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 are owned by CBS/TeleNext and Proctor & Gamble. The original character Nastassia Rivera/Ana Mackenzie is 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. The dialogue, settings, and story content in these scenes are original. Written for fun, not profit. All other standard disclaimers apply.
This update has not been proofread. Thus, all errors are my own.
Rating: This section of Chapter 19 is rated PG.
Happy, Happy Birthday to my dear friend, WickedWanda926! May you be blessed with many more years of life in the midst of those you love.
Kimmie
xoxo
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 19.6 – New Beginnings:
Friday, May 14, 2010… The Lakewinds, Chicago, Illinois—11:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time
After their dinner with Ana, Olivia and Natalia returned to their suite at The Lakewinds—the recently acquired BGRC property in Chicago, aptly named for the Windy City that resided along the shores of Lake Michigan. The sudden reconnection with her twin and the news that her father had died so many years ago sent Natalia on an emotional journey into the past—to things she thought she knew, thought she needed—and to the day she realized how wrong she had been about everything. Her thoughts drifted to the memory of a conversation with Olivia, where she bared her heart and soul to the love of her life—and received the precious gift of knowing the key to Olivia's heart, in return…
Saturday, May 23, 2009… The Farmhouse of Love—10:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time
Natalia nodded her head, and sniffled. "From the time I was a little girl, Gus was the ideal of love for me. He was my first kiss… my first love…," she said wistfully, "my first, and only lover, well… until that regretful night with Frank," she admitted, surveying Olivia's eyes for any sign of a reaction.
Olivia silently absorbed the information. Mentally resaving what she already knew, she smiled softly at her; jade eyes filled with tenderness.
When Olivia showed no signs of shock or unease, Natalia took in a deep breath, and continued. "I think with Gus, especially the second time around… it really was more the ideal of love. You know, because he was my first love… and because he was Rafe's father. I just… I wanted so much to give my son the home and the family he deserved, and by marrying Gus, I thought I could finally gain the respectability I needed to prove myself to my parents."
Olivia reached out again, gently cupping Natalia's cheek. "I'm sorry that you didn't get to have that with them," she quietly comforted.
Natalia closed her eyes, to stave off tears. "In the beginning, I was too," she openly admitted. "I was so angry with you for taking him from us."
"I know—," Olivia said sorrowfully. Closing her eyes, a single tear trickled down her cheek.
Mahogany eyes tracked the tear; then a gentle finger reached out to catch it, wiping it away. "I know now, that it wasn't your fault," she comforted, cradling Olivia's cheek in her hand. "It was God's will," she declared. "He knew that even as young as Gus was, it was his time to go… and your time to live. You weren't ready to die yet, Olivia. There's so much more that you need to understand; so much more that you're meant to do. God knew that you needed me to show you the way. He knew that you needed me, as much as I needed you."
Olivia's heart was filled with a dense mixture of sorrow and hope, as searched tearstained eyes. "I know… why I needed you," she affirmed, "but why did you need me?"
Natalia swallowed hard, and then drew in a breath, as she garnered the courage to reveal her truth. "I needed you… to help me let go of him; to let go of the ideal of him. So that I could move on, and discover how amazing it feels to truly know another human being, inside and out, and to love her so completely," she answered quietly, her voice cracking from the weight of her emotions.
She paused for a moment, regaining her composure; then continued. "What I felt for Gus was real, but it was that first love kind of real—sweet and innocent. And this, what I feel for you, it's… well, it's anything but innocent. It's… heart-stopping; it's… overpowering—in the most exhilarating way," she whispered hoarsely. "The lightest touch, or even just the sound of your voice, sets my heart racing, and causes reactions in my body that I… It's like nothing I've ever experienced before."
Unabashed tears cascaded down Olivia's cheeks, as she reached out, once again cradling Natalia's face in her hand. "I've never experienced anything like this before either. It's overwhelming, in the most exquisite way," she whispered through tears, as she gently stroked Natalia's cheek with her thumb. "I've never loved anyone the way that I love you," she confessed. "With the exception of my daughters, this is the purest love I've ever known. It isn't tainted by power plays or greed; but rather, it's purified by this uncontainable desire to give you everything you deserve in this life, without ever expecting anything in return. That's not me, Natalia—At least it wasn't the Olivia Spencer who existed before you came into my life. It scares me sometimes, the changes in me. So many changes that, sometimes I don't even recognize myself anymore," she admitted, "but that's how I know our love is real; that's how I know, no matter the cost, we're worth it."
