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[Guiding Light Fic] Five Things Natalia Rivera Never Thought She'd See (4/5) - Otalia
Title: Five Things Natalia Rivera Never Thought She'd See
Fandom: Guiding Light
Characters: Natalia Rivera, Olivia Spencer, Francesca Rivera, Emma Spencer, Frank Cooper, Bill Lewis.
Category: Romance, Drama, Angst
Rating: NC-17
Word count: 3,220
Summary: Can Natalia balance business and family life? Only a sick day will tell.
Spoilers/Timeline Post GL-Finale
Disclaimer: All characters (Olivia Spencer, Natalia Rivera, blah blah etc.) and situations belong to Guiding Light, Telenext, Proctor & Gamble, etc. I'm not them.
Author's Note: This was originally written for Rysler's birthday. In the spring. As those of you who have my email addy may know, I have procrastination problems. Fortunately, Rysler isn't holding that against me.
Beta: Many thanks to both Kelinswriter and Aimlessny for letting me bounce ideas off of them through this whole tortuously long process. All their thoughts and opinions were very much appreciated.
Part One || Part Two || Part Three
4.
"Her fever is still pretty high," Natalia said, the worry in her voice plain as she took the small thermometer off Francesca's forehead. "I think I should stay home today. Take care of both of my girls."
"Don't be ridiculous," Olivia said, scooping Natalia's bag and suit jacket off the back of the chair and handing them to her. "You have a big day today." She leaned over to kiss the corner of Natalia's mouth and gripped her arms. "Don't worry about us. We'll be fine. I'll keep an eye on 'Chesca and if she gets any worse I'll take her straight to Dr. Rick."
"Olivia..." Natalia cupped her cheek. "That's not what I meant. I know you don't feel good either."
Olivia leaned into her touch and then drew back to kiss her palm. "I'm fine." She drew the last word out for emphasis. "I feel so much better than yesterday."
"Really?"
Olivia nodded. Natalia exhaled and seemed to deflate with relief.
"Okay." Natalia glanced down at her watch. "Oh, no, I'm running late." She cast one last worried look at Olivia. "If you're sure..."
"I am," Olivia said, summoning her strongest, most certain smile. "Go," she said, giving Natalia a gentle push toward the door.
Natalia fled. Olivia waited, watching until Natalia's car had disappeared and then she sagged heavily against the door, the smile draining from her face as she paled.
The show had been mostly for Natalia's benefit and now that she was gone, the full depth of Olivia's exhaustion set in. Leaning heavily on various prices of furniture, Olivia made her way back to the living room, stopping only to check on Francesca. The eleven month old slept fitfully in her playpen, shifting and whimpering even in her sleep. Olivia rested a hand on her chest for a moment, just focusing on the way she breathed. Olivia stopped fighting and let her eyes fall closed for an instant. Just an instant and then she would...
With a start, Olivia jerked back to consciousness, swaying for one long moment before she righted herself with one hand clenched firmly around the rail. Olivia blinked quickly, lifting a hand to her heart to feel its furious racing and willed it to slow down.
"Sorry, Sweet Pea. Mommy's just tired right now." Olivia refused to let herself think any differently. It had been a long night. Olivia had been up more than she had been down as she struggled to keep her little girl as happy as possible and let Natalia sleep. Despite what Natalia had said, Olivia knew that Natalia was nervous about her presentation today. Phillip had slowly been giving Natalia more and more responsibility at Spaulding, but this was her first big pitch, the first project that she would head and develop on her own, and her love never took any responsibility lightly.
That was why Olivia refused to bother Natalia today. She could do this - even if just lifting her hand felt exhausting. Maybe a nap would help. There was so much that needed to be done - dishes, laundry, a hundred other responsibilities for their daughters and themselves that Olivia was supposed to take care of. Just the thought of it all made Olivia's spine stiffen with determination. Then she sagged, tears welling in her eyes. Exhaustion was overwhelming her, and for one moment she felt as sapped and lifeless as she had in the worst weeks after her transplant. It was a terrifying feeling and Olivia hated giving into it, but she wasn't sure she had any other choice.
