CH 8
When Kate walk into her apartment she was carrying a take away bag and her duffel bag. She put her duffel bag on chair then she walk into the kitchen to put the jug on for a drink then she called Mike while taking out containers from the bag.
"Hello" mike said
"Hey"
"Kate" mike said smiling
"Yes just got in"
"ok that good what that noise"
"dinner burger and chips"
"Ah. How was your flight"
"Tear able a guy who sat next to me try to hit on me I told him loud enough for others to hear that I already got a boy friend and I do not hit on another man especially a married man like you"
"you didn't, how did you know he married"
"I remember him kissing his wife at the air port he was wearing his wedding ring. When he sat next to me, I notice he slip it off his finger and put it in his pocket before he sat down"
"Ok what did he say"
"He try to denied that he married and I told him what I saw and ask him if that was his wife we saw kissing or a girl friend. He shut up after that" Kate said smiling as she walk over to the jug since it was boiled and pour the hot water into the coffee cup that already got the coffee, mike and sugar in it.
"Good on ya Kate"
"thanks Mike there was an elderly women behind us, when we landed and able to get off the plane the women told the man off telling that he should be a shame of him self cheating on his wife like he did" Kate said smiling as she stir her drink then put the spoon in the sink.
"Well he pick on the wrong women"
"Yeah he did. I notice when I walk off the plane he was greeted my a women at the air port, he wasn't wearing he wedding ring. The elderly women walk over to them and I don't know what she said but the women who was waiting for the guy was shock, she slap him across his face then turn around and walk quickly away" Kate said
as she pick up her drink and walk over to the other counter where her dinner is and put the drink on the counter then she pick up a chip and put it in her mouth when she finish telling mike what happen
"sounds like that the women didn't know he was married"
"Yeah, now she knows" they talk for couple more minutes before they hung while smiling.
The next day HMAS Darwin left for a month patrol while Mike went shopping for a Christmas present for Kate since the next day he leaving for his five week patrol.
When HMAS Darwin return back from it patrol the crew got a week off before leaving for a six week patrol. When Kate arrived home she did what she normally dose then she went around to Paul and Alice place for dinner as well collect her mail. When she knock on there door, Paul answer it
"Kate" He said smiling
"hi Paul" they both hug before Kate walk pass him
"how was your patrol"
"good we did a lot of training exercises" Kate said as Paul close the door then they walk down to the kitchen area
"Didn't you have many boardings?"
"no but we will be with Christmas , new year coming up"
"I bet you would"
"Kate" Alice said smiling as she walk over to Kate to give her a hug
"Hi Alice"
"How are you"
"I'm good thanks, your self"
"I'm good, I was saying to Paul that it a shame that you and Mike can't be here for Christmas this year"
"I know that the navy for you"
"True, I know what that was like" Paul said.
"Mike called a month ago he said he was surprise to see you" Alice said returning back to the stove
"Yeah he was, we only had three days before I return"
"do you miss him?" Paul asked
"Yes I do, I know it hard for us both with him being up in Darwin and I'm here"
"It hard for a lot of couples Kate" Alice said
"i know" Paul went and got Kate mail from the office.
When he return he pass them to her "thanks Paul" Kate said smiling
Kate look through her mail first then she open up a package from Mike. She saw it was a wrap up gift with a note on it 'Wait till Christmas day' which made her smile. She put it back in the large envelope that it was in then she look through her other mail.
She talk to Paul and Alice while opening some of her mail. She saw one from mike so she open it and pulled out his letter, she smile as she read what he has to say plus giving her dates on his shore leave for the next three months which made her happy. When she finish reading his letter she look through her other mail to see that there was one from the navy so she open it.
It letting her know when she starts her ADFA training since she done her two years on a ship. When she saw when she starts her training it was four days after they return back from there patrol next year.
"Kate are you ok" Paul asked
"Yeah, I've been excepted to do my ADFA training in January next year"
"that is great news"
"Yes it is, but I'll have to move to Canberra for the three year training"
"oh, what are you going to do about your furniture?"
"Put it in storage, I'm still paying it off"
"ok if you need any help, let us know" Alice said
"i will thanks" Kate spent few hours with Paul and Alice before leaving to head home.
The next day Kate went to do her Christmas shopping. When done and mike gift was sent to him she return home to wrap the other gifts up.
During Kate shore leave she went and pamper her self as well did other shopping before she leaves for her next patrol which she and the crew are away for six weeks.
When HMAS Albany return back from it patrol was also the day HMAS Darwin left for there patrol. When mike arrived home he did his normal things then left to go to the post office to collect his mail since they hold it for navy personal who are single and out on patrol.
