Navy Wives
Chapter 7-Christine Slattery
Christine stared at the journal-not even knowing where to start. Mike had been the love of her life for many years. They'd had a really strong marriage for a long time, but as they grew older and raised kids, they stopped making as much time for each other. In retrospect, Christine could see when the cracks started appearing.
She had fooled herself into thinking she wasn't as attracted to him. They had always had a very passionate relationship, but Christine also would withhold sex for a variety of reasons. Mike was gone a lot. When he was home, he was very focused on their kids. She couldn't fault how he was with their kids.
Her affair had been a one-night stand. She'd met the guy at the gym and he meant nothing, but she had forsaken her marriage. Mike had only cheated on her out of retaliation for cheating on him. She would do anything to take that day back. She knew–if she begged Mike for forgiveness, he'd take her back. Not because he accepted her cheating, but because he loved her enough to forgive her. She picked up the pen and focused on it. Mike hated her becoming a cop again but he'd given her the pen on her last birthday. It was a really nice one and she found herself using it alot. She turned it over and read the inscription. 'All my love.'
When he gave it to her, she figured he'd bought it before they separated and didn't want to be out the money for a fountain pen that he wouldn't use. It was hardly a pen that she could use on reports. He had probably imagined her writing out invitations and encouraging notes to younger Navy spouses, as she would have been doing had they not separated. She looked back at the journal and began writing.
"Mike,
I was encouraged to write something of a letter to you to tell you how I feel, since communication is not one of my strong suits. This deployment has hit me harder than I thought it would. I miss having you around to talk to. To depend on. How you would text me nearly every day…usually to check on the kids but sometimes it seemed that it was to check on me.
Katie really wants us back together. I know we can't do that just for her, but…I guess I really really miss you. Miss hearing your voice. Miss feeling you touch my back as you walk past. Miss feeling you in bed next to me and how warm you always were.
How do we get back there?"
It actually was cathartic. She put the cap back on the pen and sit it and the journal back on her nightstand before shutting her bedside lamp off, glad she was off work. The next day she and her kids were meeting Darien, Sam and Ashley at the park. She was nervous.
She spent the morning fixing sandwiches and fixings for their picnic and got the kids collected with their sports equipment. Darien had just gotten there, always poised and never hurried, like Christine. The kids ran off and started playing, and they settled on their quilts.
"I made a grape salad but not sure how it'll withhold in the heat. Do you want to try it?" Darien asked.
"Sounds good." Christine said. She was not shocked when Darien pulled out an actual glass plate and silverware. It was pretty normal.
"I assume you've also not heard from Mike?" Darien asked.
"No. I was hoping he'd still be able to call or email the kids even
they said it would be EMCON-Alpha One, but not so far. They must be serious about this trip." Christine said.
"Tom didn't even know what was going on. Just that they were escorting some scientists up to the Arctic and doing some cold-weather weapons testing while they were there. Of course, Jed has all kinds of conspiracy theories." Darien remarked.
"I think his conspiracy theories are becoming more outrageous as he gets older." Christine remarked.
"He drives Tom nuts. And now with this virus in Africa…its gotten
even crazier. Hopefully it settles before the James gets back." Darien said.
"Virus?" Christine asked. She was glad they were doing small talk. It was easier.
"Yeah. Some sort of virus in Egypt. Its spreading. Jed is convinced we need to go to his cabin with him in Western Virginia." Darien answered.
"You hate that cabin." Christine remarked.
"Yeah. Its so rustic. Remember that trip when we all took the kids. Jed neglected to tell us that he didn't have a way to cook food? That was a long week." Darien asked with a smile.
"And Katie got spider bit? Was in the hospital for two days when we got back. Yeah, I remember." Christine replied with a laugh.
"For the record, Jed did feel bad about that…after Tom lit into him." Darien said.
"Look…I am sorry for all this. I made a huge mistake. When Mike gets back…I'm going to ask him to give me another chance...and I suppose I need to do the same with you." Christine said.
"I also am sorry. I judged a situation I should have not involved myself in. If anything I should have found a way to support both you and Mike. I also should have realized the walls were closing in on you and helped." Darien said.
"I honestly didn't know until it was too late. I just wonder if I stand any chance of Mike taking me back?" Christine remarked.
"Probably more than you think. He really misses you alot." Darien remarked.
"This deployment made me realize how much I miss him and we're only two weeks in!" Christine said.
"Yeah. I miss Tom too." Darien replied.
"So, what now?" Christine asked.
"With you and I?" Darien asked.
"Yeah. I know things can't ever be the same." Christine said.
"No, they can't be but we can still be friends." Darien said.
"What if Mike doesn't take me back and I'm not a Navy wife anymore?" Christine asked.
"Because of 'The Code?'" Darien asked.
"Chapter 16. 'If a wife finds herself divorced, she will also find herself with fewer friends.'" Christine replied.
"Christine, my mom wrote that book in the eighties. She was serious but it certainly has lost its meaning over the years. I gave you that book to highlight the more positive things. Helping younger officer's spouses, recipes, how to behave when one of our spouses die, that sort of thing." Darien said.
"Maybe we need to edit that book?" Christine suggested.
"Probably a good idea. We definitely need to update some of the clothing rules. 'You are to starch your husband's uniforms…and starch some of your blouses at the same time.' I haven't starched one of my blouses since college graduation." Darien said.
"Mike starches his own and he damn sure doesn't expect me to!" Christine said.
"Mike is a bit more worldly than Tom." Darien deadpanned.
"When we got married, he didn't even know how to make his coffee." Christine replied.
"You've trained him well." Darien said.
"So…did you meet the lady that Russ Jeter is dating? Leah Reynolds?" Christine asked.
"No. Tom told me he thought Russ was dating someone. I'm happy for him." Darien said.
"She's a family therapist. She's been talking to Katie and in effect, me." Christine said.
"Maybe you can arrange a get-together for the three of us? And the kids obviously." Darien suggested.
"I would be happy to, but my apartment is small." Christine admitted.
"We can do it at my house. But…I don't know your schedule?" Darien asked.
"Right now, I work Tuesday overnight through Saturday overnight." Christine said.
"Right now?" Darien asked.
"I put in for a job with regular hours. I would still do some cop-work but it would be in an office more. I'm really hoping I get it. I know my job will be one of Mike's big asks." Christine explained.
"I hope you get it too." Darien answered.
"Thanks. The only problem will be getting Katie to her appointments with Leah." Christine said.
"I can take her. Do you think its helping?" Darien asked as she looked towards Katie, who was sitting under a tree, reading.
"A little. She really misses Mike. She's only been once, though." Christine answered as she took a drink of tea.
"She sure does love her daddy." Darien said.
"And he adores her. I think he'd contemplate retirement if he knew how she reacts. He only sees her happy when he gets home. Doesn't see the asthma attacks, nosebleeds, depression and anxiety." Christine remarked.
"Hopefully she finds her norm soon." Darien said.
"It just takes a bit of time. Hopefully this won't be too long of a deployment. And maybe when Mike gets back, he and I can work things out. That would make Katie even happier." Christine replied.
"I bet so." Darien said with a smile.
"I've enjoyed today." Christine admitted. Lucas had ran up and grabbed a sandwich. "Tell your sisters to come over and get food." Christine ordered.
"Sam and Ashley too please?" Darien said.
"We should do this again." Christine remarked.
"Definitely." Darien agreed.
They spent the rest of the day visiting and watching the kids play. Their friendship was still wounded but maybe the scars might heal. Christine had hope. She just hoped it would be the same for her marriage.