The restraining order was in place but Kristen was still nowhere to be found. We were able to go back home after the repairs were made but I still felt odd being here.
"We need to do something!" I say, feeling upset that nothing was happening. "It's been a month. I can't live like this"
"Calm down, I'm sure she's having a fit in there" he says, running his hand over my small growing bump. "Relax, Steph. Something will happen"
"Maybe I should call her. Make up something?"
"Like what? Plus, I don't want you in the line of fire. I couldn't live if something happened to you or our children"
"I want her in jail. I can't look over my shoulder anymore. Our house is beautiful again but I still remember it all when I walk through these halls. We will be bringing a brand new baby into this house in a few months. Please, Lindsey. We still have no idea how she knew where our house is. I have terrible dreams about it"
"When Karen comes over, we can discuss it." I nod my acceptance, laying down on the couch. "I'm so tired of the waiting game"
"I know" he says, lifting my feet to sit down. He places my feet back down in his lap and rubs them gently.
"If you think a foot rub will get you out of talking to Karen, you are sorely mistaken."
"Damn" He says, smiling. "How are you feeling?"
"The same as I was last time you asked like 10 minutes ago"
"I just worry. You've been so stressed out and you've been getting cramps, as you called them. I don't want something to happen to either of you"
"I know, honey. But we are fine. Aren't we, my little dove?" I rub my small bump.
"Should I call Karen and see where she is?" I nod. "Alright, honey"
Lindsey goes to call her for me and she rushes to me. She comes through the door with roses and food.
"You sure know the way to my heart!" I say "Gimme- gimme!" I extend my arms to take the flowers from her.
"I thought you'd like something pretty to keep your mind from all the stuff going on right now"
"They're beautiful" The scent is intoxicating and I can't stop putting them to my nose. I could sit here and inhale their scent all day long. They're peach colored and perfect. Large, full heads and pristine petals. "Lindsey will you put them in water?" I ask, handing them to him.
"Yes, angel" he says and leaves for the kitchen.
"And I got you a treat." Karen tells me. "Chocolate cheesecake!" She opens the little clear plastic box and it looks divine!
"Oh, I could kiss you all over! I've been craving this! Thank you so much!" I throw my arms around her neck, hugging her.
"I'm glad I can make you smile." She turns to go upstairs to her room to work and I get up to go after her.
"Kar, please don't go. Stay with me."
"I have work to do. I'm up to my ears"
I pout "I'm sorry. I know I'm working you to the bone. I just wanted to spend time with you. Lindsey is going to take Aria to the park and I'm going to be lonely"
She sighs. "Oh alright."
"Goody!" I say, clapping my hands together in excitement. I take her hand and tug her back down the stair to go to the kitchen. I sit down at the table and Karen hands me a fork. "Want a bite?" I ask her.
"I got it for you, Stevie. Enjoy it"
"Come on, one bite"
"You should feel honored. She doesn't even share with me" Lindsey says, and I swat at him playfully.
"Okay, one bite." I cut a little piece off with my fork and feed it to her.
"How is it?" I ask.
"Oh my god! It's so good!" Her eyes are wide with her hand over her mouth and she does seem to be enjoying it.
I giggle. "See, aren't you glad I shared?"
"Yes, honey" She touches my arm in such a loving way and it makes me feel so good. I really do have the best people around me.
"You take such good care of me. Not many people would do all this for someone"
"You're not just anyone. I've told you before, you're not just my boss, you're my friend. I care about you"
"Aww, I don't deserve you" I feel the tears coming and look down, embarrassed.
"Hey, don't cry"
"Its hormones."
"I know, Stevie" She squeezes my free hand gently. I dry my tears the best of my ability and continue to shovel cheese cake into my mouth. If not now, when can I indulge, right?
"Steph, didn't you want to talk to her about something?" Lindsey gently reminds me. I would have forgotten without him. I give myself a moment to breathe, watching her curious expression. Lindsey collects Aria and they head to the park while Karen and I talk.
"Is something going on?" She asks.
"I feel helpless. Kristen is in hiding and I want to do something to bring her out."
"This sounds dangerous, Stevie. You're 4 months pregnant. Don't you think you should leave all the sleuthing and criminal catching to the cops"
"You sound like Lindsey!" I throw my hands up, not wanting to argue I'm just upset. "I've been having these awful nightmares. I dream she comes back into our house and oh, it's so awful! I've dreamed I lose the baby and so many other awful things. I can't keep doing this night after night" I'm in tears and she strokes my hair from my face.
"They will get her, Stevie. Don't stress yourself out"
"You aren't dealing with this like I am."
"It's probably just you being pregnant and scared. It's hormones! What makes you think she would come back or that it was even Kristen who did this in the first place?"
"Um, because she's nuts" I say and she stifles a laugh.
"Everyone is on the look out for her. She wouldn't dare come back"
"What's stopping her? She knew where we live, she knew our phone number..."
"It's scary, I get it. But you have a restraining order"
"It won't last forever, they're temporary things. If she really wants to do something, a piece of paper won't stop her"
"Give yourself some time. I know you're freaking out and nervous and all kind of different emotions but try to relax for the little ones. Aria and this baby need you to be strong. And I will help, Lindsey will help..."
"Thank you" I tell her. "I keep going around and around in circles and I'm driving myself crazy"
"You were already crazy, Stevie" she jokes
"Hey!" I slap her arm. "I'm never sharing junk food with you again"
"You don't mean that"
"No, you're right. I don't. But I might take an extra long time to answer next time you ask for any of my yogurt or ice cream"
"Wow, that's cold, Steves" I start laughing right away and after a moment she laughs too. She shuffles around, probably deciding to go work but I really don't want to be alone.
"Will you watch a movie with me?" I ask her, putting the little take out box in the trash and rinsing my fork for the dish washer. "Please? I know you're busy and I love you for being dedicated to the schedules and stuff that I just don't have a mind for but I get bored cooped up in the house."
"You can go out" Karen says.
"Actually, at my last dr appt, I was put on light bed rest for 2 weeks." I wince, waiting for a reaction.
"Stevie! Why didn't you tell anyone?"
"I didn't want you or Lindsey to freak out. It's because of the cramps I've been having. They're..." I looks away, I didn't want this to be a thing. "They're contractions. And it's way too early."
"Oh, Stevie....you shouldn't hide something like that. We all just want to take care of you"
"The pregnancy was going great before all of this."
"It will go great again afterward too." She holds me to her, knowing I need the comfort.
"This is exactly why I was worried about continuing the pregnancy in the beginning. I know it sounds awful but with Lindsey and I falling apart, plus Kristen...I'm not young. I'm not 20, 30 or even 40 anymore. Pregnancy is taxing and the risks were explained to me again and again. It could go really well and be normal or it could go the other way"
"Don't think about it all the time. She's doing so well!" I smile. "She's strong and beautiful and healthy."
"Thank you, Karen. What would I do without you?"
"Probably drive someone else nuts" she says and I swat at her playfully, giggling.
