Nothing To Fear

17. Handling It

Taking the kids home for the first time in a week, Lindsey kind of feared their daughters' reaction more than anything. Kristen had looked worse and disheveled and she was weak. She was really just slowly letting go. But it was intrical that the kids saw her. William was the only one to fully understand what was happening, but it made him uneasy.  He didn't really like seeing his mom that way, so he would greet her and kiss her and say a few words, but after that, he was gone. Frankly, he would like to be in a different house after that, but he had to stay home. His own home was giving him terrible vibes and he didn't want to be there.

Stella and Leelee, really didn't understand their mom was dying. They knew she was sick, but they would stay in the bed with her and they knew how to be gentle and how to be quiet. They stood by their mother's side and they played with her hair and they did what they could to feel better. They would put a smile on Kristen's face.

Lorraine would watch them and she thought it was totally sweet. She---in her heart, felt terrible of what they were experiencing. The feeling of losing her best friend, killed her. But the thought of somebody losing their mom would hurt worse. She also felt terrible for Lindsey and she was trying to be affectionate toward him. He knew that had been Kristen's wish. For somebody to fall in love with him and take care of him, and she was more than prepared to. She wanted to see out her friend's last wishes.

—

Lindsey had gone to his studio for a little bit, just to unwind and think about everything. As said, he was hoping Lorraine and himself were just humoring Kristen. He didn't want to marry her. He didn't want to be  involved with her. Though, he couldn't deny that she had been a great friend and loving toward the kids, but she didn't have to step in fully.

A few minutes of Lindsey contemplating his life had gone by when he heard a knock on the door. "Come in," he yelled.

"Hey dad?" William pushed open the door and entered.

"Hey kiddo," Lindsey said a little sympathetically. He had a feeling he'd just seen his mom.

William shut the door behind himself. "Mom looks bad," he mumbled under his breath as he went to seat himself among the couch.

"Yeah..." Lindsey kind of trailed. He let out a light sigh.

"I don't like being here anymore. I wanna go to Stevie's. This house is terrible now," his son complained.

"What do you mean?" he kind of creased a brow. He understood, but he wanted more detail as to why.

"Well for months, every time we come here, we go straight to your bedroom. Every time we get a new, worsened scene of mom. When she is actually gone, I'm never gonna get that picture out of my head."

Lindsey opened his arms immediately to his son and William walked into them. They had never been truly close but the death of a person who they both loved just made them want to cope together. Lindsey kissed the top of his head and stayed silent as his own tears fell down his eyes. "I'll um," he cleared his choked up throat. "I'll see if Stevie wants to get you, okay? I know your sister will want to stay," he rubbed his son's back for a second and they both stood to depart. "I'm gonna call her, make sure you have all your stuff," he dialed her number as he spoke.

William nodded and did as told. He left his father to go gather his things.

Lindsey listened to her phone ring for a bit and then she finally answered.

"Hello?" her soft voice filled his ears.

"Hey, it's me," he said bluntly.

"What's going on?" she asked, becoming a tad concerned.