GL - Movie Night - Part 56
Title: Movie Night
Author: critic2000
Pairing: Olivia/Natalia
Rating: PG-13 to start, for violence (non-sexual) and language. I am not any kind of a medical expert so if there are some glaring errors, please forgive me.
Disclaimer: I don’t own the Guiding Light characters, they belong to CBS and Proctor and Gamble.
Summary: This is set in the spring of 2009. I’ve taking some liberties with the storyline, mainly Natalia never slept with Frank, hence no engagement etc. So our girls have been just continuing forward raising Emma and getting closer to each other though they are still technically just friends, but that will change… This is a hurt/comfort story so they are headed on a rough ride.
Author’s Note: This is my first fan fiction so please be gentle. This would not have been possible if not for the persistent nudging and awesome editing of my beta/great friend croftlara. Comments are welcome.
( Part 1 ) ( Parts 2 & 3 ) ( Part 4 ) ( Parts 5 & 6 ) ( Part 7 ) ( Part 8 ) ( Part 9 ) ( Part 10 ) ( Part 11 ) ( Part 12 ) ( Part 13 ) ( Parts 14 & 15 ) ( Part 16 ) ( Part 17 ) ( Part 18 ) ( Part 19 ) ( Part 20 ) ( Part 21 ) ( Part 22 ) ( Part 23 ) ( Part 24 ) ( Part 25 ) ( Part 26 ) ( Part 27 ) ( Part 28 ) ( Part 29 ) ( Part 30 ) ( Part 31 ) ( Part 32 ) ( Part 33 ) ( Chapter 34 ) ( Part 35 ) ( Part 36 ) ( Part 37 ) ( Part 38 ) ( Part 39 ) ( Part 40 ) ( Part 41 ) ( Part 42 ) ( Part 43 ) ( Part 44 ) ( Part 45 ) ( Part 46 ) ( Part 47 ) ( Part 48 ) ( Part 49 ) ( Part 50 ) ( Chapter51)( Chapter52) ( Part 53 ) ( Chapter 54 ) ( Part 55 )
Chapter 56
“Ready to go?” Olivia asked as Natalia finished putting on her jacket.
“I am. I’m looking forward to a walk.” Natalia smiled, her dimples standing out against her skin. “It’ll be nice to get some fresh air.”
“Me too.” Olivia reached out her right hand to take Natalia’s, her left held a bag with some bottles of water and pain medication in case it became necessary. “I just need you to let me know if you get tired or if you’re hurting or anything.”
“I promise.”
The women left the room and walked down the hall toward the employee entrance. Olivia noticed as they passed two of her employees that they looked at their entwined hands. A quick glare accompanied by an eyebrow raise had the maids turning their heads away quickly.
“Is this going to be problem?” Natalia asked as she lifted their joined hands.
Olivia hadn’t realized that Natalia had seen the women looking at them. “No, absolutely not.” To punctuate her point she lifted their hands and kissed the back of Natalia’s before adding, “They’re just jealous I was able to snag the most amazing woman in the place.”
Natalia blushed, “Oh Olivia stop it.”
“It’s true, as it turns out I’m incredibly lucky.” Olivia said in surprise, “Huh… that’s hard to believe. Me… lucky?”
“You seem surprised.”
“I’ve never been lucky Natalia.”
“Well maybe it’s time for that to change.” Natalia grinned.
Olivia shyly grinned back.
Natalia grew serious again, “But I’m serious, is this going to be a problem around the hotel?”
Olivia stopped walking and turned toward Natalia taking her other hand, “I can’t begin to know what kind of reactions we’re going to get here or anywhere for that matter. But, I’m not going to hide ‘us’. You’re probably not into big public displays of affection and that’s fine, I’m not talking about that, I just want to be able to walk down the hall in my own hotel and hold your hand. We’ll figure the rest out later okay?”
Natalia had been focusing on their joined hands while Olivia spoke. When she finished speaking, Natalia raised her eyes to Olivia’s, “I love you, I just don’t want any problems for you.”
“Stop, I own the joint remember?” Olivia smirked.
“And I work here…” How’s that going to look? Maybe I should consider resigning?
Please don’t start thinking what I think you’re thinking, you’re not going anywhere Natalia. “And that’s not going to change. So whatever’s going through that beautiful little head of yours stop it. It’s going to be fine.”
