All Roads Lead Home

Chapter 3

Mike concentrated on his girls, because they were totally innocent, but he was furious at Christine. She had withheld his daughters from him. She could have found a dozen different ways to reach him, but instead, she left him in agony and for that he couldn't forgive her. Sure, he had hugged her, because he was glad to see that she was alive, but it was not alright. Before, he would have been thrilled, but knowing she had willingly withheld their daughters was enough. Finally, Katie and Hannah went to bed; giving Mike time to talk to Christine. They both settled in the living room and Mike finally looked over at Christine, sitting on the couch.

"Why did you not find a way to call me? You knew how to." Mike asked angrily. He expected Christine to have some excuse.

"I just thought…I don't know. I suppose I thought it would be a nice surprise when you did come back. I wasn't thinking." Christine said.

"In the meantime, I grieved everyday for my wife and children, thinking I was the only one to survive. Do you know what that does to a person?" Mike lectured as he stood up and began pacing.

"I'm sorry, Mike." Christine said simply. An apology wasn't good enough, for a change.

"Its not going to be that easy for you." Mike told her simply.

"And the girls?" Christine asked.

"I'll be there for them, but they have been without me for so many years, I doubt they will even notice my presence, thanks to you." Mike told her.

"And me?" Christine asked and Mike turned around and glared at her.

"Do you really have to ask me that? It was you that wanted a divorce so bad you could taste it before, so you'll finally get your wish. Don't worry. I'll be the bad guy and file, so the girls don't get upset with you." Mike finally said.

"But, I didn't really want a divorce." Christine objected.

"Maybe you didn't then, but you certainly have shown me differently today." Mike told her.

"Is there someone else?" Christine asked. Mike was so easy going that she probably thought it was the only reason he couldn't let go of all the missed years.

"No. I never did that, but this isn't about that. This is about all the years I missed with my daughters. I would have still been in the Navy, but I would have at least been there for a few birthdays and Christmas's. I didn't get to watch Katie grow up and Hannah's a teenager now." Mike continued.

"So, what will you do?" Christine asked.

"I'll stay here in the living room tonight and tomorrow morning, I will start looking for an apartment. If you decide to stay here, you will have to find a job. I'll pay child support and alimony, but I am not supporting you completely. You don't need a babysitter anymore." Mike answered. He was still pacing around and Christine was fighting tears.

"Is there anything I can do to make up for this?" Christine asked.

"No." Mike answered.

"Mike; I still love you and I am sorry." Christine said, hoping it would make Mike pause.

"If you loved me, you wouldn't have withheld my girls from me. You are going to have to swallow this pill because I am done." Mike told her before walking into the kitchen, leaving Christine alone in the living room. He could hear her crying in the living room, and he knew he had been a little too harsh, but he was not okay with losing so many years with his girls. As far as he was concerned, his marriage was over.