Bitter
Chapter 29
Christine was appalled at the many boxes of clothes that Mike had bought, but she had to admit; she loved everything he and Hannah had ordered and it all fit wonderfully. After washing it all, she was putting it in her closet and smiled at a dusty blue knee-length dress. She heard a knock on the door and smiled at Mike.
"That one was my favorite. I was hoping you might wear it on our date." Mike said.
"I will. It is very pretty." Christine said.
"I am sure there is other stuff you might need or want. By all means, get whatever you need. We knew that if we left it to you, though; you'd never get anything for yourself." Mike commented as he sat down on the bed.
"It is just so much." Christine remarked.
"Oh…when you took the boys to school; your doctor's office called to confirm your appointment. It was actually the doctor, which was shocking. He has insistent that you need to go in for a biopsy, so your appointment is ten o'clock tomorrow and I will go with you." Mike said.
"Oh." Christine said.
"It really needs to be checked out, Chris. The doctor seemed very concerned." Mike continued.
"There just wasn't a good time with Katie being so sick." Christine said as she hung up a new sweater.
"If you had told me, I would have come home." Mike said.
"Would you have? You didn't when Katie got sick and you cared a lot less about me." Christine asked.
"I…suppose I deserved that. I can't go back and have a do-over. What I can do is be here now. To take care of you for a change." Mike said.
"Did the doctor tell you why he was so worried?" Christine asked.
"He didn't say a lot but I can guess." Mike said. Christine sat down next to him and picked at her hands.
"I'm…scared, Mike." Christine admitted.
"I know. It is time to face it though. For a change, I will be the one taking care of you and the kids." Mike insisted. For the first time since Katie got really sick, she put her head in her hands and began crying. She was not shocked when Mike wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. Instead of trying to shush her, he just let her cry.
The next day, true to his word; Mike went with her to the appointment and held her hand throughout the biopsy, which was more painful than she had imagined it being. He insisted she take it easy once they got home. He cooked dinner, went and got the boys and gave them baths. She only helped get them into bed because they wanted their mom.
Mike checked on her several times though the night and by the time she got up; he had taken the boys and Hannah to school and fixed breakfast for her and Katie. They were mid-meal when her cellphone rang. Mike followed her into her bedroom and she answered it. It was Dr. Davis, her endocrinologist, on the other side.
"Christine, to be honest; the biopsy results were inconclusive. It is honestly angry looking and I believe it is compressing into your windpipe. It has to come out as quickly as possible. I would like to schedule you for surgery the day after tomorrow. You would be in overnight and the recovery is relatively easy." Dr. Davis explained. Mike nodded at her and squeezed her hand.
"What time do I need to be at the hospital?" Christine asked.
"Five am. We need to do this as soon as possible." Dr. Davis said.
"We'll be there" Mike answered.
"My nurse will call you tomorrow with some details. Just take it easy and don't get worked up. We can't have your airway getting occluded." Dr. Davis said.
"Thank you." Christine said.
"If you start having a lot of difficulty, call for an ambulance in case it shuts down. I really think you'll be alright." Dr. Davis instructed before hanging up.
"Alright. Before your surgery; you are getting your date night. You might as well have one happy night. Anything specific you want to eat?" Mike asked as he stood up.
"Steak is fine. Maybe some shrimp." Christine said.
"Alright. I'll make reservations. Maybe a bit of dancing too?" Mike asked, obviously remembering how much Christine enjoyed dancing.
"If there's time. I hope Hannah can watch the boys." Christine said.
"Don't you worry about that. You can wear anything you like." Mike told her. He bent over and gave her a kiss on the top of the head.
"Mike; thank you. Really." Christine said.
"You have nothing to thank me for. You just relax. I'll arrange everything." Mike told her. He stepped out of her room and Christine smiled. She was not looking forward to the surgery but she was anticipating the date with Mike.
About three, Hannah and Katie bounced into Christine's bedroom and began helping her get ready. While Hannah curled her hair, Katie did her make up and Christine picked out the blue dress to wear. Finally, she was ready and Mike helped her into her good coat.
He technically shouldn't have been driving but it was fine. He was off pain meds. The restaurant he pulled into was high end and Christine felt a bit overwhelmed, but smiled as Mike poured her glass of red wine.
"Have you been here before?" Christine asked.
"No, but I asked some friends. They said the steak and shrimp are amazing, but order anything you'd like." Mike said. He was reading the menu and Christine glanced at hers. The waitress took their orders and Christine smiled at the clothe tablecloths and napkins. It was way higher end than anything they'd ate at before.
"This is all very nice. Thank you." Christine said.
"Your welcome. I figured we would get dessert here and then find somewhere to go dancing." Mike said.
"If you feel up to it. I noticed you guarding your side earlier." Christine commented. She might be having surgery in thirty-six hours but Mike was also recovering from major surgery.
"I'm okay. Tonight is all about you." Mike said. Christine reached over and squeezed his hand.
"I appreciate that but don't exhaust yourself." Christine said.
The food was delicious and they talked about plans for Christmas. Christine laughed and enjoyed the time with Mike. After eating dinner and dessert, they left the high end bar and Mike found a decent bar. They danced, laughed and when they finally were ready to go, Christine let her guard down and gave Mike a long kiss on the lips.
One of her concerns was that he would reject her, but he didn't. The kiss was gentle and Mike smiled at her before giving her a kiss on the forehead. "Let's get you home. You'll want to rest tomorrow." Mike said.
"Its been a wonderful evening. I enjoyed it." Christine said.
"Good. I did too." Mike answered.
"Maybe we can do it again?" Christine asked.
"Of course." Mike answered. He kissed her hand before starting her vehicle.
"Mike; seriously; thank you. I needed this." Christine said.
"You're welcome and I did too." Mike agreed. He began the drive home and Christine smiled into the window. She was happy for the first time in years.