Looking Back
Chapter 5
Mike was finally able to get out of bed, but had to spend his time in his recliner. He hated being still, especially when there was a yard to mow, a leaky pipe and kids that needed played with. And Christine was kind of a tyrant where his recovery was concerned. She meant well and he knew it; but it had led to both of them raising their voices a time or two. The little fights never lasted long, and for a change, Mike usually gave in, not wanting to upset his wife. Their anniversary was coming up, and Mike wanted it to be special, so he called his two older daughters into the living room one morning while Christine drove Henry and Rebecca to school.
"Your mom and I have an anniversary coming up and I want to do something special for her. Problem is, I am housebound. I need help. Would you girls be willing to set some sort of dinner up?" Mike asked the two girls.
"Sure." Kaitlyn answered. Mike could tell his daughter was already planning a menu, decorations and clothes.
"Nothing too fancy. Maybe in the back yard since its warming up." Mike told them.
"Are you going to get her a present?" Hannah asked.
"Yeah, and I haven't figured out how or what." Mike answered.
"Dad, there's this thing called the internet. Most every store has a website and you can order things. All you need is a debit card." Hannah said with a huge grin. She teased him unmercifully and he wouldn't change a thing. He gave as good as he got.
"You're not willing to help me pick something out?" Mike asked.
"I'm totally willing, but it needs to be something from you for Mom. She has mentioned a few times, wanting an anniversary band for her rings." Hannah commented.
"I'll see what I can find. I may need you to pick me up some flowers, though." Mike commented.
"I can do that." Hannah agreed. She bent over and kissed Mike's cheek before heading into her bedroom to study.
"Don't worry about a thing, Dad. We'll take care of everything." Kaitlyn said. She handed him his tablet to look for gifts before going into the kitchen to get something to drink. Instead of looking for gifts, Mike looked out the window, remembering when he realized that he would marry Christine.
Mike had lived at the group home long enough to know what happened once kids turned eighteen. They were handed their diploma and told to leave with the clothes on their backs. It was his turn, but he wasn't worried about himself. He was going into the Navy. He was worried about Christine, because she still had two years left and was extremely pretty. God only knew what would happen. He walked into Mrs. Davis' office to get the diploma and his important paperwork and to discuss Christine.
"Mrs. Davis, what will happen with Christine once I leave?" Mike asked.
"I'm not sure. You are the only one she has bonded with. It is going to be rough for her." Mrs. Davis said.
"And when she turns eighteen?" Mike asked.
"I'm sorry. I don't agree with the system, but it is what it is. When the time comes, I'll see if I can find her something to do for a while." Mrs. Davis offered.
"She can't work at a normal job." Mike objected.
"I know." Mrs. Davis said, regretfully.
"Could I…in the Navy; I'd have housing and healthcare. Could I move her in with me?" Mike asked.
"You could, but I'm certain you'd have to marry her or make her your dependent somehow." Mrs. Davis answered.
"I'll do that! I know the state won't let me marry her now since she's only sixteen, but once she's of age, I'll come back and get her." Mike said.
"Mike; a marriage…what you're suggesting is a marriage of convenience. I'm certain you love Christine and she obviously loves you, but a marriage should be built on something more then what you have." Mrs. Davis said as she stood up.
"I'll figure all that out." Mike answered as he took his diploma and other papers.
"Just make sure its something you really want. Maybe in the next two years, date a little and get to know some other girls. You have a pretty limited experience. Just really make sure this is what you want." Mrs. Davis advised.
"Yes, ma'am." Mike said before leaving the office.
Mike smiled at the memory, because it had taken more then two years to figure out that he really loved Christine. Maybe doing what he did was not the best for their relationship, but they had a healthy and happy relationship now. Not many couples were as lucky as them. Just as Christine's SUV pulled into the driveway, he realized after so many years, his heart still skipped a beat when he saw her. Not many couples that had been married for so many years were as lucky.
I know I skipped forward in their childhood quite a bit and I might go backwards at some point. Just seemed like a good memory for this chapter.