New Chances
Chapter 8
Mike spared no expense in furniture and décor for the house. It was perfect. Hannah had picked the things out for her bedroom and was a great help, especially with Charlotte. She was a total joy and Ellie could tell; Mike absolutely adored his second-born. He tried desperately with Kaitlyn, but nothing worked. The only time that there was no stress was when Kaitlyn was at work, but Mike was scared she wouldn't come back.
Ellie knew that Mike had spoken with an attorney, so that he could resume legal custody of Hannah, where school was concerned. He also got her health insurance and legally changed her last name back to Slattery. Both girls had been adopted some years before, and Mike offered to pay to have Kaitlyn's name changed back, but she refused. That had hurt Mike deeply. He simply wanted both his daughters back.
The master bedroom was amazing, with a king-sized bed. The furniture was the white-distressed wood that Ellie loved, and as she got comfortable, Mike walked in from his home gym. He had specifically put it downstairs, in a room away from Kaitlyn's little apartment as a way to hopefully connect with her. He took a fast shower, and then plopped down on the bed next to Ellie.
"I hope things settle with Kaitlyn." Mike remarked. He got in under the covers and tried to get comfortable.
"Just be patient and love her regardless. I know she has hurt you. Has Hannah had any suggestions?" Ellie asked. She got herself comfortable and touched his chest.
"Not really. She did explain some of what happened. The family that adopted them was no good, and basically used Kaitlyn as slave labor, all while beating her black and blue constantly. She took the beatings to protect Hannah. Once Kaitlyn aged out, she somehow got custody of Hannah and got away. I would think that she would want to distance herself from that by going back to her birth name. I know its not permanent, but damn it, she's my kid!" Mike said.
"Let me talk to Mom. For whatever reason, she has a way with Kaitlyn. I'm not certain why. Maybe because she is so motherly. She did get her convinced to move here with us and when Kaitlyn is home, she gets her to eat with us." Ellie pointed
"I tried to convince her to play basketball yesterday. Something we always did together. She flat refused." Mike told Ellie.
"You did before. Mike, if she that badly abused, there is a possibility of a sexual component. I know you don't want to think about it, but perhaps she's scared of you." Ellie remarked.
"I certainly can't touch her. She's only allowed me the one hug. I touched her shoulder yesterday and she tensed. I certainly never…" Mike started, but Ellie put a finger on his lips.
"I know, but something happened. Does she know that you've taken custody back of Hannah?" Ellie asked.
"No. I honestly wish she was not an adult, so I could just force the issue. I've hardly had to force things on Hannah, and she is happy with anything. I guess all of these years, I've dreamed of a happy reunion with tears and hugs, the whole bit." Mike commented.
"Mike, deep down, Kaitlyn loves you. She will remember all the happy memories. Just be patient with her. Anger will only drive her away." Ellie remarked. She leaned over and gave him a long kiss.
"I really do like having you to myself, but still having the kids close. I know it bothered you to leave them like that at the apartment, just so you and I could…have adult time." Mike commented.
"That's a definite. As long as Charlotte doesn't demand to sleep with us again. Is the door locked?" Ellie asked as she began kissing down Mike's chest.
"It is." Mike said with a laugh as Ellie continued. They were thoroughly enjoying living together. The one problem they had was Kaitlyn.
The next morning, Ellie explained everything to her mom. Gwen was good with both Kaitlyn and Hannah. Kaitlyn had to work that morning, and Mike was spending some with Ollie, working on a model car. Hannah and Charlotte were putting a puzzle together since it was rainy outside. Ellie and Gwen were baking in the new, huge kitchen they both loved, when Mike's cellphone rang. Ellie heard Mike identify himself and then jump up suddenly. She could hear by the tone of his voice that he was worried. Finally, he hung up.
"Mike, what's wrong?" Ellie asked.
"That…was a detective. There was a shooting at the hospital. Gangs or something. Kaitlyn was hit…in the throat." Mike commented, as he choked up a little.
"Mike? Is she alright?" Ellie asked. She was grabbing her cellphone and keys.
"She's…they are rushing her into surgery. We'd better go. It doesn't sound good at all." Mike said. He looked at the kids and then at Gwen.
"Go. We'll be alright." Gwen insisted.
"Can I go?" Hannah asked. Mike nodded in agreement and they all walked out to Mike's truck after Ellie kissed her kids goodbye. Mike drove entirely too fast to the hospital, parked the truck and they were escorted inside by security.
"Kaitlyn Slattery?" Mike asked the front desk and was only given a confused look by the attendant.
"She goes by Kate Strong, Dad." Hannah said. The attendant typed in the name and nodded.
"Fourth floor, but she's in surgery right now." The attendant explained and Mike bolted towards the elevator. Ellie thanked her and she and Hannah followed.
"If Kaitlyn doesn't make it, Dad will be destroyed." Hannah remarked. Mike had gotten in a crowded elevator and they had to wait for the next one.
"Yeah, he will." Ellie agreed. They finally were able to get on an elevator and stayed quiet the entire way. Mike was standing outside the bank of elevators and they walked to the nurse's station and were promptly sent to the waiting room without an update.
