Learning to Live Again
Chapter 23
Bobby was sleeping when Mike and Libby arrived at the hospital, but they were allowed into his room. Both of them were shocked to see all the bruises, Bobby's arm in a cast, and all kinds of wires. They were both more surprised to see Judge Gaston, sitting at Bobby's bedside.
"Judge?" Libby asked.
"Yes, I'm sorry. When my secretary called about what had happened with Bobby, I knew I needed to come see him. I shouldn't intrude." Judge Gaston said.
"Its alright. We appreciate you allowing us to visit him." Libby assured him.
"He was begging to see you. I got here this morning, and it was all he asked for. He didn't want food or anything." Judge Gaston said as he stood up and grabbed his jacket.
"We'll stay with him as long as we are allowed." Mike said.
"Yes, about that. So, I had a conversation with Bobby before he fell asleep. He begged to be put with you two. He is going to have more needs now. I don't think it would be opportune for him to be placed with a different foster family. I also spoke with the sheriff, and perhaps I was incorrect about you all. I just wish I hadn't listened to Ms. Greene's attorney." Judge Gaston replied.
"The thing is you weren't incorrect. That is how our marriage started, but it isn't what it is now. I don't know if my brother told you, but Mike and I are expecting triplets. What Ms. Greene overheard that day was a conversation with my sister-in-law. I hadn't quite accepted that I was pregnant, even though I suspected it." Libby said.
"Congratulations. I really should not have jumped to conclusions. Should have called you into my chambers first. So, we do have to go through some motions. Tomorrow, there is an emergency hearing. I will be having Bobby placed into your custody. We also have a termination of parental rights hearing where his father is concerned this week and Ms. Greene is in custody. My one question and concern is, with an older daughter, and triplets; will Bobby's needs be met?" Judge Gaston asked. Mike and Libby exchanged a look and both nodded.
"Absolutely." Mike answered. Libby nodded in agreement.
"We will do whatever we need to." Libby said. She had slipped her hand in the crook of Mike's elbow and patted Bobby's leg.
"Good. We'll be in touch. Take care of this boy. I will let the doctors know they can talk to either of you, and that he will be released into your custody when the time comes." Judge Gaston said before walking out of the room. Mike pulled a chair out so Libby could sit down next to the bed and then sat down on the other side.
Finally, about an hour later, Bobby woke up. He was thrilled to see Mike and Libby and asked where Hannah was. Libby had to help him eat his lunch that was brought in, and Mike helped him with a bath. They saw all the bruises, cuts, burns and everything else. It was heartbreaking.
Bobby fell back asleep soon after his bath, just before Joey, Tamara, Hannah and their kids came in. Hannah was tense around Mike. She kept away from him, staying close to Tamara or Joey. Libby could tell it really bothered Mike. He was terrified that he had lost Hannah.
"Hey, Mike; I think I am going to down and get some sandwiches. I need to stretch a bit. Hannah, let's go." Libby said, ordering Hannah. She gave a nod to Mike and he seemed to understand what she was doing.
"Do you need any money?" Mike asked.
"No, I got this. Do you need anything?" Libby asked.
"Maybe a sandwich and a cup of coffee. Good luck." Mike said as he nodded towards Hannah.
"Thanks." Libby said before giving him a kiss. As soon as they were close, his hand always went to her stomach. He was still shocked by the news of the triplets, but she could tell, Mike was going to love them.
Hannah was quiet the entire way down to the cafeteria and was not helpful in picking out a sandwich for Mike. Libby led her to a table, and they began eating.
"So, are you moving back in?" Hannah finally asked.
"Yeah, I think so. Not sure of the timeline, though." Libby said.
"Oh." Hannah said.
"Hannah, just say what is on your mind. I know you're hurting, but you need to know; your dad is really sorry. He made a huge mistake, but you are a piece of his heart. Genetics have never mattered. I hope that isn't what this is about." Libby ordered quietly.
"No. Just disappointed, I guess. All my life, Dad was the one person I could count on. Even when I was in the group home. I didn't know where he was and he didn't know about me, but I knew. The last two weeks, he's just been terrible." Hannah complained.
"He's been hurting too, but he adores you. I know how hard it is to be disappointed in someone you love. Joey recently did something that disappointed me a lot. I was ashamed of him and his actions, but he is still my brother and until these babies are born, the only family I have besides my niece and nephew. For you, your dad is it." Libby said, and then remembered, that wasn't exactly true.
"I know, and it isn't like I am just going to leave. I love my dad. I think what bothers me, was that I wasn't enough to keep him going. I would have thought I would have been, but apparently not." Hannah said.
