All American Prediction Series: Season 3

Interlude XII: Daddy's Blessing

Flashforward

Father's Day. It was always one of the hardest days for Spencer and Dillon. In the past, Spencer could barely control his temper. Anger and hurt about his father's absence had him on edge most of the time, but that particular day was extremely difficult. 

This was the second Father's Day without his dad and this year was harder than the first. Maybe because Spencer was heading off to college and he didn't know when he'd be able to visit his father's grave again. When he woke up that morning, he was already emotional.  Olivia had texted him earlier, knowing how difficult the day would be for him. 

Olivia: I know today is going to be hard for you. I wanted to let you know that I'm here if you need to talk or a shoulder to cry on. I love you! 

Spencer smiled at the message because Olivia had been his rock since his first day in Beverly Hills. No wonder he had fallen in love with her and that love only grew stronger daily. 

Spencer: Thanks baby. I needed that. I'll stop by later if you all are cooking up anything good. I love you too. 

Olivia: It's Father's Day but my dad insists that he makes his famous ribs. I think he's trying to keep my mom from making anything. Don't blame him. 

Spencer: Ha! I don't either, no offense to your mom. I'll see you in a few. 

Visiting his father's gravesite had become a tradition. Birthdays, holidays, his death anniversary, or any time Spencer had something big to share, he'd visit his father. Before he even reached the tombstone, he was in tears. 

"Hey pops. It's been a minute...well two months exactly. Wanted to stop by and say Happy Father's Day and we miss you," Spencer began, sitting a bouquet of flowers on the gravesite."Things have been going pretty well. I'm leaving for college in a few days. You know how the athletes have to be there way before everyone else? Mom has already been crying like I'm already gone and I'll only be about 25 minutes away. But I get it though. It was hard enough with me living in Beverly Hills for a year but UCLA will be my new home until the draft. It's going to be hard leaving her, Dillon and you behind. Crazy how fast senior year went by and now I'm leaving to go after my dreams. Can't lie and say that I'm not scared because I'm nervous as hell. Thank God I'll have Jordan and Liv there with me on this new journey. And before you even ask, yes I'm being careful and mom has been giving me and Liv the speech about being away at college together. 'I'm too young to be a grandmother. Please be careful'. You know how mom is and I know you're giving us the same speech. I wish you could have gotten to know Olivia more because she's great, pops. Most selfless, loving person I've ever met. Besides mom of course." 

Spencer paused to wipe his eyes. His tears had gone from tears of sadness to happy ones. "You know it's crazy. I was making fun of Jordan a few months ago for getting married in high school. But I've been thinking a lot about my future lately and I couldn't imagine not having Liv in it. I love that girl to death. When the time is right, which isn't any time soon so don't go telling mom I'm getting married tomorrow. I'll give it a few more years and I'll pop the big question. Couldn't imagine having anyone else by my side when I get drafted." 

Thinking about the future gave him butterflies. Imagining starting a family with his high school sweetheart sent his emotions into overdrive. Now he understood what Jordan and Simone felt. A love so strong you wanted to shout it from the rooftops and keep that person in your life forever. Reading his dad's letters put into perspective how short life was and how denying yourself of love with your soulmate only made you miserable. 

"I'll try to come by to visit you the day I leave. Maybe I'll bring Liv with me. I miss you, man but I know you're up there looking after us. I love you."