We Didn't Agree To This

A mistake...?

When Stevie was released from the hospital and Lindsey brought her home, he was surprised at how relatively well she was doing. Losing a baby is traumatic and she seemed to be doing okay. Although, he feared she might just be masking her true feelings and he didn't want her to, because that would only lead to depression if she were to lock herself up in her room and not talk about what happened. 

The following day, though, Stevie said she'd like to visit her parents and asked Lindsey if he could take her to the airport. He saw no problem in doing that, but at the same time, he couldn't stop from wondering whether she was running away from him. He did spring it on her, telling her he loved her. She didn't mention it once.

Saying she'd be gone for only a couple of days, a week tops, Stevie packed a small suitcase, only taking the essentials with her. She simply wanted to go home to her Mom and Dad, be doted on and taken care of for a little while. She had missed them, she didn't have time anymore, since she'd become such a huge star in the music industry. 

It was time to leave and Stevie was making her way out of the house and into the car, Lindsey carrying her things to load them into the trunk. He couldn't shake off that uneasy feeling about her going away, he didn't want her to go away. He promised to be there for her and she... well, apparently, she didn't really need him. It hurt.

Arriving at the airport, Stevie got out of the car and waited for Lindsey to take out her suitcase, already reaching for it, but he said, he would accompany her. Besides, there was still time and he didn't want her waiting alone. Stevie appreciated how caring Lindsey was, though, she failed to let him know.

They spent about half an hour, sitting quietly. Stevie didn't want to talk and while Lindsey did, he felt as if he would bother her by saying something. It was weird. Just a couple of months ago he didn't even know her and now he could barely stand letting her go, despite being assured this was only temporary.

"I have to go." Stevie said, standing up. "Thank you for driving me here."

"Stevie, can we not be this formal? I hate it. I'm sorry if I fucked up by telling you, but please, let's not-"

"You didn't fuck up anything. I'm just saying, it's time for me to board the plane. I told you, I'll be back soon and I will." She gave him a small smile, as he sighed. Opening her arms, she took a step closer and Lindsey jumped at the chance to have her close again, even if for a short moment. "I'll see you soon." She said and kissed him on the cheek.

The flight didn't take too long, her parents already waiting for Stevie. As soon as she saw them, she instantly teared up, falling into her mother's arms. "I've missed you so much." She said, hugging her father. "I'm sorry I don't call as often or come see you, but I have a lot going on."

"It's alright." Jess said calmly. "You're here now."

The three of them were on the way home, Stevie sitting in the back, the side of her head pressed up against the window, watching the familiar scenery change as they drove. Barbara could sense something was bothering Stevie, but she didn't want to push her, hoping her daughter would open up on her own.

Once they arrived, Stevie took her things to a spare room upstairs and changed into more comfortable clothes. For a minute she was deciding to maybe call Lindsey, but... Coming into the kitchen, Stevie found Barbara making supper, the smell of a home cooked meal bringing a smile to her face. 

"It's good to be home."

"It's good to have you home." Barbara said, having already made a cup of tea for Stevie, setting it in front of her. "How you've been, sweetheart?"

Taking a deep breath, Stevie looked down, shrugging her shoulders. "Good, for the most part."

"How's... how's the marriage?"

"Well. A lot has happened. I, uh... I broke up with Don. I fell for Lindsey. I don't know how tell him though. He's wonderful. He treats me so well. It doesn't feel like we got married under some stupid agreement. As if it was meant to be."

"Then why can't you tell him? Are you afraid he doesn't feel the same?"

"I know he does, he was the one who told me he loves me first and I haven't brought it up once. I know it must make him feel bad, but saying, I love you, to someone, it's... it's real. What if it's simply infatuation? What if I tell him and then break his heart? I couldn't do that to Lindsey, he's a good man, he really is." Taking a moment, Stevie continued. "I was pregnant. I didn't know if it was Don's or Lindsey's and he didn't care, he said, he'd help me either way. Just a couple of days ago, I miscarried." A sole tear escaping her eye. "He was crushed, he refused to believe it. He stayed by my side and he told me he was in love with me. He also told me that he wants to try and have a baby, once I'm okay to try again. I don't know, it's just... maybe it's just too much all at once. So, I ran and I know it hurt him." She was crying now. "And I'm scared. I'm scared that while I'm away, he's going to call up one of his ex girlfriends or meet someone new. I'd hate that. But I needed to go away for a little while, I needed to come back to you."

Reaching for Stevie's hand, Barbara spoke softly. "I don't think it's infatuation, honey. You wouldn't be saying what you just did if you didn't have honest feelings towards him. Now, I haven't met him, but by what I've just heard, he's a decent man. You don't have to rush, you're not supposed to jump into anything, but the thing you have to do is let him in on how you truly feel."

"Have I made a mistake by not doing that already? By not saying those words back to him when he did?"

"I don't think so. You're allowed to think, you're allowed to sort your feelings out and decide what you truly want."

"I hope he sees it that way." Stevie sighed. 

"Have you informed him that your here?"

"No."

"Then why don't I finish making us supper and you go and call him that you're home safe."

Smiling, Stevie gave her mother a hug, hoping to one day be at least half as good a mother to her own children. 

Returning to her room, Stevie sat down on the bed and reached for the phone, dialing the number to call Lindsey. She was a little surprised when he picked up so quickly.

"Steph?"

"How did you know it would be me?"

"I... I kind of hoped you'd call." He admitted. "Are you okay? How was the trip? Are you at your parents'?"

"The trip was fine and yes, I'm home, Lindsey. I just wanted to let you know everything's alright."

"Great, I appreciate you doing that."

"Lindsey?"

"Yeah?"

"I... I love you, too."