Always With Love - Chapter Four
Title: Always With Love
Genre: Romance/Fan Fic/Drama
Pairing: Theo James/OFC
Characters: Theo James, OFC, OC
Warnings: Language, Adult Situations
Disclaimer: a strict work of fiction, I own nothing except the original characters and the plot line. In no way am I affiliated to any of it.
Summary: For the last ten years, Theo has loved Lindsay. For the last three years, Lindsay has been a bit of a prisoner in her own life. For two people who were supposed to have it all, life sure turned out to be cruel. Caught up in life and all the dismay it sometimes brings can be challenging, even more so when the person you love is slowly slipping away.
Chapter Four
Two weeks. Two solid, amazingly good weeks is what Theo had got with Lindsay this time. During those two weeks, she had forgot a minor detail or two, but those things never really mattered anyway. As usual, she had shown no signs of slipping into her delusions. Theo wouldn't have even noticed had Lindsay not asked him where he had put the dog food. It seemed simple, this time it was a dog they had never owned. Pointing out they didn't own a dog and that they never had, not together at least, Theo reminded Lindsay that it was all in her head.
Imagining a dog or a person was one thing, what got Theo was when she managed to elaborate on things like week long vacations or big events. He'd love to know what went on in her mind, when it convinced her that such things were happening. Just once he would like to know what she felt, or how she saw such things. Was it like a child with an imaginary friend? Maybe more like a dream? How did she believe she was in another city, when she never left the house that day? These were things Theo wanted to ask her, but never would.
The next delusion came when she mentioned having lunch with a friend, Theo originally assumed it was Anna, until Lindsay started talking to Ansel on the phone; telling him about somebody named Brett. Apparently this Brett person was an older brother, Lindsay had no brothers. Realizing that Theo had once mentioned that Lindsay only had a sister, Ansel politely told her that Brett wasn't real. Confused by the statement, Lindsay immediately went to Theo for confirmation on this. Insisting he tell Ansel about her older brother.
“Lindsay.” Theo spoke calmly. “You don't have a brother.”
“You're as bad as Ansel.” Lindsay huffed. “You've both met my brother, last year at your birthday. Don't you remember him? He's about your height, a little older than you, and he has blond hair.”
“Brett isn't a real person. He wasn't at my birthday, because we never had a party. You and I went to dinner, alone.” Theo reminded her.
“Ansel, hold on.” Lindsay spoke into her phone, before letting her hand drop to her side clutching it. “Theo, whatever games you two are playing are really immature. I know you've met Brett.”
“Lindsay.” Theo's voice grew sharp. “You don't have a brother. I have never met this man, nor has Ansel. You have never met this man, because he isn't real.”
“Okay, maybe you don't like him, but it isn't a reason to tell me I can't talk to him.” Lindsay muttered. Her phone still in her hand, no doubt Ansel was still on the line waiting.
“Babe, you need to stop and listen to me.” Theo pleaded. His hands wrapped around Lindsay's shoulders, drawing her close. “Listen to me, please. You know how Dr. Roberts said that sometimes you think things are real, but they aren't? Brett isn't real.”
Glaring at Theo and shaking her head, Lindsay returned to her phone call. Curtly informing Ansel that she would talk to him later, she ended the call without another word. Sometimes getting a handle on Lindsay when she was going through an issue was next to impossible, other times it took mere seconds. To say Theo let frustrations get the better of him in these situations was an understatement. If he was frustrated, he couldn't begin to imagine how Lindsay felt.
There was a time when Theo would let these delusions go, allowing Lindsay all the time she needed until they would pass. Upon Dr. Roberts advice, Theo now did whatever he could to correct Lindsay when he noticed she wasn't exactly living in reality. Dr. Roberts has assured Theo it could be taxing trying to convince Lindsay that something wasn't in fact real, another understatement. If Dr. Roberts felt this was such a good idea maybe he was the one who needed to follow his patient around reminding her that she only half lived in reality. Grumbling about this and that, Theo stretched his arms resting his hands behind his head and closed his eyes.
Deep breathes, a few gentle apologies, and a self assurance is what was going to fix this.
