Another lesser known character, but I liked the idea of a Mike/Maddie pairing and decided to use it here too. Thanks for the reviews.
The Breakdown
Chapter 7-Maddie Rawlins
Maddie wasn't terribly shocked by the news of Mike's attempted suicide, because she knew all too well how depressed he was. He put on a good mask in front of his friends, but it fell when he got home and Maddie had seen it. Their relationship was against the rules, until he retired, and then it wasn't a great idea; but there was an attraction and an understanding.
No one knew. Not even Tom Chandler. It made Maddie feel like she was Mike's dirty little secret, and she had grown tired of being his psychological punching bag. The only problem was, she cared deeply for him; even loved him and she understood. Her husband and infant son had died during the Red Flu, and it took her awhile to find out. She understood the gut punch of getting that confirmation. She only wished that she hadn't broken things off with Mike before the confirmation had come for him. She might have been able to prevent his attempted suicide.
"Mike; now that you're retired, can we go out for a date?" Maddie asked as she watched Mike cook their steaks on his grill that he kept at her house.
"You're still in the Navy, so it wouldn't be a wise choice." Mike said.
"My commission is up in May and I was thinking about not reuping." Maddie mentioned.
"We'll see." Mike answered. He apparently was having a bad day.
"Mike; what exactly do you want out of this relationship? It seems to only be about sex." Maddie asked.
"Isn't it? You knew going into this that this was about scratching an itch. Do you think I like this? Every time I sleep with you, I am cheating on my wife." Mike questioned.
"She is dead, Mike. You and I both know it. Its been six years. You are highly visible, so she would be able to find you. I am sorry, but one of us has to be realistic. You either want in this or not. If sex is your only hang up, I assure you; you will find someone else. Just know, it isn't my hang up. I care…I love you and if you can't accept it; I am sorry." Maddie answered.
Mike had left that night, but he left something besides his grill behind. She was pregnant. He hadn't returned her calls or texts, so when she got the call from Mike's doctor that Mike wanted to see her, she had to be honest with him. The doctor told her that it might be good news, but Maddie had to wonder if it really was. But she went to the hospital and looked into the room where Mike was resting.
"Thank you for coming. I know this is uncomfortable for you, but he cares about you. He hasn't wanted to see anyone else and with the pneumonia, he needs something to fight for." Dr. Taylor said as he approached.
"Does he know about the baby?" Maddie asked. She put a hand over her belly in a protective move.
"No. I figured we'd tell him together." Dr. Taylor answered.
"It might backfire. He might want me to have an abortion." Maddie said.
"A man that has lost three children is not going to want another to die. He might be scared, but I think he'll embrace this. And, as I said; I've not told Tom Chandler anything." Dr. Taylor answered.
"Yeah, he'd have a fit. I'm Mike's dirty little secret." Maddie remarked as Dr. Taylor opened the door.
"If you were, he wouldn't have asked for you." Dr. Taylor told her firmly. He let her inside and Maddie looked at Mike, who was asleep.
"Is he okay?" Maddie asked.
"Just keeping the fever down and the fluid out of his lungs. Mike?" Dr. Taylor said as he shook Mike's shoulder. Mike's eyes popped open and the sadness was immediately visible until he focused on Maddie.
"You came?" Mike asked. Maddie smiled at him and put her hand over his.
"Of course." Maddie answered. Dr. Taylor gave her a nod, and she knew he was going to tell Mike about the pregnancy.
"Mike; when you asked for Maddie, I initially objected, but when I called her, she gave me some news that might make you feel better. Maddie? Do you want to?" Dr. Taylor asked Maddie.
"Mike; I will just get to it; I'm pregnant with your baby. I'm fifteen weeks along." Maddie said as she took an ultrasound picture out of her purse and handed it to Mike. He was shocked, but there was a hint of a smile.
"This baby can't replace the ones you lost, and Maddie can't replace Christine, but that doesn't mean you aren't worthy of their love." Dr. Taylor said.
"But you have to promise me, you will get better. I know getting the confirmation on Christine and the girls was a blow, but maybe this baby is your godsend. Mike; you have so many people that love you, including me, and I know this baby will, but you have to fight your way through this." Maddie told him firmly. Mike only nodded in response and she lowered the hospital rail. She sat down next to him and wrapped her arms around him. What shocked her was his hand touching her baby bump.