She paused for a moment, considering all that Natalia has shared, and her thoughts turned to Rafe, and how important he had become to her. "I know you don't blame me for what happened with Gus anymore, but I'm still sorry, for Rafe," she said quietly, her voice tinged with sorrow for all that Natalia's son had lost. "And I know that no one could ever take Gus's place in his life, but… I would do anything for your son, Natalia, our son. Anything," she vowed. "We may be unconventional, but he does have a family. He has a family with us—you and me, and Emma and Ava, and Dantéa, when she gets here. The five of us—we're his family."
A swell of emotion broke over Natalia, and she could no longer hold her tears at bay. "I love you, Olivia," she whimpered, as she buried her face in the hotelier's chest, and allowed the tears to flow. "I didn't think it was possible to love another person so completely," she cried, sobs racking her body. "I don't think I could ever live without this love again."
Olivia gently combed her fingers through Natalia's hair as she held her close, comforting her. "You'll never have to worry about that, Sweetheart, because you and I… We were meant to share this life together. Here. With our children, however many there may be. And I promise you, Natalia, I won't let anyone or anything, take this life, this love, away from us." It was Olivia's solemn vow.
"What did I ever do to deserve you?" Natalia whispered through her tears, as she held on tightly to her source of comfort.
"You loved me, Natalia," came the quiet reply. "You loved me, when I was unlovable."
Three little words, they were—You loved me—yet they held within them a multitude of emotions, and the one answer to the lifetime of anger, guilt and shame, and the insatiable need for money and power, that had become the essence of the Olivia Spencer of old. That Olivia was gone now, and in her place was a woman whose most insatiable need was to love her family completely, and protect them from all harm. Olivia had never been the kind of person who believed in miracles—until she because the embodiment of one. Now she believed with everything in her, that miracles occurred every single day, and often in the lives of those most undeserving of them. And for that, she was profoundly grateful.
Friday, May 14, 2010… The Lakewinds, Chicago, Illinois—11:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time
"What are you thinking?" Olivia asked as she climbed into bed, curling up beside Natalia. They'd just gotten back from a lengthy and very enjoyable dinner with Ana, and Natalia seemed lost in thought.
"I'm thinking about the incredible gift you've given me," Natalia answered, her gaze locked on Olivia's.
Olivia responded with a look of confusion. "What gift?"
"My family," Natalia answered, her tone brimming with emotion.
"Natalia, I didn't…"
Natalia was shaking her head. "You gave me 'New Beginnings'," she interjected, halting Olivia's objections. "Without that gift, I wouldn't have this chance to reconnect with them."
"I bought a building," Olivia downplayed. "God did the rest."
A bright smile lit Natalia's face. "You're starting to believe—aren't you?"
Olivia shrugged. "It was kind of inevitable," she admitted.
Tunneling her fingers through Olivia's short, chestnut locks, Natalia leaned close, kissing her tenderly. "I don't think I've ever thanked you for helping me heal," she whispered. "I know church was the last place you ever wanted to go, but you dragged me there anyway, and it was exactly what I needed. It still is."
"Your faith is what makes you who you are, Natalia," Olivia acknowledged. "I couldn't bear to see you lose it."
"Well, thanks to you, and Jen and Tracy and their amazingly welcoming church, my faith has grown stronger," Natalia recognized. "And apparently, so has yours, and I am beyond grateful for that. Just as I'm grateful for the miracle of us."
A slight smile flickered across Olivia's lips. "Me, too," she agreed.
Returning the smile, Natalia kissed her again, and then she nestled her head against Olivia's shoulder, her fingertips lightly caressing Olivia's arm. "You doing okay with meeting my whole family tomorrow?" she asked. "It's a lot, I know."
"I'm looking forward to it," Olivia reassured.
"That means everything to me," Natalia said softly.
"I know it does, Sweetheart," Olivia said.
"Are you worried about how Emma will handle it?" Natalia asked.
