Christine hummed to herself as she made lunch for Stevie, the girls and herself. She took her time so Stevie could relax in the bath for a while before going up to let her know lunch would be ready.

Christine still couldn't believe that her nephew was gone. She couldn't even imagine what it was like to lose a child. Her heart broke for Stevie.

She thought of the past four weeks and had seen such a dramatic change in Stevie. Stevie had become thin, almost lifeless. Even with Barbara's encouragement, Stevie hardly ate. As Christine continued to cook, she grew worried that now that Barbara was gone, Stevie wouldn't eat at all.

Christine sighed and sent up a silent prayer that her best friend will get through this.

Their food still needed some more time to cook, so Christine turned the dial on the stove to bring the flames low. She then went upstairs to call Stevie.

When she got to Stevie's bathroom door, Christine knocked and waited for an answer.

Christine knocked again when she got no answer. "Stevie? Lunch is almost ready."
Again, no answer.

Christine's heart began to race; she knocked louder and called for Stevie one more time before she burst through the bathroom door.

Christine gasped when she saw Stevie's whole body underneath the water. Christine rushed over and pulled Stevie's head up and as soon as Stevie was out of the water, she began to cough.

"Stevie! What the hell are doing?" Christine yelled. Her eyes were wide; she couldn't believe what Stevie was trying to do.

Just before Christine pulled her out of the water, Stevie had just gotten the courage to sink into the tub. In that moment, she was ready to see her baby boy again.

Stevie continued to cough up water then after a moment, she began to sob.

Christine pulled the plug to let the water go down the drain. She then stood up to grab some towels.

Christine walked back and said. "Let's get you out of here."
Stevie didn't move; she felt numb again.
Christine sighed softly and jumped into action by helping Stevie out of the tub.

Christine got Stevie dried and into a clean nightgown then guided her to her bed. Stevie took Dylan's stuffed penguin into her arms then she laid down under the covers. Tears continued to roll down her cheeks.

Christine rushed downstairs to turn off the stove so nothing would burn. She then ran back upstairs and sat next to Stevie.

Christine took one of Stevie's hands into hers and said. "Stephanie, what were you trying to do?" Christine knew exactly what Stevie was going to do but she wanted to hear it from Stevie's own mouth.

Stevie looked down and said quietly. "I...I wanted to be with Dylan."
Christine closed her eyes and tears rolled down her cheeks. "Stevie..." was all she could say. She was speechless of what to say at this moment.

Christine just pulled Stevie into her arms and held on tight. Stevie wrapped her arms around Christine and sobbed.

"I just want my baby back!" Stevie said hysterically. "First, my husband lied to me for all of our marriage, then he cheats on me. He then divorces me. And....and no matter how much I try to be strong...I can't. I can't be strong anymore. Christine, I still love Lindsey with all my heart and...I can't be strong anymore. I want Lindsey back but...but I know that I can't have him back. Now my son is gone and I...I just want to be with him. Sara is not a little girl anymore and she's got her own life and doesn't need me anymore. There's nothing keeping me here."

Christine pulled Stevie back, looked into her eyes and said. "Stevie, no matter what age Sara is, she still needs you! You need to be here so you can see her in her cap and gown as she graduates. You need to be here for when she meets her Prince Charming and gets engaged. You need to be here so you can help her pick out a wedding dress and see her get married. She'll need you when she has her babies. Your grandchildren need to know their grandma Stevie." She said with a small chuckle. "Stevie...you are still loved and needed by many. I still need you here. You've been keeping sane throughout the divorce and...and my moment of stupidity. I understand now that I was reckless." Christine took a deep breath then continued. "Also, think about your parents. Had I not walked in on you on time, you would have been putting your mother through the exact same pain you are feeling now. Do you want your mother and father to go through that?"

Stevie lowered her head and shook her head no. She hadn't thought about the pain she would have left behind. She was blinded by her grief and now saw things a little clearly.

"How about you and I go away for a while?" Christine said. "After Emma and Amy's birthday party, we can go and get away from everyone and everything so we can clear our heads. Maybe we can go to Maui? We can stay at the beach house."

Amy and Emma's birthday party would take place next week. Christine only thought of this plan of going away last minute. She hoped this trip would help Stevie through the toughest moment of her life. She'll speak to her daughters later, maybe they could stay with their father while she and Stevie go to Hawaii.

Stevie looked up at Christine and thought for a moment. Stevie gently chewed on her bottom lip then said in a whisper. "Okay."
Christine smiled and hugged Stevie tightly. "Alright, I'll set everything up! We can leave the day after the party."

Hope you all are liking this story. ❤️