Together
Chapter 15
Katie was a beautiful and happy baby. If she was confused by her circumstance, Christine would have never known. And seeing Mike with her was so sweet. It was like they had immediately bonded. It was a bit harder for Christine but she quickly began loving Katie. Seeing her and Mike though, made Christine wonder if she was ever able to have a baby; if Mike would love her.
One day; after her notice was up at work and she was a 'stay-at-home mom,' Christine watched Katie playing on the floor with her blocks. Mike was working a day-shift, but if there was a chance for overtime, he would take it. Christine knew money was tight and she really needed to see the doctor.
Her periods had always been rough, but they had gotten worse in the past year and she knew something was wrong. There was just no money for the co-pay, but the cramping and bleeding was bad. Finally, she called Grandma Hannah and explained what was going on. A half-hour later, Grammy was at the door.
"You, young lady, need to see a doctor. Go to the Emergency Room." Grandma Hannah said.
"I'm fine. I just called because I needed to vent." Christine said.
"And I have been a woman for all my life. You could be in serious trouble. Go. I will call Michael." Grandma Hannah answered. Christine gave up out of exhaustion.
"Alright. Katie just went to sleep. She'll sleep until about two and she's started liking some of the peach baby food. She hums when I feed her." Christine said with a smile.
"Good for her. Now go. I'll tell Mike to go to General." Grandma Hannah answered. She basically pushed Christine out of the apartment. Christine rode the El to the hospital, and was shocked to see Mike there when she got there.
"This is not that big of a deal." Christine said.
"Grammy isn't known for hysterics, so her concern was genuine. I also know you were hurting pretty bad this morning, so lets get this figured out." Mike said.
Christine was admitted shockingly fast and after and examination and a ultrasound, she was waiting for a doctor to see her. Mike was by her side. She still wasn't convinced it was a big deal. Her mom had never talked much about 'female issues.' Finally, the doctor that had doen the examination walked in.
"Alright. We've figured out what's going on. Christine; have you ever heard of Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome?" Dr. McKenzie asked.
"One of my cousins has it." Christine replied.
"I don't know what it is." Mike answered.
"Okay; well, basically; Christine's body produces too much of a hormone and it can create cysts in some patients. It has in her case; and one of those have ruptured. The ultrasound confirmed that there are several more that we need to take care of, surgically. Once that is dealt with; we will start her on certain hormones to balance things out." Dr. McKenzie explained.
"That's why I couldn't get pregnant." Christine said.
"Its…not impossible, but it is going to be possibly difficult for you to have children. Of course; once we get this dealt with and you find a happy median with the hormones, you maybe able to conceive." Dr. McKenzie said. Christine was surprised when she burst into tears. She had suspected of course, but hearing it hurt more than she thought possible. Mike pulled her into a hug and kissed the top of her head.
"Hey, she said its not impossible. It'll all be fine. Let's get this surgery out of the way and get you those meds." Mike said.
"Yes. That will be our first step. I'll get the OR prepped." Dr. McKenzie answered. She patted Christine's hand. As soon as she left the room; Christine began crying again. Mike just held her. A few minutes later, the nurses arrived to take her to the OR. Christine was scared and worried, when she spoke up.
"Mike…I love you. I know you don't love me, but I just wanted to say…" Christine said quietly and Mike kissed her forehead.
"Take care." Mike said simply. She knew it was the best she would get but she still smiled.
"We need to go." One of the nurses said, and Christine nodded before they began rolling her away.
Christine woke up an hour later in incredible pain, but within just a bit; she was put in a room to recover. She'd be able to go home that day. What surprised her though was that Mike was not there, but her mother was. She groaned when she came into view.
"Ah, you're awake." Marie said.
"Mom? Where's Mike?" Christine asked.
"He went to get the baby and relieve his grandmother. You know; you are so close to ruining it all." Marie said.
"What?" Christine asked groggily.
"This whole thing. It's a partnership. You are mistaking romance for business. This was a business venture. We provided the transport for the Slattery family's…items. You and Mike were just…pawns. But, you are messing it all up." Marie told her.
"I have no idea what you are talking about. I was told to obey Mike. I have done that. I was told to sleep with him whenever he wanted. I've done that. I've even enjoyed it, shockingly. And now, we have a baby to raise. I quit my job to do it and I don't mind it." Christine answered.
"Ah, yes. A baby. From someone else. Since you are failing as a wife and a woman." Marie said. Christine had had enough. She hit her call button and a moment later; a nurse stepped in.
"Yes, ma'am?" The nurse said.
"This is my mother, but I do not want her here. If security refuses to escort her out, my husband will when he gets back, but I do not need her in here with me." Christine said and the nurse nodded.
"You little bitch." Marie said.
"Maybe, but I am not your possession any longer. You made it clear when Mike and I married that I was his possession, so I will just resign myself to that. Now get out!" Christine yelled. The nurse indicated for Marie to follow her out. As soon as they were out, Christine began crying. It was not something she ever thought she would do. She had been raised to respect her parents. A few minutes later; Mike walked in, carrying Katie.
"You okay? Your mom caught me at the elevators and then the nurse explained everything." Mike asked. Katie gurgled happily, reaching for Christine.
"Yeah. It had to be done. Let me have her." Christine answered. Mike gently laid Katie down in Christine's arms and kissed Christine's forehead.
"I'm proud of you, but I am still worried about you. It was a huge step." Mike said. Katie had cuddled up and was smiling at Christine.
"Ma-ma." Katie said with a smile. It was too much for Christine because she began crying again, and Mike began trying to sooth her. Katie; not understanding what was happening; gave Christine one of her sloppy kisses. Christine smiled through her tears and nodded at Mike. She would be okay in time. It would just be awhile. At least she had Mike and Katie.