Catch Me If You Can (Sequel to To Find You)

Even When We're Smilin' Out of Fear

It's a new art form showing people how little we care (yeah)

We're so happy, even when we're smilin' out of fear

                                                    Tennis Court: Lorde

"So, how are you since the last time I saw you?" Jefferson, Carter's father, asked her. She looked over at the living room where the rest of the Ludwick family plus her boyfriend were sitting and watching the traditional Friday night football game. Harry knew a bit about it, but not nearly as much as the rest of the Ludwick family.

"I've been good," she smiled, somewhat genuinely. "Yeah, I've been alright."

"Is that boy over there taking care of you?" the brunette asked seriously." Because you are always welcome here if everything doesn't work out."

"Not that I don't appreciate your offer, Jeff, But you see, I've already been through enough change for a long long time. I don't really fancy moving countries for a little while. Plus, that boy over there treats me like I'm the most precious thing in the world to him," she said quickly, ending with bright eyes. Bright eyes and bright lips and bright skin, the sun had really gotten to her. Only been here for a day and she already already was different. Again.

"As long as you're sure," he spoke softly. "Hey," he added when he noticed her drifting in and out. " He seems like a nice kid."

"He really is," she blushed. "Thank you, for inviting us here I mean. "

"You're always welcome," he spoke  with a fatherly attitude.

"Jeff, can I ask you a question?" she asked suddenly. Her eyes moved to the figure sitting on the couch wearing a Packers jersey and screaming at the TV for someone to run run run. " I don't really know how to phrase it. Um, did it ever seem like my parents were...disappointed in me? Like they weren't satisfied with my work and capability of doing some stuff?"

"Oh, Olivia," Jeff sighed. "Of course they were never disappointed in you. How could they? You've accomplished so much in your short little life so far. I remember seeing them the week before they died, and sweetheart, oh they were so happy with your grades and friends and surprisingly that boy sitting over there with my son. They were talking about how much of a beautiful young lady you are and how they were also so fond of my boy as well."

"I'm sorry I knew it was a stupid question, I just...I had to know," she muttered, combing her fingers through her hair.

"Do you think they didn't love you?" he asked cautiously.

"I don't really know," she pressed her eyes against her palms. "I know they did, but sometimes it felt like I wasn't living up to their expectations and it's really hard to go from having everything stable in your life to not even knowing-" she stopped herself before she got too carried away. "Nevermind me, let's go in and watch the game. I think H wants the Packers to win," she chuckled.

 

To not even knowing if you wanted to be alive at all.