Lost Loves
Chapter 1
As Mike walked out the door of his house; knowing his wife and daughters were most likely dead shattered his heart. He had not been a good husband but he loved his kids deeply.
The marriage had been flawed for a long time. Insecurities become jealousy. Jealousy became infidelities on both parts. That led to anger and even hatred. But they stayed in the marriage because they loved their kids. They were able to keep the animosity away from the kids, miraculously.
But now they were gone and Mike was at a loss. He went back to the James and threw himself into work. A behavior that would get him through many years before his losses caught up with him.
Five Years Later
Christine Slattery watched the Michener sail into the port and looked at her wedding band. She had lost so much weight, it almost didn't fit. The girls were waiting at the motel because Christine wasn't sure of Mike's reaction. As she waited, she remembered years before when their marriage was happier and she would patiently wait at the dock with smaller children in tow. Finally, she saw him walk off the ship, giving orders to a young sailor.
"Mike?" Christine asked and Mike looked at her.
"How? The girls?" Mike asked. The young sailor looked completely confused. "Keep your cellphone on. I'll touch base. You're dismissed. Let your family know you're okay." Mike said, addressing the young sailor.
"Yes, sir." The young sailor answered before walking away.
"They are alive. Back at the motel. They've missed you a lot." Christine said as she wiped a tear away. She hadn't counted on how emotional the reunion would be.
"When is the last time you ate?" Mike asked.
"Its been a day or so. Money has been tight. The girls are in better shape though." Christine said.
"Let's…get them and find some food. We'll catch up later." Mike answered. He put a hand on Christine's back and walked her towards the parking lot. Five years before, she would have balked at him 'taking care of things' but she was exhausted. Let Mike take care of her for a change.
"Thank you." Christine said as Mike helped her into a nice truck. He got in the driver's side and nodded. "It's the motel on Route 4." Christine told him.
"That place isn't safe." Mike said.
"It was all I could afford and I have no money left." Christine answered, completely ashamed of herself. The only thing she hadn't sold was herself, her daughters, and her wedding ring. Funny part was, she had attached no value to ring five years before, but now; it was a prized possession.
"Don't worry about anything. I'll take care of it. But we are getting you and the girls out of that motel." Mike said as he began the drive.
"Thank you." Christine answered. She was so exhausted that she didn't have the energy to argue. She barely had the energy to function.