H.E.L.P. ... I'm addicted

Part 6 - Happy birthday

Being that Stevie's birthday was just around the corner, Lindsey put together some plans, hoping that both of them would be well enough. He knew how much her family meant to her and it was clear that she was missing them, first asking the rehab center if it would be okay to put together a small party for Stevie, them not having a problem as he began to call her parents.

Watching Stevie sleep, he'd created his own birthday card for her, fighting an incredibly rough migrane but not about to let that ruin his plans. He got up on to her bed, caressing the side of her head as he pressed a kiss to her forehead, placing the card in her hand while he looked her over. The most recent problem with her detoxing was her skin. It had brought her to tears, terrified with how it began to peel to the point of it being wildly excessive, the doctor giving her a special cream to help but it still upset her.

"Happy birthday, baby," speaking out loud then deciding this would be the perfect time to take a shower.

Stevie woke when she heard the water running, noticing the card in her hand as she reached for her glasses, smiling instantly as she ran her swollen fingers over the homemade masterpiece. It was heartfelt. Lindsey's attempt at drawing an ocean scene with sand and a palm tree, knowing that was her favorite, opening it to read a beautiful sentiment. She cried, holding it to her chest as she then placed it on the dresser, telling herself how stupid she was to have let him go, how hard it was to now get him back. She'd tried many times since he'd come to her rescue, touching him in only ways he would understand, seeing him almost give in but shying away. This was the hardest she's ever had to work for a man.

Hearing the bathroom door open, Stevie turned, watching him walk in to the room with nothing but a towel. Oh, goodness, how her heart beat. "Is that part of my present?"

Lindsey spun around, thinking she had still been asleep. "Oh, good morning birthday girl," grabbing clean clothes as he walked back in to the bathroom, changing then returning, sitting on her bed. "How are you feeling?" touching her hand, running his fingers over her cracked knuckles. How he could still make her feel beautiful at this moment was unimaginable. 

"I feel like I'm coming down with a cold even though I know it's not, if that makes sense," shrugging. "Thank you for the card."

"You're welcome," smiling as he brought her hand to his lips. "I know it's not Hallmark but it was the best I could do with out leaving the facility."

"You know what..." squeezing his hand, "...it's better than anything Hallmark."

His face flushed, looking down at their hands. "I'm glad you liked it."

"I loved it. Will you gift me with a kiss even though my lips are peeling off my face?" trying to be funny as he shook his head, grinning, leaning over to capture her lips. "Now i'd say that's the best gift I could receive."

"I would think your phone call from your parents would be."

"Of course but it's not often I get to kiss such a stud."

"Are you withdrawling? "

"No," slapping at him, "...I mean, of course, I don't feel well but you're what keeps me going."

"I don't think I've seen this much light in your eyes in some time."

"You put it there."

"Steph," rubbing the bridge of his nose, blushing.

"Thank you for everything that you're doing for me, Lindsey, I can't remember if I've even said that. I've been so consumed by this damn drug that I didn't even realize how hard it must be to detox yourself while watching over me."