Chapter Sixty

Stephen

Once Trinity had calmed down and taken a breather, we were able to go back inside and continue with the rest of the day.

Since the rest of the day’s trial was focused on Trinity’s specialists and doctor’s reports, Judge Sherer had overruled the ADA. He allowed Clint and me to accompany Trinity into the public docks for the rest of the afternoon.

After her specialists and doctors finished their testimonies, the judge called it a day and returned to his chambers. We went outside and found a spot to sit down with Arlo, Lachie, and Benji to discuss what comes next.

Trinity asked, “So where do we go from here?”

Arlo replied, “Unfortunately, we wait. The judge will now go over all the facts and rule on the matter. Best case scenario, the trial doesn’t proceed. Worst case, we go back to the drawing board and strategize.”

Trinity said, “Thank you, Arlo. I appreciate your patience with me and your help.”

Arlo responded, “My pleasure. Let’s get you that result, hey?”

Benji chimed in, “Lachie and I are going to head back with Arlo so we can go over some trial notes and discovery. We need to be ready in case we have to lodge any further appeals depending on the verdict. You guys all good?”

I replied, “We’re fine, Benj, thanks. We’ll catch you soon.”

Benji asked, “We good?”

I said, “Yeah man, we’re good. We’ll see you and the wife for dinner on Sunday.”

Benji said, “See you then, mate.”

We left and it didn’t take long to get back to Clint and Mia’s and drop him off. When we went in, everyone was already there as Flick had been over helping with the kids. As I was about to walk in, I felt Trinity grab my hand.

Trinity asked, “Can we talk for a moment?”

I replied, “Sure, baby. What’s up?”

I saw her wait until everyone went in before she spoke.

Trinity asked, “Do you think it would be okay with everyone if we spent the rest of the day by ourselves?”

I asked, “What’s wrong, babe?”

I took her hand and walked away from the house a bit to give her some privacy.

I asked, “Come on, baby. What’s going on?”

Trinity said, “Please don’t take this the wrong way, Stephen.”

I reached for her hip and pulled her into me, holding her tight as she wrapped her soft hands around my biceps and looked up into my eyes.

I said, “You can tell me anything, beautiful. You know that.”

Trinity said, “Can we just spend the afternoon with our kids? Could you maybe take me to show me something, a memory, anything we used to do with them? I feel like I’ve neglected them with my memory loss and all this trial stuff going on. I feel like my own kids haven’t had the attention they deserve from their mother, and I want to remember those memories with them, Stephen. I want my memories back of my children so badly.”

I said, “Baby, I think that’s a beautiful idea and the twins will love it. I know just the place.”

Trinity asked, “You’re not mad?”

I replied, “How could I be mad? You want to spend time with our family, baby. To me, that’s perfect.”

I leaned down and kissed her softly.

Trinity said, “I want to remember our love so much, Stephen.”

I said, “I won’t ever let you forget it. And I will never stop loving you. Come on, momma. Let’s have a quick coffee, get our babies, and go spend some much-needed time with them.”

Trinity said, “Sounds perfect.”

As we walked back in, Clint gave me a look before waving a blunt. I looked at Trinity.

Trinity said, “Of course, go.”

I said, “Thanks, babe. I won’t be long and we can head off once I get back in, okay?”

Mia said, “You guys are welcome to stay for dinner, you know.”

I replied, “Thanks, babe, but we have to get going soon. I already made plans for Trinity and the kids this afternoon.”

Mia said, “All good, hun. We’ll see you Sunday anyway.”

Clint and I went out back to have a smoke.

Clint asked, “She okay?”

I replied, “Yeah, mate. She just said she was starting to feel guilty about the kids, so she asked if we can spend some time doing something for them this afternoon.”

Clint said, “Well, that’s a good sign, right?”

I said, “I hope so, mate. I’m really worried for her. This has been a hell of a time and the shit she’s been through. I guess in part it was nice to hear her want to do and spend time with our kids. I just have to focus on the positive signs, right?”

