I Think I'm in Trouble {Reimagined}

LXVIII.

After some time, when Jeffrey left for work and Nicholas left for Grace's, Lindsey made his way upstairs with the breakfast Barbara had made for her.

When he entered Shannon's room, he completely sighed only because he knew well she had been crying herself to sleep.

Settling the plate down on the bedside table, he made sure her glass of orange juice was stable to stay before dropping to a knee. He then reached out and he swiped the side of her head, waking her as gently as possible.

She eventually stirred to his touch, opening her eyes slowly but surely.

"Good morning," he whispered.

She inhaled deeply and then sighed as she pushed herself up, smoothing her hair down.

"You freaked everybody out for a second," he added. "You told me you'd be in your studio, told Nick that last night and we were looking for you."

"I came in here, I don't remember falling asleep... I was just tired," she looked around the room, taking in her daughter's posters on the wall. "I miss my daughter, Lindsey."

"I know, baby," he brought his hand up to the side of her face. "Why don't you eat, we can go downstairs and figure out what's next?"

"Lindsey..."

"You gotta eat, Stevie," he cut her off, knowing full and well she was about to protest.

"I'll eat, I'll eat... I just..." she put her hand up. "Let me go wash up, I'll come down to eat. I don't wanna be in here anymore. I need some coffee."

"Alright," he nodded, grabbing the plate and glass of orange juice.

She got out of bed with ease and she led the way to the bedroom door, opening it to see her daughter entering the room.

"Shannon?" she sighed, very taken aback by her presence.

"Wow, you don't waste time..." the young blonde commented. "What are you guys doing in my room?"

"I fell asleep in here last night," she sighed.

"And you?" she creased her brow, looking him up and down before looking at the plate in his hands. "You know, never mind, I could care less," she waved it off.

Stevie was so thrilled to see her child yet spooked at the same time.

"If you haven't forgotten, it's Christmas Eve and by the looks of it all... Looks like everybody is getting along like one big, happy family," she took a seat, pulling her combat boots off.

"Shannon--"

"I just drove from Arizona, I'm exhausted," she cut her off. "Can we do this later?"

Lindsey was ever so annoyed by the girl's attitude and lack of respect for her mother, he actually couldn't stand it, but he knew he couldn't say anything.

"Sure and I just woke up, so hopefully in a few hours, we can both be much nicer people to talk to," she slammed the bedroom door shut.

Shannon huffed to herself.

"Stevie, should I leave?" he wondered, following her to her bedroom.

"No, Lindsey. I need you with me," she assured. "Let me just take a rinse off and everything, I'll be down in a few. Stay with my parents," she took the plate of food from him finally, already having sipped the orange juice.

"Alright," he nodded. "I'll make you some coffee meantime."

"Thank you," she sighed to herself.

Within about twenty minutes, Stevie had showered and simply brushed her teeth, coming down the stairs in a black, maxi tee shirt dress, slippers, her curls drying naturally and the dishes in her hands.