What We Are

I've been loving you too long

It had been almost three days since the accident; almost three days since I'd found out I was the mother of three babies; and over three hours since I'd let Lindsey know about them. It had been however, only three minutes after he'd gone to speak with his wife and see his son, that my doctor told me I was ready to go home for now- if I wanted. I was given lists of advice on my pregnancy, a lengthy verbal lecture, and a prescription of multi vitamins before I was free to go- not to mention the paraphernalia needed to tend to the bruises and stitches still scattered around my chest and forehead. I'd have to be back at the hospital for a check up in three days time. Chris drove me home and insisted on staying with me for a while. We ate dinner almost in silence until he spoke in an aggressive tone, "Where's Lindsey huh?"
"He went...He went to see his son." Chris seemed suspicious.
"What about his wife hey? Is she aware of how he's been at it with you behind her back?" I clenched my teeth.
"I think it's time you went home Christopher."
"You can't hide from the truth Stevie."
"I don't plan to. Now go home to your wife! I'll see you tomorrow or something." I hugged him goodbye, he was my precious little brother after all, and I knew he would come round with Lindsey(he had so many times before)- he would have to this time anyway- if not just for the family. I cleared our dishes and went to the bathroom to change the dressing on the wound on my shoulder, it still twitched in pain after such a short time since shards of glass had penetrated it. I dreaded to think how worse it could've been. After showering I went to tap Lindsey's mobile number into the telephone. "Stevie? You're at home?"
"Uh huh. I didn't want to call you any earlier in case..."
"It's sorted Stevie, I'm on my way over."
"How's Will?"
"He's fine, I just read him a bedtime story. You?"
"I'm good I'm just...Tired you know." He expressed his sympathy and I explained how the doctor had given me the all clear to return to my house for now.
***
I heard several knocks on the front door, softer than usual but still recognisable, and I pattered down the staircase carefully to open the door. I smiled at Lindsey and he gazed back. "Steph..." He muttered, slowly reaching out his hand to hold my face. "Lindsey." I said kissing his cheek, "Have you eaten?"
"A little, it's ok you don't want to be cooking now, especially at this time."
I sniggered,"I wasn't offering you rude boy." He grabbed my waist a little roughly from behind as we entered my kitchen,"Rude am I?" He whispered into my neck.
"Uh huh," I removed his tantalising fingertips from my sides and turned to look up at him."You're going to have to be a little bit more gentle with us from now on." He beamed.
"Sorry baby, I can still hardly believe it." I was about to respond defensively when he added, "I love this. I love you. I love them." I mellowed, touching his hands softly.
"Have you had dinner Stevie?"
"Yes. Chris drove me back from the hospital and we ate."
"Ah."
"I know that sound. You and him have been at each other's throats over the past few days, I know you didn't want me to notice but I did. I always do." He looked guilty to the floor.
"I'm sorry baby, we'll work it out I'm sure. He just loves you a lot, that's what we have in common." I blushed.
"So naughty boy, takeout it is for you."