Chapter 11: Family Visit
The next morning, the first thing Ray noticed when he opened his eyes was the arm across his stomach. He looked down at the arm and then looked straight in the face of the person attached to the arm.
In her sleep Liz had crawled up to Ray, put her head on his shoulder and her arm around him. Her right leg was draped over his.
Ray smiled as he looked at Liz's face. She looked so peaceful and sweet. Not a care in the world.
He really needed to use the bathroom but didn't want to wake Liz up, so he decided to wait for a while, thinking she would probably wake up soon. He looked at the alarm clock on the stand and it was almost 8 o'clock.
He closed his eyes again, enjoying the feeling of Liz's body on his. Then the thought of her waking up crossed his mind and his eyes flew open. Oh my god, she would be so horrified to find them lying like this!
Even though he was loving this moment of closeness he decided to get up to save Liz from the embarrassment of waking up in his arms.
He carefully picked up Liz's arm that was over his stomach and moved his body to the side without moving his upper body too much cause her head was still on his shoulder. He then slowly lifted Liz's head and moved away while putting her head on his pillow instead.
He was about to get up off the bed when Liz stirred and woke up, "Good morning" she yawned.
Ray froze immediately. He slowly turned to face Liz and gave her a nervous smile
"Good morning. Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, like a baby" Liz answered while she stretched her limbs, "And I didn't have any nightmares again, so that was great. I guess you being here with me really helped. Thanks again for doing that, Ray"
"You're welcome, Lizzie. I'm glad you slept well"
Ray got up to go to the bathroom, while Liz lingered in bed a bit longer. She really didn't feel like getting up. She looked at the bathroom door. Did she imagine it or had she at one point slept in his arms? Liz wasn't sure but it definitely felt like it.
When they got to the kitchen for breakfast, Sam had already left for work. He left a note behind, saying he had an early meeting and needed to go to the police and that he hoped they would have a nice day.
Liz read it with a smile on her face "Isn't he just the best dad?"
"He sure is a great guy", Ray said, immediately wondering what Sam would think of him and Liz getting so close to each other.
They had breakfast in silence, both thinking about last night.
"So, what do you want to do today?" Ray broke the silence
"I'm not sure…." Liz said hesitantly, "Now that I know that guy is out there watching us…. it kinda scares me"
"I understand that but it shouldn't stop you from leaving the house. I don't think that he means to hurt you, he's just…. obsessed with you. Besides, I'm right there with you. I won't let anything happen to you, Lizzie"
She looked at him, tearing up a little. She couldn't believe how sweet he was being and she realised right there and then that she had started to care immensely for Ray.
She smiled at him "I know that and I totally trust you, I'm just a bit…. wary about going out" she shrugged.
"You know what, why don't we go shopping? It has been a while and you told me it's one of your favourite pastimes. You could call Samar or Meera?"
Liz's eyes lit up "Yes, that's a great idea! Except, maybe we could go together, just us two, if you don't mind? I'm already meeting up with them tomorrow"
"Sure, if that's what you prefer. Hey, why don't I call my family and see if we can come over today. That way we can combine it with the shopping. They live pretty close to the Cooper Mall"
"That would be nice, yes"
Ray called his family while Liz got ready to go out. After the call he went to his room to get his wallet and nearly bumped into Liz when he stepped out of his room.
"Sorry, was just about to see if you were ready to go. What did your family say?"
Ray looked at her intently, taking note of the close proximity of Liz. He couldn't help but notice the difference in her behaviour since this morning. It was almost like she was…flirting with him.
"They said it was okay. They would like us to join them for dinner. If that's okay with you of course"
"Sure, that sounds lovely. Let me just call my dad to let him know"
Ray decided to make another print of the image from the CD to take with them in the car. He had noticed something though and he wanted to run it by Liz.
Liz rang Sam while walking towards the car and she told him about their plans.
"That's great, pumpkin. Have a good time. I met Ray's brother once and he is a really nice guy. Say hi from me, okay?" Sam told her.
"Will do! Love you dad" Liz said before hanging up.
"Listen" Ray started as Liz took her seat and he showed her the pic he printed, "I noticed a logo or something on his baseball cap and I tried to enhance it. When you look closely you can make out an S and an F. It's the 49ers logo"
Liz squinted her eyes at the picture "Yes, I can see it now…. that could be very helpful"
"Yes, it could. At least it's something uncommon round these parts" Ray said, pleased with his discovery.
As they drove to the mall, they just listened to music and sang along with some classics. Ray was impressed by Liz's knowledge of music and when he told her so, she blushed a little from the compliment.
"I guess I grew up listening to music. My mum loved music and she played the piano. I could listen to her play for hours"
"That's good, Liz. You should really hold on to memories like those"
"I'm trying to" she said, her brows furrowing by the thought of her mother.
"It must be hard for you" Ray said while taking one of her hands in his, squeezing it lightly, "But she'll always be with you"
"Yeah, I know" Liz smiled, tears pooling in her eyes.