Olivia shook her head. "We need to prepare her for Ana, so she doesn't freak out," she said. "But other than that, I think she'll be just fine."
"Yeah," Natalia agreed. "She handles Lena and Bianca's big family without any issues."
"Exactly," Olivia said. "I think she'll love the idea of having so many aunts, uncles, and cousins."
"And a grandma, and a great grandma," Natalia said, her voice warm with affection as she thought about her mother and her Abuela. She had been absolutely beside herself with joy when she learned that Abuela was still with them.
"She's never had either of those," Olivia acknowledged.
Natalia smiled softly. "Well, she does now."
"What about Rafe?" Olivia asked. "Do you have concerns about how he'll react?"
"I'd be lying if I said 'no'," Natalia answered.
"He may not be ready, Natalia," Olivia said gently, given how they had reacted to her pregnancy.
"I wouldn't blame him at all," Natalia said forthrightly.
"Neither would I," Olivia said in solidarity. "They may have to take things slowly with him, the way I did."
"I'm so glad those days are over," Natalia said.
Delivered on a sigh of relief, Natalia's comment resonated with Olivia. "I couldn't agree more," she said. The early days of their relationship had been rough thanks to Rafe's blatant disdain for her, but he had come around over time, and she was truly grateful for the reprieve. He had actually been as excited as Emma about their engagement, and even offered to walk his mother down the aisle.
"I still can't believe he offered," Olivia said with clear affection in her tone.
"He surprised me too," Natalia admitted. "I mean, I didn't expect him to object to our marriage, since his change of heart. But… I thought we'd have an uphill battle when it came to an engagement."
And then she lifted her hand, admiring her engagement ring. It was absolutely perfect, just like Olivia's love for her. She smiled to herself then, as her memories drew her back to the night of their first anniversary, and the sweet way in which Olivia had proposed…
Sunday, February 14, 2010… The Farmhouse of Love—7:30 p.m. Central Standard Time
When their first anniversary came around, Olivia spared no personal effort. Unlike times past, when she would hire people to do things, this time, she did them all herself—with a little help from Rafe with the heavy lifting—because she wanted everything to be just perfect. She arranged for Emma to stay the night with Phillip—a little father-daughter Valentine's dinner was on the menu. And Rafe, despite the fact that they weren't officially dating yet, spent the remainder of Valentine's Day and most of the evening with Ashlee.
That afternoon, when she and Natalia were due to help out at a church fundraiser, she feigned not feeling well to get Natalia out of the house without her. Natalia fussed, of course, insisting that she stay home to look after her. But after several reassurances that it was just a headache, and that she didn't need to be fussed over, Natalia relented and headed off to church. And once Natalia drove off, Olivia set to work, excitement thrumming through her veins.
While Rafe moved a few pieces of furniture to make space in the living room, Olivia ran to the market to pick up fresh ingredients for a perfect Valentine's anniversary dinner. Once she was home, she set about prepping for dinner and creating the picture-perfect ambiance to celebrate their special day.
By the time Natalia returned that evening, the farmhouse was immaculate, there was a romantic table for two set up in the living room, with a fresh bouquet of red roses, an open bottle of Natalia's favorite red in the chiller, and candles that smelled like springtime flickering in the muted light. A fire blazed in the hearth, a soft piano mix played in the background, and the aroma that wafted from the kitchen was like nothing Natalia had ever experienced.
Kicking off her boots at the doorway, Natalia hung her hat, coat, and scarf in the closet. And then, following the aroma, she sauntered into the kitchen, leaning casually against the door frame, arms crossed. "I thought you weren't feeling well," she said, her voice low, but filled with amusement as she caught a glimpse of Olivia fully decked out in a traditional chef's uniform, toque and all. She was busy stirring something in a saucepan.
Turning her head, Olivia felt her face flush. "I hope you'll forgive my deception," she said sincerely. "I just… I wanted to make this evening special for you."
"So you're cooking," Natalia said, sounding skeptical. Pushing away from the door, she moved across the room toward Olivia.
Olivia shrugged. "Thought I'd try my hand at it."
Natalia arched an eyebrow. "Should I have the fire department on standby?"
