I Think I'm In Trouble

XLI.

While in physical therapy Shannon suggested that; Lindsey and Nicholas go and get his shoes because, she couldn't fathom the idea of being worked in a painful manner and then going shopping. Walking around was hard enough and like said: she was totally uncomfortable with being in the wheel chair.

"I'll be fine, Linds," she assured him and sort of hobbled into the room with the young doctor.

"Alright, sweetie. We'll be back shortly," he assured- lightly tapping Nicholas on the shoulder to follow.

...

"So...?" Lindsey said out of the silence between himself and Stevie's son.

Nicholas turned his head and looked at Lindsey- waiting for a question or follow up line. He didn't know Lindsey well, but he did feel comfortable with him. Unable to wrap his mind around why, though.

Lindsey didn't take his eyes off the road as he drove, trying to be extra careful-- seeing that someone under the age of eighteen was indeed in the car and not to mention he could be mudered if he wasn't careful. He, as well tried to think of something to say, but he quickly responded before taking up too much time."You're starting sophomore year- tenth grade?" he stupidly asked- realizing he just said the same thing twice.

"Yeah-- cool, right?"

"For sure," Lindsey agreed. "I met a really nice girl when I was sixteen," he said- thinking about the first time he had met Stevie.

"Oh yeah?" Nicholas turned a bit to the side to face him more.

"Mhmm," Lindsey nodded- still not letting his eyes come out of contact with the road and street lights and signs.

"What was she like?" he asked out of curiousity.

"Uh," he hesitated a moment. "She was really beautiful," he smiled. "I was at this school gathering- we had them a lot, but I decided to go since I was new in town at the time. My brothers and I were kind of kicked from the house. Because our parents wanted us to be sociable- me more than anything 'cause I was quiet. I remember bringing my guitar and playing, I used that as a distraction a lot. So people wouldn't notice me, but my guitar playing. But uh, anyway, I was playing guitar and- do you know that song California Dreamin'?"

Nicholas nodded. "Yeah! Mom plays it a lot," he assured.

Shit. Of course she does, Lindsey thought to himself. "Does she?" he said trying to act surprised, but it wasn't going over well he thought. "Well, that's cool," he nodded slightly.

"So the girl?" Nicholas quickly reminded him.

"Oh yeah, so I was playing that song and I was singing and all of a sudden this girl came up and she started singing with me. Sat next to me and just started harmonizing and I looked at her. She was pretty enticing," he assured- nodding his head.

"What did she look like?" he asked.

"Oh, uh she had really pretty, thick blonde hair and-" he paused a moment, trying not to be too detailed. He realized if he went on in detailing- Nicholas would soon figure out who he was talking about. "Blue eyes," he lied. He explained some of Kristen's features to at least throw the kid off a bit. "Really beautiful girl," he added once more.

"That's cool," Nicholas responded. "Do you remember her name?"

"I actually don't," he assured him- to save himself.

"Too bad."

"Yeah, anyway- any girls you think are pretty?" Lindsey asked trying to get off topic.

"Mm, not really," he shook his head.

"Ya know what?" Lindsey asked.

Picking up his head, Nicholas looked at him."