It's Time

Life Lessons

"Hi, Ms. Grace! Sorry, I missed your call; Spencer and I were out to breakfast."

It turns out she wasn't trying to reach Spencer when she called me, so I'm eager to see what's going on.

"Olivia, dear. How are you doing?"

I may have lost time with Spencer, but I never lost time with his family. When he first left, Ms. Grace used to text me every day. Eventually, our conversations dwindled from daily to weekly, finally to once a month. Nonetheless, she never failed to remind me that I was her daughter regardless of what happened between Spencer and me.

"We're doing so well! Chicago has been an adjustment— at least for me. Spencer has done everything he can to make me comfortable, and each day it feels increasingly more like home."

"Well, I'm glad that big-headed son of mine is finally behaving. However, how are you doing?"

I laugh, though she doesn't. I don't know what the immediate aftermath of Spencer leaving looked like for him and his mom, but he has told me she didn't hide her disappointment, to say the least.

"I'm happy! For a long time, I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Now, I feel like I'm actually doing the healing I spent these past few years pretending to do. The first few months after leaving California were excruciating, I won't lie."

I think back to the number of times Spencer and I almost imploded before truly exploring our second chance. I reminisce about the family we almost started and the unfortunate loss of my baby. I shudder as I think about the plane ticket I secretly booked during our first week in Chicago because I'd decided that being with Spencer was just too much to work through. Nobody knows this but my brother, and if I have it my way, it'll stay permanently buried. I panicked, and with Cameron was the first time I'd felt safe post-Spencer. A part of me wanted to return to that safety.

"It's been a long road, but I finally feel safe— not just with Spencer, but with myself." A few tears stain my cheeks as I pause for a moment to admire how much stronger I feel than just a few short months ago. Even though Spencer and I are better than ever, I've else never felt so secure in myself as an individual. I never want to lose sight of that again.

"That's wonderful, Olivia. I also can't contain my excitement that the two of you are thriving. I told him I'd kick his ass if he didn't get our girl back."

This draws genuine laughter from me because if there's one thing Spencer is deathly afraid of, it's his mother.

"Thank you, Ms. Grace. Thank you for seeing me as so much more than just Spencer's partner."

Ms. Grace chuckles, and the sound of her laughter is electric. "Hey, I can't deny that you are my baby's better half. Speaking of that crazy child of mine, I wanted to surprise him at his game tomorrow. Would you be able to pick me up from the airport first thing in the morning?"

"Oh, of course! Spencer is going to love this! We've got quite the crew joining us tomorrow, so you'll get to meet this young mom we've been helping out and her ridiculously adorable son." Jace has already stolen the hearts of everyone in my household, so I'm sure Ms. Grace will be no exception.

"That sounds great! I can't wait to see you guys' house. Spencer's last place in Chicago left a little to be desired, to say the least."

I cringe a little. I often try to forget that Spencer had a life here without me. I know it's irrational, but that's why healing and growth require a long-term commitment.

"I can only imagine," I respond, hoping that the bitterness I feel goes undetected. "Well, I can't wait to see you tomorrow. Text me all the flight information, and I'll be there."