Mistake
Chapter 18
Maddie was glad that she had taken the day off because both Mike and Hannah were struggling all day. Billy didn't understand it. Katie had died when he was a little over a year old. He didn't remember her or the sacrifice she had made. Hannah was his world and he only knew she was sad.
Mike had made pancakes for breakfast and left soon after, with the promise he would be back before lunch. Hannah went with him. She wasn't sure what they were doing and didn't ask. Her job that day was to make sure Billy was taken care of. Mike had cancelled Hannah's tutoring session so they could spend the day together. Right before lunch time; they reappeared with Chinese takeout and a bakery cake.
"Chinese food?" Maddie asked.
"It was Katie's favorite. Dad went a little crazy ordering take out. I think there's literally everything. We also went to the jewelry store. He bought a bracelet for Katie's birthday; although he said I would wear it." Hannah remarked.
"Does that bother you?" Maddie asked.
"No. Maybe it should but its kind of cathartic; I think. Both for me and Dad." Hannah said.
"Good." Maddie answered with a smile. Mike had carried in yet another bag from the Chinese restaurant. "We may have some leftovers." Maddie remarked.
"That's fine." Mike said. Maddie smiled at him before helping Billy pick out what he wanted. She could have cooked them lunch and baked a cake but it seemed like it helped Mike and Hannah.
Lunch was fairly quiet and Mike helped her pack away all the leftovers. They ate the cake too, just as quietly. Maddie thought about taking Billy to the park so Mike and Hannah could grieve on their own but it began raining, matching the mood inside the house. The only thing that seemed to be in order was a nap. Fortunately, Billy agreed and quickly fell asleep on Mike's lap. Maddie sat down next to Mike on the couch and smiled.
"The bracelet is really pretty." Maddie said.
"Yes. It seemed appropriate to get something for Katie for her birthday and since she isn't here to wear it; Hannah is next in line." Mike said.
"It was all a nice thing to do. I think Katie would be proud of the two of you." Maddie remarked.
"Maybe of Hannah. Not of me." Mike replied.
"I think you might be surprised." Maddie answered. She guided Mike's hand to her stomach and smiled when he smiled at her.
"The baby is really kicking today." Mike remarked.
"Yeah, the baby has been particularly active today." Maddie said.
"I think it's a girl." Mike said.
"Really?" Maddie asked.
"Yeah. Not that I have much say; but I would like to consider the name Charlotte for her. It was my grandmother's name. I wanted to name Katie Charlotte but Christine didn't care for it. It never came up when Hannah was born either." Mike said.
"I like Charlotte. Maybe Sarah for a middle name?" Maddie suggested.
"Charlotte Sarah?" Mike said.
"Sounds good to me, if it's a girl." Maddie agreed.
"We will know soon enough." Mike said. Maddie leaned over Billy and gave Mike a kiss.
"I know you didn't sleep well last night. Why don't you try to nap?" Maddie suggested.
"I am honestly scared to sleep. The dreams…or nightmares. Whatever you want to call them." Mike answered.
"You have to sleep, Mike. Not sleeping isn't healthy." Maddie said.
"I know. Its just hard." Mike admitted. He was brushing a hand through Billy's red curls. Maddie had seen pictures of Christine and knew Billy must have gotten the red hair from Mike. She hoped their baby would have the same red curls as Billy.
"I'm right here. I can look after Hannah and Billy." Maddie promised.
"Thank you. I appreciate it." Mike told her. Maddie nodded and put her arms around Mike and Billy; who snuggled even closer to Mike.