Married into the Navy
Chapter 4
In two weeks' time, the situation with the "Red Flu has escalated. Airports were being shut down, there were no international flights, but it was too late because the virus had hit American shores. Christine was scared and she really wished Mike was close. He would know what to do.
Mike had changed the oil in her van before he left. Instead of depositing her check, Christine cashed it so if things got bad, she had money. None of it was ideal. Shockingly, Lucas' camp was still on, but Hannah's school had dismissed. Fortunately, Dr. Sanders was called into the hospital, so Christine didn't work.
In hindsight, she should have never allowed Lucas to go to the day camp, but he had been so excited. They had an archaeological dig that they were pretending to find dinosaurs in, and Lucas was loving it. Darien Chandler had invited them to Jed Chandler's cabin in Virginia, but Christine didn't want to impose. She knew that Jed was a bit grumpy and the cabin was small. Mike had been there for a boy's weekend a year before and had complained about it.
Everything was going relatively well until she got a call from the day camp that Lucas and several other students were being rushed to the hospital with flu-like symptoms. Lucas had been alright when she dropped him off that morning. Her neighbor agreed to watch the girls, so Christine could go to the hospital.
As soon as she walked in, she knew it wasn't just the flu. There were people in HAZMAT suits, and she wasn't allowed out of the waiting area in the emergency room. Several other parents were gathering. Finally, Christine seen her boss; Dr. Sanders. She came out of the exam area and escorted Christine into the ambulance bay and set her on a bench.
"It's the Red Flu, isn't it?" Christine asked.
"It is. Christine, there is no easy way to say this, but Lucas has died. His heart gave out. It was very quick, and he didn't suffer. I know this hurts and I wish I could help. You need to get the girls and get outta Dodge. Drive to your mother's. Don't fly. Don't be around other people. Use pay at the pump. Just get out of here. And here?" Dr. Sanders said before handing Christine three one-hundred-dollar bills. Christine was just too heartbroken to articulate anything.
"He…died? What am I going to tell Mike and the girls? Mike will blame me. He loves Lucas so much." Christine said. She was breaking down.
"Christine, this is not the time to fall apart. Get away, get the girls away and then fall apart. Get to your mom's. I understand you are hurting but if you want you and your girls to survive, you have got to get away before they close the interstates. If you don't want to chance a cross-country trip, get to a safe zone. The thing is, if who you are married to is found out, you could be a target." Dr. Sanders said.
"But why?" Christine asked.
"Because the CDC is telling us that there is a scientist on board a Naval vessel. She is working on a cure for this. Knowing the circumstances behind Mike's sudden deployment, I have to wonder if she isn't with him. They don't want that released by the way." Dr. Sanders said.
"What about his…body? Can I see my baby?" Christine asked.
"He's already being cremated. Christine, its procedure. His body would still emit…contagions. I am sorry." Dr. Sanders told her.
"So, I have to go home, uproot my girls, and either find a safe zone or drive across the country, just praying Mike calls and my mom is still alive?" Christine said.
"Yep. I know it seems terribly harsh. I truly am sorry, but you have little choice. If I am right and Mike is with that scientist, the worst will come out in people and anyone related to a member of that crew will be in danger." Dr. Sanders explained.
"Still, it seems drastic." Christine said.
"Drastic but necessary. There is a safe zone, about forty miles from here. Deer Park. Do you know it?" Dr. Sanders asked.
"Mike and I took the kids there to camp just before we separated. Kind of a last chance to be a family." Christine confirmed.
"Go there if you won't go to your mom's. And I am truly sorry about Lucas. I did all I could, and in the end, he was not in pain." Dr. Sanders said.
"Thank you and thank you for the money. I don't know what its for but thank you." Christine said as they both stood up and she gave Dr. Sanders a hug.
"Just take care of yourself and the girls. Be strong. You can do this." Dr. Sanders said.
"I will. I just wish Mike was home. He always knows what to do." Christine remarked. She put the money in her purse and put it over his shoulder.
"He chose you as his wife for a reason. Just have some faith in yourself." Dr. Sanders said before walking back into the ER, leaving Christine alone.
This was going to be a sad chapter, but it had to be written for this story!