Navy Wives
Chapter 16-Christine Slattery
Christine woke up at some point during the night and smiled at how Mike's arm was draped over her. One of the things she had missed most was that he always kept her warm during the night and she always felt protected. Their marriage was far from fixed but they had found peace for the time being. She wondered what would happen when the ship finally landed somewhere.
Mike had to leave early for work. He woke Katie up so she would know how to get him if Christine needed help. Bacon had brought breakfast down with Leah's help and Christine smiled at how she was fussing around the room, helping the girls clean up bedding.
"So, are you getting settled?" Christine asked.
"The first day or so was rough but I'm feeling better and was able to help in the sick bay. At the moment, there are no patients though." Leah replied.
"Oh, not ones that are sick, but plenty of patients that need your help. I can see the strain and I'm not the most sensitive person." Christine replied.
"They are under a great deal of stress. How are you and Mike doing?" Leah asked quietly.
"Pretty good. We've not had too many opportunities to talk. I think he wishes that he could take some time off but I understand." Christine replied.
"He seems very attentive." Leah remarked.
"He is. At one point I might have told you that he wasn't, but I supposed compared to other stories I've heard, Mike was more attentive then I thought. He is a good man." Christine replied.
"From what I have seen; he is really good with the girls." Leah said.
"Yes. He has special things he does with each of them. Katie and he are really close but he adores Hannah too." Christine said.
"Have you talked much about Lucas?" Leah asked quietly, knowing the loss hurt Christine deeply.
"No. Eventually, we will need to. But right now, Mike has to focus on his job and he can't afford to crumble. As bad as it is, we both have to shove it down." Christine replied.
"You've not let yourself grieve either. I've only seen you crack a few times." Leah remarked.
"Occupational hazard. At some point; Mike and I will both have to slow down but right now; I can't and neither can he. And yes, I know; not healthy." Christine said.
"No, it isn't. I understand why but this could sneak up on you or him at the most inopportune time." Leah warned.
"You know; I remember reading something years ago that when a couple loses a child, sometimes even healthy marriages don't survive. What happens when the couple is separated? The opposite?" Christine asked.
"Grief drives people apart but it can also push them together. It's just important that you don't make emotional decisions." Leah said.
"Physical comfort?" Christine asked with a laugh.
"It does happen." Leah said.
"This isn't the best place for that." Christine replied.
"We won't be on this ship forever." Leah said.
"No, we won't but we also will have to jump a lot of other hurdles before we could get there. Remember, I cheated. Then he responded." Christine said.
"Do you think he would have if you hadn't?" Leah asked.
"No." Christine replied.
"That was quick." Leah said.
"Mike is loyal. Me cheating emasculated him. So, he wouldn't have ever done it. He was reacting." Christine said.
"He really loves you." Leah said.
"And it turns out; I really love him. Just not sure its going to be enough with losing Lucas." Christine said.
"Have a bit of faith." Leah ordered.
"At least we are together and recovering. Katie had a nightmare through the night. Mike was so gentle with her." Christine remarked.
"He does seem really good with them." Leah said as she watched the two girls reading on the couch.
"He loves being a dad. And honestly, he has always loved being a husband. I think that's why he was so broken-hearted when I was sedated. He was sure he was going to lose me." Christine said.
"You are incredibly lucky to have a husband like that." Leah replied.
"I am seeing that now." Christine replied with a smile.