Chapter 24

Before their trip to the spa, Natalia decided it was time to pay her son a little visit. He may not be Olivia's biggest fan, but he would treat her with respect. Walking up to the half-way house, Rafe met her on the porch.

"Hey ma. What are you doing here?"

"I just wanted to see you. I thought we could have a little chat."

"Uh, sure Ma. What's up?"

"Is there a good place we can sit and talk?"

"Sure, yeah. Around back there's some tables."

The two walked around the house in silence. Rafe could feel something was bothering his mother, she seemed off, maybe even upset. Once they were seated, Rafe smiled at her.

"Is something bothering you Ma?'

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I am very upset, no, that's not the right word, I'm angry, no, down right pissed off."

"Whoa Ma, language."

She attempted to keep her voice even, but failed. "You hush. What were you thinking going to Olivia's office and attacking her like that?"

"What? Olivia not woman enough to fight her own battles?" He spat at her.

"Rafael."

"What Ma? That woman is a snake. She doesn't care about anyone but herself."

"That is not true Rafe. That woman cares about everybody, you included."

"Yeah right Ma. Frank told me all about her. Besides I already know about her. She was cruel to you after Gus died."

"She was hurting. She lost Gus too."

"No, no Ma. Don't defend her. She's…."

"You stop!"

"Ma…"

"No, Rafael, you will stop right now. I don't want to hear anymore about what Frank said. Frank is not the man you think he is."

"Oh right, cause Olivia says so." His voice was rising with his anger.

"Because I know her. He has been lying to you Rafe."

"No, he, he wouldn't. And I refuse to believe he's lying about that bitch…"

"Rafael Joseph Rivera. That is enough. You will not speak about her like that." Her voice rose along with his.

"Why, why Ma? Why are you always defending her? She doesn't deserve it. She is just evil."

Natalia had enough. She brought out a voice Rafe had heard few times in his life, and he knew she meant business. "Rafael, you will shut up, sit down, and listen to me right now! Do you understand?"

He sat quietly, only nodding his head.

"Good. Now first of all, Olivia didn't come tattle to me, it took a lot of coxing to get her to tell me what happened. You have no idea how hurt she was. Second, I think we need to discuss Frank, and the things he's been telling you. How long was he going to see you at the prison? Telling you we were together?"

"Uh, I don't know, about January I guess."

"And he's been telling you that we're dating, that he proposed, and I said yes?"

"Yeah, Ma, what's the big deal? He's a good guy."

"No Rafe, he's not. The big deal Rafe, is that I haven't been dating Frank. I had one dinner with him, a dinner Olivia set up because I had a bad day. The big deal is that he has been lying to you, and worse he lied to Emma. She was so scared the other night, when she thought I was marrying Frank, that I was leaving her and Olivia. That they would have to move out of their home. And…"

"Wait Ma. Wait. Why would Frank lie to me like that? I don't get it. And it's not their home Ma, it's ours."

"Oh Rafe, It is there home. They are our family. As for Frank…"

"No, no Ma…."

"Rafael, you will let me finish."

"Fine Ma, tell me how Olivia Freakin' Spencer is your family. How much more she means then me."

"Rafe! That is not true. Why would you even say the?"

"Because Ma, it's true. Frank told me how she wants to keep you to herself. Doesn't even want me around. Convincing you that I'm old enough…."

"Stop it Rafe! Do you really think that's true? Do you really think that I would let anyone tell me not to have you around? Does that sound like me? I have missed you so much. I marked off everyday you were gone, and now I'm doing it again, while you're here. Do you really think so little of me?"

"No Ma, but it's Olivia Spencer. That woman is heartless, just look at what she did to you before. Our house, your rings, Gus…."

"Rafael, stop. I will not tell you again, do not speak ill of her, not to me. You have been very misinformed about Olivia. That woman, as you call her, has the biggest heart I have ever seen. That woman would do anything for me, and for you, and she has. You don't even know the things she's done. She is kind, and gentle, and she loves with all her heart. That woman, would lay down her life for me, for YOU, for Emma, for Ava. That woman has more integrity then Frank Cooper could ever dream of having. Olivia Spencer is not the horrible woman he has filled your head with Rafe."

