Bitter
Chapter 3-June, 2013
Mike knew he was in the wrong. He knew he was not treating his kids the way they deserved. No matter how he treated them, they still loved him and wanted to see him. Katie getting sick had hurt him. He had always imagined big things for Katie. She was the athlete. She could have been a doctor or lawyer, but she wasn't able to try out for any sports and was struggling in school. Lucas had always been a poor student and Hannah was just a mess. For Mike, he felt like a failure.
The affair with Michelle had been a mistake. Initially, it was to get back at Christine because she had slept with someone else, but the difference was; for her, it was a one-time thing. She didn't care about the man she slept with. Mike had developed feelings for Michelle. Or maybe, it was just the freedom he liked. Not having a sick kid, one that struggled in school, bills and arguments about his career?
Knowing he was going to be home for the holidays; he had already promised himself he would come home and beg for forgiveness. Ask to move back in even if he and Christine slept separately for a while. He would reconnect with his kids. Go to counseling with Christine. Only the deployment came faster than he expected. He had already cut it off with Michelle, especially after an off-record warning from Tom. She had gone to Spain and he was glad they were that far apart.
He had enjoyed the cookies and brownies his daughters had made him and had already hung up the pictures in his stateroom. He had put the piece of paper with Katie's email in his trinket box. Once Em-Comm was lifted; he would probably be able to send her an email; and he would. Monday, was busy with pre-deployment checks and getting all the crew assimilated. He was not thrilled with having a dog on board, but Halsey was supposedly a good service K-9, so he would allow for it. It seemed a bit much for a weapons test.
Doctors Scott and Tophet were confusing. There was something about them that bothered Mike but he went on about his job and didn't say much. He and Tom had both been busy and it wasn't until that night when they sat down for dinner together that they were able to catch up.
"So, I didn't ask; did you get to see the kids before you left out?" Tom asked.
"Yeah. Christine had me for dinner Saturday and the kids called me this morning before school." Mike said.
"She didn't keep them out of school to see you off?" Tom asked.
"Nah. That's never been our thing. I hate sad, public goodbyes." Mike answered.
"And when you get back?" Tom encouraged.
"I don't know." Mike said.
"Mike; you and I both know you are not happy away from Christine and the kids. My suggestion is; fix it. You have four months to sort it out with yourself. Once you get back, find a way back to them." Tom answered. He stood up and left Mike to his thoughts, which generally always turned dark.