Bitter

Chapter 2-May 2013

Mike showed up late to Christine's on Saturday but she had held dinner for him and for a moment, it seemed normal. He would leave Monday, the first of June on a top-secret mission and would not be able to call home. Katie had recently set up an email and gave it to her dad, in hopes that he would contact her while he was away, but Mike quickly squished that.

"Em-Comm Alpha means no contact. Even emails so this does me no good." Mike said as he handed the paper back to Katie.

"I thought maybe when the mission ended, you would be able to email me." Katie suggested with a smile.

"Why would I do that? One more person to harp on me?" Mike said.

"Michael, enough." Christine warned. She could tell it hurt Katie but she gave her an encouraging smile. She would slip the paper in Mike's treat bag.

They finished dinner and Mike agreed to put Hannah and Lucas to bed while Katie helped Christine with dishes. Before he left, Katie gave Mike a hug, but he didn't respond to it, which bothered Christine a lot, but thankfully; Katie didn't notice or chose not to voice it if she did. Christine grabbed the bag of baked goods and pictures of the kids, following Mike to his truck.

"The girls baked some stuff for you and there's updated photos in there of all three kids. I also included Katie's email. When you can, email her." Christine said. Mike took the package and put in on the truck seat.

"It should only be a four month deployment. I should be back for the holidays." Mike said.

"Good. That'll make the kids happy. They missed you last Christmas." Christine said. She had also missed Mike, but that was a moot point.

"I didn't change the will so you are still my main beneficiary. The truck is also still in your name as well. Since this came off so quick, I didn't get a chance to change anything and besides, Katie is too young to inherit anything." Mike remarked.

"I know the drill. We have this conversation before every deployment." Christine answered.

"Well, talk to you later." Mike answered. Christine stopped him before he got in the truck and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Take care of yourself. The kids and I do love you." Christine said.

"Likewise." Mike answered. It was an odd response but Christine didn't comment and let him get into the truck and drive away. She walked back into the house and smiled at Katie, who was putting dishes away.

"Your dad appreciated the baked items." Christine said.

"Sure he did. Do you think it'll ever get better? Every since I got sick, he has been like this. Its like he hates me now and so he stays away from everyone." Katie asked.

"Honey; your dad has made some poor choices but he does still love you deeply. Maybe he's disappointed that you're sick, but he isn't disappointed in you. Just for you. He knows it changed everything for you. Now; why don't you go to bed so we can go to church in the morning? You enjoy that." Christine suggested.

"I suppose. Good night, Mom." Katie said. Christine gave her a hug and kiss before watching her go into her bedroom, leaving Christine to her own devices. Like always, she wondered what Mike was doing at his own apartment and wished Mike was there with her, enjoying a glass of wine.