Train of Thought
Chapter 1
Christine Slattery was thinking about a hundred different things as the train rumbled down the tracks somewhere in the western states. Both girls were tucked in close to her and a little orphaned boy that she was helping had his arms around her. Peter had no one and she felt badly for him. She didn't have the food to spare but, she couldn't help herself.
Suddenly, the train lurched to a stop. Christine heard shouting outside but kept herself, the girls and Peter in the corner where they had been for the past two days. She knew the smell was horrendous. The door to the train opened and she could hear people talking but was in the very back corner so she didn't strain to hear.
"Mama, maybe they have food?" Hannah asked.
"And we can take baths." Katie said. It had been Katie's biggest issue and given that she was thirteen, Christine understood. Peter was only three. He didn't understand what was happening. Slowly but surely, people were helped off the train and finally, a young sailor approached Christine.
"Ma'am, we need to get you all off of here. You are safe, I assure you." The sailor said. Christine was assessing him closely.
"Do you know Lieutenant Commander Michael Slattery?" Katie asked. Christine shook her head at her, but it was too late.
"Yes, he is my Captain. How do you know him?" The sailor asked. Christine read that his last name was Diaz on his name patch.
"He's my husband and Katie and Hannah's father." Christine answered.
"His serial number?" Diaz asked. Christine gave it to him and Diaz nodded. "Okay. And this little guy?" Diaz asked.
"His name is Peter. His parents died and I've been looking after him. I'd like to keep him with us as long as possible?" Christine asked.
"Sure. Let me help you." Diaz said. He gave Peter his hand and led them off the train car. The sun was so bright.
"I'm sorry. We must smell horribly." Christine remarked.
"Its alright. I am going to arrange transport back to the James for you and the children." Diaz explained.
"Including Peter?" Christine asked. Diaz had picked Peter up and was carrying him.
"Yes, him too." Diaz said. He spoke to another soldier and the gestured at a Jeep. "I'll drive you to the port. There's some granola bars and water in that bag." Diaz said, pointing at a large duffel bag. Christine unzipped it and passed the items around, and helped Peter with his.
"Is Daddy okay?" Hannah asked.
"Yes, he is well. He had been helping us but went back with the first group of people with serious medical needs to assist Rios." Diaz explained.
"Can we take showers?" Katie asked.
"I'm sure that can be arranged, Miss." Diaz answered. The port of San Deigo was already coming into view. Christine felt nervous, but mostly because of the little boy that was next to her. Mike may insist he go back with the other people that had been on the train. She had become attached to the little boy. Quickly enough, they were taken aboard and Diaz settled them into the Helo bay. It was chilly and they were given blankets before he left.
Peter was on Christine's lap and was playing with a toy ball Diaz had given him. Suddenly, Christine heard Mike's booming voice and she looked in the direction of the entry. The girls ran to him and Christine watched them from across the helo-bay. Their marriage had been in shambles before.
Of course, she was happy to see him healthy. Mike was a good man and had always treated her and their children well. She had just gotten tired of being a single parent most of the year and missed having Mike next to her every night. Finally, he made his way over to her and surprisingly, kissed the top of her head.
"I've missed you." He said quietly.
"I missed you too. Did Diaz explain about Peter?" Christine asked.
"He did. He has no family?" Mike asked.
"None. His dad died during the Red Flu and his mother recently. She told me before she did they were both only children and both sets of parents had died years before." Christine explained.
"I see." Mike said.
"Mike, please? I know its not ideal but he had no one. I couldn't just leave him." Christine said. Mike gave her a short nod but she could tell he was less then pleased. "Thank you." Christine said.
"I need to get you all back to my quarters and get you settled in. It'll be tight but there's nowhere else. While you all get cleaned up, I'll collect some clothes and food." Mike said. Christine settled Peter onto the floor but Mike picked him back up. Peter looked at Mike suspiciously but didn't fuss.
"Thank you." Christine said. She leaned up and kissed Mike's cheek, glad he was at least taking them all in. He nodded down at her and then led them through the ship, finally letting them into his quarters.
"Alright, girls. Let me show you how to work the shower. Christine, you may have to help him. There just aren't any bathtubs on the ship. I know that would be best but this is the best I can do. I'll pull some sweats and t-shirts out and I'll see if I can come up with smaller sizes. For him…I don't know?" Mike said.
