Lots of warnings with this chapter. A brutal physical attack on both Madeline and Joey, mentions of a miscarriage. I am sure I got some medical stuff incorrect but please forgive that. I love reading the reviews and appreciate them all.
Another Father's Advice
Chapter 16
It had been three weeks since Mike had left, and Madeline had never been lonelier. She took care of the kids, worked, cleaned their old apartments, and did all the things she needed to. Hannah had started her tutoring and was far behind but was gaining ground. Joey had had his first ballgame. He missed Mike. Elizabeth was crawling and within a few weeks, would be pulling up on furniture. And Mike had left her a parting gift. They would be adding to their family in about eight months. Madeline wasn't sure what to even think and wasn't sure what Mike would feel.
She had put the kids to bed and finished a little work. She threw a load of laundry in and double checked the doors. As she turned the alarm on; she heard something in the garage. Figuring it was a stray cat that had gotten inside, she walked towards the garage entrance. She just never made it there because she got hit from behind. Her head felt like it was exploding, and she tried to get to the kitchen to get a knife but couldn't. She felt hits to her ribs, her stomach and to her extremities. She fought back, kicking, scratching and hitting.
"Stop hurting my mommy!" Joey yelled. Madeline felt the heavy weight of her attacker lift off her and felt Joey fighting him. Madeline tried to pull him away but her left wrist was broken, and she couldn't. Hannah had also come down the stairs and hit the alarm button to summons the police. Joey had used his metal ball bat and knocked the attacker out. Madeline was struggling to stay conscious and knew she had to. She just hurt everywhere and knew that she was probably going to lose the baby she was carrying.
"Joey, I'm going to go get the neighbor." Hannah told Joey as she rubbed Madeline's shoulder.
"Okay, Mommy; don't go to sleep. The bad guy is asleep." Joey told her.
"Joey, my cellphone…call James and Darcy…get them here. I am going to need help." Madeline instructed. She heard Hannah come back in with their neighbor, Mark Peters; who was an ex-Marine.
"Yeah, someone broke into my neighbor's house. They beat her up pretty bad. Suspect is still here. Her six-year old knocked him out with a baseball bat. She needs an ambulance and you need to get the cops here. Yes, 2135 Lakeview Drive, house with red front door. Her husband is away right now. I'll stay here." Mark said, apparently talking to 9-1-1.
"Oh…ouch…Joey is supposed to be calling some friends to help me with the kids…I don't know when Mike is due home…I can't call him. What about my kids…" Madeline asked?
"Where are your friends?" Mark asked.
"South of Atlanta. Hannah can't go into foster care and my mom can't have them…" Madeline cried. Mark's wife, Ellie had walked in and leaned down next to her. Mark had a boot on the attacker's chest and was holding a shotgun to him. Madeline could hear the police sirens in the distance and knew her kids had gone back upstairs.
"Don't you worry about those kids, dearie. Mark and I will look after them until your friends get here." Ellie told her as she smoothed Madeline's hair back.
"Thank you…if Joey didn't call them…its James and Darcy. The number is in my cellphone…tell…the paramedics…I'm right at three weeks along. My husband and kids don't know." Madeline told Ellie.
"Oh…honey." Ellie exclaimed.
"What?" Madeline asked.
"He…stabbed you in the stomach. I'm putting pressure on it but…I don't know if a baby can survive that. I'm sorry." Ellie told her. Madeline tried not to get emotional. She needed to concentrate on surviving and she had been on the fence about the baby anyway; but it still hurt. The police cars were arriving, and she could hear Mark Peters talking to one of the officers and Ellie talking to a paramedic.
"My kids…" Madeline said.
"I'm following you to the hospital with Joey. He has some…injuries too. Brave kid though. That's right, idiot; you got beat up by a six-year-old." Mark said, obviously talking to Madeline's attacker.
"Joey's hurt?" Madeline asked.
"Not too bad, Ma'am. Ma'am, does the name Anna Harris ring any bells?" The police officer asked.
"My…mother. My kids are not to go to her." Madeline insisted.
"No, ma'am. We just took her into custody. She was outside waiting on this guy. She'd hired him. I am also going to follow you to the hospital. I'd like to know what is going on." The police officer explained.
"She…Hannah is my husband's daughter. Mike got separated from his family during the Red Flu. He was the XO on the Nathan James at the time. He searched for them, but his first wife, oldest daughter and son died. He never found Hannah. Somehow, she ended up being sold to my mom. My mom beat her and starved her. Hannah…doesn't like talking about it." Madeline answered as the paramedics helped her onto a stretcher.
"Alright. Let's go." The paramedic said, obviously concerned about Madeline.
The ambulance ride was foggy for Madeline and she was in and out of consciousness. She heard the paramedic talking about broken ribs, a broken wrist, possible concussion, busted ear drum. She also had been stabbed in the stomach twice. The paramedic was aware that she was pregnant. All Madeline could think of was that Joey had been injured and that she would probably be losing her baby. Her thoughts were jumbled up and she wasn't thinking clearly at all. She was most worried about what Mike would think.
