Lost Soul
Chapter 11
Mike wasn't sure what to do with Christine. She was remembering everything and Mike was beginning to worry she was going to become a danger to herself. He had an infant he was taking care of, a sick mother and two teenage daughters that he desperately needed to connect with. It was not a good situation and he was burning both ends of the candle. Thankfully, his mom, Kaitlyn and Hannah were good help with Josie. The baby girl was beginning to grow and thrive. At least her doctor's appointment had gone well.
Shockingly, Christine was still adamant about Mike sleeping next to her every night. He wasn't sure why due to the horrific things she was remembering but it seemed his presence was some sort of comfort to her. Despite some of her cruel remarks, it was him she reached for after the nightmares and flashbacks. Late one night, after a particularly bad one, Mike pulled Christine onto his chest and kissed the top of her head.
"Just breathe with me. In and out. Nice and steady." Mike told her.
"Its so hard, Mike. All I can remember is how bad it hurt. It never hurt like that when it was you and me. And I remember praying they didn't find the girls. I didn't want it to happen to them. I wanted them to know what it was like to be loved and cherished by a man." Christine sobbed into his chest.
"You kept the girls safe, Christine. I know what you went through was terrible, but the one thing you accomplished was keeping our babies safe." Mike said.
"Not Lucas, though." Christine said.
"That is not your fault." Mike insisted. Just then, Josie began crying and Mike was feeling conflicted.
"Go to her, Mike. Its alright. I understand." Christine said as she sat up. Mike also got up and went into the other bedroom to get the baby girl. He was surprised to see that Christine had followed him and reached for Josie. "Can I hold her?" Christine asked after Mike changed Josie's wet diaper.
"You can always hold her. I have to fix her a bottle anyways." Mike said. Christine sat down in the rocking chair and Mike handed Josie to her. Josie instantly calmed down in Christine's arms and even gave her a smile. Mike slipped out and fixed the needed bottle and when he walked back in; Christine was singing a lullaby to Josie, one she had always sang to their babies. "That brings memories back." Mike said. He handed her the bottle, which Josie immediately took.
"You know; I always wanted more kids. I just couldn't handle more while you were away." Christine remarked.
"I know. We both wanted a big family." Mike agreed.
"Its not too late, you know? I could still have a baby. Maybe a boy." Christine commented. Mike was surprised.
"Christine; I know its not too late, but with everything you've been through…" Mike said.
"I'm recovering well. I actually asked the doctor and he said it would be alright." Christine answered.
"And with the nightmares and flashbacks? Physically, you might be alright, but mentally? Is it something you would even want to do? I am just worried about you." Mike asked.
"I know. Maybe its something I need to do. I don't know. I just know; I want to be normal again and I want another baby. I want a normal marriage." Christine answered.
"Mom made a suggestion. She thought maybe you and I should date a little. Now that she's feeling better and you are back on your feet, what do you think?" Mike suggested.
"Oh, that would be so nice. We hadn't done that in years. I'm not even sure I would know how to act on a date, or what to wear." Christine said with a massive smile.
"We can figure all that out together and maybe the girls would help you? I bet they would enjoy it." Mike told her.
"Oh, I think so. I'm actually excited about this." Christine said. Josie had fallen asleep and after giving Mike a good burp, he settled her back down in the crib. Christine had stood up and surprised Mike with a gentle kiss on the lips, the first time they had kissed like that. It was tentative and slow, reminding Mike of the kisses when they were first dating many years before. "I'm glad I did remember how to do that." Christine said with a laugh.
"Maybe like riding a bike?" Mike suggested.
"Maybe. Let's go back to bed. Miss Josie didn't take her entire bottle, so she'll wake us back up soon." Christine said. She bent down and kissed Josie's head and smile back up at Mike.
"Yeah. She's good like that." Mike said. He guided Christine back to their bedroom and quickly; they settled back in. Christine quickly fell asleep with her head on Mike's chest. While she slept, Mike planned their 'date.' It would be wonderful for Christine.