Never Again, Again
Chapter 11
It all came to a head so fast. Mike had to take Dr. Scott, President Michener and a group of kids inland to keep them safe. In doing that, led him to a terrible choice. His very pregnant wife and sick daughter had to stay. Katie was not strong enough and Christine didn't need to go into premature labor. The question was Hannah. She could go with Mike, but it meant being separated from Christine. Despite all the problems, Mike could tell the decision was ripping Christine into pieces.
The night before they were to separate, Mike walked into the bedroom area and found Christine brushing Hannah's hair away from her face while Hannah slept. There were tears rolling down Christine's cheeks and she looked at Mike in pain.
"I feel the same way. Leaving Katie." Mike said quietly. He gave Christine his hand and helped her out of the bed.
"At least Katie knows that you love her. Hannah doesn't know that about me." Christine said. She followed him into the office area and sit down on the couch.
"My point is; this is not easy for either of us but it was really the only choice we could make. You can't walk that far. Katie either." Mike said.
"You'll take care of her if…promise me, Mike…promise me that you will take care of her. I know it would hamper your career but she would need to be your priority." Christine said.
"Nothing is going to happen." Mike insisted.
"Mike; you don't know that. Anything could happen." Christine said.
"You have to get some rest. I have to get rest and I don't want to argue about what could happen. We both know and understand the reality. My advice for you tomorrow before we leave is to tell Hannah how much you love her. I will be doing the same with Katie. As for the one you're carrying; I can only hope you will do the same for me if I don't get to meet him or her." Mike told her. He kissed the top of her head and rocked her back and forth.
"Did you already write Katie her letter?" Christine asked.
"Partly." Mike answered. He had always wrote the kids and Christine letters before particularly dangerous missions. And he kept them all.
"Maybe I could write Hannah one too." Christine remarked.
"Sure. But for now, sleep." Mike said. He gave Christine a kiss. She stood up and looked around. "Tom said that he would watch out for you and Katie but he will get focused. Just stay out of the way as best as you can." Mike said.
"We will be fine." Christine said.
"I hope." Mike answered. He gave her another kiss.
"Just take care of my girl for me, please? I know I am not a good mother to her but…just, please?" Christine begged.
"I will." Mike answered.
They parted ways, Christine back in the bedroom with the girls and Mike to his desk to finish the letters. He put them in his desk drawer and settled onto the couch. It would be an early morning and he was dreading it. At some point through the night, Hannah crawled up next to him. As Christine got bigger, Mike's double bed was becoming more uncomfortable and so; Hannah slept next to him sometimes. And Mike didn't mind the cuddles.
Christine made the point to help Hannah get ready so that Mike could spend time with his oldest daughter. She made sure Hannah was in suitable shoes and that her hair was done in the pigtails that she had asked for. Christine spent extra time making sure that Hannah had plenty of sunscreen and bug spray on, and that she would have plenty of snacks. Just about the time Mike had to get to the deck; she took her necklace off and put it on Hannah.
"My dad gave me this when I was young and I've worn it every day since. I want you to have something from me because I don't know what's going to happen. I know…I haven't been the mom you deserve, but you have always been the daughter I never deserved." Christine said.
"I love you, Momma." Hannah answered simply. Mike wondered what Christine's response would be. Christine pulled Hannah into a hug and held on tight.
"I love you too, baby girl. Now; remember to take care of your daddy for me? He acts tough but he's gonna need you." Christine answered.
"Okay." Hannah answered. She didn't understand what was happening but Christine gave her another hug. It gave Mike time to give Katie a kiss and then it was past time for Mike and Hannah to leave, giving him barely anytime with Christine. He hugged and kissed her, touched her belly and promised to come back. He just hoped it would be their reality but he wasn't holding his breath.
