Meet The Maxwells - Chapter 39

< Meet The Maxwells - Chapter 39

Chapter XXXIX

~ New Beginnings ~

Mike got home from the hospital a little early that day. He was bone-weary and was looking for a little time with his family. He couldn't wait to see them. He thought about Leila, so beautiful - like an angel. He still couldn't believe she was his wife. Everytime he thought of her, he got all warm inside. And those girls! He loved them so much, he couldn't believe how lucky he was!

He entered the house and called out to them - "I'm home!" he said. The house was quiet. Too quiet. He went into the living room and found it dark. He turned on a light and sat in the chair to wait. As the time passed, he got more and more sullen. Where is she, he thought! She should be here.

He sat in the chair, just waiting for Leila, as time passed. Soon, an hour passed. Then, he heard the front door open and her gentle footsteps.

"Leila," he called. "Is that you?"

There was no answer, but soon she stepped into the room. "You're home early," she said.

He looked up at her and noticed that she was not with the girls. "Where are the girls?" he asked.

"They're at Rebecca's with Norman. Rebecca had a party for the twins to get their mind off their mother being in the hospital and invited all the children."

"And why weren't you with them?" Mike asked. "Where have you been?"

It was obvious that Leila was trying to avoid that question, which angered Mike even more. "Well!" he barked - "where have you been?!"

Leila looked at him and just said that she was "out."

"Out" he shouted - "out!" "What the hell does that mean? Where were you -- you were with HER, weren't you?!" With that he jumped up out of his chair and grabbed her by both her arms.

"Her?" Leila said. "Who is HER? If you mean Lauren, I have no idea where she is! I told you -- I haven't seen her in months!"

Mike's frustration and anger was growing by the minute. He grabbed Leila hard by the arms and shook her!

Leila let out a little cry and said, "Mike, Mike, you're hurting me!"

Mike pulled back and let go of Leila. He was shocked at himself that he could hurt her like that -- what was the matter with him, he thought -- this is the woman I love!

Leila sat in the chair and said softly, "I saw you." Mike was confused. "You saw me?" he repeated, "you saw me what?" She hung her head and said, "I saw you with her! Here -- in our own living room! I saw you!"

Mike was speechless -- his face turned white as a sheet. Then he dropped to his knees, hung his head in her lap and started to sob like a baby. "I'm so sorry," he began, "I don't know what's the matter with me! All my life I swore I wouldn't turn out like my father, and now.............." He was sobbing in her lap. Leila had never seen him like this - so vulnerable. She ran her fingers through his hair. "Why, Mike, why?" is all she said.

"I don't know....I just don't know." he replied. "I love you so much, you're the only woman I've ever loved, but I just can't help myself......I go crazy somehow. I never wanted to be like him - I hated him for what he did to my mother and us kids. Oh, Leila, please forgive me.....I need help. Please help me."

"Mike, I love you," Leila said. "I've only loved you. I was so hurt when I saw you with her! Have there been others?"

Mike laid his head on her shoulder. "I love you, Leila, you're the only woman I've ever loved. I don't know what happens to me when I'm around other women, I just go crazy. I become someone I don't even know. I never meant to hurt you! Please, I'll do anything to make it right -- I promise!"

Leila loved Mike more than anything in the world. Her heart was breaking....she felt so betrayed, but she wasn't willing to give up on him yet. "I want you to see a doctor, Mike -- get counselling."

"I'll do anything, Leila - anything! Just say you still love me and I'll do anything!" Mike begged. "I'm so sorry.....I'm so sorry..."

"I forgive you, Mike, but it mustn't happen again.....I don't think I could take it if you cheated on me again - do you hear me?"

"Yes, darling.....I promise.....I love you.....I love you...." he said as he began to kiss her neck.

Mike held her head in his hand so gingerly, and then kissed her -- gently at first until she began to respond. He murmurred words of love in her ear as he kissed her neck, her ear, and then her lips. Gently at first, and then more fervently. She was responding to him and moaning softly. Then she began to return his words of love. "I love you, too, Mike. I've never loved anyone but you.....just you..........." her voice trailed off as he kissed her again.

"I want you, Leila......right now...." he said, "I want you more than I can say." She quieted his pleadings with a kiss and said, "I want you, too, Mike.....Oh, Mike....."

He gently slid her off the chair to the floor. He began removing her clothes as she began to take his shirt off. He held her pinned on the floor and ran his fingers through her long, beautiful blonde hair. She was practically breathless when he kissed her again. She had never felt like this before. She wanted him more than she ever remembered wanting anything!

Mike felt the same way. He couldn't ever remember wanting anyone as much as he wanted Leila at this minute! He was lost in his passion and took her hard and greedy. She returned his passion and the two of them were lost in themselves like never before.

