Enough Is Enough

XIV

When they arrived at Stevie's, they parted without words. Stevie didn't look at Lindsey before climbing out of his car and he didn't try and say something to her either. Everything was going so well... Although, they shouldn't have expected not to fight at all. Yet, whenever they did, both of them thought they were hurt worse by the other, no matter how badly they wanted to pick up the phone, it would take a while before one of them would, feeling as if the other person screwed up more. Was that still how it was going to be with them? 

For once Stevie felt guilty. It was her choice not to contribute to the album, which meant that the rest of the band or Lindsey and Christine more so could take the record into whatever direction they thought was best. However, hearing Lindsey exchange words of love with another woman didn't sit well with Stevie. Yes, of course she understood it was just a song, like Lindsey said, of course he didn't actually sing any of it to Christine, but... She couldn't help but feel a bit jealous and slightly hurt. 

As usual, Lindsey found himself with his guitar, laying across his lap, as he strummed whatever came to mind. Did he handle it well? No, not really. He understood where Stevie was coming from. Even if it was her choice, he definitely shouldn't have yelled at her. That never solved any of their problems. Lindsey didn't feel guilty for sticking with recording that album with Christine, but he did feel bad for treating his woman the way he did.

Deciding to go to bed early, Stevie was having a hard time falling asleep. She was twisting and turning, unable to drift off. She knew it wasn't because she wasn't tired, it was because she couldn't stop thinking about Lindsey. Admitting defeat, she turned to lie on her back, sighing heavily. Getting out of bed, Stevie barefoot and without anything else besides her nightgown to keep her warm, went to the phone.

Lindsey was never the one to stay up too late, but tonight he lay with his eyes wide open, his hands clasped on his chest, his mind racing. He wondered if it was just him or Stevie was restless as well. He glanced at his phone on the nightstand, checking the time. There was no way she was asleep already.

Dialing the number she knew by heart, Stevie was left waiting. She wanted to believe that Lindsey didn't hear her calling, but he probably just didn't want to pick up, knowing it was her. Putting the receiver down, she brought a hand up to her face, brushing away the tears that escaped. Knowing there was no way she was going to fall asleep now, Stevie made herself a cup of tea and brought it to the living room. Instead of turning on the TV, she placed her cup down and went over to the record player. Looking at her collection for a minute, Stevie picked out something she had forgotten she even had. 

The first track finished and the room was once again filled with Lindsey's voice soon. Whenever she listened to his music, she would always tend to zone out and ignore the lyrics, trying to focus solely on his playing and his voice. However, she couldn't do it this time.

But this time I think she's gone for good but I never really know
Nothing here remains, just a vision of her face  

She didn't want to be just a vision to him. Hadn't they been through enough already? What else? What else had to happen before they could rise from that fire? When was their time?

Then the doorbell rang. Stevie didn't want to get her hopes up too high, but who else could it be? Taking a deep breath, closing her eyes momentarily, Stevie opened the door and was speechless to see Lindsey standing in front of her.

"I called you." She said tearfully. "You didn't answer." Voice barely above a whisper. "I thought you didn't want to talk to me."

"I did, I wanted to talk to you, that's why I'm here." Lindsey entered her home, closing the door behind him. "Please, don't cry. I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry, too." Stevie echoed, stepping into his open arms. "I overreacted. I made my choice, I have no right to be angry."

"But you have every right to feel what you feel." Lindsey pressed a kiss to her hair, swaying slightly with her in his embrace. Only then he realized that... "Are you listening to my album?"

Nodding her head against his chest, Stevie sniffled, tilting her chin up. "I needed you."

"Oh, baby..." Hugging her closer, he closed his eyes, feeling the stinging of tears. "I love you."

"I love you, too." Stevie said, placing a small kiss on his neck. "Don't leave me tonight. Stay."