New Chances

Chapter 7

Ellie worked with her coworker, Kate Strong the next day. Kate was a little quiet and extremely private. She was saddened by Ellie telling her that she was turning her notice in, but thrilled that Ellie had a chance to go back to school. Ellie specifically dropped Mike's first name to see what her reaction would be. There was none.

"So, I know next to nothing about you and I feel badly. Do you have any family?" Ellie asked.

"My little sister, Hannah. My mom and brother died from the Red Flu, and my dad was in the Navy. He never returned. I can only assume he died. Hannah and I were adopted…but I got her and I out of there as soon as I turned eighteen." Kate admitted.

"And got to St. Louis?" Ellie asked.

"Yeah. We were close anyway." Kate said.

"How old are you?" Ellie questioned.

"I'm nineteen and Hannah is almost fifteen." Kate answered.

"Where do you live?" Ellie asked.

"One of the shelters. I'm saving up for an apartment though." Kate said as she bit into her sandwich. It didn't even look appetizing to Ellie.

"That's good. What was your dad's name? Since he was in the Navy, if he died; you might be able to get benefits, at least for your sister." Ellie mentioned. She could tell it intrigued Kate, but didn't push.

"I didn't think about that. Hannah is pretty easy to deal with but I worry about her being at the shelter while I am working. His name was Mike Slattery. I am just afraid since we were adopted, we wouldn't be able to get anything." Kate remarked. It was enough to make Ellie's heart beat faster.

"I bet you really miss your mom and dad." Ellie commented.

"I do miss my mom. I was just so used to Dad being gone that its kind of normal. Hannah really misses him though. She was kind of the favorite child where he was concerned. He and I didn't get along." Kate said.

"Why not?" Ellie asked.

"He was only home four months out of the entire year and was gone for all kinds of birthdays, special events and holidays. I don't think it even bothered him. We argued a lot." Kate admitted.

"I'm certain it bothered him." Ellie told her. Kate gave her a suspicious look.

"Do you know something?" Kate asked.

"Kate…your dad isn't dead. I am going to call him, okay?" Ellie said.

"But…he'll take Hannah away from me." Kate said.

"I don't think so." Ellie told her confidently. She was almost scared of calling Mike, because it could mean the end of their relationship. He would need to concentrate on his daughters. Thankfully, he answered on the second ring.

"Are you busy?" Ellie asked.

"No. I only had a half day. I was going to go home, change clothes and get some paint chips." Mike explained.

"Hold the thought. I am here with Kate…Kaitlyn. Mike, It's her." Ellie said. She heard Mike heard gasp. She gave him a moment to collect himself before she continued. "And she has Hannah." Ellie said. She handed the phone to Kaitlyn.

"Dad, its me." Kate said. Ellie could only hear Kate said. Eventually, after several basic answers, Kate handed the phone back to Ellie.

"Mike, we will both be off in about three hours. I will take Kate back to the shelter, pick Hannah and their stuff up and bring them to the apartment…if you want me to." Ellie offered.

"I do." Mike answered.

"I'll take care of her." Ellie promised.

"Thank you…for everything. We will figure this all out, but you and I are not done. If anything, I need you more now then earlier." Mike assured her. It had crossed her mind.

"Thank you. I was worried. We'll see you in a few hours." Ellie said before hanging up.

"He'll take Hannah away. I just know it." Kate said.

"He sounds pretty thrilled to have you back. Kate, he's thought his children were dead for five years. I understand your relationship with him was not good, but he does love you a great deal." Ellie said as they both stood up. Their lunchbreak was almost over.

"He's always loved Hannah and Lucas more. I guarantee, he will take Hannah away." Kate insisted.

"Give him a chance." Ellie told her. They walked back into the ER and immediately began working. Ellie was worried that Kate would get away from her at end of shift, but shockingly Kate was waiting for her in the break. Ellie had texted Mike to tell him of Kate's concerns and he had told her things had been difficult between him and his oldest daughter before the pandemic. He texted that things might be very uncomfortable for awhile.

Kate usually rode the bus to and from work everyday, so having a car ride was something of a treat for her. The shelter where they had been living was literally two miles from Mike's apartment, but it was a world away. Ellie waited in the car while Kate when in and got Hannah and their few belongings. It gave her a chance to call Mike and explain everything that had been said. What worried her was that Mike seemed almost dismissive where Kate was concerned. She was going to have to play referee.

Hannah was Kate's complete opposite. Sweet and not as conflicted. She was thrilled to be reunited with her father. Both girls had figured out there was a romantic component to Mike and Ellie's relationship. Hannah was only happy that Mike was happy. Kate was non-committal. As soon as Ellie pulled into the apartment parking lot and parked the car, Hannah jumped out and ran to Mike who was waiting for them. He was hugging her tightly while Kate and Ellie got out of the car. They had two tote bags between them, and Ellie grabbed both of them so that Kate could hug her father.

Mike did hug Kate, but even Ellie could tell how stiff it was. As they walked inside, Mike did try to include Kate in the conversation, but Kate blocked him at every chance. In some ways, she was horrible to him. Ellie had texted her mom and dinner was fixed. She knew that Mike needed some time alone with his girls, but she didn't want a misunderstanding. Suddenly, Kate stood up and was looking for her tote bags.
"Kaitlyn, what are you doing?" Mike asked.

"I should leave. Where is my bag?" Kaitlyn asked.

"I took it back to my apartment when I went for the hot sauce. You don't have to leave." Mike argued. Ellie could tell he did mean it.

"Kate, please don't leave. I want you here. Dad wants you here. Don't you, Dad?" Hannah asked.

"Of course I do. Kate, I can't hold you here. You're an adult but after so many years apart, I really don't want to be apart from either of you. I know things were not good before, and I have spent the last five years regretting that. Please don't make this any worse. I will do better." Mike said. He had also stood up, and Ellie ushered Charlotte and Ollie to their rooms.

"Kate, I don't know what happened before, but this is a fresh start. You trust Ellie, right? She's going to be there every step of the way. If your dad screws up, she'll call him on it." Gwen commented. Ellie could tell it worked and nodded in agreement.

"She's right. Your dad and I are buying a house. There's a large basement. It has an apartment set up. It needs work but you can have your own area. There's a room for Hannah upstairs but you won't be apart." Ellie remarked.

"Please, Kate? I really want you there with me." Hannah begged.

"Alright. Just may not be permanent." Kate said.

"I will prove it to you. You won't regret this." Mike insisted. Kate sat back down, but you could still cut the tension with a knife. Ellie wasn't sure how to help them but knew she had to.