September, When It Ends
Chapter 3
Mike enjoyed puttering around Christine's house, spending time with Katie on her day off and driving his wife and daughters to work and school. Christine had given notice at the hospital. She wasn't sure if she was retiring or going to find a new job. Katie had also given notice and had applied to a college near their home.
He had met Zoe. She was a nice girl but very nervous. Her dad, Charles had taken an instant dislike of Mike and Mike was not a fan of his, but kept his communications to a minimum, not wanting Zoe harmed. He could understand why Christine was so attached to the young girl. A night, about a week after; he smiled as Christine crawled into bed next to him. She had driven herself to work due to working a sixteen hour shift and Mike turned around to hold her.
"Long day." Mike remarked.
"Yeah. I am so tired." Christine admitted.
"At least you're off tomorrow. I have to get up to take the girls to school and work but you sleep." Mike said as he kissed her cheek.
"Mike…Zoe ended up in the hospital. She showed up to school beat all to hell. Apparently, her dad threw her down the stairs. She has broken ribs, concussion…all kinds of stuff, but she'll be put into the foster system once she's released." Christine said.
"Yes." Mike answered simply, knowing what Christine didn't have the courage to ask.
"Yes?" Christine asked.
"She shouldn't go into the foster system. She knows you, Katie and Hannah. She should come here. I'll sign whatever paperwork I need to." Mike said. Christine leaned up and gave him a long kiss.
"Thank you. I am worried about her dad finding out though." Christine remarked.
"Do the police have him?" Mike asked.
"Not yet." Christine answered.
"When she is released, bring her here. We'll figure it out." Mike said. Christine gave him a long kiss.
"Thank you, Mike." Christine said.
"I love you." Mike answered. Christine smiled at him.
"I love you too." Christine replied. She yawned and Mike laughed.
"Go to sleep. I need to get up early." Mike said.
"I need to take a few things to Zoe." Christine said.
"We'll go." Mike answered. She nodded and wrapped her arms around him.
The next morning, after dropping Hannah off at school and taking Katie to work; he picked Christine back up and drove her to the hospital. He insisted on picking flowers for Zoe before they went to her room. Zoe was still intensely nervous of Mike but seemed to really like the flowers.
The social worker had stopped in and Mike and Christine signed off on the paperwork to take Zoe home with them. Zoe was discharged and given to Mike and Christine. The social worker almost seemed glad to not have to vet them at all. It was almost like Zoe was a disposable good to everyone, including her own father. Something that pissed Mike off to no end.
They picked Katie up at her work and drove back to Brooklyn. Thankfully, Katie didn't seem to be bothered by Zoe's sudden appearance in their lives. She promised Mike she would go with him the next day to get clothes and things to make Zoe more comfortable.
Hannah also seemed to just accept it. She tended to be a bit more possessive of her parents, especially Mike, but since Zoe was so scared of Mike; it was of little bother to Hannah. Fortunately, Christine had a fourth bedroom that Zoe was satisfied with.
Late into the night; Christine crawled into bed next to Mike. He woke up and smiled at her. She gave him a long kiss, one that was surprisingly passionate. Something Christine hadn't seemed interested in yet. He kissed down her neck and behind her ear.
"Its been a long time…since the last time you and I did this." Christine remarked between kisses.
"Me too." Mike answered. Christine seemed nervous and unsure of what to do. "Are you sure you want to do this?" He asked.
"Yes." Christine said.
"Okay." Mike answered as he continued kissing Christine.
"Mike–I'm not really like you remember and I don't have any pretty lingerie…" Christine started.
"You don't need it." Mike answered. He worked her pajama shirt off and kissed down her torso. She moaned in response.
"Oh, I've missed this." Christine said. In no time, they had undressed each other and Mike smiled as Christine took control. They hadn't forgotten each other's preferences at all.
Thankfully, Zoe slept through the night and Mike and Christine had the opportunity to become reacquainted intimately again. Mike would have preferred for it to be more special but it was still really nice. It was almost four am before either was interested in sleeping and Christine smiled up at Mike.
"That was amazing." Christine remarked.
"Which part?" Mike asked.
"All of it. I loved all of it." Christine said shyly.
"Good. I especially enjoyed you being in charge." Mike remarked.
"You always have liked that." Christine replied. She kissed his chest, right over the heart.
"And in about a week; we can do this much more often. You won't be tired." Mike said.
"I'm already so looking forward to it. Mike…I love you. I hope I never did anything to make you think I didn't." Christine said.
"Likewise. I love you too." Mike answered. Christine cuddled up as close as she could and quickly fell asleep. It took him a bit longer but he finally did go to sleep, glad it was a Saturday morning and Katie didn't have to work.