1-2-3 Years...
Author's Note: There are few bookmarks throughout the chapter. They are mostly for picture illustrations for that particular scene composite by the talented Ms. Marisol. If you click on the picture you'll be back at the point of story where you were reading. The bookmarks will also reveal some background facts about where I got the idea from. I hope you enjoy the little perks that I have added for the reader in my webpage.
Chapter Nine
Summer was officially over. The obvious sign of fall was that one needed a coat to go outside. The coat that was hanging inside her locker which Olivia had been staring at with an unlit cigarette hanging on her lips as she contemplated to light it.
Detective Fin Tallulah was there too. It was the end of a very long week that marked the closing of Whalen-Davis case and all he wanted to do was go home. For the dead ended case that Olivia had been riding their ass for, the CSI unit was the one who had saved the day by determining that the drawer on the teacher�s desk might have stored the gun, from slight indentations they found on the papers on top of which they assumed the gun lied. Based on that, Casey upped the charges for Davis on Whalen-Davis case to homicide. She was even able to up the bail to half a million, which Davis was not able to provide and remained in the cell. Regardless of all the new development, every one knew that once the defense lawyer played back Olivia�s own suspicion against Ray, their case would fall to pieces. So, they still needed Eve to at least testify once officially. But even after almost two months Jena hadn�t budged and as the court date approached Olivia�s impatience increased. Bringing about a side of Olivia that true to Elliot�s words that no one wanted to see, the side that had started to smoke, which was a big surprise to everyone in their unit.
�There is no smoking in the locker room.� Fin said even though he did want to stay clear of Olivia but he wasn�t the type to keep quite.
�It is not lit.� Olivia answered keeping her eyes locked on the darkness of the inside of her locker.
�I didn�t even know you smoked.� Fin commented seeing that Olivia hadn�t really snapped at his last comment.
�I was told that you are the one who is discovering facts about me. Add smoking to that list.� Olivia said bitchily as she turned and baited Fin to retaliate. She was seeking anything that was a distraction to her burdened heart, even if that was a fight with her colleague.
�What is your problem?� Fin asked aloud choosing not to comment. �All you have been doing is poke at a case which hasn�t been yours since after the first week. Yet, we have not complained and tried to understand due to your personal connection. But instead of seeing that we are doing you a favor��
�Doing me a favor?�
�Yes, we are doing you a favor. We are trying to fix a case you screwed up.� Fin didn�t care; he said it.
He wasn't Elliot and he wasn't Alex. He had had enough of Olivia�s bitchiness. Someone had to tell it to her face, and he didn�t care if it was him, or if he was going to be punched in the face for saying so. Olivia could take out her frustrations on him. He cared enough about Olivia to let her do so than let it eat her from inside.
�Then do me another favor.� Olivia did not punch Fin. Even her frustration was her own, and she wasn�t ready for it to lash out either. So, she paused glaring at her colleague to emphasize on the next sentence. �Don�t do me any favors.�
Fin was going to make Olivia lash out. She needed it to come out of her system and he wanted to be the means. He stepped forward armed with a perfect retort when a voice interrupted his attempt.
�Is there a problem here?� Elliot asked. Elliot walked inside so that both his colleagues knew that he wasn�t going anywhere.
�No, there is no problem.� Fin unwillingly took the higher road and stepped back.
He grabbed his jacket and walked passed his fellow detective just to stop right next to Elliot. �Tell your partner to chill. That cancer stick, she has started to smoke, is burning her brain cells.� He said before he exited.
�You okay.� Elliot asked once Olivia had time to breathe out.
�No, I am not okay. Do you know the maximum sentence for a compulsive, repetitive sex offender who masturbating in front of children is? Two hundred seventy fucking days, which means he�ll walk after fucking six months. He killed Ray and he is going to walk after six months. Why because of me? I know that. But I am trying my best to fix it. I am basically stalking Jena in hopes that she would change her mind and let us talk to Eve. I don�t know what else I can do more to fix the fucking case.� Olivia vented putting the entire weight of her actions on the case.
