The Breakdown
Chapter 15-Maddie
Maddie had triple checked thing at her house to make certain Mike would have everything he would need. She had made up a bedroom for him, and was able to get clothes and pictures of his wife and kids. It made her wish that he would sleep with her, but she understood why Dr. Taylor suggested separate rooms. At least Mike would be close if he needed anything, or vice versa. She knew his friends weren't happy about Mike staying with her, but she was glad he had made the decision for himself.
At noon, she headed to the hospital to get Mike. He was already dressed in street clothes and was receiving information on his medications, follow up appointments and group therapy. He was looking rather overwhelmed until he saw Maddie. Once the nurse left them to get a wheelchair and paperwork for Mike to sign, he gave her an uncertain kiss and patted her belly. He was immediately rewarded with a sharp kick.
"Is that something new?" Mike asked with a smile.
"She's been kicking a little lately, but that was the most pronounced kick. I think she knows your voice." Maddie said.
"I hope so. I am so ready to be out of here." Mike admitted.
"I bet. I did set you up a separate room, but if you'd rather be in with me, I am fine with it." Maddie said quietly.
"We'll see. I understand why Dr. Taylor suggested it, but I would rather be close to you." Mike told her. Just then, the nurse came in and forced Mike to sit in the wheelchair. Maddie went to her car, and pulled it the curb. Mike got in without assistance and they began the drive to her house. She was shocked when Mike squeezed her hand on the console.
"I have a roast in the crockpot. Thought you might want a good dinner tonight." Maddie told Mike.
"That does sound really good." Mike agreed as they pulled up to her little cottage. For Maddie it was perfect. Mike had never voiced much of an opinion on the house.
"I suppose I should have asked if you really wanted to come here now. I know you want involved with Felicity, but maybe you would have rather gone to your apartment or to Tom's?" Maddie asked as she helped Mike out of the car.
"NO. I didn't want to be alone and I didn't want Tom and Sasha to walk on eggshells around me. I wanted to be here with you. When I agreed to it, I knew it would be four or five months before Felicity was born. I figured it would give you and me time to work through things." Mike explained.
"Good. You just relax." Maddie said as she led Mike into her living room. She had bought him a large recliner so he would rest and he smiled when he saw it.
"I thought you said that recliners were the bane of your existence?" Mike teased.
"I found one I liked that went with my furniture, was plenty big enough for you and you would be able to rock Felicity in it. If you don't like it though, we can figure something else out." Maddie said.
"I love it. Thank you." Mike answered before giving her a kiss on the forehead. He held her for a few moments and Maddie had to admit, it felt really good. The baby was kicking like crazy, but Mike was concentrating completely on Maddie.
"Whatever you'd like to do this afternoon, feel free. I am going to make a pie and finish supper. Was thinking mashed potatoes and asparagus? Green salad maybe?" Maddie asked Mike.
"That all sounds delicious. Don't be afraid to put me to work at any point. I think I'm going to check out that recliner. Maybe find a movie or something on TV." Mike said.
"That sounds good and you need to rest." Maddie said with a smile. She gently pushed Mike to sit down in the recliner. Once he was settled, she gave him another kiss on the lips and handed him the remote.
Maddie spent her day cooking while Mike slept and watched football. She checked on him frequently and they ate dinner in near silence. He helped her clean up dinner and settled next to her on the couch. Before she even realized it, her head was on her chest and she was sound asleep in Mike's arms. It was something she could certainly get used to, but she knew there were difficult conversations left to happen. Conversations that could break them apart.
