Otalia fic - Heroes & Friends, 24b/25
Feb. 8th, 2010 11:09 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
calliopes_museContinued from 24a
Halfway across the park, Rafe unbuttoned his jacket trying to cool off as beads of sweat ran down the side of his face. “This sucks. They should have had it inside.”
“Well, it was planned when it was about ten degrees cooler so it made sense at the time.” Olivia stated. She was surprised when she felt Natalia’s hand casually take her own. She looked over at the brunette who seemed oblivious to what she was doing. The very idea that Natalia may not be taking heed or caution to expressing affection for her in public made her smile, especially when the first person they ran into was Father Ray.
The priest raised an eyebrow and glanced down at their entwined hands, as they approached. He did make an effort to be semi-cordial. “Hello.” He directed at Olivia who simply nodded. He directed his attention to the others then. “Natalia, Rafe, Emma…it’s so good to see you.”
Natalia made small talk with him, but she never let go of Olivia’s hand. Olivia stood proudly by Natalia’s side, never wavering as she watched and listened closely to his words. She mentally dared him to say something derogatory. But when he nodded his goodbyes and turned to walk to the front with Doris and the other dignitaries, she felt a little disappointed. Somehow, she expected more from him, but it was all well and good because today wasn’t really the right time for a verbal sparring.
Speaking of which, a loud noise from across the lake drew everyone’s attention. Olivia raised her hand to block the sunlight so she could see the figures who were arguing very loudly.
“Oh my God.”
Natalia stood on her tiptoes, wishing she had her heels on now so she could see over the crowd. “What is it?”
Olivia snickered to herself. “It’s Marina, I think. She’s arguing with someone.”
“Who? Mallet?”
Olivia squinted to see and then the person stepped into view. “Um, no…Eleni.”
Natalia looked up at her in shock. “Eleni? She’s here?”
“Well, honey, she was married to Frank and she is Marina’s mother.”
“Yeah, but how in the world did she find out about this?”
About that time, Doris and Blake nearly sprinted past heading for the arguing pair. Doris nearly growled at Blake. “I told you this would be a bad idea!”
“It was the right thing to do and you know it!” Blake fired back.
“I think we have our answer.” Olivia muttered to Natalia. They watched a moment longer as Buzz came up from the other side of the park, ready to break them up. Suddenly bored with the dramatics of Marina Cooper, Olivia turned to her partner. “While everyone’s distracted, let’s grab some seats.”
“Good idea.”
Eventually, the rest of the crowd grew bored with it as well and started to return to their seats. Nearly everyone from town was there except for Phillip, Beth, and Alan. The entire town knew Frank Cooper in some form or fashion, so it was a huge turnout. They found seats about ten rows back from the stage which was placed strategically on the bottom of a small hill that was topped with a pole sporting the American flag and a flag of the town seal just below it.
The stage was adorned with large sprays of flowers and flags placed around the perimeter. A few seats for speakers and family rested behind an inconsequential microphone and podium. Most seats in the audience were now full, except for one next to Olivia. When a shadow fell across her, she looked up and focused on the shadow blocking her light. She groaned when she realized who it was.
“Don’t worry, Olivia, I’m not going to sit by you and torture you the whole time.” Reva joked. “No matter how much fun that may be. I just wanted to…well,…damn.” She then sat down by Olivia and suddenly pulled her into a hug. Olivia was shocked and fought the urge to push her away. “I’m just glad you’re okay. I mean, be really glad you’re okay, Spencer, ‘cause if Josh had gotten hurt trying to help you, I would have had to kill you. And really, that’s just more effort than it’s worth.”
“Um, okay.” Olivia still didn’t know quite what to say so she just patted Reva awkwardly on the back.
Josh sauntered up and she caught his smirk over Reva’s shoulder. “So, ladies, something I need to know?” He caught Natalia’s eye. “Hi, Natalia.”
She waved at him and took the opportunity to put her arm possessively across the back of Olivia’s chair. “Hi, Josh.”
Olivia grumbled at Josh. “Yeah, don’t you wish.”
He held up his hand behind Reva’s back with his thumb and forefinger close together and mouthed, “Just a little bit.”
When Reva saw Olivia’s smirk, she quickly looked over her shoulder to an innocent looking Josh. He covered the position of his hand by swaying it out away from his body. “This way, my lady. I have your seat ready.”
“Uh huh, I bet you do.”
Suddenly a loud crack was heard from across the lake and for a moment everyone was still. When they saw Marina holding the side of her face and a furious but dignified Eleni walking away, they relaxed.
“Why do people get such blissful satisfaction out of smacking her?” Reva questioned as she stood.
“Because she’s an ass.” Natalia mumbled.
Reva looked at the brunette appreciatively. “Oh, a kitty with claws. She’s perfect for you, Olivia. I approve.”
Once the excitement had died down and everyone made their way to the stage, absent Marina who had stalked off in a pout, Doris gave a nod to Blake in the front row. The redhead spoke into a walkie talkie and in a few minutes the rhythmic thump of booted steps was heard as an officer procession entered from the rear of the audience seating area, led by Remy Boudreaux and an officer color guard. Behind them were the Springfield PD’s commanding officers serving as pall bearers for Frank’s flag-draped casket.