"I'm not certain anyone would have been. He is sorry about the past few weeks, but please don't let it set a precedent. He has lost a lot of people and he's terrified he's losing you too. I think it would destroy him." Libby explained.
"He isn't losing me, and I am glad that he is getting Bobby back. He seems happy about the triplets." Hannah said.
"He is. Just a word of warning, he's not had time to think about it; but as hard as he had been hitting the bottle, he might have a tough few days and might be a bit grumpy. Just be prepared." Libby warned.
"Worse than he was this morning? I have bruises on my arm." Hannah said with a laugh as they stood up. Hannah grabbed Mike's sandwich and coffee and they made their way back to Bobby's room.
"He really feels badly about that. I think, once we get Bobby settled back in, you and your dad need to take a day out and do something. What would you like to do?" Libby asked as they rode the elevator back up.
"He used to take me out for breakfast a lot. I always loved it. It was always our one-on-one time." Hannah said.
"Well, you need to make a plan for the whole day, not just one meal." Libby said.
"If Family Services will allow it, I would really like to watch Bobby so you and my dad can have an actual date." Hannah offered.
"We'll see. Tamara might have to help with that, but we will definitely do something before I get as big as a barn." Libby remarked.
"As if. You already have a cute little bump. Dad can't keep his hands off of it. Its adorable." Hannah teased.
"His mind might change. Tamara is already filling my head with all kinds of horror stories. Stretch marks, weird acne, the list goes on. And she has only had one baby at a time." Libby said.
"What are you hoping for?" Hannah asked as they neared Bobby's room.
"Healthy babies. An easy pregnancy. I would kind of like to have one of each, but I will take boys or girls happily." Libby explained.
"I think that is how my dad is too. He hasn't had a lot of opportunity to process it, but I bet he'll drive you crazy, trying to take care of you." Hannah said. They didn't say anything else, and when they walked in, Bobby was awake and sitting up in bed. Andy was drawing on his cast and Bobby had a huge grin on his face. Hannah quietly handed the sandwich and coffee over to Mike, and gave him a smile, but didn't say anything. He gave Libby a worried look, but she only smiled at him.
They visited for another hour, until Abby got fussy. It was time for Joey and his family to go home, and Libby made the decision to take Hannah home with her. They had school the next day. Mike would stay with Bobby. They weren't needed for the hearing and Libby wasn't handling the hard chairs well. Before they left, Hannah crossed over to where Mike was sitting, leaned down and gave him a kiss on the forehead.
"Dad, I am sorry about the way I reacted. I do love you and will try to be better." Hannah said. Mike looked at Libby in surprise and even Libby was shocked. Hannah had gotten things backwards.
"Honey; it isn't your fault. I was the one that went over the line. You don't have to do anything any different and I love you too. I know your mom probably made you feel it was your fault when she crossed a line, but I was the screw-up here. Not you." Mike told her quietly. Hannah obviously had some hang ups.
"Okay. Still…" Hannah started, but Mike took her hand and gave her a smile.
"No arguments. This was my fault. Once we get home, we'll hang out or something, I promise." Mike told her before kissing her cheek. He stood up and crossed over to Libby, pulling her into a hug and giving her a kiss.
"Are you going to be okay? We can bring you some stuff tomorrow after school." Libby asked. Joey had had the foresight to run back out to Mike's house and pack him a bag.
"Maybe another change or two of clothes, since we don't know how long we'll be here." Mike said.
"You bet. We'll bring a good meal too." Libby answered before bending down and giving Bobby a kiss on the forehead. He was getting sleepy again.
"I love you, Libby." Bobby said sweetly.
"I love you too, buddy. Get lots of good sleep and take care of Mike." Libby said. Bobby loved being given little tasks. It made him feel important, and right now, he couldn't do a lot.
"I will. I'll make sure he sleeps and eats!" Bobby said seriously.
"Good. I will get your room all ready for you." Libby promised as she gave him another kiss.
"Is the picture of my first mom there? I want to keep it, even though you and Mike are my new mom and dad. I asked Judge Gaston and he said that sounded like a good idea." Bobby asked.
"Its there. Your bedroom hasn't changed. Libby, the bedding might need to be changed, but otherwise, everything is the same." Mike answered.
"Good! I was worried." Bobby said with a yawn.
"We'll take care of it, little man. You just rest up." Libby said. Hannah bent down and gave him a kiss and they left. Joey, Tamara and their kids had already left, and Libby was tired. She usually rested in the later afternoon, but Bobby had needed them. She wished she could stay with him, but at least he had Mike there. Soon, they would all be together as a family.