Olivia made a face at her. "Very funny," she said, dryly.
Laughing, Natalia leaned close for a kiss. "It smells amazing, Babe," she whispered. "What is it?"
"That, my love… is for me to know," Olivia said, planting a quick kiss on Natalia's lips. "And you… to find out."
"Well, okay, then," Natalia acquiesced, amused by Olivia's playfulness. "Anything I can do?"
"Nope," Olivia said with a smile. "Just relax and enjoy your evening. Appetizers are on the table in the living room, if you're hungry."
Natalia smiled at her as she moved toward the doorway, where she paused for a moment. "Oh, by the way," she said, voice low as her eyes slowly scanned Olivia's body from head to toe, "this whole Chef's ensemble… it's really workin' for ya."
A bashful smile flickered across Olivia's lips, and she felt her face flush again. "Maybe I should wear it to bed."
"Maybe you should," Natalia winked. And then she turned toward the living room, leaving Olivia there to simmer in her suggestion.
Thirty minutes later, having removed her chef's attire, replacing the white double-breasted chef's coat with a silky red shell, and black suit jacket, Olivia strolled into the living room to find Natalia sitting at the table, nibbling on chilled mixed fruit and cucumber-stuffed cherry tomatoes.
"These are delicious," Natalia declared, popping another tomato into her mouth.
"I'm glad you like them," Olivia smiled. "Now try this… Turkey breast tenderloin with a sweet and tangy raspberry sauce," she announced as she set the plate down in front of Natalia. "Herb roasted potatoes and fresh green beans."
"Oh, my goodness, Liv!" Natalia exclaimed, as she viewed the delicate arrangement of food, and the intricate design of the raspberry sauce that was drizzled on the pork. "This looks amazing!"
Setting her own plate on the table, Olivia took her seat beside Natalia. "Presentation is everything," she grinned, as she reached for the bottle of wine, pouring a glass for each of them. She handed one of the glasses to Natalia, and holding her own up, she offered a toast. "Happy Anniversary, Natalia. One year down, a lifetime to go," she whispered.
Natalia smiled, tears filling her eyes. "From your lips, to God's ears," she prayed, taking a sip of the wine in synchronized time with her partner. And then she set her glass on the table and leaned in, kissing Olivia tenderly. "Happy Anniversary, Liv," she whispered. "I love you."
"I love you more," Olivia whispered, kissing her again.
They lingered over dinner and wine, talking and laughing, as they shared the meal Olivia had prepared for them. And more than once, Natalia took the opportunity to tell Olivia how wonderful everything tasted, and how much she appreciated the time and effort Olivia had expended to make their evening so beautiful.
Finally, she caught Olivia's gaze, holding it steadily. "Are you finally gonna fess up to having prepared that mouth-watering brisket we had at Lena and Bianca's?" she challenged.
Olivia feigned confusion.
Arching an eyebrow, Natalia refused to let her off this time. "I know you're a gourmet chef, Liv," she said.
"You knew?" Olivia sounded stunned. She had no idea Natalia knew about her long-past career as a chef.
Natalia laughed. "Of course I knew," she answered. "You're not the only one around here who makes it her business to know everything."
"Oh, you don't know everything," Olivia taunted. "You have no idea what I have in store for you tonight…" she husked.
Leaning forward, Natalia's eyes said she was curious. "Mmm… is it a new toy?"
"Oh, it's so much better than a toy."
"Aw, Honey, did you buy me a yacht?"
"Yes, Sweetheart, I bought you a yacht," Olivia said, dryly. "We're gonna put it in the pond."
Natalia laughed, and told her she was ridiculous, as Olivia stood and began clearing away the dinner dishes.
When Natalia rose from her seat, Olivia motioned for her to sit back down. "Relax, Honey, I've got this," she said. "And… we have one more course."
Natalia acquiesced, and Olivia disappeared into the kitchen, returning a few minutes later with dessert—chocolate wanton kisses dusted with powdered sugar and cream cheese infused strawberries with chocolate sauce, served with champagne. She popped the cork on the bubbly, pouring them each a glass, and they settled in again, this time to enjoy the sweetness of the dessert, and how it brought out the flavors in the champagne.
