Bitter

Chapter 5

Somehow, Jed had gotten word to Mike that Christine and the girls were with him and they were safe. Jed had made the decision to go to the cabin with Kelly, Christine and all the kids. It made it cramped but it was more isolated and safer. Still, Christine and Kelly didn't exactly jive and Christine did her best to just keep her mouth shut. She suspected that Kelly had her sights set on Tom and while Christine had sabotaged her friendship with Darien, she felt a certain amount of protectiveness towards Darien's husband.

Kelly didn't pull her weight either. Christine was not afraid to work and so she cooked, helped Jed with firewood, cleaned, and whatever else was needed. Kelly just sit. It annoyed Christine, especially when she had to be the one to take care of Ava. She didn't mind the young girl and normally, it wouldn't bother her, but Kelly just agitated her. One day, she was chopping firewood when Jed came out with a cup of coffee for her.

"I just spoke with Tom. After some hiccups, they are headed to St. Louis. They have the President on board and will go through a swearing-in. Once things are settled, Mike and Tom will be here." Jed explained.

"Headed to an in-land city?" Christine asked.

"Taking the ship up the Mississippi River. My understanding is that it's a little logistically challenging." Jed remarked.

"I bet so." Christine said.

"They know we are here. It sounds like we'll be pulling up stakes and moving to St. Louis. Tom mentioned finding housing first." Jed said.

"Kelly and Ava?" Christine asked.

"They will go back to Norfolk and eventually to England once things become easier." Jed explained.

"Not St. Louis? Kelly would love to, I'm sure?" Christine remarked.

"I'm sure she would, but no. Tom is going to be promoted to a land job." Jed told her.

"If so, Mike will finally have his command." Christine said.

"Very well deserved." Jed said.

"You know, we always said…when he become captain, he would do a cruise or two, and then retire. I get the feeling that won't happen now." Christine said.

"Christine, I know things are difficult between you and Mike, but the world needs him. As hard as the sacrifice is to make; you have to." Jed told her.

"I get that. It's just hard. How long until things go back to normal? What if he doesn't want us to be together?" Christine asked before picking the ax back up.

"Who knows how long? And every time I've spoken with Tom, he says that Mike is asking after you and the girls, not just the girls. I just hope you two have some time to reconnect. A child's death can really do a number on the parents' marriage and you already had issues, but you can choose to rise above it." Jed told her. Christine nodded as she raised the ax up and just as she was bringing it back down to cut the wood, Kelly came through the door and startled her. She felt horrific pain in her calf and heard herself scream. The pain was so bad that she felt things going black, but was annoyed because she could hear Kelly crying.

"Ah…" Christine moaned.

"Hang in there. Kelly, get towels! Now. She's cut herself to the bone." Jed said. Christine was fading in and out, but felt Jed tending to her leg.

"There's so much blood." Kelly said weakly.

"Kelly, I do not have time to worry about you passing out. Go in, and send one of the kids out with the towels. Go, now." Jed ordered.

"You sound like Mike." Christine said with a groan. She tried to sit up to look at the leg, but Jed held her down.

"No. You don't need to see this. Its cut through the muscle and to the bone. There's just no doctors close…thankfully, I know how to stitch." Jed said.

"Oh…ouch." Christine said. She heard Katie come out and give Jed the needed towels, before taking her hand.

"Mr. Chandler, how are we going to get her inside? Laying on this cold ground can't be good." Katie asked.

"When I get this stopped, we will get on each side and lift her up. I'll take her bad side, but I will need help, and Kelly…can't. You okay?" Jed asked.

"Its a lot but I'll be okay." Katie said.

"Good girl." Christine mumbled.

"Okay, Katie; ready?" Jed asked a few moments later.

"Yeah." Katie answered.

"Christine, this will hurt but I need to get you inside before I stitch it. I need to clean this cut and you need to be warm so you don't go into shock. On three, Katie?" Jed asked. Christine heard them counting and then felt herself being lifted.

It was intensely painful. She could only compare it to child birth, and she thought maybe that had been easier. By the time they got her to the bed, she lost consciousness due to the pain level. Thankfully, it was better than being awake to feel the stitches going in. All she could do was dream about a happy reunion with Mike.