that silenced every single one of the Judge's protests.
They would be late for work, indeed.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010… Ashlee Wolfe's Apartment—7:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time
"You know, I'm leavin' early Monday morning," Rafe said, his voice gruff with nervousness as he settled in on the sofa next to Ashlee. They'd just finished dinner—another one where they cooked and cleaned up together. It was becoming quite a habit, and Rafe wasn't so certain he wanted to give that up. But Josh had offered him a chance to head up the crew on the finish work at the New Beginnings office in Chicago, and he really wanted to do something to make his mothers proud. "Won't be back until the Holiday weekend," he commented, referring to Memorial Day.
"I know," Ashlee sighed discontentedly. She hated that he was leaving, but understood why he wanted to go. "But I'm really proud of you, wanting to do the work on the building for your moms."
Rafe beamed. "Well, this New Beginnings thing is really important to them, so I really wanted to do my part," he said. "And I think they're kinda proud of me for steppin' up, too."
"Well, who could blame them?" Ashlee reasoned. "It's a big deal, Josh trusting you with all that responsibility. You've only worked for him for about a year. And part time at that, because you're so busy with school," she remarked. Despite the devastating loss they'd endured the previous summer, he was in his second year at the University of Illinois—Springfield, and they were all proud of him for that, as well.
"Thanks," Rafe said bashfully, helpless to hide the flush on his cheeks. He cleared his throat nervously, and took a deep breath. "I, uh…" he began uncertainly. "I know we've been friends for a while, and I don't wanna make things weird, but… I was uh, I was wondering if maybe you'd like to be my, uh… my date… for the Memorial Day barbeque my parents are having."
Ashlee's eyes lit up at the invitation. Awkward as it was, she'd been dying to hear those words from him for what seemed like forever! Before he could wriggle out of it, she flung her arms around his neck as she squealed, "I'd love to!"
Chuckling at her exuberance, Rafe wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close. "I was hoping you might be excited about that," he said. "And… that maybe…"
Sensing the shift in his tone, Ashlee leaned back, catching his gaze. "Maybe what, Rafe?"
"Well, my Ma is driving up to Chicago next weekend with Emma," Rafe shared, growing a bit braver in the wake of her excitement over the invitation to the barbeque. "And I thought maybe you'd like to come along to see me," he shrugged, trying to sound indifferent to her response. "You'd have your own room at the hotel and everything," he was quick to reassure.
Arching an eyebrow, Ashlee smiled. "I, uh… I actually wouldn't mind all that much if I didn't have my own room," she admitted, her face flushing deep crimson at her own brazenness.
Rafe's eyes widened in surprise. "Re-really?"
Ashlee leveled him with a look. "Well, I may not sleep around, but I'm not some Vestal Virgin, Rafe." She sounded hurt—a throwback to the days when she struggled with her weight and its impact on her self-image.
Opening his mouth to speak, Rafe found himself at a loss for words. And so he simply closed it again, pausing for several moments to gather his thoughts. "I'm sorry, Ash," he finally said. "I never meant to insinuate anything, or disrespect you in any way. I just… I learned the hard way about mistakes when it comes to sex, and I don't ever want to be in that place again. So… I know it sounds really lame, but my reaction was really about me, not you."
Releasing a slow breath, Ashlee nodded. "No, I'm the one who's sorry," she said. "I should've realized… I mean, I know what you've been through in the past."
Rafe offered a wobbly smile as he reached up, brushing wayward strands of blonde hair from Ashlee's face so that he could gaze into those bright blue eyes. "It's not that I don't think about being with you that way, because believe me, I do," he confessed. "But… I don't wanna rush into anything, if that's okay with you."
Looking skeptical, Ashlee furrowed her brow, "Does that include kissing?" she asked with a pout.
Rafe laughed. "That definitely does not include kissing," he answered, emphasizing the negative. And then he leaned close, brushing his nose against Ashlee's, drawing a giggle from her. "So maybe we could rush into that right now," he suggested.
Ashlee bit her lower lip, and giggled again. "I thought you'd never ask," she whispered. And moments later they found themselves lost in kisses that lasted nearly all evening long.
Friday, May 7, 2010… Toni Martin's Apartment, Springfield—9:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time
At the sound of an unexpected knock at her door, Toni Martin padded barefoot across the hardwood floor toward the source. "Lauren?" she questioned, surprise in her tone as she opened the door after peeking through the peephole. "Oh, my god, Babe, what are you… I wasn't expecting you until tonight!" she squealed happily.
Laughing gleefully, Lauren pushed through the door, and dropping her bags on the floor, she scooped Toni up into her arms, kissing her passionately. "I couldn't wait to see you," she said, once she released her.
"So you what, took a half dozen flights to get here a few hours earlier?" Toni teased, green eyes sparkling with mirth. Fingers tangling in Lauren's wavy ash-blonde mane, she kissed her again.
