All American Senior Year: Volume One

Forever Until Forever Falls Apart (Part Five)

The string lights that were hung across illuminated the dance floor below. Setting the overall ambiance as the wedding guests took the floor and swayed to the music that had been playing. Even though the wedding ceremony took an unexpected turn, he was glad everyone had still been in good spirits. Laughter and love filled the air, and as Spencer stood on the edge of the dance floor, he watched Olivia and Coach Baker dance. Her giggles always warmed his heart, as a smile never left his face watching his girlfriend laugh at her father's embarrassing dance moves. Placing his hands in his front pockets his eyes searched through the crowd to find Mrs. Baker and his mom dancing. They'd been slightly intoxicated bursting into laughter while trying to hold onto each other.

"You know I haven't seen my mom this happy. It's been years, but these past few weeks, I could tell something had been different. She was humming her favorite song, while a smile never left her face. A song she used to sing to me when I was little, with my father. But she hasn't sung it since...that was until you came along. Just that was enough for me to tell that my mom's happy for the first time in a long time," Spencer softly spoke. He kept his eyes on Olivia when Principal Carter smiled softly now standing beside him. His eyes found Grace's, grinning wider than ever before. His cheeks were already sore from how much he'd been smiling today. But every time he thought of Grace or saw her he couldn't help himself.

"Your mom makes me happy too Spencer. Just like her, it's been a long time since I've felt this way. My late wife was the only girl I thought I could love, a love that only came once in a lifetime. But your mom's an amazing girl and every time she's near me she brightens up my mood, the room she is in, and just makes me want to do better. After my wife passed I thought I could never love again. But that was until I met your mother,". Spencer turned to meet Principal Carter's eyes. Softening his expression, Spencer gently nodded while Principal Carter continued.

"Within the past few weeks, she's already taught me so much and showed me how to love again. I was broken, Spencer. And...I know that's no excuse for how I've treated you, the boys on the team, or Billy. But I was bitter, angry, and grieving. Like I told you my words probably don't mean much to you, but I promise Spencer, that my actions come Monday are going to change. I was hoping that you could help me. I got a few ideas in mind but I want to run them through you first before anything. I wasn't lying when I said that I want to bring resources into the community. Crenshaw's grown on me. It's not just a community, you guys are family, and one I never intended to break. I just had so much resentment from when I grew up here, but times have changed and what I've learned is that you guys are not so bad after all. I was even thinking of Kia's proposal to help the young girls in the community, and maybe you can help me find some solutions for other projects. I understand if you don't want to, I have a lot to show you before we can ever build a relationship, but I'm hoping this is only the start,".

Spencer gently nodded, as a smile spread on his lips. For the first time since talking to Principal Carter, he could feel that he had been letting his guard down. He actually felt genuine with his words, and Spencer couldn't help but think if it had been true that he changed. His words were promising but Spencer only hoped he'd back them up with his actions. Spencer softened his gaze extending his hand for Principal Carter to shake. D'Angelo's mouth parted slightly looking down at Spencer's hand. He matched Spencer's smile as he took his hand and shook it. Gripping it firmly, he met Spencer's eyes.

"Let's talk Monday," Principal Carter spoke softly. Spencer nodded. Still firmly shaking Principal Carter's hand, he narrowed his gaze. "Don't make me regret this Principal Carter. Don't break my mom's heart, she'd been through enough. And if you do..." Spencer trailed the second Principal Carter interrupted him. "I know believe me Billy already told me,". Principal Carter softly laughed before continuing. "I don't plan to, Spencer. Your mom means so much to me, and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for us. Thank you,". Spencer shook his head. "Don't thank me, just keep her safe, she deserves the world. And...if she's happy then I'm happy,". Principal Carter smiled softly. "With my whole heart, I promise to keep her safe,". His mother slowly walked up to the both of them. Wiping the tear from her teary eyes, she sniffled watching the both of them, shake hands.