Now and Forever
Chapter 9
Mike knew. He had for years and had overheard the conversation between Christine and Dr. Fitzpatrick. It hurt, of course. All he could do was pour his love into Christine in hopes that someday, she would return it. At least he had gotten three beautiful children out of the marriage. Lucas was gone, but Katie and Hannah were precious.
Christine had been stunned by the bedroom and seemed to love everything. She was very grateful which was an improvement from years past. Mike would give her some small gift and she would sit it aside. But this time was different.
They ate a dinner that Katie had cooked and watched a movie together. Mike stayed fairly quiet, letting the girls visit with Christine. Finally, they both went to bed and Mike decided to just nip it in the bud. Pretending wasn't fair to any of them.
"So…I admit that I overhead your conversation with Dr. Fitzpatrick today, but I have known it for…literally years." Mike told Christine. She had a shocked look on her face.
"Mike…I didn't want you to know." Christine said with a shaky voice.
"Obviously not." Mike remarked.
"You're mad." Christine replied.
"No. I stopped being mad at you years ago. I honestly feel sorry for you. I'm hurt." Mike answered.
"So, what now?" Christine asked.
"Well, we have two choices. We can split up, file for divorce and work out a custody agreement for Hannah. Or…we can try to build something yet again." Mike said as he paced around the living room.
"You would want to do that?" Christine asked.
"You told me I was like a loyal dog. While I don't care for being compared to a dog, at least you described me as loyal." Mike said.
"Mike…I…am sure I meant that at the time but you have always been an amazing husband. Sure, I complained about you being gone so much, not having money to do what I wanted and for being…what I thought was boring at the time, I have missed you." Christine told him as he sat back down on the couch.
"Why did you cheat? Did you love him?" Mike asked.
"NO. I actually couldn't stand him. He was not a good man. I suppose I was trying to get your attention. I wanted to show you what could happen when you weren't home. I honestly never meant for you to find us in bed together, especially not on our anniversary." Christine admitted.
"Had I not found you in bed together, I might not have ever known for sure." Mike remarked.
"You suspected?" Christine asked.
"Yeah. I knew you were having an affair. I just hadn't confronted you. I wanted to wait until after our anniversary." Mike explained.
"Oh. Guess I messed that up for you." Christine remarked.
"Was it the sex?" Mike asked abruptly.
"No. Mike; nothing you did contributed to me cheating. I agreed for you to join the Navy and become an officer. I knew what it entailed. I was trying to sabotage our marriage because I didn't feel deserving of it. I still don't for that matter. It had nothing to do with love or sex. I didn't love Paul and the sex was not good and I am not saying that to make you feel better. I'm being honest." Christine answered.
"Was it the first and only time?" Mike asked.
"Yes. I had never cheated on you before or since, for that matter." Christine answered.
"Why did you file for divorce while I was away?" Mike asked.
"Mike; you are entitled to ask me all these questions but I am exhausted. Again, I was trying to sabotage the one good thing I had going for me, besides the kids. I really want to go to bed. We will talk more tomorrow, I promise." Christine said as she stood up. She leaned down and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Mike; please know, it was never you even if it felt like it was. Your love for me was so pure and simple. I couldn't replicate it for you but please know, I have always loved you, I just have to question what sort of love it has been. And I do want it grow into what you deserve. Now, please; sleep. Don't dwell on all this." Christine said. Mike nodded in response but she gave him another kiss, this time on the lips.
"I love you." Mike said.
"I know you do. You are an amazing person. The girls and I are lucky to have you." Christine answered. She left the room before Mike had a chance to say anything else. He hadn't told her that he had also messed around a few times since the Red Flu. They were only one-night stands but Mike felt the need to be honest with Christine. Maybe the next day.