The Breakdown
Chapter 13-Azima
Like Wolf, Azima didn't have a lot of interactions with Mike. She had lost a lot of respect for him due to the way he treated Maddie, but he seemed to be really trying. He was still hospitalized but that was only because of the pneumonia hanging on. Azima had decided to give him a second chance simply because of Maddie. So, when Maddie called her wanting her to go shopping with her, she happily agreed; even though it was for baby things.
"Mike wants to build all the furniture but he said that he will paint when he gets to feeling better. What do you think of navy blue for the walls?" Maddie asked as they looked at crib bedding.
"For a girl?" Azima asked.
"I was thinking navy blue with pink and white accents. I want this room to grow with her some." Maddie explained.
"Like that, it would be pretty. White on the woodwork?" Azima asked.
"Yeah and white furniture." Maddie answered. She pointed at a solid pink crib bedding set.
"Very cute. Have you picked out a name?" Azima asked.
"Felicity Grace. It was one I really liked and Mike agreed. What do you think?" Maddie asked.
"I love it." Azima answered.
"Look, I know you are nervous about Mike suddenly playing a part, moving in and all that. I really love him. I don't think I realized the pain he was in and I should have pushed him. He is really excited about this baby." Maddie told her.
"Yes, but the baby is only part of it. Is he excited about being with you again?" Azima asked.
"I think. We really have a lot to work through. In some ways, he was trying to protect both of our careers. It would have been really bad if our relationship was found out. I thought it was only about sex, but that wasn't all we did. We talked. We laughed." Maddie answered.
"That's the important stuff. Just make sure its right for you too. Not just for Mike and Felicity. There is give and take for any relationship. In my opinion, Mike took a lot but didn't give much up to now." Azima answered.
"It was a two way street. I just started wanting more before Mike was ready. I think he is now. But he is in a grieving process still and we can co-parent Felicity. Dr. Taylor suggested that we sleep separately for a while, so we don't hurry things along. I'm not sure how well that is going to go, but I understand the theory. There were times that Mike stayed over, and we both just slept. No funny business. He told me the reason his relationship with Christine was successful was because they were best friends. Of course, we can't copy that relationship, but we can be friends, that happen to have a daughter together." Maddie said.
"He must have really loved her deeply." Azima commented.
"He did. They were high school sweethearts. They got married once Mike made detective. He said they had their issues but I think they had a very passionate and loving relationship. He doesn't want me to compare myself, but I have to wonder if a person is allowed two loves like that. For me; Mike is my soulmate, but Christine was his. I have to wonder if a person gets two." Maddie remarked as she put the pink bedding in the cart.
"I think so. I hope knows how you feel?" Azima asked.
"I told him. We've really talked a lot. Now, what do you think of this?" Maddie asked as she held up a pink onesie that said 'Daddy's Little Princess.'
"I think it's a must have. I have to say, I am excited to see Mike with her. He acts all big and tough, but I bet he will be a teddy bear with her." Azima remarked.
"He already is. He cried when he heard her heartbeat. I thought he might be upset that she wasn't a boy, but he's thrilled. I think he had a very good relationship with his daughters. He seems like he was really proud of them." Maddie said.
"Its terrible that they all died." Azima said.
"I agree. He is working through that, but I know he is still going to have some hard moments. I just think having Felicity is giving him something he lost years ago." Maddie said. She was looking through the baby clothes and occasionally putting items in the cart.
"Grief is never-ending. It stays with a person. I will admit, I have my reservations about your relationship with him; but if he is good to you and Felicity, then he is golden. Just take it slow." Azima said.
"A baby speeds things up, but I know what you're saying." Maddie answered with a smile. For Azima, it was just the confidence that was so like Maddie and she knew Mike, Maddie and Felicity would be just fine.
