Different Is Good

Thirty Six

The moment the door of Lindsey's room shut, he pat the bed, offering Stevie a seat. She happily agreed, climbing into bed with him and snuggling as close as she could.

"Cozy" he said and she giggled.

"It's cozy because I'm getting so big. This baby is growing like a weed. I think I'm bigger this time then with Sara."

"Still beautiful," he told her, kissing her cheek. She laid her head on his shoulder and he he smiled. It felt so natural for her to be tucked so neatly into his side. They nearly melted into one another, becoming one single body with one single soul. "How are you?," he asked and somehow she understood what he meant perfectly.
"I'm happy," she smiled softly, "I don't feel stressed anymore. I can finally relax and focus on the baby."

"I'm happy too," Lindsey laid his forehead to hers, "I want to be r-really involved with the baby."
"I know you will be. Your progress is remarkable. Imagine what will happen in just a few short weeks!" Stevie said excitedly.

"I want to g-get better f-faster," he told her and she took her hands in his.

"I understand but it's going to fly by." He moved his thumb over her knuckles the way he used to and she smiled. "I can see you shining through. You're not trapped in your body anymore. I see my Lindsey."

"You make me f-feel normal." He wanted to explain further but he had to take his time. He felt like he hadn't spoken in forever and expression didn't come so easy, it never had.
"You are normal, Linds! You are perfect to me," Stevie squeezed his hand

"But you really make me feel n-normal," Lindsey grew emotional, Stevie pulling him to her chest and holding him tightly
"You n-never g-gave up," he told her, his voice slightly muffled by their embrace. "Y-you always stayed."

"I'm not going anywhere. I won't give up on you. We are a family."

"Love you," he said, pulling back slightly.

"I love you too, more than anything."

"Tell me me...about Sara." He wanted to know absolutely everything about his daughter. Truthfully, he didn't know how long he had been kept in the hospital but he knew it was too long and every time he came out of a drug-induced fog, he aches for his daughter and for Stevie.
"She's so beautiful, Lindsey," Stevie gushed, "Sara definitely takes after you with her eyes. They melt my heart every time. She loves to give kisses and cuddles and she loves baths." Stevie chuckled, "but she hates strangers and your brothers."
"Me too," he joked and Stevie fell into a fit of giggles. His lopsided grin added to the hilarity of his comment and it took her a moment to compose herself. This. This is what she remembered. Laughing with him, enjoying time together. The walls of the hospital fell away. He felt inspired to kiss her, their eyes meeting briefly before closing. His lips pressed to hers and she reciprocated, applying a little more pressure than he had.

"I wish I could take you home today," Stevie whispered as their lips parted.
"I wish you could too. I miss you," Lindsey whispered back

"You'll come home to me soon. I know it," She rubbed his neck, kissing him chastely in reply
He finally believe that was true. "How are mom and dad?" Lindsey asked.

"They miss you too and would like you to come home just as much as I do."
"I miss them. You know I didn't hurt Mom...." he said softly

"I know that and she knows that. We all love you and we want you to recover."
"Will you tell them I'm sorry?" he asked.

"For what?"

"Everything. W-when I come home, I-I want to make things better."
"You don't have anything to make better. It's okay! Everyone is routing for you," Stevie smoothed his hair