Song: Now Comes the Night - Rob Thomas
Olivia was glad it was Friday night. She had the weekend off and her plan was sleeping and relaxing. Noah was gone for the weekend. He was staying at Fin's son Ken house who had a son close to Noah's age.
Don would be here soon. Olivia was picking up the apartment quickly. It wasn't messy, it just always seemed to be put on hold for the weekend. They had decided on pizza. Don offered to pick it up on his way over. A knock came at her door as Olivia was placing the vacuum back in the closet.
"Coming" Olivia called as she walked to the door.
"I hope you are hungry . I got us a large supreme , garlic knots and turtle cheesecake for dessert." Don said as he walked inside smiling at Olivia who was holding the door.
"I always have room for pizza." Olivia said as went and got two beers from the fridge and paper plates off the counter.
"I'm sorry about Simon. Anniversaries like this are hard. Especially when you never got to talk things out. How are you doing?" Don asked as he placed all the food down on the end table in the living room.
"It hasn't been easy. I've blamed myself for thinking my voicemail may have been one of the last things he heard the day he died. Simon was my only family I had left." Olivia said as she wiped away a tear from her eyes.
"Liv, please don't blame yourself. We all make rash decisions or say things we regret. Simon knew you loved him. And as far as family. You have been in my life 24 years. I have never had kids. I love you like a daughter and Noah as a grandson. I feel beyond blessed having you both in my life." Don reached over giving Olivia a hug. "I love you,'' he said as he rubbed her back as she broke down and sobbed.
"I love you too." Olivia said as she leaned back wiping her face with a napkin. "You are exactly what I always wished for in a father growing up. We should eat the pizza before it is cold." Olivia said as she grabbed 2 slices of pizza.
"How was your lunch with Simon's friend? You said he gave you some items". Don asked curiously as he sipped his beer.
"Yes, let me get it." Olivia said as she was putting away leftovers in the refrigerator and grabbed two more beers. She walked in her bedroom and grabbed the book, letter and photo album from on top of her bedroom dresser. "I haven't looked at anything yet. I'm nervous." Olivia said she sat on the couch.
'Would you like me to read you the letter?" Don asked as he moved closer to Olivia on the couch.
"Yes, I don't think I can do it. I have no idea what it will say." Olivia said as she nervously handed Don the letter.
"No matter what it says. I love you and I'm here for you." Don said as he reached for her left hand and gave it a squeeze. "Here we go." Don opened the letter and began reading aloud.
Olivia,
I am writing this letter the day we are supposed to meet. I'm both scared and excited to meet Noah and have a second chance for us to become close again. I don't want to disappoint you again.
I have worked very hard the past two years rebuilding my life. I waited to contact you until I knew I was on solid ground again. I wanted to show you through both my words and actions that I have changed for the better.
I look up to you for all that you have been through and overcome. You used the pain in your life to help and protect people who have been hurt. I hope I can do the same by helping give back.
For the past year I have volunteered every Wednesday night for my church which makes and serves food at the homeless shelter. Every Sunday I go to church service. It has helped bring me some comfort and I am finally starting to learn to forgive myself for my mistakes . I have been sober and drug free for 715 days. Every day I don't fall back on my vices is a small victory for me.
I'm giving Noah my copy of Gulliver's Travels which was my favorite book as a boy. It was always a reminder that anything is possible as long as I believe. And life should always be a daring adventure.
Thank you for opening your heart and giving me another chance. I know it is very hard to repair trust once broken but I can't imagine my life without you in it.
I love you. Simon
Don looked up from reading the letter with tears in his eyes. "Your brother was a good man, Liv. Sadly he was gone too soon. But he gave you a final gift today. He told you how much he loved you and how much he wanted you and Noah in his life. It is time to forgive yourself for that last call." He reached over, giving her a hug.
"Yes, I'm grateful we had another chance. It would have been much harder to find out he had died, never seeing him again." Olivia said as she wiped her eyes.
"Changing the subject slightly. I know someone else who deserves a second chance in your life." Don said as he looked at Olivia .
"I'm assuming we are talking about Elliot." Olivia said sarcastically.
"Yes, Elliot. I know this isn't fair. He is the one who left with no goodbye and no contact for ten years. I'm really worried about him. He is spiraling and I'm worried what could happen. Please if you get a call he needs help promise me you will go. He needs you Liv. And you need him just as much." Don said as he saw Olivia looking away.
"I will be there if he needs help." Olivia whispered and sighed.
"Thank you. I love you both. You two mean too much to each other to waste a second chance. Can we see the photo book?" Don asked as he picked up the album from the coffee table.
"Yes, I've been curious to see the pictures." Olivia opened the album. A few of her favorites were seeing Simon as a baby, Simon dressed as a puppy, Simon's first car and high school graduation. In total Tom had put together a photo album with all the milestones from Simon's life. This would be a cherished keepsake.
