Saving Ma
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters and I do not make any profit from this
Chapter 5
The next morning Natalia woke up and was a little disoriented. She went to stretch and couldn't, noticing a weight around her middle and a presence at her back. She looked back and saw Olivia. She was dead to the world and wrapped around her. She smiled for a moment then remembered why she was there. She thought about the events of the evening. Frank had surprised her. Never in a million years had she thought he would act that way. Sure, she knew he'd be upset but that was extreme and had really scared her.
She felt the arm around her tighten and she smiled snuggled back into her for a moment. She sighed and turned around moving away slightly and gently shook Olivia's shoulder. "Olivia. Wake up we need to feed Emma and get ready for the day."
Olivia rolled to her back and stretched like a cat then looked over. "Gd mrng." She mumbled. She yawned and turned to her side. "Sleep well?"
Natalia smiled. She loved sleepy Olivia in the morning. "Yes I did. Thank you for staying with me." Olivia waved it way, sat up and stretched again. Natalia nudged her. "Why don't you go get a shower and I will wake Emma and start breakfast." She said getting out of bed.
Olivia nodded and stood coming over to her. She ran her hands up and down Natalia's arms. "You ok? I know last night was a shock."
Natalia sighed and rested her head on Olivia's shoulder. "I'm ok. I just can't believe that happened. He always seemed like a good man, but that was not ok."
Olivia pulled her into a comforting hug. "No it wasn't, but Doris is helping to make sure he stays away. Today we just need to focus on getting our son home and enjoying our fun night with him and Emma."
Natalia sighed. "Oh god I hope he comes home. I miss him so much. I don't know what I'll do if they don't let him out."
Olivia pulled out of the hug just enough to look in to her eyes. "Now you listen. No negative thoughts. He will get out and come home. He has too. Just focus on good thoughts and we will take it as it comes."
Natalia took a deep breath "You're right. Ok, get to your shower, I'll get Emma."
They separated and went about their morning. Natalia got them fed, Emma's lunch made, and headed to the shower while Olivia got Emma on the bus. After her shower she came down and found Olivia on the couch with her laptop checking the Beacon email account.
She looked up as Natalia rounded the stairs. "Hey," she said closing the laptop. "What's on the agenda for the day?"
Natalia sat next to her. "Well, in the interest of thinking positive I need to go to the grocery store and pick up some things for Rafe. I need some Splenda and other stuff he can eat. I also need to go to the pharmacy and pick up his meds to make sure we have everything he needs."
Olivia nodded. "I called the pharmacy yesterday. They should have everything we need ready when we get there. I had them get him a new test kit as well. Mel said it may take a few days to get all his stuff from the prison and he needs that test kit."
Natalia smiled. "You just think of everything don't you?"
Olivia beamed. "Of course. You take care of the emotional and I take care of the practical. That's how we roll."
Natalia rubbed a hand on her arm chucking. "You take care of the emotional too. Now, let's go and get our errands run so we have time to get everything back here and put up before we have to meet Mel." Olivia nods and they head out.
They finished up all their errands, got home in time to get everything put up and were at the courthouse by 2:00. Mel was already there sorting through her papers. She looked up when they sat at the table next to her. "Hello Olivia, Natalia. I'm glad you're early. I have somethings for you both to sign."
She handed a form to Olivia. "This is the form stating the job you are giving him at the Beacon. We will need it for the judge to see he will have employment. Sign the bottom." Olivia took the pen signed.
Natalia just looked confused. "Why would he need a job before he gets out?" She looked at Olivia. "I didn't know you were doing this."
Olivia sat back. "Mel said it would look better for him if he had employment lined up before. He can have whatever job he wants, we have several openings. If he chooses not to keep working there he can just do it until he finds something else. She called last night while you were talking to Frank. I forgot to tell you."
Natalia nodded in understanding. Mel slid some papers in front of her. "These are the papers stating his permanent residence with you. Just sign the bottom on back."
Mel went over the rest of the paperwork with them and how the hearing would go. They told her about what happened with Frank the night before and she said she would look into what was needed for a restraining order if needed later. They were just finishing up with the last of the papers went they brought Rafe in.
He moved straight to Natalia and Olivia's side wrapping them both in a hug. "God I missed that." he said kissing his Ma on the cheek. She chuckled as he released them and Olivia straightened his tie, and wiped the lipstick she left on his cheek off.
