Mistakes

Chapter 17

"Dad, why are you so stressed about them moving in? The rooms don't have to be perfect." Hannah asked, as Mike plumped the pillow on Maddie's bed one more time.

"I just want it to be nice for them. Did you get the toys set up in Molly's room?" Mike asked.

"Yes, but will she actually play with them? All I ever see her express any interest in is that stuffed giraffe." Hannah retorted as she played with her sleeve.

"She will as she gets older. And everything is set up in Teresa's area?" Mike asked.

"It looks fine to me." Hannah answered.

"Okay, good. I think we're ready for them." Mike said as he assessed the room again.

"Teresa said she was going to start tutoring me to get me ready for school, but I don't want to go." Hannah remarked.

"Honey; you have to have an education. You only got through first grade." Mike said.

"Its not that I don't want an education. I just don't want to go to school." Hannah answered as she followed him down the stairs. He still couldn't touch her, but at least she talked to him without shaking uncontrollably.

"We won't force you to go to school immediately. As you are getting caught up, I'll integrate you into the community like your counselor said, remember?" Mike asked.

"Yeah, but I'd rather just stay home." Hannah said. She had began fidgeting with her sleeve again.

"Is there a thread bothering you?" Mike asked.

"No, its fine." Hannah said as she continued with the sleeve. Mike knew it was a nervous habit. She was constantly picking at her fingernails or clothes. It bugged Mike but he also knew she had been through hell. A few nervous ticks were to be expected. Once Teresa was moved in, hopefully she found a way through it.

"Okay; do you want to go to the store with me?" Mike asked, knowing the answer.

"NO!" Hannah exclaimed in a terrified tone. Mike nodded, but it was another thing that worried him. He didn't want her to develop agoraphobia.

"I'll wait for Maddie and Teresa to get here before I go." Mike told her in calming tone. She didn't want to go with him, but she also didn't like being left alone. Everything was a minefield.

"Why'd you ask then?" Hannah asked.

"Because I was hoping that you would want to." Mike answered as he put the dishes away from the night before.

"I won't ever." Hannah answered.

"You will change your mind. Can you fold the towels? They are in the dryer." Mike asked. Hannah nodded and headed into the laundry room. It gave Mike a bit of a break so he could swallow down his emotions. He was at a loss with Hannah and hopefully having Molly, Maddie and Teresa there would help. Something had to.