Return to me

Part 8: Kiss me

A week went by and Stevie was casually seeing Morris, not technically a boyfriend, not anything remotely romantic at all. He was basically a friend, a friend that knew about medical issues, helping soothe her mind when it came to Lindsey's condition. It just wasn't getting any better. She'd sit at his side for hours a day, writing in her journal or even sleeping, needing his warm hand in hers.

"I hate this, Lindsey, and I frankly don't even know what to do anymore..." whispering as she looked down, hands in her lap. "The fact that you are hooked up to life support but still with full brain activity is mind boggling... why won't you come back to me, baby?" tears threatening to fall while she tilted back her head.

"Hey," a small knock at the door, Morris being on time for their daily lunch. This time he had flowers, seeing how distraught Stevie had been the last time he left her.

"Hi," a smile returning to Stevie's face, standing to receive the flowers. "These are lovely, thank you," smelling the bright arrangement of carnations. Stevie already had roses set up in Lindsey's room, setting the carnations in to keep from drying out. "I promise to bring those home tonight," giving him a hug as he kissed the top of her head. The two had become great friends.

"You're welcome, Stevie, I saw them and thought of you as I walked passed the gift shop today."

"That means a lot to me, thank you," breaking their hug to walk towards Lindsey. "Hey, Linds, I am going to go have something to eat..." kissing him softly on the corner of his lips. "I promise I'll be back soon," rubbing the back of her knuckles against his face.

Knowing that Lindsey was watching her, listening to her, she knew that he would be upset about her friendship with Morris. For some reason, no matter if she had a relationship that was non sexual with a man, he would still have jealousy...

Sitting outside under an umbrella, Morris made sure that they could stay as discreet as possible, allowing Stevie to sit with her back turned and facing the street. They ate in silence, something that was not normally part of Stevie's personality.

"What's wrong? Want to talk about it?" asked Morris, taking her hand that was resting against the table.

"Um," taking her hand back, setting it in her lap. "I don't know what to do... I don't have power of attorney over Lindsey and I'm afraid that if he doesn't start to get better, his wife may pull the life support - it's just that he can breathe on his own... I guess the coma is not improving."

"These things are tricky and always difficult but it's not as if he relies fully on the life support, it's just keeping him from getting any worse."

"He means everything to me..." as she reached for a napkin, taking off her glasses to cry.

"I know, it breaks my heart to see you like this."

"I miss his hugs, his smile, his laugh..."

"I'm sure he misses yours, too."

Lindsey was close to Stevie's side, watching every move that Morris made. He was appreciative that she had someone to comfort her but he knew the other man was interested in her. "He's going to say whatever he can to have you, Stevie, and I know you are smart but you can be so naïve... You're vulnerable, angel."

After they finished lunch, Morris was due back in surgery, escorting Stevie safely back to Lindsey's room as he took a step closer than normal. As they said their goodbyes, which was usually just a hug, he caught her off guard, bringing a hand up to her face to kiss her lips.

At first Stevie felt the need to pull away, to say no, but she'd been so emotional and so alone, bringing her arms up around his neck to deepen it. Everything she was feeling for Lindsey was being released on to Morris, tears and all, the brush of his tongue.