Chapter 21

They continued to kiss for long moments. Natalia's hands slipping back into Olivia's hair to pull her ever nearer. Olivia's hands falling to Natalia's waist, holding her close. They were so lost in one another that they didn't hear anyone approach until a throat was cleared for the second time.

They reluctantly broke apart still wrapped in each others arms. They both turned their heads to look into the stunned face of Frank Cooper. He cleared his throat again before looking directly at Natalia and finally speaking. "I was hoping I would find you here."

"How'd you know that I was here?"

"I called the Beacon and the manager said that I could find you here."

Olivia tried to control her temper, remembering that she was at her daughters school. "Emma has a play." She managed through gritted teeth. She couldn't wait to get him alone in a place she could unleash on him for making her baby girl cry.

Natalia could hear the struggle in Olivia's voice. "She's really nervous about forgetting her lines."

Olivia checked her watch. "And you know what, it is gonna start in a few minutes. So…."

Natalia knew she needed to assure Olivia that there is nothing to worry about and felt now was the time. "Frank, I think we need to sit down and have a conversation about our relationship and set some boundaries, but right now I have to get to my daughters play…"

"Natalia, I'm not here to talk about us okay."

Olivia looked at him with disbelief. "Your not?"

He ignored Olivia. "But I will take you up on that offer to talk. But not today."

"Then why are you here?"

"Corrections called, and they've ordered me to take Rafe back to the half way house."

"NO! He was supposed to be with me for a week. That's what you told me."

Olivia put an arm around Natalia's waist in support, and Natalia leaned into her. Needing the comfort of her love. "Why, why the change?" Olivia's voice was laced with annoyance. She just knew this was Frank getting back at Natalia for refusing to be with him.

"There is no change. When a prisoner is required to go to a half way house as part of their parole, they usually go straight there. But I was able to pull a few strings so Natalia could have some time with him."

Olivia's voice wavered a little. "Frank pull a few more strings."

"I can't. The only reason the parole board let Rafe out, was because he was going to be attending an important family event. And now that, that event's not happening, they've ordered me to take him to the half way house."

Although she was upset that her son had to leave so soon, at the moment all Natalia could feel was anger at Frank. "Are you telling me that you told the parole board that we were getting married? After I told you no. That I am with Olivia."

"Natalia…"

"No, no Frank. You tried to use my SON to get me to do something I don't want to do. I can't believe you. And lets not even start on what you did to Emma. Confusing her like you did. And Rafe. Lying to him, making things harder on me, and him, and Olivia, and Emma. Have you no shame Frank. Using my children to try and manipulate me." She dropped her head and then looked up again. "When?"

"Now, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. But that's why I wanted to track you down here. I knew you would want to say goodbye." He responded. Completely ignoring everything else she just said.

Natalia shook her head and fell into Olivia's open arms. "Could you please tell Emma I am so sorry."

Olivia glared at Frank over her head. Shooting daggers at him. But kept her voice calm and even as she pulled back from their embrace, keeping her hands on both of Natalia's upper arms and looking into her eyes. "Don't you dare worry about that. She loves Rafe okay."

"But if she's nervous though, just tell her to do that trick that I taught her."

"I will. I wish there was something I could do."

"I know, me too. Just uh, take lots of pictures."

"I will. And you call me. If you need me."

"Okay. I love you." She kissed Olivia softly and leaned their foreheads together.

"I love you too. It's gonna be okay." Natalia only nodded. They kissed one more time and Natalia left out the door with Frank. Turning at the door for one last longing look at her love.

Frank and Natalia walked up to Rafe sitting on the porch at the farm house. Rafe stood, pulling his coat over his shoulder and hugging his mother. "I'm assuming you heard something."

"I can't believe it I, I have to say goodbye again."

"Ma, I'm going to a half way house. I'm not going to prison."

"Yeah I know that, but you're not going to be here. At home, where you belong."

Frank looked between the two of them, and then straight at Natalia. "You know I'm gonna give you guys some time, to be together, alright."

"How long do we have?"

"He's gotta be there by sundown."

"Thank you Frank for trying."

Rafe reached out his hand to Frank. "Thanks Frank."

Frank continued his stare at Natalia. "I uh, I really wish I could do more. You call me uh, when you're done."

She nodded her head and Frank walked away. She faced Rafe once again. "This is all my fault I did it again."

"Oh god. What Ma?"

"I, they moved your transfer to the half way house because I wouldn't marry Frank. This whole home visit wasn't even supposed to happen. Frank made it happen."

"What's going on Ma? With you and Frank I mean. Is there going to be a wedding?"

"No. Frank is such a good man, and I know that you were looking forward to having someone. Having a man in your life."

"Whoa, you're making it sound like I want a daddy."

