Different Is Good

Chapter ten

Since Stevie had come home from the hospital, all she wanted to do was dive into her school work and keep her GPA up. She took breaks often to and and drink, promising to look after herself better. Her mother and father were being very supportive recently. Lindsey had returned home and came over every evening after dinner to spend time with her.

"Stevie, Lindsey's here." her mother said, peeking into her room through the crack in the door. "Take a break. I will bring you guys some snacks."

"Alright, can you send him up?"

"Sure thing." Barbara gave her a smile and Stevie removed her glasses and turned off the light by her desk. She got up and stretched, her back aching a little from being sat down for so long.
"Baby, you should be sitting down," Lindsey rushed to her, gently sitting her on the bed, "you just got out of the hospital..."
"I know but I've been sitting down all day working on a paper for school. My back hurts."

"Maybe I can give you a back rub?"

"I'm okay." Stevie said. "I know you're worried but I'm okay. My blood pressure has been brought down and I'm going to be monitored."
"I still think that they should keep you in bed. It's not good for you to get overworked," Lindsey kissed her temple

"Lindsey, I'm fine-really."

"Can I get you anything? Would you like a foot rub?"
"No, honey, I'm alright, I promise." She huffed, sitting down on her bed. She scooted up toward her pillows and stretched out.

"So you feel okay?" he asked, rubbing the small bump that was forming beneath her thin sweater.

"Yeah, great." she said, smiling if only for his benefit.
"Baby, can I-" Lindsey was cut off

"No! Lindsey, I'm fine!" She shouted, Lindsey shying away as he began to apologize profusely
"I just want to help."

"I appreciate that, Linds, I really do, but I need space to breathe."

"I'm worried."

"I know...I'm sorry for yelling but you have to understand." she said. She looked into his eyes and she sighed. "I really am sorry."

"It doesn't matter" he muttered.

She gently lifted his chin with her fingertips. "It does. I love you. I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry too....I love you too."

She hugged him and she thought she understood her until he went right back to fussing over her, even after her mother had came and went with snacks for them.
Lindsey climbed next to her on the bed and kissed her cheek, pulling out the baby book that he was taking notes from, "Read," he said simply.
She looked over at him and smiled. "Alright." Stevie said, opening the book and beginning at the top of the dog-eared page. "It says 'A total gain of twenty pounds is ideal'...twenty pounds?!" She couldn't imagine gaining twenty pounds. Her mind began to wander...how much she gained thus far? Lindsey touched her arm and she began again. "'A pregnant woman ought to control her weight for vanity's sake alone'. What the hell kind of book is this?"

"My mom's. It's old fashioned."

"I'll say!" she exclaimed.
"I think you look beautiful," he could sense her insecurity, "You could gain one hundred pounds and I would not look at you different."

Stevie began to get emotional, giving him a lingering kiss, "Read to me, Lindsey," Stevie handed the book over to him

"I-I can't..." his face grew red

"I'll help you then."
"Please don't laugh at me. Everyone laughs at me."

"I won't laugh. I love you and I just want to hear daddy read to me and the baby."