Bitter

Chapter 28

Mike felt like he wasn't doing anything and everything was on Christine. He could see that she struggled at times and was worried about her health. Katie had told him that the doctor was watching an area in Christine's throat and even he could see a growth. It made him feel horribly.

While he had enjoyed basically a nomadic lifestyle without many cares; Christine had been at home; raising his kids, keeping his house going and destroying her own health. He had told her three years before that he didn't care about her but he did; more than he cared to admit. Maybe it was time that he did admit it.

She had only bought one new sweater. Even Hannah had tried to convince her to continue looking. So, one day when Christine had taken the boys for a plate date; Mike and Hannah sat down on the couch and ordered Christine new clothes off the internet. It was not what Mike wanted; but it would suffice and gave him time with his daughter.

"You really have good taste in women's clothes, Dad." Hannah remarked and Mike shook his head.

"I've been married to your mom for twenty years and even though its been a troubled several years; I know what she likes. Or I think I do." Mike said.

"You got her things she'd wear. There will be a few things she'll want to pick up on her own, but this will work and she'll love those dresses you picked for your date." Hannah commented.

"I need to start planning that." Mike said.

"Dad; just make it nice for her. She is really looking forward to it. The last three years has been incredibly hard for her. She is giving you a chance you don't deserve and if I was in her shoes, the divorce papers would already be in place. She loves you though and a part of her will always hope that you and she can have a normal relationship. I am not holding out hope because you have proven yourself over and over again." Hannah said.

"And I thought you and I were doing really well." Mike remarked. Her words hurt even if they were true.

"I am not going to argue with you and I do love you, but I do doubt that you'll stay. I truly hope that you prove me wrong for Mom's benefit. Just remember…Mom is fragile. She needs to get that thing on her neck checked but Katie was sick and is recovering and now you're recovering. The thing you really need to do is insist on her going to that doctor and be there for her. Insist she gets the biopsy and whatever else is needed. While she wants that date, she needs that doctor appointment more. It would mean a lot to me if you can do that." Hannah explained.

"They want to do a biopsy?" Mike asked.

"Yeah. She just keeps postponing the appointment." Hannah answered.

"I'll see what I can do." Mike said.

"One of the biggest things you can do is just be there for her. She was afraid to face whatever that doctor said without you. Now; I know you aren't 100% yet; but you can at least get the process started." Hannah said.

"Gotcha." Mike remarked. Hannah leaned over and kissed his cheek and smiled at him.

"Dad, remember that we do love you and want you here. I just have my doubts but I do want you to prove me wrong. Now; Mom just pulled in with the boys. Will you cover me so she doesn't know I told you?" Hannah asked.

"I will." Mike said. He wrapped his arm around Hannah's shoulder and kissed her temple just before Christine and the boys came in. He high-fived Parker and smiled as Liam cuddled into his other side.

"Have you taken it easy?" Christine asked.

"Yes." Mike said.

"Hannah?" Christine asked.

"He's been on his best behavior." Hannah answered.

"Good. I'll start supper." Christine said. Mike didn't miss that she seemed short of breath and it worried him.

"I am hungry for Chinese and I think you need a break." Mike said. Hannah stood up and walked into the kitchen and Mike pulled Christine to sit down next to him.

"Takeout sounds good." Christine agreed.

"Hannah, do we have menus?" Mike asked.

"Dad…there's these things called apps that you can order food from and then delivered to your door forty-five minutes later." Hannah said.

"Hannah?" Christine said in a warning tone.

"Can you help me out with that?" Mike asked. He took his card back out of his wallet and handed it to Hannah when she walked back to the couch.

"Katie texted and she'll be home from her friends by the time it arrives so order enough for her." Christine said and Mike nodded.

"Just order some of everything you all like." Mike said.

"Mike, expensive?" Christine warned.

"Its alright. I can treat you all some." Mike told her.

"Mom, those egg things?" Parker asked.

"Egg rolls?" Christine asked him.

"Yeah." Parker answered.

"I'll order some." Hannah said from the kitchen island.

"It'll be okay. Don't worry." Mike told Christine quietly. She nodded and put her head into his shoulder. Mike kissed the top of her head and held onto her for a change.