Good Start
Chapter 12
Christine knew Mike was avoiding her but he was wonderful with Katie. She wasn't sure what was wrong exactly and finally one night he came home not feeling well. He had a bad sinus infection but they couldn't afford for him to go to the doctor. Christine had already laid down and Katie was sound asleep when Mike slipped into bed next to her.
"Feeling any better?" Christine asked.
"Not really. I get paid tomorrow. I may try to go to the doctor. Not sure I will get over this if not." Mike said.
"I can call my parents and see about a loan?" Christine suggested.
"Wouldn't help. I'd have to pay it back. I will figure it out. I am hoping to be over it by next week." Mike said.
"What's next week?" Christine asked.
"I'm taking the detective test." Mike answered.
"Why? I know its something you've wanted to do but why?" Christine asked.
"At the moment, better pay." Mike answered honestly.
"That can't be the only reason. Besides, its dangerous; I'm sure. You wouldn't always wear a vest." Christine said.
"Why would you care if something happened to me? The last time I checked you hated me, remember?" Mike asked. Christine raised up and looked at him with narrowed eyes.
"Where is this coming from? I thought we were doing fine." Christine asked.
"You…want another baby. Its all you've talked about. I wouldn't mind another but I prefer that we have a normal marriage where we love each other. You and I…we have sex. That's just what we do." Mike said.
"Oh." Christine said. She knew the conversation was coming but it was not like she had had a normal childhood with parents that had a normal marriage. She watched Mike's parents and admired what they had, but she wasn't sure how to attain it.
"Look, I get it. You hate me. I had hoped with Katie, there would be some sort of connection but I guess I'm wrong." Mike said as he turned on his side, away from Christine.
"No. You don't get to do that. You don't get to start a loaded conversation and then back away. Yes; I told you that I hated you before we'd slept together that first time…maybe even after, but I don't now. Is it love? Probably not. But I would be willing to let something develop. I don't know how but I would want to." Christine said as she rubbed Mike's arm.
"Its not like I have the money for fancy dates." Mike remarked.
"Well, I don't expect fancy dates. I just want it to be something you and I both want." Christine answered before kissing the back of Mike's head. She pulled him back to where he was laying on his back and gave him a soft kiss on the lips. It might have continued but Mike pulled away to sneeze.
"Sorry." Mike said.
"You get some rest." Christine said. She gave him another kiss and wrapped her arms around him, hoping he could in fact get some sleep.