Not even 10 minutes later they arrived at the mall. After parking strategically again, they walked inside and Liz automatically walked over to one of her favourite shops.
"They have such great clothes here" She exclaimed, almost dragging Ray with her. It was obvious that she had been missing her shopping sprees.
Ray went willingly, amused by Liz's enthusiasm.
A few stores later Liz had already bought quite a few things. Ray was functioning as a mule now as well as her bodyguard. After having a light lunch they went to a few more stores.
"Look at all the cool shirts!" Liz yelped as they walked into a comic themed store. "Would you look at that…. and those!" Liz pointed at all kinds of stuff, acting like a kid in a candy store.
She bought a few items while Ray waited patiently and when they walked out of the store Liz let out a satisfied sigh "Okay, I think that's it. Let's go and see that family of yours"
Ray gave her a smile of approval and together they walked back to the car. Talking and laughing they didn't notice the guy observing them from behind a pillar…
Like Ray had said, it was only a short drive from the mall to his family's house. It was like his sister-in-law was already waiting at the door, cause after ringing the doorbell the door opened almost immediately.
"There you are! Oh Raymond, so good to see you again" she said before giving him a bear hug, "And you must be Elizabeth. So nice to meet you, I'm Charlene" she shook Liz's hand enthusiastically.
"Hi, nice to meet you" Liz smiled, affected by the woman's good spirits. She looked at Ray with a broad smile, which he returned, before following the woman inside.
"Barry! They're here!" Charlene shouted up, standing at the bottom of the stairs, "He'll be right down, come on let's go to the living room. Would you like something to drink?"
They settled on the couch while Charlene went to the kitchen to prepare them some drinks. Liz looked around the room and smiled at Ray. She had just opened her mouth to say something when the door opened.
Ray immediately got to his feet "Baz! Good to see you, man!" Ray exclaimed as the brothers gave each other a big hug.
Ray introduced his brother to Liz next "Liz, this is Barry, my crazy, older and, as you can see, uglier brother" Ray laughed while receiving a poke in the ribs from Barry.
She extended her hand and she received a strong, yet gentle handshake from Barry "Nice to meet you Liz, I'm Barry, but you can call me Baz"
"Nice to finally meet you. I can totally see the resemblance" Liz smiled.
They sat back down and Charlene entered with the drinks.
"Where are Jennifer and Michael?" Ray inquired, wondering where his niece and nephew were.
"They're playing outside with some friends. You'll see them at dinnertime" Baz said.
They talked about everything and nothing. Liz hearing stories about young Ray and Baz, being up to no good. Liz could just picture a little Ray covered in mud and the image of it made her laugh out loud. In return Charlene asked about Liz and what she did for a living.
"Ehm, I don't actually work….", she said, for the first time feeling embarrassed about it. She never saw it as a problem, her dad providing everything for her, but being here with Ray's family she realised how it must sound to other people. They must think how spoiled rotten she was.
She explained her situation and told them who her dad was. She was relieved when they barely reacted and didn't judge her at all. She felt herself relax and they continued chatting, the time flying by.
Come dinnertime the kids came home and got introduced to Liz. Liz immediately adored the both of them and could see why Ray was so full of love for his family.
Charlene made a fantastic dinner with mashed potatoes, vegetables and chicken.
During dinner Liz felt Michael, who was 8, staring at her continuously and suddenly he asked, "Uncle Ray, is she your girlfriend?"
Liz felt herself blush and she stared at her plate, not knowing where to look and waiting for what Ray's response would be.
Ray looked at his nephew with an open mouth, not believing he had just asked that and not sure how to answer his question. Charlene picked up on their discomfort and before Ray could say anything she said "Michael, that's not polite to ask"
Michael shrugged and continued eating without further protest. Liz let out a breath she didn't even know she was holding, before Baz picked up the conversation again. Ray looked at Liz but she was clearly avoiding his eyes.
To finish the dinner off there was homemade chocolate mousse for dessert.
Liz almost licked her fingers when she finished her bowl of mousse "That was incredible", she said, both hands on her stomach "I am so full, I don't think I'll have to eat again for a week"
After dinner they retreated to the living room where they were served with coffee. Ray left Liz for a moment because he wanted to take the kids to bed. It was a ritual that whenever Ray was there, he would read Michael and Jennifer, who was 6, a bedtime story.
Liz continued talking to Charlene while Baz was having a smoke outside. Their conversation ended up on the same topic Michael was on about during dinner.
"I'm sorry about what happened during dinner", Charlene started, "You know what kids are like, they just ask whatever pops into their pretty little heads"
Liz smiled at her "Haha, it's okay. Just wasn't prepared for that, that's all"
"Neither was Ray", Charlene chuckled, "He looked so dumbstruck" she said before getting more serious, "He seems very fond of you though"
Liz nodded and said "And I'm very fond of him. We've gotten pretty close in the short time we've known each other. I guess that's what happens when you spend all day, every day together"
Charlene agreed and was about to say something else when Ray walked back in.
