The Recruit
Chapter 10
Christine smiled into the living room where Mike and the girls were arguing over the Army Navy football game. Hannah was not interested at all but was humoring her father. Katie had opted to not go to the game because other than Ian Smith; she didn't get along with anyone at the Academy.
"So the whole point is to get the ball from one side of the field to the other?" Hannah asked. Christine could only smile. Hannah loved goading Mike but she also adored him.
"There's a bit more to it than that." Mike said, completely absorbed.
"And guys used to get paid millions of dollars a year to get the ball from one side of the court to the other?" Hannah remarked.
"Court is basketball, field is football, diamond is baseball." Mike answered in an exasperated tone. Christine didn't want him to get frustrated at Hannah so she stepped in and sat down next to him.
"Food is just about ready. Will be ready to eat at half time." Christine said.
"Good." Mike answered.
"This is boring." Hannah remarked.
"You could be studying like your sister instead of asking stupid questions." Mike said. Christine pinched his arm, knowing he had gone too far.
"I thought you wanted to spend time together." Hannah said before leaving the room and running up the stairs.
"Mike, I understand you are passionate about your sports. You always have been. But she isn't. Belittling her is not going to help." Christine said gently.
"I wasn't belittling her." Mike insisted.
"Think about what you said. You said she was asking stupid questions. That is belittling, my dear. Now; I will go up and talk to her but you probably need to have an apology ready by half time." Christine said. She kissed his cheek and left them to go talk to Hannah. She was not surprised to find Hannah laying on her bed or to see that there were tears on the young girl's cheeks.
"Why does he hate me? He is constantly complaining about my grades, or my room." Hannah asked.
"He loves you. Doesn't hate you, honey." Christine said as she ran her hand through Hannah's long hair. Hannah sat up and Christine pulled her into a hug.
"It sure seems like it." Hannah remarked.
"This is not an excuse but in so many ways, he is having to relearn how to be a husband and father. Before; he could watch a football game alone. But, he was alone. We had each other to lean on. He only had himself." Christine explained.
"That's not my fault though. He acts like it was." Hannah remarked.
"No, it isn't your fault." Christine agreed.
"Sometimes, I think he would have preferred it was me that died instead of Lucas. Lucas loved sports. Katie is the smart one who is following in his footsteps. Lucas loved sports. And I'm just…stupid!" Hannah spat out.
"I remember when I was younger, my dad always seemed to favor my sister. When I got older, I finally asked. He said that Caroline was his pride, but I was his joy. He couldn't have one without the other. My point is, yes, your dad loves how smart Katie is and that she is following his foot steps, but that doesn't mean he loves you less. He loves your sense of humor and how you make him laugh." Christine said.
"I still think he would have preferred I died." Hannah replied.
"No, honey; he would have preferred that all three of you kids survived. He loves you and I guarantee; he is sorry for what he said. Just please give him some latitude. He had several years where he didn't have to think about hurting feelings." Christine said.
"You think I'm being too sensitive?" Hannah asked.
"No, honey. You are justified to be hurt. Now, the food is ready and it should be half-time. At least wash your face and come downstairs and eat. Even if you don't stay down there to watch the game. There's potato skins." Christine told her before standing up.
"Like I like?" Hannah asked.
"Yes. Lots of other stuff too." Christine answered.
"Okay." Hannah agreed. Katie maybe more like Mike, but Hannah had Mike's appetite. Which was shocking considering how tiny she was.
"Wash your face." Christine reminded her. Even though Mike needed to know he drove his daughter to tears, she wanted to give Hannah some dignity at least.
Mike was still glued to the game but Christine gestured for him to follow her into the kitchen. He was not happy but the Navy had a huge lead so he followed her to the far side of the kitchen.
"You definitely need to apologize and you need to understand you are communicating to her that you would have preferred she died instead of Lucas. Hannah has always been our loose end but she has a key place in this family. I would not have managed without her. Katie is amazing and was helpful, but Hannah kept me sane. Her sense of humor, her energy, her joy. I know that you haven't gotten to see her personality to develop, but she is a good girl too." Christine remarked.
"I…didn't realize." Mike admitted.
"Just talk to her. She's washing her face." Christine answered. She gave Mike a kiss just before Hannah came down the stairs. Mike nodded at Christine before holding a hand out to Hannah. Christine was a little surprised that Hannah ran for Mike. He caught her and pulled her in for a big hug.
"I am sorry, baby. I love you." Mike said. Christine wiped her own eyes and smiled at the father and daughter, glad the game was far from either of their thoughts.