�May be you shouldn�t be doing exactly that.�
�Don�t start with that again.� Olivia said unwillingly to hear Elliot preach.
�You are putting way too much pressure on yourself and on Eve�s testimony. We have CSI�s report. We already got the past two acquitted offenses to be allowed for the jury to hear. The case is as tight as we possibly can make it.� Elliot walked over to where Olivia was standing. �You need to chill Liv. Get some pressure off you. How about this? I�ll take over and take you off the on call list for this weekend. You go home and stay there without even thinking about the Whalen case or any other case.�
Olivia turned to her partner and stared at him intently. Even though Elliot and she had done each other favors and changed shift and covered for each other in numerous occasions. And even though it was nothing of a big deal for Elliot to go out of his way to make sure that she got the break she needed. Yet, there was something about his voice sounded more suggestive than usual. As she took a moment to think about it, she knew. She knew the motive behind his little sly smile that he was trying his best to hide.
�Alex called you?� She asked masterfully figuring out the real reason.
Ever since Olivia had told Alex that Elliot knew about them, Alex had instantly started to make Elliot her messenger whenever Olivia was unreachable. And with the number of times she went to see Jena, she was unreachable more than she wanted to be.
�Yes, she did and she requested that you be completely free this weekend.�
�Did she say why?� Olivia asked.
�She didn�t. But whatever it is, you both deserve it. So, I say go.� Elliot said taking out Olivia�s coat from her locker and closed it for her. �And don�t come back till Monday.�
He helped Olivia put on her coat. �Give this weekend entirely to Alex.� He said as he tightened the collars of his partner�s coat. �Both this.� He tapped on her forehead twice then tapped on her heart softly. �And this�give it only to her. That is the secret of lasting relationship.� The man who had been married to his high school girlfriend advised.
�I will.� Olivia said taking in his words. Elliot was right. She needed to concentrate on Alex, if she wanted to still have that relationship. �I promise.� She added with determination.
For the later part of the summer, Olivia and Alex�s life had settled into a mellow routine. As much as it felt comforting, Alex couldn�t help but yearn for the days when clothes were an option they didn�t exercise very often. It was her that very want to get back their honeymoon phase, that had made her come up with the idea of a quick escape. The idea, that was only moments away from being executed.
�Ready?� She asked taking a deep breathe and letting it out.
She was standing in the middle of the suit in a picturesque little Inn that Gina had made reservations for them.
�Yes�all ready.� Olivia said with all smiles and anticipation. Her eyes were closed just as Alex had told her to do so ever since they had left the city limits.
�Open your eyes.�
Olivia opened them. Her smile immediately faded and her eyes widened in shock.
�Isn�t this room great?� Alex asked as she headed towards the balcony door and opened it to reveal the tranquil lake right outside. �Welcome to Black Swan Inn.� Alex said gesturing like an airhostess.
***
�Welcome to Black Swan Inn.� Jena said bowing and allowing Olivia to walk in before her.
�Wow�� Olivia said running to the balcony to look at the lake. �It is by the lake.�
�I thought you might like that.� Jena said grinning with pride.
�And this is yours. I mean you actually bought this Inn?� Olivia asked once again with a little disbelief.
�Well it is basically banks money, but I guess you could say that I bought it. Or better yet, we bought it. We will make this our home away from home. It is not too far from the city, and we could come here for a weekend escape. What do you say? You approve?�
****
�So you like it?� Alex was asking bringing Olivia back from her thoughts.
***�Yes� I approve...definitely approve.�*** Olivia�s own exhilarating voice echoed in her ears as a much softer sound escaped her lips. �Yes.�
�And come on here.� Alex said lost in her own excitement and dragging Olivia right to the center of the suit. �Look around. Doesn�t it seem like some one put you right here and told you to decorate the room according to your specifications?�
***
�Stand right here.� Jena said. �Now tell me what you want in the room.�
�What do you mean?�
�This Inn is unique as in the sense that every suit is unique. They are all decorated differently to give a sense of hominess instead of following a standard pattern so that every room looks the same. This is the best room and I want it to be everything that you want, so tell me.�
***
�Look at pastel green walls. That�s your favorite color for the walls.� Alex pointed it out.
