Escape A Barson story

Chapter 16

Rafael settled Olivia in the passenger seat of his rental car. "Are you comfortable?" He asked, softly.
"Yes", Olivia answered in a whisper, she was as comfortable as she could be considering the pain she was in, and her absolute exhaustion. Rafael shut the door, walked to the driver's side, got into the car, and drove away from the cabin. 'You don't have to do this, you should be snowboarding now."
"I don't care about snowboarding, Liv", Rafael said.
'Then you should be skiing. That's what you come to Colorado to do, right? You should be doing that, not taking care of me!"
"What's wrong with taking care of you?" He exclaimed.
"I can take care of myself!" She paused for a few seconds. and continued. softly. "This is unnecessary, I can stay in the cabin. Noah is with the Garlands where it's warm." Rafael turned up the heat in the car. Olivia's eyes closed. The heat felt so good.

"Liv, we're here," Rafael announced 30 minutes later.

"What?" Olivia responded groggily.
"We're here." Rafael replied, softly. Olivia's eyes opened, slowly After a minute, she stared straight ahead. She saw that the rental car was parked. In front of her was a big bright white house with a black roof. Rafael exited the car. A minute later he opened the passenger side door, and Olivia felt herself being lifted. Minutes later, they were in the house, and Rafael was placing her down on a comfortable black couch in the house's great room. Suddenly, a pillow was placed underneath her head. She saw, and felt Rafael take off her shoes, and felt her ankle being elevated. The house was so warm. She closed her eyes, and fell asleep.
The aroma of chicken soup traveled to her nose, and woke her.She opened her eyes just as Rafael re-entered the room. "Hey, how are you feeling?" He asked, softly.
"Fine, thanks for asking. How long was I sleeping?"
"About 3 hours. Don't worry, you need the rest. and you're safe with me."
"I know I'm safe with you, Rafa. Is that chicken soup I smell?"
"Cuban Chicken Noodle Soup. Are you ready to have some?"
"Are you going to eat some with me?"
"Yes, it is dinnertime, and I'm starving. I can bring you a tray."
"No, the dining table is in this room, I can make it over there", she replied.
Rafael strode over to the couch, and stood in front of her. "Let me help you", he said. She looked into his eyes, and managed to give him a weak smile before moving her body. She made it to her feet with Rafael's help, she leaned on him as they walked all the way to the table. When she was safely seated, Rafael went to the kitchen, he returned minutes later with soup for both of them. He placed a bowl in front of her, and then sat across from her. "So, how are you really feeling?" He asked, placing a spoonful of soup in his mouth.
"I'm fine", she answered.
Rafael swallowed the soup, and spoke. "No, you're not, I see you're in pain."
"Why did you ask me how I feel if you know the answer?"
"Because, Liv, we have always been able to talk. We know each other, and I know that you say you're fine when you're not fine. And it works for you with other people— but not with me. You don't always have to be strong with me."

"I feel terrible, but I feel better than I did before you carried me in here. You elevated my feet." She said, softly.
"Yes, on an elevation pillow. You sound surprised."
"No, not surprised". Olivia replied, quickly. "I have to buy one, it really helped."
"Liv, I want to look at your ankle later—

""I'm sorry." Olivia blurted out, loudly.
"Liv, you don't have to apologize now, you're hurt. Eat your soup. relax. don't worry about anything right now."
"Do you want me to leave?" Olivia choked out .
"No", Rafael said, quickly.
Olivia's next words came out rapidly. "I can go if you want me to—
"No, Liv, I don't want you to go."
Olivia looked straight into his green eyes. "I won't", she said, with conviction that reassured her as much as it reassured him. She looked down at her soup, picked up her spoon, and began to eat, after several spoonfuls, she lifted her head, and spoke. "This is amazing, I never had corn in Chicken Noodle soup."
Rafael smiled. "It's the recipe of Catalina Diaz. I'm glad you like it."
"I love it." Olivia said, softly, taking another spoonful. She swallowed, and met his eyes again.
"She would be thrilled that Olivia Benson loves her soup." Rafael said, his voice was warm, and quiet. Olivia got the feeling Rafael discussed her with his grandmother, and that shocked her.
"So how long are you staying in town?" Olivia asked, quietly after a minute, and a few more spoonfuls of soup.
"Until January 7, maybe longer."
"This house looks huge, and it's so beautiful, it must be expensive to rent."
"I own it."
"You own it. Defense work pays."
"Sometimes." He answered after a short pause, he continued. "When I'm not here, I rent it out, and you're right, this place is expensive to rent. I got tired of paying for a place to stay every time I wanted to ski. This house is a good investment."
"Would you ever move here?" Olivia asked, she heard her voice tremble with fear.
"No." He answered, quickly. He caught her breathing a sigh of relief at his answer, before she returned to her soup. When she finished her bowl, he offered her another, and she gratefully accepted. By the end of the meal Olivia had 3 bowls, and Rafael had 4. "I know you love the soup, but you ate it like you haven't eaten a good meal in days."
Olivia smiled. "I really haven't." Rafael knew there was so much he could say about her simple comment, but he decided to keep his mouth shut. He rose from his chair, and guided Olivia back to the couch. A few moments later, he led her to the bathroom, he waited outside the room until she was ready for his help. He led her back to the couch. Her heart quickened as he studied her ankle, .He placed her feet on the elevation pillow, and sat with her.
"Rafa, thank-you", she whispered, as her eyes closed.
"You never have to thank me,cariño." Rafael whispered back when he was sure she was in a deep sleep.