"Mm… Twelve hours, to be exact," Lauren corrected into their kiss. "But no, only two: red-eye from L.A. to New York last night, and then the first flight out to Springfield this morning."
"You had to have flown out right after we got off the phone last night," Toni deduced.
Lauren grinned triumphantly. "Totally worth it to see your gorgeous face first thing this morning."
Toni flung herself back into Lauren's arms. "God, I'm so happy to see you," she murmured. Though it had only been about six weeks since Lauren was home on Spring Break, it felt like months had passed since they'd seen one another.
"Ditto," Lauren declared, claiming Toni's mouth once again.
Kicking the door closed with her foot, she walked Toni backward toward the sofa, kissing her the entire way. Their mouths never parted as they landed on the pillows, Lauren on top, hands freely exploring. "I couldn't wait to get our summer started," she whispered against Toni's ear as her tongue played along the outer shell.
Laughing, Toni grasped Lauren's hand, holding it steady where it settled between her thighs. "You couldn't wait to get your hands on me," she playfully accused.
Face flushing, Lauren grinned. "That too," she didn't bother to deny.
Lightly, Toni nipped at Lauren's lower lip. "Then don't keep me waiting…" she murmured invitingly.
Lauren didn't have to be told twice.
Saturday, May 8, 2010… Langston and Dani's House—7:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time
"I don't think I'll ever get over how lucky I feel just to wake up next to you every morning," Dani murmured against the warmth of Langston's skin as she leaned into the solid strength of her wife's body.
"Mm…" Langston hummed. Sleepily, she pressed a kiss against Dani's hair, and pulled her closer beneath the covers. "Same here."
Rising up on her forearm, Dani leaned over, allowing her long wavy tresses to fall around her face, curtaining them. "McKenna is still asleep," she whispered suggestively, as she trailed a fingertip down the center of Langston's chest while seeking Langston's mouth for a kiss.
Langston responded with that knowing grin. "There's a reason why I married you again," she declared.
"Yeah?" Dani intoned, as she stealthily slid her hand beneath the waistband of Langston's pajama bottoms, finding her wet, and more than ready. "And what reason is that?"
"You're as enamored with morning sex as I am," Langston groaned happily.
Dani laughed and kissed her again. "Well, at least you have your priorities straight, Detective."
Langston chuckled. "That's the only thing straight about me," she confirmed. "Now get down here, and wake me up properly," she directed.
A roguish grin spread across Dani's lips. "With pleasure…"
Saturday, May 8, 2010… Jackson-Morgan Residence—7:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time
"This time tonight, we'll be a married couple."
Delivered on a sultry whisper, Jen's musing caused Tracy's heart to skip a beat. She'd been waiting for this day for years. She smiled in response, and pulled Jen close. "I can't wait to be your wife," she murmured, kissing her tenderly.
"You nervous at all?" Jen inquired.
"Not in the least," Tracy quietly denied. "You?"
Pausing for several moments, Jen searched the depths of Tracy's dark eyes. And then slowly, she shook her head. "I married you the first time we made love," she whispered.
Tracy's eyes sparkled when she smiled. "That's exactly how I've always felt," she agreed.
"I know," Jen affirmed, brushing her mouth against Tracy's. "I just wanted you to know it's been that way for me, as well. I don't think I've ever actually said it out loud."
"I've always known," Tracy reassured, kissing Jen again.
"Well, tonight it'll be official," Jen declared. It didn't matter that their marriage wouldn't be recognized in Illinois—at least not yet. She knew that day would come. But in the meantime, the boys would be protected because Tracy would be legally adopting them during the ceremony, thanks to Bennett, who agreed to sign the papers for them. "And I can't wait…"
After years of waiting for Jen to be ready, those words were music to Tracy's ears. She leaned close, kissing Jen again. "I think it's time we get up," she suggested. "So we can get a jump start on this new beginning of ours."
Catching Tracy's wrist in her hand, Jen grinned mischievously. "I think maybe we should start our new beginning right here," she said suggestively, as she leaned in, brushing her mouth across Tracy's with obvious intent.
Shaken by the sensuousness of Jen's kiss, instantly, Tracy felt her body react. Her breath caught, and the grin that spread across her lips was instinctive. "That's the best idea you've ever had," she murmured, before covering Jen's mouth in a kiss that mirrored Jen's own intent, and amped it up a thousand fold.
Sunday, May 9, 2010… The Farmhouse of Love—3:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time
"Natalia, Honey, have you seen the contracts for the finish work on the New Beginnings building?" Olivia called out from their shared home office as she shuffled aimlessly through a pile of papers on her desk. "Josh wants to go over it with Rafe before we leave for Chicago in the morning."
"It's in your briefcase," Natalia answered as she entered the office, drying her hands on an old gingham dishtowel.
