Parent Trap: Children hatch a plan to reunite their separated parents over the holidays, leading to comic mishaps, heartfelt moments, and a redefined family structure.
Parent Trap-The Last Ship Version
"This is crazy. It will never work!" Katie told her younger sister.
"How won't it? Mom and Dad still care about one another." Hannah retorted.
"Hannah, they divorced because they couldn't see a way for their marriage to go forward. They just want to co-parent us…or you. I'm an adult now." Katie reminded her. After several years apart and years of fights before that; upon their reunion; Mike and Christine had promptly filed for divorce, agreeing their marriage was long over. But, they got along wonderfully and anytime that Mike was in town, he stayed in the spare room so he could spend time with their daughters.
"I think they still love each other." Hannah said.
"Honestly, yes. They always will. Because of us. But they don't love each other enough to stay married. Its cruel to not allow them to date other people." Katie said.
"And yet, neither have." Hannah remarked.
"Dad has been busy and Mom is building her business. No time." Katie reminded her as she stole a little bit of the lotion Hannah kept on her nightstand. Their dad has set them up well and Katie knew that her dad was paying 'spousal support' but didn't seem upset by it. He didn't have to send her mom roses for her birthday in September but he did. Maybe there was something to what Hannah was saying.
"Hannah! Katie! Your dad is here." Christine called from the bottom of the stairs.
"Not a word about this crazy idea of yours." Katie warned.
"You don't think its that crazy." Hannah pointed out before they headed downstairs. Christine had picked their dad up at the airport and they were talking in the kitchen. Christine was catering and baking again, and building a very successful business.
"Do you have parties to cater over the holidays?" Mike asked.
"None now. I closed catering on the 23rd. Will have some to do on New Year's Eve though." Christine answered.
"I can help. I don't leave until the 2nd." Mike said. Hannah ran to him and he gave her a big hug.
"Help sample?" Christine teased.
"Yeah and lift stuff." Mike answered before giving Katie a hug.
"And I need to go Christmas shopping with you tomorrow for the girls?" Christine asked.
"Yes, please." Mike said. He was a horrible shopper and Christine usually assisted him with gifts for the girls.
"Of course." Christine said with a smile. They had gone the year before as well. It had made both girls wonder what happened on that day out.
"What's for dinner, Mom?" Hannah asked.
"Homemade pizza. Your dad's request." Christine said with a smile. She had already put the pizzas in and Mike had gotten a beer out of the fridge. Beer that Christine had bought knowing he would be there.
"Chris, if you don't care; I'm going to change out of this monkey suit?" Mike asked.
"Of course not. The spare bedroom and bathroom is ready for you." Christine said.
"You're the best." Mike answered. He grabbed his bag and headed to the spare room. He actually kept several changes of clothes at Christine's because he was in St. Louis frequently and when he walked in, he wanted as far from the Navy as possible. Christine kept a supply of his soap, shampoo, deodorant, cologne and cigars for his random visits. Sometimes they never knew when he would appear, and he usually was exhausted when he did.
"Mom?" Hannah asked for their mother's attention.
"Yes, honey?" Christine asked, checking on the pizza.
"Do you think you and Dad will ever end up back together? Maybe if he retired?" Hannah asked. Katie gave her a scathing look.
"Honey, your dad is an amazing friend, but that part of our lives is over." Christine said.
"But you buy his favorite beer and you make sure the spare bedroom is stocked with his stuff and you cook his favorite foods." Hannah pointed out.
"Because I believe in being a good hostess and I was married to your dad long enough to know what aftershave he prefers and that he is so busy that he forgets to buy it for himself, only relying on the PX's cheap aftershave. He'll leave here with all the things he needs until he comes back again, for Katie's birthday in March." Christine said.
"Told you." Katie said.
"And as far as the beer and the food…your dad has no one besides us. Sure, he has friends but its not enough. He also makes sure that all his friends in the government uses me as a caterer and he makes sure you girls have this place to live in. I have no concerns. None. So, when he comes into town; yes, I make sure he doesn't have any worries for the time he is here" Christine answered.
"Okay." Hannah replied. Katie knew it was not over with Hannah but Mike was coming down the stairs and Christine was getting the pizzas out of the oven.
"Chicago deep-dish pizzas. Mike, thank you for the pans. I was cussing you when I brought them in but I really appreciate them." Christine said. They were heavy cast iron deep dish pans.
"Found them in a pawn shop close to Great Lakes. Saw them and knew you needed them…or I wanted you to want them." Mike replied with a laugh.