"I have an extra outfit for Peter in his backpack. We can manage." Christine said. He had sat Peter down and led Christine into the tiny adjoined bathroom. He showed her how to work the shower and got clothes out for all of them. Katie went in for the first shower.
"I will see if I can find some stuff to occupy Peter and Hannah but it might be a bit rough in here. And unfortunately, it might be better if you all stay in here as much as possible?" Mike said.
"I figured. We'll be okay. Mike, seriously; thank you. I know I am the last person you probably wanted to see and then adding Peter onto it…" Christine started.
"We'll figure things out. I'll be back soon." Mike said. He kissed Hannah on the top of the head and was out before Christine could say much else.
Hannah took the next shower, followed by Peter and then Christine. While she was showering, she heard Mike come back in and when she came out, he was talking to the kids, who were eating. Even Peter was eating some pancakes. Mike had cut them up for him and was showing him some toys he had found.
"Feel better?" Mike asked.
"A ton better. You found toys?" Christine asked.
"Yeah. Rios had some for the refugees. I just snagged a few. He also had some clothes for the kids. You will have to wear some stuff from some of the female crewmembers and a few of my things but it's the best I can do. I also got some extra bedding." Mike explained.
"Its fine. What are the sleeping arrangements?" Christine asked.
"The couch is a pullout. I figured the girls can sleep on it. You and I can share the bed, with Peter. Its not the biggest but it'll work for the time being. And most of the time; it'll just be you and Peter. I work a lot of weird hours." Mike said.
"Okay." Christine answered. It had been a few years since she and Mike had shared a bed. Their marriage was a disaster.
"I know its less than ideal and you haven't wanted to, but its unfortunately the best I can do…" Mike started.
"Its fine. I don't mind. When do you go back to work?" Christine asked.
"I'm going to get you and the kids settled tonight. Which…you need to eat too. I got plenty of pancakes. This time of night, it was the best I could get from Bacon and I had to help him." Mike said.
"It is substantially more then we've had in the past little while. Please tell him thank you." Christine said. The kids were all quietly eating and Christine could tell they were getting sleepy.
"Once we finish, I'll pull the bed out and take the dishes back. Katie, can you help your mom make the bed? You and Hannah will have to share for a bit." Mike asked.
"Its fine. Its warm and safe." Katie said. She was the most changed by her circumstances and was grateful for anything.
"Can you tuck me in, Daddy?" Hannah asked. Always the Daddy's girl.
"Of course, sweetheart." Mike answered.
Christine and the kids got their fill and Mike even ate an extra pancake. She and Mike pulled the bed out and while Mike took the tray back to the kitchen, Christine and Katie made the makeshift bed. Hannah and Katie both wanted to go to sleep, so as soon as Mike got back; he got them both settled.
The one thing Christine could never fault Mike for was the sort of dad he was to their kids. There was always a disconnect between him and Katie, but he gave her the same amount of attention as he did Hannah. And Katie seemed to really be leaning into Mike, not that Christine minded.
While Christine settled Peter in the bed she would be sharing with Mike, she noticed the photos that were next to his bed. It brought a few tears to see the ones he had of Lucas. For the most part, the photos he did have up were of their kids. They had been past having photos of her and Mike being taken or displayed.
Peter was settled on the inside of the bed with Christine in the middle and Mike next to her. His bed was fairly tight and they were sleeping much closer then they had in years. Still, it was nice to settle so close and Christine felt sleepier than she had in a long time.
"Mike, thank you. I know this isn't how you wanted things. I do appreciate how kind you've been to Peter and I. I knew you would be to Katie and Hannah but you didn't have to be with him and I." Christine said. She reached over and kissed his cheek.
"You're welcome. Just get some rest." Mike said.
"I forgot how warm you are. Its really nice. I have missed this a lot." Christine remarked. Surprisingly, Mike wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to his chest. Something she had always loved before. "Oh, this feels so good." Christine said as she stifled a yawn.
"Just go to sleep. You are all safe." Mike said. She had hated the Navy with a passion, which made it seem ironic that the Navy was offering her safety and protection now. And she was beyond happy to take it. She leaned up again and kissed the corner of his mouth before settling back down, falling asleep in no time at all.