Long Road Home
Chapter 6
Mike almost felt guilty, leaving Katie and Christine home but Hannah seemed thrilled. He figured that once they got to the game, she would run off with her friends. Instead, she stayed right next to him, only leaving once to get them popcorn and sodas. She settled back next to him and focused on the games.
"If you want to hang out with your friends, feel free." Mike remarked.
"I'm good." Hannah said.
"You don't like those girls much, do you?" Mike asked.
"No. They're stupid." Hannah answered.
"I'm sure they have their good points." Mike said.
"Dad, I'm not like those girls. Please just accept it." Hannah said.
"When you were little, you were all about your dolls." Mike remarked.
"I'm not six anymore." Hannah reminded him.
"I know." Mike answered.
They watched the game in almost silence. Hannah seemed to enjoy it and it was still early; so instead of driving straight home, he drove to the nearby diner.
"What are we doing?" Hannah asked.
"I'm wanting some sweets." Mike answered. He got out of the truck and led Hannah into the diner. They found a seat and Mike looked over the menu.
"Katie might need us at home." Hannah answered. She wasn't looking at the menu. Just staring at him like he was crazy.
"Your mom is there. Katie will be okay." Mike said. The waitress approached and Mike ordered a piece of apple pie and ice cream for him and fried ice cream for Hannah.
"I didn't ask for that." Hannah said after the waitress went back to her station.
"No, but I didn't want to eat in front of you. You'll like the fried ice cream." Mike answered. A moment later, their food arrived and Hannah ate a tentative bite. Apparently she liked it because she continued eating it.
Mike was actually glad to get home because he could tell Hannah was nervous. She made a bee line for Katie as soon as they walked in. Katie was completely fine, watching a movie with Christine. Instead of arguing it, he settled next to Christine and quickly become bored with the movie. He fell asleep.
He only woke when Christine stood up. The tv was shut off and the girls were apparently in their rooms. He followed her into their bedroom, knowing she was upset about something.
"Did Hannah say something?" Mike asked as they got ready for bed.
"Honestly, she didn't have to. What happened?" Christine retorted.
"I was just trying to enjoy a night out with my daughter. She is borderline obsessed!" Mike insisted.
"She has been through a lot. Hannah had to care for Katie while I worked. Has it screwed with her mind? Probably, but most parents only wish their kids are so close." Christine said.
"I'm here now. Hannah can be a normal kid. She just doesn't seem to want me here." Mike remarked.
"Mike, she doesn't remember you. I understand building a relationship with her and I am encouraging it, but it's a marathon, not a sprint." Christine answered.
"I refuse to live the rest of my life with a daughter that barely acknowledges me." Mike said.
"Then accept the daughter you have. Stop trying to make her into something she can't be. She can't be a typical fourteen-year-old. She has shouldered far too many responsibilities for that and she isn't going to give that up." Christine remarked.
"It doesn't bother you that she's like this?" Mike asked.
"It does, but instead of being distressed by it, be proud of her. She is a good girl who loves her older, disabled sister with everything she has. If this doctor friend of yours can't figure this out with Katie, it'll be Hannah that is taking care of Katie someday." Christine said.
"I just don't want her to resent us someday." Mike replied.
"She won't." Christine answered. She gave him a kiss as they settled into bed. She quickly fell asleep, but Mike couldn't. He was too busy trying to figure out a way to connect with his youngest daughter.