Chapter 38: Home Sweet Home

"Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny." -C.S. Lewis

The sting of Liv's new tattoo woke her up before her alarm did. She stretched out on her bed and rolled to her side and gazed over at the place where Happy had slept when he spent the night with her. Liv had never been so pleased about having a chance meeting; she was beginning to believe in fate. And her fate was Happy. As she thought about it, a smile spread across her face. Liv got out of bed, her body ached but in a good way, she was reminded of where Happy had been. She wanted nothing more at that very moment than to be with him but she had a prior commitment with her department at school. She was meeting with incoming students, who were interested in the counseling program. Liv put on some make up and left her hair down and flowing around her shoulders. Her professors requested a business casual dress code so she pulled on a pair of gray wide legged dress pants and a jewel toned blue blouse. Liv grabbed a pair of gray t-strap open toed heels and started out of her bedroom.

She wandered downstairs and was greeted by the grinning face of Chase. "SO?" He asked eagerly.

Liv smirked as she walked right past Chase and into the kitchen, as if she didn't hear him. She was going to make him wait; he would hate the slow, sweet torture but she was enjoying it. Liv made her way back out into the dining room with her coffee and sat at the table next to Chase, who glared at her. She gave a lazy smile when he raised his eyebrow at her. "What?" Liv raised her eyebrows in return and took a sip of her coffee.

"Oh my god, you know the suspense is killing me." Chase stared Liv down, "You bitch." He said as he watched her smirk at him.

Liv shook her head, "Things went well." Her face flushed, "Really well. I would tell you all about it but I am sure that you would be jealous of my sex life, so I won't make you green with envy."

"Girl…deets, I need details! Reese could barely stand to be around me for the last 12 hours." Chase bounced in his chair. His enthusiasm was contagious.

"What is there to tell, I showed up and I told Happy how I felt. Oh…there is the bit about him thinking I had a baby with Juice." Liv rolled her eyes as she thought about how Happy liked to jump to conclusions. "That was why he left, he thought I lied to him about things being done with Juice."

Chase frowned, "Why would he think that?"

"He saw a text Juice sent me with a picture of Avery. I could see where it would have been misleading but he should have woke me and asked me about it. The thing about Happy is he jumps to conclusions or just assumes things. That is something he needs to work on…especially now since we made it official." Liv smiled from ear to ear.

"Seriously?" Chase jumped out of his chair and embraced Olivia. "Shit, I am super excited for you. Do you think that you'll bring him to Bri and Sam's wedding?"

Liv chewed on her lower lip, she hadn't even thought about it, "Probably not. It really isn't his scene." She knew how uncomfortable he would be there so she probably wouldn't even ask. Olivia glanced up at the clock on the wall. "Shit, I have to go or I am going to be late." She stood up quickly. "What time is your meeting?"

Chase smiled, "Oh you know us artist; we wake up late so our meeting isn't until noon. You look really nice by the way." Chase added, he had noticed the Liv's dewy glow that she had about her.

"Thanks, Chaser. I'll see you tonight." She smiled and placed a quick peck on his cheek before bolting out the door.

The old brick building had become Liv's home away from home over the past school year. It was bound to be even more over the next year since she was planning on finishing her degree by the following summer, so she could go back to Charming. Originally, moving back to Charming wasn't her plan, she wanted to stay in Portland. Either way now she would finish her schooling and find a job with battered women. Liv would be helping others in the best way she knew possible.

Liv didn't know what to expect when she walked into her stout advisors office. Professor Miller was speaking with another faculty member when Liv walked in. They paused as she entered and Miller smiled at Liv. He extended his hand to the chair next to the female faculty member.

"Olivia, this is Professor Thomas, she is the head of our science department." Professor Thomas, had a welcoming smile and a firm handshake. Her hair was an icy shade of silver and it seemed to match her gray eyes.

"Pleasure to meet you, Olivia." She let go of Liv's hand. "It's wonderful to finally meet Hank's prize student!"

Olivia's face flushed red at the mention of prize student, "It is nice to meet you as well. I can leave if you are busy." Liv started to stand.

"Oh nonsense. I was just coming here to let Hank know that we are still on again this year. My science department wins every year in getting the largest group to come to their talks on Wednesday." Professor Thomas rose from her chair and started out of the room.

