The Gift
Chapter 23
Recovery was really tough for Kaitlyn and a little tougher for Mike. He hated having to leave her at the hospital so that he could go back to work, and hated her being admitted to a rehab facility to help her relearn to walk. It made Andrea feel bad because when she had been shot and had to relearn to walk, Kaitlyn had insisted on taking care of her and was there every step of the way, but Kaitlyn's injuries were more profound and it not possible.
They visited her every few days and could tell Kaitlyn was becoming depressed, because most of the other residents were elderly. She was worried about the cost of it all, if she would even be able to walk again and if she was letting Mike and Andrea down by not watching Molly and Eli. She was terrified of what Mike would do and think. And Mike was only worried about not being there enough.
One day, while they were getting ready to visit Kaitlyn, Mike's attorney called him. They were still trying to settle things with the vehicle insurance which was a nightmare. Because the other driver had been drunk at the time of the accident, insurance didn't want to pay. Andrea didn't hear the conversation since she was getting the kids ready, but Mike walked back in and gave her a smile.
"They've finally came up with a settlement, all current and future medical bills paid, plus five million for pain and suffering." Mike said.
"Did you accept it?" Andrea asked.
"No. I told him I'd have to talk to Kaitlyn first." Mike answered as he put Eli's shoes on him.
"It doesn't seem nearly enough. I know its a lot of money but for what she is going through?" Andrea remarked.
"That's why I am not liking it. I honestly just want my girl home. I know she is miserable." Mike answered.
"Maybe soon. What's her therapists say?" Andrea asked.
"They think she has hit a plateau in her recovery and she is giving up." Mike told her. He put Eli's stocking cap on and picked the baby up, and was promptly given a kiss on the cheek.
"Maybe its time for her to come home. Maybe that's what is slowing her down." Andrea suggested.
"I think so, but her therapists are adamant that she needs to stay put. That we can't handle her medical issues. We aren't equipped." Mike answered.
"Why don't we ask Kaitlyn what she wants today? As far as being equipped, the house is wheelchair accessible due to my issues. I also have all of my old medical equipment too." Andrea said. She helped Molly into her coat and they were ready to go.
"I want her home, but we'll see what she says. She hates being an imposition to us not that she would be. I hate to ask you to take care of her and Eli while I'm working though. It could be quite involved." Mike remarked. They had locked the house up, walked out to Andrea's new SUV and was buckling Molly and Eli in.
"You could stay home with us, Daddy!" Molly said excitedly.
"I'd like too, baby." Mike told her with a grin. Eli just made a cooing noise but he was in obvious agreement, since Mike was his favorite person.
The rehab facility was nearly forty minutes away and not convenient, but they would never tell Kaitlyn that. She lived for their visits, but as the younger kids grew, it was becoming a lot harder to go so often. It had been a little over a week since either of them had been there. Mike and Andrea both called her daily, but it wasn't the same. Kaitlyn was sitting by the window in her room, looking out at an industrial area. She didn't even have a nice view and her roommate slept all the time, meaning Kaitlyn couldn't even watch television.
"Hey, sweet pea." Mike said as he gave her a kiss on the forehead and leaned Molly down so that Kaitlyn could give her a kiss.
"Hey." Kaitlyn said simply.
"I told you to be quiet, stupid girl." Her roommate yelled. Andrea reached over and caught Mike's arm before he said anything and handed him Eli.
"Let's just go out in the day room." Andrea suggested and got behind Kaitlyn's wheelchair. She pushed it and Mike followed her with the two younger kids. As soon as they were settled, Andrea could see the exhaustion in Kaitlyn's eyes. "Have you not been sleeping good? You look tired." Andrea asked and Kaitlyn nodded.
"My therapy starts at six am and my roommate sleeps all day and stays up all night. I'm just beat." Kaitlyn said. Mike and Andrea exchanged a look.
"We were kind of talking about bringing you home. Since you're an adult, I can't sign you out. You have to, and your therapist has said it wasn't a good idea, but we want you home and I think we can handle everything. There are in-home services that can help." Mike told her. Andrea saw a slight smile on Kaitlyn's face, and then watched it disappear.
"But it will cost so much and it will be so hard." Kaitlyn remarked.
"We do hard well, and as far as cost, my attorney called. They want to settle with all of your medical costs covered, past and future, and five million dollars. I personally think the dollar amount is a little low considering, but it is up to you, whatever you want to do." Mike explained.
"If I have that much money, will it make you want me more? I remember what you said before my accident. You wished I was dead." Kaitlyn asked. Andrea saw the pain cross Mike's face and jumped in before he had a chance to.
"Kaitlyn, the money has nothing to do with us wanting you home. We know this isn't the right fit for you, and that you are so unhappy. We love you and want you with us." Andrea insisted.
"She's right. The money doesn't matter. We want you home." Mike answered. Andrea could see Kaitlyn hesitating until Molly walked up to her and patted her good leg.
"Can't you come home with us? Without you, its just no fun. Mommy and Daddy aren't as good at playing as you are." Molly begged.
"Molly, I can't…okay. I'll come home." Kaitlyn agreed. Mike and Andrea exchanged a look and then Mike kissed the top of her head.
"As far as I what I said before your accident, I regret it. More then you will ever know. You're my baby, as much as Molly and as much as Eli. You have spent the last several years taking care of the kids and Andrea, even me at times. Let us take care of you. We love you. I love you. As much as you aren't happy here, we aren't happy having you here." Mike said.
"I've really missed home and you guys." Kaitlyn said.
"When you get home, we'll cuddle all the time!" Molly told her.
"I'm looking forward to it. I love you all too, even you; Dad." Kaitlyn said.
"I'll take that. It might take us a few days to get everything you need situated. I can come back and get you today, but it might be uncomfortable for you." Mike explained.
"Its okay. I'll be okay. It helps knowing this isn't permanent. I thought it might be, given everything." Kaitlyn commented.
"It was never going to be permanent. Mike, while you visit, I am going to go talk to the nurse, or whoever I have to talk to." Andrea said as she handed Eli over to Mike. As she walked away, she had a thought; whatever little family that she and Mike had created, would finally be complete. It was a hodgepodge family, but it worked for them.
Not the end! Maybe 2-3 more chapters though.