Once mike got his mail he return home. He notice they he received two packages one from his parents and the other from Kate which made him smile. He open the two packages to see that they were wrap up Christmas gifts. Then he open Kate letter and read what she says while he made him self a drink.
Mike was shock when she told him about the letter. He knows what she will be going though for the next three years of her training since he been through it him self.
During Mike shore leave he wrote back to Kate and to his family and friends. Plus he did some shopping and relaxing at home till the day HMAS Albany left port for it patrol.
On Christmas day Kate was up early she open her gifts from Paul and Alice first, it was a voucher from one of the shops that she goes to. Kate love the gift then she put it on her bed beside her then she pick up mike gift she unwrap the paper to see it was a box.
So she gave it a small shake when she heard some thing move in side so she open it to see a box and a envelope in side. She put the box on the bed next to her and pick up the smaller box and open it.
In side was a pair of heart shape earring on hoop in yellow gold. Kate notice that the heart shape earring match her locket pendant that Mike got her last christmas.
"Mike, wow" then she saw a small piece of paper so she pull it out from the box and open it.
'I had these specially made for you Kate I hope you like them, love Mike' Kate smile at the note and earrings.
She put the note back in it spot and close the lid of the box. Then she pick up the envelope and put the box back in the bigger box. Then she open the envelope and pulled out another piece of paper and a voucher. She smile as she shook her head when she notice it was from the store where she mike and her visit when she was in Darwin.
Then she read the note 'Now you can buy any thing sexy with out mum and dad seeing what I got you. Merry Christmas Kate I love and miss you, love Mike'
"mike what am I going to do with you" she put every thing away then she left her cabin to get some breakfast.
On HMAS Albany Mike open his gifts from his family. He open Kate gift last. He open a box to see it was an envelope. He pick it up and open it, then he pulled out a voucher. When he saw which store it came from he smile remembering the Christmas gift he got from Kate last year, now he can choice what items he want to get this year the next time he down in Sydney visiting Kate and his family. Mike put all his gifts away then he left to get some breakfast him self.
Second week after new year HMAS Darwin and Albany received mail while out on patrol on the same day. All of the crew was looking ford to hearing from family. Both Kate and mike received letters from each other which made them happy.
Mike received letters from his family telling him what been happening. Kayla gave birth to a girl a week before Christmas and Michele gave birth to twins, one of each on new years day so mike knows he got two more nieces and a nephew. There was even photos of Kayla with her daughter and husband, it was taken a day after the birth. Same with Michelle, her husband and twins.
The day HMAS Darwin return back to Sydney for it patrol the crew looking forward to two week shore leave since they were busy with number of may day calls over Christmas new year. Plus it was the last time Kate would be on the ship since she got to be in Canberra in three days time for her training.
When Kate arrived home she did her normal things as well made number of phone calls. That night she went around to Paul and Alice place for dinner. They talk about how there Christmas went and even show Kate baby photos of Kayla and Michele new born.
On Sunday afternoon Kate left to go to Canberra ADFA academy where she will be spending the next three years doing her training. While she there Paul and Alice will be taking care of Kate things since she gave her land lord month notice on Friday.
When she arrived at the academy she went to find out what room she going to be in then she went and got settle in then went to get some dinner and look around the academy seeing others from navy, air force and army there as well.
The next morning she and other navy midshipmen showed up to there first class of the year. They find out more of what they going to be doing in the first year plus find out about holidays, rules as well other things.
When Kate started her studies she keep her self busy with her studies and fitness.
In April when it was her twenty first birthday Kate woke up when some one was knocking on her door so she got up and walk to the door and open it, she was shock to see who it was
"mike"
"Kate"
she open the door wider to let him in the she close it and turn around to see him wrapping his arms around her wait and kissing her. She wrap her arms around his neck as it became passionate. When they broke apart she saw what was in his hand it was a single red rose
"Happy birthday Kate"
"Mike thank you" she kiss him once more then she took the rose out of his hand and smell it while smiling.
"dose my divisional officer knows your here"
"Yes I spoke to him last month it told him the reason why, But he has to have me check out before I got his approval which was granted so here I am"
"How long can you stay for"
"Half an hour cause of your studies and fitness tests"
"Ok I'll be right back need to go to the head"
"ok" Kate kiss mike then she put the rose on her desk before walking out of her room.
Mike look around to see that Kate didn't have many photos on the wall. He smile at the one from the academy and others when they and some of his family went to Luna park for the day. Mike smile at the different photos what on her wall.
When Kate return to her room she walk over to mike wrapping her arms around his neck giving him a kiss.
"How the family"
"Great, they received your letters"
"that is good news"
"Kate there some thing I want to ask you" Kate was starting to get worried
"what is it mike"
"sit down please"
Kate sat down on her bed then Mike got down on one knee as he pulled out a box from his pocket and open it up to show Kate.