After dinner, they danced together through a multitude of romantic songs, and when the first notes of the song "Valentine" came wafting from the sound system, the crisp, full sound of the piano filling the room, Olivia couldn't help but smile. To Natalia's surprise and absolute delight, Olivia sang to her about her being all she needed, and how she had waited her entire life to share the kind of love she'd found with Natalia, as they danced.
"You have such a beautiful voice," Natalia whispered, as she weaved her fingertips through Olivia's short, chestnut locks, and pressed a light kiss to Olivia's lips.
"Thank you," Olivia quietly replied.
"No, thank you, for serenading me," Natalia said, smiling into those arresting jade eyes. "It was the perfect song for us, because we really are all I need to be happy."
Olivia smiled, and kissed her again. "Me too," she whispered. "Always and forever."
Sunday, February 14, 2010… The Farmhouse of Love—10:30 p.m. Central Standard Time
As they climbed into bed after a lovely evening of dining and dancing in the privacy of their own home, Natalia thanked Olivia again for everything. Olivia smiled, and acknowledged the praise for a job well done. And then she lingered on Natalia's gaze. "I love that you've enjoyed our evening so much," she said sincerely. "But it's not over just yet…"
"Oh?" Natalia sounded intrigued. "What's next?"
"I have a little gift for you," Olivia said mysteriously. And then she arched an eyebrow. "You like puzzles, right?"
Natalia eyed her curiously. "I do," she confirmed.
"Well, good," Olivia said, leaning over to retrieve a small box from the nightstand, "because I have one for you."
Natalia's brow furrowed. "You want me to work a puzzle right now?" She emphasized the odd timing of it. "In our bed?"
"Yes," Olivia said without explanation. She handed the box to Natalia, waiting.
With rapt curiosity, Natalia gingerly pulled the tip of the red ribbon that was wrapped around the simple white box, and pulled the lid off. Carefully pushing the tissue paper aside, she found a familiar Valentine's staple, and glanced up at Olivia with questioning eyes.
"Take them out," Olivia instructed. "They're custom made."
Natalia's eyebrow vaulted. "You customized Sweethearts Valentine's candies?"
Olivia shrugged. "You can customize anything, if you're willing to pay enough."
Mahogany eyes rolled. "I don't even want to know what you paid for these," she said, dryly. "But I'm confused. How are these a puzzle?"
"There's a message hidden in them. Arrange them in the correct order, and you'll see," Olivia instructed, struggling to hold back the smile that teased at the corners of her mouth.
Natalia sorted through the pieces, one at a time, noting not only words, but punctuation. And once she had all of them arranged, an eyebrow shot up. "I'm not really sure what to make of this," she commented, quizzically.
Olivia looked down at the arrangement of pastel candies on the bed, reading: "I love you, Natalia. Will you _ me?"
"Oh! Goodness…" she said, her fingertips pressed to her lips as she feigned surprise to the fact that a crucial piece was very obviously missing. "Well, that certainly opens up a realm of possibilities."
Natalia laughed at her attempt at humor. "Seriously, Liv, where's the last piece?"
"Hmm…" Olivia glanced around the room aimlessly, feigning contemplation. And then she reached beneath the pillow, producing a small velvet jewelry box.
Natalia's heart raced as she watched Olivia open the box.
"You mean this one right here?" Olivia said as she lifted the top, revealing a red heart that said "marry," tucked inside the most elegant diamond ring Natalia had ever seen.
The moment Natalia set eyes on the final candy heart and the ring that was attached, her breath caught, and the tears began to flow as she thrust herself into Olivia's arms.
Her own eyes filling with tears, Olivia pulled Natalia close, nuzzling against her cheek, her mouth hovering near Natalia's, as her fingers slowly caressed Natalia's hand. "Marry me…" she quietly entreated, slipping the ring on Natalia's finger.
And then Natalia was kissing her—a resounding chorus of "Yeses" echoing in the intimacy of their wordless exchange. Neither of them knew how long they lingered there in that moment, but when they parted, it was only for a moment so that Natalia could savor the wonder and beauty of Olivia's ring on her finger. And she was kissing her again—kisses that once again lingered, and led them to the most intimate night of lovemaking they'd ever shared.
TBC in Chapter 19.7…