A rifle procession simultaneously entered over the hill, each member of the twenty-one gun corps, setting off a step from the other so they were placed in a perfect diagonal line across the hill. The choreography of the procession was perfect as the casket was brought to rest on its stand with Remy, the pall bearers, and corps lining up in a perfect line behind the casket. A moment of silence passed as Remy and his command snapped to salute.
In a booming voice, Remy gave the command. “Attention! Aim!”
Guns were raised at the ready behind him. “Fire!”
Thirteen more times, the guns were raised and fired off representing every year Frank had served on the force. Olivia felt Natalia lean into her, seeking her closeness with each new round of gunfire. She wrapped an arm around the back of her chair and cradled the brunette’s smaller hand in her own, squeezing it reassuringly. On the other side, she could see Emma curling up closer to Rafe, who was fighting a losing battle against his own grief as a single tear rolled down his face.
When the salute was over, Father Ray stood to lead the opening prayer. When he was finished, he turned the service over to the Governor, who spoke of honor and heroism in the most general of terms. The speech wasn’t intended to evoke emotion as much as it was designed to acknowledge Frank’s service and role in the community. The Governor, as would be expected, awarded Frank full honors for brave and distinguished service. He presented it to Buzz and the rest of the Cooper family in appreciation from the state of Illinois.
Doris stood and thanked the Governor for taking time out of his schedule to honor Frank. “But Frank Achilles Cooper, Jr. was more than a medal or even a police officer of our great town. He was our friend, our neighbor, a son, a father, and generally someone we always knew would be there to help if we needed it. The manner in which Frank gave his life, to help someone he cared about, is indicative of his character, and is the reason many of us liked him. He was just an all around nice guy. But, we shouldn’t forget him. For Springfield, we should and we will honor his life and his place in our community. That is why I am declaring today The Frank Cooper Memorial Day. From this day forward, today will be a day of service for our community, a time when we give of ourselves to help our neighbor. The town of Springfield would also like to present the Cooper family with a memorial plaque to be placed on the bridge that crosses the lake in this very park. We are also proud to announce that a large-scale anonymous donation has been made to the town with the express instructions to develop The Frank Achilles Cooper, Jr. Juvenile Justice Center in recognition of Frank’s deep love for troubled youth.”
A gasp rose over the crowd at the announcement and Natalia sat up straight. She looked at her son who was staring back at her with a disbelieving expression. “Ma, how did that…who?” She turned in her chair to look at Olivia who was trying desperately to keep her focus on the stage.
“Who in the world would do something like that, Olivia?”
The older woman looked at her with a poker face. “I have no idea.” She turned her face back to the stage, and she refused to look back at the searching brown eyes staring at her. She couldn’t fight the smirk that peaked out of the corner of her mouth. Natalia caught it and her eyes slitted. She’d let it go. She knew the truth; Olivia didn’t have to tell her.
The flag on Frank’s casket was folded and presented by Remy to Buzz. He couldn’t fight the tears as he cradled the red, white, and blue fabric to his chest. Eleni took his hand, and he took a deep breath to steady himself before he made his way behind the podium. Quietly and softly, he retraced the highlights of Frank’s life. He made the crowd laugh and cry in turn.
When he was done a long moment of silence stretched as he fought to hold back the tears evident in his quivering voice. “He was a good son.” Buzz lost hold of his grief, as he spluttered out the rest of his statement. “He was the best.”
As the service ended, the crowd silently and respectfully waited as Remy and the pall bearers exited with Frank’s casket the way they had come in. Loaded in the hearse, the crowd dispersed to their respective cars and followed the procession slowly down the road less than a mile to the church and the small cemetery out back. Father Ray gave his benediction as family and friends watched the casket disappear into the dark ground.
Olivia kept her arms tight around Natalia, feeling like she needed it now more than ever. Rafe stood close as well, bracing Emma on his hip with his one good arm, her slender arms wrapped securely around his neck.
The short service was over almost as quickly as it had started. People began to drift away or to give their condolences to Buzz. After a few moments, the crowd cleared and Olivia walked up to the man she had once loved and still did in so many ways. He quirked his mouth a little to the side and regarded her silently. She tilted her head and finally reached forward to pull him into a hug.
He smirked at her then, and she knew that look. Buzz was up to something. “I want you all to come to Company.”
She bit her lip and shook her head. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea after what happened.”
“And exactly what happened, Olivia?”
“Ahhh, well…” she stumbled.
“Frank did what he thought was the right thing to do. He made a decision and he knew the risks. That’s not your fault.” He looked over her shoulder to Natalia who was listening intently. “Or yours. Come on, it’ll just be a small group telling tall tales on Frank while he can’t argue back, and you know how nice that can be, and having some drinks. Come on, I really need some of my tears to come from laughter right now.”
Olivia looked to Natalia, who was already saying yes with her eyes, and she made sure to put an exclamation point on it when she leaned forward and kissed Buzz on his stubbly cheek. “Thank you, Buzz. We’d be happy to.”