"I had been wanting them. Thank you." Christine responded with a chuckle. Mike had picked up one of the pans and carried it to the kitchen nook where the table was set. They settled down and began eating the pizza, which was far better than anything that could be bought. Katie could tell her dad was savoring the pizza.
"So; I thought we would get going early to avoid the crush of people shopping at the last minute." Mike told Christine.
"Except every time you say that, you sleep until ten." Hannah replied.
"Hannah! Whatever time you'd like, Mike." Christine said. She gave Hannah a warning look. Usually when Mike did visit, he was exhausted beyond words and slept really hard the first night or two.
"Thanks. I'll try to get up earlier." Mike said.
"Sleep until whenever you want, Dad. Its okay." Katie remarked.
"Thanks, honey." Mike answered with a warm smile. He went back to eating his pizza. Hannah was driving the conversation, but as normal; Katie stayed quiet and observed. Her dad was exhausted. Under his eyes, there were dark shadows. Rebuilding the Navy had been difficult. There had been political ramifications due to the sinking of the James. Katie suspected that her dad really didn't want the divorce but felt the need to stay in the Navy so he went along with it to maintain a good relationship with Christine. It would explain the care he took of her and how she always catered to him coming around.
He helped clean up and went to bed early, citing that he wanted to leave the house early to shop. Katie walked upstairs and smiled at the open door to the spare room. She figured her dad was reading or working, but the light was on and he was sound asleep and snoring. She shut the bedside lamp off and quietly shut the door, not wanting him bothered.
"I still do care about him, you know? I just couldn't be alone all the time anymore." Christine said from behind her.
"I'm confused?" Katie said. Christine followed her into her bedroom.
"Lets just say; you don't know what you have until its gone but once you've burnt the bridge, sometimes there isn't a way back. I burnt the bridge. He didn't want a divorce but he consented so that we kept something of a friendship. I couldn't and still can't ask him to leave the Navy." Christine explained.
"Mom…does he seem…tired? Usually when he visits; he is more talkative." Katie asked.
"He is exhausted and I am worried. I'm hoping he rests. And…I was not supposed to tell you this but after Christmas; he is having a biopsy. Has a knot under his left arm. His hand has been going numb. He could have done it before now, but he wanted to be here with you girls. And I suppose me." Christine admitted.
"What could that be?" Katie asked as dread filled her. She didn't have as warm of a relationship with her dad as Hannah but she adored him.
"One doctor thinks it's a tumor. Another doctor says that he didn't have a bullet removed when they were taking the James up the Mississippi and its moved. That's actually the best case scenario." Christine said.
"Wouldn't that show in an x-ray?" Katie asked. She was pre-med, but it was beyond her.
"He hasn't divulged that much and do not say anything about it. He wants you girls to have a good Christmas. I'm going with him when he has it. Please don't say a word." Christine said.
"I won't…but, Mom…Dad still loves you. Maybe you need to just tell him how you feel. Maybe you burnt the bridge but that doesn't mean it can't be rebuilt." Katie said. Christine just smiled at her.
"I might. You know, I know you and your dad aren't as close as he and Hannah, but you are so like him. You observe, you listen, and you take care of your people. And while you might not be as close; your dad adores you. Hannah is his joy, but you honey; you are his pride." Christine answered.
"Thanks, Mom. You better get some sleep. I know Dad has a big day planned." Katie said.
"He hates shopping so its probably not that big." Christine said. She kissed Katie's cheek before leaving her to her own thoughts.
Katie didn't sleep well, but she could hear her dad snoring, so at least he was sleeping. Once her mom and dad left the next morning, she did some research on what her mom had described. A tumor could cause the numbness but the bullet could always be causing arthritis and nerve damage. But, he was very tired, which could also be caused by the tumor. She tried to not concentrate on it and finished wrapping presents and made the fruit salad her mom had asked for. Finally, about four; they came back in laughing and Christine ran upstairs with several bags of gifts to wrap.
"Since your mom is cooking tomorrow; I've ordered take-out for us." Mike said.
"Sounds good. I made the fruit salad she asked for. I also have the roll dough raising." Katie said.
"Perfect. Thank you. Where's Hannah?" Mike asked.
"Upstairs, talking to a friend." Katie said. Her dad was trying to open a bottle of water and struggling with his left hand, but when he put the bottle in his left hand to open it with his right, he dropped it. She picked it up and opened it, without drawing attention to what was going on. She just smiled at him as she handed him the bottle. He winked in response.
"I better go help your mom. I really spoiled you girls." Mike said.
"Dad…did you get anything for Mom?" Katie asked.
"Of course. A bracelet and bottle of her perfume. She just doesn't know about it." Mike said before heading up the steps.