Mike paced, fidgeted, asked for updates, with no answer, and was becoming angry when a nurse came and got them and led them to a private conference room. Ellie had a bad feeling and from the way Mike was acting, he had the same bad feeling. There was a surgeon waiting on them, one of the best at the hospital, and Ellie felt a little better. Kaitlyn had been in good hands.
"Miss Strong is a very strong-willed young woman. Had this injury occurred to anyone else, we would not be having this conversation. Honestly, you'd be planning a funeral. She made it through the surgery, and while she will have some scars, and she will have to keep quiet for awhile; she survived. She is going to have some serious recovery time, but I truly believe she will come out of this without any lasting damage, aside from her voice being a bit hoarse at times and the scarring." The surgeon, Dr. McBride explained. Mike let out a breath of relief.
"Thank you, Dr. McBride." Ellie said.
"She'll be here for a few days and she will be in and out, probably until morning. We're keeping her pretty well sedated due to pain. And you're welcome." Dr. McBride explained. They stood up and followed him down the hallway, towards the patient rooms.
"Yes, thanks; Doc." Mike said. They were led into a hospital room, close to the nurse's station. Kaitlyn was sound asleep in the bed, with a bandage on her neck. Dr. McBride left them and Mike sunk down in the chair next to the bed.
"She looks really pale." Hannah commented.
"Its because of the blood loss." Mike remarked. He had picked up Kaitlyn's hand in his own and kissed her knuckles.
"Mike, why don't Hannah and I go downstairs and get something to eat? Give you some time with Kaitlyn." Ellie suggested. She quietly hoped that Kaitlyn would wake up with her dad there.
"Yeah, that's fine." Mike agreed. Ellie bent down and kissed him on the forehead and touched Kaitlyn's shoulder. Hannah also gave him a hug and a kiss before they left him.
"He's really upset." Hannah said as they got on the elevator.
"He's scared. He loves you girls more than life." Ellie said.
"He loves you too. And Ollie and Charlotte, and your mom." Hannah commented.
"Not in the same way. No matter how bad things were, he adores Kaitlyn." Ellie told her. They had made it to the cafeteria, bought dinners and settled at one of the tables.
"She…our adopted dad did things to her. She's scared Dad will too. She hates that I am sleeping on the same floor as him. She told me last night." Hannah said.
"You know he never would hurt either of you like that, right?" Ellie asked.
"I know and deep down so does Kaitlyn, but its hard to trust. Dad was gone an awful lot when we were young. He was really good to us, but all the bad memories from the Strong's has taken away the good memories. I just want to build new, but Kaitlyn thinks she has holed herself into her position." Hannah explained.
"I see. Well, you should encourage her to try and rebuild. Your dad is very understanding. My husband was…not a nice person, and did things. I never thought I would find someone like your dad and I am so glad I did. He is amazing to me and the kids. Don't be afraid to trust him." Ellie said.
"I hope Kaitlyn can." Hannah said.
"In time. Do you want to pick something out for your dad to eat? And maybe something in the gift shop for Kaitlyn?" Ellie asked
"Sure." Hannah agreed. They had finished eating and Hannah picked out an orange chicken bowl with rice for her dad, as well as a cup of black coffee. They found her a stuffed bear and a pair of warm socks that Hannah said Kaitlyn would love and walked back to Kaitlyn's room. Mike was standing up, helping a now awake Kaitlyn take a drink of water.
"Feet…so…cold." Kaitlyn said. Hannah held the socks up and Kaitlyn smiled.
"I'll put them on." Mike said. He took the socks from Hannah and very gently put them on Kaitlyn. She was too out of it really disagree. Hannah tucked the new teddy-bear in next to Kaitlyn and kissed her on the cheek.
"So tired and sore. Was anyone else hurt?" Kaitlyn asked.
"No. You stopped the bullet from hitting a seven-year-old. I'm really proud of you, sis." Mike told her as he wrapped the blankets around Kaitlyn.
"I don't remember. I'm so tired." Kaitlyn said.
"Just go on back to sleep. You'll be alright." Mike promised.
"Are you going to stay here, Daddy…please?" Kaitlyn asked. Ellie could tell that it surprised Mike, but it was not unpleasant.
"Of course, sweetie. I won't leave you." Mike said.
"I'll run home and get you a couple changes of clothes and things to make Kaitlyn a bit more comfortable." Ellie said. Mike took his keys out his pocket and handed them to her.
"Sorry to have caused so much trouble." Kaitlyn whispered.
"You're no trouble at all." Ellie told her.
"When you get back, can you braid my hair or something? To get it out of the nurse's way." Kaitlyn asked.
"You bet. Just go back to sleep." Ellie told her before giving Mike a kiss goodbye. Before she and Hannah even left the room, Kaitlyn was asleep again.
Ellie would miss having Mike there with her that night, but what he was doing was so much more important. He had to reteach Kaitlyn to trust him. It was surprising that she had asked for him, but Mike was only too happy to comply.