Lost Loves

Chapter 18

The girls happily agreed to watch Sophia and Samuel, so Mike and Christine could go 'Christmas' shopping. He'd had to order Christmas decorations and wrapping paper online because it was impossible to get those items in the middle of Spring.

The kids were fully outfitted but it was fun to pick out some fun items for them. Books for Katie, drawing and art supplies for Hannah, dolls for Sophia and sports equipment for Samuel among many other things. They also went grocery shopping so Christine could fix a traditional Christmas dinner.

"You should invite Tom and Sasha. For dinner." Christine remarked as they checked out at the grocery store.

"For Christmas in April?" Mike asked.

"Yes. He's been a good friend to you." Christine remarked.

"Christine, he…is not a fan of yours. He doesn't agree that we should be trying to work this out between us." Mike said.

"I know but we should still invite him. He gets to choose if he attends." Christine answered.

"I just want it to be special for the kids and Tom is different. Before, he would have held his tongue. Not now." Mike remarked.

"I think he will respect the kids. Just invite him and Sasha. We'll go from there." Christine said. Mike nodded and paid the total. He hoped Christine was right.

They got home and took the gifts upstairs for Christine to wrap. Mike put groceries away and ordered a couple pizzas before calling Tom. He needed a moment to collect himself, and was a little surprised when Tom answered.

"Hey, been a few weeks since I heard from you." Tom said.

"Yeah, been busy with the kids. Sophia's surgery went good. She's in physical therapy but they think she'll regain use. She's also said a few words when the mood hits her." Mike explained.

"And the others?" Tom asked.

"They are good. Readjusting. Which leads me to the reason I called. We are having Christmas Saturday at four. Christine wanted me to invite you and Sasha. The kids too if they are here." Mike said.

"Its April, Mike." Tom said.

"You are the fifth person that has said that to me." Mike complained.

"Do we need to bring anything?" Tom asked.

"Maybe some alcohol." Mike answered.

"Alright, consider us in." Tom said.

"Tom…Christine will be here." Mike said.

"Yeah, I figured she would be. Its okay." Tom said before hanging up.

Mike stared at his phone for a long moment until he heard the kids come in the back door. Sophia immediately ran for him and he picked her up. She cuddled up as close as she could.

"Her physical therapy wore her out. I told her she could lay down on the couch." Katie said.

"Sophia, I ordered pizza. It should be here soon." Mike told the little girl.

"How about you stay awake a bit longer, sissy?" Samuel asked his twin sister. She nodded but clung to Mike. Just then the doorbell rang but Christine was coming down the stairs and answered it. Mike handed her a tip since he'd already paid for the pizzas.

Sophia was unusually fussy throughout dinner and as soon as they ate, Mike settled in the recliner with her and she was quickly asleep. Christine covered them with a blanket and kissed both Mike and Sophia's head.

"I think she missed you today." Christine remarked.

"I'm sure she missed you too, babe." Mike said.

"Maybe, but you're her person." Christine said with a smile. She gave him another kiss before settling on the couch with the other kids. They had been 'streaming' Christmas movies and cartoons all week, contributing to the spirit of the Holidays.