A few feet away, Olivia and Natalia made their way to a small group that surrounded Eleni. As they approached, the other woman broke from the group and greeted them. “Good to see you both again.” Eleni gave her head a small shake, the curls of her long dark hair dancing around her face. “I guess that’s an awkward statement about now.”
The dark-haired Greek woman glanced down at Olivia and Natalia’s entwined hands, a smile of amusement tugging at the corners. “Seems there have been some interesting changes in Springfield since I left. Somehow, I thought if something ever happened to Frank that Natalia would have been standing in my shoes instead.”
Natalia didn’t hesitate and looked at her unflinching. “Obviously, a lot has changed since you left.”
“I’d say so.” She paused and regarded both women for a moment, pleased that neither seemed to waver under the scrutiny. “I guess the saying that opposites attract has never been more true.”
She watched as Natalia looked up at Olivia with adoring eyes and Olivia likewise seemed to pull the younger woman a little closer to her. For a moment, it was like the world disappeared for them, and Eleni felt like an invader in a private moment.
Natalia looked back to the other woman, and full smile on her face. “Never more true.”
Eleni put her hand out in a gesture to shake Natalia’s. When Natalia returned it, she stepped slightly closer, smiling. Her body language was decidedly different. She bordered on friendly where as before, Natalia had gotten the distinct impression that Eleni would have happily pushed her down into the dark hole in the ground behind her. “You’ll have to tell me all about it. Perhaps over drinks in a little while at Company?”
“Sure, I guess.”
“Good.”
On the walk back to the car, Natalia was still shaking her head in disbelief. “Well, that was weird.”
She smiled at Rafe and Emma running off in the direction of the car and then looked over at Olivia who was smiling strangely. “What?”
Olivia paused a few feet from the car and turned to the younger woman. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“You didn’t wilt. At all, to anyone. Not even Father Ray. You have no idea how much that means to me.” Olivia tugged her by the hand until they were inches apart. She was gauging Natalia’s comfort with their proximity even as others walked around them, some barely paying any attention to them. When Natalia relaxed the few remaining inches into her arms, Olivia completed the gesture by wrapping her arms around Natalia’s waist.
Natalia tilted her head a little smiling up at the woman she loved. “I think I have an idea.”
Then without provocation or encouragement, she leaned up and kissed the older woman softly on her lips. A small moan escaped Natalia’s lips.
Olivia mumbled against her lips. “Everyone’s watching.”
Natalia pulled back, smirking at her. “Are you embarrassed?”
“Um, no. Definitely not, but I thought you…”
The brunette shook her head at her partner. “I’m not embarrassed or ashamed, Olivia. I’m in love with the most profoundly stunning woman in Springfield, and I’m very happy about that. I don’t care if everyone knows, and I sure don’t care if anyone cares. It’s not their life. It’s mine…ours. So, please, let’s stop worrying about that.”
Olivia sighed and brushed a hand over Natalia’s hair, resting it gently against her neck. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, baby. I love you, insecurities and all. Now, let’s go have a drink and relax.”
*************
The rest of the day passed quickly, and it was something that both Olivia and Natalia were immensely grateful for. They watched as Rafe did his best to play foosball one-handed with Emma as she took him to the cleaners. The officially new siblings laughing and joking with each other made the women smile in spite of the occasion and the fact that Emma’s father was undergoing a very dangerous procedure at this very moment. They were pretty sure that Emma would be up well past her bedtime, but they agreed that they preferred to see her laughing and having fun instead of worrying about her father.
Company was packed with about fifty people, mostly members of the police force and close friends of the Coopers. There were toasts to Frank throughout the night and hilarious stories told of the man they had all known. Blake related a story of Frank disco dancing in his John Travolta white disco suit. When Natalia turned to Olivia in embarrassment that she would have considered marrying someone who thought that was cool, Olivia looked properly offended and quickly informed her girlfriend that she liked disco too.
“Yeah, but you’d look hot in that kind of suit.” Natalia flirted.
“I have one very much like it at home. I’ll have to wear it for you sometime.”
“Please do.”
As the day turned to night, the Spencer-Rivera family sat down to eat a huge meal of Buzz burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Rafe and Natalia couldn’t sit out on it so Buzz offered to make them special diabetes-friendly versions.
When they were done and the table was cleared, Doris walked up with Blake at her side. Olivia thought momentarily how it seemed like those two hadn’t been apart for more than a few minutes today, but it was chased away quickly by the devilish smile on Doris’ face.
“Uh oh, the Wolfe is on the prowl. Everybody hide!” Olivia’s comment made Emma and Rafe snicker.
“Oh, I’m not here for you, Spencer. I’m here for your kid or at least one of them.” She wiggled her eyebrows and looked down at Rafe, who quickly stopped laughing. “Do you have a moment?” He looked around the table, clearly ill at ease.
Natalia, always quick to Rafe’s defense, asked, “Can’t you talk to him here?”
“Stop it, Momma Hen. I’m not going to hurt your little boy. This is business.” She tilted her head and he stood from the booth to follow her.