Natalia nodded, not completely believing her statement though she wanted to. “Okay.”
“Good. Let’s go.” Olivia released one of Natalia’s hands and continued down the hall.
When they reached the exit to the parking garage Olivia let go of Natalia’s other hand and pushed the door to let them out. Her car was in the first spot marked, ‘Owner’. She opened the passenger door and helped Natalia in, closed it and put the bag she was carrying in the back.
Seated behind the steering wheel Olivia looked over at Natalia, “Are you ready to blow this pop stand?”
“Yes please.”
***
Standing back Josh and Jeffrey viewed the destruction of the living room while Billy, Shayne and Matt took a water break.
“Well that didn’t take long,” Jeffrey observed as he surveyed the room.
“No it didn’t. Putting it back together… that’s gonna take awhile.”
Jeffrey looked over at Josh thinking there might have been more meaning behind his word. “Yes that will take awhile.”
The sound of a car made both men turn toward the road. “Is that Bill’s car?” Josh asked.
“I did put a call into him but I just got his voicemail.” Jeffrey started for the driveway, “I guess he got it.”
Bill got out of his car his dimples prominent on his face, “Hello family! I hear we’re raising a barn today!”
“Hey there’s ma’ boy.” Billy slapped Bill on the back.
“Okay so what have I missed?” Bill said rubbing his hands together.
“Destruction.” Jeffrey answered evenly.
“Darn, my favourite part.” Bill pouted. “Okay then, gotta go.” He joked as he turned toward his car.
“Come on son, you’re gonna lay a hardwood floor today.” Billy reassured as he steered Bill toward the house.
“Flooring… that’s just fantastic.” Bill groaned as he put on his tool belt.
***
“What a beautiful day.” Natalia said as she closed her eyes and sniffed the air as they walked by the lake.
Olivia watched Natalia and felt an overwhelming feeling of love. So overwhelming it took her breath away.
Natalia opened her eyes when she heard Olivia gasp. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah,” Olivia breathed as she blinked away tears. You’re just so amazing.
“Tell me.” Natalia squeezed their linked hands.
“Let’s sit down.” Olivia walked them over to a nearby bench.
As they sat down, Natalia asked, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Olivia shook her head, “Quite the opposite really.” She leaned over and captured Natalia’s lips and when the kiss ended Olivia admitted, “I love you.”
Natalia raised her right hand and cupped Olivia’s cheek, “I love you too.” What are you thinking Olivia?
Hesitating Olivia looked around, avoiding eye contact with Natalia until she found the courage to say what she was feeling. I can’t believe I’m saying this. “I know we still have a lot to work through and figure out… I’m just not sure how much we should rush things.”
Natalia agreed, “Okay, I’m not in any hurry; I just want to be here with you.”
“Really? You’re okay with taking things slowly?” I’m just afraid to rush either of us, it’s just so new...
“I’m the Queen of taking things slowly Olivia. I think it’s a good idea for us not to rush headlong into anything as long as ‘this’,” She held up their joined hands, “you and me together, is okay and is the end result.”
Olivia let go of the hand she was holding and put her arm around Natalia and kissed her head as it rested on her shoulder. “Thank you.” Olivia whispered.
This is so nice Olivia, just sitting on a bench outside enjoying the fresh air. Natalia’s face fell as she thought of her bench at home, the one she and Olivia should be sitting on. I know you’re having issues about the farmhouse but we have to work through them. I want this Olivia, I want to sit on our porch and cuddle with you… I want our life back at the farmhouse and for us to move forward together. We have to start talking about this, not only for you but for Emma, she’s a smart girl and we have to have answers for her.
Natalia mustered her courage and lifted her head.
“Olivia? I need to ask you something.”
Olivia looked at her, the tone of voice making her dread what she might say.
“Honey,” Natalia put her hand on Olivia’s thigh and looked into her eyes, “You know one of the first questions Emma is going to ask when we tell her she’s coming home is ‘when are we going back to the farmhouse?’”
Olivia pulled away from Natalia and rose from the bench sharply and started pacing.
“You know she’s going to ask, what are we going to say?” Natalia pressed as she watched Olivia pace. I hate causing you discomfort but we have to have an answer for her.
“I don’t know.” Olivia said resigned. Oh God. I can’t do this.
