Lost Soul
Chapter 6
Christine's recovery was tough, but she seemed to be doing well. She was strong and had already walked around. It eased Mike's nerves, but he was having another issue that would break her heart. The year before, knowing that retirement was nearing, Mike had gotten involved with a woman that he couldn't stand. He was serious about moving on with Christine, but it was before he knew she was alive. He and Cheryl mixed like oil and water, and she was very selfish. A week before, she had called him and told him she was pregnant with his baby and she didn't want her.
The foster care system was still bad, and as much as Mike didn't want a connection with Cheryl, he didn't want any child in a bad situation, let alone his own. He was in a terrible predicament. Of course, he would have a paternity test done on the baby, but he already knew the answer to the question. He just didn't know how to tell Christine. And with her being in such pain, it wouldn't be easy. And he would have to do it sooner, rather then later. Cheryl had called him and told him she had had the baby, and she was currently at the same hospital as Christine. He had no choice, he had to talk to Christine. The chances of Cheryl showing up was too high. Hannah went to the cafeteria to get them all sandwiches and Christine was feeling good. Mike took the opportunity to try and explain.
"Christine, I…need to explain something." Mike started.
"What's that?" Christine asked. Mike looked at her for a moment, stood up and stood by her bed.
"About a year ago, I was lonely and I thought you were dead. It was all a mistake but I got involved with a woman named Cheryl. I cut things off several months ago, but she called me last week to tell me she was pregnant with my baby, and that she would not keep it. Then she called me yesterday that she had had the baby, and if I didn't claim her, she would go into the foster care system. I am so sorry, honey. And I don't know what to do." Mike admitted. He could see the heartbreak on Christine's face and put his hand over her's. She jerked away.
"Why wouldn't she want the baby?" Christine asked.
"Because she is completely selfish. I swear, I didn't know; and once I did, I didn't know how to handle it." Mike told her.
"The baby is innocent, Mike. You know what you have to do." Christine told him. She was obviously upset, and Mike took her hand in his own. This time, she didn't jerk away.
"Are you okay?" Mike asked.
"No, but I can understand how you got to this point. You thought I was dead. The only thing I have to say is, I would have wanted you to be happy. I get the impression you weren't with her." Christine stated.
"I wasn't." Mike answered.
"Well, you need to go get that baby. I'll figure out a way to explain it to Hannah. I think she'll understand. Kaitlyn, maybe less so, and your mom might be a bit aggravated." Christine said.
"As luck would have it, she's at this hospital." Mike told her.
"Good. Least you won't be far away. Go get the baby, and we'll figure things out." Christine answered. Mike leaned down and gave her a kiss on the forehead.
"I love you." Mike told her.
"I love you too." Christine answered. He could tell she was hurting and there would be some mistrust, but she was thinking like a mother. He texted Cheryl to let her know he was on his way, and was let into the maternity ward immediately. A social worker and nurse met with him, and walked him to the nursery.
"Miss Garrison has already signed over her rights. She identified you as the baby's father and so, you can take or leave her." The social worker, Sondra explained.
"Is the baby okay?" Mike asked.
"Yes. She's very small, but Miss Garrison did not do any prenatal care. She's only five pounds, four ounces, but everything is checking out okay." The nurse, Lucy explained.
"What's her name?" Mike asked.
"That is up to you. She hasn't been named." Sondra said.
"Would you like to hold her?" Lucy asked. She indicated a handwashing station and Mike immediately began washing his hands.
"Sure." Mike answered. Lucy went into the nursery to get the baby and Mike turned back to Sondra. "When I take this baby, I want no chance of Cheryl showing up and taking her later. I will not let my family get attached to her only to lose her." Mike said.
"She's signed off her rights. If she was to return, she'd have no standing." Sondra answered as she filled out paperwork for Mike to sign.
"Good." Mike answered.
"I do need a name for her and I also need you to sign for the birth certificate." Sondra told him. Mike had always been horrible at picking baby names. He had always had months to think about it, and usually went with Christine's suggestion. Now, he had minutes and no Christine to help him.
"I am no good at this. Maybe…Josie Elizabeth?" Mike said.
"I like that. It's a good name. Josie Elizabeth Slattery?" Sondra asked and Mike nodded. Just then, Lucy appeared with the tiniest baby. She was wrapped in a pink blanket and had a little pink hat on. Mike carefully took her and smiled.
"I changed her diaper and she just ate and burped. Here's a diaper bags with some supplies, but you'll need a lot more. I also have a car seat for you." Lucy explained.
"Does she have another onesie?" Mike asked.
"No. The hospital only allows us to give the one. But let me see if I can find something." Lucy said before walking away. Sondra put a folder with paperwork in the bag after Mike signed it and they waited.
"Did Cheryl want to see her?" Mike asked.
"No. She's already left. Wants no part of Josie." Sondra said.
"Oh." Mike said, not knowing what else to say. Josie was awake and looking around. Just then Lucy reappeared with an outfit.
"Miss Garrison's roommate was very distressed by this situation, and she also had a baby girl. Like all good mom's, she brought several outfits for her baby, so here you go." Lucy explained. She tucked the outfit in the bag and tickled Josie's belly.
"Please tell her thank you. Is there anything health wise I need to be aware of?" Mike asked.
"Other than the small size, no. Included in is formula and two bottles. She was doing well on that brand and eating every two hours. She is a really good baby. Barely cries." Lucy explained.
"Good, thank you both." Mike said.
"You're welcome. Good luck. Take care of this sweet girl." Sondra said. Mike nodded in response. Lucy helped him get Josie settled in the car seat and he headed back to Christine's room carrying it and the diaper bag with all of Josie's possessions. As soon as he walked in, he could tell both Hannah and Christine had been crying, but both gave him a smile. He sat the car seat down and wasn't sure what else to do.
"Well, get her out of that thing and let me see her. I'd like to hold her." Christine insisted.
"What's her name?" Hannah asked.
"Josie Elizabeth. I had to come up with something fast." Mike said. He took Josie out of the car seat and handed her to Christine.
"Its cute. She's so small." Christine commented. Josie had snuggled up close and was looking Christine over.
"Yeah, no prenatal care. She's only five pounds, four ounces." Mike said. He could tell that impacted Christine because she cuddled Josie even closer.
"Poor thing. We'll get you straightened out quick." Christine told Josie.
"I am going to have to get her some things. Hannah, do you want to help?" Mike asked.
"Sure." Hannah said. Mike could tell she was less then thrilled with Josie, but Hannah was accepting. It was Kaitlyn Mike was worried about.
"The nurse won't let me keep her here or I would. But, spoil her. She's a sweetie." Christine insisted. Mike could tell she was already getting attached.
"Yes, ma'am. Do you need anything?" Mike asked.
"Maybe some warm socks?" Christine asked as she handed Josie back over. Josie was clearly not happy with that, because she made a soft, whining noise.
"Of course." Mike answered. He settled Josie back into her car seat, and leaned down and gave Christine a kiss. At least Christine was receptive, regardless of how much pain she was in.
"I love you both. While your gone, I'm going to take a nap." Christine said.
"Love you too. Do you want us to come back today?" Mike asked.
"Yeah. Hannah, remember what I said." Christine said and Hannah nodded.
"Yes, Mama." Hannah answered before giving Christine a kiss on the cheek. She followed Mike out of Christine's hospital room, and never said another word to Mike until they got to the store. He could tell she was upset, but there was nothing for him to do other then be there for her.