Stuck
Chapter 5
Mike could tell that Christine was a bit overwhelmed at the gallery opening, so he kept her beside him. She exchanged pleasantries with everyone; but for the most part, she kept quiet. Finally, after several of the photographs sold; Mike and Christine left. He would pick up the leftover photos after a few days in case anymore sold, and pick up the check at the same time. In the meantime; he needed to figure out what was going on with his girlfriend. As soon as they walked into the apartment, Christine took her heels off and turned for Mike to unzip the dress she was wearing.
"You look really nice tonight." Mike said as he unzipped the dress and kissed the back of her neck.
"Thanks." Christine answered. She started for the bathroom, but Mike caught her arm.
"You okay? You've been off for a few days." Mike asked. Christine turned to face him and crossed her arms across her chest.
"I'm fine." Christine answered.
"Don't lie to me. You can do about anything else, but don't lie. What is going on? Your parents?" Mike asked.
"I…don't fit in here. I've never been out of Chicago. Not to Europe or a farm…I don't know how to act at these gallery openings. I feel like I can only do one thing well…and I'm not even sure about that." Christine said. Her eyes were glittering with tears and Mike felt badly.
"What do you think you do well?" Mike asked; wanting to cover all bases.
"Sex, and I'm not even sure about that." Christine admitted. Mike took her arm a bit more gently and led her to the couch. They both sat down and he put his arm around her.
"You do that part very well. No need to stress. As for the other; not a lot of people have been to Europe, and a lot of people don't like farms. You might not. I want to see you experience those things for the first time. Good or bad." Mike assured her.
"And how will your parents react to me? You said yourself they are not happy with our arrangement." Christine asked.
"No, they aren't thrilled that we are living together before marriage but they also know you have nowhere else to go." Mike explained.
"What happens if you and I…split up?" Christine asked.
"I can't see that happening but if so, I would make sure you were taken care of. You don't need to go back to your parents. I want you here with me; and I don't care about you not ever going to Europe or a farm. I hate those gallery openings, but I do enjoy taking pictures and I like watching people's reactions to them. If you are uncomfortable going to things like that, I get it. You don't have to. I just wanted to show my girlfriend off a bit. You were the most beautiful woman in the room." Mike said.
"I felt…like I didn't know how to talk to people." Christine said.
"You did fine. I find those people rather boring anyways. Now; do you feel better? I love you, and please don't forget it." Mike said.
"I love you too. I was just afraid…all the differences would be too much for us." Christine said.
"You don't need to worry about all that. Next weekend, you'll meet my parents and then we will probably start talking about making our 'arrangement' a bit more permanent." Mike said.
"Is that something you want?" Christine asked.
"Yes." Mike answered simply. He had pulled Christine onto his chest and kissed her forehead.
"I was beginning to think you just wanted to keep me around for sex." Christine remarked.
"The sex is great but I also enjoy the conversation. The way you make me laugh. How you make me feel after a long stressful day at work. How, even when its not in your comfort zone, you try. While the sex is an important part of a relationship; its that other stuff that really matters." Mike said.
"You make me feel safe. I watch the clock until you get home and I dread you leaving again. I know your job is dangerous, but more than that; I just hate you not being here." Christine said.
"Are you scared your parents will show up?" Mike asked.
"A little." Christine admitted.
"It's a secure building and you don't leave here when I'm not here. All I have to do is tell security to keep an eye on the apartment when I'm not here. You are safe." Mike assured her.
"My mom and dad are resourceful." Christine remarked.
"And that won't help them. Seriously, they have not made an attempt to contact you all this time. My guess is; as painful as this is, you are an adult now so they can't get money from welfare for you. Work is a foreign concept to them, so you are of no use to them." Mike said.
"Ouch." Christine remarked.
"Hey; I don't feel that way." Mike said. He gave her another kiss and cuddled her close.
"I know. Truth is; I knew that about my parents. Its just hard to hear." Christine said.
"Its okay to still be hopeful things will change. That they will start being normal and love you like normal parents would. Its okay to still love them, but it is not okay for them to continue to abuse you. You cannot allow that to continue. I don't care if you stay in touch with them, and visit them, but I do want you to be careful. I don't want you hurt because I do love you." Mike commented.
"I think that's what I miss most. I just want normal parents. Ones I could meet for lunch and visit on a Sunday afternoon." Christine remarked.
"I know, sweetie." Mike said.
"I am tired. Can we just go to bed?" Christine asked.
"To sleep?" Mike asked.
"Yeah. I suppose we could do the other if you want, but I am just exhausted." Christine admitted.
"How about I draw you a bath and you relax for a bit and then we'll lay down?" Mike suggested.
"That sounds really nice. I love you." Christine said before giving him a long kiss. They both stood up and he headed for the bathroom. She went to get her pajamas while he drew the bath. Mike was glad that they were able to get to the root of the problem, even if he couldn't help Christine with her parents.