Married into the Navy
Chapter 5
Christine had never been so sad. She hadn't been able to get ahold of her mom, so she decided to not chance driving across the country. They couldn't stay at the house, so they moved to the safe zone in Deer Park.
The girls were deeply saddened by their brother's death and Christine didn't really know how to help them. She didn't have time to even grieve for her baby boy. Every ounce of strength she had went into survival for her and her daughters.
The news that drifted into the safe zone was not good. The government was breaking down. The President and Vice-President had died, and the Speaker-of-the-House was now President. All Christine knew to do was worry about Mike. She wondered what had happened to him.
She threw herself into cooking all the meals for the safe zone, which was not an easy task. It kept her mind busy. Kaitlyn and Hannah helped and it allowed them to stay in one of the better tents. Christine wasn't sure what would happen once the winter came. It worried her, but maybe they would be in a better situation. Maybe, Mike would find them. He would be angry at Christine for not keeping Lucas alive but he would take care of the girls, and probably; by extension, Christine.
The safe-zone was ran by a former Marine, Charles Alexander. He was old, but knew how to survive in adverse conditions and was very protective of Christine and her daughters, especially once Christine told him about Mike. A full two months after they arrived at the safe zone, Charles rushed in with an odd look on his face.
"Do you have anywhere you can go besides here?" Charles asked.
"I couldn't get ahold of my mom, so no." Christine said.
"Okay. There are rumors that there might be people looking for the Nathan James. Supposedly, they know that they are trying to find the cure. Have you heard from Mike?" Charles asked.
"No. I keep my cellphone charged, but nothing." Christine answered.
"He'll call. Ask him what you should do, or where you should go. He'd know." Charles said.
"He has to call first. Do you want me and the girls to leave with these rumors?" Christine asked.
"No. I don't see the point. Until I hear something concrete, I'm not going to worry about it. I did get fifty pounds of oatmeal, and fifty pounds of beans." Charles said as he pointed at the bags two teenage boys had carried in.
"Alright. Could you send the girls in and we'll start supper?" Christine asked.
"Of course." Charles said before leaving her tent. Just as Christine stood up, her cellphone rang. On the ID, "Unknown Caller" was displayed. For a second, Christine was terrified, but she had to answer it.
"Mike; is it you?" Christine greeted the other caller.
"It is. We just heard what has been happening. I've been so scared. Are you and the kids okay?" Mike's crisp voice asked. For a second, Christine thought about lying. Mike needed to concentrate on his mission. If he found out that a beloved son was dead, he would be destroyed. But, on the other hand, Christine couldn't lie.
"Mike, I'm sorry…so sorry. Lucas has died. He contracted the Red Flu at that stupid day camp. Dr. Sanders was with him. She said his heart gave out before the symptoms got too bad. Mike; I am so sorry." Christine said. She could hear Mike gulping away his emotions.
"The girls?" Mike asked.
"They are okay. I've got them with me in a safe-zone in Virginia. We took the kids there to camp before we separated. Remember it? The zone leader is hearing rumors that you all are being looked for and isn't sure if we are safe here. Where should we go? I've not heard from Mom, so chancing a cross-country drive may not be wise." Christine asked.
"No, don't chance it. Honestly, if you have to leave there; find an abandoned farm that you can hole up in. You know how to grow a garden and get by. Get a gun and get away from everything. You and the girls should go by your maiden name. Use that so I can find you. Stay low. Keep the girls low and keep them away from people. Us being where we are will paint a target on your back. This is bringing out the worst. And yes, I do remember that camp." Mike advised. It was sound advice.
"I wish I could find Mom." Christine admitted.
"I know. It would make me feel better. Christine, I can't stay on here to talk to the girls, but please tell them that I love them with all my heart. Stay strong. I'll look for you." Mike said.
"I will. Mike; I am so sorry about Lucas. I know you may hate me now, but I love you so much. I'm so scared." Christine told him.
"I love you too. Just hang on. Don't trust someone you didn't know and trust before. We will work all this out and don't stress about me being mad because of Lucas. I am just glad you and the girls are alive." Mike said.
"You be careful. We can't lose you too." Christine answered.
"I will be. I have got to go, but do tell the girls that I love them and remember that I love you." Mike told her.
"I will and they love you too, as do I." Christine said.
"Be careful." Mike said before hanging up.
Christine could see the girls playing soccer outside, so she sat down on her cot and let a few tears fall. What would she do? Stay and take a chance, or leave and take a bigger chance. And what about her mom?