"Kate I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you Kate McGregor agree to marry me"
"mike, I... I'm shock"
"Kate no one but grand dad and your divisional officer knows that I'm here asking you to be my wife"
"your grand dad" mike smile
"Yes remember on his birthday when he and I talk alone"
"Yes"
"This ring is the reason why Kate. He brought this ring and purpose to his wife Mary, my grand mother seventy five years ago just before he join the navy. Before my grand mother past away she told him to give it to me when I find the right women and got grand dad approval. He gave this to me cause of you Kate he approve of you being my wife." Tears were falling down Kate face as she smile
"your grand father approve of me"
"Yes. I know you got three years here, we can work it out for when we can get married... Kate will you marry me"
"Mike yes, yes I will marry you" Mike got the ring out of it box and slip it on to her finger then they stood up hug and kiss
"i love you so much" Kate said
"i love you to Kate"
Mike stayed till his time was up. When he walk out of her room he was smiling. Kate look at her ring it was nine thirties antique Victorian three stone engagement ring. All three stones was point seventy carrot set in prong setting set in platinum with eighteen carrot three millimeter gold band.
Kate went and did her morning routine before leaving for breakfast. She smile when she saw her divisional officer at a table with his breakfast. He saw Kate walk in and saw her smiling then she raise her left hand to show him the ring. He gave her a small nod and a smile then he return back to his breakfast while Kate got hers then she walk over to a table where other midshipmen are.
"Kate where did you get that ring from" one of the midshipmen asked
"My fiancee, he purpose to me this morning" Kate said smiling.
"that lieutenant that I saw walking out of your room Kate" one guy asked
"Yes lieutenant Mike Flynn, he station up in Darwin"
"so that is how you going to climb the ranks" One guy said with a smirk Kate didn't like him or his mates.
So she turn to him "no, I'm going to climb the ranks with hard work"
"more like hard sex" one guy said making them all laugh
"Laugh all you like, I'm not like any of you, you think what you think" Kate stood up and walk out of the mess hall with an angry look on her face.
Most of the officers heard and saw what happen, they not impress with what the other midshipmen said about Kate.
Over the next three months Kate train and study hard every day since that day in the mess hall. The midshipmen gave her hell but she enore them except when it came to training. The teachers were impress with what Kate has done and she was in top of all of her classes during that time.
She even wrote to Mike about what happen that day and he wrote to her back giving her advice, same with Paul and Alice. They sent there congratulation on her and mike engagement. They were happy for her and mike. Every mike sisters send there congratulations.
Jane and Jo sent Kate bridal catalogs for her to look at which made Kate grin and she please that Jo accepted her into the family. She even received a letter from commander Jackson he sent his congratulations on behalf of the crew. He told her in his letter about the first day he and mike met her and saw the way she and mike work together during the two patrols when mike was on board which made her smile.
In July Kate got a week off like most of the midshipmen so she went and did some shopping in the morning and flew to Darwin that afternoon. Jane was meeting Kate at the air port. When Jane saw Kate she walk over to her
"Kate"
"Jane" they both hug
"How are you" Kate asked
"Great, dose mike know your here"
"no" Kate said smiling
"Oh"
"Jane what wrong has some thing happen to mike"
"No. not that I know of do you know when he due in?"
"Yes tomorrow, he told me in his last letter when Albany due in" Jane smile
"sorry I for got that"
"it ok, so how that daughter of yours" They walk over to where the bags are
"She growing up fast, he like his uncle and grand father"
"Water or boats" Kate said making them laugh
"both"
"differently a Flynn baby alright, I feel sorry for brad"
"Same here"
Kate got her bag then they walk towards the exit while talking and laughing. When they arrived at mike place
"would you like a drink Jane"
"Sure but we might as well go to a cafe since there will be nothing in mike fridge"
"True and better get some food as well, I'll put my bag in the bedroom"
"ok" Kate walk down to mike bedroom when there was a knock on the door, so Jane went to see who it is.
When she open the door she saw a blonde headed women there "Hello" Jane said
"Ah hi is this Mike Flynn place"
"Yes he not here can I pass a message on to him"
"do you know when he due back from his patrol" Jane frond
"How do you know mike?"
