Navy Wives
Chapter 10-Christine Slattery
Devastation wasn't even the word Christine would use to describe how she felt. She should have pulled Lucas out of the camp, but he had wanted to go so badly and she didn't want to be out the money; despite the fact that it was Mike who had paid the fees.
Jed took them in with no complaint, probably because they brought food with them. As the time passed, Christine found herself hunting with Jed alot and making sure they stayed safe. It was exhausting but they were safer then most people. She had just come inside one day when her cellphone rang. It shocked her but she immediately answered.
"Christine–its me." Mike said. The reception was horrible and she dreaded telling Mike about Lucas.
"Oh, thank God. We've been so worried about you. Is Tom and Russ okay?" Christine asked.
"Yes, where are you?" Mike asked. Christine remembered not to give exact details in case the call was being tracked.
"Remember that cabin where Katie got spider bit and had to stay in the hospital for a couple days?" Christine asked.
"Gotcha. The kids are okay?" Mike asked. Christine gulped, apparently very loudly. "Christine–tell me the kids are okay?" Mike begged.
"The girls are alright…I didn't get Lucas pulled out of the camp soon enough. He…got it and died, very quickly. He didn't suffer. I'm…so sorry, Mike. I know how much you loved him." Christine said. She heard Mike gulping; trying to control his emotions.
"And you and the girls are safe?" Mike asked.
"Yes, we are with the Chandler's and Leah Reynolds. She and Russ are dating." Christine explained.
"I'll tell him she's safe…and Tom too." Mike said.
"Jed is limiting our trips out. We have plenty of food and warm clothes. We are okay." Christine said.
"Just stay there–when we get done; we'll be there. I just don't know when." Mike said.
"We will. Mike–I love you. I know you might blame me for Lucas dying, but I do love you." Christine told him.
"I love you too. Just please stay safe and keep those girls safe. We will talk more…I promise. I have to go but please tell the girls I love them. I will let Tom and Russ know their people are safe too." Mike said.
"Mike…stay safe please." Christine said.
"I will." Mike answered. Just as quickly, the phone call was disconnected and Christine stared at her phone in shock.
"Is he okay?" Darien asked.
"Yes. Tom and Russ are too. He didn't say where they were. Just to stay here." Christine said.
"How did he take Lucas dying?" Leah asked.
"He shoved it down. Wherever he is; there is nowhere to grieve." Christine replied.
"What did he say when you said you loved him?" Leah asked.
"That he loved me and we would talk later." Christine answered.
"Then hang onto that." Darien said as she rubbed her arm.
"Sorry you haven't heard from Tom. As bad as the reception was, I suspect they are having some connectivity issues." Christine remarked.
"At least they will all know where we are. That's the important thing." Darien said.
"And we know they're safe." Leah remarked.
"Alright…dinner tonight. Deer chili?" Darien asked.
"Sounds good. I made that cornbread too." Christine replied. Feeding the large group took some coordination and teamwork. Thankfully, their food was holding up, helped by Jed and Christine's hunting. They just couldn't be picky.
Christine went to bed a bit happier than she had been previously. Now they just had to get reunited with Mike and not catch the Red Flu. Easier said than done.
Their days were filled with hunting, keeping kids occupied and cutting firewood. Jed needed a part for an old HAM radio so Christine volunteered to go. At a later point; she would come to realize it was a horrible mistake; especially after she stumbled upon a dead body, obviously deceased from the Red Flu.
Within a day, her throat hurt. She felt like she was on fire. She shouldn't have gone back to the cabin but she had. Pretty soon, Sam showed the same symptoms and one by one, all of them began getting it. Jed, for some unknown reason decided to pack them all up and drive them to Baltimore.
Christine knew she was dying and taking others with her. She prayed her daughters would be spared. That all the others would be spared. She was in and out of consciousness. And she had the funny feeling that Baltimore wasn't a good place. Suddenly, she felt herself being lifted up and carried.
"Russ–where are we going?" Leah asked.
"A safe place for now." Russ answered.
"Girls?" Christine choked out.
"Darien has them. They're safe." Russ assured her gently.
At different points, Christine heard familiar voices. She felt extremely weak and not feeling any better, despite being administered some shot. She woke up and was being carried into a vehicle. She didn't recognize the man carrying her but he was wearing a Navy uniform.
"Mike?" Christine asked.
"You'll see him soon, I promise." The man said.
"The girls?" Christine asked.
"They're here." He answered. She was settled into a van. She could hear the kids moving around and talking as they drove somewhere. At some point she even heard Tom's voice. Once near the dock, she was moved to a RHIB and it was quickly moving.
"Where are we going?" Christine said. Katie took her hand and smiled at her.
"To Dad. To the Nathan James." Katie softly explained.
"Oh…so tired." Christine said.
"Just go to sleep. Your vitals are a little better." Leah said.
"Wanna see Mike." Christine said.
"He'll be there." The young sailor said. She must have drifted off to sleep, because the next time she woke up, she could hear a heart monitor and was in a hospital bed, aboard the James.
"She's as bad as I've seen anyone. The shot was administered but only time will tell if its successful." A woman with an English accent said.
"They said her vitals were better?" Mike asked.
"Some, but not great. Her blood pressure is low. Heart rate is high. She was barely breathing. Pulse Ox is in the toilet. Only time will tell. Your children are doing well." The doctor said.
"Alright." Mike said. He turned back towards her and gave her a smile. "Hey there, how are you feeling?" Mike asked. He squeezed her hand and she focused on the bruising on his face.
"So tired." Christine said.
"Just rest. You and the girls are safe. Everyone is safe." Mike said. He kissed her hand and pulled the blanket over her.
"Can you check on the girls?" Christine asked.
"I'll stay 'til you go to sleep and then I'll go check on them." Mike said.
"Okay." Christine replied. She was weak and exhausted and quickly fell asleep with Mike holding her hand.