Lindsay had stormed off, no doubt sulking while laying in bed. Whether she was in a delusional state or not, sulking in bed was one of her best super powers. Theo had always found it a tad charming. She would skitter off to the bedroom, curling up in bed, covering her head and hiding away from the world - usually until she got her own way. A petulant girl wasn't something most guys would find endearing, yet Theo always found himself gravitated toward it. He had concluded it wasn't so much Lindsay's mood that he liked, or even her actions, but the fact he would have to work in proving himself to her.
What was a man, if he couldn't put in a little effort to prove his worth to a woman?
Straightening himself and squaring his shoulders, Theo marched down the hallway stopping outside of the bedroom door. Gently knocking on the door, he didn't wait for Lindsay to answer before pushing it open and making his presence known. Instead of curled up, hiding from the world under their duvet, Lindsay was standing in front of the full length mirror checking her appearance.
“What do you want?” she was obviously annoyed as she glanced at Theo's reflection.
“I made a mistake.” Theo began, leaning on the door frame. “I shouldn't have been so pushy with you.”
“No, you shouldn't have.” Lindsay answered, folding her arms over her chest.
“I'll try not to be such an asshole.” Theo smirked. “You look nice.” he complimented as he shifted the subject. “Are you going out?”
If Lindsay thought she was going out to meet somebody; somebody who didn't exist then Theo would casually make her a better offer. In the times he wasn't able to catch what she was doing, Lindsay usually came home after an hour or two complaining she had been stood up or something must have come up with the non-existent person.
“I'm going to meet a friend.” Lindsay answered eyeing Theo curiously.
Theo lifted his head in a slight nod. “Have I met this friend?”
“You're being an asshole.” Lindsay warned. Theo shrugged. “You say you haven't, but whatever.”
“I have an idea.” Theo took a step forward, leaving his post. “Why don't I come with you? You say I have met Brett, maybe I am just forgetting?”
Playing into this was a dangerous option. Theo wasn't looking at this as encouraging, more like reverse psychology. If he went with Lindsay and nobody showed up, then he could point out the truth a little easier to her. Standing in front of the mirror still, Lindsay raised her brow. Theo was up to something and she wasn't sure she liked this sneaky approach he was taking.
“Why? So you can bitch the whole time?” Lindsay huffed. “Please, you hate my family.”
“If Brett, his name is Brett correct?” Theo began, Lindsay met him with an eye roll. “If he was at my party, then I must like him. I'm not one to invite those I hate to have a good time with me. Besides, I don't hate your family.” he quickly added. He hated some of the things they did, but Theo didn't hate them.
“You and Courtney fight all the time.” Lindsay added, picking up one of her favourite silver bracelets and putting it on.
“Courtney and I do not fight. We have a difference of opinions.” Theo corrected the perception that Lindsay had of his relationship with her older sister. “Babe, I want to go. Who knows, it may be fun?”
“Okay, fine.” Lindsay gave in. Checking her watch, she moved from the mirror. “Be ready in ten minutes. We have to get going.”
The afternoon weather was chilly, as to be expected, but Theo was hopeful that a full on spring was right around the corner. Walking along the sidewalk with his arm casually draped around Lindsay, they fell step for step with one another. On the outside, they looked like any ordinary happy couple, enjoying another day spent together. Eyes hidden behind her favourite sunglasses, the occasional onlooker was oblivious to the annoyed glared Lindsay was giving Theo. He would chuckled every time he caught her, just as he would look at her she would jerk her head away and gaze in another direction.
When they had left, Lindsay informed Theo they were heading for a small diner a few blocks away. It was a bit of a walk, but nothing too serious. Arriving, Lindsay glanced inside through the wall of windows on the front and shrugged, telling Theo that the supposed lunch date hadn't arrived yet. Theo wasn't surprised. The guy was in her head. Walking inside none the less, Theo let Lindsay pick a booth and slid in next to her, leaving the appearance that somebody could sit on the other side if they wanted.
