Lost Loves

Chapter 4

Mike needed a break from Christine and the girls so he called to check on Tom. They agreed to meet for lunch and as soon as Tom sat down at the table; Mike knew he was in for it.

"So, I heard about the girls. I'm happy for you. How are they?" Tom asked.

"A little thin but seem okay. Christine is a different story." Mike answered. The waitress brought their drinks and took their orders.

"After everything? She's living with you?" Tom asked.

"She is staying in the same house. Separate rooms." Mike answered.

"Mike; after everything?" Tom asked in a warning tone.

"I couldn't exactly separate her from the girls. She is their mother and was honestly always a good one. And she sacrificed something to protect them. I've dealt with rape victims and she is far more broken than any of them." Mike said.

"She was just a terrible wife." Tom said.

"And I wasn't a stellar husband." Mike reminded him.

"So are you two back together?" Tom asked.

"No and until Christine faces whatever demons she is carrying with her; I won't even try and then, I'm not even sure." Mike admitted.

"You still wear your wedding ring?" Tom asked, pointing at Mike's left hand.

"Habit. Even when we separated I wore it…and she is very possessive of hers." Mike said. That was confusing to him. Christine had never cared much about her wedding band or the symbolism attached to it. He had no idea where the engagement ring had gone. Probably sold for food or stolen. But Christine protected the wedding band like her life depended on it.

"Mike; just be careful. My opinion of Christine is jaded and I can't see how she would have changed so much. She almost ruined you before and you've always had a bit of a blind side with her." Tom warned.

"You'll understand when you see her." Mike answered as their food arrived.

"Frankly; I have no desire to see her again. I know that I will probably have to. I just hope you are prepared." Tom said.

"You will be shocked." Mike answered.

The rest of the meal was mostly silent. Tom was not afraid to let Mike know that he disapproved of Christine. All Mike could hope for was that when there was an encounter between Tom and Christine; Tom was at least understanding of the much more fragile Christine.

Mike arrived home and immediately smiled at the smells emanating from the kitchen. Christine was a questionable wife and some people didn't think she was a good mother, but everyone agreed she could cook and bake anything. He had missed that.

"It smells good in here." Mike said. He could tell he startled Christine slightly but she gave him a smile anyways.

"I know you just ate but it's a roast in the oven. Its kind of therapeutic for me." Christine said.

"Where are the girls?" Mike asked.

"In their rooms. Katie is studying. Hannah is redecorating her bedroom." Christine joked. Hannah was not sure what her likes were so it led to some uncertainty.

"Have you given any thought to talking to someone about what happened? A therapist?" Mike asked.

"Mike; I know I need to but I also know that when I do; the walls will come crashing down. I like being here with the girls. Like being here with you. I know that if you find out…you'll throw me out and I won't be able to see the girls." Christine answered.

"If you go to a counselor; it will be confidential; even to me." Mike said.

"But you'll be paying for it, I assume?" Christine asked.

"My benefits package will be and if you don't want to go to a military therapist; I'll pay for a private sector one, but I won't demand to know what you talk about." Mike said.

"Mike…I'm just not ready. I'm…scared, I suppose. For now; this helps. Cooking and just being near you and the girls. I feel safe." Christine answered.

"I don't understand that. Before; you didn't want anywhere near me." Mike said.

"Because you are the only man I've ever loved and the only one that didn't hurt me or take advantage of me. And I know despite our past; I can trust you." Christine answered. It blew Mike away.

"Oh." Mike said.

"Mike; seriously, thank you. But please just be patient with me?" Christine pled.

"Okay." Mike agreed. It was incredibly hard because all he wanted to do was fix whatever was wrong. He wanted to fix it and protect Christine because she was the only woman he had ever really loved. He just wondered if the fact that they had loved each other once would be enough to keep Mike's patience and give Christine strength because whatever had happened was going to be heartbreaking.