Lost Soul
Chapter 9
The trip home was rough for Christine, but Mike could tell that she was relieved when they pulled into the driveway. Mike would need to help her up the steps, but he also needed to get Josie out of the back seat. As had become his norm, he felt conflicted. Hannah must have sensed his turmoil, because she touched his shoulder. "Dad; I'll get Josie. Mom has trouble balancing so it would be better if you helped her." Hannah told him and Mike nodded.
"Thanks, honey." Mike answered. It was a process getting Christine out, and by the time he was up the porch steps with her, Hannah was inside with the baby. He had hoped for a better introduction to the remaining members of his family for Josie, but there was little he could do about it. When he helped Christine in; his mom was sitting in her recliner with Josie in her arms and Kaitlyn was kneeling next to her, making faces at Josie. Mike helped Christine to the couch and turned to his mother and oldest daughter.
"She's so cute!" Kaitlyn gushed. It was a much better reaction then he had hoped for.
"Where'd Hannah go?" Mike asked.
"Bathroom. Kaitlyn; why don't you say hi to your mom? There's plenty of opportunities to play with Josie later." Elizabeth suggested.
"Yes, ma'am." Kaitlyn said. She jumped up and sat down next to her mom, giving her a hug. Christine hugged her back, but was so tired that she didn't say much.
"Christine, do you want to go to bed?" Mike asked.
"Yeah. Sorry. Just so tired." Christine admitted.
"Its okay. Mike; you lay down with her too. I've got this beautiful baby girl and Hannah brought her diaper bag in." Elizabeth insisted.
"But you just had surgery too." Mike argued.
"I did, and Kaitlyn is dying to help. We'll be okay." Elizabeth told him firmly.
"I'll help with her. I help with the babies at church a lot. Although, not one so young." Kaitlyn admitted.
"Alright." Mike agreed. He leaned down and kissed the top of Kaitlyn's head and his mom's cheek. Josie was giving all kinds of smiles and was completely happy. Hannah had come back in and was helping Christine up.
"Dad, if its okay; I'll help you get Mama settled, and then I may lay down myself. I'm beat." Hannah said.
"Of course." Mike said. He and Hannah helped Christine into the bedroom and Hannah helped Christine to the bathroom and into her nightgown while Mike retrieved her pain medicine, a glass of milk, and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Christine ate, took her medication and quickly laid down.
"Mike; please?" Christine asked with an outstretched hand.
"Let me go check on Mom, Kaitlyn and Josie real quick. I'll be right back, I promise." Mike said.
"You said that before you went to the Arctic." Christine recalled. He was a little surprised, but Hannah tapped his arm.
"Dad, just go. She'll be alright. I'll stay with her until you get back. I think she's just a bit disoriented." Hannah said. Hannah sat down next to Christine and patted her arm.
"Thanks, honey. I'll be right back, Babe. I promise." Mike said as he kissed Christine's forehead.
Mike stepped into the living room where Kaitlyn was now holding Josie. His mom was going to sleep and so Mike made sure Kaitlyn knew to wake him up if she needed anything. Josie seemed completely happy with Kaitlyn and while Mike had his reservations, he decided to trust that Kaitlyn would not hurt Josie. He went back in and relieved Hannah. After giving her a kiss on the cheek, Mike changed into his pajamas and settled next to Christine. She wrapped her arms around him and was quickly asleep. He could only hope she'd feel better once she woke up so he didn't feel so overwhelmed.