Theo would give Lindsay thirty or so minutes, before he decided to tell her that the brother she was meeting didn't exist. Until then he had gladly asked the waitress for a coffee and a lemonade, knowing Lindsay to a tee. If they were going to be there, then it wasn't fair to waste the poor waitress' time, nor was it fair to take up space without using it.
“He must be running late.” Lindsay commented, twirling the straw around in her lemonade. She checked her watch at least a dozen times since they had sat down. “You know how my family is, we can't be on time for anything.”
“Mmm hmm.” Theo hummed, glancing at his own watch. They had been there long enough for him to casually charm the waitress; Irene was the older woman's name, manage a conversation with a random passer by, and order then half devour a plate of fries. “Babe, maybe he isn't coming because he's...”
“Not real?” Lindsay filled in the last part of his statement. “I thought you said you were done being an asshole about this?” she wrinkled her nose in disgust. Her expression had melted from disappointed to pissed in the blink of an eye. “Why are you so condescending?”
“I love you.” Theo kept his voice low, leaning his chin on her shoulder. “I hate seeing you hurt, in any way. It crushes me knowing that I can't help you right now, Lindsay.” he admitted, clearing his throat. “I won't stop trying.”
“Whatever.” Lindsay muttered, pushing Theo so that he would move and let her out. “I need to go. I can't keep waiting here for somebody who isn't interested in showing up.”
“Okay, let me pay and we'll go home.” Theo nodded, grabbing his jacket from the empty side of the booth.
“Theo.” Lindsay placed her hand on his arm. “Stop, just stop.” she demanded firmly. “You don't need to try and compensate because somebody else disappointed me. Oh, Brett didn't show. Yeah I know you must be loving this, me looking like a fool right now.” she glanced around briefly, satisfied that nobody in the diner cared about her, Lindsay quickly kissed Theo's cheek. “Go home, do whatever you want, but leave me alone right now.”
Nodding, Theo caught her hand in his. “I'm sorry, Lindsay. I am.” he apologized, giving her a weak smile letting her slip away.
Left by himself in the middle of the diner, Theo quickly paid the lady at the counter and escaped into the brisk New York air. Calling Anna, he had left her a message detailing that he and Lindsay were at odds and if she showed up to send him a text immediately. Lindsay would be safe, she always was. Theo would return home where he'd sit and worry, while trying to distract his mind with other things. Walking back home, Theo made a mental list of things he had to finish up before he left for press, the time was growing closer and he had to stop being so damn lazy.
On his bed side table was a script that his agent had sent him, asking him to read. Maybe he could start on that while he waited for Lindsay to come home? There were some e-mails and phone calls which also needed to be returned, those were always a fantastic time waster. I between those there was laundry, or maybe he could clean the condo it needed to be done and Theo was forever putting it off. All of those things would require concentration, something Theo wouldn't have while he sat alone worrying about his girlfriend. Walking the street, he called Lindsay and left her a voice mail when the call went unanswered. Apologizing once again and reassuring her that he loved her, Theo let the automated voice go.
A little more than half way home, Theo's phone notified him that he had a text. Scrolling through the novel that Anna had left him, Theo smiled seeing the main point of the message: Lindsay was with Anna and she was safe. Relieved that Lindsay was in good hands, Theo sent Anna a brief message back thanking her. She was the definition of best friend. Even when Lindsay's other friends started to dwindle off, because of her mental health, Anna had stayed and faced whatever came her way. Theo admired that about her. They would be lost without Anna around to save their asses.
Getting another signal that he had a text, Theo glanced at his screen to see another message from Anna. It appeared as though Lindsay had informed her friend of everything that had happened and was currently not interested in anything Theo had to say. Fair enough. Theo slipped his phone back in his pocket and finished his walk home, if Lindsay didn't want to hear the truth from him then maybe it was better she didn't talk to him right now.
At times Lindsay drove him nuts, she frustrated the hell out of him, and she loved to push his buttons. Lindsay never backed away from challenging him, nor did she easily give in. Oddly enough those were also a few main reasons why Theo was so in love with her. This time, Theo was done catering to her, he was over trying to protect her. Oh who was he kidding? He groaned, scuffing his feet on the sidewalk. As long as he was alive, he was never going to deny that woman anything.
