I made my way home a little before midnight and I was a little tipsy. I walked up to my bedroom and changed into my pajamas. I lay down and my mind is, for now at least, at ease.
It was so nice hanging out with Christine again.
Having our girls night helped me know what fun is again. I hadn't had fun in...well, a long while.
I sigh then I turn on my side and for the first time in a long time, I drift off to sleep with no trouble at all.
The next day, I wake up in the afternoon and my mind goes straight to Lindsey. He should be receiving the divorce papers today and I expect a call from him. I don't know what will happen when he does call.
The day goes by and the call I have been waiting for doesn't come. I wondered if Lindsey had just signed the papers and had them sent back without a second thought. But to my huge surprise, Lindsey shows up as I'm helping mama with dinner.
We had heard yelling coming from the living room and mama and I rush over to see what was going on.
"Get the hell out of my house Buckingham!" Daddy yells.
"Please, Jess! I need to talk to Stevie." Lindsey replies.
When we get to the living room, I see daddy grabbing Lindsey by the collar of his shirt with one hand and the other was in a raised fist.
"Daddy!" I say as I rush to keep his fist from striking Lindsey. "Please don't. Let me talk with Lindsey."
Daddy looks at Lindsey with disgust then releases him. Daddy kisses my cheek and he and mama walk into the kitchen leaving Lindsey and I alone.
Lindsey walks towards me and pulls out the divorce papers and says. "Steph...what is this? A divorce!? Why? I know messed up but...please we can work this out. I love you!"
"Lindsey...I...I love you too...but I cannot be with you anymore. You've broken my heart too many times. I should have left you the first time you hit me." I said. Lindsey flinches and looks disappointed in himself. "I used to be a strong person and someone who used to be independent, but you turned me into a scared abused wife who had to ask permission to do things! Now, you getting that woman pregnant was the last straw Lindsey. I refuse to be that person any longer. I want to be myself again!" By this point, my tears are streaming down my face. "Linds...if you love me, please let me go so I can be free to heal."
Lindsey begins pace and I watch him for a few moments before he stops. He then grabs the papers and signs them. He leaves them on the table then walks towards me. He caresses my cheek then he kisses me. I want to pull away but I don't. I give in and kiss him back; it's soft, gentle and so full of love. Why did this have to happen to us?
Lindsey pulls away and says. "I do love you Stephanie Lynn Nicks. I promise I will fight to have you back in my life again as my wife. For now, I'll give you your space and your freedom."
Before I can respond Lindsey gives me one last peck on my lips then walks out the door.
I walk over to the table and see his signature. In that moment, I realize my marriage is officially over. I begin to sob loudly and I fall to my knees. Next moment, mama and daddy rush to my side as I lay curled into a ball on the floor. I don't remember much else after I feel daddy lift from the floor then place me on my bed.
