A new story, not necessarily Mike-centric, but does involve him a great deal and there will be some chapters that will be his POV. Also forgive me if I am incorrect on ranks. I did research a bit. Also, please give me some artistic license with the love interest's age.
Blind Date
Chapter 1
Seaman Henry Bell groaned. One of his 'buddies' had set up him up for a blind date. It wasn't that he was against dating. He was a typical twenty-year-old. He was just focused on his career. Girls…women didn't factor into that. Finally, a pretty brunette walked up to his table.
"Are you Henry Bell?" The young woman asked.
"I am. Hannah?" Henry asked. He stood up and helped her into the chair across from him.
"Yes, Hannah Johnson. Its nice to meet you." Hannah said. She had a warm smile, big blue eyes and dimples. They shook hands and Henry handed her a menu. She ordered a sweet tea, and a salad while Henry ordered a steak and baked potatoes to go with his sweet tea.
"So, blind dates are so awkward." Henry commented.
"I agree. I don't typically do this sort of thing. I work and take care of my little brother." Hannah said.
"Oh, how old is he? Where do you work?" Henry asked.
"MJ is seven. My mom, older sister and brother died from the Red Flu, but not before my mom gave birth to MJ. We were adopted by a pastor and his wife. They went to the mission field in Uganda, so I am taking care of MJ right now. My dad was in the military and was on deployment. He never surfaced again. As much as I miss him, the Johnson's have been really good to MJ and I. I finally stopped looking a few years ago. As far as work is concerned, I'm a law enforcement dispatcher. I love it." Hannah explained. She was an open book.
"I'm sorry about your family. Mine died too. I'm in the Navy." Henry remarked. Hannah blinked, but then gave him a smile.
"So was my dad. But as I said, I let him go a few years ago. Continually grieving…I couldn't keep going like that. Besides, MJ only knows the Johnson's as his parents. I tell him a little about our biological mom and dad, but it will only confuse the little guy." Hannah said.
"So, where is MJ tonight?" Henry asked as their food arrived.
"He is at the neighbor boy's. They're friends. The thing is; I can't go on too many dates because of MJ. I can't leave him alone and I don't like leaving him with a lot of people. His babysitter is great for when I'm working, but she's our neighbor from across the street. She's pretty elderly and needs the extra income and MJ loves her." Hannah explained.
"I understand completely. Maybe…if we do another date, we can find something kid appropriate. Pizza or something?" Henry suggested and Hannah gave him one of her pretty smiles.
"I'd like that and MJ would love it. He misses Doug a lot." Hannah said.
"Doug? Your adopted dad?" Henry asked.
"Yes! Sorry, Doug and Jenny. He knows they adopted us, but he loves them dearly." Hannah said.
"That's great. I'm glad. After my family died, I was raised in foster care, such as it was." Henry said.
"We got really lucky. Blessed. We were never in foster care. Jenny found us at a women's center after my mom died and took us home with her. Their little girl had died and they wanted more kids. MJ and I just fit the bill. Once the courts opened up, they adopted us." Hannah explained.
"That's awesome. So, I know scheduling is a little complicated because you work the overnight shift, so when is a good day for us to get together again? With or without MJ?" Henry asked.
"Saturday. We have church Sunday and I work Sunday overnight. You could always go to church with us?" Hannah offered.
"Maybe. The building might get struck by lightning if I do." Henry remarked. He really liked Hannah. She was smart, pretty, and kind. Her whole life revolved around her little brother.
"I doubt that! You should come along just to see." Hannah said.
"Maybe. You done?" Henry asked as he paid the bill.
"I am. It was really good. I enjoyed this." Hannah said.
"Me too. More than I thought I would. I suppose I should have asked if you wanted dessert?" Henry said as they stood up.
"Nah. I love sweets but I try to limit myself." Hannah said.
"Well, let me walk you to your car." Henry offered as he gave Hannah his elbow. She was on the petite side and he felt an immediate protectiveness towards her.
"Thank you." Hannah said. They left the restaurant and Hannah led him to a small, compact sedan. Henry could see a little boy's clutter in the back seat and it made him smile. As they got to the car, he handed his cellphone to Hannah.
"If you don't care, can you put your number in? No pressure, but I'd really like to do something Saturday." Henry asked.
"Of course. Text me so I have your number too. Hopefully, I don't get called in." Hannah remarked.
"I hope not." Henry said. She handed him back the phone and he immediately texted her.
"Text me later. It was actually really great to meet you." Hannah said. Surprisingly, she kissed him on the cheek and gave him one of her sweet smiles before he opened the car door for her.
"Likewise. Take care." Henry said before shutting the door. As he watched Hannah drive off, he had to smile. She was a really sweet girl and seemed completely innocent. Her one big thing was her little brother, and that was something Henry could understand.
Love or Hate it? I've been thinking about it for awhile. I liked Bell in the last season, and liked the blossoming friendship between him and Mike. And you can guess who Hannah might be!