The Wedding Guest
Chapter 5
"Wow." Christine said as she settled back next to Mike. They were definitely getting more physically acquainted.
"Yeah." Mike responded. Christine put her hand on his chest and smiled at him.
"You're bored stiff, aren't you?" Christine said.
"At the moment, no. I'm really satisfied now. But during the day…Hannah stays in her room doing school work and there's only so many home repairs I can do." Mike said.
"And you are wanting to connect with her, aren't you?" Christine asked.
"She's…so shy. I'm her father and she acts like half the time, she doesn't know me." MIke replied.
"Maybe she's having trouble remembering you. She was fairly young when you went to the Arctic." Christine suggested.
"I don't know. Its just frustrating. My friend has been texting with her. See if she can help her confidence. Would you care if I tried to get her out of the house, some one on one time?" Mike suggested.
"You are her father, Mike. I want you to connect with her, even if it means sacrificing some of my time with you." Christine said.
"Oh, trust me; I'll still have time for you." Mike promised as he pulled Christine closer.
"Good." Christine replied. She gave him a long kiss and cuddled close.
"I love you." Mike said.
"I love you too…and Mike; so does Hannah." Christine replied.
"Thanks." Mike said. Christine went to sleep quickly but Mike took a bit longer; thinking about his relationship with Hannah. He missed Katie and wished he had more of a chance to connect with her, but he was glad he only had one daughter to concentrate on at the moment.
The next morning, Christine went to work and Mike looked in at Hannah, studying in her room. He stepped in and looked at all the books, stacked everywhere. It was overwhelming.
"Are these all your books?" Mike asked.
"Yes. My library books is this stack here." Hannah said.
"Hannah…why don't I build you a bookshelf? You'd have room for it on that wall over there." Mike said. He pulled a tape measure out and began measuring.
"You could, I guess. If you wanted to." Hannah said.
"How about this–Katie's room is empty. You could sleep in there and let me redo this room? So you'd have room for all your books." Mike suggested.
"Can it be a surprise?" Hannah said.
"If you want it to be. I could get your mom to help me." Mike said.
"I'd like that." Hannah said.
"Well, let's get your clothes packed up and any books." Mike said.
"School, though?" Hannah asked.
"Sweetheart, you do schoolwork seven days a week. You need a break. You can get your stuff packed up that you want and then you and I can go to the store, so I can figure out the stuff you like." Mike said.
"Okay." Hannah agreed.
It was spontaneous and Mike hadn't planned on redoing Hannah's bedroom but maybe by creating a bedroom for her that was not just mismatched furniture and more grown up then a unicorn bedspread, it would help her confidence.
He was shocked by how mature her taste was. Hannah didn't want typical teenage girl things. She wanted an iron headboard, quilts and rag rugs. Dark colors and she really wanted a comfortable chair to sit in. He also took her out to lunch and she was so busy talking about her new bedroom that she didn't seem to notice anyone looking at her scars. It was exactly what Mike wanted to happen.
Christine got home and listened as Hannah told her everything. She smiled at how excited Hannah was and offered advice. But Mike could tell something was on her mind. That night while they got ready for bed, Mike finally brought it up.
"Its not that I mind doing the bedroom. It needs to be done. I'm just worried Katie will feel jealous when she comes home." Christine said as she brushed her teeth.
"We can do her bedroom too." Mike replied from the shower.
"Its expensive. I'm turning the water on." Christine answered as she rinsed her toothbrush.
"You have my income now." Mike said as he got out the shower and put a towel around his waist. Judging by Christine's pajamas, they would just be sleeping.
"True. I just have gotten used to not spending money frivolously." Christine said as she sprayed a bottle of perfume, one that Mike was not a fan of.
"That isn't what you used to like.' Mike remarked, pointing at the bottle.
"I can't afford that stuff anymore. This is just a cheap one." Christine replied.
"I'll keep that in mind." Mike replied.
"Alright. I have an early morning meeting. I need to get some rest." Christine said before walking into their bedroom. Mike put his boxers on, brushed his teeth and towel dried his hair before walking back into the bedroom. Christine was already trying to get to sleep.
"For the record, I hate early morning meetings." Mike said as he settled next to her. He pulled her onto his chest and kissed the top of her head.
"Me too. Last night was fun." Christine said.
"It was." Mike agreed. He kissed her again and smiled into her hair.