All American: Winter Break

Chapter Forty: All-American (Part Two)

"What Spencer is trying to say is that he and I...are together...as in dating. We've been wanting to tell you, but we wanted to wait until it was serious between the both of us...and it is. And I know...I know what you are going to say, and I just wanted to let you know that I have been putting my recovery first. I have been going to meetings and following my 12 step program with Nurse joy. She was the first one I went to and made sure that it was okay. At our meetings, we talk about everything to make sure I'm not overwhelmed and that I'm still on track. She'd been nothing but supportive and I'm sorry if we just threw this on you, but we don't want to hide or lie to you anymore..." Olivia trailed falling to a whisper as she noticed their mothers going quiet and their smiles quickly fading. Spencer met Olivia's worried gaze caressing his thumb over the back of her hand, calming her nerves.

After a brief moment of silence, Ms. Grace spoke. "Do you have anything to add, Spencer James?". Her son cleared his throat meeting his mother's eyes. "We thought this long enough to know that it's real momma. What we have is real...and I know we should've told you both sooner but we just wanted to make sure it was something more before telling you. And Mrs. Baker, Liv's recovery will always come first. I care about her too much to let our relationship stand in the way of it,".

Laura stayed quiet letting the news sink in when she glanced over to Grace who had the same expression on her face. A slow smile spread on both of their lips as Mrs. Baker broke into a burst of soft laughter. "So...are you going to tell them or am I?". Grace covered her mouth containing her laughter. "Girl! We were supposed to let them sweat it out for another minute or so. I was just getting into character,". Laura laughed shaking her head while waving her hand. "I just couldn't hold it in! Did you see the look on their faces?". Spencer and Olivia sighed a relief turning to each other as they both spoke in sync. "They knew,".

"You both knew didn't you?" Spencer asked when their mothers just giggled in agreement. Grace wiped the tears from her eyes leaning forward gripping onto her knees. "Baby it ain't that hard to tell. Do you think we were born yesterday? Of course, we knew! It was kind of only a matter of time before you would tell us. It's not that hard to put two and two together. Laura and I were just waiting on both of you to build up the courage to tell us. It was about damn time,". Laura agreed.

"Your mother's right Spencer, we kind of all knew. And...if you'd ask me I'm really happy you and Olivia are together. I have kind of been rooting for you two to be together for a while now. I had my suspicions but after talking with Nurse Joy about a week ago back at the children's hospital. It was the same day we delivered the toys. She clarified what I had been feeling was right. I wouldn't have allowed any other boy to date, Olivia, during recovery. But I know you very well to know that you have my daughter's best intentions and won't do anything to harm her recovery. You've been nothing but a respectful, honest, and loving young man that has been raised very well. So I know you will take care of my daughter like you always have. I know with you I don't have to worry. That you'll keep her safe and happy. And that is all a mother could ask for,".

Laura wiped the tears from her eyes as both she and Grace laughed. Olivia and Spencer just shook their heads following their laughter which quickly died down the second Billy walked over. "What's...what's going on? What are we all laughing about?". He asked with a grin that spread on his lips. Billy looked around to the four of them as now his laughter settled feeling the tension become heavier in an instant. Searching Spencer's face he followed the path down his arm as his eyes stopped at Spencer's and his daughter's hands interlaced.

"What..what...what's happening? Did something happen?" Billy asked clearing his throat. He crossed his arms scratching the back of his head. Pulling on his collar trying to breathe through the tension that weighed heavily on his shoulders. Spencer saw that Billy was fixated on his and Olivia's hands as his heart raced and his palms felt damp from the look on his coach's face.