Different Is Good

Eighteen

Stevie cried when Lindsey left for work, cried when he hadn't called her during the day, cried when he didn't come home for lunch, and cried when he came home with her father, "I missed you!" She wailed, wrapping her arms around him

"Tee, if you cry one more time you will pop that baby out of you!" Barbara said
"Can that really happen?" Lindsey asked quietly and Stevie chuckled for the first time all day.

"I don't think so." Stevie took his hand and led him into the kitchen. "Tell me all about work? Did you make any friends? Was it hard? What do you do there? Did you have lunch? Are you hungry? Is there anything I can do for you? God, I missed you so much!" She spoke quickly, never taking a breath and Lindsey's mind was reeling.

"Stevie, let the man sit down before you bombard him with questions." Jess said.
Lindsey sat down on the couch, Stevie placing herself in his lap as his hand came to rest on her stomach, "Work was fun, your dad introduced me to some of his friends. I empty the trash bins and sort through the mail there so it wasn't too bad. Your Dad and I went for lunch and I am a little hungry now. The only thing you can do for me is sit here and let me hold you. I missed you too! I think that I answered everything?" He chuckled
"You did." Stevie kissed him. "I'm so glad you're home"

"I'm glad too." He wrapped his arms around her and nuzzled his nose into her neck sweetly. "So how have you been? Do you feel okay? Tell me about your day."
"I helped Mom with laundry and went to pick up a onesie that I got embroidered with Sara's name. I've felt really energetic all day," Stevie replied
"Have you?" he raised an eyebrow at her and she nodded, kissing him again. "Energetic enough for--"

"Stevie, Lindsey, I'm making sandwiches. How would you like yours?" Barbara asked and Lindsey sighed, placing his forehead against Stevie's chest.

She giggled. "Coming!"
Lindsey helped his love up from the couch and wrapped his arm around her as they walked into the kitchen. "Mom, can I help you with dinner tonight?"
"Of course you can, sweetheart." Barbara said.

"Anything I can do now?"

"Just eat your sandwich. I have something laid out that will go in the oven as soon as I'm finished here. You can help with the sides."
"Thank you," she smiled brightly, taking a seat next to Lindsey
Stevie held Lindsey's hand under the table, and he smiled, kissing her cheek.
"Did you have fun at work? I want to hear more about it tonight."
"I did, you know, it wasn't bad at all. Your dad has been really good to me."

"I'm glad." Stevie dug into her sandwich and Lindsey ate his as well. By the time Barbara, Chris and Jess began, Stevie was nearly finished.

"Hungry?" Lindsey teased.
"Always. It seems I'm always hungry and tired."
"That's because Sara is taking all do your energy. You said you felt energetic today."

"I have but I think that's why I'm even more hungry today."

He rubbed her belly. "Want me to make another sandwich for you?"

"I couldn't ask you to do that."

"You didn't ask, I offered." He said, getting up
"Hey Mom, so...can I have the car tomorrow night?" Chris asked cautiously

"For what?"

"I asked this girl to dinner..."

"Oh, I don't know, Chris..."
"Why can't I date but her boyfriend can stay in her room?"

"Because you're too young." Jess interjected.

"That's not fair."
"It is fair if I say it's fair," Jess said

"Are you scared I'll get someone pregnant?" He stood and stormed out
Barbara gasped and Jess stood up from the table to go after him. Lindsey touched his arm. "Can I talk to him?"
"Lindsey...I don't know if that's the best idea..." Barbara said carefully, she didn't think that Lindsey could handle talks like that
"Please let me try" Lindsey pleaded.