Lessons Learned
Chapter 1
Mike let out a contented sigh as he sunk down in his recliner. He had retired a year before, after the sinking of the James, but not before he had rebuilt the Navy. It made his relationship with Maddie Rawlins acceptable and they were practically living together, and he had recently asked her to marry him. His relationship with her was new, passionate, and everything it hadn't been with Christine. Maddie was totally different than Christine, and Mike could see himself starting a new family with her.
He missed his kids. That was the one thing that Maddie couldn't help with, and she tried. As flawed as his marriage had been; he loved the kids he and Christine had created together. Kaitlyn would be twenty and Hannah would be seventeen. He had never gotten confirmation on them. He had on Christine and Lucas, of course. There was no way, post Red Flu, post famine; two young girls would survive. So, Mike could only pray that their ends had been swift and easy with no pain. As bad as the marriage had been, he hoped the same for Christine. Maddie came in with a glasses of wine after doing dishes and they watched a movie together.
She stayed with him that night and they talked about their upcoming wedding. Maddie had an appointment that morning, so Mike had the house himself. About eleven am; there was a knock on the door and there were two young women standing on the other side. They looked familiar and Mike's house was well off the beaten path. He didn't see a car anywhere around.
"Can I help you?" Mike asked. He wished Maddie was home.
"Uh…yeah…" The taller, blonde one started.
"Dad, do you not know us?" The younger asked.
"Kaitlyn? Hannah? How?" Mike asked. They did look like his daughters, but it had been so many years and he had missed them so much, anyone would have.
"Its really a long story." Hannah said. Mike held the door open for them and took the bag out of Kaitlyn's hand. He could tell she was the more skittish of the two, but then; Kaitlyn had always been a bit shy. She jerked her hand away from his and gave him a scared look.
"Can I get you girls something to eat or drink? Have you been walking?" Mike asked.
"Yes. Water will be nice." Hannah said.
"Just have a seat. Kaitlyn; would you like some water?" Mike asked and Kaitlyn nodded. He walked into the kitchen, got the two glasses of ice water, and texted Maddie to call him. He knew the news would be upsetting for her, but he had a feeling he was going to need her out there. He also fixed a plate of sandwiches and a bowl of chips up. As he sat them on the coffee table, he could tell the girls were interested. "Eat up." Mike said. He could tell how nervous Kaitlyn was, and how Hannah took a sandwich, and then handed it to Kaitlyn, whispering something to her. They were in no hurry to talk. Just then Mike's cellphone rang. "I have to take this. You guys get comfortable. I'll be on the porch." Mike said and Hannah nodded.
"Hey, Mike; you wanted me to call?" Maddie asked.
"Yeah; so two young women showed up here. Its Kaitlyn and Hannah." Mike said and he heard Maddie gasp.
"Mike; that's wonderful." Maddie commented.
"Yeah. Something is off though." Mike remarked.
"Why?" Maddie asked.
"Kaitlyn seems scared of her own shadow. Both girls are thin." Mike explained.
"Mike; just give them space. When they are ready, they'll talk. Do you want me to come back out?" Maddie asked.
"I think they need someone else here. Kaitlyn especially. I'll explain to them." Mike said.
"Okay. I'll run by the store and get bedding for the spare room." Maddie said.
"I'll have to get it fixed up, and the other room too." Mike commented.
"One thing at a time. The girls will probably be happy to bunk together. I'd better go. I love you." Maddie said.
"I love you too." Mike said before hanging up and going inside.
Mike sat down in his recliner and waited while the girls ate. He realized he should have probably asked Maddie to pick up some clothes. Finally, the girls stopped eating and Kaitlyn stood up. "I'll wash these up and you and Hannah can talk." Kaitlyn said as she took the dishes into the kitchen.
"Dad; its hard for her. Mom died, not long after you called. The guy that was running Deer Park made us leave. He did things to Katie…you can imagine. It was bad and she has scars all over. We thought you were dead, but then we found out all that you've done. Found you here. We walked to get here. But if you don't want us here, we understand. At least we got a meal." Hannah said with a smile.
"No; you girls are staying. What happened to the man?" Mike asked.
"He left and never came back. We finally just left." Hannah answered. He knew there was more to the story, but for now; it would have to suffice. Kaitlyn had walked back in and sat down next to Hannah.
"Alright; I do need to forewarn you girls of something. I'm engaged. Her name is Maddie. Now; you girls both know things were rough between your mom and I, but I never dated until I got confirmation of your mom's death. A part of me will always love your mom. I think you'll like Maddie, and I ask that you both give her a chance. She'll be out here soon." Mike explained. Both girls exchanged a look and nodded at Mike.
"We figured you had moved on, and Mom wanted you to be happy." Hannah said.
"I would really love to give you both a hug, but if you aren't okay with it, I understand." Mike said, knowing he probably wouldn't get one. Hannah stood up when he did.
"I'll hug you for both me and Katie." Hannah said before wrapping her arms around him. It was more than he could hope for, but he desperately wanted to hold his oldest daughter.