Genre: Romance/Fan Fic/Drama
Pairing: Theo James/OFC
Characters: Theo James, OFC, OC
Warnings: Language, Adult Situations
Disclaimer: a strict work of fiction, I own nothing except the original characters and the plot line. In no way am I affiliated to any of it.
Summary: For the last ten years, Theo has loved Lindsay. For the last three years, Lindsay has been a bit of a prisoner in her own life. For two people who were supposed to have it all, life sure turned out to be cruel. Caught up in life and all the dismay it sometimes brings can be challenging, even more so when the person you love is slowly slipping away.
Chapter Four
Two weeks. Two solid, amazingly good weeks is what Theo had got with Lindsay this time. During those two weeks, she had forgot a minor detail or two, but those things never really mattered anyway. As usual, she had shown no signs of slipping into her delusions. Theo wouldn't have even noticed had Lindsay not asked him where he had put the dog food. It seemed simple, this time it was a dog they had never owned. Pointing out they didn't own a dog and that they never had, not together at least, Theo reminded Lindsay that it was all in her head.
Imagining a dog or a person was one thing, what got Theo was when she managed to elaborate on things like week long vacations or big events. He'd love to know what went on in her mind, when it convinced her that such things were happening. Just once he would like to know what she felt, or how she saw such things. Was it like a child with an imaginary friend? Maybe more like a dream? How did she believe she was in another city, when she never left the house that day? These were things Theo wanted to ask her, but never would.
The next delusion came when she mentioned having lunch with a friend, Theo originally assumed it was Anna, until Lindsay started talking to Ansel on the phone; telling him about somebody named Brett. Apparently this Brett person was an older brother, Lindsay had no brothers. Realizing that Theo had once mentioned that Lindsay only had a sister, Ansel politely told her that Brett wasn't real. Confused by the statement, Lindsay immediately went to Theo for confirmation on this. Insisting he tell Ansel about her older brother.
“Lindsay.” Theo spoke calmly. “You don't have a brother.”
“You're as bad as Ansel.” Lindsay huffed. “You've both met my brother, last year at your birthday. Don't you remember him? He's about your height, a little older than you, and he has blond hair.”
“Brett isn't a real person. He wasn't at my birthday, because we never had a party. You and I went to dinner, alone.” Theo reminded her.
“Ansel, hold on.” Lindsay spoke into her phone, before letting her hand drop to her side clutching it. “Theo, whatever games you two are playing are really immature. I know you've met Brett.”
“Lindsay.” Theo's voice grew sharp. “You don't have a brother. I have never met this man, nor has Ansel. You have never met this man, because he isn't real.”
“Okay, maybe you don't like him, but it isn't a reason to tell me I can't talk to him.” Lindsay muttered. Her phone still in her hand, no doubt Ansel was still on the line waiting.
“Babe, you need to stop and listen to me.” Theo pleaded. His hands wrapped around Lindsay's shoulders, drawing her close. “Listen to me, please. You know how Dr. Roberts said that sometimes you think things are real, but they aren't? Brett isn't real.”
Glaring at Theo and shaking her head, Lindsay returned to her phone call. Curtly informing Ansel that she would talk to him later, she ended the call without another word. Sometimes getting a handle on Lindsay when she was going through an issue was next to impossible, other times it took mere seconds. To say Theo let frustrations get the better of him in these situations was an understatement. If he was frustrated, he couldn't begin to imagine how Lindsay felt.
There was a time when Theo would let these delusions go, allowing Lindsay all the time she needed until they would pass. Upon Dr. Roberts advice, Theo now did whatever he could to correct Lindsay when he noticed she wasn't exactly living in reality. Dr. Roberts has assured Theo it could be taxing trying to convince Lindsay that something wasn't in fact real, another understatement. If Dr. Roberts felt this was such a good idea maybe he was the one who needed to follow his patient around reminding her that she only half lived in reality. Grumbling about this and that, Theo stretched his arms resting his hands behind his head and closed his eyes.
Deep breathes, a few gentle apologies, and a self assurance is what was going to fix this.
