Another new story, featuring Mike. It isn't connected to any of my other stories. I am just not original with names!
New Chances
Chapter 1
Mike walked into his small non-descript apartment in St. Louis. It had no real personality and was certainly not decorated. He barely slept there longer than a week at a time. After the fleet had been destroyed in Mayport and the James sunk, Mike was tasked again with rebuilding the Navy, meaning he was always on the go. Always recruiting, always rubbing elbows with politicians, and trying to just keep going.
It didn't give him time to grieve for his lost family. When he did make it to his apartment, he was too tired to even focus on their pictures, which were scattered around. He had long enough to do a couple loads of laundry and get eight hours of sleep before he was on a plane bound for San Diego. Mike was beginning to feel burnt out but didn't have anything else to focus on. He was focusing on a menu for a local restaurant when there was a knock on the door. Mike was surprised. He never had visitors. He opened the door to reveal a woman in her mid-thirties and a little girl, about seven-years-old.
"Hi! I'm Ellie, your neighbor. This is my daughter, Charlotte. The property manager told me you were in the Navy and barely ever made it home. I didn't figure you got many home-cooked meals, so I brought this. Its nothing special. Just fried chicken, taters, gravy and cream corn. There's also a roll and some apple spice cake in that other container." The woman, Ellie explained.
"Uh, thank you. I appreciate it. I was looking at my menus, but nothing sounded good. It smells great. My name is Mike Slattery, by the way." Mike said as he took the plate and container. It smelled heavenly. He shook both Ellie and Charlotte's hands. Charlotte reminded him a little of Hannah. She was wearing some sort of Supergirl get-up.
"Perfect. Eat up. Let me know if you need anything." Ellie said as she pulled Charlotte away.
"I'll return your dishes before I leave tomorrow. Thanks again." Mike said as they walked back to their apartment. Charlotte turned around and waved at him. She looked just like her mom, with blonde hair and big blue eyes.
"Your welcome, Mr. Mike." Charlotte said as she disappeared around the corner. Mike shut his own door, heated the plate of food up and settled down on the couch. As he ate, he watched some game on the TV. The food reminded him of Christine. It was simple, but delicious; just like she always cooked.
After eating every bite of the delicious meal, Mike cleaned the dishes, showered and went to bed. He tossed and turned, because sleep always alluded him. His nightmares were always about Christine and the kids, and he barely slept out of dread. It was easier when he was on a ship but being in his own bed bothered him.
Kara Greene had tried to fix him up with a lady a year before, after Andrea died, but Mike just didn't have the time nor the energy to devote to a relationship. Mike was worried about what would happen if he retired. He would be lonely for sure.
He finally got up at five, went downstairs to work out, and then showered, shaved and dressed. Just as he walked out, he grabbed Ellie's dishes from the drainer to return. It was a wee bit early, so he would put them in front of her door. As he bent over to place them, the door opened, and Ellie smiled down at him. She was wearing a pair of worn scrubs but had a warm smile.
"Hey! Those my dishes?" Ellie asked. Mike stood back up and handed them to her.
"Yes, thank you. It was delicious." Mike said.
"Good! When do you expect to be home again?" Ellie asked.
"I don't know. Maybe next week sometime. I have to inspect a fleet." Mike said.
"Well, when you get back; we'll have you for dinner." Ellie said. She put the dishes down in her apartment, locked the door behind her and began walking with Mike. She was short, only about five-foot-tall, barely coming to Mike's armpits, but she had a feisty personality, so like Christine's.
"I appreciate that. Unfortunately, I don't get here much. I don't know why I even keep an apartment." Mike remarked as they walked down the stairs.
"I'm glad you do. Everyone needs a home, even if its just an apartment. We're a bit cramped in ours, but it works." Ellie said.
"Is it just you and Charlotte?" Mike asked.
"No. My son, Oliver, or Ollie. He's ten. And my mom, Gwen. In a three-bedroom; it's a bit tight, but its in my budget and is safe." Ellie said.
"You're a nurse?" Mike asked.
"Nurse's Aide at the hospital. Mom takes care of the kids for me. My dad and my husband died during the Red Flu, and its just easier to live together." Ellie explained.
"I'm sorry." Mike said. They reached the first floor and Mike needed to get to the base to catch his flight.
"Lots of stories like mine. I bet you need to get going but have a safe trip. We'll be watching for you." Ellie said before she walked to her old, beat-up car. Mike had to admire her. She didn't have a lot, and had two kids to raise, but what little she had, she was willing to share. He wanted to know her better, because something about her was refreshing to his tired soul.