When they were done, they lay in each others arms, happy and content. Leila had never felt like that before. She had never felt such passion, such need, such urgency..... She murmured in Mike's ear...."darling, I love you so much, that was..........." He cut her off, "No, Leila, you were magnificent! Like a wild cat....I've never seen you like that before....but, I like it! God, I love you so much!"

Leila looked at Mike at that moment and felt the passion rise in her again. "You are my man," she began, "and I am your woman, and you'd better not forget it! If you think I'm ever letting you go, you have another think coming...." She climbed on top of him at that point and the two of them slid to the rug on the floor. Mike had never seen Leila like that, nor had he felt so much passion for any woman....he felt himself responding to her again and the two lost themselves in their passion once more.

~ * * * ~

It has been a really tough couple of weeks for Max. Madra had survived that first night and got steadlily stronger, but Max was not leaving anything to chance. He was so thankful that his precious wife had survived, he could hardly contain his glee. She had awoken telling strange tales of green women, ruby slippers and a beautiful blonde woman with wings! When she mentioned the man in red who looked like him, he knew she must have had some dream! They both laughed at it, until a very pretty blonde nurse walked in the room. Madra turned white and said "It's You!" The nurse was very gracious and just responded, "yes, and I'm glad to see that you made it back to your family!" Madra just smiled at her and the nurse winked!

Max and the girls had spent Christmas at the hospital with Madra. The hospital had a special party for all the children, with Santa and presents and the girls were invited to attend. Madra wanted so much to go home with her family, but the doctors told her she wasn't strong enough yet, so this would have to do.

This was New Year's Eve and Madra was feeling a little down. Here she was stuck in the hospital and she desparately wanted to be home with her beloved family and friends! Gene and Rebecca had been so good! They had been taking care of the girls and making sure that they were happy. The girls loved being with Gene's new baby, too!

Then, Max appeared at the door. He was dressed in his white tuxedo jacket and hold a rather large box. Madra's heart skipped a beat just looking at her handsome husband!

"Max!" she exclaimed, "you look so handsome -- why are you all dressed up? Are you going to a party?" "of course," he replied, "just because you're stuck in here doesn't mean we can't party together." He came over an sat on the edge of her bed and kissed her forehead.

He looked at his beautiful wife and said, "My God, darling, you look absolutely stunning!" She blushed and said, "Oh, Max...." Then she noticed the large box. "What's that?" she asked.

"It's a gift for you!" he said. "For me?" she exclaimed, "but Max, you already got me wonderful gifts for Christmas! What else could you possibly get for me now?"

"Well," he began, "I got the word today that your doctors think that you will be able to come home in another day or so. The weather outside has been so cold and bitter, I didn't want you to get cold when I take you home....so" he said, as he whipped out the most beautiful mink coat Madra had ever seen!

Madra gasped! "Oh, Max, it's simply beautiful! You spoil me so." Max smiled at her and said, "Darling, that's nothing compared to what I'm going to do when I finally get you home" and he winked at her!

She pulled him close to her then. "Oh, Max, darling.....you are so good to me! I miss you and the girls so much," she began to pout. "All I want is to come home and be with you! I can't wait to sleep in my own bed.....with you!"

Max smiled and kissed her. "I want that, too, darling........... I dream of nothing else."

Her mood then became pensive and she asked, "Max, whatever happened to the man that shot me? Did they ever find out why he did it?" A cloud came over Max' face and she knew she should not have asked. "It was me he was after, darling, not you. It's all my fault that this happened to you!" "Nonsense!" Madra snapped back at him -- "nonsense! Now tell me." "He also shot 2 other people in the crowd before shooting and killing a police officer. The 2 bystanders were minimally injured, but when he shot the police officer, the other officers shot and killed him. I'm afraid we'll never know why he did such a thing." "How sad," was all Madra said.

"Let's not dwell on it, my dear," Max said. He laid his head down on the bed next to Madra's and put his arm around her. "It's a brand-new year, and we're together. That's all that really matters. I'm the luckiest man in the world!"

Madra smiled and said, "No, Max, it's I who's lucky." She kissed him and they lay there just holding each other for a long time, happy to be together, happy to be in each other's arms.

Max had arranged for a special dinner to be brought in for the two of them. Since he was a major contributor to the hospital, they would not refuse him some liberties.

Madra and Max enjoyed a special dinner from one of her favorite restaurants. He had candles and roses, her favorite dessert. He left nothing to chance. He wanted this to be a very special evening for both of them. He would never take anything for granted again.

After dinner, Max brought out 2 champagne glasses. "Oh, Max, darling, you have thought of everything!" Madra said. "You have truly made this night very special...how can I ever thank you?!"

"Well," Max began, "it's sparkling cider because you are not allowed to drink alcohol as yet, and secondly, just being here with me is all the thanks I ever need."

