Never Again, Again

Chapter 17

"My husband's pay was supposed to deposit yesterday and its not there. I'm just trying to figure out what is going on so I can feed my children." Christine asked Allison Shaw. She could hear the younger woman clicking her tongue in response, even over the phone line.

"Traitors don't get paychecks, Mrs. Slattery. Besides; I've checked. You can hardly claim Captain Slattery as your husband; you were all but legally divorced before the Red Flu." Allison Shaw said.

"My husband is no traitor. He was at Ground-Zero after 9/11. He is very proud of his service and his country." Christine argued.

"Was. Use past tense. You have no proof that he is alive. And as I said; traitors don't get paychecks. He should have thought about his children eating before he committed treason." Allison Shaw said before hanging up. Christine let out a frustrated sigh before picking Julia up.

"Momma, what's gonna happen if Daddy isn't found and there's no money to buy food?" Hannah asked. Christine thought about scolding her for eavesdropping but she had no energy for that.

"He'll be fine and will straighten everything out. Besides; we have groceries to get us by for a few days." Christine said, glad she was breast-feeding the twins.

"I miss Daddy. He was supposed to call yesterday for my birthday." Hannah remarked. Christine looked at her for a moment; and then realized, she had forgotten Hannah's birthday.

"Oh, honey. I'm sorry. I lost track of the days. You didn't say anything, though?" Christine said.

"I didn't think you cared, but then Daddy didn't call…and it made me sad." Hannah said. She had always been very good at articulating how she felt about something. Something both Mike and Christine should have learned.

"How about this? When Daddy gets back; we'll have an extra special birthday party for you? I do care…I just…got caught up." Christine said. Caring for a still sick daughter, home-schooling Hannah, and having twins was a bit overwhelming.

"With a chocolate cake with sprinkles like you used to make me before?" Hannah asked.

"And strawberry frosting? You bet, sweet pea." Christine said. She ran her hand through Hannah's hair and prayed that she could keep her promise.

The next day; she was shocked to open the front door to Kara Greene and a strange man. She let them in and waited until Katie and Hannah left the front room. James and Julia were in their bassinet, but they were asleep and wouldn't have been scared anyways.

"Christine; you have to take the kids and hide. Somewhere; anywhere. I've sent Mom and Frankie with Jed Chandler and he said you were welcome at the cabin." Kara said.

"What's going on? I spoke with Allison Shaw about Mike's pay. She said he was a traitor." Christine asked.

"He's not…but he and the Nathan James crew are being blamed for…everything. We aren't sure where they are." The man said.

"Christine; this is Jacob Barnes. He's with the media and can be trusted." Kara said.

"That's an oxymoron." Christine remarked.

"Do you have anywhere to go?" Jacob asked.

"No." Christine answered.

"Can…we use your SUV if you and the kids come along?" Kara asked. Christine still wasn't sure why Mike had insisted on the largest SUV he could find, but it would work in this case.

"Sure. Its got a full tank but…gas is hard to find." Christine said.

"We will manage. Come on; I will help you pack the kids up…and whatever food you have." Kara said.

It took a while to get them on the road. James and Julia were not fans of being in car seats. It was a relief knowing Mike was alive but until they were reunited; Christine wouldn't feel better. They reunited with Tex who left Christine and the kids with some of his 'biker friends.' They were not Christine's cup of tea but they were very protective of her and the kids. They took them back to Tex and Kara, where she learned Jacob was dead and they began driving across the country.

On the beach in San Diego; seeing what she thought was the James blow up, Christine's heart shattered. Not just for the ship that had been her home for several weeks. People that had been like family. But for her children. James and Julia had never even seen their daddy. Katie was heartbroken, but Hannah was beside herself. They'd all seen the explosion. Kara had gotten them into hotel room and Christine did her best to comfort Katie and Hannah. She heard a knock at the door but was busy nursing James so Hannah ran to the door.

"Hannah, no! You don't know who it is." Christine yelled just as Hannah jerked the door open.

"Daddy!" Hannah said just as Mike stepped into the room. Christine covered up but allowed their daughters a moment with Mike. He was hugging them both tightly.

"How? We saw the ship blow up?" Christine said as the tears poured down her cheeks.

"You saw a ship blow up." Mike said. He kissed both girls' foreheads and then sat down next to her on the bed. Instead of saying anything in response; she gave him a long and passionate kiss.

"I thought I had lost you." Christine whispered.

"Never." Mike answered between kisses.

"Gross." Katie said.

"I realize this is more comfortable but I need to get you all back to the James. Its safer." Mike said.

"Will you be there?" Christine asked. She had detached James and handed him to Mike so she could fix her clothes.

"Not a lot. There's a lot to do." Mike said as he held his new son. She could tell he was getting emotional but there wasn't much time.

"Girls, lets get packed back up." Christine said. She gave Mike another kiss before they began packing back up again. Mike stayed on the bed with James until it was time for him to go back in his car seat. Once they were back in the SUV, Christine was reminded of when they were newlyweds. Their hands were entwined, and Christine would have been fine to never let his go.