Escape A Barson story

Chapter 19

For 6 days, Olivia had a fluctuating fever, and chills. Her throat burned. She had sneezing and coughing fits that shook her entire body, Her head ached, and at some point her stomach did too. She was so tired, she slept the majority of the 6 days away.Rafael had to beg her to eat. She tried to avoid drinking, but he made sure she drank plenty of liquids. He escorted her to and from the bathroom without complaint, he never made her feel guilty for needing help. He made sure she took her antibiotic on time no matter what, He kept her company, he comforted her.
Today was the 7th day of her flu, and she woke up this morning feeling much better. Her throat burned only a little bit. She felt much cooler, and her appetite returned. Rafael made scrambled eggs, and toast, and was thrilled to see her eat again. Olivia washed her eggs and toast down with a glass of orange juice.She thanked him for the meal.Soon, after breakfast, Rafael led her suitcase, picked out some clothing, and guided her to the bathroom. He waited for her outside. Olivia sat on the toilet after reliving her bladder. Without getting up she managed to wet a rag in the sink next to the toilet. She squeezed some soap onto one side of the rag, and washed herself. Still sitting down Olivia, slipped on the very long, clean nightgown Rafael had gotten out of her suitcase.
"Liv?" Rafael called, knocking on the bathroom door. Olivia managed to stand."You can come in, Rafa", she called back. Quickly, he opened the door. Slowly, he escorted her out of the bathroom to the great room. Carefully, he helped her onto the couch, gently he elevated her feet, and sat with her. Olivia immediately fell asleep. She woke up hours later at 2PM. "How long have I been sleeping?""Since 11AM, it's 2PM now." Rafael answered, softly. "You got some color back."Olivia managed to give him a quick tired smile. "How long have you been sitting here?" She asked, softly.
"Since 11AM," he answered, standing up. "Come on, you. just woke up, I'm escorting you to the bathroom, and back here, unless you want to go from the bathroom to a guest room.""No", she replied quickly. She paused, and in a small voice continued. "Unless you want me out of your hair for a little while." She allowed him to help her stand and balance.
She used the bathroom as quickly as she could, and let Rafael lead her, she ended up on the couch where she wanted to be, He sat close to her, and spoke. "I never want you out of my hair. Liv." She smiled, and he continued. "It's so nice being in a room with you without that wall between us. You have no idea how happy I am that we tore it down.""I have an idea. In fact, I know exactly how you feel. Thank-you for not giving up, and giving me the opportunity to tear it down with you."Rafael smiled, a half smile. "Are you hungry?""No... no", she answered, her voice uncertain."No?" Rafael questioned, raising an eyebrow."I have to be extra careful about what I eat right now, my stomach still hurts a bit.""I made a fresh batch of soup with lots of noodles."
"You did?" Olivia asked, perking up.Rafael chuckled. "I did", he said."OK, you're very persuasive, Barba." Rafael went into the kitchen with a smile on his face, He returned quickly with 2 bowls of soup filled with soft noodles. They ate on the couch in a comfortable silence.
"You want some more soup, Liv?" He asked."No, that was so good, Rafa.""How many meals do you think we had together while working in my office or yours?""I don't know", she answered, softly thinking back. "Hundreds? We ate more often in your office. Your office was always more comfortable."
"We have desert. We have Chocolate. We have unsalted, unbuttered popcorn. I know you like it that way, I don't know why.""It's a healthy snack that way.""We have 3 kinds of tea. I know you told me years ago, you used to drink coca-cola, and you don't anymore, but it helps with stomachs sometimes, and when it's flat it feels good on your throat, we have that too. We also have coffee."Olivia looked at Barba with wide eyes, "You have coffee?""We have coffee. You want some?""How did you get coffee?"'I brought some from home. I'll be right back, don't go anywhere,""I won't", she called as she watched her best friend get up, and move into the kitchen. He returned quickly with cold drinks, and snacks. "Where's the coffee counselor?""I'll make some don't worry. Have a cold drink first." He turned on the TV. "Let's watch a movie.""What movie?" Olivia asked."It's A Wonderful Life", he replied"I never saw it.""You never saw It's A Wonderful Life?" She watched her friend get up, and place a Blu-ray in his Blue-ray player. He then returned to her. "It's a classic." He pushed a button on a remote next to him, and the movie began to play.Rafael looked over at Olivia as the movie was ending to see tears in her eyes. "Are you crying?" He asked, knowing the answer."Why would I be crying? It's a beautiful movie. George Bailey's family really loves him.""Liv, I know you had a hard time growing up, I understand because I did too, "It's A Wonderful Life is a great movie, but it's only a movie. You have a real family now. You have Noah. You have Amanda and Sonny. You have Fin. You have me", he said, determined to make her see that his words were true. "I didn't watch the movie with you to make you cry.""I know. Thank-you, Rafa, for everything.""We're family, Liv, there is no thanks necessary.""I'm sorry you had such a rough time growing up.""Liv, we're not talking about me right now, we're talking about you. I promise we will talk about me another time." Olivia sighed, "I promise", Rafael repeated, locking his eyes on hers. "You have a family now."Olivia blinked away her tears. "You're right, Rafa", she whispered."I know I am."Olivia let out a laugh which caused her to cough. Rafael held out a water bottle to her, she took it, and took a long sip of water. Rafael was relieved when Olivia's coughing fit was over. Using the remote next to him, Rafael shut off the TV and Blu-ray. "Steven hasn't called me", Olivia said, suddenly."Steven, is an inconsiderate ass", Rafael said, quickly. "You don't need him or want him.""What happened in law school that made you dislike him so much?""I'll tell you another time. What happened was years ago, and it means nothing now— I am interested in continuing the conversation that Steven interrupted. Why are you afraid of me, Liv?"