A Christmas Carol, The Last Ship Version
Chapter 4-Christmas Future
"Where are we?" Mike asked Christine as they stood in front of a nice Colonial style home, complete with Christmas lights and decorations. Mike could see a tree through the front window, and there were lights on inside. The house looked like a home.
"Your future home…or rather; if you become a good person again; your future home." Christine explained.
"As a single man; I don't need a house like this." Mike pointed out.
"You wouldn't remain single, dummy." Christine remarked. Even in death, she was the same as she had been alive.
"I don't want to remarry." Mike argued.
"Mike; I love you and I love what we had, but I am not here anymore. I exist in your heart; with the kids. We want you to be happy again. You are miserable and you are making everyone miserable. You will become a better person, and you will find happiness again. It won't be the same as with me and the kids, but it will be what you need. You will appreciate them more." Christine said.
"Them?" Mike asked.
"C'mon." Christine answered as she grabbed his arm. The next time he opened his eyes, they were in a homey living room, with comfortable furniture and nice Christmas decorations. There was a fire going in the fireplace and Mike focused on himself lifting a little boy up to put the angel up on the tree. The little boy looked to be about five and had dark hair. There was a little girl supervising and instructing; wearing footie pajamas and had her shoulder length, curly hair; so like Katie's, down. She was about three. Just then Maddie Rawlings waddled in, looking very pregnant. She sat down on the couch and smiled at Mike and the little boy. She sat a plate of homemade sugar cookies on the coffee table and settled with her hands on her belly.
"That looks good." Maddie said. Mike helped the little boy place the angel, and than gave him a kiss before putting him on the floor. He sat down next to Maddie and put a hand on her large belly.
"They are really kicking." Mike remarked before giving her a kiss.
"They think they want out in time for Christmas." Maddie said.
"Still having the Braxton Hicks?" Mike asked.
"Yeah, but I think it will be in the next few days." Maddie told him before the little boy and girl climbed up on the couch, between them.
"Are you two ready to meet your brother and sister?" Mike asked the two little kids.
"Yes!" The little boy said.
"Samuel is ready. Caroline; not so much. She's afraid she won't be the daddy's girl anymore." Maddie said.
"Four kids?" Mike asked Christine as they watched the scene.
"Yes, but don't you think this is a happy scene?" Christine asked.
"It looks…amazing, but four little kids at my age?" Mike questioned.
"They will make you feel younger. Happiness does the heart and in turn, the body; good." Christine answered.
"I have to say; I like this better." Mike told her and Christine smiled.
"Its possible for you to have this; but you have to open your heart again. Sure; you might still hurt, but this would be worth it." Christine told him.
"How do we get from Maddie being my assistant and terrified of me to this?" Mike asked.
"Well, you have to fill those holes in the story in. I will tell you; you are capable of it. It will involve putting your papers in and making her fall for you." Christine explained and Mike made a face, because Christine laughed.
"I was never good at that stuff." Mike said. Christine put her hand in the crook of his arm and began pulling him away.
"You had your moments with me and I have no doubt that you can do it again. Now, its time we leave." Christine said.
"Where to now?" Mike asked. He was still watching the little family. It was enthralling and he could feel the happiness.
"Back to your apartment. Where you're all by yourself and miserable." Christine answered.
"Don't remind me. I like it here." Mike objected. Christine only laughed in response, and all too soon for Mike's liking; they were gone.