"No. I like the idea of being able to give that to you. I am giving that to you. It's just, it's just not the way you think. It's me and Olivia. We're…"

Rafe cut her off, "Ma, I just want you to be with someone who you love, and who loves you, and who is gonna take care of you. Not me."

"Rafe that's what I'm trying to tell you I'm with…"

"Ma, look, Frank, he's a good guy, he is. But that doesn't mean he's the right guy for you."

"No he's not but…"

"Woman, I will tell you one more time. I am happy, if you are happy."

"Life is just a little bit more complicated then that."

"Ma, I think I know, I'm moving into a half way house. Come on."

"Oh, god. I really wish that I could explain to you…"

"Explain what Ma? Is doesn't matter. I trust you. You think Frank can pick is up later in town?"

"Why? Do you want fast food?"

"No, Ma. I was kinda hoping we could go to church."

"Church?"

"Look Ma, I know I griped about it a lot when I was back here, but, the truth is, when I was inside, you and your faith is the only thing that got me through. So I was kinda hoping we could go together today."

All she could do was shake her head yes. Tears pricking at her eyes. Rafe stepped forward and took her into his arms. "Come here. I love you mommy."

"I love you."

After the play, Olivia was waiting in the classroom when Emma walked in with her classmates. Very excitedly she spun to Emma. "Hey, you guys were great."

Emma had a huge smile on her face. "I didn't forget my lines."

"No and you didn't look nervous at all."

"I just did what Natalia told…." She looked around the room. "Where is she?"

Olivia dropped to Emma's level on one knee. "You know what baby, um, she really wanted to be here, really badly, but…today's the day Rafe had to go to the half way house and she wanted to go and say goodbye."

"We should go. Natalia will be probably sad." She said, looking down sadly.

"You know that's really sweet of you, but you know, I think they want some time alone. Besides, we have your cast party to go to Remember?"

"Can Natalia come?"

"I don't think so?"

"Why not?"

"Because, she needs some time with Rafe. I'm sorry honey." She stood and took Emma's hand to lead her from the room. "Come on. We will see her at home. Don't be sad."

At the church, Natalia and Rafe were standing with Father Ray. "Rafael, it's so good to see you."

"Oh well, I'm not back yet. I have to spend some time in a half way house, so." He replied, scratching at his face.

"You're taking steps, that's what matters." He looked to Natalia. "I was sorry to hear you turned down Franks proposal. If you and Frank ever want to come in and talk, I'm here…."

Using all of her strength to say calm, she managed a small smile, and stopped his rant with a simple, "Thank you."

"You know marriage is a huge commitment."

"Thank you. Actually today is about Rafe though. He wanted to come by here before he has to go back."

"Yeah, well, it just feels good to be back in the real deal, ya know? As oppose to a prison chapel. You know, I don't exactly have a lot of time, I'm not gonna be able to make it to this weeks service. That's why I wanted to come."

"In that case lets light three candles. One is for your blessings, your health. The second is for you loved ones, and the third is to ask god to forgive your sins. And as a promise that you live your life according to his teachings." He gestured towards the candles with his hand.

"Okay." They walked over to the candles and Rafe looked back at Natalia. "Ma, come on."

She slowly walked to the candles and gave a little smile as she lit them.

Olivia and Emma walked to the door at Company. Olivia released Emma's hand. "Okay you all set, cause I think I hear everybody in there?"

"Can I have your phone for a sec?"

"Why?"

"I want to borrow it."

"Why?"

"To take pictures."

Laughing Olivia handed her the phone. "Here."

Emma took the device and scrolled through the contacts. Finding the one she wanted, she hit send and handed the phone to her mother smiling. "It's ringing."

Olivia took the phone. "What do you mean it's ringing? Its…" She looked at the display and saw who her daughter dialed. "You called Natalia?"

"Invite her to the party please."

"She's with Rafe."

"Please."

Olivia raised the phone to her ear. "I'll mention it." After a minute Olivia set the phone back into her purse.

Emma smiled brightly until she saw her mom hang up the phone. Her smile fell and she looked at her confused. "You didn't say anything."

"She didn't pick up. That's all we need to know, right?" Come on." Opening the door she led Emma inside.

Natalia was standing at the candles lighting a few more while her son prayed with the priest behind her. She heard her phone ringing and looked at it. Seeing that it was Olivia she wanted to answer, but looking at her son on his knees, she decided she would call her back. Her heart was so heavy. She wanted nothing more then tell Rafe about she and Olivia, but she wasn't sure now was the time. She tried earlier, but he kept cutting her off. She was aware that she and Olivia were both hurting with all the secrets, but she had to do what is best for her son. She said a quick prayer for guidance before she and Rafe headed out of the church.

