The Unknown

How it began

Mike's pov

I'm still not sure how I let Neil talk me into this. I mean, I'm a surgeon for chrissake. I don't know anything about taking care of kids. The closest I ever came was when I dated that single mom. Let's face it, her kids were really irritating.  They were loud, annoying  and messy. Duh, I admonished myself, they were kids. Why would Neil even want me to do this? I don't want to be responsible for single handedly bringing down his charity. Don't get me wrong. This is a really great operation he has here. These kids need a home and someone to take care of them. The NJC Center provides both. I'm just not sure I'm cut out to be a guardian.

Neil's pov

I don't know why Mike is acting so trepidatious. Does he really think I let just anyone in here to act as a guardian to orphaned kids? He was handpicked just like the rest of them. I watched him grow up at that hospital from an awkward shy pimply resident to the most promising surgeon we've ever seen. I knew his father well. He admitted to me Mike practically raised his little sister since he and his wife spent so much time overseas as missionaries. Knowing Mike, he probably doesn't think that counts, but I have no doubt he'll be an excellent guardian for Julie and Stacey. Besides, I've already mentored him and he passed with flying colors. It's do or die time. The girls are coming this afternoon.

Mike's pov

Here comes Neil with two little girls in tow. This is it. No turning back now.

 

Neil commences the introductions, "Mike, this is Julie and this is Stacey. Girls say hello to doctor Michael Horton your  guardian."

They're so little. God help me. What have I gotten myself into? I was silently praying for strength and wisdom as these two little innocent faces gazed up at me. Little did I know, my life was about to change in the most wonderful challenging way possible. 

"Hello, Dr. Horton," they squeaked in unison.

I knelt down in front of them and held their little hands in mine.

"Welcome home girls," I said, my voice suddenly shaking with overwhelming emotion. What have I gotten myself into? I don't even know these kids, yet now we're connected. For life. Who am I kidding, trying to pass myself off as a responsible adult? These kids are going to look to me for guidance and wisdom. I don't stand a chance. I can't do this.

The girls smile at me shyly, averting eye contact. They don't play fair. I want to tell Neil, I'm sorry I can't do this. I want to walk out that door and never look back, but I don't because I know they had me at hello.