Mistakes
Chapter 1
Maddie stared at the home pregnancy tests in horror. She had taken three; 'just to be sure.' Of course; she had known it was possible, because Mike and she were not always very careful, but she knew she would be raising the child alone. Mike was not in the headspace to take care of small child. Their 'relationship' was solely about sex. Nothing more.
There was no emotion; at least not on Mike's part. He refused to put his heart on the line again. Maddie cared deeply for Mike, and maybe even loved him, but she was scared. He obviously had loved his family deeply, but felt some very deep guilt. He felt that he had neglected them and because of that; he didn't deserve love or a family. Maddie stuck the pregnancy tests in a baggie in her purse and continued about her day, knowing Mike wanted to meet up since it was Friday. Was it even safe to have sex when you were pregnant?
Maddie finished her work and headed home in time to cook a home-cooked meal. Mike preferred that to going out, because he didn't like people knowing about their 'arrangement,' as he called it. She had retired from the Navy and was currently working at an insurance office. To her, it was just a job. Mike was still in the Navy, contributing to his desire to keep their arrangement quiet. And also, the fact that there were times he was a jerk. She had just finished the chicken parmesan, when Mike strolled in and got a beer out of the fridge.
"Tough day?" Maddie asked.
"Yeah. I'm going to change out of this uniform. By the time I finish, supper should be plated, yes?" Mike asked.
"Yes." Maddie answered. Mike disappeared into her bedroom, not even bothering to kiss her. It was not abnormal, but it was something that bothered Maddie. She plated their dinners and made sure they table was suitable enough. She poured Mike a glass of red wine, but opted for water for herself, knowing Mike would pick up on it. Am moment later, he was back, wearing a pair of gym pants and a white t-shirt, indicating he'd be staying the night.
"No wine for you?" Mike asked as they settled across from each other at her small table.
"No, just not in the mood for it, but you go ahead and drink." Maddie said.
"You know; white wine would pair better with this? Red wine is better with beef." Mike critiqued. It was not unusual for him but it still bit.
"I know. I just didn't want to go to the liquor store when I got off work. I had the red wine on hand." Maddie answered. She was trying to find the best way to tell Mike that she was pregnant with his kid. Finally, she just swallowed the fear, knowing Mike would be particularly cruel. "Mike; you know how I've been sick off and on for the past few weeks?" Maddie asked.
"I hadn't paid much attention." Mike admitted.
"I'm…pregnant. I took three tests this morning." Maddie said softly. She didn't miss the look of shock on Mike's face, or the anger.
"Is it mine?" Mike asked.
"Of course." Maddie answered.
"I have my doubts. Are you going to get rid of it?" Mike asked.
"No! Mike; abortions are illegal now." Maddie said.
"There are ways and you know it." Mike insisted.
"Maybe, but I will be raising this baby, with or without you. I am just giving you the chance to be involved. I would think, after everyone you've lost, you would jump at the chance." Maddie said, knowing it was a low blow.
"Leave my family out of this!" Mike said as he grabbed her wrist. She was shocked, because Mike had never given any indication that he would hurt her physically.
"Mike; you're hurting me!" Maddie told him. He immediately released her wrist, but stood up.
"I'm going back to my place. I suggest you explore your options where this kid is concerned." Mike said. He walked back into her room, grabbed his uniform and was out the door before he said anything else. Maddie had expected a bad reaction, but nothing like what she had gotten.