“So, what’s that about?”
Olivia was stumped. “I have no idea.” Seeing Blake hanging back a few feet from Doris though triggered her earlier thought. “Is it just me or have Doris and Blake been awfully close today?”
“What do you mean?” The look on Natalia’s face amused Olivia. It was almost the exact same look Natalia gave her the night they kissed the first time. Olivia had the urge to use her “do I have to hit you over the head with this?” comment but decided against it.
Instead, she shrugged. “Maybe I’m just completely off base but they seem very friendly with each other.”
Natalia watched as Doris shook hands with her beaming son. If he smiled any more, his face was surely crack. As Rafe headed back to the table, she followed the two women as they moved on and stopped mid-sip on her shake as she saw Blake run a hand from Doris’ shoulder, over her back and down to her waist.
“No way!” She spun to look at Olivia.
Olivia was fighting the giggles. “Oh, I definitely think way.”
“Oh my God.”
Rafe stood in front of the table looking at his mom as she looked at Doris and Blake. “What?”
Natalia jumped back to the present and her son standing there looking at her oddly. She waved a hand in front of her face. “Nothing. What did she want?”
The same huge smile planted itself back on his face. “Oh, she was just wondering what I planned to study in school. You know, to see if it may fit in with being the Community Transition Assistant for the new juvie center.”
Olivia smiled proudly at Rafe and when it finally sunk in on Natalia what it meant, she squealed happily and jumped from her seat. “A job? Oh my God, Rafe…a job?” She threw her arms around his neck and he laughed.
Pulling back, Natalia wiped at her teary eyes as Rafe sat back down. “It’s just an assistant position. A glorified paper pusher, but she said that if I get my degree it could lead to other positions.”
“I’m so happy for you, baby.” Natalia reached her hand across the table to take his.
“We all are. Aren’t we Emma?” Olivia beamed.
“Yep! Now you can actually pay me for all those foosball games you lost.”
The table roared with laughter as Rafe feigned indignation. “Hey, you can’t do that! We’re like related or something now.”
“Keep it up, bro, and it’ll be with interest.”
He just shook his head and tried not to laugh. Looking at Olivia, he pointed at her. “She’s definitely your kid.”
She smiled sweetly at him. “I’d recommend hiring her in the future. You’ll want her on your side.”
Several hours later, Olivia’s phone buzzed. She glanced down at it and showed the name to Natalia before answering. The kids were tired, and Emma was already leaning heavily against Rafe, so she didn’t want to get her upset or excited at the news on the other line. But, she had to know. So she answered the call and felt Natalia take her hand under the table as they both said a quick prayer.
“Hello?” She listened for a moment. “Really? Wow, that’s…that’s amazing. He does? Okay, tomorrow then.”
She flipped the phone closed and looked at a perked up Emma. “Your Daddy’s feeling much better, baby.” She looked at Rafe then back to Emma. “Your grandfather too.” Emma was out of her seat in record time and in Olivia’s lap, bouncing with excitement.
She felt Natalia wrap an arm around her waist and lean against her shoulder. “It’s like a miracle.”
“Kind of looks that way, huh?”
The little girl couldn’t contain her happiness. “Can I go see Daddy now?”
“We can’t tonight, Em. He does want to see you though, but the doctors won’t let anyone in until visitor hours in the morning.”
“Yay! I’m going to be up before everyone else then.” She jumped down from her mother’s lap.
“I guess we need to get you to bed then, sweetie.” Natalia leaned an elbow on the table as she looked around Olivia at their daughter.
“Aw, Ma!” Emma whined.
Olivia laughed and felt herself get a little giddy inside hearing Emma use the new term of endearment. “You were about to drop just a minute ago! Come on, Bean, let’s go get a good night’s sleep.”
Rafe stood from the booth and stuck his hands inside his pockets. “Can I come with you guys? I’d like to see Alan.”
Natalia smiled at her son, knowing he was excited to share with his grandfather all of the great things that have happened to him in just a few short days. For once, Rafe was proud and confident in himself and he wanted to share that with someone important in his life. Without Frank around, Alan was the closest he had to a paternal figure. Natalia knew, in spite of her own misgivings of Alan exerting his influence over her son, that she also couldn’t deny Rafe a relationship with his grandfather. Besides, between Olivia and her, they’d make sure that Alan kept his long-reaching claws out of their son.
On the way back to drop off Rafe, they made plans to pick him up in the morning. It was nearing midnight when they pulled into the driveway at the farmhouse. In the backseat, Emma had stretched out and fallen asleep. Carefully, Natalia lifted her and carried her up the stairs to her room. Together, they tucked her in and headed to their own room. Barely sparing enough energy to change out of their dressy clothes, they crawled into bed and were instantly asleep.
Halfway across the park, Rafe unbuttoned his jacket trying to cool off as beads of sweat ran down the side of his face. “This sucks. They should have had it inside.”
“Well, it was planned when it was about ten degrees cooler so it made sense at the time.” Olivia stated. She was surprised when she felt Natalia’s hand casually take her own. She looked over at the brunette who seemed oblivious to what she was doing. The very idea that Natalia may not be taking heed or caution to expressing affection for her in public made her smile, especially when the first person they ran into was Father Ray.
