All The Beautiful Worlds

On My Own

Once Stevie was admitted, the doctors treated her for being malnourishment and dehydration and were giving her proper care. They soon got her stable and she was resting peacefully on the hospital bed.

Kristen and Lindsey sat by Stevie's hospital bed, holding on to each other's hands. Kristen had tears in her eyes as she finally got to take in Stevie's appearance. It had been weeks since she looked at Stevie properly. She now saw how thin Stevie looked, the dark circles that were under her eyes and saw just how tired she looked.

Karen was called and was also sitting by Stevie's bed. Karen sighed then said. "I should have kept a better eye on her. I saw that she wasn't taking care of herself. But of course, she was too busy taking care of your family!" Karen was very upset. She then took a deep breath to calm herself then said. "I'm sorry. I just...I'm just mad at myself for not helping her out more. I shouldn't have listened to her and just been there for her."
Karen let her tears slip down her cheeks; she sat forward and took hold of Stevie's hand and held on. She and Stevie been through so much together and she hated the thought of losing her best friend.

A few hours later, Stevie began to stir; her eyes fluttered open. She looked around taking in her surroundings as she groaned a little. All three pairs of eyes looked at her.

"What...what happened?" Stevie said her voice just above a whisper. It scared all of them to hear Stevie sound so weak.

"You fainted Stevie." Karen said then told her what the doctor said. "But don't worry. The doctor and nurses are treating and you are going to be just fine. You just have to take it easy from now on."

Stevie let a few tears slip down her cheeks. She turned her head and saw Kristen and Lindsey sitting close by.

Kristen leaned forward and took Stevie's hand. "I'm so sorry Stevie. I'm sorry for not being there for my family which had made you have to step up and take care of them. You've done so much for us and...and I'm mad at myself for repaying in this way. I was grieving and I lost sight of what was in front of me. Stevie...I want you to go home and get some rest. Maybe you can go on vacation and not have to worry about anything or anyone else but yourself. It's time for me to step up and take care of my family. That includes you Stevie. You are a part of my family."
Stevie's tears were streaming down her cheeks and held onto Kristen's hand. "I feel the same way. But, I can't do that. I'll worry too much about Lindsey. I can't just leave."

Lindsey stood up and sat on Stevie's bed while taking her hand from Kristen. "Yes, you can. Stevie, please, go and get away for a while and concentrate on yourself. I will be fine. I want this for you okay. I appreciate everything you have done for me and my family. I love you and I can't stand the thought of losing you."

Stevie smiled a little knowing she would lose this battle. Usually she would be stubborn, but she felt so sick that she knew if she didn't take better care of herself then next time she may not be so lucky. She sighed then said. "Fine. I'll go home for a while but I will be calling every night to check on you and everyone else."

Lindsey smiled and leaned down to kiss her cheek. He then stood up and sat back down next to Kristen.

They all stayed with Stevie and just talked. When Stevie fell asleep, Kristen and Lindsey left so she could get much needed rest.

Karen stayed with Stevie the whole night and slept on the small sofa that was in the room.

The next morning, Stevie woke up feeling so much better. The doctor released her around noon and Karen drove her home.

Once getting Stevie settled, Karen called Lindsey to tell him Stevie was released. He was glad she was home and spoke to Stevie for a while before getting off the phone.

Some time later, Karen drove over to Lindsey's to pick up Stevie's things that she had left behind.

When Karen arrived back at Stevie's, she had found her standing outside and looking at the sunset.

Stevie turned around and smiled sadly when she saw Karen. "You know...it's weird not being at Lindsey's house now. Around this time I would be cooking dinner." She said then turned back to look at the scenery. "I guess, I'll just have to get used to being on my own again."
"Stevie, you are not on your own. I'm here for you now and I'm not going anywhere. I know you loved being with the kids but, like we have been saying, you really do need some time to concentrate on yourself. You can always visit them." Karen said. "Come on in okay. I brought dinner for us."

Stevie nodded then followed Karen inside. Stevie and Karen had a nice dinner then Stevie took a nice long bath. She then got ready for bed then climbed on.

Even though she had plenty of rest, she still felt tired. So she sunk deep under the covers and drifted off to sleep. However, right before falling into a deep sleep, Stevie had this sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. She couldn't explain why she had this feeling but she didn't think too much about it because sleep had finally consumed her.

I just wanted to say how sorry I am for not updating this story. It's been a while and I'm now ready to get this story finished.