Back Home
Chapter 25
Christine had chuckled to herself because Mike was slowly driving them home. He would grimace just before every bump in the road. Christine looked back at Katie, who was almost asleep in the backseat. Finally, Mike pulled into their driveway and Christine leaned back and squeezed Katie's knee.
"We're home, sweetheart. Dad is going to help you out." Christine said. Mike opened the door and unbuckled Katie's seatbelt.
"Do you need me to carry you in and upstairs?" Mike asked.
"No. Just some help onto the couch." Katie answered. Mike helped her out of the car and started up the walkway. "Ouch, my eyes." Katie said. Christine had the foresight to grab Mike's sunglasses from the console and she gently put them over Katie's eyes.
"Sorry, honey. Wasn't thinking. That better?" Mike asked.
"Yeah." Katie said. Christine opened the front door and smiled at Katie.
"Living room or family room?" Christine asked.
"Definitely family room." Katie answered. It was a more comfortable room and Katie had always loved it. It was also open concept to the kitchen and eating area. Mike helped her settle onto the couch and Christine smiled as Hannah came down the stairs carrying Levi, with Kara behind her. Mike settled Katie on the couch and smiled down at her.
"Levi just woke up from his nap and had his diaper changed." Kara said.
"Kara, thank you for staying with them. We really appreciate it." Christine said.
"No problem. Frankie is hoping for a little time with Katie and Hannah when they feel up to it. Maybe you two can go on a date and I'll babysit Levi." Kara offered.
"Soon." Katie said with a smile. Hannah sat down next to Katie with Levi in her arms and Katie immediately took him.
"Careful, honey." Mike warned.
"I'm okay. He's grown so much. Dad, he looks just like you." Katie remarked. Mike sat down next to her; obviously trying to keep Katie from overdoing.
"Just let me know if you need anything." Kara said before giving Christine a hug and leaving. Christine settled next to Mike and smiled at how Levi had cuddled into Mike's shoulder and Katie was leaning against him.
"Katie; just let me know when you want to go up?" Christine suggested.
"Soon. I would really love to take a shower." Katie remarked. Mike and Christine exchanged a look.
"I can help you up the stairs and I'm sure Mom will help you. You could use our shower. It has a bench." Mike offered.
"You will likely get lightheaded so its a good idea. You can shower and then nap. Then come downstairs for dinner?" Christine suggested.
"That sounds good." Katie answered. Mike handed Levi to Hannah and helped Katie back off the couch and then up the stairs. Once they got to the top of the stairs, Christine took over.
"Christine; I know you're tired. Why don't you lay down with her? I'll take care of dinner and will wake you both up." Mike suggested.
"That sounds good." Christine answered.
"Can I sleep in your bed with you?" Katie asked.
"Of course, sweetheart." Christine replied.
"Christine; do you need me to stick close?" Mike asked.
"We'll be okay, but thank you." Christine said. She gave Mike a kiss on the cheek and smiled at the way Katie gave him a hug. It was certainly an improvement over the year before.
"Sleep well, sweetie." Mike said.
Christine helped Katie shower and settle for bed. She was in pain and was resistant to taking pain medications. Christine finally pulled her close and wrapped the blankets around her. Katie smiled over at her.
"What's on your mind?" Christine asked.
"When does Dad leave again? Its so nice to have him here." Katie asked.
"I'm not sure and I agree. He really missed you and Hannah." Christine remarked.
"Hannah. I know Dad really never cared about what happened to me before. He's changed though." Katie said.
"Your father had a very odd reaction to your disappearance. I think he was totally heartbroken." Christine said.
"Mom–I know. I know he hated me…now, I don't think he does now. I just don't want to give back to that place again." Katie said. It broke Christine's heart.
"I think both you and your dad are changed people and he won't be able to go back on it. And deep down…I don't think he ever actually hated you." Christine answered.
"I'm just afraid it'll go back to like before. I really like everything now. We're here and we are together. Yeah, me and Hannah have to get better but we will." Katie said.
"You and your sister do have some recovering to do, but I have no doubt you will do it with no problem. My suggestion where your dad is concerned is; talk to him. He does love you deeply, even if he hasn't always been good at showing it." Christine said. She pulled Katie close and quickly enough; Katie was asleep.