Reaching the bottom of the church steps, Frank walked up to them. Natalia looked at him with the saddest eyes he had ever seen.

"Is it time?" she asked.

He just shook his head. A part of him felt guilty for what he had done, but a bigger part of him knew this was right. He was just trying to save her. She shouldn't be with Olivia. She should be with him.

Rafe faced his crying mother. "Mama come on. When I'm out next time, I'll be out for good." He brought her into a hug. "Ma, come on, you said you wouldn't do that this time."

She pulled back from the hug, " I did not. I did not say that. I did not."

"Ma, I'm not going to jail."

"I know."

"It's safer."

"Thank God."

"Ma, I'm gonna be back soon okay."

"But I'm gonna miss you every day that you're gone. I love you so much." She sobbed out.

"I know, me too." He hugged her again. "Alright come on. You okay?" He looked to Frank. "I'm ready." He started to walk away and then turned back for one more hug. "Oh Ma." Then he walked away with Frank.

As she watched them walk away, Olivia and Emma walked up beside her. Emma ran right to her. Olivia not far behind. "Please don't be sad." Emma said, looking up with hopeful eyes.

Natalia leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Oh hi honey. I'm okay. I'm not sad now that you're here."

Olivia stepped to her. Placing a hand on her arm. "We didn't know that you were gonna be here. We were at Company. Right Em? I thought Frank was gonna pick Rafe up at the house?"

"No, actually Rafe wanted to come here before he left so."

"Well I'm sure that was very comforting, for both of you." She tapped Emma on the shoulder. "Okay. You ready to go?"

"But Natalia needs us."

"Do you, need us?"

"I do need something from you."

"Anything, you can ask me anything."

"Would you come inside with me? Please."

Olivia was unsure but then Emma looked up at her. "Let's go."

She looked into Natalia's eyes "Lets go"

They walked up the stairs. Emma holding one of each of her mommy's hands. Walking inside they headed to the front pew. Sitting down with Emma between them. Olivia was holding Emma's hand. "Natalia? What are we doing here?"

Natalia placed her hand over both of theirs. "We're being together."

Emma ran off to find some place to play. Olivia slid closer to Natalia. Taking her hand and interlocking their fingers. "Who would believe that I'd be sitting here in church with you?"

Natalia gave a small chuckle looking at Olivia, while Olivia starred straight ahead. "I feel like everything is going to be okay. God still loves me." Olivia looked at her and smiled slightly, nodding her head. Natalia continued. "He loves all of us. He just wants us to be happy."

"I'm sorry that Rafe had to go away."

"At least I have the rest of my family here with me until he comes home." She squeezed Olivia's hand tighter. "You and Emma."

"So we still need to talk? About earlier."

"Not now. But yes we do."

Just then Emma came in from the back of the church. "I'm hungry."

Olivia laughed. "Okay. Why don't we get something to eat."

"You promised after the play, we can go get speghetti."

"And we will do that. She did amazing. Why don't you say goodbye to Natalia."

"But I want both of my moms to come."

Olivia looked to Natalia. "I know you said you wanted some time alone but uh.."

"No, I can't say no to speghetti."

"No you can't." Olivia tossed Emma's coat over her head. "Here, put your coat on." Standing and putting her own coat on, she reached for Natalia's hand.

Natalia took the offered hand with a smile. "Come on Jellybean."

On the drive both women had time to think about what Olivia was saying at Emma's school. Although they talked, it still didn't feel resolved. They both knew that Olivia needed to tell Natalia about Rafe's visit to her office.

Arriving at Towers, they were seated and Emma immediately ran to say hi to her friend Jody, leaving the two woman alone at their table. Both feeling the strain between them and unable to make eye contact.

Natalia looked up from her menu. "Soooo."

"Emma's play went good."

"Yeah you said that." She finally looked up and smiled at her love. "That's good. I'm glad. The roast beef looks good."

"Looks very beefy."

Finally meeting each others eyes. Natalia decided to break the odd atmosphere that had developed between them. "This is strange. Isn't it."

"This is a bit strange."

"Yeah. It's very strange, because we argue all the time. We've argued millions of times. And usually we start talking and we can't stop talking until we run out of breath and we fix it, and now, today everything's different."

"It doesn't have to be different."

Natalia looked down and then back up. At the same time they both said, "banana pancakes."

The waiter that they were unaware had walked up, looked between them and shrugged, " I'm sorry we don't have.."

Both women were laughing and Olivia waved her hand in the air. "No, it's just something my daughter says when she doesn't know what to say next." Olivia looked at him. "You must think we're crazy."

Still laughing Natalia looked to the waiter. "We are a little coocoo."

"I'll give you a minute." He said, walking away.

