Bitter
Chapter 24
Christine brought Hannah and the boys by after school that day and Mike enjoyed cuddling with the boys and giving Parker his trophy back. Hannah gave him a hug but she kept mostly quiet. Mike figured with her; he would have to really prove himself. The doctor was already talking about releasing Katie, but Mike's pain level was pretty high and he was running a slight fever in the evenings. Mike hoped he would be released before Hannah's upcoming birthday. She and the boys took Katie back to her room while Christine helped him shave, giving him an opportunity to bring up Hannah's birthday.
"Hey; Hannah's birthday is next week. I'm hoping I'll be released but I want to get her something special. Except, I don't know what. Was hoping you'd help?" Mike asked.
"Of course. I am redoing her bedroom. What'd you have in mind? It is her sixteenth; so kind of special." Christine asked.
"Not a clue. How is driving going with her?" Mike asked.
"I couldn't. It was not so easy with her. She's hard headed. Jed has tried too." Christine admitted with a laugh before she wiped the shaving cream off Mike's face.
"Maybe once I get back on my feet; I can try teaching her. I know Katie drives my truck when she wants to go somewhere, but with me being home permanently we will need to figure out vehicles." Mike remarked.
"Yeah; I think its time we buy a third vehicle but that is up to you. I spent as little as I could." Christine said.
"I know. Speaking of which; I noticed how much weight you've lost and you look great but you're wearing the same clothes as before?" Mike remarked.
"Yeah…after Liam was born I developed a thyroid issue. Its not uncommon and I'm okay but I could never lose the weight I gained when I was pregnant with him. I finally lost some of that weight. I just didn't want to spend the money for new clothes. Of course my pants really don't fit now though." Christine remarked.
"You never said?" Mike asked.
"I didn't figure it would matter to you. You have to admit, you made it pretty well known that you had stopped caring about me." Christine said.
"You're…right. I did. I am sorry. So…when things aren't so crazy; I want you to go get whatever you need…or want. Have Hannah help you maybe. Isn't she a bit of a clothes horse?" Mike asked.
"Oh, yes. She loves clothes." Christine said with a smile.
"Get what you need and want. The money is there. What I do ask is that you get at least one nice outfit to wear on a date. I don't care what and if you want more than one thing to choose from; that is fine. Just something nice." Mike said.
"You always liked it when I wore that dusty blue sweater." Christine remarked.
"Yeah; I remember that. I liked the color on you." Mike said with a smile.
"Maybe something in that same color? I always liked it too." Christine said.
"Whatever you want." Mike answered. Christine had finished putting the razor back in his kit and cleaned everything up. It was past time to take the kids home for the night. She leaned up and gave him a kiss on the forehead and smiled at him.
"No fever. That's good." Christine said.
"How could you tell?" Mike asked.
"I'm a mom. I check the kid's temperatures by kissing their foreheads. If I think they have a fever; I actually check the temperature but I can tell by how their skin feels. You're not so different." Christine answered with a laugh.
"Oh. Get some rest. Thank you." Mike said.
"Your welcome. You too. I would really like to bring you and Katie home at the same time." Christine said.
"I hope so. Although you might not want two patients at once and my nurse tells me I'm a terrible one." Mike teased.
"Just because you are trying to white knuckle it through the pain. I better get going. I promised the kids I would stay home tonight but I will be back in the morning. Tell the nurse if you need me, okay?" Christine asked.
"Will do." Mike said. Christine gave him another kiss on the cheek and was gone; leaving Mike to his own thoughts.