Star Pupil
Chapter 4-Christine
Mike had always been like a bull in a china closet, so to have him be so sweet and tender meant the world to Christine. Their marriage had been on the rocks before, but Mike and she loved one another. He had told her that someone was looking for a house for them, and for the first time in years, Christine had hope. Hope for her marriage, hope that her family would be alright, and hope that she wouldn't be beaten and raped every day. She was still terrified, but Mike gave her a sense of security and confidence.
Sleeping arrangements were tight, and Christine ended up sharing a bed with Aaron, Abby and Mike. She thought it would make her nervous, but it wasn't. Besides, the twins were between them. After they had gone to sleep, Christine reached over both of them and grasped Mike's hand. He gave her a sleepy smile in response but kept ahold of her hand. They both fell asleep holding hands.
The next day, Katelyn went with Tom to school. When she got into the Academy, Christine hoped they would be able to connect with Mike for the kids' sake. In her wildest dreams, she wouldn't have imagined him taking her back, after everything. Mike took the kids to school while Christine stayed with Sasha, going through their baby nursery to see if there was anything else Sasha would need. When Mike came back; he called for Christine. She walked down the stairs, where he was standing.
"Is everything okay?" Christine asked, instantly worried.
"Yeah. I noticed your wedding band and engagement ring was missing." Mike commented.
"Right. Brad took them." Christine answered, looking at her feet. She didn't notice Mike take a ring box out of his pocket until it appeared in her line of vision.
"For you. I figured that's what happened, and I wanted you to have rings back. They aren't your originals, but and they are nicer." Mike told her. He opened the box and Christine looked at him with tears in her eyes.
"They're beautiful, but Mike; I'm not sure that I deserve them. You know what I did." Christine said. Mike sat the box on the nearby table, and carefully wrapped his arms around her.
"You did nothing wrong. Nothing. You were held against your will, beaten and raped. It is not your fault." Mike whispered into her ear. Christine knew it was not normal, but she snuggled into Mike's chest and just listened to his heartbeat. It was a sound that had put her to sleep many nights and one she had missed.
"I've missed you so much. I was so scared, Mike. Had Katelyn not gotten into the Academy, I don't know what I would have done." Christine sobbed.
"You would have survived and you would have kept the kids together. We are going to be okay. They will be fine and you will be alright." Mike said as he rocked her back and forth. He finally pulled away and opened the box again. He then put both rings on her left ring finger and wiped the tears away on her face.
"I'm scared he's going to find us." Christine told Mike.
"I know. I am going to do my best to find him first. You will be safe." Mike promised. Christine patted his cheek and gave him a smile.
"So; Sasha begged me to fix supper tonight. Fried Chicken, mashed potatoes and all that. Your favorite." Christine said.
"That sounds good." Mike said.
"Will you peel potatoes for me, like before?" Christine asked.
"Of course." Mike answered. He followed her into the kitchen and they both went to work. For Christine, it was a relief and a return to the happier days of her marriages. Thank God for Katelyn being such a good student.