Navy Wives
Chapter 4-Darien Chandler
Darien hated when Tom was away and this was the first deployment since Christine and Mike had split, it was her first deployment without Christine. She was at loose ends. Something she didn't like. Darien always wanted to be put-together and have all the answers. Except, she didn't anymore.
The kids always had a hard time at the beginning of deployments, so Darien put together a little get together for them. She was a bit surprised to see the Slattery kids signed up for it, but it made sense. Almost as much as she missed Christine; she missed Katie, Hannah and Lucas. She saw them occasionally when Mike had them, but he relished his time with them and didn't share easily.
The day of the get together, she was setting up the snack table when she noticed Christine lead the kids in, still wearing her uniform. As a Navy wife, Christine had always seemed out of place, but as a cop; she seemed very poised. Darien stopped what she was doing and walked to where Christine was standing.
"Ma'am, we don't deal with medical issues here." The young officer's wife said, obviously not knowing or caring who Christine still was.
"What's wrong?" Darien asked.
"I've been having more nosebleeds and asthma attacks, but Mom has court. She doesn't want me alone." Katie said.
"Katie…" Christine warned.
"It's alright. I'll take responsibility for Katie. I'm familiar with her medical issues." Darien told the young wife. She thought Christine might refuse, but she was wrong.
"I don't know what time I'll be done." Christine said quietly.
"If its after two, I'll just take them home with me. No problem." Darien answered. Christine looked exhausted.
"Thank you." Christine said.
"You're welcome." Darien replied.
"Katie; you have your inhaler? Your extra is in the backpack. Keep it close, please." Christine said.
"I will." Katie said. She was a little old for the get together but Darien knew she would help with the younger kids.
"Call me if you need anything." Christine said. She kissed Katie's cheek and waved at Hannah and Lucas, who had already ran off.
Katie found a table and read her book while the younger kids did art, played games and ate. She helped some with the younger kids but Darien could tell she was not feeling well. It was not unusual when Mike was deployed. Katie really loved her father deeply, and struggled when he was away. It made Darien wonder how she handled living away from him when he was home.
Darien noticed a couple of the younger women were not talking to the Slattery kids and the one that initially refused for Katie to be signed in was particularly short with the kids. Darien finally pulled the younger woman, Taylor, aside to figure out what was going on.
"Taylor, why are you treating the Slattery kids this way?" Darien asked, not pulling any punches.
"Because of their mother. I heard she was cheating on her husband for years and years…" Taylor started. Darien put a hand up.
"Taylor; you've been a part of this life a year, right?" Darien asked.
"Yes, but…" Taylor answered.
"Christine Slattery made some bad decisions but they will not affect how we treat her children–who I might also add, are a Lieutenant Commander's children as well. I also need to remind you–Christine and Commander Slattery are still married. She is a senior officer's wife." Darien said.
"They are living separately." Taylor pointed out.
"Taylor; we all live separately from our spouses for nine months out of every year. Right now, this seems fun to you. You don't have children yet, and do not work. But quickly, you will realize just how hard it is. The walls closed in on Christine Slattery. I just didn't figure it out in time to truly help her, as I should have." Darien said.
"But…" Taylor continued.
"But nothing. You will treat those children and Mrs. Slattery well or so help me God, I will freeze you out…and you do not want to imagine that. I assure you of that." Darien interrupted, emphasizing 'Mrs. Slattery.' She started to walk away when she saw Katie standing there, obviously having heard the conversation.
"You didn't have to do that." Katie said.
"No, but perhaps I should have awhile back." Darien remarked. She rubbed Katie's arm and smiled at her.
"I wish my mom and dad would get back together. I think they still love each other." Katie said.
"They have a lot to overcome." Darien replied.
"I think they could if they just had time to. I have all my birthday money, allowance and Christmas money saved up. I want to get them a nice hotel room and dinner, but I can't. I'm not eighteen." Katie said.
"How much do you have saved up?" Darien asked.
"Nearly three hundred dollars and by the time he gets back it'll be more. He gave Mom money to give to me for allowance." Katie explained.
"Sweetie, he intends on you using that money for something you want." Darien pointed out.
"And I do want this. I miss my parents being together and happy." Katie said.
"Alright…you still have my number right?" Darien asked.
"Yeah." Katie said.
"Alright, once it gets a bit closer, get with me and I'll help you get it set up…if its something your parents really want. I don't want to make either of them mad." Darien said.
"Thank you!" Katie said before giving her a hug. It made Darien smile. She had really missed those hugs.
Darien ended up taking the Slattery kids home with her and Christine swung by and got them at three. She looked exhausted and still had to work that night. Darien thought about offering to keep the kids overnight but she didn't want to intrude. Christine thanked her and they separated ways.