All Roads Lead Home

Chapter 11

Mike had been surprised by Christine's statement that their marriage was over because she had fought divorce so much, but he really couldn't blame her. He had been horrible to their daughters and Christine was a good mom. However, her actions were telling him different. She was tender to him. He thought she might be trying to make a point about 'rejecting' their daughters. After school every day, Hannah would come in, sit on the bed and visit with Mike. He finally decided to bring it up.

"So, your mom is still kind of upset with me for how I treated you girls before I was attacked. Missing my weekends and all." Mike commented.

"It hurt." Hannah admitted. She was honest to a fault and sometimes her honesty was a bit brutal.

"I am sorry, Hannah. I'm not certain what I was trying to accomplish with not being there for you girls." Mike apologized.

"It was not a slight to you or Katie." Mike stated.

"Then what was it? In my opinion, given our circumstances, you would have wanted to spend every moment with us. It certainly seemed like you decided somewhere down the line you didn't want a family. You could be out at sea constantly and doing your own thing, rather then coming home to mow the yard and fix the leaky faucet. That's how it used to seem too. Before." Hannah asked.

"I never realized that." Mike said. He had a feeling he was getting an attitude check from his fourteen year old.

"So, was it?" Hannah asked.

"I missed you all while I was gone, I promise. I was always thrilled to come home. I'm sorry you feel this way." Mike said.

"Dad, we all love you, but are you sorry that I feel this way, or sorry for doing it? You can't apologize for how I feel. You can only apologize for how you acted. Maybe you never intended it the way it seemed, but it was like it was an imposition to come home and be a husband and father. I truly don't think you meant it that way, but it was how we felt." Hannah explained.

"So, how do I fix it?" Mike asked.

"Be present. I get you retired and have more time now. I'm not sure if you are planning on staying here later, but don't avoid us. Actually act like you love us." Hannah advised.

"I do love you all." Mike said.

"Have you told Mom that? You really hurt her. She really missed you a lot and when you came back, you treated her horrible." Hannah asked.

"I don't think she wants to hear it." Mike said.

"You might be surprised. It might make a huge difference and you can't fool me. I know you do still love her. And she still loves you. She wouldn't have you here if she didn't. Its not just for Katie and me." Hannah told him.

"When'd you get so wise?" Mike asked.

"I've not exactly had a normal childhood, Daddy. Did you live through a pandemic when you were a kid?" Hannah asked.

"No. Just remember, I always loved you guys. Even if I acted like a jerk." Mike said. Hannah reached over and gave him a hug, and Mike just held onto his daughter for a minute. He would fix things with Katie and Christine too. He just had never realized.