The priest raised an eyebrow and glanced down at their entwined hands, as they approached. He did make an effort to be semi-cordial. “Hello.” He directed at Olivia who simply nodded. He directed his attention to the others then. “Natalia, Rafe, Emma…it’s so good to see you.”
Natalia made small talk with him, but she never let go of Olivia’s hand. Olivia stood proudly by Natalia’s side, never wavering as she watched and listened closely to his words. She mentally dared him to say something derogatory. But when he nodded his goodbyes and turned to walk to the front with Doris and the other dignitaries, she felt a little disappointed. Somehow, she expected more from him, but it was all well and good because today wasn’t really the right time for a verbal sparring.
Speaking of which, a loud noise from across the lake drew everyone’s attention. Olivia raised her hand to block the sunlight so she could see the figures who were arguing very loudly.
“Oh my God.”
Natalia stood on her tiptoes, wishing she had her heels on now so she could see over the crowd. “What is it?”
Olivia snickered to herself. “It’s Marina, I think. She’s arguing with someone.”
“Who? Mallet?”
Olivia squinted to see and then the person stepped into view. “Um, no…Eleni.”
Natalia looked up at her in shock. “Eleni? She’s here?”
“Well, honey, she was married to Frank and she is Marina’s mother.”
“Yeah, but how in the world did she find out about this?”
About that time, Doris and Blake nearly sprinted past heading for the arguing pair. Doris nearly growled at Blake. “I told you this would be a bad idea!”
“It was the right thing to do and you know it!” Blake fired back.
“I think we have our answer.” Olivia muttered to Natalia. They watched a moment longer as Buzz came up from the other side of the park, ready to break them up. Suddenly bored with the dramatics of Marina Cooper, Olivia turned to her partner. “While everyone’s distracted, let’s grab some seats.”
“Good idea.”
Eventually, the rest of the crowd grew bored with it as well and started to return to their seats. Nearly everyone from town was there except for Phillip, Beth, and Alan. The entire town knew Frank Cooper in some form or fashion, so it was a huge turnout. They found seats about ten rows back from the stage which was placed strategically on the bottom of a small hill that was topped with a pole sporting the American flag and a flag of the town seal just below it.
The stage was adorned with large sprays of flowers and flags placed around the perimeter. A few seats for speakers and family rested behind an inconsequential microphone and podium. Most seats in the audience were now full, except for one next to Olivia. When a shadow fell across her, she looked up and focused on the shadow blocking her light. She groaned when she realized who it was.
“Don’t worry, Olivia, I’m not going to sit by you and torture you the whole time.” Reva joked. “No matter how much fun that may be. I just wanted to…well,…damn.” She then sat down by Olivia and suddenly pulled her into a hug. Olivia was shocked and fought the urge to push her away. “I’m just glad you’re okay. I mean, be really glad you’re okay, Spencer, ‘cause if Josh had gotten hurt trying to help you, I would have had to kill you. And really, that’s just more effort than it’s worth.”
“Um, okay.” Olivia still didn’t know quite what to say so she just patted Reva awkwardly on the back.
Josh sauntered up and she caught his smirk over Reva’s shoulder. “So, ladies, something I need to know?” He caught Natalia’s eye. “Hi, Natalia.”
She waved at him and took the opportunity to put her arm possessively across the back of Olivia’s chair. “Hi, Josh.”
Olivia grumbled at Josh. “Yeah, don’t you wish.”
He held up his hand behind Reva’s back with his thumb and forefinger close together and mouthed, “Just a little bit.”
When Reva saw Olivia’s smirk, she quickly looked over her shoulder to an innocent looking Josh. He covered the position of his hand by swaying it out away from his body. “This way, my lady. I have your seat ready.”
“Uh huh, I bet you do.”
Suddenly a loud crack was heard from across the lake and for a moment everyone was still. When they saw Marina holding the side of her face and a furious but dignified Eleni walking away, they relaxed.
“Why do people get such blissful satisfaction out of smacking her?” Reva questioned as she stood.
“Because she’s an ass.” Natalia mumbled.
Reva looked at the brunette appreciatively. “Oh, a kitty with claws. She’s perfect for you, Olivia. I approve.”
Once the excitement had died down and everyone made their way to the stage, absent Marina who had stalked off in a pout, Doris gave a nod to Blake in the front row. The redhead spoke into a walkie talkie and in a few minutes the rhythmic thump of booted steps was heard as an officer procession entered from the rear of the audience seating area, led by Remy Boudreaux and an officer color guard. Behind them were the Springfield PD’s commanding officers serving as pall bearers for Frank’s flag-draped casket.
A rifle procession simultaneously entered over the hill, each member of the twenty-one gun corps, setting off a step from the other so they were placed in a perfect diagonal line across the hill. The choreography of the procession was perfect as the casket was brought to rest on its stand with Remy, the pall bearers, and corps lining up in a perfect line behind the casket. A moment of silence passed as Remy and his command snapped to salute.
