Learning to Live Again

Chapter 18

Mike had been stunned to have Hannah back again. He still hadn't heard her full story but needed to get her back inside. He knew the others needed to hear it and Hannah had told him she was really hungry and begged him not to be upset at Libby, not that he could be. He was too astonished and happy to be mad.

They all sat down at breakfast, with the little kids sitting in the living room, eating at the coffee table. Mike could tell that Bobby was suspicious of Hannah, but he would deal with that later. He needed to know how Hannah ended up in Florida and all the other details.

"When we had to leave the safe zone, Mom decided to go to Florida. I didn't know why at that point. By the time we got to Tampa where Max…my biological dad lived; Kate was getting sick. She begged Mom to leave her somewhere, so we didn't get sick. Mom dropped me off with a note at this guy, Max's house. He didn't want me either. He was getting sick and left me at a police station. Somehow, the police found out that Mom, Kate and he had all died. Where they screwed up was telling them that my last name was his. If they hadn't and used my actual last name, you would have found me sooner. No one believed me when I said it wasn't my last name. They took my DNA and everything, and nothing ever showed up and it wasn't like I had my birth certificate to prove my story." Hannah explained between bites of food. It was a heart-breaking story.

"So, you know that I was not your biological father?" Mike asked.

"I always knew. From the time I was little. Mom always…it doesn't matter." Hannah said, as if she was shaking off a bad memory.

"Hannah, it probably won't hurt to tell everything. We're all adults here and have heard some pretty bad stuff." Joey encouraged.

"When you were deployed, she was a lot meaner. Would tell me the only reason she kept me around was if she didn't, you would divorce her and take your paycheck with her. I didn't really understand it all, because I was only eight when everything happened. She told me a lot that she hadn't wanted me, but you wouldn't let her have an abortion." Hannah said.

"Was she ever physically abusive?" Tom asked. Mike and Tom were the only two besides Hannah that had known Christine, and they were completely shocked.

"I guess compared to some of the other stories I heard at the group home, she wasn't so bad. She gave more spankings then Kate or Lucas got and when she did, it seemed to be a lot harder. Kate tried to help me, but I think she was a little scared of Mom. There were lots of times that I would be sent to bed with no supper. The only problem was that I hadn't had any lunch or breakfast because Mom was mad at me for something. Kate got in trouble because she made me a peanut butter sandwich. Mom slapped her really hard. You were gone so you didn't see it, but she had a cut on her lip that scarred. It was from Mom's ring. When you got home, Mom told you that Kate had fallen and hit her mouth on a rock. Kate didn't want to tell you any different because if she did, Mom would be mad at her again." Hannah continued. She was completely matter of fact and that in itself was hard to hear.

"Jesus." Tamara remarked as she bounced Abby up and down on her lap.

"But compared to some of those other stories, it wasn't so bad! I had food most of the time, and a place to live. And when Dad was home, things were really good." Hannah argued softly.

"You shouldn't have ever been in those circumstances though, sweetie." Mike said.

"I'm not now though and the group home wasn't bad. It got a little rough during the famine, but it hasn't been bad at all. Will I be living here?" Hannah asked, looking around the house. Mike and Libby exchanged a look and Libby nodded at him.

"Yeah. Did Joey or Tamara explain about Bobby?" Mike asked.

"Yeah! It'll be fun." Hannah said happily.

"Mike, I totally agree, but make sure that Bobby knows that he still has a place here. He's a little confused and afraid that he'll have to go back to his dad." Libby said softly. Mike nodded in understanding and gave her a smile.

"I don't want to cause any problems with him." Hannah said as she munched on a piece of bacon.

"Bobby came out of a tough situation too, and honestly hasn't been with us for very long, but he is very attached to Mike and I." Libby told her.

"Libby, I did notice, Hannah only has two changes of clothes, and a pair of pajamas in that bag. Maybe tomorrow, if Joey is feeling up to watching the kids; we can take her shopping?" Tamara suggested.

"I don't want to cause too many problems. I can get by with two outfits." Hannah said.

"Mike, I have a file folder for you from the group home. Has shot records, medical stuff, school transcripts and such in it." Joey said.

"I kept up in school and was on the Honor Roll last semester." Hannah filled in.

"Good. I'm proud of you, honey." Mike said as he took a drink of his coffee. He was thrilled to have Hannah back, but he was also watching Bobby in the adjoining room. The young boy was becoming more and more tense.

"Thanks, Dad. Is Bobby alright?" Hannah asked, gesturing at Bobby.

"I'm going to take him in and talk to him. You eat up." Mike said as he stood up. Libby gave him a look and he nodded. He gently guided Bobby into his bedroom and sat him down on the bed.

"Am I in trouble?" Bobby asked Mike. His eyes were filled with tears and Mike sat down next to him.

"Not at all. I only wanted to let you know that this is your home now. You won't be going anywhere. Libby and I are still working on adopting you and that won't change with Hannah here." Mike told him firmly.

"But I heard her say that she was on the Honor Roll and everything. She's smart and I am not." Bobby said.

"I don't love her or you because of being on the Honor Roll or not. I love you both because I love you. I don't need a reason. Bobby, I know that being loved is a new thing for you, but you do not have to worry about losing my love or Libby's love. You are here to stay." Mike insisted as he pulled the little boy onto his lap.

"But, she's yours and I'm not…" Bobby said.

"Actually, she isn't. Her mom made a mistake and I am not Hannah's real dad, but it never mattered to me and I love her as much as I loved my other kids and still love you." Mike explained. He was still seething in anger where Christine was concerned, but Bobby was innocent and didn't need exposed.

"Does she know that?" Bobby asked.

"She does. Bobby, please do one thing for me; give Hannah a chance. You're always asking if there is something you could do for Libby and me, here's your chance." Mike said.

"Okay. I'll try really hard." Bobby agreed as he got off Mike's lap and stood up. Mike turned him around and gave him a big hug.

"Just remember, Libby and I love you very much. I love Hannah too, but that doesn't make me love you any less." Mike told him.

"I love you guys too." Bobby said. They walked into the living area and Mike gave Libby a smile. They all had some adjusting to do.

Mike agreed to help Joey with the kids the next day while Libby, Sasha, and Tamara took Hannah shopping. Tom would hang around too. Joey wore out easily and so him and his family headed home about noon.

Tom and Sasha went to a nearby city for a date night, giving Mike and Libby time with Hannah and Bobby. Hannah was good with Bobby and he seemed to be giving her a chance. She also seemed to really like Libby, which was a plus.