All American Senior Year: Volume Two

Chapter Two: The Long Road To Recovery

The car slowed to a stop the second Spencer looked out of the passenger car window seeing they were not at the post office. Turning back to Olivia, his eyes weighed heavy gazing into hers. "On second thought you think we can watch the movie another day?". Spencer asked trying to make up any excuse to leave. Olivia tilted shaking her head. "You can't avoid her forever. It's been weeks-" Olivia trailed. "And...she's been asking for you. Maybe she'll be able to give you the last clarity you need to be all in with Toledo,".

Olivia fully turned her body towards Spencer, swiping her tongue across the top of her teeth. "Besides, yes a movie will be on but...we won't be watching it. Your mom doesn't come home until late so we have a couple of hours to ourselves,". Spencer arched a brow knowing very well what Olivia had meant.

Shaking his head, a slow smile appeared on his lips. "Oh you bad for this, I hope you know that,". Olivia softly laughed leaning in leaving only inches in between their lips. Falling to a whisper, she slowly guided her eyes from his lips to his eyes. "Is it working?". Spencer narrowed his gaze, tilting his head. "Well...it's not not working I'll tell you that,".

His smile quickly faded, scrunching his eyebrows thinking of the task he had to do. Lowering his head, he let out a long exhausted and sigh. Turning to look out the passenger window, he saw the familiar house he knew all too well. "It's just-" Spencer trailed. Feeling Olivia's hand in his, she squeezed him softly. "I know,". She spoke hearing the hesitation in his voice. He turned back to Olivia, pouting his lips which only made Olivia's heartache seeing the sadness in his eyes.

"You mind coming in with me?" he asked. Olivia pulled her mouth to the side shaking her head. "You know I love you. But this is something you have to do on your own,". Olivia leaned back resting her head on the headrest watching Spencer unbuckle himself and open the car door. Looking back towards Olivia who stayed in the car, Spencer groaned wiping his already damp hands on his jeans. "I'll be right here. I'm not leaving," Olivia spoke just as he closed the door. Taking a minute to breathe, Spencer looked at the home that helped build him. "Here goes nothing,". He softly spoke under his breath walking up the steps. His hands trembled and his heart beat faster than he could count. With only one knock, the door abruptly opened, slightly making him jump.

"Spencer James, it's good to see you baby. The house has been quiet, and hasn't felt the same since you haven't been around," Mrs. Cooper wrapped Spencer in a tight hug, rubbing his back in a comforting way. Spencer melted into her embrace, slightly relaxing his tense posture. "It's good to see you too, Mrs. Cooper. Sorry I haven't been much help these days,". Mrs. Cooper shook her head, giving him a sincere smile, guiding her hands down his shoulders to squeeze his hands.

"Don't be. It's...been a lot. And you deserved a break. It doesn't mean she stopped asking for you,". Spencer's heart ached at her words, deepening the guilt he'd already felt. "I know,". Spencer softly spoke searching the empty room. "You think I can go see her?". Mrs. Cooper smiled. "Of course baby. I'm sure you didn't forget the way towards her bedroom,". Spencer stuffed his hands in his pockets turning to smile back at her. "No, mam. Even with my eyes closed, I'd still think I can find my way around,". Mrs. Cooper smiled knowing it'd been true. "I wouldn't doubt that. Alright then, I'll be out here if you need me,".

Spencer nodded making his way towards the back bedroom. Slowing his steps, he stopped just outside of her bedroom door, with slight hesitation as his hands trembled forming into a fist to knock on the door. But before he could think twice, the door swung open revealing Patience. Quickly closed the door behind her. Her mouth parted, pulling him into a hug. "It's been too long Spence,". Patience fell to a whisper wrapping her arms around him. "I missed you too,". Spencer squeezed her tighter. "How is she?" Spencer softly spoke matching Patience's whisper. A sad smile spread on her lips. She knew Spencer would see past the lie she was trying to make up in her head, and instead opted to tell him the truth.