Better Together
Chapter 12
Christine could tell something was on Mike's mind all during the visit with the girls. Katie was not there and finally, Mike sent Hannah to the hospital gift shop with Audrey. It gave her and Mike a chance to catch up.
"So, I talked at length to Katie this morning. She didn't fully understand why they were wanting to intubate me; so that explains the hesitancy and arguing with you. I explained it to her. My concern was more about Mark…having some sort of inappropriate relationship with her but she said no." Mike said.
"Okay…" Christine started.
"Honestly; he used her. She didn't know the entire situation because we shielded her and he used that. She felt he had a right to make decisions about Audrey; not knowing that Mark had also signed his own rights off. In trying to protect her, we actually caused far more damage. She is very remorseful." Mike explained.
"Did she tell him that you were going to be outside that morning?" Christine asked.
"I suspect so. And we could be angry at her for betraying you and I, but honestly, she will punish herself far more than we could do. I told her that she owes you a huge apology and because you are her mother; she'll have your forgiveness. I know that it is hard to swallow and I know she has said somethings that you won't forget soon, but we do have some culpability in this." Mike continued.
"You almost died." Christine pointed out.
"Yes, and she has to live with that. Now that I am retiring; I am going to be making a consorted effort with her. I don't think I realized that I made her feel like I didn't want a relationship with her since we don't get along as well as Hannah and I." Mike admitted.
"I don't think that's what you set out to do." Christine remarked.
"No, but somehow I communicated it. You and I were so busy setting up a good life for the girls; educating them, getting them into careers; that we forgot that they just needed us to be parents. Not sure I am explaining this right." Mike said.
"I think I know what you mean." Christine told him. She reached across and pulled the blanket up higher on his chest.
"For me…just give her a chance. I know she hurt you but I think she honestly thought she was doing what she felt was best for me. She didn't understand it." Mike said.
"I will but all she had to do was ask. I would have explained what your wishes were. I wanted help making those decisions." Christine commented.
"Lessons learned. Are you okay with this? As much as I would like for you to forgive her, it is up to you." Mike asked.
"I've already forgiven her. Its just hard to forget that my own daughter was so spiteful." Christine admitted.
"Then let her know you are in pain because of the things she said. She is an adult and she has to face that the choices she made and the things she said has consequences. Doesn't mean that you don't love her or forgive her." Mike said.
"Yeah; that is a two-way street for me considering what I said to you that morning." Christine remarked.
"How about this? How about we just try again…once I am on my feet. We are not under the gun to remarry now. Maybe, go on a date or something?" Mike suggested.
"I'd like that." Christine said with a smile.
"Me too." Mike answered. He held a hand out to Christine and then gently pulled her onto the bed with him. He held onto her for a few minutes; until Hannah and Audrey returned; wanting dinner.