Shadows of the Past
Chapter 18
The closer they got to the farm; the more Mike's mood deteriorated. It worried Christine, but she also knew it was a defense mechanism. As long as he treated his parents and their kids okay, she would take whatever he dished out. She also suspected he was in more pain than he cared to admit, and the long road trip wasn't helping. He was making more stops, trying to put off arriving and on the third trip through the gas station; when the tank was only half empty, Christine decided to mention it.
"I get not letting the gas get down to the fumes, but we had enough to get a bit further." Christine remarked.
"I needed to go to the bathroom too." Mike said.
"I see. Or you are putting off seeing the kids." Christine commented.
"I'm…scared. They may not want me around." Mike admitted. It was uncharacteristic of him, but it was a sign of vulnerability.
"Mike; there are going to be some rough comments, probably mostly from Hannah, but those kids have missed you. Will it be all sunshine and roses? No. But it will be worth it." Christine explained.
"I'm just not sure I am strong enough." Mike said quietly.
"So, lean on me…or let the kids see that you are less than okay. There is nothing saying you have to be strong all the time." Christine suggested.
"Easy for you to say." Mike argued.
"It is because I know my kids and I know that we taught them to be compassionate. I ingrained that into them and will demand it of them." Christine remarked.
"They may see it differently." Mike said. The tone of his voice made Christine realize that he was giving up. It would only take one off comment and he would leave once they got there. It could anger her, but it honestly worried her because she was beginning to wonder if Mike would take his own life.
"Mike…please. Just know that you are loved by a lot of people. Please don't give up." Christine said.
"It just hurts so bad." Mike admitted.
"I know." Christine told him. She reached over and patted his arm. She would spend the rest of the trip praying that the kids would welcome Mike with open arms. She made the decision that maybe a surprise wasn't such a good idea; so she texted Katie.
"Okay, here's the deal. Dad and I are coming home and will be there in a few hours, but he is not in a good place. I know you all maybe angry with him, but please don't display that right now. Welcome him. Hug him. I know its hard, but there is a possibility that we'll lose him completely if you all don't. Can you pass it along to the others, and your grandparents?" Christine texted. A moment later her phone alerted her to another message.
"Already taken care of. We will be on our best behavior. Nana is asking if you'll be here for dinner?" Katie asked.
"Should be. He's in some physical pain so we are having to stop more frequently, but I figure we'll be there about 4:30." Christine answered.
"Okay. Love you." Katie said.
"I love you too, honey; and so does your dad." Christine told her.
Mike stayed quiet throughout the rest of drive, but she could also tell that the driving was wearing him down, and they did stop frequently so he could stretch out. It added hours to the drive but they finally pulled into the farm a little before five. Mike stared at the house for a moment before opening the door.
"Mike; remember what I said. We all love you." Christine told him and he nodded. Just then, the door opened and the kids started streaming out. As she instructed, they were all hugging Mike, even Hannah. Paul and Mary Alice were particularly emotional, but they had began to wonder if they would ever see their only son ever again.
"I fixed all your favorites for supper. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes with lumps, white gravy, creamy corn, rolls, and an apple pie for dessert." Mary Alice said as she fussed over Mike.
"How did you know I was coming?" Mike asked.
"I texted Katie." Christine spoke up. Mike gave her a look but nodded in response. The twins and Rebecca were all vying for his attention, and the older girls were patiently waiting their turn, and Christine could tell Mike was getting a bit overwhelmed, but he was trying. That was better than just dropping her off and she would accept it.