*** �Definitely pastel green walls.� *** Olivia�s own instructions reverberated right after Alex�s voice.
�And look at how the couch is positioned for the maximum view of the lake and TV is on the side. You always said you would take the peace of nature to ��
*** � to the blabbering of the television any day.� *** Olivia�s recollected words were even louder than Alex�s as her girlfriend walked around the suit pointing out every little detail that she had tediously panned out years ago, and Jena had made sure it was followed to the �t�.
�And the best part of this room� is that it was made for love.� Alex said finishing her observation of the details.
�For love?� Olivia asked trying her best to bring her mind back to present.
�Yes, the brochure says that. Ten years ago when the current owner bought this Inn, the owner didn�t change any room except this one. This one was changed completely and decorated in the specification of the love of his life, as the brochure says. That is why this suit is called �.�
*** �Forever love.� Jena said opening the door to the room built just for her girlfriend. �We�ll call this suit �Forever love.�� ****
�Isn�t that the most romantic thing in the world?� Alex asked finally walking back to where Olivia was standing.
Olivia had no answer. What could she say?
�You okay?� Alex asked seeing that her girlfriend wasn�t as excited as she was. �You look pale.�
�No, I am good. Must be the drive.� Olivia walked away from Alex feeling uncomfortable being in the room that Jena and she had built as a love nest. �How did you find this Inn?� Olivia had to ask, unable to believe that it was a co incident.
�In the internet.� Alex answered without a thought, even though it wasn�t her but it was Gina who had found the Inn and made the reservation for them. But as soon as she had seen the brochure and the description of the room, she knew she had to take the credit. Because it was just perfect for Olivia and she wanted her sweetheart to know that she actually went beyond her way to find a perfect venue for their much-needed escape.
Olivia couldn�t help but chuckle at the cruel game fate was playing with her. Once again she had the option of coming out clean and letting Alex know the truth about the suit, so that they could change the Inn and save her from a very painful 48 hours. But with the tradition of mum that Olivia had adopted regarding anything concerning Jena, she once again decided to withhold the painful truth. Her hand found the ring within its clasp in hope that she had enough strength to not let the suit, or the past attached to it get to her.
�So, why are we here again?� Olivia asked. She walked to the balcony trying to camouflage her pain.
�Did you forget the conversation we had in the limo?� Alex asked following her girlfriend.
�We had a lot of conversations in the limo.� Olivia muttered taking in the view she hadn�t seen in years. There was a woman sunbathing in the bank of the lake on the other side. Her gaze unconsciously stuck on the bikini-clad woman.
�You know what I am talking about!� Alex proclaimed. She reached up and turned Olivia�s face towards her own. �We decided we would celebrate the half year point of our relationship. So, we are staying in this inn for two nights, and we�re going to indulge ourselves and, I would hope, each other.�
Catching Alex�s witty licentiousness, Olivia smiled in spite of herself.
�We have had a very tiring couple of months. First with the case of your friend, then the series of crimes that kept you working over time all the time, not to mention my own long hours.� Alex wasn�t complaining, she was stating the facts. �So, we both deserve a break from our work and the city. And this is where we are going to have a really nice time.�
�Couldn�t we have had a nice experience in the city?�
�Not in my book,� Alex declared. �They have a health club, a masseuse, and top-rated room service, all of which we�re going to take advantage of. So start relaxing and unwinding.�
�Yes, ma�am.�
�Now, Detective Benson follow me.� Alex said pulling Olivia.
Alex led her girlfriend to the bedroom where a chilled bottle of champagne was waiting for them. As soon as they were inside Alex put her arms around her girlfriend and captured her in a long awaited kiss only to withdraw from it right away. �When did you smoke?� She asked getting a distinct taste of nicotine in her mouth.
�I am sorry, I had smoked before I even came home. I didn�t think the taste would last this long.� Olivia confessed with guilt.
�It is not that I mind you smoking, it is just that I don�t like to taste it in my mouth.� Alex once again complained the same thing she had been saying since the day Olivia took up smoking once again.
