Together
Chapter 9
A month later; Mike knew Christine was still in the 'honeymoon phase.' He had gone back to work and was working twelve hour shifts. With his grandmother's help; Christine was learning a few basic dishes, and she took great pride in having a hot dinner on the table when he got home. It might be pancakes or spaghetti but she was trying really hard. One Friday night; he arrived home a little early, to find Christine looking a recipe in complete confusion.
"You're home early and I haven't even started supper." Christine said in a worried tone. Mike kissed her and smiled at his very clean apartment.
"Its alright. We got off early due to it being a Friday. I was thinking about ordering a pizza?" Mike asked, wanting to give Christine a break.
"Perfect. I went with your grandma to the hospital for that charity she works with. So many sick babies." Christine said.
"I bet." Mike answered after grabbing a beer out of the fridge. He would have to go buy more, because due to her age; Christine couldn't.
"It was really interesting. I just think I should be doing something instead of sitting in the apartment all day. Your mother was out and about too. She asked me if I was pregnant yet." Christine remarked.
"What'd you tell her?" Mike asked. It had come up in a conversation with his dad too.
"Grammy told her it was probably too early to tell. I didn't tell her that we were waiting." Christine answered.
"If you want a baby now; we can have one, but I would really like to have a bigger apartment first and a better job. The police academy is going to test again next month." Mike remarked.
"Are you going to test?" Christine asked. Mike had sat down at the table and was looking over their mail.
"I would like to, but it might be an exercise in futility." Mike remarked.
"You know; my Uncle Jimmy? He was at the wedding. He's with the police. I think he works with the Academy some too. I could call him." Christine suggested. Before Mike would have nixed the idea, but it might be his only chance.
"Up to you. I would really like to be a cop, but due to my family; it probably won't happen." Mike admitted.
"I'll call him tomorrow. Do you want me to call in for a pizza?" Christine asked.
"Yeah. I need to go to the corner store too. I'll change clothes real quick." Mike answered. He stood up and gave Christine a long kiss before going to the bathroom. They might not have had a traditional courtship and there was no love involved, but he felt better having her support. With that, anything might be possible, despite their families. He just hoped they could hold off on having kids. More than having a better job and bigger apartment; he wanted to have a proper marriage; complete with love and devotion. He just wasn't there yet.