He Never Did

No Use in Crying

I must have passed out, because I can hear Karen's voice above me, and feel the hard floor below me as I slowly open my bleary eyes. She's calling my name, then is relived when I sit up.
"Mommy, you're ok?" I feel Jacob's arms around me before I see him.
"Yes...Yeh...I just..."
"We don't have to go to the hospital again do we? Like in San Francisco?"
"I'm not so sure Jake, your mom seems to have hit her head pretty hard."
I look down at my hand, the promise ring glinting in the morning sun.
"Karen where's Lindsey?"
She looks confused, and I remember that she wasn't aware of him being in the house last night at all.
Before I can explain, there's a sound at the door as a key is turned, and the man himself enters.
Jacob races toward him as I try to control my breathing.
"Hey buddy," Lindsey greets him in a tone more dejected than usual.
"Are you ok daddy? Did I do something wrong?"
"Of course not, go wait in your bedroom and I'll speak to you in a tick ok?"
"But mom-"
"I'll take care of it." Jacob nods, Karen tailing after him upstairs.

"The baby?" I ask as he finally looks at me.
"She was born a few hours ago, she's perfect, just a little small."
"A girl?" The already existing tremendous lump in my throat swells further.
"Yes. Stella."
"Lindsey she came at me, I-"
"The cops are coming to ask you a few questions."
I close my eyes tight shut, allowing the first few tears to over spill as I gain the composure to speak.
"Linds, why?"
"I have to get back."