Mistake
Chapter 24
It took some convincing for Hannah to go with Maddie the next morning. She was nervous about leaving Billy with Mike but Maddie was insistent. Finally, Maddie convinced her with a bribe for beignets.
Knowing the conversation might be a bit complicated, Maddie took her to her Mom's restaurant. Maddie made a point to seat her in a private area of the restaurant. Finally, Hannah spoke.
"Dad told you, didn't he?" Hannah asked.
"He did last night. He feels horribly about it." Maddie remarked.
"I shouldn't have instigated him. I knew he was in an emotional mess. If I hadn't argued, none of it would have happened." Hannah remarked.
"Hannah, you are a young teenager. You are not responsible for gauging your dad's moods or his reactions." Maddie said.
"True but still. I should have known better." Hannah agreed.
"Hannah, he adores you and I think he's scared that this has broken the trust you had in him. And given your reaction to Billy staying home with him; I would say you are struggling with that." Maddie pointed out.
"I am. Billy is still getting to know Dad. I know Dad and I know that he was reacting emotionally. Billy doesn't know him as well." Hannah explained.
"Hannah; you are right, it was an emotional reaction but it doesn't mean he'll do it again." Maddie said.
"I am just scared of it." Hannah admitted.
"And that is understandable, but still; Hannah, you have to forgive him." Maddie said.
"I have already. Its just hard to forget it. And now, I am wondering when he'll get mad because I left Katie like that." Hannah remarked.
"That's what you're more worried about, isn't it?" Maddie asked.
"Yeah. I am scared to death that he's going to throw me out. I…don't know if I can live on the streets again." Hannah said as her voice broke.
"Number one, he would never ever do that to you. He loves you. And secondly, if he was to do something like that; I would move back out and you would live with me and the baby. You would not live on the streets again." Maddie insisted.
"Thank you but I would not want to ruin your relationship like that and besides, the baby would need Dad. I'm just scared I guess. Maybe you are right. Maybe he wouldn't." Hannah said.
"He won't. He feels horribly about the whole situation. And he also feels badly about that bracelet." Maddie said.
"He bought that for Katie. What's to feel bad about?" Hannah asked as she sipped her sweet tea.
"He felt he should have had something for you but you haven't mentioned wanting much of anything." Maddie remarked.
"Oh. My mom had this necklace she wore sometimes; you could put pictures in it. I always loved it but I know hers is probably long-gone." Hannah explained.
"I could ask your dad for you." Maddie offered.
"I thought about asking your mom about moving back in with her but…I really want to be close to Dad. I missed him so much." Hannah admitted.
"Honey; he loves you so much. I think if you did move out, it would wreck him and I don't think you want to do that and I think you want to stay." Maddie said.
"I do." Hannah admitted quietly.
"It is going to take some time to relearn how to trust him and know, it was a one time mistake. Just…lean in? Does that make sense?" Maddie asked.
"Yeah, I think so. My mom used to always say when things get rough; lean in instead of pulling away." Hannah answered.
"Makes sense." Maddie said.
They finished their beignets and did a little window shopping before heading home. When they got there; Maddie could tell that Hannah was assessing Billy closely but the little boy was perfectly happy, sitting on Mike's lap while he read to him. Katie was researching nursing schools on Mike's laptop. Hannah went into her room and Maddie leaned down next to Mike.
"I did hint about a gift of some sort. She mentioned liking lockets. She specifically mentioned Christine wearing one. Figures its long gone." Maddie said.
"Actually; its not. I have it. I gave it to her for our first anniversary." Mike said.
"But its important to you?" Maddie asked.
"A little but I would be fine giving it to her. Hey, Billy; can Maddie read to you for a moment?" Mike asked his young son.
"Yes." Billy answered. Mike gently picked Billy up and Maddie settled into his chair before Billy was settled on her lap with the book.
"I'll be right back." Mike said. He kissed the top of Maddie and Billy's heads before going to their bedroom to get the necklace. Maddie smiled into Billy's curls, glad that Mike still had the necklace. Maybe now the family was healing.