Past and Present Lives
Chapter 14-Past Life
His career kept Mike busy, and for the most part, fulfilled. The crew had become something like a family. It did give Mike some happy moments. But he would much rather have his family. He still dreamed about Christine at times. Most of the dreams were happy. One night, on a rare night off, he settled into bed about midnight, wishing the bed wasn't quite so lonely. It took a while to get to sleep and the first dream was about Christine.
Mike walked through a house. It was unfamiliar but seemed nice enough. He recognized some of the furniture and Katie's favorite sweatshirt, hanging on the back of the chair. He finally found Christine in one of the bedrooms, rocking a baby to sleep.
"How is she? Colic better?" Mike asked.
"She is okay right now, but it usually gets worse at night. Ellasyn, can Daddy take you?" Christine asked the baby, who of course would not answer. Mike took her. Ellasyn stretched out.
"I don't have anything for a few hours. Why don't you lay down. I can either give her some milk you've pumped or I can wake you." Mike offered.
"Thanks. I think I will. El, make sure Daddy behaves himself, okay?" Christine said, before giving Ellasyn a kiss and then giving Mike a kiss.
"And maybe when you wake up, we'll do something for your birthday?" Mike remarked.
"Mike, we have a colicky baby and three older kids that will need help with homework, fed dinner and tucked into bed. No need. We can do something special over the weekend." Christine said.
"Aye, aye." Mike answered before sneaking another kiss.
Christine fell right to sleep and Ellasyn only fussed a little when given a bottle. What Christine didn't know was that her sister Carrie was surprising them and at three, Mike let her into the house. Carrie immediately took Ellasyn and was cuddling her.
"I love the new house. I bet Christine is enjoying getting to decorate it the way she likes." Carrie remarked.
"She seems to be. Of course, right now, with Ellasyn, we're kind of in the weeds, but she is loving post-Navy life." Mike replied.
"And you? Rob is facing another deployment. I am a bit jealous of Christine right now." Carrie asked.
"Adjusting to private sector. Money is better but have expenses with insurance, housing and a new baby." Mike admitted.
"You regret it?" Carrie asked.
"I actually don't. I won't miss a day of Ellasyn's childhood and will be here for the rest of Katie, Hannah and Lucas'. And I am pretty certain I retired in time to save my marriage." Mike answered.
"Christine is happier now than she's been in a very long time. I know money is a strain and I am sure you miss the Navy but other than when you were newlyweds, I've never seen her happier." Carrie said.
"Well, I owe that to her. And she'll be thrilled to have you here." Mike said.
"I am glad we could get it arranged." Carrie answered. Just then, Christine shrieked from the doorway.
"Carrie…how?" Christine said as she came across the room. Mike took Ellasyn from Carrie so that the sisters could hug.
"Mike and Rob figured it all out. Rob wanted me to visit before he deployed. But I am only here until Monday." Carrie said.
"I am taking tomorrow off and you girls can go do whatever. We have enough milk stored up for Ellasyn." Mike said. Christine nodded at him before pulling away from Carrie and patting his cheek.
"Thank you." Christine said. Ellasyn cooed, as if on cue.
Mike woke up from the dream. It had been a happy one but he still got mad. Out of guilt, he didn't pursue a new relationship, but he was so lonely now. He just wasn't even sure what the first step would be.