Learning to Live Again
Chapter 6
Mike and Bobby had developed a routine that worked for them, and Mike was thoroughly enjoying having a child back in his life. Even though Bobby was troubled and traumatized, he was a total joy. Mike was concerned that having Bobby there would remind him too much of his own kids, and there were times the emotions hit him, but it was a sweet reminder and Bobby was good at soothing his bad moods.
Late that same night, after Bobby had been tucked in, Mike was watching the news before going to bed. He wasn't shocked to see Tom's name come across his caller ID. He had stayed in touch with everyone from the crew and frequently visited when he could.
"Hey, hadn't heard from you in a couple days and was beginning to worry." Tom said.
"Just been busy. Farm work and I am fostering a little boy. He's eight and keeps me busy." Mike explained.
"Foster care? Mike, is that a good idea?" Tom asked.
"Uh…why wouldn't it be?" Mike retorted.
"Its just…you've lost a lot. What happens if the boy is taken back?" Tom pointed out.
"Well, his mom is dead, and his dad is in jail for extreme child abuse and drug possession. Family Services wants to terminate his rights and for me to adopt him." Mike said.
"And if it doesn't work out and the boy goes back? Mike, I don't mean to be cruel, but you've lost three kids. Can you stand to lose another? And besides, will Family Services allow you to?" Tom lectured.
"I didn't lose them! They died. Quit using euphuisms for death. They are not coming back, and I am tired of having no purpose. I've retired now. Why shouldn't I adopt him?" Mike argued.
"Mike, simmer down. I am just worried about you. What if he has other family that will want him? What if Family Services doesn't want a single man to adopt a little boy? I'm sure there are couples that could adopt him and give him more structure then you can. Unless of course, you have someone in mind?" Tom hinted. The entire crew was too concerned with Mike's love life, or lack thereof.
"Of course not." Mike answered.
"What you are doing is good. Its noble. I'm sure the little boy is thrilled, but I am only looking at your best interests. I don't think you can stand another loss." Tom said.
"Let me make that decision. If you had any clue how traumatized he was, you'd understand." Mike remarked.
"You always have to rescue the underdog, the downtrodden and the victims; you just don't see the effect it has on you." Tom accused.
"I see it, but I don't think it's a negative character trait." Mike said.
"So, what about being a single person household? Surely that will affect things?" Tom asked.
"I'm sure it will at some point, but I am not dating. I have a little boy to worry about. Dating takes a backseat." Mike answered.
"And if they insist? Anyone in mind?" Tom pressed on.
"No one that I would put a ring on." Mike answered.
"Mike, you may have to find someone to at least be serious with, or to pretend to be. Family Services is pretty serious about this family structure thing. I haven't heard of any single person being able to adopt a child since the Red Flu. You need a back-up plan to keep the boy if you are serious about adopting him. Just think about it, Mike." Tom begged. He did have a point, but there was no one that Mike would have burdened with his issue.
"I wouldn't even begin to know who though." Mike commented.
"Is there someone else that has an interest in the boy and wouldn't want him taken away?" Tom asked.
"Other than his teacher, no." Mike said.
"Is she available?" Tom prodded.
"She's single, as far as I know. But she and I didn't exactly hit it off, and she's ten years too young." Mike commented.
"Pre-Red Flu, age difference between a couple mattered. Now, not so much. String her along, if nothing else. It seems crude, but it would help you keep this little boy. Surely, she would understand in the end." Tom replied.
"That seems terrible." Mike said.
"It does. At worst, if it went so far; it would be a marriage of convenience. You wouldn't have to go into it with any real feelings, and once the adoption is through, you could file for divorce." Tom said.
"I would be playing with a young woman's emotions and Bobby's too." Mike responded. He could see Tom's logic, but it seemed like a horrible thing to do. But, of course, he was a horrible person.
"If she cares about Bobby, she might willingly do it. It would be the means to an end and would protect a little boy." Tom said.
"I don't even know why I'm even thinking about this. I don't even like Libby. She's gullible. Too young. I'm not even physically attracted to her." Mike said.
"You don't have to be if she knows the truth. You just have to act it out in public and maybe around Bobby. Just think about it, Mike. I know it seems cruel, but it could save you some heartbreak later." Tom said.
"Alright. Have a good night." Mike said before hanging up.
Mike's marriage to Christine had its flaws, but it had started out with love. They were both strong-willed and had their own ideas. Libby was her total opposite. Christine had been small and dainty. Libby was sturdy. Mike had never minded when Christine gained weight through pregnancies, because she always had it lost within three months of the birth. She would go back to a size two and kept her hair and make-up up. Mike was not a shallow person, but Libby's weight, appearance and just overall personality did nothing for Mike. He would never sleep with her, let alone marry her.
Bobby was sleeping soundly so Mike locked up and headed to bed himself. It would be a long day with someone that grated on his last nerve. He had only invited Libby along for Bobby, who seemed to thoroughly love his teacher. Surely, there was a better alternative to getting involved with a woman he loathed.
