Mistakes
Chapter 4
Two months later; Mike smiled at the email from Maddie. There was a new ultrasound picture and a report that the baby now was measuring at about five pounds. Maddie was due in just a few weeks and there was no way Mike would be there for Molly's birth, but at least she was keeping him updated. He had wired more money to her, because she was off work and on bed rest due to pre-eclampsia. The doctor wanted Molly to gain another pound or so before he would deliver her, but it all made Mike feel helpless, which made him wonder if maybe he cared more for Maddie than he cared to admit.
Marines were on the ground in Russia and Mike was on the Mitchener in the Black Sea, monitoring and arguing with a captain he had never dealt with before. Kara had stayed back in Norfolk, and Mike was just not comfortable with Captain Gray. They mixed like oil and water, but thankfully Russ was also on the Mitchener. That kept Mike sane. And Russ also knew about Maddie's pregnancy. One day, as Mike watched a Rhib full of Marines depart from the deck, Russ approached Mike.
"Captain Gray is on a rampage. He cussed out the TAO and CHENG. Not even sure why and the galley is about to mutiny." Russ said quietly.
"I'm wondering if I need to take command. He's inexperienced and we are at war. He needs to take suggestions, but with the crew struggling, I am afraid if I don't; something drastic might happen. And the XO is even less experienced." Mike remarked.
"Have you spoken with President Reiss?" Russ asked.
"I have a phone conference with him in my quarters at 1300 hours. I forewarned him that I might have to take command." Mike said.
"If you do take command, it will be longer before you get home. You won't be able to see Molly." Russ warned.
"Yeah, that crossed my mind, but his dereliction of duty could cost lives. As badly as I want to be there in Norfolk, I need to be here. Its not the first time I've faced this decision, but it isn't any easier." Mike admitted.
"How is Maddie doing with being on bed rest?" Russ asked.
"She is not handling it well. Her mother got there last week, which makes me feel better, but still; I will worry until Molly is safely delivered. You know; I was deployed when Hannah was born, and I didn't know Christine was even having trouble until I got home. I don't know what's better. Knowing or not knowing. Christine had pre-eclampsia and ended up having a C-section, but she kept it quiet. It wasn't until I got home that she told me about how much trouble she was having. And now; I know what Maddie is going through and it really worries me." Mike admitted.
"Sir, can I ask a question? Permission to speak freely?" Russ asked.
"Of course." Mike answered.
"Do you care for Maddie? Love her?" Russ questioned and Mike gulped. It was the question he had been asking himself for awhile, and he still didn't have an answer.
"I don't know. I certainly care about what happens to her. But you know my history. Everything I love, I lose, and I just don't know if I can handle anymore losses. Besides, when she told me she was pregnant, I grabbed her arm…hard. Not sure I can be forgiven for that. Laying my hands on a woman like that? I could have overpowered her so easily." Mike admitted. He was ashamed of himself.
"It wasn't the correct reaction, but you didn't go as far as you could have and you know that. Its not like you beat on her. And she obviously has forgiven it." Russ admonished him.
"I suppose. I could have really overpowered her. She didn't make it into a thing because she just wants me in Molly's life and not resent either of them." Mike said.
"I would say as much as you are hating missing Molly's birth, you already love her and you need to understand just because of all you lost, that doesn't mean you are not allowed to love or be loved again." Russ answered.
"I guess. I am going to get a bite to eat and see if I can smooth things over with the galley. We are screwed if they mutiny." Mike remarked.
"I have a meeting with some of the enlisted crew as well. I'll report back." Russ said as they parted ways.
