Forever Love (Stauren) {Book 2: Completed}

Chapter 33

"Here you go," Steven sighed, handing me an unopened water bottle. "It's the last one, so I'll have to make a quick run to the store."

"Again?" I asked, turning in my chair to look at him with a puzzled look. "You just went two days ago." Steven looked down and nodded slightly, plopping down at the kitchen table next to me. He ran his fingers loosely through his hair and glanced at me, worry clear in his eyes.

"We're running through the water too fast. Last time I was at the store there were only a few cases left," he explained. My hand slid across the table to grasp his, trying to reassure him. "I should go if I want to make it back before dark."

"Okay." We both stood up and I wrapped my arms around Steven's waist, pulling him into my embrace. "Please...just be safe."

"Of course." I felt his lips softly press against my forehead after he spoke before moving down to meet my lips. "I love you," he whispered, pulling me closer. "No matter what happens, just remember those three words...they'll keep you going."

I nodded and kissed his lips one last time. Steven then turned to walk out the front door. As soon as he had opened the door, I called out, "Steven..." he turned around and looked at me. "...come home."

•°•°•°•°•

I clutched my head in my hands, hearing the seconds on the clock tick by as I waited for Steven to come home. My eyes glanced down at the stack of overdue taxes and a pen, what I should've been doing.

It took me a few more minutes to finally gather myself together and begin to fill out the taxes when I heard footsteps behind me. I quickly turned around to find Caiden and Cleo trying to go outside into the backyard.

"Caiden, Cleo, get away from the door. You know that you aren't allowed to go outside," I said and Caiden sighed, letting go of the doorknob.

"We've been inside for a week straight. Why can't we go outside for just a few minutes?" He asked, Cleo nodding in agreement from behind him.

I put down my pen and shifted in my chair. "You guys know the rules, you can't go outside. The news channel said to stay inside as much as possible. So that's what we are going to do. Besides, Cleo is just getting over her cold, so she shouldn't be out in the freezing weather."

"But why do the neighbors get to play outside?" Caiden questioned, glancing quickly at the neighbor's kids who were playing in their backyard.

"Well they shouldn't be," I replied.

"But why-"

I cut CJ off. "Caiden!" He quickly silenced himself, a sad look on both his and Cleo's faces, making me feel guilty. "I've got to go put this mail in the mailbox. You guys can come with if you want."

They both gave small smiles and grabbed my hands, practically pulling me outside. As soon as we stepped out the front door they began playing tag around the front yard. I kept an eye on the two as I headed down to the mailbox, the stack of mail in my hand.

I opened the mailbox and was about to put the mail inside when I realized that yesterday's mail hadn't been picked up yet by the postman.

"What the..." I mumbled, a puzzled and nervous look pasted on my face.

"What's wrong, mommy?" Cleo asked, panting as she stopped chasing Caiden.

"Umm...nothing sweetie," I said, my voice shaking slightly, and I looked around. "I think we should get inside now."

•°•°•°•°•

"Steven?" I whispered, looking up at the ceiling as we both laid in bed late that night. I was laying on my back while he was on his stomach with his arm securely around me.