Olivia took two quick steps toward the couch, almost falling onto it. She started to shiver as she laid down, pulling her legs up to her chest and waiting for it to pass. When it didn't she lifted her arm, searching blindly behind her for the throw that Natalia always kept on the back of the couch. Scrabbling around, it took her several long moments to find it and when she did, she whimpered in frustration as she tugged on it, only to have it refuse to budge. It took several tugs, Olivia almost giving up to just shiver in peace before it came free. She pulled it down - not taking the time or effort to spread it over herself - before falling into a restless, dream-filled sleep.
Olivia woke sharply, sweating profusely beneath the blanket that covered her. She felt wild and disoriented, drained by fitful sleep rather than refreshed, and feeling gross from the sweat that soaked her skin. She sat up, putting her legs over the edge of the couch and immediately had to put one hand out to steady herself. She wasn't sure which to clutch next, her rapidly beating heart or her aching head. It was a difficult decision. Francesca made it for her, letting out another unhappy wail. The same sound, Olivia realized, that had woken her.
She managed to push herself to her feet and took one unsteady step forward. She wove through the air, feeling unsteady and disoriented. She lifted her foot to take another step and wavered, more unsteady than before. Her hand shot out, reaching for the slim rail of Francesca's playpen. Her fingertips brushed it, too far away to catch onto as the world started to go gray around her. Francesca's thin wail was the last thing she heard as the world went dark and Olivia collapsed.
*** *** ***
Natalia glanced at her phone and then did a double-take, the frown lines on her brow furrowing deeper. Olivia hadn't texted her back and it had been over an hour. Normally Natalia wouldn't have worried. There were plenty of reasons for Olivia not to have responded and she didn't demand Olivia's constant attention, but today was different. And so was her text.
Natalia had been checking up on Francesca - and Olivia too. It was more urgent than her usual "you looked so beautiful when I woke up this morning I almost couldn't breathe" or "what do you want for dinner, sweetie" texts.
"Natalia...Natalia!" The urgency of the her co-worker's voice finally penetrated Natalia's thoughts.
"I'm sorry," she said, with a quick shake of her head. "What did you need?"
"There are some questions." The woman leaned closer. "Mr. Spaulding is very insistent and the client is waiting. I think you're the only one who knows this project well enough to answer them."
"Right," Natalia said, tapping her finger against her phone impatiently, willing the chime for a text to sound. None did. She frowned, and freed her arm from the woman's grip. "I have to make one quick call," Natalia said decisively, flashing the woman as charming of a smile as she could muster, dimples and all. She tried to seem apologetic even though she wasn’t in the least. "Tell them I'll be right there."
Natalia watched her depart, shooting several unhappy looks over her shoulder, but then Natalia didn't waste any more time, hurriedly punching in Olivia's speed dial. The phone rang, seemingly endlessly, but Natalia counted, knowing the number of rings before Olivia's phone would send her automatically to voicemail. Sure enough, it did. Natalia would have felt better if voicemail had kicked in immediately, an indication that Olivia was busy rather than just not answering. The sinking feeling that had been growing in the pit of Natalia's stomach all day worsened. She pressed her fingers against her lips and prayed for guidance. No solid answer sprung forth immediately. What she wouldn't give for a burning bush...
Natalia knew what was at stake. Phillip was giving her a chance to prove herself. This client wouldn't make or break Spaulding, but they did mark an important opportunity for growth. And Phillip trusted her with it. Natalia appreciated that and the faith he was placing in her.
But it was Olivia and their baby girl. There had never really been any question about what she would do. Natalia walked out of Spaulding Enterprises without a backwards glance.
The drive out to farmhouse seemed to stretch and drag. The longer it seemed to take, the more Natalia's sense of urgency built. She jumped out of the car, yanking at the key several times in her hurry before she managed to get it out. She left the door flung wide open as she ran towards the house. Her hand trembled as she fumbled with the lock. Olivia always locked it behind Natalia - a habit born of years living in a hotel. It made her want to curse or cry with frustration and took her several tries to undo it. Every second was too long. As she did Natalia prayed that Olivia would look up from her perch on the couch or at the kitchen table with bemusement, asking Natalia what the big hurry was.
