Down To Ride

10. By Your Side

Olivia Baker

"So how are things going with you and Spencer?" Simone inquired as she swam towards Olivia in the pool.

"I'm not going to lie...it's been rough" Olivia began. "I've never witnessed such a severe case of ptsd before. I've been trying to work with him through it while also being there for the kids..." she continued.

 I'm just glad that he's finally starting to realize that he needs help and is starting therapy when we get back home" she continued.

"I couldn't even imagine" Simone sighed. "For someone that Spencer knew to do that to him...you just never know people. And to think he was so close to death...that experience would change anyone" she continued and Olivia agreed.

"I'm just glad that Spencer's finally starting to realize that he needs help and he doesn't have to go through this alone" Olivia said and Simone nodded her head. "There were times where I thought about giving up on him and our relationship. I was worried worried we were going down a path of destruction...and that there was no chance of saving our relationship. But I didn't give up on him...and I still won't" she explained.

"I admire your strength and refusal to give up" Simone began. "But it wouldn't have been a bad thing if you did. There's only so much you can emotionally tolerate. You're not a trained therapist, Liv. So I wouldn't have blamed you had you chose to walk away. I mean, have you even had time to process your own emotions and feelings about this?" she inquired.

"Not fully...no" Olivia answered. "That's something I've been meaning to talk about with him though" she told her.

"I hope you don't think I'm coming too hard on you when I say this. I understand your priority is to make sure he's straight. I understand that you're happy to see that he's going to be receiving help. But I also think that is something you should consider for yourself. You need all the support you can get too" Simone told her and Olivia agreed. "I just...I don't want you to lose yourself in this" she continued.

"I appreciate your concern...honestly" Olivia told her. "So...you and my loser brother? How are you guys doing?" she inquired after a few moments of silence.

"He truly makes me happy" Simone grinned from ear to ear. "Life just...it makes sense when I'm with him" she said and Olivia smiled for her friend.

"I'm really happy for the both of you" Olivia said and Simone smiled. "Especially Jordan...I've never seen him this smitten over anyone" she mentioned and Simone laughed.

"Though it hasn't been an easy journey, I do think our emotional connection has strengthen a lot more since I've been at Bringston" Simone said and Olivia agreed. "I love that it gives us space to work on ourselves individually so that we are able to be the best versions of ourselves to each other. It makes us have a stronger appreciation for each other and whatever moment we decide to create" she continued.

"So I take it you both are in for the long run?" Olivia inquired and Simone nodded her head.

"Girl I don't think he gave me this promise ring for nothing" Simone flashed her ring and Olivia smiled.

"I know that's right" Olivia laughed as she and Simone high fived each other. "I wonder what those two losers are talking about" she pointed at Spencer and Jordan.

"Who knows" Simone shrugged her shoulders. "But what I do know is that I'm about to get another margarita" she said as she got out of the pool.

"I'm so envious of you right now" Olivia said as she rubbed her belly. "You go ahead and enjoy your drink" she said as Simone walked towards the bar. Olivia pulled her shades back on her face and rested her back against the chair. She was enjoying the warm sun shining against her skin.