"I don't want to hear about how great Olivia is, I know the things she's capable of."

"Oh, you do, do you? So, you know she's the reason I got the money back from Decker? You know she gave up her dream job to do it, and got nothing for herself out of the deal? You know that she paid off the mortgage on your fathers house and wouldn't let me pay her back? You know the $10,000 I used to see you in Greece is the money I gave her for that house, and she also wouldn't let me pay her back for that either? You know she gave me back my wedding rings and never asked for the money she gave me for them? You know that without her we wouldn't even have the farmhouse? You know that she, NOT Frank, got your transferred when you were getting the crap beat out of you, regardless of what I had to say about it? She saw YOU hurt, and she fixed it. You know she spoke with Doris Wolfe to help get your early release? Yes, Frank pulled some favors to get you home with me for a week, by lying, about a wedding that was never going to happen, but Olivia is the reason Doris got your early release approved. Are these the things you know about Olivia Spencer?"

Rafe sat there stunned. Soaking in all of the information his mother had just given him. Was it really possible that Olivia was the one looking out for him, and Frank was just taking the credit? Could Frank really have been lying all this time? Was it possible that he had misjudge Olivia so badly? He shook his head, he knew he needed to think more about it, get more formation, but for now, no. He could not believe that Olivia Spencer was a good person. That she had done anything for him without gaining something. He knew she was not a selfless person. Frank had told him. What if all of this was just to get something for his Ma. Like Frank said. No, he wouldn't trust Olivia.

Natalia sat there, watching the gears turn in her son's head. Watching the array of emotions flash in his eyes. When he stilled and she could tell his thoughts had slowed, she thought he might be ready to hear about she and Olivia. "Rafe there is one more thing I need to tell you about Olivia Spencer. She and I are together."

A man came around the corner. "Rivera, come on, it's time for therapy."

Rafe turned his head to the man. "Okay, I'll be right there." He looked back to his mother. "I gotta go Ma. We'll talk more soon."

"Rafe, did you hear me? Olivia and I are together."

"I know. She lives at the farmhouse with you. You guys are like a family, or whatever."

"No Rafe, that's not what I mean…"

"Ma, I gotta go, besides I think I've heard all I can take about Olivia. I love you Ma." He hugged, her, kissed her cheek, and walked off before she can protest further.

She sat there for a moment, "Uh, I'm trying so hard to get through to him. Why wont he just listen?" She said out loud to herself. Looking to the sky, she said a quick prayer. "Father, please help me to find the right words, at the right time. I know you have a reason for everything, maybe he isn't ready yet, but I am so ready for him to know and understand. Please guide me in this. Help me to know the right thing to do." She got up and walked to her car. Her heart felt heavy. She had said the words, but he had not understood. She prayed Olivia would understand that she had tried. Next time they would be the first words she said to him. She would make him understand. She wouldn't say she and Olivia were together. She would say, "I love Olivia." Maybe that would get through to him.

Olivia was packing for their trip while Emma bounced on the bed. "What are you doing Jellybean?"

"What do you pack for a trip to the spa?"

"They call it, resort casual."

"Who does?"

"The nice people in the magazines."

"Oh. I wish I can go with you and Natalia."

"What no, you got a field trip, right? And you like hanging out with Jane."

"I like you and Natalia better."

"You are gonna have so much fun, you wont even miss us." Olivia countered, tickling Emma while she laughed with delight.

Natalia returned home more then ready to get on the road and headed to the spa for some alone time with Olivia. Walking into her bedroom she gave Olivia a quick kiss. "Where's Emma?"

"Uh, Jane just picked her up. You ready?"

"Yes. More then."

"How did it go with Rafe."

"Well, not like I was hoping."