But Olivia didn't. The moment that Natalia burst in the door she looked around wildly. She didn't even have time to call out for Olivia as she tried to process what she was seeing and hearing.
Francesca was wailing in her playpen. Natalia moved toward her automatically. Then she saw Olivia sprawled out on the floor, one arm reaching toward Francesca, a leg curled beneath her. Natalia's heart stopped beating for one long, horrible instant and then she flew into motion.
Natalia ran to Olivia's side, her hands fumbling frantically until she could find a pulse. It took her longer than it should have. How many times had she done that with Olivia? More than she could count. Finally she found it. It was thready and weak, but there.
Natalia shot a quick glance over her shoulder at Francesca. She was still wailing as if the world were about to end. But she didn't look hurt, just scared, unhappy and uncomfortable. Natalia pushed herself up and ran for the phone, remembering Remy's past comment about 911 operators and land lines. She didn't know why Olivia had collapsed but she did know that every second counted.
"Yes, I need an ambulance. My wife collapsed and..." She went back to pick up Francesca as she hurriedly gave the operator as much information as she could.
She was already kneeling down beside Olivia again with Francesca in her arms when the woman hung up, after assuring her several more times that help would be there soon.
Natalia dropped the phone beside her, smoothing Francesca's hair back from her forehead and kissing her in an attempt to soothe her before she bent over Olivia, taking her hand.
Olivia's fingers felt cold and limp in her grip as Natalia brought Olivia's hand to her lips, kissing it gently and then holding it there for a moment.
"Don't you dare leave me," she whispered. "Don't you dare."
*** *** ***
The room was dark and quiet. The sun was setting and Natalia had been siting there long enough that the light coming in through the blinds was no longer sufficient. She didn't want to get up - she still couldn't bring herself to leave Olivia's side, even for a moment. She still grew short of breath every time she thought of how she'd found Olivia. For one terrible moment she'd thought... But Olivia hadn't been. Natalia had been saying prayers of thanks for that since the moment Dr. Rick had told her Olivia was stable.
Now if Olivia would just open those beautiful green eyes of hers, then maybe Natalia could finally relax. Once they'd had a chance to check Olivia out, asses her condition and give her meds to get her back on the right track, they'd also given her something to keep her sedated, wanting her to rest easily and give the medications a chance to do their job.
It was the next twenty-four hours that would be critical, Dr. Rick had said. The infection, which was nothing worse than a bad case of the flu in Francesca, had left Olivia's immune-suppressed body struggling. The steroids were supposed to help that. And all the antibiotics. But still Natalia worried. She couldn't help it, and so she prayed - for Olivia and for forgiveness for herself. If she had just stayed home that morning, maybe Olivia would have gotten to the hospital before she'd passed out. Maybe it would have been just a little bit easier on her body, her heart. If Natalia had been scared when Olivia had a heart attack outside Company, it was nothing compared to the way she felt today. She knew now how much she stood to loose and it left her gasping and breathless.
Natalia folded her hands around Olivia's fingers, warm now where they had been cold earlier and brought them to her lips. She let Olivia's hand back down until it was lying at a comfortable angle against the sheets and then bowed her head, resting her forehead against it.
"You have to get better," Natalia whispered. "This wasn't part of the plan." She straightened, sniffling but not letting go of Olivia to brush the tear away. "You don't get to leave me, Olivia Spencer."
"Wasn't my fault."
The slurred words were the best sound Natalia had ever heard. She shot to her feet. "Olivia!"
"Hey." Olivia raised a feeble arm, reaching out to Natalia. Her voice was deep and gravely, but Natalia didn’t care. It was wonderful.
Natalia caught her hand and sank down on the bed beside Olivia, her thigh pressing up against Olivia's thigh. She couldn't stop herself from reaching out to touch Olivia's cheek, cup her face.
"How do you feel?" Natalia asked gently.
Olivia gave a one-shouldered shrug. The corner of her mouth turned up. "Terrible." The glint in her eyes faded. She swallowed and licked dry lips. "Francesca?" Her eyes begged Natalia to tell her she was okay.