In a booming voice, Remy gave the command. “Attention! Aim!”
Guns were raised at the ready behind him. “Fire!”
Thirteen more times, the guns were raised and fired off representing every year Frank had served on the force. Olivia felt Natalia lean into her, seeking her closeness with each new round of gunfire. She wrapped an arm around the back of her chair and cradled the brunette’s smaller hand in her own, squeezing it reassuringly. On the other side, she could see Emma curling up closer to Rafe, who was fighting a losing battle against his own grief as a single tear rolled down his face.
When the salute was over, Father Ray stood to lead the opening prayer. When he was finished, he turned the service over to the Governor, who spoke of honor and heroism in the most general of terms. The speech wasn’t intended to evoke emotion as much as it was designed to acknowledge Frank’s service and role in the community. The Governor, as would be expected, awarded Frank full honors for brave and distinguished service. He presented it to Buzz and the rest of the Cooper family in appreciation from the state of Illinois.
Doris stood and thanked the Governor for taking time out of his schedule to honor Frank. “But Frank Achilles Cooper, Jr. was more than a medal or even a police officer of our great town. He was our friend, our neighbor, a son, a father, and generally someone we always knew would be there to help if we needed it. The manner in which Frank gave his life, to help someone he cared about, is indicative of his character, and is the reason many of us liked him. He was just an all around nice guy. But, we shouldn’t forget him. For Springfield, we should and we will honor his life and his place in our community. That is why I am declaring today The Frank Cooper Memorial Day. From this day forward, today will be a day of service for our community, a time when we give of ourselves to help our neighbor. The town of Springfield would also like to present the Cooper family with a memorial plaque to be placed on the bridge that crosses the lake in this very park. We are also proud to announce that a large-scale anonymous donation has been made to the town with the express instructions to develop The Frank Achilles Cooper, Jr. Juvenile Justice Center in recognition of Frank’s deep love for troubled youth.”
A gasp rose over the crowd at the announcement and Natalia sat up straight. She looked at her son who was staring back at her with a disbelieving expression. “Ma, how did that…who?” She turned in her chair to look at Olivia who was trying desperately to keep her focus on the stage.
“Who in the world would do something like that, Olivia?”
The older woman looked at her with a poker face. “I have no idea.” She turned her face back to the stage, and she refused to look back at the searching brown eyes staring at her. She couldn’t fight the smirk that peaked out of the corner of her mouth. Natalia caught it and her eyes slitted. She’d let it go. She knew the truth; Olivia didn’t have to tell her.
The flag on Frank’s casket was folded and presented by Remy to Buzz. He couldn’t fight the tears as he cradled the red, white, and blue fabric to his chest. Eleni took his hand, and he took a deep breath to steady himself before he made his way behind the podium. Quietly and softly, he retraced the highlights of Frank’s life. He made the crowd laugh and cry in turn.
When he was done a long moment of silence stretched as he fought to hold back the tears evident in his quivering voice. “He was a good son.” Buzz lost hold of his grief, as he spluttered out the rest of his statement. “He was the best.”
As the service ended, the crowd silently and respectfully waited as Remy and the pall bearers exited with Frank’s casket the way they had come in. Loaded in the hearse, the crowd dispersed to their respective cars and followed the procession slowly down the road less than a mile to the church and the small cemetery out back. Father Ray gave his benediction as family and friends watched the casket disappear into the dark ground.
Olivia kept her arms tight around Natalia, feeling like she needed it now more than ever. Rafe stood close as well, bracing Emma on his hip with his one good arm, her slender arms wrapped securely around his neck.
The short service was over almost as quickly as it had started. People began to drift away or to give their condolences to Buzz. After a few moments, the crowd cleared and Olivia walked up to the man she had once loved and still did in so many ways. He quirked his mouth a little to the side and regarded her silently. She tilted her head and finally reached forward to pull him into a hug.
He smirked at her then, and she knew that look. Buzz was up to something. “I want you all to come to Company.”
She bit her lip and shook her head. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea after what happened.”
“And exactly what happened, Olivia?”
“Ahhh, well…” she stumbled.
“Frank did what he thought was the right thing to do. He made a decision and he knew the risks. That’s not your fault.” He looked over her shoulder to Natalia who was listening intently. “Or yours. Come on, it’ll just be a small group telling tall tales on Frank while he can’t argue back, and you know how nice that can be, and having some drinks. Come on, I really need some of my tears to come from laughter right now.”
Olivia looked to Natalia, who was already saying yes with her eyes, and she made sure to put an exclamation point on it when she leaned forward and kissed Buzz on his stubbly cheek. “Thank you, Buzz. We’d be happy to.”
A few feet away, Olivia and Natalia made their way to a small group that surrounded Eleni. As they approached, the other woman broke from the group and greeted them. “Good to see you both again.” Eleni gave her head a small shake, the curls of her long dark hair dancing around her face. “I guess that’s an awkward statement about now.”