"We old friends he god father of my sons Ryan and Patrick, I'm Maxine white" Maxine put her hand out, which cause Jane to fold her arms in front of her
"your the bitch Maxine white I heard about, I know all about you and what you did to Mike. I'm not happy with what you did to him and neither is the family" Maxine look shock
"what do you mean"
"We know you surduce him by getting him drunk and sleep with him. It made him sick for what happen not only once but twice. You were his friend and you sleep with him while still married. When he told mum and dad about it, boy dad was piss off not only at Mike for his stupidly but with you surducing and sleeping with him while he drunk and pass out, you shouldn't of sleep with your friend, how many men did you sleep with while married aye, you keep out of my brother life. It took him months to get over what you did to him." Jane said angry
"i know it my fault, I'm sorry I didn't know how much it has affected him. Can you tell him that I was here"
"I'll think about it" then she slam the door on Maxine face then Jane turn to see Kate standing there in shock
"mike hasn't told you" Kate walk past Jane and into the living room where she sat down on the couch. Jane walk over and sat next to Kate looking at her.
"Kate" Kate turn to Jane
"no Mike hasn't told me" Jane let out her breath then she put her hand in Kate
"Mike might kill me for what I'm about to tell you"
"Jane no"
"Kate..."
Jane told Kate about Maxine white, what she was like and how Jo hated her from when they first met, Maxine marriage to Stewart, how Maxine went to mike every time things got bad between Maxine and Stewart. The two times they sleep together and how it affected mike both times.
"Last time it happen Kate was before he was temporary on HMAS Darwin, before he meet you. When mum and dad last saw mike he was a mess, he good at his job but at home he was a different person. Then the next time mum and dad saw him he change he was a total different person. Mum and dad didn't know what cause him to change or who cause it well not till they found out about you. You chance mike back to the way he use to be Kate. You brought back the old mike to us. If it wasn't for you Kate, I don't know what will happen to him today" Kate sat there in shock after listening to what Jane just told her.
"i don't know what to say" Kate said
"I know what you mean Kate, I know it a lot to take in but now you and Mike have got a lot to live for, you got each other, yeah I know it hard now but one day you will be in the same city serving on the same ship who knows what the future holds"
"Jane if we are married we can't be on the same ship"
"different ship same city or one of you shore posting and the other out at sea. I know it was hard for mum and dad when us kids were younger, mum said one time that the absent makes the heart grow founder and she right. She stuck by dad for years and now they still happy today like they are years ago and look what happen every time dad had shore leave"
"no you tell me" Jane smile
"nine months later, hello six kids later" Kate laugh then he face drop then she look down at her hands.
"Kate you and mike you haven't" Kate turn to Jane
"No, I want to my body want to by my mind..."
"Rapes"
"Yes"
"Kate do you love and trust mike"
"Yes I do love and trust him"
"Do you want to make love to him"
"Yes but..."
"no buts Kate, I know my brother trust me he help me and Brad out when it was our first time, he gave Brad a lot of tips and well they work and look at us now" Kate let out her breath
"tell you what lets go shopping and get that cup of coffee ok" Kate smile
"ok"
"Great" they stood up and walk to the door
"I know a couple of great shops you going to love" Jane said smiling.
Jane and Kate went to a cafe for take away coffee then they went shopping. Jane show Kate one shop first, Kate laugh when they stop out side of it
"what so funny Kate" Jane asked.
Kate pulled out an envelope from her shoulder bag and pulled out the voucher to show Jane
"mike Christmas gift" Jane laugh
"Well then left go and find some thing sexy for you to wear when mike returns" Jane hook her arm around Kate as they walk into the shop.
Two hours later they walk out of the shop carrying four bags between them "i can't hardly wait till tonight to wear my sexy out fit" Jane said smiling making Kate laugh
"What are you going to do give him a heart attack"
"No but I know it will turn him on" Jane said laughing as they walk down to where Jane car is
"so which one are you going to wear"
"i don't know yet"
"which ever one you wear he going to love removing it from you and show you how much he loves you"
"I'm scared"
"I was at first, but got to remember to relax and every thing will be great, just because what happen to you in the past will affect you now, it won't, there a differences between rape and making love. After you and mike make love the first time, it will be shocking but amazing then you will relies the differences, remember this Kate making love over powers rape"
"how do you know all of this Jane" Kate asked as they put bags in the back seat of the car.
Jane look over to Kate "friend of mine was raped years ago when she was engage. I spoke to her and her fiancee. They made love the first time on there wedding night when they return back from there honey moon she told me what happen on there honey moon, I said to her love making over powers rape, she agree and now they married for four years and she expecting there second child in July" they got into the car and put there seat belts on while Kate thought about what Jane said.
They went to the super market to buy some groceries before heading back to Mike place where Jane help Kate take the groceries and other bags into mike place.
"Will you be ok Kate" Jane asked
"Yes I will be thanks for your help"
"Ok call me if you need to talk"
"I will" they hug before Jane left to head home since her husband looking after there daughter.
Kate put things away then she cook up her self some dinner then sat down eating it while still thinking about what Jane said.