She had promised to take care of Hannah. Had promised that they would be fine. Instead, she had been hurt and Hannah had been traumatized again. She would probably lose their baby; a baby that Mike had wanted. He would be angry and upset at her. They arrived at the hospital and the doctors and nurses began assessing her.
"Three broken ribs and a punctured lung…bruised kidney…concussion…fractured wrist." The doctor said. Madeline knew she wasn't hearing all the conversations.
"My…baby. And Joey? Where's Joey?" Madeline asked.
"Miss, your son is alright. He has a black eye and some other contusions. Also has a fracture in his arm. We're fixing him up." A nurse assured her.
"As far as the baby is concerned…don't get your hopes up. We will try but this sort of trauma so early in a pregnancy…I'm sorry." The doctor told her. Madeline felt herself fading at that comment. All she could think of was how much Mike had already been through; he didn't deserve to lose another child.
The Next Day
Madeline woke up in a hospital room. She felt safe enough but in incredible pain. Her arm was casted to just below her elbow and she felt incredibly dizzy. Madeline also felt extremely weak.
"Ah, hello. Doctor, our patient has woken up. Mrs. Slattery; how are you feeling?" The nurse asked.
"Dizzy…Joey? My baby?" Madeline asked.
"The dizziness is normal considering the busted ear drum and concussion. Joey went home with your neighbor last night. They have your other kids as well. He's alright. Wants his mommy home. Protective little guy. Wouldn't leave last night until he was sure you would be alright." The doctor assured her.
"And my baby?" Madeline asked.
"I'm sorry. We did everything we could, but you did have a miscarriage." The doctor told her and patted her hand. Madeline tried not to cry but she was not just in physical pain but emotional pain. Mike would never forgive her.
Three Days Later
James and Darcy had arrived and were taking care of the kids. Elizabeth was miserable because she had been quickly weaned. Madeline felt terribly about that but there were no other options. She was just thrilled to go home. Unfortunately, they had been unable to contact Mike. He had no idea what was going on at home.
The man that had attacked Madeline was being charged with everything imaginable and had turned against Madeline's mother. Hannah had also voluntarily given a statement as to how she ended up sold to Anna to make the charges steeper. Madeline was actually very proud of Hannah. James and Darcy were staying with the kids while Madeline recovered and would stay on to help her. Mark and Ellie had also helped a lot and Mark was picking Madeline up. He walked in with a wheelchair, obviously ready to go. The nurse had helped Madeline dress and pull her hair up into a loose ponytail.
"You have some excited kids at home." Mark told her.
"I am ready to be home. I cannot think you and Ellie enough for all that you've done." Madeline stated.
"No need for that. Once a Marine, always a Marine which makes your husband kind of like family. Besides, Ellie has spoiled those kids of yours rotten. Our grandkids live in Oregon, so she was thrilled to help with them." Mark explained as he helped Madeline into the chair.
"They are great kids, but I am biased." Madeline admitted.
"Well, Hannah is one tough cookie. And Joey? He beat the living tar out of that guy. Took his knees out with his ball bat and then hit him over the head when the guy fell. That knocked him out. I find that hilarious." Mark explained.
"I should have protected them better." Madeline said as he rolled her out of the room. They stopped by the nurse's station for a prescription that had been brought up and then Mark began the process of taking her home.
"You did quite well. He got you from behind. You fought back hard. He had bruises and scratches from your fingernails and ring." Mark added.
"I know but it still will never seem enough." Madeline told him.
"No worries. I did see something on the news this morning. Sounds like things have heated up with Colombia. Apparently, those boys are fighting hard. They are comparing the invasion they are doing to D-day. It's happening today, which means that husband of yours might be home soon." Mark told her.
"Unless…he's in on the invasion." Madeline said sadly.
"Yeah…what's his thing? You said he was the XO at one time? The thing I know about the Navy is that…it's not so much the Captain that you need to fear, it's the XO. And I've heard your husband was a fine one." Mark asked.
"He's been an operator so it's a possibility. More into logistics now." Madeline answered as Mark gently helped her into his car. He passed the wheelchair off to an attendant and got in the driver's seat.
"Don't mean to discourage you but once an operator; always an operator. Was he a SEAL?" Mark asked.
"Yeah." Madeline answered. Mark gave her a sympathetic look.
"I'm sure he'll be fine. He and Admiral Chandler are icons. The Navy wants to protect its heroes." Mark told her. The rest of the drive was completely silent, and Madeline was thrilled to see James and Darcy waiting on the porch when they pulled in. It was James and Darcy that had raised her, loved her and protected her from her mother. It was cathartic for Madeline that they were back to help her. James and Mark both helped her out of the car and Darcy immediately pulled her into a hug.
"Oh, sweetheart; it'll be alright. Let's get you inside." Darcy said as she took her by hand. She gently led her inside and then into the living area. Before Madeline even realized it, she was sitting in Mike's recliner with her feet up and the remote in her good hand.
"Where are the kids?" Madeline asked.
"Ellie took them to the store. You just relax." Darcy ordered as she put a pillow under Madeline's arm. Mark and James were doing something outside and so it was just Darcy and Madeline inside.
