One-Liners
Chapter 5
Tom: I know I'm not your mother, but you gotta eat, Mike.
Mike: I think I'm becoming a vegetarian.
Tom: Did you inform the galley?
Mike: I'm hoping to get over it.
Mike was glad that he had continued eating meat, especially since Christine was back. She was a good cook and he knew in no time; would be taking over his kitchen. Tom's takeout was less than desirable, but he didn't care. He had his family back. Nothing else mattered. Except his house wasn't ready. There were barely any pots or pans in the kitchen. The bedrooms were furnished but it was cheaply made furniture. His mind was reeling with all the details. But, his wife and daughters were happy and healthy.
They ate and visited for a while, but the girls were getting tired and so Mike packed their few belongings into his truck. They said their goodbyes to Tom and Sasha and Mike thanked the couple profusely. Five minutes into the drive, Katie and Hannah were sound asleep in the backseat and Christine was halfway dozing next to him in the passenger seat. She finally jarred awake about ten minutes from his house and smiled over at him.
"Tom and Sasha's house was nice and we appreciated the hospitality, but I am going to like being settled." Christine remarked.
"About that…my house is big enough and furnished but its not a home. We are going to need to redecorate and get everything, pretty much. I really hate that I am not taking you home, but to just a house." Mike told her.
"Is that what's bothering you? Mike; I am not worried about that. It isn't a house and furniture that makes a home. Family…people that you love and that you love." Christine asked.
"You've been through a lot. You deserve to walk in and just relax. Not have to worry about pots, pans, dishes, enough towels and wash rags, and cheap furniture." Mike said.
"We can get by tonight and get the essentials tomorrow. Then we'll worry about making it more home-like. Its late enough, we'll probably shower and go straight to bed. You do have enough towels for tonight, right? Sheets for the beds?" Christine asked.
"Yes. I did laundry today, so yes." Mike answered.
"Good. We'll be fine." Christine answered. She reached over and patted Mike's cheek just as he pulled into his driveway. "The front porch is really nice. I will find some rocking chairs and decorate it for the seasons. And I can have flowers in the front yard!" Christine told him. She reached back and shook both girls awake and then got out of the truck.
"There's barely any food either. I usually eat out." Mike admitted. He helped Hannah out of the backseat, because she was still very short, and Mike's truck was high up.
"We can go grocery shopping tomorrow. No biggie." Christine said. Mike put an arm around Hannah and gave Christine his other hand. He'd handed Katie his keys and she quickly unlocked the door.
"Sorry, girls. It isn't so great." Mike said.
"It's plenty warm though, and it looks big enough." Katie remarked.
"I suppose. It just isn't very homey." Mike said as he turned the lights on. He figured the girls would be bothered by the lack of furnishings and décor, but Hannah settled on the couch and Christine began looking around the kitchen.
"I can make it work though. We've lived in far worse. Remember that little apartment we brought Katie home to? She slept in the crib at the end of our bed, because we didn't have anywhere else for her?" Christine asked.
"Yeah." Mike said as he focused on his daughters. They were both thin and fragile looking but were getting comfortable. Katie had found a throw blanket and had put it over her and Hannah's legs while they set on the couch.
"Mike; we will be fine. Don't worry." Christine said. She reached up and gave him a long kiss before smiling at him.
"That take-out wasn't very filling. Do you want to help me make some snacks? I think I have some soup and things for sandwiches." Mike asked her.
"Of course." Christine said. He got the items out and Christine quickly went to work, fixing canned chicken and noodle soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. It was less than appetizing and Mike would have preferred to have Christine's homemade soup, but it filled them up and in no time, the girls had picked their bedrooms and were sound asleep. Mike was able to look in at them and know they were warm with plenty of blankets and full bellies. He would sleep a lot better. Christine had cleaned up their late night snack and settled down next to Mike in the bed. He knew she was tired, so anything intimate was off the table, but it was still nice to have her next to him.
"This sounds silly, but I am really glad I didn't become a vegetarian. I'm already looking forward to all the meals you'll make." Mike remarked.
"Mike? Vegetarian? You?" Christine questioned with a laugh.
"It's a long story. I ate something that some would consider a delicacy. I did not. I considered converting. It didn't last." Mike explained.
"What?" Christine asked.
"Monkey soup." Mike answered with a grimace. Christine began laughing hysterically, which was music to his ears.
"That had to have been terrible. What kinds of food do you want now?" Christine asked as she settled her head on his shoulder.
"Roast beef with mashed potatoes with just the right amount of lumps. White gravy. Fresh bread. Your creamy corn. Apple pie. Fried chicken. Those cheesy scalloped potatoes…" Mike could have continued but Christine had fallen asleep and was already snoring. Mike kissed her forehead and smiled down at her. He could have pushed for the story of what had happened, or for physical intimacy, but he had caused Christine to laugh and dream. To him, that was a win. Now, they could both sleep peacefully, with their daughters close by; warm and comfortable. With that knowledge, Mike would sleep well.