Shadows of the Past
Chapter 10
All too soon for Christine's liking; Mike was called away. He had been able to stay long enough to help with the Harvest, and to enjoy the holidays and their anniversary. Molly and Jacob were growing and thriving, and Rebecca kept everyone laughing. Katie helped her grandpa with the farm work and Hannah was wonderful with the babies.
There was some sort of famine going on, but thankfully; Mike had had the foresight to stock two freezers full of meat, and Mary Alice had plenty of things canned. Paul had chosen not to plant because it would be an expense, and Mike carried the mortgage, making a bulk payment to the bank so that the family would have a home while he was away.
They were fine, other than missing Mike. He missed the twin's first birthday and Rebecca's second. He also missed Katie's fifteenth birthday and she missed having her dad to teach her to drive, even though her papa was teaching her. Hannah hoped that he would be there for her next birthday and Christine devised a homeschool so her kids were actually getting something of an education. Katie was less than thrilled with it, but only because she actually enjoyed the farm work. Between home schooling the girls, and keeping up with three toddlers, Christine's days were busy and she helped Mary Alice where she could. She would never be the cook or baker that the older woman was, but Mary Alice tried to teach; which brought memories back.
"Your mom! She called me today to tell me she was going to can all the baby's food! Seriously?" Christine said as soon as Mike walked in from work. He looked exhausted and sat down on the couch with a huff.
"Yeah. Farmers don't tend to buy the store-bought stuff. The baby will be healthier once he or she is here and able to eat it." Mike said.
"I'm only six months along and she's already planning the baby's first birthday." Christine complained.
"Its her first grandchild. She's excited." Mike said with a groan.
"My mom doesn't care." Christine remarked.
"Yeah, there is a difference." Mike commented.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Christine demanded.
"Exactly what I said. Your mom and my mom are completely different. I wouldn't hesitate to leave this baby or any baby with my mom. Your mom on the other hand…our baby will never be left with her." Mike said as he stood up.
"She quit drinking, you know?" Christine said.
"For now. Christine, I get it. She's your mom and you love her, but you shouldn't idolize her. She beat on you, and let you get beat up. You raised yourself. You've done great in overcoming your childhood, but I don't particularly want to subject my kid to the same atmosphere." Mike told her.
"I'm sure your parents weren't always perfect." Christine remarked.
"No, but I never had to wonder if I would have a roof over my head, or food to eat and I am not going to fight with you. I'm exhausted and want to go to bed. What's for dinner?" Mike asked.
"I hadn't fixed anything. Wasn't sure what you wanted to eat." Christine said with her arms crossed over her chest.
"We have hamburger, chicken, pork and steak in the freezer. Pick something. Although, you won't get it defrosted now. I guess I'll heat up a can of soup." Mike answered. Something about his tone frustrated Christine.
"I am not your mother! I can't just dream up meals." Christine said.
"Did you call and ask her? You know she doesn't mind. Christine; I've worked. I had to stand over a dead baby's body today and know that her father had killed her, and I really have no desire to fight with my wife. I don't expect you to work and you get pretty much anything you ask for, but I would like a hot meal a few times a week. If you aren't sure how to cook something, call my mom or we'll buy you a cookbook. Once our baby is here, we won't have the money to eat out much." Mike said before walking into their bedroom and slamming the door behind him.
Christine finally had to relent and get some cooking lessons from her mother-in-law, who was beyond thrilled to help her learn. She would never be the caliber of cook that Mary Alice was, but she could keep her family fed and her foodie husband happy. Of course; with a famine going on; food wasn't so much for enjoyment as it was nourishment. They were better off from a lot of families and Christine knew it. They just had to get Mike home in one piece and Christine had a really bad feeling about this particular deployment.