It was hard not to mention how weak her dad's hand was throughout that evening, but they played board games and ate the Chinese food he'd had delivered. Katie knew the holidays were hard on her parents, because of Lucas but they both put on a brave face. At least Hannah was oblivious.
As was their tradition, Katie and Hannah went to bed early; giving their parents a chance to set up the gifts. Katie hoped that her mom would talk to her dad, but she had her doubts. Her parents weren't good at communicating, especially with each other. Maybe Hannah was right, maybe they needed some help? But how?
As typical, Hannah woke them all up and wanted to open presents immediately. Their mom's gifts were more conservative than their dad's, but Christine was always more pragmatic. Mike had spoiled them all rotten. Jewelry, clothes, purses, perfume, make up. All kinds of crazy stuff. It was almost like he was trying to make up for all the Christmas's he had missed and might miss in the future.
Katie helped her mom cook dinner and they ate at two, just like normal. The rest of the day was pretty relaxed but Katie knew her dad's appointment was the next day. She could tell her mom was nervous and her dad was just unusually quiet. Even Hannah wasn't able to get much of a rise out of him. He and Hannah went to bed early; and Katie found her mom reading over some menus.
"Have you talked to him?" Katie asked.
"No. I guess I'm scared to." Christine admitted.
"I think he would be receptive. Mom; he really loves you. And I think, considering what he's going through; he needs something to look forward to." Katie said.
"I really hurt him. I was only concerned about my feelings. I didn't want to wait until he retired. I didn't want to be alone. And he gave me what I wanted so he didn't end up in a toxic relationship." Christine said.
"So being alone is better? Mom; just talk. Tell him…that you love him still. That you made a mistake. That you are scared. I think he would be receptive." Katie said.
"I…met your dad when I was twelve. He…has been a part of my life for so long. Sometimes; we weren't always good to each other…or I wasn't. Your dad really hasn't changed much." Christine admitted.
"And you're scared that if you tell him, it'll drive him away?" Katie asked.
"Honestly, yes. At least; I still have him in my life." Christine said.
"You would have him regardless but at least, if he is sick, he will have somewhere to be." Katie said.
"I suppose." Christine agreed.
"Just talk, Mom. And sooner rather than later. Dad needs you. It was you that he trusted to help him through this." Katie said.
"He wanted you girls to have a good Christmas. It was not a personal slight." Christine remarked.
"I didn't take it that way. My point is; it was you he told. He could have easily came into town, spent Christmas and had the biopsy without telling anyone. We would have been none the wiser." Katie replied.
"True." Christine agreed after yawning.
"Go to sleep. You have an early morning." Katie said before giving her mom a hug. Christine clung for a moment.
"I promise I'll talk to him. You sleep tight." Christine said.
"You too." Katie answered.
As she got ready for bed, she laughed at how things had reversed. Hannah had been the one with the crazy idea of her parents getting back together but it was Katie encouraging it. She just hoped that her mom worked up the courage to actually talk to her dad.
They were up and gone early and Katie had to come up with an excuse for Hannah, but hopefully, they would have an answer soon. Hannah stayed in her room with all her new stuff most of the day and finally; about two; her mom called.
"I wanted to let you know; it is not a tumor but they have him in surgery. It's the bullet and it was getting dangerously close to an artery. They decided to operate rather than chance it." Christine explained.
"What do you want me to tell Hannah?" Katie asked.
"I'm going to call her and explain. What'd you tell her?" Christine asked.
"I told her that you and Dad were visiting an old friend." Katie answered.
"Okay. I have to let her know what is happening because he might have to stay in overnight and he's going to be down for a while, but I will cover you. Just let her think that as far as you knew, we were visiting a friend." Christine explained.
"Are you going to stay with him overnight?" Katie asked.
"I…might. Depending on his pain level. The nurses will have a rough job." Christine said. It made Katie laugh, because it wasn't her mom's first experience with her dad's pain threshold.
"Well, when he gets out of surgery; tell him we love him. Let me know when he's out." Katie said.
"I'll do that. Love you, honey." Christine answered before hanging up.
Hannah was a bit perturbed that their dad was in surgery but bought that Katie didn't know about it. She wanted to go to the hospital but Christine shot it down, saying that they might release him that evening and it was unnecessary. The surgery was successful and the doctor opted to keep him in overnight due to limited mobility. Christine chose to stay with him, leaving Hannah with all sorts of ideas.
The next morning; Christine pulled in about ten and Katie went out to help her dad up the porch steps. His arm was in a sling and he looked rough and was fairly quiet. Hannah fussed over him, but Katie knew he was in no mood.
"Dad, do you want to go upstairs and take a nap?" Katie asked him gently.
