The Cheerleader's Secret [ Completed ]

Chapter 5: Unbreakable Bonds

The next day, Olivia woke up with excitement buzzing inside her. She quickly got ready for school, her phone buzzing with a text from Madison.

Madison: "I’ll pick you up today, Livvy Bear."

Olivia smiled, texting back a quick "Thank you" before continuing to get dressed. As she headed out the door and hopped into Madison’s classic 1965 Corvette, she smiled at the sight of her girlfriend behind the wheel.

“Hey,” Olivia said, settling into the seat. “So, my dad’s in town, which is rare because he's a truck driver. After I told my parents you let me drive your car, they want to meet you. Maybe after you pick me up from therapy?”

Madison grinned. “Of course, I’d be honored. And hey, on a serious note, have you thought any more about the badminton team?”

Olivia sighed but smiled at Madison’s persistence. “I haven’t, but I think I’ll try out. For you, baby.”

Madison shook her head, laughing softly. “Try? The Liv I know will obviously make the team. I’m sorry if I’ve been giving you too much anxiety about this.”

Olivia reached over, gently placing her hand on Madison’s. “No, it’s fine. I love that you believe in me this much.”

Madison smiled warmly. “Always.”

Olivia laughed. “Since I’m going to be a professional badminton player now, what about you? What do you want to be?”

Madison giggled. “A professional NFL cheerleader.”

Olivia raised an eyebrow. “That sounds perfect for you.”

Madison laughed louder. “Thank you!”

As they drove, Olivia turned on the radio, and Just the Two of Us started playing. Both girls broke out into song, singing along as they cruised toward school. When they finally arrived, they went their separate ways, but Olivia couldn’t help but text her mom.

Olivia: "Madison will take me to my therapy appointment today and then drive me back home for dinner."

Her mom responded quickly: "That’s sweet of her! I’ll make sure to cook more for tonight’s guest."

After school, the day followed much like yesterday. Olivia and Madison went for a joyride in the Corvette before heading to Olivia’s therapy appointment. Once they arrived, Olivia walked in, greeted Ms. Reeves, and sat down.

“Olivia, how have you been feeling?” Ms. Reeves asked, her tone gentle.

Olivia hesitated, but then spoke up. “Remember the person who was writing me letters? Her name’s Madison. She’s pansexual, head cheerleader, from a rich family, and she’s amazing. I love her, and she loves me. She’s there for me, like… during my worst moments. There was a time when I was in the bathroom, crying because of the way people treated me after they found out about us. Madison found me, hugged me, and stayed with me until I felt better. She understands me like no one else.”

Ms. Reeves smiled warmly. “It sounds like you’ve found your soulmate. I’m so happy for you, Olivia.”

Olivia beamed. “She’s waiting outside in her car. Would you like to meet her?”

“Of course,” Ms. Reeves said. “I’d love to meet the girl who’s brought so much happiness into my saddest customer’s life.”

Olivia quickly texted Madison, and within minutes, Madison walked into the room, smiling. “Hi, I’m Madison, Olivia’s girlfriend.”

Ms. Reeves smiled back. “Hi, Madison. I’m Ms. Reeves. With Olivia’s permission, I’d like to ask you a few questions about what she’s shared with me.”

Olivia nodded. “That’s fine.”

Ms. Reeves repeated what Olivia had told her, and Madison nodded, agreeing with everything. At the end, Madison added, “She doesn’t believe she’ll make the badminton team, even though I know she will. I just want her to believe in herself as much as I believe in her.”

They talked for a bit longer before Madison and Olivia headed back to Olivia’s house for dinner. When they arrived, Olivia turned to Madison. “Sorry if it’s not as fancy as what you’re used to.”

Madison smiled softly. “It’s perfect. I’m just happy to be here with you.”

Inside, Olivia’s parents greeted Madison. After they sat down for dinner, Olivia’s dad asked, “You really trust my daughter with your classic car?”

Madison smiled confidently. “She’s the only one I trust with it.”

Olivia’s parents exchanged approving smiles. Then her dad asked, “So, what do your parents do?”

Madison replied, “My mom is the general manager of a Costco, and my dad owns Ali Truck and Co.”

At that, Olivia’s dad’s face darkened, and he abruptly stood, storming off into his room. Olivia’s mom quickly followed.

Madison and Olivia exchanged worried glances. “What just happened?” Madison whispered.

Olivia’s heart raced as she followed her dad into the other room. “What the hell, Dad?”

Her father’s face was flushed with anger. “I used to work for her father, and he fired me when I had health issues.”

Olivia shook her head. “That’s a good thing. You could’ve killed someone on the road.”

Suddenly, her dad’s hand struck her cheek, the sound of the slap echoing through the room. Olivia’s mom tried to intervene, but he hit her too. Shaking with fear, Olivia quickly called Madison.

Minutes later, Madison helped Olivia gather her things, and the two girls, along with Olivia’s mom, left for Madison’s house. When they arrived, Madison’s mom greeted them. “Aren’t you married to Henry?”

Olivia’s mom shook her head. “Soon to be ex. He’s a lowlife drunk who’s abusive.”

Madison pulled Olivia into a comforting embrace. “You can cry if you need to,” she whispered.

Olivia let the tears flow, Madison holding her tightly and stroking her hair. After getting Olivia and her mom settled into their own rooms, Madison returned to her bedroom. But Olivia couldn’t sleep. She softly knocked on Madison’s door, then whispered, “Hey, Maddie… Can I sleep in here with you? I feel safe when we cuddle.”

Madison smiled, lifting her blanket. “Of course, baby. And I promise, no matter how mad I get, I’ll never treat you like your father.”

Olivia smiled weakly. “I trust you.”

As they cuddled under the covers, Madison held Olivia close. “You’re probably not going to school tomorrow, right? I was thinking… maybe you and I could go to the mall. You could use a break.”

Olivia grinned through her exhaustion. “That sounds like a date.”

They shared a soft kiss, and Madison tightened her embrace, promising to always protect her. The warmth of her arms soothed Olivia into a peaceful sleep, her fears slipping away.