Never Again, Again

Chapter 26-Two Years Later

Christine groaned in frustration. Mike had never came back home. He rarely called and only occasionally emailed or wrote home. They still shared an bank account and she only knew where he was because there would be an occasional charge for food or a drink. Never more than person could eat or drink, which made her feel better.

She suspected it was guilt over what had happened to Hannah. She just wished he would realize that the kids needed him. She needed him. If he would just call home; she would tell him that she had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She'd already had a hysterectomy and was undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. IF she didn't make it; Hannah and Katie could not be responsible for James and Julia.

One day; Christine looked up at the television from her couch, exhausted from chemotherapy, when she saw news coverage that the Nathan James had sunk. She knew that Mike was probably on board judging by the fact that there had been no recent charges to their bank account. She cried into her hand for a moment until Hannah came downstairs and stared at the TV for a long moment.

"Was Dad on it?" Hannah asked.

"I think so but I don't know." Christine answered.

"Mom, he might not have been on board…or he might be fine. Maybe he'll come home now." Hannah suggested.

"Sorry, honey. I just really miss him." Christine said. Hannah was angry at her dad but she sat down next to Christine and wrapped an arm around her.

"I'm sure that's natural. Mom, there is no love lost between Dad and I, but I do understand that you love and need him. I hope for your sake that he is okay. I would guess the Navy will have some kind of list put together soon. I will watch for it and let you know." Hannah said.

"Thank you, honey." Christine said. She gave Christine a kiss on the cheek before going back upstairs. As badly as she wanted Mike to be okay for her own sake, she wanted him alive for Hannah's sake more so. Maybe he would come home and fix things?

She fixed dinner for the kids and they all ate in silence. The television was now shut off. Katie and Hannah both knew about the James, but they had made a decision jointly that James and Julia didn't need to experience the trauma of waiting for the news that their dad was dead or alive, and they really didn't know Mike well.

Katie and Hannah put James and Julia to bed because Christine was just done in. At almost midnight, she was sitting on her bed; looking at old photo albums when Hannah came into her room and sat down next to her.

"That's not a good sign. As much as you don't like admitting it, you have your dad's bearing." Christine said.

"The Navy finally released the list. Dad's name wasn't on it so I called the number they listed. They weren't wild about releasing information but they assured me he was alive and they would do their best to get him in touch as soon as possible. A half hour later, he called me. I waited to see if he would." Hannah explained.

"How did that go?" Christine asked.

"I told him he needed to get his ass home. That I was tired of hearing how he felt guilty and that he had so much to do. I also told him that you were sick. I didn't go into a lot of detail but he knows now." Hannah answered. She was so like Mike it wasn't even funny.

"Honey…" Christine started.

"No, Mom. Your only wrong is that you've excused and allowed him to be gone for two years." Hannah insisted. She gave Christine another kiss before getting up and leaving the bedroom. Christine could only shake her head in disbelief.