Never Again, Again
Chapter 15
The house Mike found for them was a beautiful four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom home. It was tastefully decorated and they could move right in. A few pieces of furniture and linens were bought for them by the government. The nursery was even fixed up for them. Christine was consulted but she had to admit, it was nice to just walk into a house and be settled. The girls loved their rooms, and the kitchen was amazing. Rios had also gotten them a doctor's appointment to check on the baby and Christine was just thrilled that Mike was able to be there. Five minutes into the ultrasound they both knew something was off when the technician went for the doctor.
"What if something is really wrong?" Christine asked, already scaring herself.
"Hey; just wait until we know for sure." Mike said, trying to comfort her just as the doctor walked in and looked at the ultrasound.
"Do you see it?" The technician asked. The doctor adjusted a few things and nodded.
"What's wrong?" Christine asked.
"Well, nothing is wrong; but you are carrying twins. The reason Dr. Scott didn't see it was her ultrasound wasn't the best quality and one baby is behind the other. Both look fine though. We can isolate the heartbeats and I see no reason for concern. Would you like to know the genders?" Dr. Adams, Christine's new OB-GYN asked. Mike and Christine exchanged a look and he nodded. "Alright; the baby in the front is definitely a boy. He is not shy in the least. The baby behind him is much more shy and is a girl. Congratulations. How do you feel about twins?" Dr. Adams asked.
"Overwhelmed." Christine answered honestly.
"And they are both healthy?" Mike asked.
"Yes. Of course, with twins, they almost always come before the due date. I would like to see you to make it thirty-six weeks, Christine. Premature births come with their own issues. And due to your age and the fact that you are carrying twins, the chances of preeclampsia go up a great deal." Dr. Adams explained.
"Is there anything in particular we need to watch for?" Mike asked.
"Just take it easy. The longer we can keep those babies in, the better. Christine, you're awfully quiet. You okay?" Dr. Adams asked.
"Just…overwhelmed. Its going to take some time to get used to this. I was excited for one baby, but two...and Mike's going to be gone. I don't know how I am going to do it." Christine admitted.
"We can see about getting you some help with the kids. A nanny, maybe?" Mike suggested. He kissed the top of her head and squeezed her hand.
"I don't want someone else raising my kids for me. I just have to process." Christine remarked. She began cleaning the jelly off of her huge belly and then sat up with Mike's help.
"Given your age; I do need to see you weekly. Normally we would have done an amniocentesis, but it would be dangerous to do one now. So, we are taking a chance on rather either of them might have some sort…of issue. The hearts look good and everything seems to be developing normally. Here's a couple pictures for you." Dr. Adams said. She handed Mike the ultrasound photos.
"Thank you." Mike answered.
"Yes, thank you." Christine said warmly. Mike helped her off the exam table, they made the next several appointments and headed home. Christine stayed quiet throughout the ride home and finally Mike broke the silence.
"Both girls will be happy. Katie wanted a girl. Hannah wanted a boy." Mike remarked.
"Mike…I can't do this. I am barely able to mother Hannah now. What the hell am I going to do with two new babies? Its not fair to the kids." Christine said as she choked back the sobs.
"I know I should be more compassionate, but you honestly don't have a choice. The foster care system is a disaster. You still love the girls and you don't want to subject them to that. Even with how you feel about Hannah; you don't want her to experience that. And the babies are completely innocent. They don't get a choice in the matter. I will hire someone to help you with them but you don't get to walk away at this point." Mike said. She was shocked by the statement. Mike had been very understanding up to that point.
"I'm trying, Mike." Christine replied.
"You literally only have weeks to sort through this before I leave. Maybe less time. I have no doubt that once you hold those babies; you will be fine. And I know you are trying with Hannah. We both lost Lucas and we both almost lost Katie. We both have to find a way to continue living and parenting our remaining kids. Granted, most of that will be on you but they need us both, but you especially. And I don't need to worry about how you are doing. I have to trust that you are handling things, just as you have always done. I married you for a reason. You are strong. So, find your strength again." Mike continued.
"I don't know how." Christine admitted.
"You do know how. You put one foot in front of another. You take care of Katie. You enjoy Hannah's joy. You hold these babies. And yes, somedays; you will miss Lucas but you will focus on the ones you still have. Lucas would not want this and you know that." Mike insisted.
"You make it seem easy." Christine remarked.
"Oh, it won't be easy but it will be worth it." Mike said. He pulled up to their new house and Christine took a deep breathe, wiped the tears and gave Mike a kiss when he helped her out of the SUV. He pulled her into a hug and as she cuddled into his chest, one of the babies kicked, making her laugh. Maybe Mike was right after all.
