HERE TO STAY.

Chapter: 17.

*******

David pulled Steven farther down the hall into the same room, he had stayed in the last time he visited. Closing the door behind, he finally let go of Steven's hand and walked to stand at the window, his back to Stevens.

"Why are you so upset? You know I have to get back, I've got work to do."

"Steven....look, I--,"

"No, David... I came here so we could talk."

"Then, tell me. But don't leave in two days, please!"

God, I hate it when he begs. Makes it harder not to do as he says. Steven felt his heart melt for him.

"You know, for someone who hasn't spoken to me in a long time and probably never cared about me. You sure have a way with words."

"I care about you Steven, and even if I never called. There is no day that went by, that I do not think about you, and regret every moment I've caused you pain."

"Well, it didn't seem that way."

"I know, and I'm sorry....please forgive me."

"Fine, I will leave in five days."

"One week then, please Steven, one week."

"Then one