Chapter 28

Olivia entered Company. Wanting to do something special for Rafe. She stepped to the counter for Buzz to take her order. "He likes your chili, with the cheese on top, and I thought maybe we could do a little cake that says, 'Welcome Home Rafe' or something."

"Olivia, here?"

"I know."

"I mean here?"

"I know. I know. But he loves your food, it's his favorite. And Towers isn't his thing. And I just, I want to do something special. It's Rafe, he loves Company, you know…"

"But…"

Frank approached the two. "If it's for Rafe, it's okay."

Olivia looked at him. "I didn't know you were gonna be here Frank. Natalia told me that you called in a favor, from Doris, and that's what gave Rafe this chance…"

"The poor kid deserves it; he deserves to go home. He's served his time."

"Just, whatever happens, Natalia's grateful, and so am I. I'm going to the courthouse; do you want a ride?"

Buzz waved his hand back and forth. "I got to run errands all day so…"

Frank talked over him. "Pops, you don't have to do that. I don't have to testify, I don't have to be there, but I wish Rafe well."

"I'm sorry, I assumed that you were gonna go."

"Yeah well, I'm not a saint, Olivia." He glared at her and walked away.

Buzz looked at her disapproving. "Ditto."

"Oh yeah, me too."

At the courthouse, Natalia was fixing Rafe's tie. "Okay, just, you know, make sure you sit up straight, and look the judge directly in the eyes, you know."

"Come on Ma, I know."

"I know, I'm sorry."

"It's okay. That's something else I kind of miss. You nagging me a little bit. Saying things like, clean your room Rafe, and make your bed, and take out the garbage Rafe."

She smiled and laughed. "Yeah. I can't wait to get you home."

"Yeah."

"You know what? I think I found a car for you maybe. Cause you know, I was going by the used car lot, and they have a lot of good deals. And I picked up a course book for you. From Springfield U. You know just in case you were maybe thinking of taking just a couple of classes at first. You know, in the meantime I can get you a job at the Beacon, or…" He let out a long breath looking at her. "Sorry, too much. I'm sorry."

"No, it's just, look Ma, we don't even know how this hearing's gonna go. Okay. I think it's smart if we just take everything one step at a time."

"Yeah."

"Yeah."

"Yeah, Olivia and I were just talking about that. You know there's, there's a time for everything. We'll just get through today, and the rest, the rest will take care of itself."

At Company, Buzz and Frank were sitting at the bar. Frank looked at his father. "You know, I did everything pop. I got Rafe a really good job in the library at the prison, I got Natalia extra visits, I even arranged for this hearing. Why can't she see that?"

"Look Frank, Natalia has someone else in her life. We can go look for a tried-and-true woman."

"It's not over. And I'm not looking for anyone else." He slammed is fist on the counter. "Have I made myself clear?" he asked as he stormed off.

"Well, no, actually." Buzz said, to no one in particular.

The hearing was starting to get underway, the Judge looked out at the court room. "Mrs. Hurst, you are representing Mr. Rivera?"

"Yes your honor." The tall blonde woman sitting with Rafe and Natalia answered.

"Good. I've had a chance to review the young man's record, which, quite frankly, I found disturbing. Time spent in juvenile detention; time served on an attempt on the former district attorney's life."

"That was an accidental shooting. I have a written appeal, from former district attorney, Jeffery O'Neil. Even the victim in this case, is in favor of Rafael River's release. I also urge you to take a look at his sterling record while incarcerated. He's been a model prisoner."

"I'll take those things into consideration. But what I need, is compelling evidence, that Mr. Rivera would be better off at home, then in a half-way house." He looked at Natalia. "Are you the mother."

"Yes, Natalia Rivera. Um, my life now, is more stable than ever your honor. Um, I have a very good job, I have a great home for my son to come home to…" Olivia walked in the side door and caught her attention for a moment. She returned her gaze to the judge with a smile. "Uh, we're very fortunate to be surrounded my friends, and I can give him a wonderful family." Quickly glimpsing at Olivia and then back to the judge as she ended. "One that's built on love and respect."

Rafe's lawyer brought the attention to herself. "Your honor, we are requesting that the court release Rafael Rivera, so that he may…"

The judge ended her rant. "Let me stop you Mrs. Hurst. There's still a problem here, and I think Ms. Rivera knows what it is."

Natalia and Olivia stared at each other for a moment. Olivia moved to sit in the seat behind Natalia and they waited for the judge to continue.

"My concern, Ms. Rivera, is your personal life. Given your son's history, his reentry into society would be greatly facilitated by a strong male presence. And in that sense, the environment you intend to provide for him, is lacking."

Again, Rafe's lawyer spoke up, a little irritated. "Rafe's father is deceased. 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."

"I'm aware of the circumstances. 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, pending…"

From the back of the court room, a door closed and a familiar voice sounded. "You honor if I may, I'm detective Frank Cooper, I'm willing to take on that responsibility. I'll be there for Rafe."

Natalia looked at him and then Olivia, and finally the judge. "What? No…"

"Is there a problem Ms. Rivera?"

"Yes, I just…" Olivia touched her arm, letting her know it was okay. It's for Rafe. "No, no problem."

