Bleed To Love Her (B.N)

1984

Stevie’s laugh rang out across the room. It could be heard above the loud music and even the people who chatted noisily. Glances were made in her direction, though no one said a thing. She was borderline drunk and way past stoned. Suddenly, a young woman, one of Stevie’s ‘friends’, pushed her way through the crowd and launched herself Stevie’s table. “Stevie! Have you heard about Lindsey?” The woman asked. Stevie rolled her eyes. “Why would I hear anything about him? I don’t hear anything from him. I haven’t spoken to him in almost a year.” Stevie looked at the woman, taking in her expression. “Why… What’s going on the Buck these days?” Stevie asked, taking a sip of her wine. The woman moved around to Stevie’s side and whispered something in her ear. Guests watched as Stevie’s eyes widened, her face turning panic-stricken. She looked up at the woman. “Get the car ready.”

Meanwhile…

Lindsey watched from the door as Carol packed the last of her things up. She put her hands on her hips and sighed. “That’s everything then.” She said, more to herself than Lindsey. She groaned with pain as she picked the heavy bag up. Lindsey rushed to help her, but she put a hand on his chest. “You don’t need to help me anymore, Lindsey.” Lindsey sighed and backed away. Carol put the bag over her shoulder. As she turned around, Lindsey winced. He refused to look at the damage he had caused her. The fact she had to walk around with a neck brace on because of him was punishment enough; the blotchy bruises underneath the neck brace were just the icing on the cake. And now… Now she was leaving him. And this time she wasn’t coming back. He moved out of the way to let her leave. As she passed him, Carol cupped his tear stained cheek. “Lindsey… You know why I can’t stay here. Why I can’t be with you anymore.” Lindsey looked at her. “Don’t leave me, Carol. Everyone leaves me.” Carol managed to smile. “Lindsey, I wish you happiness and I hope you find what you’re looking for, what you need. Because, no matter how much we want it, we both know it isn’t me.” Lindsey walked to the top of the stairs behind Carol and watched from above as she opened the front door and walked out of his life forever.