Natalia squeezed her hand. "She's just fine. Dr. Rick gave her some antibiotics and some fluids. She'll be as good as new soon. You're the one who had me worried." Her grip on Olivia's hand tightened until it was almost painful. "Please, don't ever..." Another tear slipped down her cheek and choked her throat.
Olivia lifted her hand to clumsily brush the tear off Natalia's cheek with the back of her finger. "Shh, sweetheart. I'll be fine." She arched an eyebrow at Natalia. "I'll be fine?" This time her voice wavered a little. Her vulnerability made Natalia's heart clench.
"Dr. Rick thinks so." There was a possibility...but already Olivia seemed stronger. "You can't push it, though." Natalia sniffed angrily and brushed new tears. "Why didn't you tell me? When I came home and saw you like that... I've never been so scared. Do you understand me, Olivia? Never."
"I'm sorry," Olivia sounded small, chastened. Natalia hated it. "I thought it was nothing. It wasn't until later... I didn't want to bother you. I know this is a big project for you."
Natalia snorted.
Olivia arched another eyebrow. "What's so funny now?"
"All those times," Natalia said with a laugh. "When I was working for other people and you called and said you needed me and you - you pick now to worry about my job security." She shook her head.
Olivia summoned the energy to be indignant. "I was trying to be considerate. See if I do that again," she huffed.
Natalia let out a small laugh and leaned over to kiss her. "Oh, no you don't, Olivia Spencer. Don't you know I love it when you need me? Every time you'd say that..." Natalia shook her head. "I'd get a shiver down my spine and have no idea why."
Olivia sank back into her pillows. "Oh really?"
The way she said it made Natalia roll her eyes. "You need to get some rest," Natalia said. "It's important."
Olivia made a face which Natalia ignored.
"You're tired."
Olivia wrinkled her nose. "Where are Em and 'Chesca?"
Natalia restrained a sigh. "They're with their daddies. They're fine. Let me take care of you."
Olivia huffed, and folded her arms over her chest. "If you're going to insist..."
"I am," Natalia said, ignoring Olivia's tone, knowing it for the mask of emotion that it was. "Scoot over," she added matter-of-factly.
So much that Olivia shot her a puzzled look.
"Scoot," Natalia repeated, her tone light as she made shooing motions at Olivia.
Olivia arched an eyebrow but did as she was asked while mumbling about Natalia pushing around an exhausted invalid.
Natalia ignored it all, sitting down on the side of the bed to slip her shoes off and then brought her feet up on the bed, laying down beside Olivia.
"Come here," Natalia said, holding her arms out to Olivia.
This time Olivia didn't even pretend to complain or resist, slipping into Natalia's embrace as if it were where she was made to be, her head on Natalia's shoulder as Natalia reclined against the pillows.
For several long moments, Natalia simply stroked her fingers through Olivia's hair, savoring the silence, letting the comforting weight and warmth of Olivia against her side reassure her, soothe the terror that had shot through her when she had seen Olivia lying motionless on the floor.
"You know," Olivia said into the silence, turning her head to look up at Natalia. Olivia palmed Natalia's breast gently. "If my recovery had been more like this I wouldn't have been so grumpy about it."
Despite the apparent lack of intention behind Olivia resting her hand there, it still shot a jolt of energy through Natalia and she couldn't help but snort at what Olivia had said. Her gentle ministrations never stopped as they lay there.
"Are you mad?" Olivia asked more quietly that time. Natalia could hear the very real undercurrent of worry in her voice.
"No." Natalia was a little surprised to find that she meant it. She shifted so that she could see Olivia's face and cupped her cheek with one hand. All she felt when she looked into Olivia's eyes was an overwhelming sense of love. A faint hint of anxiety churned in her stomach telling her that she could have lost Olivia that afternoon. Natalia bent to press her forehead against Olivia's.
"I need you," Natalia said. "In my life, in my bed, in my heart. For a very long time to come. You don't get to leave me, do you hear me?"
Olivia nodded, still pressed against Natalia and reached up to cup the back of Natalia's neck, holding her close.
"I'm not going anywhere, Sweetheart."
"You can't promise that," Natalia sniffed through the beginning of tears.
