Never Again, Again

Chapter 3

Christine groaned as soon as she woke up. She hadn't gotten nearly enough sleep, but it had been an interesting night. Mike had left about six am due to having to pick up his rucksack and change into a uniform. He also wanted to slip out before the kids woke up, not wanting them to get their hopes up yet. It made sense but she would have liked for him to be there a few more hours with him. She looked at her phone and smiled at the text from him.

"Last night was great. I will call when and if I can. Take care of yourself and the kids. And remember…despite everything, I didn't stop loving you."

"Likewise." Christine texted back.

Christine got up, showered, dressed for the day, changed her sheets and made the bed before starting breakfast for her kids. Katie came out about nine, wearing her pajamas and looking around in confusion.

"Mom, I got up to go to the bathroom about three and looked outside. Dad's truck was in the driveway. Were you talking?" Katie asked. Of the three kids, she had been the most saddened by Mike and Christine's separation. Katie's biggest hope was that her parents would get back together.

"Yes." Christine answered.

"Did it help?" Katie asked.

"Maybe a little but then he had to leave. We are going to work on things when he gets back." Christine answered, knowing that she was probably telling Katie too much.

"Will he move back in?" Katie questioned as she followed Christine into the laundry room that also served as a pantry.

"Unknown." Christine said.

"Oh, I hope so. I miss him." Katie said.

"He misses you too. He loves you kids very much." Christine said.

"Well, if the truth were known, he misses you and he loves you too." Katie remarked before walking out of the laundry room. Christine could only smile in response. She hoped she and Mike could work things out so that Katie would be happy again. It had been a trying six months with their oldest. Depression, angry outbursts and tears was a frequent problem and Christine usually got the brunt. Katie was a 'Daddy's Girl' through and through, not that Hannah wasn't. Christine could only to make Katie happy again.