Bayside Café
Chap 3 Hitched!
CORONADO ISLAND
Ellen was pumped when Michael's ship docked. The rush to get off and into the arms of their loved one(s) was a frenzy. But, oh was it ever worth it. His last 9-months had been deployments on various ships in PACFLT*. Now he was done, for this go-around.
Ellen drives them from the naval facility to their 'temporary' home with her folks. As soon as he walks in the door his soon-to-be mother-in-law engulfs him in a warm embrace.
"It's so good to have you home, honey. Our little girl has been a real pest!"
"Mother! I have not!" Ellen stands with hands on hips.
Dad takes over the hug, "She has, but we've been kind of pests too." He laughs.
Michael returns to his fiancé's arms. "What's next, babe?"
"A tux rental appointment at 14:00 today. Wedding 10:00 Sunday!" She glows.
"Wedding in 4 days. Are we ready?"
"Yes, we are, Loverboy! No barnacles growing on the hull of this ship. Not with me at the helm."
"You at the helm?" He grins.
"Yup. You in the kitchen, me driving. Any questions?"
"None. Wait . . . are my parents coming? They were invited, right?"
"Yes," Ellen hangs her head. "Your mom called. She wanted so much to come, so daddy arranged a ride for her."
"My dad?"
"I talked with him," Ellen's dad says. "He refused to come. I tried to get him to tell me why; he just refused. Do you have any idea what is going on, son?"
"I know he feels that we are too young. My mom thought so too, but she welcomed Ellen with open arms when we told them."
"She was so sweet," Ellen agrees. "His father was so cold. I couldn't understand it."
"Me neither. Well, we have a great team right here!"
ON THE BEACH
The wedding was small and private, just the way the happy couple wanted it. The few in attendance REALLY wanted to be there; they loved and supported the couple; and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Ellen and Michael flew to San Francisco for a 3-day honeymoon; then back to San Diego. In 1-week Ellen had her big day.
NURSING GRADUATION
Ellen Dixon (Married now, remember) graduated at the top of her 2-year RN class. She delivered a short valedictorian speech – she was shaking like a leaf. Her mom, dad and new husband brought the house down with their vocal support. She blushed furiously. "Quiet!" She whispered as she left the podium. Michael chuckled. He loved this woman.
WORKING AND LOVING
The newlyweds had 3 months until Michael went back into the navy. He spent some time up front lobbying for the best position he could get when he went back in. He had really enjoyed working on large ships of the line. His 4 weeks aboard an aircraft carrier was especially enjoyable. He wanted to land a term like that. No promises were forthcoming.
INTENSIVE CARE
Ellen lands a position as a staff nurse spot in a new community hospital's Intensive Care Unit - ICU. The head nurse soon realized her potential and took Ellen under her wing. Ellen soon realized that she was being groomed for a leadership position. She willingly embraced the challenge. In a talk with her boss, it was soon apparent that a 2-year RN degree would hold Ellen back from real advancement up the career ladder. What to do?
AFTER SUPPER
Ellen starts the talk she dreads. "Sweetheart."
"Yeah," they are relaxing on a love seat, a movie is on. Neither one could tell you what it is, er was. It's finishing.
"I told you that my boss is training me to be a leader. Remember?"
"Yes, I remember."
"Well, it so happens that my 2-year degree will be limiting in that regard."
"Ah . . . so?"
"I need to decide how important higher positions are to me, to us?"
"Well, you need to balance career, family, children. How would you prioritize those things?"
"Well, this relationship right here-
She points between herself and her love.
"I'm all in with that. With us. So, do you want to spend much of my 2nd term of service in school, again?"
"Not really. We've not talked about kids." She muses.
"I would like kids, when you are ready, babe."
"To me; our relationship, and kids are tops. So, I'd like my career to support our core family. I don't need to have a high leadership nursing position to feel fulfilled."
"I like that, but don't let me hold you back, please. I don't know what will be available for me after the service. A really good job will take a lot of pressure off of you, as far as income goes."
"So, are we ready to start making babies?" She smiles as she caresses his shoulder, her cheek resting on his chest.
"Mrs. Dixon. Your husband is ready."
They drift off to the bedroom.
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Michael Dixon gets his wish; assistant head chef on an active-duty aircraft carrier – based in San Diego. The task force of which the AC is key will be at sea for an estimated 4 3-month tours of the Pacific during his 2 years.
During the time in port, the AC will be kept at ready. So, the kitchen and galley will be at half-staff. Those on shore leave must be prepared to be back on board within a 2-hour window. Those missing that window will be severely disciplined.
1-WEEK TO REENLISTMENT
LUNCH IN OLD-TOWN
"Babe, don't take one of those peppers! You'll regret it."
"Are you sure?"
"Yup, trust me."
"Ok. Are the chili rellenos good here?
"The best. And the flan is the best north of the border. Ellen, look at that man 3 tables over."
"Where? Oh, see he's taking a chili. Why shouldn't I?"
"Just watch. And don't laugh."
30 seconds, he's emptying his water glass. 30 more seconds he's finished his wife's water glass. 30 more seconds he's waving down a waiter, asking for a pitcher of H2O!*
"Oh, I see." She held her laughter, out of pity.
"Trust me."
"I do, always and forever." They kiss.
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AT HOME
"I felt sorry for that guy," Ellen commiserated.
"Not me. If you're eating cuisine known for highly spiced food – you should beware. And be advised."
"Yeah, I guess so. You know Mr. Dixon; I just may be in the mood for a little spice in my life."
"Shall I shake it up for ya?"
2ND TIME AROUND
Ellen has risen to swing shift head nurse, ICU. She has found that working until 23:00; going home and sleeping in late; then errands for a few hours helps her cope with Michael's absence.
6-weeks in she misses her monthly. She panics, a little. Michael is on a 4-month tour of the Far East: Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Australia & New Zealand. There is no chance he can get home in the midst of that.
They do a regular skype session:
M: It's so good to see and hear you, sweetheart. How are you doing? He blows a kiss with each hand.
E: Holds up a plastic stick, grinning ear to ear.
M: What's that . . . OMG. Are you? Are we?
E: Nodding vigorously, "YES, we are going to have a baby, Michael! I'm 8 weeks along. All that loving paid off."
M: Starts to cry. "Oh, baby. I should be there. I'm sorry."
E: "No, no! We worked for this, sweetheart. It is a beautiful thing, just try real hard to be here when our baby is born, please."
M: "I will swim home to you if I have to!" LOL "When are you due to deliver?"
E: "April 15, Tax Day. Can you believe that?"
M: "Yup. The press is on, for maternity leave. Full-court press. Believe you me. 1-4-3, always & forever."
E: "1-4-3, always & forever.
DISCONNECT
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TBC
PACFLT = Pacific Fleet USN.
Personal experience. We were on our honeymoon; San Diego, Old-Town; sharing a table (The only way we got a seat); the gentleman across did just as described; he had just gotten out of the hospital yesterday – severe gastroenteritis; I thought I might need to call 911; he survived. So did we.