He poured each of them a glass of the sparkling cider and put his arm around her. "To us, darling" he said, "may this be just the beginning of many, many happy years together!"

They clinked their glasses as they drank a toast to each other. Outside fireworks were going off, and everyone was celebrating the New Year. They could hear laughter and cheering in the hospital corridors as they kissed in the New Year.

Then they said in unison -

"Happy New Year to all our friends!
May this be your best year ever and may you find love wherever life takes you!"

To be continued.......

	Mike got home from the hospital a little early that day. He was bone-weary and was looking for a little time with his family. He couldn't wait to see them. He thought about Leila, so beautiful - like an angel. He still couldn't believe she was his wife. Everytime he thought of her, he got all warm inside. And those girls! He loved them so much, he couldn't believe how lucky he was! He entered the house and called out to them - "I'm home!" he said. The house was quiet. Too quiet. He went into the living room and found it dark. He turned on a light and sat in the chair to wait. As the time passed, he got more and more sullen. Where is she, he thought! She should be here. He sat in the chair, just waiting for Leila, as time passed. Soon, an hour passed. Then, he heard the front door open and her gentle footsteps. "Leila," he called. "Is that you?" There was no answer, but soon she stepped into the room. "You're home early," she said.
He looked up at her and noticed that she was not with the girls. "Where are the girls?" he asked. "They're at Rebecca's with Norman. Rebecca had a party for the twins to get their mind off their mother being in the hospital and invited all the children." "And why weren't you with them?" Mike asked. "Where have you been?" It was obvious that Leila was trying to avoid that question, which angered Mike even more. "Well!" he barked - "where have you been?!"	Leila looked at him and just said that she was "out." "Out" he shouted - "out!" "What the hell does that mean? Where were you -- you were with HER, weren't you?!" With that he jumped up out of his chair and grabbed her by both her arms. "Her?" Leila said. "Who is HER? If you mean Lauren, I have no idea where she is! I told you -- I haven't seen her in months!" Mike's frustration and anger was growing by the minute. He grabbed Leila hard by the arms and shook her! Leila let out a little cry and said, "Mike, Mike, you're hurting me!"
Mike pulled back and let go of Leila. He was shocked at himself that he could hurt her like that -- what was the matter with him, he thought -- this is the woman I love! Leila sat in the chair and said softly, "I saw you." Mike was confused. "You saw me?" he repeated, "you saw me what?" She hung her head and said, "I saw you with her! Here -- in our own living room! I saw you!" Mike was speechless -- his face turned white as a sheet. Then he dropped to his knees, hung his head in her lap and started to sob like a baby. "I'm so sorry," he began, "I don't know what's the matter with me! All my life I swore I wouldn't turn out like my father, and now.............." He was sobbing in her lap. Leila had never seen him like this - so vulnerable. She ran her fingers through his hair. "Why, Mike, why?" is all she said. "I don't know....I just don't know." he replied. "I love you so much, you're the only woman I've ever loved, but I just can't help myself......I go crazy somehow. I never wanted to be like him - I hated him for what he did to my mother and us kids. Oh, Leila, please forgive me.....I need help. Please help me."
	"Mike, I love you," Leila said. "I've only loved you. I was so hurt when I saw you with her! Have there been others?" Mike laid his head on her shoulder. "I love you, Leila, you're the only woman I've ever loved. I don't know what happens to me when I'm around other women, I just go crazy. I become someone I don't even know. I never meant to hurt you! Please, I'll do anything to make it right -- I promise!" Leila loved Mike more than anything in the world. Her heart was breaking....she felt so betrayed, but she wasn't willing to give up on him yet. "I want you to see a doctor, Mike -- get counselling." "I'll do anything, Leila - anything! Just say you still love me and I'll do anything!" Mike begged. "I'm so sorry.....I'm so sorry..." "I forgive you, Mike, but it mustn't happen again.....I don't think I could take it if you cheated on me again - do you hear me?" "Yes, darling.....I promise.....I love you.....I love you...." he said as he began to kiss her neck.
Mike held her head in his hand so gingerly, and then kissed her -- gently at first until she began to respond. He murmurred words of love in her ear as he kissed her neck, her ear, and then her lips. Gently at first, and then more fervently. She was responding to him and moaning softly. Then she began to return his words of love. "I love you, too, Mike. I've never loved anyone but you.....just you..........." her voice trailed off as he kissed her again. "I want you, Leila......right now...." he said, "I want you more than I can say." She quieted his pleadings with a kiss and said, "I want you, too, Mike.....Oh, Mike....."	He gently slid her off the chair to the floor. He began removing her clothes as she began to take his shirt off. He held her pinned on the floor and ran his fingers through her long, beautiful blonde hair. She was practically breathless when he kissed her again. She had never felt like this before. She wanted him more than she ever remembered wanting anything! Mike felt the same way. He couldn't ever remember wanting anyone as much as he wanted Leila at this minute! He was lost in his passion and took her hard and greedy. She returned his passion and the two of them were lost in themselves like never before.
When they were done, they lay in each others arms, happy and content. Leila had never felt like that before. She had never felt such passion, such need, such urgency..... She murmured in Mike's ear...."darling, I love you so much, that was..........." He cut her off, "No, Leila, you were magnificent! Like a wild cat....I've never seen you like that before....but, I like it! God, I love you so much!"	Leila looked at Mike at that moment and felt the passion rise in her again. "You are my man," she began, "and I am your woman, and you'd better not forget it! If you think I'm ever letting you go, you have another think coming...." She climbed on top of him at that point and the two of them slid to the rug on the floor. Mike had never seen Leila like that, nor had he felt so much passion for any woman....he felt himself responding to her again and the two lost themselves in their passion once more.