"Not this year, Bev. I have a secret weapon if she will agree to it." Professor Miller's hazel eyes gazed at Liv. "What do you say, Liv?" He smiled at her. He had heard her story and why she wanted to join the counseling program. Hank Miller admired Liv's strength and perseverance; she was truly remarkable.

Liv's brow furrowed in response, "I'm not quite sure what you mean."

Miller smiled, "I would like to share your story and why you wanted to go into counseling."

Liv let out a sharp breath, "I don't know, Professor Miller. My story is so personal."

Hank's hazel eyes shone brightly with eagerness. "Just think about how your story could help just one person change their career choice. How many lives would that one person touch?"

His words rang true to Liv but she didn't know if she was ready to share her story with a room full of strangers. Then it hit her, it was the one year anniversary of her kidnapping. Her stomach rolled briefly but she calmed it quickly with a few cleansing breaths. "Can I think about it?"

Professor Miller nodded, "I will need to know before the students come back from their lunch breaks this afternoon."

Nothing like feeling pressure. "Okay." Liv said quietly. She wanted to call Happy and see what he thought about it. She would probably do it even if he thought it was a bad idea; what if she was able to change one person's life because of what she went through? "How much time do I have before the students start showing up?"

"You have about 15 minutes before the groups break up." Hank smiled at his prize student. Liv had been nothing but a joy to have as his student and advisee. She threw herself into her work at 110 percent. "Take some time, think about it and meet me in the large lecture hall we use for classes in ten."

Liv nodded as she rose and started out of the office. She pulled her phone out of her bag while she was walking out of the building. She sat on one of the stairs and took a deep breath before calling Happy.

"Hello?" Happy answered sleep still thick in his voice.

"Hi." Liv said in barely a whisper.

"Mmm. How's my favorite old lady?" She could hear Happy's smile on his voice.

"Your favorite old lady? I am not the only one?" She smirked; her foul mood forgotten. Olivia loved the effect his mood had over her; it was like a cool breeze on a hot summer's day, washing away all her worries.

"Well…I mean I like to keep my options open." Happy teased.

"I guess you need someone around when I am not." A twinge of jealous hit Liv hard. She knew what Happy was capable of when it came to other women but making her his old lady would hopefully change that because Liv knew she would not tolerate that from him ever again. She was broken after he slept with the two porn stars; but it was the past and they were trying to move on into the future. Their future together.

"You know, you are more than enough for me." Happy admitted quietly.

"I better be, Happy Lowman." Olivia ran her free hand through her hair. "I need to talk to you about something."

Happy didn't know what to expect. They had, had an amazing few days together and he wondered if time away had made her change her mind. "What is it?" He questioned with some weariness in his voice.

Liv took a deep breath, "My advisor wants me to talk about the reason why I wanted to get into counseling, which means me reliving my kidnapping and rape." Her heart raced waiting to see what Happy had to say.

He was relieved to hear that it was just that; of course there were things about her kidnapping that public shouldn't know about but he knew Liv was smart enough not to tell. "It's up to you. I mean obviously there are things that you know can't be told. But if you feel like you can do some good with your story then what could it hurt. Unless of course it upsets you too much, I wouldn't want you to do it. "

Liv sighed, "Oh, believe me I have tamed it down, I had to share it with my professor and that is why he is encouraging me to tell my story. He doesn't know about all the messy stuff in between. The men are rotting in jail for all he knows."

That was his girl, she kept her mouth shut with what mattered. "Baby, whatever you need to do, I will support you."

Olivia smiled when Happy called her 'baby'. "Thanks Hap. I love you." She was hoping Happy would support her in talking about her reason why she wanted to go into counseling. She wanted to possibly change one persons' major, it would make talking about her experience all worth it. Because that one person could help at least one person.

"I love you, Liv. I need to go, we have church soon." Happy voice was gruff on the other side of the phone. "I am looking forward to having you in my bed again."

Liv felt the familiar burning between her legs, Happy had such an effect over her. "I can't wait to be in your bed again. Oh and Hap don't tell my dad I am coming. I want to surprise him."

"I won't tell him. I'll talk to you soon, Liv." Happy said quietly before hanging up the phone. He smiled to himself, if someone would have asked a week before that he would be would Liv he would have either laughed in their face or murdered them. He never saw his path leading back to her, he thought he was meant to be miserable and alone with a random strings of croweaters, sweet butts and porn stars left in his wake. Now he had an old lady, that thought alone scared the shit out of Happy but at least he knew that he had made the right choice with Olivia. She had always been right for him, he never scared her enough to let him push her away and she challenged him; and he loved that.

