Deer Park
Chapter 3
Christine's little house was strangely simple but home-like. There was comfortable furniture in the living area and it was painted a sunny yellow with white trim. The floors were a hard wood and the kitchen was open to the living and dining areas. Mike set his suitcase down and looked around at the pictures.
"Katie gets off at six tonight. I'll go get Hannah from Mom when you're ready?" Christine asked.
"Yeah. This is their old house, isn't it?" Mike asked.
"Yeah. The house I grew up in." Christine answered. Her parents had built a new house shortly after Mike and Christine had married, but used the house that Christine lived in as a rental property for several years.
"I always liked this place. So close to the lake. I need to see if I can borrow a fishing pole from your dad." Mike said.
"I'm sure he wouldn't mind. I just took pork chops out for supper. That sound good?" Christine asked.
"Sounds great." Mike said, still looking around.
"Mike; make yourself at home. There's sweet tea in the fridge. The way you like it. Take your shoes off and unpack your suitcase. I can sleep on the couch if you want sometime alone." Christine said gently.
"Thank you. I wouldn't want you to sleep on the couch, though." Mike remarked as he sat down and took his boots off.
"We'll figure that out. Just relax. Hannah will feel it if you're nervous." Christine said.
"I am." Mike admitted.
"She is a teenage girl who loves books, riding horses, going fishing with her papa, baking with grandma, wonders what the world is like outside of Deer Park, loves watching movies with Katie and I, loves junk food and cuddling. She really hasn't changed much." Christine explained.
"And Katie?" Mike asked.
"A lot of the same. She's quieter and more serious. She's very mature. She's been my rock. Hannah is my laughter and joy. I think they will both be thrilled to see you." Christine said.
"This makes me miss Lucas." Mike remarked.
"Yeah, me too. It feels like there is a missing piece." Christine answered.
"Yeah, it does." Mike said. Christine had sat down beside him and squeezed his hand.
"Hannah will kill me if I don't get her, knowing you're here. My room is at the back of the house. Just unpack there. We can figure out sleeping arrangements later. But, Mike; please relax. You're exhausted and I am worried about you." Christine said. She reached over and kissed his cheek before standing up. She left the house a moment later and Mike took his boots and suitcase to the back bedroom. It was painted a darker blue, with a homemade quilt on the queen-sized bed. There were pictures of the kids around and a painting of the lake above the bed, but Mike began staring out the windows, at the lake.
He was in a trance. The lake hadn't changed. The house hadn't changed a lot. It was Mike who had changed. He was still staring outside when he heard a commotion outside of the bedroom door.
"Daddy!" Hannah said as she rushed to him. Her hair was still long, she was wearing bib overalls, Converses and a striped shirt; much like she had done as a young child. He pulled her into a hug and clung to her.
"I've missed you, bug. So, so much." Mike said.
"I missed you too, Daddy." Hannah said. He pulled away and wiped the tears from her cheeks.
"Nothing to be sad about. I'm here now." Mike told her.
"You'll leave again." Hannah remarked.
"Hannah." Christine warned from the bedroom door.
"Its okay." Mike said before kissing Hannah's forehead and letting her go.
"I'll start dinner so it'll be ready when Katie gets home." Christine said. Mike and Hannah followed her out to the living area.
"Do you need help?" Mike asked.
"Nope. Just relax." Christine ordered. Hannah had plopped down on the couch but Mike stepped into the kitchen where Christine was standing at the sink.
"Thank you for this. You didn't have to let me in." Mike said quietly before kissing her cheek.
"Everything is going to be just fine." Christine said. He kissed her temple before complying with her order.
Occasionally, she spoke up from the kitchen but Mike visited with Hannah and helped her put a puzzle together. Right at six, Katie came in and it was another emotional reunion.
Mike thoroughly enjoyed the home-cooked meal. It was simple. Pork, fried potatoes and apples, corn-on-the-cob and salad. But, it was perfect to him. Once they settled into the living area, Mike found himself becoming very sleepy. Finally, Christine leaned over to him.
"Mike, go in and lay down." Christine said.
"I am tired." Mike said.
"Go on in." Christine answered. Both girls stood up to give him a hug once he stood up.
"Can I take a shower?" Mike asked as Christine followed him into the bedroom.
"Of course. Bathroom is right there. There's towels and washrags." Christine said.
"Please come in to sleep. We can share the bed." Mike told her.
"Good. I will." Christine said. They had fixed nothing but it just felt good to admit everything to her.
"Thanks." Mike answered. He kissed her forehead and smiled down at her before she stepped out of the bedroom.
Mike showered and as soon as he laid down, he felt himself getting sleepy. He had spent the last several months going from one luxurious hotel to the next, but Christine's bed felt amazing. It all felt very home-like.