Olivia could see the defeat and sadness in her partners eyes. She walked over and took her into her arms. Kissing her soundly. "Mmm. What happened?"

"Well, I told him."

"And?"

"He didn't get it. I told him we were together, but his therapist came to get him, and he thought I was just talking about you living here, and being a family, I was trying to explain, but he walked away before I could. God, Olivia, I really did try. Please don't be angry."

"Angry? Why would I be angry?"

"Because I went there to tell him, and it didn't happen, again."

"Oh baby, you tried right?"

"Yes, I really tried Olivia."

"Well then, you try harder next time. It's not a big deal. He misunderstood and then he had to go. I know you tried sweetheart. You'll make him understand. I know you want this, and him knowing is a big part of that. Maybe I should go with you next time. United front. Hold your hand, make it a little harder for him to ignore."

"Maybe, I don't know. I don't want him to feel like we're ganging up on him or something. But, maybe you're right. Maybe putting it a little more in his face, will make him see what's right in front of him."

"Let's not worry about it right now. We have a mini vacation at a spa resort to get to." She kissed her again, before pulling away to grab their bags.

Once in the car, Natalia turned towards Olivia. "I did set him straight about Frank. And about the way he spoke to you. Maybe I should have started with us being together, so we didn't run out of time, but, I really wanted him to know Frank has been lying to him. And more then that, I wanted him to know how wonderful you are. How amazing. I felt if he knew those things, then maybe he would accept us easier. I don't know how he is going to react, but judging by his horrible display in your office, I don't think it's going to be good. I just thought…."

"Hey, stop. It's okay baby. You told him what you felt was most important first. You ran out of time before you could tell him the rest. I'm not upset, I know you aren't hiding us from him, the timing just hasn't been right yet. Quit worrying so much baby, we are headed for a relaxing weekend, lets think about that. Leave all the drama behind and enjoy ourselves. Okay?"

"Okay, yes, you're right. I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize. Just, try and forget everything, for just a couple of days. For me?"

"I will try. I would do anything for you."

"I know, and I for you."

Natalia raised their joined hands to her lips and kissed the back of Olivia's hand. "I love you."

"I love you too. Now, what do you want to do first. Massage?"

"That's sounds wonderful, but let's wait until we get there, then we can decide."

"Okay. We can do that."

Once they are checked in and got in their room, they collapsed into a tangled web of arms and legs on the bed. Letting the stress of the past few days melt away for a minute. Just happy to be in each others arms without worry on interruption. No sooner then Olivia had that thought, there was a knock at the door. She went to answer and found Blake Marler standing on the other side.

Blake was all smiles when the door opened. "Hey."

"Hi, this is funny, isn't it?"

"Hi, I saw your name downstairs, for a facial, when I was getting a pedicure, and I, you know, I love this place. I didn't know you came here."

"It's my first time actually."

"Is it?" Turning, Blake finally noticed Natalia sitting on the bed. "Oh."

Natalia waved with a smile. "Hey."

"Hi, Natalia. Wow. I heard you were dating Frank Cooper…"

"I'm not."

"Well, maybe it's not too late."

Olivia faced Blake. "Um, Blake, we are actually getting ready for a massage, so…"

"Oh, me too, so, I guess I'll see you down there."

Olivia closed the door behind Blake and walked back to the bed. Falling onto it with her head in Natalia's lap. "Ugg, can we go nowhere without hearing about Frank Cooper?"

"I know. Lets just try and enjoy this weekend. Okay?"

"That's the idea."

Natalia bent and placed a gentle kiss to Olivia's lips. "Come on you, we have a massage to get to."

In the massage room, Olivia and Natalia were each on a table with Blake sitting on a bench behind them, thumbing through a magazine. Blake looked up at them. "So, you're not dating Frank?"

Natalia let out a long breath. "Frank is a wonderful man.."

"Yes, he's the best."

"But he, deserves to be with someone who really loves him, you know, with all her heart."