"No," Olivia agreed. "But I can promise to love you with my whole heart while I am here."
(4/5)
Fandom: Guiding Light
Characters: Natalia Rivera, Olivia Spencer, Francesca Rivera, Emma Spencer, Frank Cooper, Bill Lewis.
Category: Romance, Drama, Angst
Rating: NC-17
Word count: 3,220
Summary: Can Natalia balance business and family life? Only a sick day will tell.
Spoilers/Timeline Post GL-Finale
Disclaimer: All characters (Olivia Spencer, Natalia Rivera, blah blah etc.) and situations belong to Guiding Light, Telenext, Proctor & Gamble, etc. I'm not them.
Author's Note: This was originally written for Rysler's birthday. In the spring. As those of you who have my email addy may know, I have procrastination problems. Fortunately, Rysler isn't holding that against me.
Beta: Many thanks to both Kelinswriter and Aimlessny for letting me bounce ideas off of them through this whole tortuously long process. All their thoughts and opinions were very much appreciated.
Part One || Part Two || Part Three
4.
"Her fever is still pretty high," Natalia said, the worry in her voice plain as she took the small thermometer off Francesca's forehead. "I think I should stay home today. Take care of both of my girls."
"Don't be ridiculous," Olivia said, scooping Natalia's bag and suit jacket off the back of the chair and handing them to her. "You have a big day today." She leaned over to kiss the corner of Natalia's mouth and gripped her arms. "Don't worry about us. We'll be fine. I'll keep an eye on 'Chesca and if she gets any worse I'll take her straight to Dr. Rick."
"Olivia..." Natalia cupped her cheek. "That's not what I meant. I know you don't feel good either."
Olivia leaned into her touch and then drew back to kiss her palm. "I'm fine." She drew the last word out for emphasis. "I feel so much better than yesterday."
"Really?"
Olivia nodded. Natalia exhaled and seemed to deflate with relief.
"Okay." Natalia glanced down at her watch. "Oh, no, I'm running late." She cast one last worried look at Olivia. "If you're sure..."
"I am," Olivia said, summoning her strongest, most certain smile. "Go," she said, giving Natalia a gentle push toward the door.
Natalia fled. Olivia waited, watching until Natalia's car had disappeared and then she sagged heavily against the door, the smile draining from her face as she paled.
The show had been mostly for Natalia's benefit and now that she was gone, the full depth of Olivia's exhaustion set in. Leaning heavily on various prices of furniture, Olivia made her way back to the living room, stopping only to check on Francesca. The eleven month old slept fitfully in her playpen, shifting and whimpering even in her sleep. Olivia rested a hand on her chest for a moment, just focusing on the way she breathed. Olivia stopped fighting and let her eyes fall closed for an instant. Just an instant and then she would...
With a start, Olivia jerked back to consciousness, swaying for one long moment before she righted herself with one hand clenched firmly around the rail. Olivia blinked quickly, lifting a hand to her heart to feel its furious racing and willed it to slow down.
"Sorry, Sweet Pea. Mommy's just tired right now." Olivia refused to let herself think any differently. It had been a long night. Olivia had been up more than she had been down as she struggled to keep her little girl as happy as possible and let Natalia sleep. Despite what Natalia had said, Olivia knew that Natalia was nervous about her presentation today. Phillip had slowly been giving Natalia more and more responsibility at Spaulding, but this was her first big pitch, the first project that she would head and develop on her own, and her love never took any responsibility lightly.
That was why Olivia refused to bother Natalia today. She could do this - even if just lifting her hand felt exhausting. Maybe a nap would help. There was so much that needed to be done - dishes, laundry, a hundred other responsibilities for their daughters and themselves that Olivia was supposed to take care of. Just the thought of it all made Olivia's spine stiffen with determination. Then she sagged, tears welling in her eyes. Exhaustion was overwhelming her, and for one moment she felt as sapped and lifeless as she had in the worst weeks after her transplant. It was a terrifying feeling and Olivia hated giving into it, but she wasn't sure she had any other choice.
