I Can't Stop (Part 2)

Part 2

Stevie stirred at the feeling of someone's fingers combing through her hair, then she winced as she turned, the position she'd slept in wasn't the most comfortable. Quickly realizing where she was, Stevie grasped Lindsey's hand in hers, kissing his bruised knuckles.

"My God, Linds, I thought I'd never see your eyes again."

Lindsey smiled weakly, sometimes her being overly dramatic was cute. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you that I've put you down as my emergency contact. You know, I had to change all that, when-"

"I'm glad you did." Stevie interrupted. "Well, obviously I'm not happy that someone had to call me, but..."

"I know." Lindsey nodded his head slightly. 

Stevie pulled up a chair closer to Lindsey and sat down. "You scared the hell out of me. When I got that call, I thought..." Her voice cracked and she trailed off, looking away.

"I'm fine, Steph. I'm going to be okay." Lindsey assured, touched by the sincere worry in her eyes. 

"You're not fine." She insisted. "Your leg is broken, your arm is broken, you've got several ribs cracked-"

"Stephanie." The use of her full name silenced Stevie. "Broken bones and bruises heal. I'm sure it's going to take some time, but I'll be up and about soon."

Sighing, she shook her head at him. She couldn't understand, how could he possibly be so optimistic after such an accident. "Can I get you some water or call a nurse?"

"Water, yes please, but no nurse. I want to enjoy the quietness of the moment for a while longer." Lindsey was about to reach for the glass of water, when Stevie brought it over, but the look in her eyes told him, he shouldn't. Instead, she helped him raise his head a bit, bringing the water closer to his mouth. "Thank you. That was delicious." Lindsey lay back again, satisfied, making Stevie chuckle lightly. 

Stevie took a seat again, biting her bottom lip. She wanted to ask, but she wasn't sure if it was the right time or if Lindsey wanted to even talk about it. As if he read her mind, Lindsey spoke up himself.

"It's all such a blur. I was driving down the road, minding my own business, when all of a sudden..." Lindsey grew silent, shrugging his shoulders, which he instantly regretted. Telling Stevie that he was okay, he continued. "I don't exactly remember, how it happened, but I was quite alert, when the ambulance and the police arrived. I heard someone say that the other driver reeked of alcohol."

"He didn't survive..." Stevie said, unsure if Lindsey was aware of it. He nodded his head. "Linds, I'm so happy that you're still here, that I get to talk to you." Again, she teared up and Lindsey lifted his hand up to her face, cupping her cheek. 

"Makes you think, huh?" Stevie nodded against his palm and pressed a small kiss there. "I kept thinking about you. I knew, you'd get the call. I wondered if you were going to come."

"Of course. Always, Lindsey, always." She got up and leaned over him, running her fingers through his curls. "I'm sorry, about everything." It wasn't the time, but she had to say it.

"Me too." Lindsey closed his eyes, when she got closer and her hair shielded his face. He let a tear slip, he wasn't the only one, thinking whether they'd see each other again. "You should go home, rest."

"Absolutely not." 

Stevie said it with such seriousness in her voice, it made Lindsey laugh a little. "You must be exhausted."

"I'm not leaving, alright? So you can quit trying to convince me." Stevie gave him a pointed look. 

"Thank you."

"Do you need anything? I can call Karen-"

"Steph." Lindsey held out his hand as she was already headed for her bag. Taking his hand, Stevie returned to the side of the hospital bed. "If you don't mind, I just want you to sit with me."

"Okay." Stevie nodded, smiling a little. 

They only talked shortly, before Lindsey drifted off again and she didn't bother him, he needed to rest. Stevie allowed herself to cry, when his breathing evened out, and it wasn't because she was upset, it was because she couldn't have been happier he was alive.

Stevie might not have known how things were going to change and she certainly didn't think about that, but deep down in her heart, she knew everything was going to be different.