Return to me

Part 12: Pulling the plug

Sadly, Lindsey's condition began to worsen, his breathing now impossible with out receiving assistance; it left Stevie in complete disarray. The love of her life, the man that had loved her more than anyone in the world, was dying. She would visit him everyday and night, not even returning to Malibu at all, needing to be a drive away with out panic. These were her last days, last days with the man closest to her heart...

Stevie had a hard time eating, picking at everything that she'd attempt, feeling as if there was nothing else in the world that mattered. If Lindsey was on his way out then she for sure would be on hers, not caring if she ever stepped out on to a stage again. He was all she had and she never realized that he was the drive that kept her going in the first place. It was so disheartening to learn that now instead of while he was alive and healthy.

Making way for The Village studios, Stevie began to fulfill her promise to Christine and Lindsey. She began to place her harmonies behind Lindsey's, mentally preparing herself as she placed the headphones on to her ears. Ken Caillet watched her sympathetically, waiting for her to give the thumbs up, to let him know that she was ready. When she finally felt herself in the right state of mind, her thumb went up, Ken starting the music as she closed her eyes and sang a few keys higher than Lindsey's. That magic was starting again, starting again with their voices. They were soulmates not only in love but by music, too, and everyone knew it. You could even see a tear in Ken's eyes as he had to snap himself out of it, to work, not to become melancholy  in this tragic news.

Proud of herself as she got through the first take with out crying, she smiled through the glass window at Ken, him now giving the thumbs up as she returned it, saying that she was ready to attempt take two.

As Stevie continued to sing her heart out, really put emotion in to the song, Karen could be seen whispering in Ken's ear. It unnerved Stevie as he literally stopped the track, her slightly irritated since she was feeling it, hands on her hips.

"What?" speaking in to the mic and adjusting her headphones. "Why did you stop?" asked Stevie.

Ken looked at Karen then back at Stevie, speaking in to the mic on his end. "Stevie, Kristen is at the hospital now with Lindsey... they're going to pull the plug."

With out any second thought, Stevie would not have it, tossing off her headphones and spilling her water in the midst. She busted through the door from the booth and snatched her purse, Karen following after, literally having a hard time keeping up with her elder boss!

"Stevie - Stevie, slow down!" begged Karen, grabbing Stevie by the wrist. "You have got to take control before you enter that hospital!"

"How dare she! How dare she!"  repeated Stevie as she shook, tears streaming down her large brown eyes. "She has no right to do this!"

"Actually, Stevie, as much as I disagree with Kristen... she does, she has power of attorney."

"I don't give what power she has! This is absolutely not going to happen! Not on my watch!" sobbing profusely, running out of the building to the car parked at the side of the street. "Will you stop staring at me and drive?! Open this fvcking car, Karen!" demanded Stevie, Karen nodding as she unlocked the vehicle, Stevie getting inside.

Arriving at the hospital, an absolute wreck, not at all calmed in any fashion. If anything, Stevie was more angry than before! This time she had a permanent badge to show security in the lobby, not wanting to have a run in like the first time, feeling her legs about give out below her as she refused help. Her hands landed against the elevator doors, pressing down on Lindsey's floor repeatedly until it opened, a family with concern on their faces as she pushed her way passed them.