Olivia took two quick steps toward the couch, almost falling onto it. She started to shiver as she laid down, pulling her legs up to her chest and waiting for it to pass. When it didn't she lifted her arm, searching blindly behind her for the throw that Natalia always kept on the back of the couch. Scrabbling around, it took her several long moments to find it and when she did, she whimpered in frustration as she tugged on it, only to have it refuse to budge. It took several tugs, Olivia almost giving up to just shiver in peace before it came free. She pulled it down - not taking the time or effort to spread it over herself - before falling into a restless, dream-filled sleep.
Olivia woke sharply, sweating profusely beneath the blanket that covered her. She felt wild and disoriented, drained by fitful sleep rather than refreshed, and feeling gross from the sweat that soaked her skin. She sat up, putting her legs over the edge of the couch and immediately had to put one hand out to steady herself. She wasn't sure which to clutch next, her rapidly beating heart or her aching head. It was a difficult decision. Francesca made it for her, letting out another unhappy wail. The same sound, Olivia realized, that had woken her.
She managed to push herself to her feet and took one unsteady step forward. She wove through the air, feeling unsteady and disoriented. She lifted her foot to take another step and wavered, more unsteady than before. Her hand shot out, reaching for the slim rail of Francesca's playpen. Her fingertips brushed it, too far away to catch onto as the world started to go gray around her. Francesca's thin wail was the last thing she heard as the world went dark and Olivia collapsed.
*** *** ***
Natalia glanced at her phone and then did a double-take, the frown lines on her brow furrowing deeper. Olivia hadn't texted her back and it had been over an hour. Normally Natalia wouldn't have worried. There were plenty of reasons for Olivia not to have responded and she didn't demand Olivia's constant attention, but today was different. And so was her text.
Natalia had been checking up on Francesca - and Olivia too. It was more urgent than her usual "you looked so beautiful when I woke up this morning I almost couldn't breathe" or "what do you want for dinner, sweetie" texts.
"Natalia...Natalia!" The urgency of the her co-worker's voice finally penetrated Natalia's thoughts.
"I'm sorry," she said, with a quick shake of her head. "What did you need?"
"There are some questions." The woman leaned closer. "Mr. Spaulding is very insistent and the client is waiting. I think you're the only one who knows this project well enough to answer them."
"Right," Natalia said, tapping her finger against her phone impatiently, willing the chime for a text to sound. None did. She frowned, and freed her arm from the woman's grip. "I have to make one quick call," Natalia said decisively, flashing the woman as charming of a smile as she could muster, dimples and all. She tried to seem apologetic even though she wasn’t in the least. "Tell them I'll be right there."
Natalia watched her depart, shooting several unhappy looks over her shoulder, but then Natalia didn't waste any more time, hurriedly punching in Olivia's speed dial. The phone rang, seemingly endlessly, but Natalia counted, knowing the number of rings before Olivia's phone would send her automatically to voicemail. Sure enough, it did. Natalia would have felt better if voicemail had kicked in immediately, an indication that Olivia was busy rather than just not answering. The sinking feeling that had been growing in the pit of Natalia's stomach all day worsened. She pressed her fingers against her lips and prayed for guidance. No solid answer sprung forth immediately. What she wouldn't give for a burning bush...
Natalia knew what was at stake. Phillip was giving her a chance to prove herself. This client wouldn't make or break Spaulding, but they did mark an important opportunity for growth. And Phillip trusted her with it. Natalia appreciated that and the faith he was placing in her.
But it was Olivia and their baby girl. There had never really been any question about what she would do. Natalia walked out of Spaulding Enterprises without a backwards glance.
The drive out to farmhouse seemed to stretch and drag. The longer it seemed to take, the more Natalia's sense of urgency built. She jumped out of the car, yanking at the key several times in her hurry before she managed to get it out. She left the door flung wide open as she ran towards the house. Her hand trembled as she fumbled with the lock. Olivia always locked it behind Natalia - a habit born of years living in a hotel. It made her want to curse or cry with frustration and took her several tries to undo it. Every second was too long. As she did Natalia prayed that Olivia would look up from her perch on the couch or at the kitchen table with bemusement, asking Natalia what the big hurry was.
