Tempest

Chapter 13

Hannah was on edge, especially when she saw Tom drinking. If he was a quiet drunk, she would have probably been okay, but he wasn't so she took Hunter upstairs and quickly, Antonia followed, choosing not to deal with Tom's barbs.

By the time Mike got Tom settled and to bed, it was nearly one am and he had a splitting headache. Antonia had came downstairs a few times to make bottles for Hunter and to fix dinner for all of them—that Tom refused to eat, so Mike didn't offer anything else. The food was fine and Mike knew it had bothered Antonia, so when Mike climbed in next to her, he pulled her close.

"Is he asleep?" Antonia asked in a sleepy tone.

"Yes. Thank God. Sorry about tonight." Mike said. He kissed the top of her head and smiled at the smell of her shampoo.

"Its alright. I was just worried about Hannah. He was making her nervous." Antonia remarked.

"I know. I hate it. He wasn't always like this. He used to be…a good person. My kids used to call him 'Uncle Tom.' His called me 'Uncle Mike.' Now Hannah is terrified of him." Mike replied.

"Perhaps you should remind him of that." Antonia said.

"I don't think he is ready to hear it." Mike remarked.

"Mike…something in him is broken. I don't know why. It might have had to do with all those crew members dying. The ship sinking, I don't know. You and Russ are the only ones who have lost more, so you might be the only ones who can say it." Antonia said.

"Unfortunately, its not a scorecard." Mike said.

"No, but it is the reality of the situation. Now, tonight; I thought you might invite Russ Jeter over. Henry will also be here, but more for Hannah. Perhaps, it'll help Tom to see him." Antonia said.

"You're the best. I love you." Mike replied before giving her a long kiss. It might have become passionate, but Mike was exhausted and they were both worried about Hannah.

Thankfully, they had a few peaceful hours that morning before Tom got up at eleven. He immediately began drinking. Russ agreed to come for dinner and Henry would be there to ease Hannah's nerves. Even Hunter was fussy. The weekend wouldn't be over soon enough. Mike smiled at Antonia, who was fixing a fruit salad.

"Looks good." Mike said as he grabbed a bottle of water.

"Good. I made an angel food cake. Thought it would go well." Antonia said.

"Hannah's favorite." Mike remarked.

"Yeah, I also thought she needed a little pick-me-up." Antonia answered.

"Did she go upstairs?" Mike asked.

"Yeah. She promised that she would come down for dinner. I don't think she slept well last night. She got Hunter to sleep and was going to nap, maybe." Antonia explained.

"Tom's occupied. Do you care if I go up and look in on her?" Mike asked.

"Not at all." Antonia answered. Mike gave her a kiss and headed up the stairs. Hannah's bedroom door was open and she was giving Hunter a bottle, while rocking him in the rocking chair that Mike had gotten for her.

"Antonia said that she didn't think you slept well. Will you feel up for company later?" Mike asked from her bedroom door.

"Yes. I don't mind Russ or Henry." Hannah said.

"Henry has been a good friend for you." Mike remarked.

"He asked me if I'd like to go out for coffee or to a movie." Hannah said.

"Well, don't worry about babysitting. I'll look after Hunter." Mike said.

"What…if he thinks it's a date?" Hannah asked.

"Honey; you are fifteen. He is not going to endanger his career with an underage girl. I suspect he just wants to be a friend right now. And it would not hurt for you to have one close to your age. How about this? If you aren't ready for a movie or coffee…suggest taking Hunter to a zoo or the park?" Mike suggested.

"That's a good idea." Hannah said.

"I would happily watch Hunter but it could make you feel better." Mike said.

"Dad, thank you. And sorry for being such a wimp about Tom. I…remember what he was like when we were little. You had as much happen to you as him, but you aren't like him. Why?" Hannah asked.

"Honestly…probably Antonia. Even though our marriage was in name only for so long, she kept me grounded. Sane. Tom had people all along, but I think he forgot to go home to them." Mike explained.

"So why come here now?" Hannah asked.

"I honestly don't know. I'm hoping that Russ can help me figure it out." Mike admitted.

"So, this is kind of like an intervention?" Hannah questioned.

"Kind of. Russ has a way with people. More so than me. Between the two of us; I'm hoping we can break through." Mike answered.

"I hope. I don't like seeing him like this." Hannah remarked.

"Me either. I am going to go down and babysit him. You try to get some rest, sweetheart." Mike said. He stepped and gave Hannah a kiss on the forehead before heading back downstairs to try and keep Tom safe.