�With all the stress, I just got back the old habit again. I did quit it once, so I will quit again. Just can�t do it right now.� Olivia explained her helplessness towards the addictive stick that Jena had got her to try.
�That is okay� As long as you try not to smoke so much this weekend. Because I would like to kiss you at every whim, and I won�t be able to do it if I have to keep wondering that I�ll be tasting the nasty tobacco.�
�I can try,� Olivia said, although she knew that it would be impossible to completely not smoke. Especially since, she was standing on the very room where she had taken her first puff of smoke.
�That�s all I ask.� Alex said walking towards the champagne. �Here�s the schedule! We have a glass of bubbly, and then take refreshing showers. Following that, we have reservations at the restaurant downstairs, which I hear is fantastic. After a wonderful meal, we come back here and make mad, passionate love. What do you say?�
�I�d be crazy to resist,� Olivia said offering total compliance.
�That is good.� Alex marveled draining her glass. �Now you want to take the shower first or should I?�
�You take it first. While you shower, I�ll brush my teeth so that you can kiss me without complain.� Olivia offered.
�That�s a deal.�
Olivia reminded herself of Elliot�s words over and over as she zig-zagged her toothbrush up and down her teeth. She needed to make that weekend about Alex. It was just wrath of her fortune due to which she was to give Alex her all in the very suit where she had promised forever to Jena over and over. But it didn�t matter. Olivia was going to make it happen. Where else could she prove it to her torn heart that Jena had no piece of her heart, just many pieces of her past? Yes, that was the perfect venue.
Just after she gaggled the remainder of her nicotine infected breath, the shower door opened and Alex stepped out. She briskly dried her hair, totally unconcerned about her nakedness. Olivia stared at the reflection at the mirror that was steaming up with the heat from the shower. While Alex went about the routine of drying her hair by first flipping it forward and rubbing it with the towel, then flipped it on the side to do the same and then finally flipped it back. Then she put the towel on her back and wiggled her hip to dry her back; just then her eyes caught the staring pair in the mirror.
�Hey!� Alex exclaimed. �What are you looking at? You are supposed to be brushing your teeth.� Suddenly self-conscious, she wrapped herself in her towel.
Olivia turned around recovering from her instant embarrassment. She gripped Alex�s bare shoulders and stared into her liquid blue eyes. �I couldn�t help but notice how sexy and absolutely alluring you look.�
Alex squinted and pretended to view Olivia with examining eyes, �Are you all right?�
Olivia laughed. �I am fine.�
�Did you hit your head or did you finish the bottle of champagne?�
�I am being serious Alex. You look ravishingly sexy.�
�You haven�t said anything like that in months. So, I was just checking.�
�Can I just get off the hook this time by saying that the couple of months had been really stressful?� Olivia asked hoping that she didn�t have to offer any further explanation.
�I understand,� Alex said. �Truly I do, and I haven�t taken it personally.�
�You sure I haven�t though?� Olivia asked a little in disbelief that even a dead man would have noticed her girlfriend�s sexy attributes.
�Trust me.� Alex said nodding her head for emphasis.
�I apologize.� Olivia said. �Let me show you my remorsefulness by skipping the dinner and jumping right to making passionate love.�
�And cheat me out of a good meal. No can do detective. I made the plans and only I can change it. And I say no, we stick with the planned schedule. To the shower I am waiting.�
An hour later, Alex and Olivia were seated in a busy but surprisingly quite dining hall of the Inn. They ordered food and a bottle of wine, and settled back for a romantic dinner. By the time the entrees had been served and they both had had fun remembering their mutual attraction prior to Alex�s hiatus, then they lapsed into a contented silence.
Just as Olivia put down her fork and knife, in the indication that she was done, her eyes fell on a dark haired woman straight ahead.
�Is that who I think it is?� Olivia peered to make sure who she was looking at.
Alex immediately turned back to see Abbie Carmichael seated four five table behind her.
