Stuck
Chapter 8
Mike's partner had rushed Christine to the hospital, but Mike was already in surgery by the time they got there, and because they weren't married; the doctors wouldn't even give her any information. She was scared. David stayed by her side and Mrs. Lang had brought her a sandwich. Even though, there was a language barrier between them, Christine was touched by the gesture.
Mike's parents arrived and were immediately called into a meeting with Mike's surgeon; which they didn't include Christine in on. Christine got the feeling that Paul would have but Mary Alice overruled it. Finally, Paul came out and sat down next to Christine. It didn't make her feel very good and David put an arm around her.
"First of all, Mike made it through the surgery. He's in rough shape but he's alive." Paul said.
"I would like to see him." Christine said.
"I understand that, but his visitors are limited and my wife feels it would be better if Mike wasn't troubled. She feels you should go home." Paul said.
"But…I wouldn't trouble him. I wouldn't even wake him up." Christine told him.
"I'm sure you wouldn't but Mary Alice is protective of Mike. He's our only child, you understand." Paul said.
"It might help Mike to know Christine had visited him. He was really concerned for her, after he was shot." David said.
"Maybe so, but Mary Alice is insistent. Could you get her back home?" Paul asked David.
"Sure…but I would like to see him if Christine can't." David said.
"Like I said, his visitors are limited. The next twenty-four hours are critical. Maybe tomorrow?" Paul suggested. Christine was having trouble controlling her emotions.
"Alright. We will be back at nine am. If anything happens; please call this number. I will make sure she is okay." David said as he handed a card over to Paul. Thankfully, Paul took it, stood up and left them.
"I just wanted to see Mike." Christine remarked.
"I understand but you were right not to argue. Once Mike wakes up, he will overrule his mother. Don't worry. Now, let's get you settled." David said as they both stood up.
"Its going to be hard to be at the apartment without Mike. I hate when he works overnights, but knowing he isn't going to slip in after his shift is hard." Christine remarked.
"Which is why you are going home with me. My wife won't mind and it will stop you from dwelling too much on Mike. We have five kids that will keep you occupied. First, let's go by and get you some clothes and some things for Mike to bring back tomorrow." David said.
"Oh, I hate to intrude." Christine told him.
"You won't be and I would feel better. Cynthia would too." David said. Christine followed him out to the vehicle he was driving and got in. He drove her to the apartment and she quickly packed a bag, while David packed some things for Mike. A half hour later; she walked into a busy suburban home and was greeted by David's wife; Cynthia. They had only met for about five minutes the month before, but Christine liked the other woman.
"Oh, Christine! Let's get you settled. Our oldest girl has her own room, so she's just moved in with her sisters for the next couple nights. I changed the sheets, but I hope you don't mind all the tween paraphernalia? Tamara at least keeps her room clean." Cynthia said. She had put an arm around Christine and was leading her upstairs.
"I hate to put anyone out." Christine said.
"You aren't. You shouldn't be alone. Besides, I really hate that you weren't able to see Mike. That was a rotten thing for his parents to do." Cynthia remarked. She'd let Christine into a bedroom, with a double sized bed, and white furniture. It was done in bright colors and made Christine smile. When she was younger, she had always wished for a bedroom like Tamara's.
"They love their son and think they are doing the right thing." Christine said.
"I suppose. Okay, unfortunately; you will have to share the bathroom. Its across the hall. Good luck. So, there is an extra blanket and pillow here in the closet. Do you need anything else?" Cynthia asked.
"No, this is good. Thank you so much." Christine said.
"You're welcome, honey. I'm going to go start supper; but you get settled in. Let me or David know if you need anything at all." Cynthia said as she left the room. Christine sat down on the bed and once she heard Cynthia talking to David downstairs, she started crying into her hands. What was she going to do if Mike died, or if his parents didn't allow her to see him? Their relationship might be flawed but she loved Mike and she would be destroyed if he didn't make it or their relationship was over.