"My mom is in jail until she bonds out, isn't she?" Madeline asked.
"Actually, between what happened to you, Hannah's statement and some other things that have surfaced; involving embezzlement; your mom is in jail for a long time. No getting out of this one. The guy that attacked you, told the police that she paid him to kill you. Her plan was to take the kids and run." Darcy told her.
"How could a mother do that?" Madeline asked.
"I don't know, sweetie. I do know, you are not your mom. Your kids love you and you have a husband who practically worships you from what James told me." Darcy told her as she sit down on the couch.
"Maybe…I lost the baby. Mike wanted a baby and he might be really upset. I also was supposed to take care of the kids and I didn't and…" Madeline stopped talking because she was crying too hard. Darcy leaned over and rubbed her knee.
"Sweetie; you will have other babies, God willing. As far as Mike being upset, he will be upset that you and Joey were hurt, and he couldn't protect you, but he won't be upset with you. The only person I can imagine him being angry at is your mom. I wouldn't want to be in her shoes." Darcy insisted.
"We…had only talked in passing about a baby. I was supposed to go to the doctor and get birth control, but I didn't and…I guess we got careless. I wanted to wait a while. Mike has lost so much. Losing a baby…I don't know how he'll handle that. I wasn't very happy when I figured out that I was pregnant…maybe I caused this…" Madeline argued.
"Not hardly. Your deranged mother caused you to lose that baby and the man that attacked you didn't help. You, sweetie; you would have wrapped your mind around it and loved that baby. I have no doubt. And you wouldn't be so broken up now if there wasn't some part of you that didn't already love it. It is fine to grieve for that baby and I encourage it but don't go blaming yourself for it. The way those kids talk up Mike, I would say, he won't blame you either. Now, Ellie just pulled in. Dry those tears and put on a smile. Your kids are home and they have been wanting to see you." Darcy ordered. Madeline could have argued but choose to comply. What Darcy said made perfect sense anyways.
The kids came in like they were on fire and Joey practically jumped up next to her. His arm cast was done in what looked like the blue digi uniforms that Mike wore. His left eye was black, and he had a split lip, but he handed Madeline a bouquet of pink roses and Hannah had a bag of chocolate in her hand.
"We got you pink flowers and chocolate candies, so you would cry happy tears, Mommy." Joey told her as he kissed her cheek.
"Yep, that's what these are. Happy tears." Madeline answered as she pulled Hannah in for a hug. Elizabeth was in Ellie's arms and was reaching for Madeline.
"We got the cookies and cream one that you said you liked." Hannah told her. There was something different about her. Stronger. Tougher.
"Alright, guys; Elizabeth needs some time with her mommy. She doesn't understand this, so we need to give her the time." Ellie told the older two kids and they immediately gave Madeline space to hold Elizabeth. Joey stayed close but was rubbing her leg, sweetly. Elizabeth was put on Madeline's chest. Holding her was a lot harder with one arm and Elizabeth was rooting around, wanting to nurse.
"I wish I could nurse her, but I can't." Madeline stated. Darcy handed her a bottle and helped her prop it up.
"I'm sorry, sweetie. We had to wean her pretty suddenly." Darcy said as she rubbed Madeline's good arm.
"Its okay. I just hate that I wasn't here. I bet she was a little bear." Madeline said as she kissed Elizabeth's hand.
"She was a little grumpy, but Hannah's been a big help. I have a suggestion. Why don't we get you upstairs and you can cuddle up?" Darcy asked.
"I do like that idea. Not sure I can carry her up the stairs, though." Madeline agreed, and Darcy took the baby while Ellie helped Madeline stand up. The walk up the stairs was slow, and Darcy kept the kids outside of the bedroom while Ellie helped Madeline into a nightgown and lightweight robe. As soon as she was done; Hannah curled up on one side of her and Joey was on the other side while Elizabeth was cuddled up between Madeline and Hannah. It was exactly what Madeline needed.
"Alright, you just relax. We are going to utilize the baby monitors so if you need help, I'll be right up. Hannah and Joey are also going to stay with you." Darcy ordered as she handed her the bag of chocolate. Ellie showed back up with the vase of flowers that the kids had gotten her and put them on the dresser. Both women disappeared and left Madeline with the three kids. Joey had cuddled close and was almost asleep, but Madeline could tell that Hannah had something to say.
"Don't worry about Daddy. I know you are sad and think he will be mad at you, but he won't. He will just be upset that he wasn't here to take care of us. And as far as the baby is concerned; yeah, that's sad but sometimes God takes away things and people to give us someone or something better. I know that doesn't really help but I think that you and Daddy will be alright, and you will have a baby later…or maybe two or three…or…" Hannah continued with a whimsical look on her face.
"Sweetie, maybe one baby but thank you. I love you and I am so proud of you." Madeline told her as she reached over and kissed Hannah's forehead.
"I love you too…Mom." Hannah told her with a smile. Madeline was shocked but leaned over and kissed Hannah's forehead again. Like normal, Hannah's sunshiny spirit was like a balm to Madeline's broken spirit.