Lindsay had stormed off, no doubt sulking while laying in bed. Whether she was in a delusional state or not, sulking in bed was one of her best super powers. Theo had always found it a tad charming. She would skitter off to the bedroom, curling up in bed, covering her head and hiding away from the world - usually until she got her own way. A petulant girl wasn't something most guys would find endearing, yet Theo always found himself gravitated toward it. He had concluded it wasn't so much Lindsay's mood that he liked, or even her actions, but the fact he would have to work in proving himself to her.
What was a man, if he couldn't put in a little effort to prove his worth to a woman?
Straightening himself and squaring his shoulders, Theo marched down the hallway stopping outside of the bedroom door. Gently knocking on the door, he didn't wait for Lindsay to answer before pushing it open and making his presence known. Instead of curled up, hiding from the world under their duvet, Lindsay was standing in front of the full length mirror checking her appearance.
“What do you want?” she was obviously annoyed as she glanced at Theo's reflection.
“I made a mistake.” Theo began, leaning on the door frame. “I shouldn't have been so pushy with you.”
“No, you shouldn't have.” Lindsay answered, folding her arms over her chest.
“I'll try not to be such an asshole.” Theo smirked. “You look nice.” he complimented as he shifted the subject. “Are you going out?”
If Lindsay thought she was going out to meet somebody; somebody who didn't exist then Theo would casually make her a better offer. In the times he wasn't able to catch what she was doing, Lindsay usually came home after an hour or two complaining she had been stood up or something must have come up with the non-existent person.
“I'm going to meet a friend.” Lindsay answered eyeing Theo curiously.
Theo lifted his head in a slight nod. “Have I met this friend?”
“You're being an asshole.” Lindsay warned. Theo shrugged. “You say you haven't, but whatever.”
“I have an idea.” Theo took a step forward, leaving his post. “Why don't I come with you? You say I have met Brett, maybe I am just forgetting?”
Playing into this was a dangerous option. Theo wasn't looking at this as encouraging, more like reverse psychology. If he went with Lindsay and nobody showed up, then he could point out the truth a little easier to her. Standing in front of the mirror still, Lindsay raised her brow. Theo was up to something and she wasn't sure she liked this sneaky approach he was taking.
“Why? So you can bitch the whole time?” Lindsay huffed. “Please, you hate my family.”
“If Brett, his name is Brett correct?” Theo began, Lindsay met him with an eye roll. “If he was at my party, then I must like him. I'm not one to invite those I hate to have a good time with me. Besides, I don't hate your family.” he quickly added. He hated some of the things they did, but Theo didn't hate them.
“You and Courtney fight all the time.” Lindsay added, picking up one of her favourite silver bracelets and putting it on.
“Courtney and I do not fight. We have a difference of opinions.” Theo corrected the perception that Lindsay had of his relationship with her older sister. “Babe, I want to go. Who knows, it may be fun?”
“Okay, fine.” Lindsay gave in. Checking her watch, she moved from the mirror. “Be ready in ten minutes. We have to get going.”
The afternoon weather was chilly, as to be expected, but Theo was hopeful that a full on spring was right around the corner. Walking along the sidewalk with his arm casually draped around Lindsay, they fell step for step with one another. On the outside, they looked like any ordinary happy couple, enjoying another day spent together. Eyes hidden behind her favourite sunglasses, the occasional onlooker was oblivious to the annoyed glared Lindsay was giving Theo. He would chuckled every time he caught her, just as he would look at her she would jerk her head away and gaze in another direction.
When they had left, Lindsay informed Theo they were heading for a small diner a few blocks away. It was a bit of a walk, but nothing too serious. Arriving, Lindsay glanced inside through the wall of windows on the front and shrugged, telling Theo that the supposed lunch date hadn't arrived yet. Theo wasn't surprised. The guy was in her head. Walking inside none the less, Theo let Lindsay pick a booth and slid in next to her, leaving the appearance that somebody could sit on the other side if they wanted.