Both women looked at each other and laughed harder. Continuing until Emma made her way back to the table. As she sat, Olivia turned her attention to her daughter. "Hey, how's Jody?"

"She got some cool new video games."

The waiter sat their plates in front of them as Olivia finished talking with Emma. "Awesome. You're right on time. Look at this, you got your speghetti here, looking good."

"Why aren't you two holding hands."

"Huh."

"Come on. We have to hold hands and say grace like Natalia taught us."

"Yes, we do. We do."

Natalia looked at mother and daughter. "Come on." Reaching out a hand to each of them. Once Olivia and Natalia's hands met, the spark that was always between them ignited and they both knew it was going to be okay. They would fix things between them.

"For what we are about to receive, we give thanks." Natalia prayed.

Holding her hand a little longer before releasing it. Olivia gave Natalia the first genuine smile since there latest fight. "Uh, did you get in touch with Brandon Davis about that party he wanted to book?"

"Yeah I did, and he really wanted to use the Beacon, but he had a conflict with the schedule, but he's gonna try to rework it."

"Oh, I hope he can. He's such a good guy."

"We'll work it out. Oh you know what Emma, when I was cleaning out from under your bed I found your Harriet the spy book."

"I was wondering where that was."

"Well now you know. Maybe next time mom and I tell you to clean your room you wont just shove it all under your bed."

Looking down Emma muttered, "Sorry Natalia."

"It's okay sweetie."

"This is fun, just like home."

"Yeah, yeah it is. I got my two best girls. How's your speghetti?'

"Good."

"Good."

"Um, I forgot, Jody's mom asked if I could stay over tonight. They have a new cat."

"Oh, a new cat and new video games."

Olivia faced her daughter. "Mmm okay. What about homework?"

"Done. And since they're here, you don't have to drop me off."

Olivia smiled at Natalia and gave her a sultry look, "Okay."

"Yay." Emma hugged them both and ran off.

"And she's off."

Natalia laughed. "Well bye." Looking up at her fiancé she smiled with mischief. "Guess we'll be alone tonight."

Olivia's eyes had an unmistakable twinkle. "Yeah, I guess we will."

It took them only a minute to stand and put on their coats heading for the exit.

Standing at the bar waiting to pay their bill Alan Spaulding walked toward them. Natalia noticed first. "There's Alan."

"Oooo Check."

He walked straight over to them. "Um I just saw Emma leave with some complete strangers. People I didn't know."

Olivia turned her head towards Natalia and softly said, "boy she just wonders off doesn't she." Causing Natalia to giggle. Then she turned back to Alan. "No, she, she, I know who she's with Alan. It's not a big deal"

"Isn't this a school night."

"I'm sorry I forgot to call and get your permission, didn't I?"

"So you just let her disappear with these people?"

"Alan I really, the people that she's with I know. I don't let her go off with just anybody."

"Olivia, it's a scary world out there. The wrong kind of people could take her to unknown places."

"It's okay." She looked at Natalia who looked back worried.

"How are you Alan? Are you okay? You doing alright?" Natalia asked. Trying to change the subject.

"No, no Natalia. Thank you for asking though. I can't remember the last person who asked me how I was doing."

"Um, how do you like having your son home?"

"Well actually Phillip is, is not home yet."

Olivia looked at him concerned. "Where is he?"

"He wants to come back and involve himself in Spaulding again, but uh, before he does that, we feel he needs a complete psychiatric elevations at Ravenwood."

"Oh. Well, I, I have to say, I think that's a good idea."

"Yeah, Yeah. You known I, I think all the young people, Emma, Elizabeth, James, and Rafael, should know about this, because sometimes we parents have to make very difficult decisions to protect our children." Natalia and Olivia both just shook their heads. "Now, I have to go make a phone call, but uh, you two enjoy the rest of your day." He gave a small smile and walked off.

The two women looked at each other and Natalia chuckled. "Well that was nice."

"We can do nice, when we want to."

"Yeah, I've just, never seen it."

"There's a fist time for everything. Come on. Lets get outta here." Turning she placed her hand on the small of Natalia's back and guided her out of the restaurant.

Reaching the car they looked at each other. Olivia broke the silence. "I don't wanna fight anymore. I'm sorry I got scared before. I really don't know what came over me. It's just, it's just that….things are going so well with us and I…this doesn't happen for me."

Deciding that yes, they did need to talk, but needed to connect more, instead of answering with words, Natalia leaned over the center counsel and gripped Olivia behind the neck, pulling their lips together. Kissing her hard and passionately. Kissing her to tell her it was okay. A kiss to convey that she's not going anywhere. A kiss to erase all Olivia's past lovers and hurt, and leave only her, lingering on Olivia's lips.