Navy Wives
Chapter 3-Christine Slattery
"I appreciate you coming here for coffee. I wasn't planning on Katie having another asthma attack when we made the plan." Christine said as they walked through the apartment.
"Is it normal for her to have this many?" Leah asked.
"She generally does have more when Mike is away but I've got her a doctor appointment tomorrow. Her rescue inhaler isn't working ideally." Christine explained.
"It must be hard when he's away." Leah asked.
"You know…it is. Even though we've separated and we're trying to adhere to what the attorneys say we should; it feels nice to have Mike close. He helps with the kids alot. Will pick them from school and go to the sporting events I can't make due to my work schedule. And if I'm sleeping, sometimes he would pick the kids up and get them out of the house so I sleep better. He hates my job though." Christine remarked. She poured both cups of coffee and handed Leah the creamer and sugar.
"You struggle with his feelings about your career, don't you?" Leah asked.
"More because some of it is justified. He's concerned something might happen to me while he's away and the kids will be…alone. I think it worries him alot." Christine said.
"Could it be that he's just as concerned for you, as the kids?" Leah asked.
"That part of our life is over. He moved on. For that matter, so did I." Christine said.
"Who cheated first?" Leah asked.
"I did. Loneliness." Christine admitted.
"And he was reacted to that by cheating? Do either of you care about the other partners?" Leah asked.
"I didn't. And Mike's was just a random woman in a bar. I wouldn't have ever known, but he admitted it. Felt guilty, I suppose." Christine said.
"So, it was a one-time thing for both of you?" Leah asked.
"For me, yes. For Mike, after we split; he's…kind of done the same thing, but I don't think he's overly satisfied. And I haven't even tried." Christine admitted.
"I really want to be your friend…so this might seem very…much like a therapist. Maybe there's a road back to where you and Mike get back together?" Leah suggested. At first she could see the anger in her eyes, but then she noticed sadness.
"He actually wants that. He doesn't want a divorce." Christine said.
"Okay. What is one thing you miss about having Mike around?" Leah asked.
"His…sense of humor. I really miss it. I also miss how protective he is of us." Christine said.
"Do you still love him?" Leah asked.
"I…suppose so. But its so awkward now. That's what I couldn't get past once I cheated, then he cheated. It was just so awkward." Christine explained.
"So…did you ever just sit down and talk to him…not fight. Not argue. Just apologize and talk about why you did it?" Leah asked.
"Unfortunately, that is not how Mike and I communicate. We are…very strong-willed people. I yell. He tries to diffuse things with humor. I yell some more. He gets frustrated and leaves. He would get back and either act like nothing happened or…" Christine started before looking around for the kids.
"Or?" Leah encouraged.
"Make-up sex. Kind of…rough. Okay, that's embarrassing, considering you met Russ at church." Christine remarked.
"Christine, I am a family therapist. I literally have heard it all. What you are telling me actually isn't that bad. You and Mike both have type-A personalities. And when partners both have that personality, it is not unusual that they might solve their issues within the marital bed. Did…you enjoy it? Did he?" Leah asked.
"Oh, I definitely did. And I suspect its why Mike seems not so satisfied." Christine said with a smile.
"Alright, when he gets back…talk. Preferably away from a bedroom. Talk. Keep your voice down. I think…deep down, you are not happy. You miss your life from before, don't you?" Leah asked.
"Some. I miss the friendships but again, the awkwardness. I feel very alone. I knew my place. Now, I'm a single parent working a difficult job. The only other person I can depend on when Mike is away, hates me. Darien was more like a sister and I miss her, but she is very black and white. In her world, cheating on your husband while he's fighting for this country…its a scarlet letter." Christine explained.
"Perhaps, like with Mike, you need to talk to her. She might need to bend some to forgive you but it actually isn't her you slighted. If Mike can forgive you…?" Leah suggested.
"I think he has. Its just hard to get over the awkwardness. Its like a big hump. With Darien, I went against 'The CODE.'" Christine said.
"The CODE?" Leah asked.
"Its this book her mother made up…wife of a high-ranking Marine General. I have a copy." Christine said. She walked to the bookshelf and picked up a book. One that literally was bound with leather.
"Was this published?" Leah asked.
"Nope. It was given to Darien and she pays to have it made up for all the officer's wives, as well as high-ranking enlisted." Christine explained. Leah opened the book and chuckled.
"'You must make your husband's favorite dinner before he deploys and have it ready when he arrives home. You must make sure that you keep the children quiet so he can rest after returning. You must…" Leah read.
"Darien was raised with that. She lives and breathes this book. I violated Chapter 4." Christine explained.
"You must always be faithful to your husband and never serve as a distraction. Distractions can get him killed. Never give him a reason to complain. Be careful with money. If you must work, make sure that you still take care of the children and keep the house up. It is not your husband's job to care for the house or the children." Leah continued, taking on a Southern accent as she did, making Christine laugh.
"I was never so put together. Could never live up to it. When Mike first joined and become an officer, I tried…I really did. I suppose I just got tired of failing. Even Katie having asthma and Lucas being dyslexic is considered a failure, according to that book." Christine remarked.
"I can just see you in a polka-dot dress, black pumps and a pearl necklace." Leah teased.
"Mike told me once that he thought polka-dots were sexy." Christine replied.
"In that case…" Leah teased.
"He was being completely serious too." Christine remarked.
"So, what's the plan for this week?" Leah asked.
"Lucas has camp next week. Getting him ready for that and Hannah has a day camp." Christine explained.
"And Katie?" Leah asked.
"Katie wants to stay home." Christine said. Leah could tell it bothered Christine but she was letting it slide. And for the time being, so would she.