They sat and went over what he need to know for the hearing and were called in to the courtroom shortly before 3:00. They were just getting settled when Frank came in. Olivia was on her feet in an instant. "What are you doing here Frank?" She asked calmly but with steel in her voice.
Frank didn't raise his voice but it wasn't calm either. "It's none of your concern. This is for Natalia."
Olivia shook her head. "No Frank. This is for Rafe."
Frank just shrugged. "I'm here to offer my services as mentor."
Natalia stood at this. "Over my dead body. After what you pulled last night. I don't think so."
Rafe stood getting upset. "What did he do last night?" He was getting visibly angry.
Olivia swung her head to him pointed at him. "No. You sit down and calm yourself now. Let me deal with him." Rafe visibly deflated and sat down calming instantly. Olivia looked back to Frank. "He doesn't need another mentor. He has two that already filed. You can leave now." Frank clutched his fists at his sides.
What none of them knew was that the judge was watching it all from the crack in the door. He liked to see how the defendants and their people acted when they didn't know he was there. It helped him in his rulings. What he saw is that Olivia never lost her cool, just stated what she needed to say calmly if not coldly. She handled Rafe with no effort, the boy just snapped to her orders. Frank on the other hand seemed volatile. While Natalia stood up for herself and Rafe but let Olivia run the show seeming fearful of the man. He had seen enough and turned to the bailiff to call the room to order.
After they were all set he sorted through his papers and got started. "My name is Judge Anthony Watkins. We are here today to review the case of Raphael Joseph Rivera based on his performance and treatment in prison." He looked up from his papers. "I see here that Raphael has kept his nose clean while in and has a clean record with the prison. He has also worked in the library there and gotten his GED while in as well. He has attended the anger management classes as ordered and has continued them even after his required hours were complete. As well as attended counseling with the prison priest on his own accord."
He paused to find another paper. "What concerns me here is the infirmary record. He has been in the infirmary for illness and injury 16 times in the last month alone and 52 times total since his placement at this prison. Most of which seem to be from lack of proper medication this month and a handful of attacks on his person that were unprovoked." He turned and looked at the district attorney. "I trust that an investigation will be filed to find out why it is that an inmate is not receiving his medicines that he needs to live landing him in the infirmary for over half the month, and why when that inmate is not causing troubles he is being allowed to be hurt on a constant basis."
The District Attorney nodded and made notes. The judge turned back to Rafe. "I have reviewed this file and I see that you have a permanent place of residence to go home to if I release you, as well as an employment offer. I also have here two different letters from two upstanding citizens offering to mentor you if needed. The number one consideration being Olivia Spencer, Beacon hotel owner and where your offer for employment came from." He looked up, he was pretty sure he knew who this was but he had to ask. "Is she present today?"
Olivia stood up. "I am you honor."
The judge nodded. He thought that must be her. "Ms. Spencer, are you full prepared to take responsibility for this boy, give him employment and guidance to help him enter back into society?"
Olivia nods. "Yes your honor. Raphael is a good boy. He made a mistake, he's human, we all make mistake. I know I've made my fair share of them, but I want to help him and give him a second chance to grow in to the man I know he can be."
The judge nodded with a slight smile, Natalia was tearing up, and Rafe had a goofy grin on his face. Frank however was not happy and he stood. "If I may your honor. I would also like to file for mentor. I think I would be a better choice."
The judged noticed Rafe getting agitated but calming instantly with a pointed look from Olivia. She was effectively managing him again with just a look. Olivia and Natalia turned to glare at the man. Mel stood. "May I approach the bench your honor." The judge nods and she goes to him.
She explains who Frank is and about him wanting to marry Rafe's mother and her turning him down. She gave him a short modified account of the events of the previous night and told him that Rafe and his family weren't comfortable with Frank in that role.
The judge sent her back to her seat and turned to Frank. "Mr. Cooper. I think that the mentor that has filed now is sufficient and you are not needed here today. Please sit or I will remove you from the courtroom."
Frank huffed and sat. The judge turned back to Olivia. "Ok to continue. Who are you to Raphael Ms. Spencer?"
Olivia smiled slightly. "I am a family friend. His mother is my best friend and she also works for me as my personal assistant and overall right arm. I also share a home with his mother and my 9 year old daughter."
The judge perked up at this. "And you don't have a problem with a convict living with your very young daughter."
Olivia looked a little offended. "Absolutely not. As I said he made a mistake. He did a bad thing but he is not a bad boy. He loves my daughter and she adores him. He's like a brother to her. I trust him with her life." Natalia let a tear escape as she saw tears in her son's eyes at Olivia's defense and trust in him.