“Olivia, I’m sorry… I’m so sorry, I just want to be prepared.” Natalia struggled to get up from the bench, the walk had been more tiring than she expected. Olivia, noticing Natalia struggling to stand, reached out to take her hand and help her up. “We have to know what we’re going to tell her.”
Olivia started looking around like she wanted to run so Natalia clutched her hand harder. “Hey, it’s okay Olivia. Just relax.” She pulled her into a hug.
Rubbing her back Natalia whispered, “It’s going to be okay. We’ll work through this, we’ve been through so much already, we can get through this… together, I’m here.”
Olivia not disbelieving the younger woman nevertheless pulled away from Natalia and began pacing.
Natalia could only watch as Olivia moved further away from her seemingly lost in thought. Come on Olivia, work this out and come back to me.
I love being with her, I want more but how can I do that if every time I think about our home I freak out? If this is going to come between us… No… I can’t let that happen, we just started ‘this’ I’m not letting anything get in the way. But how do I do that? Olivia continued to pace. I just have to find a way to calm down first. Sighing she licked her lips. Maybe I should drop Natalia off at the hotel and go to Towers for a martini or three… Visibly shaking her head Olivia admonished herself, that’s not going to help right now, you’re here… with her… more importantly she’s here… just get it together Olivia.
Olivia walked back toward Natalia, sat back onto the bench and bent forward dropping her head into her hands. “Why is this happening? Why do I get so upset? It’s our home… and I’m afraid?”
Natalia’s heart ached as she watched Olivia struggle. Let me help you, please. “Will you talk about this with me?” Natalia nervously offered as she sat back down too and put her hand on Olivia’s back to maintain contact. Don’t shut me out, you could talk to Reva, I want you to be able to talk to me.
Pathetically, Olivia admitted, “I don’t really want to.” Please just make it stop.
Oh honey, I wish I could make this easier on you. Reluctantly Natalia continued to push though it killed her to do it, “Well we’re going to have to. We really do need to know what to say to Emma. I hate like heck to make you hurt but I’d rather you react this way in front of me than in front of our daughter.”
“Can you just…” Olivia pulled away from Natalia’s touch and stood again. She hung her head for a moment before a thought struck her and she excitedly turned back toward Natalia and sat back down. “Okay, how about this? When Emma asks, you take care of it, just tell her it’s not fixed yet and we don’t know when it will be. You just take care of it, okay?” Olivia wiped her sweaty palms on the thighs of her jeans as she waited anxiously for Natalia to agree. Just let me breathe here.
The question Natalia had been avoiding rose to her lips and escaped before she could stop it. “I can do that Olivia.” Despite the relief that crossed Olivia’s face Natalia continued, “But when are we going to home?”
Olivia turned back toward Natalia with a pained expression on her face and shook her head, “Don’t ask me that. Please, I don’t know… I don’t…. Jeffrey said he’d take care of the house.” She held up her hand as she tried to control her breathing, “I don’t know when… I just can’t… right now.”
Olivia got up and started to walk away. “Olivia? Wait!” Natalia struggled to get up again, walked to her and grabbed her arm. “You’re going to be able to move home, right? I mean, you want to?”
“Of course I want to, it’s not a matter of wanting to.” Olivia wanted to run. “I just…” Olivia closed her eyes tightly against the boiling frustration she was feeling. Why can’t I just be okay with the farmhouse? Goddamn it!
“Just what?” Natalia was growing more and more concerned at the stress she could see building in Olivia. Olivia, I can’t tell if you’re going to run away on me or having another panic attack, you’re scaring me.
“I can’t get the images out of my mind okay!” Olivia yelled. “Jesus! Fuck! Your blood on those walls, how do I go into that house and not see that every time I walk up the stairs! It’ll kill me! I can’t… I just can’t…”
“Olivia.” Natalia breathed. “Okay Olivia, just stop.” She took Olivia by her upper arms and shook her, “Look at me!” Please Olivia you’ve got to calm down.
Tears streaming down Olivia’s face she forced herself to look at Natalia.
Natalia moved her hands up to take Olivia’s cheeks. “I love you.” The upset woman tried to shake her head and staggered back as if pulling away causing Natalia to hold on and reaffirm, “I love you Olivia. Look at me! I’m right here and I’m fine.” She grabbed Olivia’s hand with her right and pressed it to her chest over her pounding heart. “That’s my heart beating. Do you feel it? It beats for you Olivia. It beats for you and our family.”