"Well then, in light of Mr. Coopers offer to serve as mentor, I am satisfied that Mr. Rivera has fulfilled the requirement of his release, as set forth by this court. Mr. Rivera, I hope never to see you back here again."

Rafe's smile grew. "So that's it then? I'm free?"

"Best of luck to you. This court is adjourned."

Rafe's lawyer slapped his arm congratulating him. Natalia had the biggest smile. They both stood and she wrapped her arms around him. "It's really over, you are coming home." She kissed his cheek.

Frank and Olivia both made their way to Rafe and Natalia. Rafe came out from behind the table and hugged Frank. "Frank, I don't, thank you. I don't know what else to say, really. Thank you so much man."

"We um, we have plenty of time to talk. I'm taking this mentoring thing very seriously."

"Yeah, that's fine."

Natalia looked to Frank. "I wouldn't have my son if it weren't for you. I am eternally grateful to you. Frank. You're the best man I know."

"Your son deserved a break." Frank headed to the door at the back of the room.

Rafe grabbed Natalia's hand before she could reach Olivia. "Come on, Mama, we got to sign some paperwork."

"Okay, let me get my purse." The two walked away to sign the papers.

Frank also had papers to sign and was waiting his turn at the front of the courtroom when Olivia approached him. "So, it turns out you are a saint."

"The court would have appointed him a mentor, it just would have taken longer."

"Mm, why'd you change your mind and come here Frank?"

"I was just dropping paperwork off at the station, I just thought I'd pop right in."

"A saint and a liar. That's an interesting combination. Thank you."

"I didn't do it for you."

"Oh, I know, I know why you did it Frank. Just remember who you're up against, okay."

Before he could respond Rafe's lawyer appeared. "Hey Frank, can I steal you for a second. The judge wants to go over a preliminary schedule for you and Rafe."

"Sure."

"Okay."

The two moved to Rafe and the judge, leaving Olivia and Natalia semi alone for a minute.

Natalia stepped closer to Olivia with a megawatt smile on her face. The one with the dimples that melt Olivia. "Hi."

Olivia smiled back. "Hi."

"I can't believe this is really happening." She took another step closer.

"I am so happy for you, for Rafe." She took both of Natalia's hands in hers discreetly. Under their jackets that were thrown over their arms. "I want to hug you."

Natalia took her in a tight embrace. "I wanna hug." Breaking apart slowly, Natalia's hands slid down Olivia's before falling back to her sides.

"Listen, I know this is gonna sound weird, but I'm kind of glad Gus's heart was here today."

"I'm glad you were here today."

Once the paperwork was signed, Frank and Rafe joined the two women. Olivia was hoping Rafe would be happy about her little party planned. "So, I have a surprise. Dinner at Company. Buzz's is gonna make all your favorite things, and I think there might even be a sugar free cake."

Natalia was touched by her partners efforts. "Oh, that is so sweet of you Olivia. That's perfect."

Rafe ran a hand down his face. "Um, yeah, just, I'm sorry. I'm not really sure I'm up for a, a big hurray tonight, with everyone."

"Okay."

"I'm sorry."

"No, no, spend some time alone with your mom, I understand."

"Alright. Hey Frank, if you want, that can be the first thing we check off our list."

"No, that's alright. I think that's a good call, just keeping it family tonight."

"You sure?"

"Don't worry about it, we've got plenty of time."

"Okay. Ma, you ready?'

"Yeah, we're, we're gonna go home. We're really gonna go home. Hey, can you give me a minute?"

"Yeah, I'll, I'll wait outside."

Once Frank and Rafe walked out, Olivia took Natalia's hands. "So, how do you wanna do this?"

"I, I don't know. I guess I didn't think about it too much. I mean, you're gonna pickup Emma right? And then, then you'll come home. Right?"

"Um, I was thinking, why don't Em and I stay at the Beacon for a few nights, let you and Rafe have some time."

"What? Olivia, no. I, I want our family, in our home. Where we belong. All of us."

"I know, I do too, but Rafe, he doesn't even want dinner at Company, this, you, me, Emma, that's a whole family, thrust at him, all at once. I just, I just think he could use some time to adjust."

"He knows you and Emma live there."

"I know, I know, and I want to be there, I do. You know I hate being away from you…"

"Then what? What, Olivia? You can't stay at the Beacon forever; we have to face this."

"I'm not running from it. I just think letting him have a few days to adjust would be best for everyone. He's changed, we've changed, let's let him get settled, and then, then we'll bite the bullet, we'll tell him and I'll come home. Okay?"

"How long Olivia?"

"Just a few days. That's all, just some time, for him to get used to everything at a real house."

Natalia knew there was more to it but let it go for now. Pouting she whined at Olivia. "Fine, but I want phone calls, lots of phone calls. And no more than three days. Got it?"

"Got it. I really do think this is for the best."

"Yeah, okay. I don't have to like it though."

"No, no you don't. I love you sweetheart."

"I love you too. Now kiss me."

"Yes ma'am." She pulled Natalia firm against her body and covered her mouth with her own. Kissing her deeply. Knowing this was their last kiss of the evening, they savored it. Kissing with fever. Olivia ran her tongue along Natalia's bottom lip, seeking entrance, that was instantly granted. Their tongues dueling while they clung to each other. Both kissing for different reasons. Natalia to assure. Olivia to try and hold on.