Search and Rescue
Chapter 9
Maddie was not any better the next day, so Mike made the decision to take her to a doctor before moving the RV out to his family's farm. He stayed in the waiting room once she went back, and texted Kaitlyn to let her know what the plan was. He also called and talked to his mom for a few minutes. Finally, Maddie walked out of the waiting room, paid her bill and gestured at Mike to follow her. She had prescriptions in her hand and Mike was intrigued.
"If it was viral, they wouldn't have given you prescriptions." Mike said as they got in the truck.
"Its not. Its not bacterial either." Maddie said.
"How haven't I got it then?" Mike asked.
"Actually; you gave it to me. I'm pregnant, Mike. The doctor said I am about eight weeks along. He gave me a prescription to help with…" Maddie started.
"Damn it! I told you I didn't want anymore kids." Mike said as he started the truck angrily.
"No, you never said that. Apparently my birth control didn't work or something." Maddie argued.
"We are keeping this quiet. My family isn't to know." Mike said.
"Until when?" Maddie asked.
"Until…I don't know." Mike answered.
"Abortions are illegal now, Mike; and I want this baby. I've always wanted to be a mom. I'm sorry if that upsets you, and I will hold off on announcing it, but it is a reality." Maddie said.
"An RV is not going to work with a kid." Mike said.
"I know." Maddie said. Mike backed the truck up and drove to the pharmacy. It was rainy and cold, so instead of making Maddie get out, he took her prescriptions and went in. It took a few minutes for her prescriptions to be filled and it gave Mike time to gather his thoughts. He knew he had to treat Maddie better and he actually didn't mind a baby with her. He was just overwhelmed. Knowing how much she liked chocolate, he bought her a few of her favorite candy bars, along with her prescriptions. When he got back to the truck, he could tell she had been crying. Instead of saying anything; he handed her the bag of medication and chocolate.
The drive to the RV was quiet. Maddie went into the RV to make sure everything was secured while Mike hooked the truck up. They had traveled the country and were well practiced. He was a little nervous about Maddie meeting his family, but she was likeable and would do fine. He was already making the decision to talk to Max about building him a house. They would need something bigger because Mike wanted his kids with him, and with a new baby coming; it was just practical. Once the truck was hooked up to the back, Maddie climbed up in the passenger seat of the RV and Mike drove them out to the family farm. He pulled in far enough away to give them some privacy, but close enough to be able to visit.
"The house is really pretty." Maddie said.
"Yeah, it is. I will introduce you as my girlfriend; but will hold off on telling them about the baby. I want to give them time to accept you before they have to get used to a baby too. My girls might struggle a little, especially with how Christine died. My mom thinks you have the flu, so if you could just play along with that?" Mike suggested and Maddie nodded.
"Of course." Maddie agreed.
"Is the medicine helping?" Mike asked.
"Yeah, some." Maddie said as they got out of the RV and began walking towards the house. Just as they were stepping up on the porch; Matt opened the door for them. He gave Maddie a curious smile, but completely ignored Mike.
"Matt; this is Maddie, my girlfriend." Mike introduced Maddie to the little boy, not sure what he understood. He was shocked when Maddie began signing at Matt. "You know how to sign?" Mike asked.
"Yeah. My little brother was deaf and had Down's." Maddie answered. Matt took her hand and led her inside, leaving Mike to follow them. Just as they got to the main room where Mike's mom and dad were, Mike heard Matt use his voice for the first time.
"This is Maddie. My dad's girlfriend." Matt said. He was still pulling Maddie into the kitchen and finally stopped in front of his grandma. Even at six years old; he knew who really ran the family.
"Hi; sweetie. I'm Barbara. This is Dave. I hope your feeling better? Mike said you went to the doctor this morning. I'm making some homemade chicken soup for lunch. That'll do more good than any medicine." Barbara said as she put her arm around Maddie and sat her down on one of the barstools.
"Probably so, thank you; Ma'am." Maddie said.
"Oh, none of that. You can call me Barbara…or Mom; if you'd like." Barbara said.
"Mom!" Mike said, not knowing what else to say. She could be a little forceful.
"Its alright. Its nice to meet you both." Maddie said before Mike's dad walked into the living room. He grunted in response.
"It is nice to meet you too. Michael, Max said to tell you he would help you get the RV hooked up to the septic, well and electric tonight. He's going to get home early." Barbara said. Matt was sitting at the dining room table with school work spread around.
"Mom, what is Matt working on?" Mike asked.
"Spelling. Emma is at school, but Matt does his here, Maddie." Barbara explained. Mike gave Maddie an encouraging look, walked to the table and sat down next to Matt.
"Do you need some help?" Mike asked. Max shook his head in response. At a quick glance, his answers were correct on the spelling sheet and his handwriting was pretty good for a young kid. Mike sat there for a moment watching the little boy, who had his coloring and Christine's eyes. Maddie and his mom were visiting, so eventually; Mike stood up and sat down next to his dad. His dad had always been the strong, silent type; and now he was even more so, having lost countless children and their spouses, along with grandchildren.
"Just give the boy time. Don't push." Dave said firmly. Mike was getting a little sick of hearing the phrase, but as he watched Matt at the table, he knew he wanted to crack into the little boys world somehow.
I know I am painting Mike into a little bit of a butthead, but I will make it better soon! Thanks for reading and reviewing. Also, where the abortion is concerned; I don't mean that to be political. Using artistic license, the fictional Red Flu would have decimated the population, so in wanting to repopulate, the governments would probably outlaw abortions (fictionally of course).