Liv sat on the steps with her phone pressed to her lips as she thought about what Happy had said. Sharing her story with one or two people had never been an issue but she could be sharing it with the whole of the student body population; that was a big deal. Olivia did not want to be seen as the girl who was raped and tortured, she wanted to be seen as the girl who conquered her demons and rose above them to carry on. She hope that is what her story would show them, as she stood up and made her way to the large lecture hall.

Liv reached the door not knowing what to expect; she had already made her choice in majors when she chose the school. This week was to help those who were undecided in their major. She walked into the hall that was about a third of the way filled. Liv made her way down to the lecture floor where Professor Miller was waiting with a tall blonde who was one of her fellow classmates.

"Ah Liv, welcome." Professor Miller smiled. "What do you think of all this?" He turned to face the group of students.

Liv gazed across the room, did she even have it in her to tell her story to a room that full? "There are a lot of people, it's crazy but I am looking forward to hopefully helping at least one student decide on their major."

Hank Miller stared at Liv for a second with eyes full of hope. "Does this mean you'll tell your story?"

She couldn't understand his obsession with what had happened to her. Liv nodded her head slowly, hoping she wouldn't regret it. No matter how many time she told the story, she always relived it; she always felt the anxiety and pain it brought. Hopefully this time it would be different. Ah, who was she kidding it wouldn't be.

"Perfect!" Professor Miller clapped his large hands together. "Hello Students and welcome." He said his deep booming voice, demanding their attention.

The week went by quickly but still not fast enough. Liv was stressed and wanted nothing more than to lose herself in Happy. Sure, they had talked almost every day but it wasn't enough at that point. Juice had called Olivia during the week; he had remembered that it had been one year since they were separated and he wanted to check in her and see how she was doing. As much as she disliked Juice for his betrayal; he truly was the only person who knew what Liv had gone through in while in the grasp of August Marks and Moses Cartwright. They had actually talked on the phone for a while about everything before Liv let him go. She could tell he was trying to grasp on to what they had, had before they were taken from Charlotteville. Olivia had made her decision and Juice had made his, they weren't meant for each other anymore.

"You ready for tonight?" Chase asked with concern. He had watched the normally bubbly and social Liv, become introverted and quiet; it worried him. Her body language screamed anything but confidence.

"I just want to get it done with." She had struggled all week with how she was going to tell her story to people. There was so much that happened that couldn't be told; she would never be able to tell them about Bobby and how he gave her hope, she would never be able to tell them about how her family saved not only once but twice. She was going to keep it as vague and basic as possible. The kidnapping, the torture and the rape. The men that did this all to her would have disappeared or in have to be in prison…then she would have to lie about what happened to them…if anyone asked she would just say that it was still under investigation. No one needed to know that she knew they had all been murdered by the people who were trying to keep her safe. Liv instantly regretted saying she would tell her story.

"Just look at me when you are telling them your story. Reese and I will be there the whole time." Chase squeezed Liv's bare shoulder before holding up her black blazer. Liv shrugged into it; she quickly turned and hugged Chase.

"I don't know what I would do without you. You have been my rock this week and I really appreciate it. You are amazing Chasers!" Liv released him and stepped back and smiled at him and did a quick spin, "how do I look?"

Chase gazed at Olivia, she had her hair pulled up in loose bun and a light amount of make up on. She wore a white and gray bandage wrap pencil skirt that hugged her curves and a billowy gray spaghetti strap top with flowers along one of the shoulders and across the collar. She looked just the right amount of sexy and professional. "You are breathtaking, if I liked girls I would definitely pursue you."

Liv flashed Chase a smile and took his hand into hers. "If I wasn't in to bad boys, I would be all over you, even though you love boys."

Chase laughed at Liv as they exited the house hand in hand.

Liv fought back the tears as she reached her car; the group of people who had come to her talk was larger than she expected. The large hall was packed with potential students, who wanted to hear her story. She knew that Professor Miller had put out the word about her story and how it wasn't one to be missed. Liv sat there nervously in the front row with Chase and Reese at her side.

Hank Miller knew his star student was up for the challenge of speaking to all these people and she had not let him down with the people she was able to pull with the idea of a heart wrenching story. He was pretty sure that wasn't a dry eye in the room when Olivia had finished telling her story. Hank would win this year's contest by pulling the most amount of people to his end of the week talk. Little did he know he was winning at Liv's emotional expense.

