The Years Disappeared

He Wouldn't II

Eventually we calm down and I stand up, newly horrified by the semi-squalor he's been living in.
"Get all of this into trash bags, and I'll see what food I can make you, you must be starving."
He sighs then obeys as I wander over to the kitchen area and search the almost bare cupboards.
"Ramen? Really? What are you? A college student?!"
"Lay off, I needed to eat something."
"You're coming home."
"Ste-"
"Get dressed. The girls will be excited to see you."
"Fine."
"But Lindsey..."
"Yes?"
"We need to talk with them."

He nods sincerely before traipsing off. He takes a while to return but I only notice when I've cleared most of his mess up. I find him flat out, face down on the bed. At least he's changed into some clothes. "Linds? Honey?" I speak but only receive a grunt. I walk over and rub on his back. He rolls onto his front and opens his eyes.

"Sorry...J-just...Tired."
"You need to shave."
"Tired Stevie...Tired."
"If I have to drag you to the sink I will, you have to look your best for tomorrow."             "I don't uh...Have any stuff."                                                                                                            "Then you'll have to wait until we get home, now come on, I can't stand this place."

***

We arrive home at the same time as Karen and the girls, and Sara and Rachel rush towards Lindsey.
"Dad! We thought you weren't back for another week?!"
"Well...Me and your mom need to speak to you about why I'm back early. I missed you girls so much!" My youngest daughters share a nervous glance before squeezing their father in a long embrace. Leia is standing against the car and fiddling with her backpack.
"Leia honey, I missed you too." Lindsey says as he notices her awkwardly looking at her feet. She storms inside, not acknowledging him. The look on his face breaks my heart.
"He's lying to them."
Leia hisses to me as I follow her indoors.
"Me and your father are going to sit your sisters down and explain everything, ok?"
"No it is not! My dad is about to go to jail for sexually assaulting my best friend!"
"Leia that is not going to happen!"
"You don't know that! Everyone is going to know, then Kristen will come back to school and everyone will hate me!" She practically screams and I gasp, holding back tears.
"He did it didn't he?!" She adds furiously. I slowly shake my head.
"No...How could y-...No..." I croak.

***

"Lindsey?" I call out into the bedroom, hearing the shower in the en suite as I walk further in. "Lindsey? I'm coming in to use the sink?" I hear an approving grunt and enter to brush my teeth and wash my face. I am about to leave when he slides open the door and steps out in all his glory. "The girls are all in bed?" He asks, picking up a towel to dry his thick hair.
"Uh huh...I..."
"Leia hasn't looked at me all night."
"This is hard for her...That girl was supposed to be her friend."
"She doesn't think..."
"No!"
We stand silent and tense for a few moments.
"You need a good night's sleep. C'mon." I lead him into the bedroom where he dries off some more, slipping into a pair of boxers. I am already in my nightgown.

"Goodnight Lindsey."

"Goodnight Stevie."