Shadows of the Past
Chapter 4
Things went badly quickly, and Norfolk was no longer safe. Christine would have preferred to stay home, but if she and the girls were going to survive, she had to leave. It didn't leave a lot of time for grief, and so she buried the pain concerning Lucas. She found Dear Park, which was less than perfect. Christine did the cooking for safe zone and took care of an orphaned baby. It kept her busy and occupied. Finally; four months after Mike left; he called and Christine took a deep breath before delivering the terrible news that Mike would hate her for.
"Christine? Are you okay?" Mike asked with a panicked tone.
"I'm okay. The girls are fine…but Mike; Lucas…he caught it. He died several weeks ago. I'm so sorry; Mike. I know how much you loved him." Christine said. She could hear Mike gulping, trying to maintain his emotions.
"Oh…God." Mike said simply. Christine could only close her eyes in pain. She knew how badly Mike was hurting. It was a gut punch.
"Are you okay? Where are you?" Christine asked.
"I'm okay. Can't say where. Where are you and the girls? Don't be specific. Just give me hints." Mike asked.
"Uh…the park we always went to for Fall Fest? With the big pumpkins and apple cider. It's a safe zone." Christine said.
"Gotcha. Don't trust anyone. This whole thing…its scary, but unless its someone you knew before or me, don't trust. I know its hard. If you can find somewhere for you and the girls…go. I'll find you." Mike said.
"I'll think of somewhere you'd check." Christine told him.
"I love you and the girls. We will get through this and I will find you." Mike said. She knew he had to hang up soon and it might be the last time they spoke and that thought scared her. She needed Mike to continue living.
"I love you too. The girls do as well. We will be alright. Please, just be safe." Christine answered. The past fights didn't matter.
"You too…" Mike said just as the phone disconnected.
Once the phone call disconnected, Christine realized she had forgotten to tell Mike about the baby she was helping and the one she was carrying. It was a surprise for sure, and she wasn't getting the proper medical care. A thousand things could go wrong, but she felt good about the pregnancy. She just had to come with a game plan to keep herself, the girls, the baby she was carrying and the one she taking care of safe. She just wasn't sure where to go. Nowhere was safe anymore.