The Wedding Guest
Chapter 14
It was an incredibly hard week. Hannah's doctor had taken to communicating with Christine exclusively. It made Mike worry but at least it seemed they were getting somewhere. At the end of the week; Christine came home early from work but seemed out of sorts about something. They were supposed to be going to get Hannah.
"What's wrong?" Mike asked.
"Her doctor called. She is being released today but she doesn't want to see you." Christine replied. Mike sit down at the kitchen table.
"Christine…I was only doing what I thought was best." Mike said.
"I know. I do and I will talk to her." Christine said.
"So, how does this work?" Mike asked.
"We left the other house fully furnished, until I could figure out what to do with it. You can stay there for the time being. It is not ideal but I think Hannah will come around." Christine replied.
"I don't want that and I don't think you do either." Mike said.
"No. But Hannah's needs have to outweigh our desires for the time being. I have no doubt, she will come around." Christine replied, picking up her purse.
"Do I need to be out of here before you get back?" Mike asked.
"Mike…I love you and this marriage is not over. I need you around. With me being pregnant and to help Katie. Just please be patient. I honestly don't think it'll take too long for her to want you around." Christine said before giving him a long kiss.
"Can you tell her that I love her. I know she might not believe it but I do." Mike said.
"I will." Christine promised.
"I love you." Mike replied. He held onto her a bit longer but she finally pulled away.
"I have to get going." Christine said.
"Let me know once you get her and once you're home, please?" Mike asked.
"I will." Christine said. She headed out the door and Mike let out a frustrated sigh. He had actually suspected that Hannah would demand that he move out, but it hurt more than Mike expected.
Katie was out with friends so Mike packed and left, going to the small house a few blocks away. He hated not explaining it to Katie but hoped Christine would. He grabbed some groceries and settled in to watch TV, wishing he was with his family instead. Christine texted that she and Hannah had made it home and she had talked to Katie. He would meet Katie for lunch the next day.
It was one of the deli-type places that Katie loved and Mike couldn't stand but he ordered their food and settled next to Katie, who was looking at her phone in boredom. Mike finally spoke up.
"How is your sister?" Mike asked.
"Dad…don't stay gone. I get Mom's point but still, you should show up; even if only for me and Mom. Eventually Hannah will cave." Katie said.
"I won't endanger her mental health." Mike said.
"She was doing better but she spiraled. And sure, she asked for you not to be there but she also misses you. If you give up now, you will only prove to her that that is what you'll do." Katie replied.
"She doesn't want me there." Mike said.
"Hannah may not want you there, but she does need you. So…show up tonight with a bouquet of flowers for Mom. Have a smaller one for me and one for Hannah. Little things like that. Show up with ice cream sundaes, and make sure you get Hannah one with a lot of chocolate.I still want you around and I know for a fact, Mom does too. So, don't stop showing up for me and Mom, and eventually, Hannah will get jealous, I suppose." Katie said.
"It could backfire." Mike remarked.
"Dad, things couldn't get much worse." Katie deadpanned as their food arrived.
"True." Mike agreed.
"Flowers tonight, Dad." Katie said.
"What are Hannah's favorite flowers?" Mike asked.
"Gerber daisies…or if you want to give her some space; have the flowers delivered." Katie suggested.
"That might be wise. I miss you all." Mike admitted.
"Dad, it hasn't even been twenty-four hours." Katie remarked.
"Its an eternity to me." Mike said. He looked out the window, not speaking.
"I did tell Mom if she wanted to stay with you one night, I could keep an eye out for Hannah. I don't think she slept much last night. I honestly don't think this will last long but I am worried about Mom. She had to choose between you and Hannah and it is tearing her apart." Katie replied.
"I know you think I should push in…but I don't want to push Hannah away completely." Mike said.
"Understandable, but Mom needs you and frankly so does Hannah. Just don't choose to stay away too long." Katie warned.
After his lunch with Katie, he went to a nearby flower shop and ordered flowers for Christine, Katie and Hannah. He wrote a note on Katie and Christine's cards, but he paused looking at Hannah's card. What summed up what he was thinking, on a very small card?
"I'm here, I love you and I am sorry."