The Secret
Chapter 28-Late July, 1994
Only six weeks into his marriage; and Mike was miserable. Christine hated Chicago, hated that he had very little money, hated that he worked constantly, hated that when he wasn't working; he was training for the Police Academy. She detested their tiny apartment and wouldn't even agree to getting a job. Of course, her being pregnant probably didn't help, but Mike was a little worried about that. She was never sick and had gained no weight despite being four months along, according to her. And he felt distanced from his parents, so he didn't even feel he could ask his mom about it. One night, he was getting home about eleven and found Christine watching TV when he walked in.
"Don't you have a doctor's appointment coming up? My boss said I could go with you." Mike asked as he settled next to her.
"No. I miscarried." Christine said. It was news to Mike.
"What? When did that happen? Shouldn't you have gone to the hospital or something?" Mike asked, instantly worried and a little heartbroken. He might be struggling with the whole marriage thing, but he had liked the idea of being a dad.
"Last week." Christine answered.
"Didn't you think it might be wise to tell me? I'm the baby's father!" Mike asked, trying to keep his temper in check.
"Well, if you were home more, you would have known." Christine said.
"I have been home in the last week and you just remembered to tell me that you miscarried? We've even had conversations about the baby!" Mike remarked.
"You had conversations. I just listened. Get a grip! We can wait now. Enjoy living in the city without a brat." Christine said. Mike could only throw his arms up in frustration.
"I'm going to take a shower." Mike said, needing some space from Christine. In the studio apartment; that was limited to the bathroom. He grabbed his clothes and supplies and locked the bathroom door behind him. It wasn't until the water was rolling down his body that he let the tears roll down his cheeks.
He had been getting excited about the baby. Had a mental list of names and had imagined what the baby might look like. He knew Christine was less than enthused about it, but thought that once she felt the baby kick she would feel differently. Now he was beginning to wonder about her honesty. And he had no idea what he was going to do. He couldn't just divorce her now that he had alienated himself from his own family. He was stuck now and he was going to do his best to at least make it a happy marriage. He just wished he had listened to his dad.
I know it was a short chapter; but it seemed like a good stopping point to me!