Second Chances
Chapter 7
Mike didn't hesitate to put his retirement papers in, and would be given full benefits. Kaitlyn's insurance would be covered until she was twenty-five, and Mike was beginning to wonder if it would take that long to get her back to full health. The doctor had warned Mike she would be very susceptible to common colds and sure enough, she caught one and ended up in the hospital overnight with pneumonia.
Every bit of Mike's energy went into keeping Kaitlyn healthy and happy. Fortunately, Maddie understood and jumped in when she could. She was also retiring and seeking a job elsewhere. Mike didn't care about her working, but Maddie was independent. She was still maintaining her apartment, but was at Mike's every night. She just wasn't moving in. Maddie and Kaitlyn had developed a friendship and since Kaitlyn's health was so poor, the shopping for her room and clothes was all done online with Maddie's help. One evening, she walked in wearing a business suit, gave Mike a kiss and took her blazer off.
"How'd it go?" Mike asked as he poured her a drink. Kaitlyn was sleeping on the couch so they could talk a bit more freely.
"Not well. I don't understand why I am so unhirable. And my landlord called. My lease is up, and rent will increase." Maddie complained as she untucked her blouse.
"My offer still stands. I would love to have you here and Kaitlyn seems to like it. You could take your time finding the perfect job." Mike said.
"I just hate being so financially dependent on anyone." Maddie answered.
"You would be helping me a lot with Katie. I understand, but I am not so worried about it." Mike said before giving her a long kiss. "And I really don't mind these skirts of yours." Mike teased.
"I'll keep that in mind." Maddie said with a laugh. They kissed again, but Kaitlyn was moving around. "You take care of her. I'm gonna change clothes. Its flannel pajama pants now." Maddie said before walking to Mike's room. Mike helped Kaitlyn sit up and get her bearings.
"Good nap?" Mike asked.
"Yeah. I feel like I always sleep though." Kaitlyn said. Mike sat down next to her and put his arms around her.
"The day will come when you can do more. For now, you get to relax and enjoy. I will take care of everything." Mike told her.
"Dad, do you have any pictures of Mom, Hannah and Lucas? I'd really like one for my room." Kaitlyn asked.
"Yes. We'll look through some of them and you pick whatever one you'd like out." Mike promised.
"You know; when things got really bad…when I was beat…and other stuff…I would close my eyes and mom would be there. She would hold me and tell me you'd find me some day and once you did, you would take really good care of me and I would never have to be worried, scared, hungry or cold ever again. I know it sounds strange, but its what kept me going." Kaitlyn explained. Mike was fully aware of what had happened to Kaitlyn, even though she didn't like talking about it.
"I got hurt and I saw her too. And your brother and sister, even you. I was always terrified that if I did find me, you wouldn't be able to forgive me for leaving you. Maybe that still scares me. I am scared that because of everything that happened to you, you will decide to leave. Losing you like that would be even worse than to losing you to death. I would know you are out there and I couldn't see you or help you. With Hannah and Lucas, as much as I miss them and wish they were here, I know they are at peace. I wouldn't with you and that I couldn't handle." Mike said.
"Dad, I am not leaving like that. I promised Mom. She said one of those times, I had to forgive you and its not like it was hard. You were doing your job and you couldn't take me back on the ship. You couldn't have known what would have happened. It is not your fault." Kaitlyn told him. Mike didn't know what else to say, so he kissed the top of Kaitlyn's head and let her lay her head on his shoulder. Just then, Maddie came out of the bedroom area and settled on Mike's other side.
"One of us needs to fix dinner." Mike commented.
"I'm comfortable right here." Maddie answered. Kaitlyn just smiled at Mike.
"I guess I'll order something." Mike said as he grabbed his cellphone.
"Chinese food?" Kaitlyn asked, hopefully. She had been recently released from her dietary restrictions and was now it was only about putting weight on and her regaining her strength.
"Sounds good to me." Maddie agreed.
"Alright." Mike said. He was putty in their hands and they knew it…and he didn't mind either.