It's Up To You

Part 11

Lindsey didn't force Stevie into talking. She cried herself into exhaustion, so he just took her upstairs, once they got to his house, bringing her to one of the guest rooms. He didn't want to assume anything, thinking she might have wanted to be alone, but instead, she asked him to stay. So, he did. He held her in his arms all through the night, a part of him thinking that if he fell asleep, she'd leave, knowing how desperately she wanted to have Matthew with her.

The following morning, Lindsey didn't let Stevie go out of his sight either. He could tell she was still shaken up after the previous night. He was terrified due to violence and all sorts of abuse at home she would relapse and there definitely were things she could get her hands on in Lindsey's house...

"Would you like something to eat? I could-"

"No." Stevie cut Lindsey off, shaking her head. "Coffee is fine."

Moving from one side of the kitchen to the other, Lindsey wanted to say so many things, but he was afraid to bring up the wrong one. How was he supposed to ask her about being beaten and nearly raped? 

"How are you, Steph?" He finally stopped his pacing, taking a seat beside her. "I know it's a dumb question, but I honestly don't know where to begin. Just please, don't say you're fine."

A long silent moment followed, before Stevie faced him tearfully, her lip trembling. "I failed, Lindsey. I promised Robin to take care of Matthew and I failed."

"Sweetheart, no, you didn't." He shook his head, hugging her around her shoulders. "This isn't over yet. What Kim said, those are just his words. He can't make any legal decision. I know you love that boy and you're the only mother he's ever known."

"Thank you." Stevie then said, confusing Lindsey.

"What for, baby?"

"For coming back. I... it all could have ended so much worse. I should have left with you that night you came to see me." She sniffled, circling her arms around his waist, getting closer. "I- I lied to you. I just wanted you to leave, in case Kim returned."

"You lied to me about what?" Lindsey frowned, pulling back slightly to look at her.

"Saying, he didn't hurt me as long as I didn't open my mouth. It wasn't everyday, but-"

"That's besides the point, Stevie. He raised his hand against you, even if it had happened once, it's still wrong, so very wrong, Steph. I know I've done my fair share of hurting you, but I would never physically harm you or any other woman for that matter. It's just..." Shrugging his shoulders, he was struggling to put it in words. "You just don't do that."

"I should have never married him, at least, I shouldn't have stayed for so long."

Shifting in his seat, Lindsey hesitated to ask, but he wanted to know for sure. "Was Matthew truly the only reason why you two got married?"

"Absolutely. You don't have to think about it, Linds, there were no feelings involved, ever. You're the one and only man for me, you've always been and you'll always be."

Sighing heavily, Lindsey unwound his arms from around Stevie, as he stood up, a gap between them. Stevie's eyes followed him worriedly. Did she say something wrong? "It's not how it was supposed to be." Lindsey said, crossing his arms. "I was the one to make you a wife and a mother and the only reason behind that should have been unconditional love. So, I feel like I've failed as well." He added, hanging his head low.

Lindsey felt a pair of arms around him in just a moment, Stevie standing on her tiptoes to kiss his lips. "This isn't your fault, Linds. You've only ever loved me, I was the one who broke up with you."

"Because I was jealous and possessive."

"Well, that might be true, but in my heart of hearts, I knew there was no one better. I knew that I would never look at any other man with the same adoration in my eyes as I look at you. We've both done plenty of wrong. I'm begging you, don't blame it all on yourself." Cradling his face in her hands, Stevie smiled weakly at him. "You're right, when you do marry me, it will be because our love for each other has no boundaries."

Holding her gaze a few seconds longer, Lindsey then enveloped her in his arms, pressing her close to his chest. "Just don't leave me again, Stephanie, please..."

"Never." Stevie shook her head.

They stood, embracing each other for a while longer, needing the comfort that only they could bring to each other. At that moment, it was just the two of them, reunited. Hopefully, for good. 

"I know you're thinking about Matthew." Lindsey spoke up eventually. "I'm sorry he's not with you right now."

Stevie took a deep breath, nodding her head, fighting back tears. "I am thinking about him."

"I promise you, Steph. I don't know how yet or even when, but you will have your boy back, I swear." Lindsey said, sounding so sure that Stevie almost believed him.

Almost.