"And you don't?"

"No, I'm not sure what you heard, but, we only had one date Blake."

"Well, then, you know, that's just for the best. I mean, there's nothing worse then being with someone, and thinking you're making a big mistake."

Natalia looked at Olivia and then back to Blake. "Has that ever happened to you?"

"Yes it has. But then I've also gotten it right. I got it right once. When it's right you'll know. Sometimes it only happens once. Even that is perfect. If it's real love."

Natalia smiled over at Olivia. Knowing that she was right. It's real love. She is her forever.

Blake turned her attention to Olivia. "What about you Olivia, I haven't seen you out with anybody. You dating anybody right now?"

"Oh, I'm not really looking." She replied, smiling over at Natalia. Knowing that the town gossip was not the person they want to tell before Rafe and Ava. Not that they were hiding, just protecting their children.

"Well when you're ready you'll find someone, you always do. Uh, this is so much fun, I haven't done a girls weekend in, forever."

Natalia and Olivia just starred at each other. Olivia rolling her eyes, both of them trying to stifle a laugh.

Back in their room after a semi relaxing massage, the two were sitting on the edge of the bed. Olivia took Natalia's hand. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, I was just hoping for a Frank free weekend. And I really wanted to just tell her I was with you…"

"What stopped you?"

"The part of me that knows Rafe should know first. And that Blake is…."

"Isn't the one to wave a gay flag at before he knows."

"Yeah, something like that."

"Okay, alright, you know what, we just need to take a deep breath and chill out, because we promised ourselves we were gonna take advantage of this time. Just relax and be together. Right?"

"Right. It's just there's always gonna be a Blake, or some stranger looking at us and implying, how do we expect people to accept us being together, if, if we don't embrace it."

"Okay, okay. We want to tell Rafe, and Ava, before anyone else knows, so, lets just enjoy this weekend. Forget about everyone else."

"How do we do that?"

"I think I know a way. I don't know if you're gonna be up for it."

"Up for what?"

"Come on." Olivia took her hand and dragged her from the room and out to the hiking trail. "Come on slow poke."

"I thought we were um, I thought we were gonna go for the whole spa experience, you know, nails and…"

"No, they have great hiking trails here. The exercise, that's part of the spa experience."

"Okay, so it's like a little walk, right? Just a little walk."

"Well it'd be nice if we could break a sweat."

"You know, I'm not so outdoorsy."

"You? You're miss salt of the earth.." She said, laughing at her lover.

"No, I grew up in Chicago. That's a big city. And I went one time to the park with Rafe, for a field trip and there was poison ivy every where and it was just disgusting."

"Alright, watch out for poison ivy, and just pull your socks up, so those little ticks don't bite at you ankles…what?"

"I didn't know you where nature girl."

"I grew up on an island, but more importantly, I was married to Josh Lewis. That family likes to hunt and stuff the animals and hang them on the wall."

"Ugg, Yeah, okay. I got you."

"So come on princess." She said bouncing on her heels.

"Okay. I'm not the princess, you're the princess."

"I am." She started to walk off, laughing and smiling.

Natalia followed behind her, smiling wide. Reaching the top of the hill she turned to Olivia. "Mission accomplished I am sweaty."

"Someone needs to go to the gym."

"Yeah."

"Mmmhmm."

"I just, I really had no idea that you were like the outdoors type. I didn't know."

"I'm indoor outdoor. Olivia Spencer, woman for all seasons. Is that a problem?"

"No, as long as I don't have to keep up."

Olivia stepped forward and pulled Natalia close by her jacket. Leaning in until their lips were almost touching. "Race you back to the room."

"I don't want, please, I don't wanna race."

"I'll give you a head start."

"No, that's like cheating." Natalia whined.

"Okay, fine." Olivia pulled her tighter against her. Kissing her with fever. This kiss was playful. It's a kiss for relaxing. This kiss, was for enjoying being them, together, and happy. A kiss to block out the world. Even if only for a moment.