But Olivia didn't. The moment that Natalia burst in the door she looked around wildly. She didn't even have time to call out for Olivia as she tried to process what she was seeing and hearing.
Francesca was wailing in her playpen. Natalia moved toward her automatically. Then she saw Olivia sprawled out on the floor, one arm reaching toward Francesca, a leg curled beneath her. Natalia's heart stopped beating for one long, horrible instant and then she flew into motion.
Natalia ran to Olivia's side, her hands fumbling frantically until she could find a pulse. It took her longer than it should have. How many times had she done that with Olivia? More than she could count. Finally she found it. It was thready and weak, but there.
Natalia shot a quick glance over her shoulder at Francesca. She was still wailing as if the world were about to end. But she didn't look hurt, just scared, unhappy and uncomfortable. Natalia pushed herself up and ran for the phone, remembering Remy's past comment about 911 operators and land lines. She didn't know why Olivia had collapsed but she did know that every second counted.
"Yes, I need an ambulance. My wife collapsed and..." She went back to pick up Francesca as she hurriedly gave the operator as much information as she could.
She was already kneeling down beside Olivia again with Francesca in her arms when the woman hung up, after assuring her several more times that help would be there soon.
Natalia dropped the phone beside her, smoothing Francesca's hair back from her forehead and kissing her in an attempt to soothe her before she bent over Olivia, taking her hand.
Olivia's fingers felt cold and limp in her grip as Natalia brought Olivia's hand to her lips, kissing it gently and then holding it there for a moment.
"Don't you dare leave me," she whispered. "Don't you dare."
*** *** ***
The room was dark and quiet. The sun was setting and Natalia had been siting there long enough that the light coming in through the blinds was no longer sufficient. She didn't want to get up - she still couldn't bring herself to leave Olivia's side, even for a moment. She still grew short of breath every time she thought of how she'd found Olivia. For one terrible moment she'd thought... But Olivia hadn't been. Natalia had been saying prayers of thanks for that since the moment Dr. Rick had told her Olivia was stable.
Now if Olivia would just open those beautiful green eyes of hers, then maybe Natalia could finally relax. Once they'd had a chance to check Olivia out, asses her condition and give her meds to get her back on the right track, they'd also given her something to keep her sedated, wanting her to rest easily and give the medications a chance to do their job.
It was the next twenty-four hours that would be critical, Dr. Rick had said. The infection, which was nothing worse than a bad case of the flu in Francesca, had left Olivia's immune-suppressed body struggling. The steroids were supposed to help that. And all the antibiotics. But still Natalia worried. She couldn't help it, and so she prayed - for Olivia and for forgiveness for herself. If she had just stayed home that morning, maybe Olivia would have gotten to the hospital before she'd passed out. Maybe it would have been just a little bit easier on her body, her heart. If Natalia had been scared when Olivia had a heart attack outside Company, it was nothing compared to the way she felt today. She knew now how much she stood to loose and it left her gasping and breathless.
Natalia folded her hands around Olivia's fingers, warm now where they had been cold earlier and brought them to her lips. She let Olivia's hand back down until it was lying at a comfortable angle against the sheets and then bowed her head, resting her forehead against it.
"You have to get better," Natalia whispered. "This wasn't part of the plan." She straightened, sniffling but not letting go of Olivia to brush the tear away. "You don't get to leave me, Olivia Spencer."
"Wasn't my fault."
The slurred words were the best sound Natalia had ever heard. She shot to her feet. "Olivia!"
"Hey." Olivia raised a feeble arm, reaching out to Natalia. Her voice was deep and gravely, but Natalia didn’t care. It was wonderful.
Natalia caught her hand and sank down on the bed beside Olivia, her thigh pressing up against Olivia's thigh. She couldn't stop herself from reaching out to touch Olivia's cheek, cup her face.
"How do you feel?" Natalia asked gently.
Olivia gave a one-shouldered shrug. The corner of her mouth turned up. "Terrible." The glint in her eyes faded. She swallowed and licked dry lips. "Francesca?" Her eyes begged Natalia to tell her she was okay.