"Yes." He answered.
"I'll help you." Katie offered. Thankfully, the stairs were wide enough to get on his right side and help him while her mom trailed behind. She seemed just as exhausted.
"Mike, I'll help you change into pajamas." Christine said as they got to the bedroom.
"While you do that, do you want me to fix some sandwiches or something? He shouldn't go to sleep with an empty stomach." Katie asked.
"Might be a good idea." Christine answered. Mike had sat down on the bed and seemed exhausted.
"Thanks." Mike answered.
"Of course." Katie said before kissing his forehead and leaving the room. She made the sandwiches and carried them up the stairs and once the door was opened back to the bedroom, she went back in. Her dad was now lying in bed in his pajama pants and a t-shirt. Katie put the tray on the bed and looked to her mom, who was reading a prescription label. "Mom, did you sleep any last night?" Katie asked.
"No, she didn't. I'm a terrible patient." Mike answered.
"Mom; you really should get some rest too." Katie warned.
"I will. I just want to make sure your father gets to sleep and keep an eye on him." Christine said.
"Just lay down here." Mike suggested. It made Katie quirk her eyebrow. Christine just winked in response.
"Do you want me to grab your pajamas, Mom?" Katie asked.
"Sure." Christine answered.
"Be right back." Katie said. She headed into Christine's room and got her most comfortable pajamas out. When she walked back into the spare room, she saw her mom lean down and give her dad a kiss. And not on the cheek like she normally did since their divorce. A kiss on the lips.
She would wait until they were ready to announce that they were back together. It was funny because other than just a bit of encouragement, they hadn't needed to do anything. It was interesting to watch her parents fall in love…or maybe they never had stopped loving one another.
One Year Later
Katie smiled at her dad looking at engagement rings. He was being very picky but he had wanted her mom to have something special. She had agreed to go with him because he really was a terrible shopper.
"You can design whatever you'd like?" The salesperson suggested.
"I want to ask her on Christmas Eve." Mike answered. Katie was looking and spotted a beautiful emerald-cut diamond with a vintage setting.
"Dad, what about this one?" Katie asked. He looked at what Katie was pointing at and smiled.
"She'd like that one." Mike remarked.
"That's kind of an old-fashioned one." The salesperson remarked.
"Can I see it?" Mike asked. She took the ring out of the case and Mike looked at it.
"Can he get a wedding band that would work with it?" Katie asked.
"Yes." Another salesperson, apparently the manager said.
"We have a size five, six and seven in stock." The other salesperson said.
"She wears a six. That's the mother's ring we got her last year." Katie said.
"I want this one. She would love it, I think." Mike said.
"I think she'll love it." Katie agreed. The salespeople were scurrying around because the ring was fairly expensive. "Nervous?" Katie asked.
"No. I'm actually glad we took the past year to just ease into things." Mike remarked.
"And how do you plan to tell her that you're retiring?" Katie asked.
"I have a decree the President has signed. Its framed. Can you wrap it for me?" Mike asked.
"Of course." Katie said with a smile.
"Thanks for all your help, honey. I really do appreciate it. You've been very supportive to both your mom and I." Mike said. He had an arm around her shoulders and smiled down at her.
"Its been fun watching you and Mom. I've enjoyed it." Katie admitted.
"Well, I know it was Hannah's idea initially, but you are the one that actually helped and we really appreciate it." Mike answered.
"Does it feel different this time?" Katie asked.
"Yes. More mature. More understanding of all the stuff." Mike answered as he handed over his debit card.
"Good." Katie said. Mike winked at her as they waited. "I did want to ask; you could have asked Hannah to come help you today. Normally, you would have. Why me?" Katie asked.
"I wanted money left in my account but more than that; I don't spend that much time with you because Hannah is more fun; no offense. But I've really enjoyed today. And thank God, no sushi." Mike said.
"I had a good time too." Katie said.
"We will do it more often, especially with me retiring." Mike remarked.
"I'd like that." Katie said with a smile. The receipt and card was given to Mike and he was given the ring box in a small gift bag. They walked to his truck and Katie tucked the gift bag in her purse so she could sneak it in around her very perceptive mother.
The next day; Christmas Eve, Mike and Christine went shopping and he ordered take-out like the year before. Katie had wrapped the proclamation from the President and had the gift bag with it for her dad to grab when he was ready. He had already told Katie he wanted to do it privately.
And the next morning; when they were opening presents, Katie noticed the ring on her mom's left ring finger. It made her smile inwardly, but she had already decided to not draw attention to it. Her parents would announce it when they were ready. It just felt good because she knew that they were really happy again.