Clint said, “Mate, there are plenty of positive signs. She might not have all her memories back yet, but I can promise you, even Mia and I can see it looking from the outside in, that woman is still just as in love with you as you are with her.”

I said, “I hope you’re right.”

As we stubbed out the blunt and Clint was about to say something else, I saw my little princess standing at the glass sliding door on the verge of tears, wanting to come out.

I said, “Hang on, mate.”

I rushed over, opening the door now that we had finished smoking.

I asked, “Baby girl, what’s wrong?”

Olivia said, “Daddy.”

Clint and I looked at Livy, concerned about why she was so upset.

I asked, “Princess, talk to daddy. What’s wrong?”

Olivia said, “Mommy’s sad.”

I asked, “What do you mean, baby?”

Olivia said, “She’s crying with Aunty inside.”

Clint said, “Here, pass me Livy. You go. Come on, baby girl. Give Uncle Clint a cuddle.”

I passed my daughter to Clint and rushed in to see what was wrong. I saw Mia and Trinity in the kitchen talking, and it looked like Trinity had been crying.

I asked, “Babe, what’s wrong?”

Trinity said, “Nothing at all. Why would something be wrong?”

I said, “Livy came out upset, saying you were crying.”

Trinity asked, “Aww, baby girl, where is she?”

I replied, “With Clint. What’s going on?”

Mia said, “We were cutting onions for dinner.”

After I felt the weight lift off my shoulders, I couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation.

I said, “Clint, it’s all good, man.”

I saw Clint walk back in with Livy wrapped up, and as he came in, Trinity walked over so Livy could see she was okay. When Livy saw her mom, she reached out, practically jumping to her as Trin took Livy off Clint.

Trinity said, “Aww, my baby girl, mommy is okay.”

Olivia said, “Mommy was crying.”

Trinity said, “See the food Aunty Mia is cooking? It hurt mommy’s eyes for a minute, that’s all, sweet girl. I promise I’m fine.”

I smiled as my daughter buried her head in her mother’s neck, hugging her tightly as she stroked Trinity’s hair. I watched Trin bounce on her hip with Livy, trying to calm her, and it suddenly dawned on me that Livy was tired. She probably hadn’t had her nap yet.

I said, “She’s tired, momma.”

Trinity said, “Very. She’ll fall asleep in the car.”

I said, “She’s falling asleep now. Let’s get the boys and head off, hey?”

Clint said, “No worries, mate. I’ll help you get the boys out to the car.”

Trinity - Thanks, Mia. And give my thanks to Flick and Dave too. Sorry we missed them.

Mia - No worries, girl. We'll see you Sunday for dinner, babe.

We gathered our kids and began to head out to the car, strapping them in. Livy was already fast asleep before we even got her in the car.

Trinity - Seems like we might have to push back this afternoon's plans, now that little miss is out cold.

Stephen - We could head home first, babe. Get changed, then take them for a walk down to Maggie Daley Park when she wakes up. They love it there.

Trinity - Sounds good. If we're lucky, her brothers might be asleep by the time we get home too.

Nathaniel - I'm not sleeping. I'm a big boy.

Stephen - Hahaha, is that so, little man?

I reached over, placing my hand in her lap as we drove home. We arrived home quickly, and as we got out to get the kids, I saw Trinity stumble as she got out of the truck. She hit her head pretty hard on the door frame.

Stephen - Babe!

Trinity - Awww, it's okay, it's okay. It was my fault. My shoe slipped off the edge.

Stephen - Stay still. I'm coming over. Let me take a look.

I rushed around to her side, and it took me a few moments to realize her head was bleeding. She'd caught the corner of the door frame above her hairline, so her hair was hiding the blood.

Stephen - Come on, babe. You're bleeding. Let's get this cleaned up.

Trinity - I'll be okay for a minute. Let's get our little peas in the pod first.

I sucked in a breath when I heard her say that, and she looked at me.

Stephen - What did you say?

Trinity - Our little peas in the pod?