World View
Chapter 9
Mike was in the hospital for a week. Everyday, Michelle was there, and most days; at least one of her kids visited him. He had developed a closer relationship with McKenna, but he was also working on a good relationship with Holly and Peter. The day before his release, Holly came to visit him and they played a game of cards before Tom showed up. Holly sensed Tom's mood and packed her back, but leaned down to give Mike a hug.
"Mom said to tell you she'd be by later and for you to nap. She's making chicken rice soup. Better then hospital food." Holly said with a smile.
"It sounds really good. Thanks, sweetie." Mike said before Holly left. Tom sat down in the chair next to Mike's bed. "So, what are you up to?" Mike asked. He was well aware of Tom's feelings where Michelle and her kids were concerned.
"Nothing. So, have you two set a date?" Tom asked.
"Two weeks from Saturday. My house will be done, so you will be rid of your squatter." Mike answered.
"I don't care about that. I just think you are rushing into things." Tom stated.
"You and Sasha dated for how long before you moved in together?" Mike asked.
"As soon as we got home from the Med, but its not the same. We haven't gotten married yet, you are tying yourself to this woman and her kids." Tom answered.
"Isn't it though? Tom, I'm tired of being alone. I'm tired of having nothing of my own. My career is over. I would have nothing, but more then that, I need to be settled. I have fallen in love with Michelle. I love her kids. You lost Darien, and that was tragic; but you didn't lose your entire family and your home. I had movers pack my house up because I couldn't walk back in that house. Their stuff is still in a storage shed. What do I keep? How do I get rid of Hannah's favorite Halloween costume? Kaitlyn's books? Lucas's ball glove? Christine's cookbooks? Am I insane if I keep something? Do you have those answers?" Mike asked.
"Well, no." Tom said.
"Tom, you and I have been through hell together, and I love you like a brother, but if you can't accept my decision to marry Michelle, then I'm not sure you value this friendship. It might be selfish of me, but if you don't value it, you don't value me. I don't have the time or energy to deal with that." Mike said firmly.
"Its that important to you?" Tom asked.
"Yes. As I said, you and I have been though hell together. I don't want to cut you out of my life, but if you can't accept that Michelle and her kids are also a part, then I'll have to. Have you taken the opportunity to get to know her?" Mike asked.
"No." Tom said sheepishly.
"Well, she was raped when she was barely fifteen. It was the son of a family friend and her parents decided that they didn't want the hassle of an investigation, so they forced her to marry the man. She had Peter at fifteen, Holly at seventeen, Maggie at nineteen, and McKenna at twenty-three. Her husband beat on her. Practically tortured her. She miscarried two babies because of the beatings. She had no help and eventually worked the courage up to leave him. He terrorized her during the divorce, and made life hell even when they divorced. She put herself though school, got her real estate license, then did an online course for interior design. She is highly successful. So, while you've been busy judging her, you've not taken the time to know her story; just because she doesn't fit into your little stereotype. No, she isn't like Christine. She isn't a typical Navy wife, but I don't need that anymore. I won't be in the Navy. I just need a wife who will be there. Yes, we've moved fast; but I'm a big boy and she's a big girl. Its not like this is a decision made out of lust, like your relationship with Sasha." Mike pointed out.
"There's a lot more to our relationship then lust." Tom argued.
"Maybe now, but not initially. Just think about what I've said. Give Michelle a chance, because I am not going to change my mind. We will be getting married in two weeks, and I would love to have my best friend there, but if he chooses not to accept the woman I love, then he has no place." Mike said firmly. Just then the nurse came in to change bandages and Tom needed to leave.
"Alright." Tom said before he walked out the door.
"How about you get in touch and meet her for lunch or something? She may not be who you think. You should hear her out." Mike answered. Tom nodded and then left.