The dark-haired Greek woman glanced down at Olivia and Natalia’s entwined hands, a smile of amusement tugging at the corners. “Seems there have been some interesting changes in Springfield since I left. Somehow, I thought if something ever happened to Frank that Natalia would have been standing in my shoes instead.”
Natalia didn’t hesitate and looked at her unflinching. “Obviously, a lot has changed since you left.”
“I’d say so.” She paused and regarded both women for a moment, pleased that neither seemed to waver under the scrutiny. “I guess the saying that opposites attract has never been more true.”
She watched as Natalia looked up at Olivia with adoring eyes and Olivia likewise seemed to pull the younger woman a little closer to her. For a moment, it was like the world disappeared for them, and Eleni felt like an invader in a private moment.
Natalia looked back to the other woman, and full smile on her face. “Never more true.”
Eleni put her hand out in a gesture to shake Natalia’s. When Natalia returned it, she stepped slightly closer, smiling. Her body language was decidedly different. She bordered on friendly where as before, Natalia had gotten the distinct impression that Eleni would have happily pushed her down into the dark hole in the ground behind her. “You’ll have to tell me all about it. Perhaps over drinks in a little while at Company?”
“Sure, I guess.”
“Good.”
On the walk back to the car, Natalia was still shaking her head in disbelief. “Well, that was weird.”
She smiled at Rafe and Emma running off in the direction of the car and then looked over at Olivia who was smiling strangely. “What?”
Olivia paused a few feet from the car and turned to the younger woman. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“You didn’t wilt. At all, to anyone. Not even Father Ray. You have no idea how much that means to me.” Olivia tugged her by the hand until they were inches apart. She was gauging Natalia’s comfort with their proximity even as others walked around them, some barely paying any attention to them. When Natalia relaxed the few remaining inches into her arms, Olivia completed the gesture by wrapping her arms around Natalia’s waist.
Natalia tilted her head a little smiling up at the woman she loved. “I think I have an idea.”
Then without provocation or encouragement, she leaned up and kissed the older woman softly on her lips. A small moan escaped Natalia’s lips.
Olivia mumbled against her lips. “Everyone’s watching.”
Natalia pulled back, smirking at her. “Are you embarrassed?”
“Um, no. Definitely not, but I thought you…”
The brunette shook her head at her partner. “I’m not embarrassed or ashamed, Olivia. I’m in love with the most profoundly stunning woman in Springfield, and I’m very happy about that. I don’t care if everyone knows, and I sure don’t care if anyone cares. It’s not their life. It’s mine…ours. So, please, let’s stop worrying about that.”
Olivia sighed and brushed a hand over Natalia’s hair, resting it gently against her neck. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, baby. I love you, insecurities and all. Now, let’s go have a drink and relax.”
*************
The rest of the day passed quickly, and it was something that both Olivia and Natalia were immensely grateful for. They watched as Rafe did his best to play foosball one-handed with Emma as she took him to the cleaners. The officially new siblings laughing and joking with each other made the women smile in spite of the occasion and the fact that Emma’s father was undergoing a very dangerous procedure at this very moment. They were pretty sure that Emma would be up well past her bedtime, but they agreed that they preferred to see her laughing and having fun instead of worrying about her father.
Company was packed with about fifty people, mostly members of the police force and close friends of the Coopers. There were toasts to Frank throughout the night and hilarious stories told of the man they had all known. Blake related a story of Frank disco dancing in his John Travolta white disco suit. When Natalia turned to Olivia in embarrassment that she would have considered marrying someone who thought that was cool, Olivia looked properly offended and quickly informed her girlfriend that she liked disco too.
“Yeah, but you’d look hot in that kind of suit.” Natalia flirted.
“I have one very much like it at home. I’ll have to wear it for you sometime.”
“Please do.”
As the day turned to night, the Spencer-Rivera family sat down to eat a huge meal of Buzz burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Rafe and Natalia couldn’t sit out on it so Buzz offered to make them special diabetes-friendly versions.
When they were done and the table was cleared, Doris walked up with Blake at her side. Olivia thought momentarily how it seemed like those two hadn’t been apart for more than a few minutes today, but it was chased away quickly by the devilish smile on Doris’ face.
“Uh oh, the Wolfe is on the prowl. Everybody hide!” Olivia’s comment made Emma and Rafe snicker.
“Oh, I’m not here for you, Spencer. I’m here for your kid or at least one of them.” She wiggled her eyebrows and looked down at Rafe, who quickly stopped laughing. “Do you have a moment?” He looked around the table, clearly ill at ease.
Natalia, always quick to Rafe’s defense, asked, “Can’t you talk to him here?”
“Stop it, Momma Hen. I’m not going to hurt your little boy. This is business.” She tilted her head and he stood from the booth to follow her.
“So, what’s that about?”
Olivia was stumped. “I have no idea.” Seeing Blake hanging back a few feet from Doris though triggered her earlier thought. “Is it just me or have Doris and Blake been awfully close today?”
“What do you mean?” The look on Natalia’s face amused Olivia. It was almost the exact same look Natalia gave her the night they kissed the first time. Olivia had the urge to use her “do I have to hit you over the head with this?” comment but decided against it.
