We Didn't Agree To This

What's the matter?

Even though Lindsey was kind of given an okay from Stevie, he still didn't go straight to Carol. He knew it wasn't easy for Stevie to agree to this, so he was going to be respectful about the whole thing towards her. She was his wife, she was for sure carrying his baby, they were his family. 

It was rather early, when Lindsey woke up. He just couldn't sleep, as he was quite anxious to talk to Stevie. He called Carol the day before and she allowed him to come over. He knew she wasn't going to be thrilled, but he at least hoped they weren't going to get into a yet another argument over this. 

Since Stevie was only three months pregnant, she wasn't done with morning sickness yet. While Lindsey was downstairs, making her breakfast, she was on her knees by the toilet. It was a huge mistake entering the bedroom with a tray. He hoped to start off the day on a good note, but it completely backfired. 

"Get it out, Lindsey, get it out!"

"Baby, I'm sorry. I thought you were still asleep, I didn't kn-"

"Get. It. Out." She cut him short, glaring at him. 

With a heavy sigh, Lindsey left the room with a tray full of food, bringing it back to the kitchen. Dammit, and I have to tell her, I'm seeing Carol today?

Lindsey ended up clearing the plate himself, before making a cup of herbal tea for Stevie. He came into their room, trying to be quiet, in case she had fallen back asleep. Seeing that she hadn't, he approached the side of the bed and sat down, offering her the tea. That she gladly took.

"I have to tell you something." Lindsey began, Stevie already narrowing her eyes. "I called Carol and I'm going to see her today."

"I know." Stevie replied calmly, taking a sip from the cup. "I overheard."

"And? You're still okay with that?"

"I have to be. I promised you, didn't I? Besides, I am going with you." Frowning, Lindsey shook his head and opened his mouth to speak, but Stevie held up a hand. "We made a deal."

"But you're not feeling well."

"I might not feel well for another six months. Lindsey, I am going. You're not going to be alone around her."

Sighing, he shrugged his shoulders and gave a nod of his head. "If you insist. We're leaving in about two hours."

"Alright. I need to take a shower first." Finishing the last of her tea, Stevie handed the cup back to Lindsey, who got on his feet, lingering in the doorway. "Do you want me to help you?"

"I'm good." She said plainly and went to the bathroom.

Lindsey realized Stevie was trying. Who would want their husband to go to another woman, because she might be carrying his baby? So, he had to bite his tongue a lot lately. But he still didn't enjoy how short she was with him. 

Checking his watch, Lindsey went to tell Stevie it was time for them to leave, but she wasn't in a hurry at all, taking all the time in the world to get dressed, as he watched her, mentally counting to ten. 

"Are you about done?"

Taking one more look at herself in the mirror, Stevie fixed a strand of hair, tucking it behind her ear as she then turned to Lindsey and nodded, following him out.

The drive was silent, needless to say. Stevie was tense, but she tried to mask it, thinking she was doing a good job, but Lindsey saw right through her. Yet, he chose to keep his mouth shut. They arrived soon enough, Lindsey parking the car outside the apartment building. Taking one look at it, he was already sure he wouldn't let his child live here. 

"I think we're here." Lindsey double checked the number on the door, then rang the bell.

Carol appeared a moment later, greeting Lindsey, as she then noticed Stevie and raised an eyebrow. The two women said hi, as Carol then stepped aside and let them come inside. They took a seat and awkward silence fell among them for a minute. 

"So, how are you doing?" Lindsey asked, looking at Carol.

"Fine, I'm fine." She shrugged. 

Stevie couldn't ignore how Carol's belly was sticking out already. The baby could be Lindsey's, she thought to herself, as if it only just dawned on her. She didn't hear anything as the two talked, only being able to concentrate on that one thought. Feeling Lindsey's fingers lace through hers, she remembered where she was, suddenly listening into their conversation, wondering if she'd missed anything. 

"Don't you think this isn't the right place to raise a child?" Lindsey asked.

Carol frowned. "What do you mean? This is my home."

"I know, but... this a one bedroom apartment. What about the nursery?"

"The baby will sleep in my room, I'm sure I'll fit a crib in there."

"I could help you look for a bigger place. Like I said, I'd help you out financially." She shook her head, about to say something else, but she stopped. "What is it? What's wrong?"

"She kicked. I haven't felt her move before now!" Carol said excitedly.

"Oh? Can... can I feel it?" Lindsey asked and Carol nodded, as he moved away from Stevie, who sat completely speechless.

Sitting beside Carol, Lindsey replaced her hand with his, waiting patiently, before his eyes went wide, a grin spreading across his face. "That's amazing! Steph-" He began, facing her. The smile quickly vanished, seeing her eyes full of tears. "Baby? What's the matter?"

Her lower lip was trembling, the sight in front of her breaking her heart. She couldn't formulate a coherent sentence, despite how hard she tried. She could only shake her head slightly, whispering barely audibly. "I can't do this..."