The judged nodded again satisfied with her answers. "Thank you." She sat and he continued. "I also have here letters from other prominent members of the community showing their support. His victim Jeffery O'Neil, Mayor Wolfe, Josh Lewis, Buzz Cooper, and Rick Bauer." He looked to Rafe. "You have a lot of support young man. I hope you appreciate it."
Rafe nods. "Yes sir, very much so."
"Do you have anything to add before I give my ruling?" The judge asked him.
Rafe stood. "Yes sir. I just wanted to say that I know I messed up. I was angry and confused about everything going on in my life. That is not an excuse, it's just what was happening. I have taken my classes seriously and I intend to continue similar classes if I get released. I just want to be a better son, brother, and all around better person. A person my parents can be proud of."
He sat and the judge moved on. "Ok then. Raphael Joseph Rivera, please rise. After reviewing all of the evidence in this case I have to say I am disappointed in the prison systems treatment of you while you were there. I want to apologize to you and your family for the treatment you received. I also want to say that I am proud of all you accomplished while in the system despite these problems that you faced."
He paused making a note in his file. "So, moving forward I am commuting the remainder of your sentence. Olivia Spencer is assigned as your mentor and she will be required to send me weekly updates as to your progress for what would have been the remainder of your sentence of three months. You will also have 200 hours of community service to serve at the organization of your choice to be completed within one year. You are also required to live with your mother and work at the Beacon for that year. If you want to make a change in living or employment in that time you have to write a petition to me stating why and asking permission to do so. You can work part time if you are taking college classes. No parole, no probation."
Olivia stood. "If I may your honor? I have a question."
He smiled. "Go ahead Ms. Spencer."
"Is it ok for him to wait a week before starting work. My daughter has spring break next week and I wanted us all to go on a mini vacation to celebrate him getting out and letting him relax a little before he has to jump back into life."
The judge nods. "That would be fine Ms. Spencer. I still want a report at the end of the week." She nods and sits back down. Natalia looking at her in awe. "Ok I think that's it Mr. Rivera. I don't want to see you in my courtroom on this side of the law again. Am I understood?"
Rafe smiles. "Yes sir, I promise."
The judge bangs his gavel. "So ordered, court is adjourned."
Rafe shook Mel's hand and made a bee line for Natalia and Olivia. He scooped his mom up in a hug and spun her around. When he placed her laughing back to the ground her turned and pulled Olivia into a big bear hug burying his face in her neck.
His shoulders were shaking. "Thank you so much." He sobbed into her neck.
She just held on kissing his temple. "You don't have to thank me son. Just do better and prove you earned the right to go home with us." He nodded into her. "I love you Rafe. I would do anything for you." She whispered into his ear causing him to sob again and hold on tighter.
Natalia just stood there, tears streaming at their boy breaking down in her arms. For the first time in his life she feels like he has another parent that is fully committed to his wellbeing and happiness. Her happy bubble was burst when Frank stepped up. "This is bull Natalia, we need to talk."
Natalia glared at him. "No we don't Frank. I said all I need to say to you last night. I'm done talking." Olivia and Rafe had separated and were now flanking her.
Frank was about to respond when Doris stepped up. They had been so wrapped up in each other that they didn't even notice when she came in. "Detective, you are not supposed to be here. Chief Wolfe and I spoke to you this morning and warned you to stay away from them. I suggest you leave before I give him a call."
Frank balled his fist, turning red in his anger then turned and stormed out of the courtroom. Olivia turned to Doris once he was gone. "Thank you Doris."
Doris just pat her shoulder. "It's not a problem. Congratulations on getting out Rafe. I bet you're happy to be going to your new home."
Rafe just beamed. "Absolutely, and thank you." He turned to his Ma and Olivia. "Can we go get my munchkin now? I promised her a hug."
They laughed, Olivia walked over and put an arm around his shoulders. "Sure we can. I called Buzz earlier and put in our orders and text him while the judge was releasing you. Our food should be ready when we get there. Emma is home by now and we will head there as soon as we have dinner in hand."
He smiled brightly kissing both Olivia and Natalia on the cheek than grabbed their hands and pulled them out of the room. "Come on Ma. Come on Mom. Food and the Munchkin await."
They both gasped at him calling Olivia mom then beamed smiles at him, but he ignored them smiling and leading them out of the courthouse.