Instead, she shrugged. “Maybe I’m just completely off base but they seem very friendly with each other.”
Natalia watched as Doris shook hands with her beaming son. If he smiled any more, his face was surely crack. As Rafe headed back to the table, she followed the two women as they moved on and stopped mid-sip on her shake as she saw Blake run a hand from Doris’ shoulder, over her back and down to her waist.
“No way!” She spun to look at Olivia.
Olivia was fighting the giggles. “Oh, I definitely think way.”
“Oh my God.”
Rafe stood in front of the table looking at his mom as she looked at Doris and Blake. “What?”
Natalia jumped back to the present and her son standing there looking at her oddly. She waved a hand in front of her face. “Nothing. What did she want?”
The same huge smile planted itself back on his face. “Oh, she was just wondering what I planned to study in school. You know, to see if it may fit in with being the Community Transition Assistant for the new juvie center.”
Olivia smiled proudly at Rafe and when it finally sunk in on Natalia what it meant, she squealed happily and jumped from her seat. “A job? Oh my God, Rafe…a job?” She threw her arms around his neck and he laughed.
Pulling back, Natalia wiped at her teary eyes as Rafe sat back down. “It’s just an assistant position. A glorified paper pusher, but she said that if I get my degree it could lead to other positions.”
“I’m so happy for you, baby.” Natalia reached her hand across the table to take his.
“We all are. Aren’t we Emma?” Olivia beamed.
“Yep! Now you can actually pay me for all those foosball games you lost.”
The table roared with laughter as Rafe feigned indignation. “Hey, you can’t do that! We’re like related or something now.”
“Keep it up, bro, and it’ll be with interest.”
He just shook his head and tried not to laugh. Looking at Olivia, he pointed at her. “She’s definitely your kid.”
She smiled sweetly at him. “I’d recommend hiring her in the future. You’ll want her on your side.”
Several hours later, Olivia’s phone buzzed. She glanced down at it and showed the name to Natalia before answering. The kids were tired, and Emma was already leaning heavily against Rafe, so she didn’t want to get her upset or excited at the news on the other line. But, she had to know. So she answered the call and felt Natalia take her hand under the table as they both said a quick prayer.
“Hello?” She listened for a moment. “Really? Wow, that’s…that’s amazing. He does? Okay, tomorrow then.”
She flipped the phone closed and looked at a perked up Emma. “Your Daddy’s feeling much better, baby.” She looked at Rafe then back to Emma. “Your grandfather too.” Emma was out of her seat in record time and in Olivia’s lap, bouncing with excitement.
She felt Natalia wrap an arm around her waist and lean against her shoulder. “It’s like a miracle.”
“Kind of looks that way, huh?”
The little girl couldn’t contain her happiness. “Can I go see Daddy now?”
“We can’t tonight, Em. He does want to see you though, but the doctors won’t let anyone in until visitor hours in the morning.”
“Yay! I’m going to be up before everyone else then.” She jumped down from her mother’s lap.
“I guess we need to get you to bed then, sweetie.” Natalia leaned an elbow on the table as she looked around Olivia at their daughter.
“Aw, Ma!” Emma whined.
Olivia laughed and felt herself get a little giddy inside hearing Emma use the new term of endearment. “You were about to drop just a minute ago! Come on, Bean, let’s go get a good night’s sleep.”
Rafe stood from the booth and stuck his hands inside his pockets. “Can I come with you guys? I’d like to see Alan.”
Natalia smiled at her son, knowing he was excited to share with his grandfather all of the great things that have happened to him in just a few short days. For once, Rafe was proud and confident in himself and he wanted to share that with someone important in his life. Without Frank around, Alan was the closest he had to a paternal figure. Natalia knew, in spite of her own misgivings of Alan exerting his influence over her son, that she also couldn’t deny Rafe a relationship with his grandfather. Besides, between Olivia and her, they’d make sure that Alan kept his long-reaching claws out of their son.
On the way back to drop off Rafe, they made plans to pick him up in the morning. It was nearing midnight when they pulled into the driveway at the farmhouse. In the backseat, Emma had stretched out and fallen asleep. Carefully, Natalia lifted her and carried her up the stairs to her room. Together, they tucked her in and headed to their own room. Barely sparing enough energy to change out of their dressy clothes, they crawled into bed and were instantly asleep.
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Date: 2010-02-09 05:52 am (UTC)Loved how confident Natalia and Olivia was in front of everyone. :)
Waiting anxiously for the last chapter. :)
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Date: 2010-02-09 07:22 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-02-09 09:04 pm (UTC)Great that N&O were together and N was not backing away from O...
I have conflicted emotions...eagerly awaiting the last chapter and hating the fact that this story will be at an end... Hopefully, you will begin a new story from this point forward!
Thanks, Lisa
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Date: 2010-02-10 12:22 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-02-10 01:02 pm (UTC)I know you were hoping to finish that before OVS stuff got really busy again :)
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Date: 2010-02-11 02:41 am (UTC):D
Date: 2010-03-05 01:57 am (UTC)The Doris/Blake fascinates me...prolly because im a Bliss-er-person :D