Liv dialed her phone, and it rang…and rang…and rang. The voicemail finally picked up, "You've reached Happy leave a message." Tears spilled out of her eyes, Liv just needed to hear Happy's soothing voice. She was falling to pieces that she desperately held together during her talk.

"Hap…" Olivia couldn't hold back the sadness in her voice. "I need you." She wiped the tears from her eyes and started towards her house. The only thing she could think about is how she had just relived one of the most horrible times of her life with at least 100 people.

Liv had done as Chase had said and looked at him for most of the talk. She told her story about how she had been kidnapped my some men, who had tortured her and allowed men to rape her. She was saved by her bald headed, tattooed knight and the rest was well history. Olivia was grateful that Hank didn't open it up for questions afterwards and allowed her to leave out the back before everything was done. Chase and Reese followed closely behind her making sure she got home safely. It wasn't until she was in her car on her own, she fell into a million tiny pieces. Liv didn't know why, she had told her story a dozen different times but this time is was different and it left her feeling raw and exposed. Olivia knew what she needed and it was not to be found in Portland. She started her car south towards California, she knew the drive would take her nine hours but it was well worth the it; she would be in Happy's arms in over 600 miles. Only nine short hours. Well at least she hoped she would be.

Liv drove straight through to Charming, when she was nearly an hour out, she still hadn't heard from Happy. She grabbed her cell phone and dialed Lyla's number.

"Hello Beautiful friend!" Lyla's happy voice came over the phone.

Liv couldn't help but smile, "Hi, Lyla."

"Please tell me you are coming home soon. There is far too much testosterone in this clubhouse." Lyla's words slurred together slightly.

"I am actually going to be there in about an hour." Liv said quietly, wishing she had, a drinking in one hand and Happy in the other.

"Well we are all at Red Woody." Lyla replied. "I will make sure no one leaves…I am sure I can figure out a way to keep those guys entertained."

Olivia let out a small laugh, "Is Happy there?"

"Um…"Liv could tell Lyla was looking around the room. "Yeah, he's currently talking to Quinn and your dad."

A frown crossed Liv's face, "Alright well I should be to Red Woody in about 45 minutes. Keep him there."

"Will, do buttercup!" Lyla giggled.

Olivia loved drunk Lyla.

The parking lot of Red Woody was still riddled with bikes and people lounging around outside, when Liv pulled in. It was just past midnight, she had just driven more than 600 miles to get to Charming and she was in the mood for a beer. Liv stepped out of her car and she was still wearing the same clothes, she had on earlier in the day, she was wishing she would have changed, the skirt was restricting and it made the last half of her drive uncomfortable. When Chase got her home she went up to her room and packed a bag and left.

The only sound she heard was the clicking of her heels on the pavement and her heart pounding hard against her chest. People could have been talking to her but she wouldn't have noticed, her soul purpose at that moment was to see Happy. Nobody else existed.

Liv pulled open the door to Red Woody and she was assaulted by the familiar smell of sex, stale cigarettes and liquor. She walked slowly into the porn set turned club house, it looked pretty much the same as the other than the set was currently a classroom. Hmm, classroom porn. The irony of it was not lost on her.

Her eyes searched the room until she found Happy. He was sitting at a table with Quinn and Jax. Liv's heart jumped into high gear as she gazed longingly at Happy. It was then she realized it was the first time she had been to Red Woody and Charming as Happy's old lady.

Happy sensed that he was being watched so he looked up from his glass of beer and saw her. Liv was staring him down from across the room. The look on her face was a mixture between relief and irritation. Happy stood up and made his way across the room towards the woman he hadn't expect to see until the following day. His steps were quick and deliberate to get to Liv.

"I didn't think you were going to head here until tomorrow." Happy searched Liv's face. "You should have called."

A small snort came out of Liv, "I tried; I left you a message. I just…" The overwhelming need to cry washed over Liv. Before Happy could see her tears Liv threw herself into his arms and drank in his scent. She was safe and she was home.

A/N: Thank you all for your continued support! I apologize that it took me some time to get this out to you. I promise it will not take me that long next time. I am already planning the next chapter and will probably start it this evening. I appreciate all the reviews and please keep them coming! Here is a hint the more I get the more I tend to write! :*

Cheers and until next time...