Olivia lowered her head and nodded while she sobbed.
“The three of us survived, we have to be strong enough to go back and face those demons. I’m not going to be chased out of my home where I have so many good memories of us.”
Olivia squeezed her eyes shut and willed the bile in her throat back down. I don’t want to lose those memories either.
“You’re not alone, you don’t have to face it alone.” Natalia lifted Olivia’s chin up so she could take in the agonizing look on her tear-streaked face, Natalia wanted to scream. How dare they do this to you? How dare they?
Unable to help herself Natalia began to cry too, “I won’t let them hurt you Olivia, not now, not ever. I will always protect you… always.” I have protected you Olivia and I won’t stop now.
Natalia pulled Olivia into a hug; the older woman clung to her as though her life depended on it. They cried together for some time before Olivia seemed to realize that she had just had a big emotional display out in public.
“I’m sorry Natalia.” Olivia whispered into Natalia’s neck. She pulled back and looked into concerned brown eyes while brushing her friend’s black hair from her face before shyly asking, “Are people staring at us, I can’t believe I just lost it like this in public?” She angrily swiped at the wetness on her face.
Natalia looked around, “There’s nobody out here and too bad if there were. You can fall apart sometimes, it’s okay.”
“I do that a lot actually, in case you haven’t noticed.” Olivia said with a hint of a grin.
“Well you’re a passionate person; you feel things… that’s not a bad thing.” I think it’s wonderful you don’t hide your emotions.
Well, it’s embarrassing for me to publicly show weakness. God Olivia, get a grip. The abrupt and surprising sound of her growling stomach had Olivia suddenly changing the topic into something a little less traumatic, “Listen why don’t we stop by Company and have some lunch then we can head back to the hotel. Are you okay with that?”
“Okay.” Natalia agreed. “Umm… are you okay?”
Of course, I’m not okay. “Yeah, I’m fine… always fine… I’m sorry to cut our walk short.”
Natalia accepted Olivia’s words as there was nothing else she could do; she didn’t want to push her friend any further right now. “There’ll be plenty of time for walks. Let’s go get some lunch.” As they walked away Natalia worried Olivia was a long way from feeling comfortable about their home and a long way from ‘getting over’ this event. All she could promise was to stand by and help the woman she loved face her fears. For all of us Olivia and for as long as it takes, I’ll be here… loving you.
***
“Woohoo boys!” The distinctive call came from the porch.
Jeffrey and Josh looked at each other and smiled just as Reva burst through the door looking around the room. “Well you’re not there yet, are you?”
Jeffrey greeted Reva with a kiss to her cheek. “Well we just started putting the drywall back up.”
“How’s it going?” Reva asked quietly understanding that there was some emotion involved.
“It’s okay.” Jeffrey responded, “How are you doing? Get that couch picked out?”
“Yes I did, it’ll be delivered tomorrow.” Then raising her voice she informed the room, “So you better get this done by then.”
Five faces looked back at her then she added, “Oh and I have a surprise. You guys ready for lunch?”
Reva lead the men from the house and out on the lawn where Buzz and Marina were setting up a table. “Thought you might be hungry, I think Jeffrey only wanted to feed you peanut butter sandwiches.”
After seeing the men come out onto the porch, Buzz told them, “Get cleaned up, we’ve got pizza, tuna casserole, Buzz burgers… enjoy!”
Jeffrey approached Buzz, “Thank you for doing this.”
Frustration filling his voice Buzz asked, “Hey, why didn’t you call me? I wanna help, they’re our girls, ya know?”
Jeffrey apologized, “I’m sorry Buzz I didn’t want to bother you with it.”
With a smile Buzz accepted the apology, “It’s no bother. But I hope you can use some extra help, Frank, Mallet, Blake and Lizzie are on their way.”
Jeffrey reached out his hand to shake Buzz’s, “Can always use help. Thanks Buzz.”
“My pleasure,” Buzz responded before waving his hand over toward the food table, “now go eat, we’ve got a lot of work to do this afternoon.”
Jeffrey walked off toward the food and Buzz thoughtfully looked up at the house. We’re going to make it comfortable for you to come home girls. We’re going to fix everything up here.
To Be Continued...