Natalia squeezed her hand. "She's just fine. Dr. Rick gave her some antibiotics and some fluids. She'll be as good as new soon. You're the one who had me worried." Her grip on Olivia's hand tightened until it was almost painful. "Please, don't ever..." Another tear slipped down her cheek and choked her throat.
Olivia lifted her hand to clumsily brush the tear off Natalia's cheek with the back of her finger. "Shh, sweetheart. I'll be fine." She arched an eyebrow at Natalia. "I'll be fine?" This time her voice wavered a little. Her vulnerability made Natalia's heart clench.
"Dr. Rick thinks so." There was a possibility...but already Olivia seemed stronger. "You can't push it, though." Natalia sniffed angrily and brushed new tears. "Why didn't you tell me? When I came home and saw you like that... I've never been so scared. Do you understand me, Olivia? Never."
"I'm sorry," Olivia sounded small, chastened. Natalia hated it. "I thought it was nothing. It wasn't until later... I didn't want to bother you. I know this is a big project for you."
Natalia snorted.
Olivia arched another eyebrow. "What's so funny now?"
"All those times," Natalia said with a laugh. "When I was working for other people and you called and said you needed me and you - you pick now to worry about my job security." She shook her head.
Olivia summoned the energy to be indignant. "I was trying to be considerate. See if I do that again," she huffed.
Natalia let out a small laugh and leaned over to kiss her. "Oh, no you don't, Olivia Spencer. Don't you know I love it when you need me? Every time you'd say that..." Natalia shook her head. "I'd get a shiver down my spine and have no idea why."
Olivia sank back into her pillows. "Oh really?"
The way she said it made Natalia roll her eyes. "You need to get some rest," Natalia said. "It's important."
Olivia made a face which Natalia ignored.
"You're tired."
Olivia wrinkled her nose. "Where are Em and 'Chesca?"
Natalia restrained a sigh. "They're with their daddies. They're fine. Let me take care of you."
Olivia huffed, and folded her arms over her chest. "If you're going to insist..."
"I am," Natalia said, ignoring Olivia's tone, knowing it for the mask of emotion that it was. "Scoot over," she added matter-of-factly.
So much that Olivia shot her a puzzled look.
"Scoot," Natalia repeated, her tone light as she made shooing motions at Olivia.
Olivia arched an eyebrow but did as she was asked while mumbling about Natalia pushing around an exhausted invalid.
Natalia ignored it all, sitting down on the side of the bed to slip her shoes off and then brought her feet up on the bed, laying down beside Olivia.
"Come here," Natalia said, holding her arms out to Olivia.
This time Olivia didn't even pretend to complain or resist, slipping into Natalia's embrace as if it were where she was made to be, her head on Natalia's shoulder as Natalia reclined against the pillows.
For several long moments, Natalia simply stroked her fingers through Olivia's hair, savoring the silence, letting the comforting weight and warmth of Olivia against her side reassure her, soothe the terror that had shot through her when she had seen Olivia lying motionless on the floor.
"You know," Olivia said into the silence, turning her head to look up at Natalia. Olivia palmed Natalia's breast gently. "If my recovery had been more like this I wouldn't have been so grumpy about it."
Despite the apparent lack of intention behind Olivia resting her hand there, it still shot a jolt of energy through Natalia and she couldn't help but snort at what Olivia had said. Her gentle ministrations never stopped as they lay there.
"Are you mad?" Olivia asked more quietly that time. Natalia could hear the very real undercurrent of worry in her voice.
"No." Natalia was a little surprised to find that she meant it. She shifted so that she could see Olivia's face and cupped her cheek with one hand. All she felt when she looked into Olivia's eyes was an overwhelming sense of love. A faint hint of anxiety churned in her stomach telling her that she could have lost Olivia that afternoon. Natalia bent to press her forehead against Olivia's.
"I need you," Natalia said. "In my life, in my bed, in my heart. For a very long time to come. You don't get to leave me, do you hear me?"
Olivia nodded, still pressed against Natalia and reached up to cup the back of Natalia's neck, holding her close.
"I'm not going anywhere, Sweetheart."
"You can't promise that," Natalia sniffed through the beginning of tears.
"No," Olivia agreed. "But I can promise to love you with my whole heart while I am here."
(4/5)