Theo would give Lindsay thirty or so minutes, before he decided to tell her that the brother she was meeting didn't exist. Until then he had gladly asked the waitress for a coffee and a lemonade, knowing Lindsay to a tee. If they were going to be there, then it wasn't fair to waste the poor waitress' time, nor was it fair to take up space without using it.
“He must be running late.” Lindsay commented, twirling the straw around in her lemonade. She checked her watch at least a dozen times since they had sat down. “You know how my family is, we can't be on time for anything.”
“Mmm hmm.” Theo hummed, glancing at his own watch. They had been there long enough for him to casually charm the waitress; Irene was the older woman's name, manage a conversation with a random passer by, and order then half devour a plate of fries. “Babe, maybe he isn't coming because he's...”
“Not real?” Lindsay filled in the last part of his statement. “I thought you said you were done being an asshole about this?” she wrinkled her nose in disgust. Her expression had melted from disappointed to pissed in the blink of an eye. “Why are you so condescending?”
“I love you.” Theo kept his voice low, leaning his chin on her shoulder. “I hate seeing you hurt, in any way. It crushes me knowing that I can't help you right now, Lindsay.” he admitted, clearing his throat. “I won't stop trying.”
“Whatever.” Lindsay muttered, pushing Theo so that he would move and let her out. “I need to go. I can't keep waiting here for somebody who isn't interested in showing up.”
“Okay, let me pay and we'll go home.” Theo nodded, grabbing his jacket from the empty side of the booth.
“Theo.” Lindsay placed her hand on his arm. “Stop, just stop.” she demanded firmly. “You don't need to try and compensate because somebody else disappointed me. Oh, Brett didn't show. Yeah I know you must be loving this, me looking like a fool right now.” she glanced around briefly, satisfied that nobody in the diner cared about her, Lindsay quickly kissed Theo's cheek. “Go home, do whatever you want, but leave me alone right now.”
Nodding, Theo caught her hand in his. “I'm sorry, Lindsay. I am.” he apologized, giving her a weak smile letting her slip away.
Left by himself in the middle of the diner, Theo quickly paid the lady at the counter and escaped into the brisk New York air. Calling Anna, he had left her a message detailing that he and Lindsay were at odds and if she showed up to send him a text immediately. Lindsay would be safe, she always was. Theo would return home where he'd sit and worry, while trying to distract his mind with other things. Walking back home, Theo made a mental list of things he had to finish up before he left for press, the time was growing closer and he had to stop being so damn lazy.
On his bed side table was a script that his agent had sent him, asking him to read. Maybe he could start on that while he waited for Lindsay to come home? There were some e-mails and phone calls which also needed to be returned, those were always a fantastic time waster. I between those there was laundry, or maybe he could clean the condo it needed to be done and Theo was forever putting it off. All of those things would require concentration, something Theo wouldn't have while he sat alone worrying about his girlfriend. Walking the street, he called Lindsay and left her a voice mail when the call went unanswered. Apologizing once again and reassuring her that he loved her, Theo let the automated voice go.
A little more than half way home, Theo's phone notified him that he had a text. Scrolling through the novel that Anna had left him, Theo smiled seeing the main point of the message: Lindsay was with Anna and she was safe. Relieved that Lindsay was in good hands, Theo sent Anna a brief message back thanking her. She was the definition of best friend. Even when Lindsay's other friends started to dwindle off, because of her mental health, Anna had stayed and faced whatever came her way. Theo admired that about her. They would be lost without Anna around to save their asses.
Getting another signal that he had a text, Theo glanced at his screen to see another message from Anna. It appeared as though Lindsay had informed her friend of everything that had happened and was currently not interested in anything Theo had to say. Fair enough. Theo slipped his phone back in his pocket and finished his walk home, if Lindsay didn't want to hear the truth from him then maybe it was better she didn't talk to him right now.
At times Lindsay drove him nuts, she frustrated the hell out of him, and she loved to push his buttons. Lindsay never backed away from challenging him, nor did she easily give in. Oddly enough those were also a few main reasons why Theo was so in love with her. This time, Theo was done catering to her, he was over trying to protect her. Oh who was he kidding? He groaned, scuffing his feet on the sidewalk. As long as he was alive, he was never going to deny that woman anything.