Different Is Good

Thirty Five

Stevie rode to the state hospital with a smile on her lips for the first time in a long time, she was meeting Lindsey's new doctor today. It could have been the answer to all of her prayers. The music blasted in the car as she sang along, having the energy and motivation to do so.

She had a pep in her step as she walked to the the receptionist who then showed her to Dr. Carter's office.

He treated her warmly, shaking her hand. His eyes glittered a brilliant blue, not unlike Lindsey's. He was tall, slender but well built. His skin was tanned, as if he spent a lot of time outdoors. She smiled back and he stood aside to allow her access. His walls displayed his many degrees and accolades, proof he was a good doctor unlike the other who had been blindly trusted with Lindsey's care. "Stephanie, correct?" he asked, helping her sit down in the leather arm chair that sat opposite his desk. "Yes, but please, call me Stevie."

"Stevie," he nodded, "I've heard several good things about you from Gloria. She thinks the world of you."

"I think the world of her as well. I was so thankful when she asked you to help us."

"I'd like to start by apologizing for what has happened to Mr. Buckingham. I was appalled when Gloria told me of his condition."

"It's okay, I am confident you're going to fix it."

"I will, indeed. I have been working to transfer his care into my own and I have been very successful. I wanted to go over the drug regime with you. It's practically non existent. I am actually going to reevaluate him today, if you'd like to watch my process."

"I would, I think he gets nervous if I'm not with him. As far as his medication, I do not want to even hear the word sedative. I think that his old medicine was causing him to act out."

"I've read over the police report that the Buckinghams gave when Mrs. Buckingham's arm was injured and she fell while trying to calm him. He never hurt her." Dr. Carter stated

"I knew it, but no one would believe me. I'm glad you went the extra mile."

"Of course. I care about my patients." Stevie twisted the ring Lindsey had given her on her finger.

"If you don't mind me saying, you're not like the others here. The care is lazy and more rough than I could have imagined."

Dr. Carter lowered his eyes. "I know the reputation of a place like this. State hospitals are a last resort and most people have worked here for twenty or thirty years. They have become accustom to a certain way of treatment and refuse to change. In time, I hope we will. Until then, I try to grab as many cases as I can. I'm not perfect but like I said, I care a great deal about my patients." Stevie breathed a sigh of relief. She felt calmed by him and grateful that Lindsey was one of the safe ones now.

"Do you think Lindsey will ever come home?" Stevie asked softly

"I think there is an extremely likely chance that Lindsey will come home," Dr. Carter replied, "He's still Lindsey, he's just drugged up."

Stevie nodded, smiling. "I'm so happy you believe in him. I can't wait to see him and to watch him improve. I've been so lost without him."

"Understandably. I hear you've got a growing daughter at home and a baby on the way. I'm sure you're tired and in need of another set of hands."

She chuckled. "Yes, exhausted," she emphasized.

"Well I've seen cases much worse than his that have had happy endings. You'll get your helper back."

"Thank you, Dr. Carter," Stevie shook his hand

"You ready to go see your husband?"

"Yes, more than ready!" Stevie stood and followed Dr Carter down the hall to Lindsey's room. He knocked on the door before opening it, as a courtesy. Stevie smiled broadly when she saw Lindsey sitting up in bed instead of in a chair at the window like he had been during every other visit. He smiled a little as she came into view. She leaned over the bed and kissed his cheek then his lips. His hand drifted up, though weak, and touched her growing belly.

"Hey, Linds," Stevie sat next to him on the bed, "This is Dr. Carter, he's here to help us." Stevie smiled brightly, seeing Lindsey's lips curl into a soft smile

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Buckingham."

"Y-you too," Lindsey shook his hand

"Firm handshake," Dr Carter complimented. Lindsey felt proud, and Stevie pat his chest gently. "Being off a lot of those drugs have paid off, huh, babe?"

"Y-yes. I-it has." Stevie beamed, hearing his voice.

"Dr. Carter seems to think that you have a very good chance of coming home. Would you like that? Me, you, Sara, and the new baby."

He nodded vigorously, and Stevie crushed him in a hug. His arms slowly moved to below their waist. They still felt heavy and it was tiring to move a lot but he wanted to show how much he cared. "Love you," he mumbled and she gave him another squeeze. "I love you too."

"If it's alright with you, Mr. Buckingham, I'd like to perform some tests. Just to get a feel of your situation," Dr. Carter said

Lindsey looked at Stevie with a worried expression on his face. He knew this time would be different but he couldn't help but have reservations because of what the previous doctor had subjected him too. "It's going to be okay," Stevie reassured him.

"Okay," he nodded, completely trusting his girlfriend's judgment

"Can you stand for me?" Dr. Carter decided to begin with the physical portion of the exam

Lindsey felt nervous, only having help from nurses, if you could call it that. It was usually his body being throw, thrust or shoved in certain directions. Stevie took his hand and Dr Carter assisted as well, helping him swing his legs over the side of the bed. He was shaky at first, and a little weak but he did manage to stand on his own. "You're doing great," Stevie encouraged and she received a smile from her boyfriend.