"What did I miss?" he laughed.
"Oh, not much" Charlene said, winking at Liz.
"Oh, by the way, don't forget your medal, Ray" Charlene got up and took a little box from the mantle, "Michael was so proud to show it at school. He really scored good points telling the class about his uncle who was a Captain with the Marines"
She handed the box to Ray who nodded once as a way to say 'thank you'
"Can I see?" Liz asked curiously, wanting to see the medal Ray got for his heroic act that got him scarred for life.
He handed the box to Liz who carefully opened it. Inside she found the Navy Cross. The medal awarded to those who distinguish themselves by extraordinary heroism. The arms of the cross were rounded at the end instead of straight. In the centre of the cross, a sailing vessel was depicted on waves. The ribbon was navy blue with a white stripe in the centre. Liz turned the medal in her hand and on the back, in the centre of the medal were two crossed anchors depicted and the letters USN.
"It's beautiful, Ray" she said "Shall I put it in my bag?"
"Yeah, sure" he said.
All too soon it was time to go home. Liz thanked Baz and Charlene for the lovely meal and their company and hugs were exchanged. When Charlene hugged Ray, she whispered in his ear "I approve" before letting him go and giving him a big smile. Ray just smiled back.
The ride back home went fast and Ray and Liz talked about the evening.
"They're such lovely people", Liz said, "and those kids were so sweet, I could have just eaten them up!"
"Haha, yes, they really are amazing" Ray responded, not sure whether to bring up the dinner debacle or not. But when Liz went on about the food and Charlene he decided not to.
They arrived at the house and as they got out of the car, Liz gasped.
"What's wrong?", Ray was at her side immediately.
"I totally forgot to say hi from my dad", she said with a sad look on her face.
"Just do that next time", Ray smiled, not realizing he had just invited her to go with him again.
It was late and Sam had already gone to bed. Ray helped Liz carry her shopping bags upstairs to her room, before going to his own room to get ready for bed.
When he entered Liz's room she was sitting on the bed, her hands behind her back and a huge smile on her face.
"What's going on?" Ray looked at her suspiciously.
"I got you something" Liz could hardly contain her excitement.
She took her hands from behind her back and produced a small package.
Ray walked up to Liz and took the package from her. It felt soft. He just stood there, looking at it, turning it over and over in his hands.
"Come on, open it up already!" Liz said, becoming impatient, hopping up and down on the bed.
Ray had no idea what was in it, but no matter what it was, he already felt quite emotional.
"I ehh…. it's just that no one ever buys me presents" he stuttered and looked at Liz, eyes full of emotions.
"It's not a big deal. It's only something small, really" Liz said, touched by what it meant to him.
Ray slowly started opening the wrapping paper and took out a grey T-shirt. He turned it around and on the front side there was the 'Captain America' logo.
"What? How did you even do that? I was there with you the whole time", he said, not believing she got him this behind his back.
"Well, you weren't paying attention to me the whole time, especially not when I was at the till. And I was hiding it under the shirt that I bought for myself" She said with a satisfied smile, "I saw the shirt and had to buy it for you. You were a Captain and you are a hero. Not only to those kids you saved, but also to me"
That last part came out more as a whisper because she felt vulnerable saying it.
Ray felt a lump in his throat and instead of saying something he reached out and pulled Liz into a tight hug. This took Liz by surprise but soon she relaxed in his arms. They stood like this for a while. Ray had one arm around her shoulders and one hand cradling the back of her head. Liz had both arms wrapped around his torso, her head in the crook of his neck.
When they parted it took all of Ray's strength not to lean in and kiss her. So instead he looked her in the eye.
"Thank you so much. I cannot tell you how much this means to me" before he took a step back and started to take the shirt off he was already wearing.
"Are you going to wear it now?" Liz asked surprised
"Yup. No point in waiting" Ray said as he pulled the new shirt over his head, "Perfect fit" he beamed and Liz couldn't be happier. She never thought she could make someone so happy with just a T-shirt.
Ray was about to crawl into his own bed on the floor when he stopped.
"Do you want me to sleep here or in your bed?" he asked Liz as he stood on his mattress.
Liz, who had already gotten into bed, looked at him with nervous eyes.
"Ehm… I don't know. I feel bad asking you to do this again" she answered honestly.
"That means yes then" Ray said as he climbed in next to Liz "Don't feel bad about this Liz. If this is a way to make you feel safe and protected, so be it"
They settled in, exactly like they had the night before. Ray was on his back, Liz on her left side, facing Ray.
"Thank you for today, Ray. I really appreciate everything you've done for me"
Ray turned off the lights before saying, "You're welcome, Lizzie"
He turned his head and pressed a soft kiss against Liz's forehead. "I should be the one thanking you. I love the shirt", he whispered.
Liz closed her eyes, relishing the feeling of his lips on her forehead. She had to suppress the urge to move her head closer and actually kiss him.
"Goodnight sweetheart" she heard Ray say.
"Goodnight Captain" she said with a smile.