"Thank you," Olivia said sheepishly. "I should've thought to look there," she said in hindsight. Pulling the folder from her briefcase, she gave it the once over, making sure it was all there. And then she returned it to the upper pouch, and glanced up toward Natalia. "I'm really proud of Rafe, making foreman on this job," she declared, sounding satisfied.
"He's worked really hard this last year," Natalia recognized.
"Yes, he has," Olivia agreed. "Josh says he's really impressed."
"I've heard," Natalia remarked.
"Maybe we should take him somewhere nice for dinner next weekend," Olivia suggested.
"I think he'd enjoy that," Natalia agreed. "Especially with Ashlee along for the visit."
Olivia smiled. She was pleased that Ashlee was coming along. She was good for Rafe, and Olivia genuinely like her. "Send me some suggestions of where he might like to go?" she requested.
"First thing," Natalia assured.
"Thank you, Honey," Olivia said. And then she paused for a moment, thinking about her next task. "Is my gray Armani suit back from the cleaners?" She hadn't seen it in the closet earlier.
"Already in your garment bag, along with that sexy blue shell you like so much," Natalia reported with a grin.
Olivia cocked an eyebrow. "You think that shell is sexy?"
"Didn't that little tryst in your office at the Beacon a few weeks ago convince you of that?" Natalia intoned, her memory drifting back to that encounter…
Friday, April 23, 2010… Olivia's Office, The Beacon—9:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time
"Oh, yeah?" Natalia replied in response to a rather titillating comment from Olivia.
"Yeah…" Olivia parroted; allowing the comment the dangle, as she thumbed through the folder, searching for a report from the previous year.
"And… where's the fourth quarter report?" Olivia asked, completely derailing the conversation.
Natalia grinned. "It's right there…" she informed, pointing to the folder in the hotelier's hand.
"Right where?" Olivia asked. Absently, she flipped through the folder again.
"It's right…" Natalia reiterated, chuckling, as she walked around the desk to the hotelier's side.
"Where?" Olivia tittered.
"It's right here… in front of you…" Natalia grinned, bumping her shoulder against Olivia's, as she stooped down next to her. "Look…" she said, opening the folder right to the not-so-missing item before making eye contact with the hotelier. "You just wanted me to come over here—didn't you?" she flirted.
Olivia looked at her with those smoldering eyes. "I'm not that clever?" she replied, feigning innocence, as a smile ghosted her lips.
"Yes, you did… You did…" Natalia said sweetly, showering Olivia with an appearance of those dimples.
"Okay, so… what if I did?" Olivia flirted, grinning at Natalia, as her eyes glanced down at Natalia's luscious lips. She bit down on her bottom lip, drawing it into her mouth, as she waited for a response.
"Then I'd have to tell you, I like your style, Ms. Spencer…" Natalia said, her voice a low growl, as she stole a glance at Olivia's lips. "I like it a lot…" she whispered, meeting the hotelier's eyes, as she leaned in, kissing her softly.
Deepening their kiss, Olivia moaned into Natalia's mouth. "Mmmm… I should lose my things more often…"
"Let's start with your jacket," Natalia growled as she slipped her hands beneath the lapels of the gray pinstriped Armani jacket Olivia was wearing, her hands sweeping across the hotelier's torso, before gently caressing her sides.
Enjoying the sensation of Natalia's hands, as they glided over the silkiness of the sexy pale blue shell she wore beneath her jacket, Olivia moaned softly, and smiled against Natalia's mouth. "Don't you have that lower-level staff meeting in ten minutes?" she whispered breathily. It was more reminder than question.
"Mmhmm…" Natalia breathed against Olivia's mouth, as their kiss continued. "Which means I have nine minutes to spare…"
"Mmm… Loving your time management skills, Ms. Rivera…" Olivia moaned, as Natalia's tongue languidly explored her mouth.
Sunday, May 9, 2010… The Farmhouse of Love—3:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time
"Earth to Natalia," Olivia chuckled as she snapped her fingers, attempting to regain her fiancée's attention. She'd been trying for the last several minutes.
"What?" Natalia said, her mind a bit hazy. "Oh!" she exclaimed when she realized she'd been daydreaming. "Sorry…"
"Oh, no," Olivia murmured as she pulled Natalia close. "Clearly whatever you're thinking about is far more… engaging… than me getting ready for a trip," she teased.
"You are always engaging, Ms. Spencer," Natalia assured, pressing a kiss to Olivia's mouth. "Now close your briefcase and take advantage of me, before Emma gets home from Jacqueline's," she commanded. Emma had spent the night there with Dylan and Jacob following Jen and Tracy's wedding the night before, and Natalia didn't want to waste a moment of it.
Olivia grinned into their kiss. "As always, I love your time management skills, Ms. Rivera…"
TBC in Chapter 19.3…