The Recruit
Chapter 7
Mike and Christine purchased a two-acre plot on Hillsmere Shores. It already had septic, water and electric ran to it and was at a bargain price. They had met with an architect who was working on a house plan for them. And best of all, Katie would be able to stay with them.
Mike was enjoying being semi-retired. He was able to attend Hannah's volleyball game, was able to take Katie out for coffee and he and Christine had another date, albeit with a visit to the architect.
One night, Katie got home about eight, looking exhausted. Thankfully, it was Friday and she hit the couch with some force. Mike could tell she was having trouble keeping her eyes open and exchanged a look with Christine.
"Have you eaten?" Christine asked their oldest daughter.
"No. I had a granola bar at lunch. Didn't have the energy to heat anything up. We had PT today." Katie said.
"You need to eat. You're burning more calories then you're taking in. That can affect your energy level and can make you sick." Mike insisted. Katie started to get off the couch but Christine stopped her.
"I got it." Christine told her. She jumped up and began heating the plate up in the microwave.
"PT rough?" Mike asked.
"Not for everyone. Commander Sanders ordered that I run fifteen miles, among other things." Katie said.
"What did the other recruits do today?" Mike asked.
"A two mile stint with some obstacle course. But, Dad…if you say anything, it will only get worse. He's trying to get me to drop out." Katie told him.
"Katie, he can't abuse you." Mike said.
"Dad, please don't do or say anything. It will only make things worse." Katie begged. What surprised him was there was a crack in her voice.
"Okay." Mike agreed.
"Katie, come in and eat." Christine said. It took Katie a moment to manuever off the couch but she finally did. As Mike watched her walk into the kitchen, he decided not to say a word to Commander Sanders, but he would be talking to Tom.
Soon after eating, Katie went to bed. An hour later, Mike and Christine looked in at her. She was sound asleep in the middle of her bed with her school books spread around her. Mike moved the books off while Christine covered her with a blanket. At least Katie had put her pajamas on.
"I'm worried about her." Mike remarked as they got ready for bed.
"Me too, but Katie is determined. She is strong. Just don't lose faith in her. Encourage her even if you're worried." Christine answered.
"I have plenty of faith in her. I'm just worried. Did you hear what she had to do today?" Mike asked.
"Yes. She ran 15 miles and did an obstacle course with a granola bar on her stomach." Christine answered.
"The other students didn't run that far. To me, it seems like she is being picked on because she's my daughter." Mike said.
"Honestly, she probably is. Mike, she knew when she sought you out that it might happen. You've given her ample opportunity to drop out and she doesn't want to. She really wants this and I don't think she wants it for you. She knows you're proud of her. She wants it for herself." Christine said.
"If she wants to go to medical school, we can figure out the finances." Mike remarked.
"Mike, she wants to be a Navy doctor. That is her goal." Christine said as she climbed into bed next to him.
"I just hate seeing her hurt. I realize I don't really know her that well anymore, but I hate her being in pain." Mike admitted.
"I know, babe. Me too." Christine answered. She reached over and shut the light off before giving him a kiss and settling in.