Bitter
Chapter 22
Mike must have fallen asleep at some point because when he woke up next; it was getting dark out and the clock on the wall said eight pm. He raised up, disappointed that Christine hadn't brought Katie to see him when he realized that she was sitting next to his bed. Christine was nowhere around.
"Mom had to go home for a few hours and the nurse said I could sit here with you. I just can't stand up alone yet so if you need anything, we'll have to page the nurse." Katie said.
"I'm okay. Happy to see you." Mike answered.
"Dad…you shouldn't have done this. I know it will end your career. It wasn't worth it." Katie said.
"It was to me." Mike told her.
"You were willing to ruin your career after choosing it over your family for years? Doesn't make sense." Katie asked. That was painful but Mike knew he deserved it.
"Its time. I'm tired and I wanted to come home." Mike said.
"All you ever had to do was come home. You didn't need to donate a kidney to make that happen." Katie replied.
"I suppose not." Mike agreed.
"Dad…we love you. That didn't change and it won't. Mom would take you back in a heartbeat and honestly; it was really her that you hurt the most. But you are gonna have to work for it. We never asked for a kidney or for you to give up your career. We just wanted you." Katie continued.
"I have no idea how to make it up to her." Mike admitted.
"I know you and she got married because of her being pregnant with me and it is probably better if you hadn't. You've both made mistakes and errors in judgement. Instead of rehashing all that; take her out on a date when you can. Do something nice for her. Do you realize that she lost fifty pounds last year? She thought…maybe it might attract you? Except she wears the same clothes she wore before. She doesn't want to spend the money. You might have built a marriage on shaky ground but you can rebuild it. Once I get back on my feet; I'll help with the boys and if Hannah knows that you are actually going to take care of Mom; she'll help." Katie said.
"But will she let me?" Mike asked.
"Probably not initially. You are going to have to earn her trust again and it won't be easy." Katie warned.
"Why'd she have to go home anyways?" Mike asked.
"Parker got in a fight in school." Katie said.
"Parker is six years old!" Mike exclaimed.
"Parker needs his dad at home. He can be a bit much for Mom at times. She kind of feels inadequate where he's concerned. And he doesn't know about his biological mom." Katie remarked.
"Little wild?" Mike asked.
"Little hyper and Mom isn't so young anymore. And he leads Liam into trouble." Katie said.
"And I can help with that?" Mike said.
"It can't hurt. Dad, the boys barely know you. Now; visiting hours is over and I'm tired. Mom might check back in with you but I'm gonna head back to my room. Get some rest." Katie said. It surprised Mike when she stood up slowly and then gave him a kiss on the cheek. "And Dad; thank you. I love you." Katie said.
"I love you too, sweetie. And again; you are worth it. Always." Mike told her. He gave her a kiss on the forehead before she sat back down in her wheelchair and rolled herself back out. He was a bit jealous that she was already out of her bed but glad to see her doing well.