	Max and the girls had spent Christmas at the hospital with Madra. The hospital had a special party for all the children, with Santa and presents and the girls were invited to attend. Madra wanted so much to go home with her family, but the doctors told her she wasn't strong enough yet, so this would have to do. This was New Year's Eve and Madra was feeling a little down. Here she was stuck in the hospital and she desparately wanted to be home with her beloved family and friends! Gene and Rebecca had been so good! They had been taking care of the girls and making sure that they were happy. The girls loved being with Gene's new baby, too! Then, Max appeared at the door. He was dressed in his white tuxedo jacket and hold a rather large box. Madra's heart skipped a beat just looking at her handsome husband! "Max!" she exclaimed, "you look so handsome -- why are you all dressed up? Are you going to a party?" "of course," he replied, "just because you're stuck in here doesn't mean we can't party together." He came over an sat on the edge of her bed and kissed her forehead.
He looked at his beautiful wife and said, "My God, darling, you look absolutely stunning!" She blushed and said, "Oh, Max...." Then she noticed the large box. "What's that?" she asked. "It's a gift for you!" he said. "For me?" she exclaimed, "but Max, you already got me wonderful gifts for Christmas! What else could you possibly get for me now?" "Well," he began, "I got the word today that your doctors think that you will be able to come home in another day or so. The weather outside has been so cold and bitter, I didn't want you to get cold when I take you home....so" he said, as he whipped out the most beautiful mink coat Madra had ever seen! Madra gasped! "Oh, Max, it's simply beautiful! You spoil me so." Max smiled at her and said, "Darling, that's nothing compared to what I'm going to do when I finally get you home" and he winked at her!
	She pulled him close to her then. "Oh, Max, darling.....you are so good to me! I miss you and the girls so much," she began to pout. "All I want is to come home and be with you! I can't wait to sleep in my own bed.....with you!" Max smiled and kissed her. "I want that, too, darling........... I dream of nothing else." Her mood then became pensive and she asked, "Max, whatever happened to the man that shot me? Did they ever find out why he did it?" A cloud came over Max' face and she knew she should not have asked. "It was me he was after, darling, not you. It's all my fault that this happened to you!" "Nonsense!" Madra snapped back at him -- "nonsense! Now tell me." "He also shot 2 other people in the crowd before shooting and killing a police officer. The 2 bystanders were minimally injured, but when he shot the police officer, the other officers shot and killed him. I'm afraid we'll never know why he did such a thing." "How sad," was all Madra said.
"Let's not dwell on it, my dear," Max said. He laid his head down on the bed next to Madra's and put his arm around her. "It's a brand-new year, and we're together. That's all that really matters. I'm the luckiest man in the world!" Madra smiled and said, "No, Max, it's I who's lucky." She kissed him and they lay there just holding each other for a long time, happy to be together, happy to be in each other's arms. Max had arranged for a special dinner to be brought in for the two of them. Since he was a major contributor to the hospital, they would not refuse him some liberties. Madra and Max enjoyed a special dinner from one of her favorite restaurants. He had candles and roses, her favorite dessert. He left nothing to chance. He wanted this to be a very special evening for both of them. He would never take anything for granted again.
	After dinner, Max brought out 2 champagne glasses. "Oh, Max, darling, you have thought of everything!" Madra said. "You have truly made this night very special...how can I ever thank you?!" "Well," Max began, "it's sparkling cider because you are not allowed to drink alcohol as yet, and secondly, just being here with me is all the thanks I ever need." He poured each of them a glass of the sparkling cider and put his arm around her. "To us, darling" he said, "may this be just the beginning of many, many happy years together!" They clinked their glasses as they drank a toast to each other. Outside fireworks were going off, and everyone was celebrating the New Year. They could hear laughter and cheering in the hospital corridors as they kissed in the New Year. Then they said in unison - "Happy New Year to all our friends! May this be your best year ever and may you find love wherever life takes you!"