All Roads Lead Home
Chapter 5
Mike's new girlfriend was too young and Mike couldn't keep up with her, and his checking account was going to suffer because she was a spender. She had already moved in and didn't like either of his daughters. She didn't want them around so Mike began only having them every other weekend, and Breanna was seeing to it that he had plans on his weekends with them. Christine had told him that he was welcome to see the girls anytime he wanted, but he didn't want to intrude on her time with them.
Christine had been very cordial, and Mike knew he was being a little too cruel to her. She was working twelve hour shifts and was handling most of the household bills on her own. He was actually a bit proud of her. She was doing more then Breanna, who was only nine years older than Katie. She told Mike that she was a college student, but she had yet to go to a class and there were no textbooks around. She didn't have a job and told Mike she had a trust fund. He was quickly figuring out that the grass was greener on the other side, until it wasn't. Christine was steady. She had made a poor decision, but she had always been supportive of Mike. Breanna had never weathered a storm.
About a week before Hannah's birthday, Mike was searching for a present for her. He didn't know his daughter that well, so he needed help and Katie was at class. He happened to know it was Christine's day off, and while he hesitated calling her, he knew she would help him. She answered on the second ring, with a sleepy sounding voice.
"Mike?" Christine asked.
"I'm sorry, I didn't realize you'd be sleeping. I thought today was your day off?" Mike apologized. He actually felt badly.
"Its okay. I got called in last night. I'm off tonight so I was just napping. What'd you need?" Christine asked.
"Hannah's birthday…I have no idea what to get her." Mike said.
"Oh. Well, I've been thinking about putting Hannah in Lucas's old room. She and Katie get along pretty well, but they both deserve their own space…I just have to go through Lucas's stuff…which is where I'm struggling. Maybe…you could go in for a new bedspread and room stuff? I have gotten the paint, and found a wrought iron bedframe and mattress for her. Along with a refurbished dresser and nightstands. And I really could use some help going through Lucas's stuff. Its time, Mike. I know its hard and I hate it, but we need to do this and its better to do it together and before the divorce." Christine said. Mike closed his eyes in pain. He agreed with Christine, but it was going to be hard to face.
"What are your days off?" Mike asked.
"I am off tonight, all day tomorrow and the next day. Then I start on five twelve hour shifts. So it won't be good after that." Christine answered.
"Okay. Once she goes to school tomorrow; I will be there and we'll get started. Maybe you can help me pick out the bedspread and whatever else?" Mike asked.
"Yeah, I can do that." Christine agreed.
"I don't mind helping with the room, but I would really like to get her something a bit more permanent too. Maybe a piece of jewelry. Can you help me with that?" Mike asked.
"Of course." Christine said.
"Perfect. Thanks." Mike said. It was getting a bit awkward.
"Will you be there for the dinner? Next Saturday at six? She's asking for fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn casserole, rolls and apple pie. She really just wants you there." Christine asked.
"I plan to be. Those are her favorites?" Mike asked.
"No. She'd prefer pizza but she really wanted you to come for dinner so she asked for yours, honestly." Christine admitted.
"I see." Mike answered.
"If you need to, feel free to bring Breanna. I'll be okay." Christine told him.
"That would be really strange." Mike said.
"It would, but I want us all to get along. Its best for the girls. To be friends." Christine said.
"Okay. I'll be there at nine am in the morning." Mike told her.
"I'll see you then." Christine said.
"Talk to you later." Mike answered before hanging up.
Mike knew the next day would be rough but he was glad to be going through it with Christine. It was time. He had gone through a grieving process for Lucas years before, but it would be like he was letting go of his boy. All the hopes, dreams and plans. He and Christine would separate toys and clothes. She would keep some, he would keep some and the girls would get a few things to remember their brother by. It was almost a final piece of puzzle getting set before the divorce too place. Mike was staring into space when Breanna waltzed in carrying several shopping bags.
"What's all that? Mike asked.
"Some things I needed. You need to get a bigger place with a better closet…or maybe I will just made the girls' room into a closet!" Breanna said.
"They need a space for when they visit." Mike told her.
"I really don't want them to visit. I've told you this." Breanna insisted with her hands on her hips.
"They are my daughters, and they are welcome here. Anytime." Mike said.
"Whatever." Breanna said before walking away. Mike could only groan in response. Why couldn't she be more like Christine? He was beginning to have even more regrets.
