Living Again
Chapter 1
Mike couldn't do it again. Rebuilding the Navy. Recruiting new officers and enlisted crew. The media tours. Getting funding. Shmoozing. He didn't have it anymore. The problem was, his life was empty without the Navy. Christine and his kids were dead. He was at an age that getting to married to a young woman and starting a family was foolish. But, the thought of dying alone bothered him far more.
He could have a do-over. Without the distraction of being in the Navy. Climbing ladders and ranks. He could be a proper husband and father. Fall asleep next to his wife every night and watch a couple kids grow up. They wouldn't ever replace Christine and the kids. A part of his heart had been ripped out and that would never grow back.
The other question was; who? Who would date him, let alone marry him? His marriage hadn't been the strongest, but he adored Christine. She was the perfect match for him, or so he felt. She was feisty and could stand on her own. She kept him accountable and wasn't afraid to stand toe-to-toe in an argument. Their's was a passionate marriage. The fights were epic and the make-ups were just as epic. He wanted something similar.
He went to a diner across the street from the office he had just retired from and assessed his surroundings. He knew people there, but he was in plain clothes and just looked like any other lonely guy. He made his order and sat back and watched the people come and go. A little later, he watched a young mother come in. She had a toddler walking alongside her and a baby in a carrier across her body. Although she didn't look like Christine, she reminded him of her.
"Mama, I'm hungry." The little boy said.
"I know, sweetie, but I came here to fill out a job application. I can't order anything." The woman said. Mike watched the little boy nod, but tears were filling his eyes. He gestured for his waitress, who had handed the woman an application.
"Can you add something for them to eat on my ticket…something kid friendly for him and something that will fill her up? I'd say she's probably nursing that baby, so she needs the calories." Mike told the older woman.
"I'll do that. She's my neighbor. The kids' father up and left last week. Left her with no money and two little ones. I told her to come in and fill out an application but I'm not sure what she's going to do. He hadn't paid rent in a couple months." The waitress; Mary answered.
"What's her name?" Mike asked.
"Molly Johnson. Little boy is Tucker and the baby is Ella." Mary answered.
"Tell them to cover here and sit. I want some company." Mike said with a smile. Something had attracted Mike to the young mother and especially to Tucker. Mary spoke with Molly for a moment and pointed towards Mike. Tucker let loose of Molly's hand and practically skipped towards Mike. He sat down across from Mike and watched him for a minute.
"Tucker?!" Molly said as she came closer, still holding her application with the baby sleeping on her chest.
"He's fine. Please sit?" Mike said as he pulled a chair out for Molly. It was hard to see the baby but she looked very young.
"Thank you. I am just here to fill this out. Mary said you had ordered us food. Thank you." Molly said. Just then, Mary showed up with drinks. Another coffee for Mike, a soda for Molly and chocolate milk for Tucker.
"I'm Mike. I just retired from the Navy. Question; if you were to get a job here, what would you do with them?" Mike asked, pointing at the kids as he helped Tucker with his straw.
"I haven't figured that out yet." Molly admitted.
"How old is she?" Mike asked.
"Two weeks old." Molly said.
"I have a suggestion. I am not a murderer and I have no expectations. I bought a house. Its four bedrooms, so plenty of room. I need a housekeeper, cook and someone who can make my house a home. Decorate it and make it look nice. I don't mind the kids but just don't want a big empty house. If you aren't sure, here's one of my business cards. If you have access to the internet, look me up or go across and ask anyone at the Navy Yard. I was a cop once upon a time. I won't hurt you, Tucker or Ella. I know this seems crazy and I know you are probably scared right now." Mike said. He could tell Molly was shocked to her core and he also noticed the bruises on the side of her neck. There was a story there.
"Why me? I'm sure you could find someone without kids." Molly asked.
"Probably so but I like helping people and you look like a woman who needs help." Mike said. Their food had arrived and Mike began cutting Tucker's chicken strips up for him.
"Molly; I can vouch for Admiral Slattery. He's come in before and people speak highly of him. What other choice do you have? What happens when Trevor comes back or you get evicted? Ella is only two weeks old. She needs you with her." Mary said.
"This is crazy but okay." Molly agreed quietly. Mike could tell it scared the young woman to death, but he also had to wonder if she had something or someone she was more scared of, judging by those bruises.
"You will be completely safe." Mike said.
"I am not worried about me. Just them." Molly said as she gestured at Tucker, who was eating his food happily and the baby who was still blissfully asleep.
"They will be safe too." Mike said. He had no idea what he was getting into and it was uncharacteristic of him, but for once; he didn't care in the least. It just felt like the right thing to do, even though he could cook and clean after himself.