All American Prediction Series: Season 3

Interlude X: Have Your Cake

Flashforward

One month ago, Olivia didn't think she would ever be in a good place again. Her world crumbled within 48 hours and she assumed everyone thought the worst of her. Honestly, she thought the worst of herself in that moment. How could she ask Spencer to put his life on the line? How could she let her addiction take over her life once again then deny it? Even thinking about those memories made Olivia feel sick to her stomach. She was embarrassed by her behavior but even more by the pain she caused those that loved her. Olivia rolled over to the cool side of her bed and tucked her head under the covers. Praying her alarm clock didn't go off any time soon, she fell back into a deep sleep. 

While Olivia slept, Spencer was up early on Facetime with Jordan and Simone. "I'm on cake duty," Spencer smiled. "Apparently I have skills when it comes to baking."

"Okay, I'll pick up her gift if you both want to pitch in too," Simone offered. "I was thinking about getting her some earrings from Tiffanys. That girl loves her earrings." 

"She'll love that. I'm in. Mom and dad are going to order in some food after the ceremony, so bring that cake to the house before we go. She thinks we don't know it's time for her one month chip and we need to keep it that way," Jordan suggested. Olivia assumed she would be celebrating her one month of sobriety alone and didn't even mention it to her family or Spencer. Nurse Joy reached out to Laura hoping they could plan an event to celebrate Olivia's major accomplishment. This sobriety journey felt different from the first time. Olivia was more focused and felt supported by her sponsor. Even after dealing with the Tamika case and fighting for social justice, Olivia kept in touch with Nurse Joy and opened up about her fears and frustrations. 

"Aight, I'm on it. See you guys tomorrow. Let me know when you get those earrings Simone and I'll Paypal you my half." 

"Sounds good, bro. Later," Simone replied. 

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Sitting in the front row, Olivia didn't even see her family, Spencer, and Grace enter through the back door. Nurse Joy nodded from the stage in their direction when Olivia's attention was on the guest speaker. As Nurse Joy stepped onto the stage, she winked at Olivia before stopping at the podium. 

"Good afternoon everyone. I had the pleasure of serving as a group leader and also a sponsor this year. Fighting for sobriety isn't an easy task and it takes hard work, dedication, and accountability. Experiencing addiction myself, I know how hard this fight can be and how it's never over. Addiction is a lifetime battle. I met a special young lady last year who came back into my life as she fought for sobriety. This week she celebrated one month of being sober and I couldn't be more proud of her. Miss Baker come on up here, girl," Nurse Joy smiled and held up the one-month chip. The small crowd clapped as Olivia met her sponsor in the middle of the stage. 

"Thank you," she said, wrapping her arms around Nurse Joy and squeezing her tightly. "I couldn't have done this without you." 

"You're welcome, Liv," the nurse responded. "But I'm not the only one who helped you through this. You have guests." 

Olivia's eyes followed the nurse's finger where she found her family, Spencer and Grace in the crowd. Her eyes were suddenly clouded with tears. Emotions hit her so hard she sobbed right there on stage. She didn't tell anyone about her one-month chip ceremony and wasn't expecting anyone to show up. 

"Congratulations sis," Simone sang as Olivia ran to the back of the room. 

"We're so proud of you, honey," Laura added, scooping her daughter up in her arms. 

"Thought we'd forget," Billy asked, joining in on the group hug. 

"Good job, kid," Jordan wrapped his long arms around the family, patting his sister's back. 

"How-how did you guys even know there was a ceremony today," Olivia cried, falling into Spencer's chest, overcome with emotion. 

"How come you didn't tell us is the question. Congrats," Spencer answered, kissing her forehead. The simple gesture drew the attention of Laura and Billy who were unaware of the current relationship between Olivia and Spencer. They decided to save the questions for later. 

"Proud of you, sweetie. I know how hard you worked at this," Grace said, purposedly taking the Bakers' attention off the moment between her son and Olivia. She had already connected the dots the night Olivia disappeared and Spencer wanted to look for her. 

"Thanks everyone. Sorry for being such a crybaby," Olivia laughed between tears. "A little overwhelmed. The good kind of overwhelmed." 

Nurse Joy watched from the stage with a warmed heart. 

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The celebration was underway at the Bakers' and Olivia couldn't stop crying tears of joy. She was being covered in so much love that she yearned for in those times of struggle. As the family congregated in the living room, Spencer took Olivia's hand and led her to the kitchen. 

"Got a surprise for you," he put a hand over Olivia's eyes.  

"Another gift? Wow, I'm being spoiled today," she grinned, doing a happy dance and holding out her hand. "What is it?" 

Spencer lifted his hand, "I know it's not your birthday but I thought the occasion was special enough for your new favorite cake." 

"Ah! I've been dreaming about this cake," Olivia cheered, grabbing a plate and knife. 

"I'm second place to the cake? Damn, what I gotta do to get the number one spot," Spencer joked, placing his hands on Olivia's waist. 

"Keep making this cake and you'll find out," she teased, pulling her bottom lip between her teeth. 

Having everyone there for her one-month sobriety anniversary made Olivia feel like she was on top of the world. A weight had been lifted off her shoulders as accomplishments and love replaced the failures and uncertainty. People were in her corner and she was sure of that this time. Layla had even texted her, congratulating her on making it to one month of being sober. To some,  one month may have seemed like a small accomplishment. To Olivia, it felt like one of the proudest moments of her life. This journey was different.