�What is Abbie doing here?� Alex said aloud surprised that her boss was also staying at the same Inn. She figured stupid Gina must have recommended Abbie the same Inn too.
Just then Abbie caught the two of them staring and waved at them. Olivia even made a gesture for her to come and join them but Abbie gestured back pointing to the door, indicating that she was about to leave.
�She certainly looks sexier then I remember.� Olivia said just to get her girlfriend a little jealous.
�Olivia, stop it now.� Alex warned trying to sound stern but failing miserably.
�Alex.�
�Alex.�
Two voices said her name at the same time. One was of Olivia and the next came from behind her. Both Olivia and Alex turned to see the little girl who was running towards them.
�Eve!� Olivia explained bursting into a grin.
�Hi Olivia!� Eve greeted with lesser excitement and she immediately turned to Alex.
�Hello Eve, what are you doing here?� Alex asked. She was smiling. How couldn�t she? The girl�s excitement by it self brought a smile on anyone�s face. But seeing her also meant one thing, her plans for the weekend was ruined. Now, Olivia�s mood would be inconsolable.
�I came here with B.� Eve answered. �What are you doing here?�
�We were just �� Alex paused. Six months wasn�t really an anniversary so she decided to change her answer. �We were just here for dinner.�
�In New Jersey from New York City.� Of course Eve was too clever not to notice the address of the restaurant.
�We thought we would sneak up on you.� Olivia answered hoping Eve would feel that they hadn�t forgotten her.
�Really� you wanted to see me?� And her statement did just that. �You wanted to see me Alex?�
�Of course. I always want to see you.� Alex added to Olivia�s little white lie. �So, you and B, want to join us for desert?�
�Oh sorry we can�t. We just finished and we have to go and pick up mom. B just let me come over to say hello.� Eve said before bidding her one time guardians goodbye.
After Eve left Olivia just threw her head back and laughed heartily for a moment or two. Fate was playing a very calculated game with her and there was nothing she could do but laugh at its cruelty.
�What is so funny?�
�Nothing�� Olivia answered continuing her fit of laughter.
�Let me guess. Now that you saw Eve once again, I can safely presume that it is the end of my reign on you.� Alex truthfully commented.
�What are you talking about?� Olivia acted oblivious.
If being with Jena had taught her anything it was that the only way to get through the worst was by concentrating on the best. As she recovered from her sudden hysteric laughter, she didn�t need Elliot�s words or Jena�s ring to remind or forget anything. The only person she needed was right in front of her. The blonde beauty whom amidst all the mess, she had forgotten was the rightful proprietor of her heart.
�Let us toast to our health and our relationship.� Olivia said raising her glass. Olivia might have made more mistakes than she could count, but Alex was the most important person in her life and she wasn�t about to let that take a back seat. Especially not on the weekend that Alex had taken such care to plan.
�To us.� Surprised Alex joined in.
They clicked glasses and drank, eyeing each other over the rims.
�You are really alluring,� Olivia said, trying to regain the moment back in the bathroom when Alex had stepped out of the shower. �Beautiful, smart and very sexy.�
�That�s more like it.� Alex smiled. �So are you.�
�You are also a teaser.� Olivia continued. �But I still love you.�
�I love you, too.� Alex concurred.
The weekend was going to be perfect.
Elliot did not want to call Olivia. But he also knew that Olivia would want him to call her. So, he did. He dialed the number and waited. As expected, there was no answer. The machine clicked.
�Hey Liv�.� Elliot started his message. �I hope you guys are enjoying your weekend. I hate to be a party pooper but we got a call from Jena this afternoon. She is willing to bring Eve in so that Doc and we could question her. Anyway she is bringing her in tomorrow. That is Monday. You don�t have to be here, but I know you would want to know. So, I called. She is bringing her first thing in the morning; so if it is even past 10am on Monday, then know that you are already too late. So, don�t be hurrying back.�
He hung up. Hoping that Olivia would not get the message on time.
The background story line about a man who masturbates in front of children, I borrowed it from a news I read. He got 270 days in jail time. So, I used this fact. It may not be true for NYC as this story was from NJ. Back to the Story point.
