All American Prediction Series: Season 3

Interlude VI: Daddy Lessons

This is a longer interlude than usual. I started typing and couldn't stop. I hate how Billy ignores both his children, especially Olivia who seems to get the worst of his abandonment. This was inspired by a conversation with a Twitter friend, Miss Monda. :) Happy reading. 

A flashforward 

Laura and Jordan looked at their phones, sighing in unison when they realized it was past the five-minute mark. Billy was going to miss yet another family counseling session when he had only attended two meetings in total. Olivia wasn't shocked but still felt disappointed and hurt by her father's absence. Blaming herself seemed to be the only option because she didn't understand why she was no longer the apple of her father's eye. His baby girl and Livvy Lu. Was football that important to him that his own daughter's sobriety took a backseat? 

"We're five minutes past time. Let's go ahead and get started and if Mr. Baker shows up, we'll catch him up on the conversation," the psychologist took out a pen, preparing to take notes. "Let's start where we finished in the last session. We were talking about trigger points and how to recognize those?" 

"Yeah." Olivia looked at the door one more time before turning her attention to the psychologist. 

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Billy and Spencer were looking over film at the Baker's residence when the family arrived. He barely lifted his head to speak to them as they filed into the kitchen. Laura bit her tongue, not wanting to start a disagreement in the presence  company. Spencer spoke to everyone, then returned his attention back to his notes. 

"You missed our session today," Olivia spoke. Unlike her mother, she had a difficult time holding her tongue. 

"What sess-oh it totally slipped my mind. There's been so much going on, I forgot. I'm sorry you guys, I'll try to make the next one," Billy palmed his forehead. "Half the time I don't know if I'm coming or going." 

"I put it on your calendar and even set two alerts," Olivia pressed. 

"My phone's been on silent all day. I must have missed it. I apologize, baby girl," he reiterated. 

Spencer was taking it all in and began to feel bad for Olivia who was trying her best to stay sober. Billy missed many things when it came to his children. Outside of big moments in their lives, he missed out on signs that they were upset or bothered. Football became his life and after he blew out his knee, he used football as a way to cope with all the mental and emotional pain that he harbored. His family needed him and he wasn't seeing it. 

"Liv, how about we go get started on dinner? We can talk about this later," Laura suggested, eyeing her husband in disappointment. 

"Coach we can continue this tomorrow. I need to get back home before it gets too late," Spencer said, grabbing his backpack. "Good night, Mrs. Baker." 

"Good night, Spencer. We'll see you Friday night at the game," Laura nodded. 

Spencer and Jordan did their secret handshake and Olivia followed Spencer to the front door. When they were outside, Spencer stopped on the front porch. "You okay," he asked, knowing Olivia would lie to keep the peace between her father and Spencer. 

"I'm fine," she said, crossing her arms over her chest. "Did you guys finish your gameplan? I didn't mean to interrupt." 

"Liv, I know you better than anybody and you're not fine. I got a few minutes, talk to me," Spencer grabbed Olivia's hand and pulled her down to the porch step.