Starting Over Again
Chapter 8
Mike was able to get Christine into a therapist, but she hated rehashing what happened to her constantly. She did most of her talking to Mike in the middle of the night when the nightmares kept her awake and he was awake trying to comfort her. One night, Mike had sat down on the bed that had been his to comfort Christine and fell asleep leaning against the headboard. When he woke up in the morning; he was still on the bed, and Christine was sleeping next to him. For a moment, he panicked because he didn't want to scare Christine, but then he realized; she hadn't had anymore nightmares and had an almost serene look on her face. He gently got out of the bed and began his day.
Kaitlyn had found a dress for Christine and the girls were quietly planning and scheming for their vow renewal. It was hard to keep it a secret and Mike knew he would have to tell her eventually. The girls were enjoying the planning, and it was taking their minds off of what happened to Christine. Like Mike; there was a terrific amount of guilt for leaving her alone. They were all going to be going through some therapy. That afternoon, while Mike was trying to take a nap; Christine knelt down next to him and squeezed his hand.
"I had a thought; and you can say no. I want to try something." Christine said.
"What's that?" Mike asked.
"After you came in with me last night, and then fell asleep; I didn't have anymore nightmares. Maybe I need you to sleep in there with me? Would that bother you?" Christine asked.
"Why would it bother me? I wouldn't mind in the least ." Mike told her.
"It should bother you because I didn't fight hard enough; so I was practically cheating on you." Christine said.
"CC; I have told you this before, but I will repeat it. You never cheated on me. You had every opportunity and didn't. What happened to you was a horrific rape. If its anyone's fault; its mine. I left you there by yourself. If I was there, I would have protected you." Mike pointed out.
"If you had been there, the girls would have been too, and I would never want this to happen to them." Christine said.
"Me either. Just remember; this isn't on you. I love you and that is not going to change. If it helps you to sleep when I am in there; I will be there. I have no expectations but I don't want you to close yourself off to it." Mike told her.
"I can't imagine that right now, but if it ever does happen; I would only ever want it to be with you." Christine answered before giving Mike a gentle kiss on the lips. It surprised him, but he didn't mind in the least. "And something else; I love you too." Christine told him and he gave her another kiss on the tip of her nose.