What about you?

Posted on Sat Apr 7th, 2018 @ 4:48am by Commander Caressa Melanick

Mission: Shore Leave
Location: Home In Montana
Timeline: Shore leave Day 1

Caressa arrived to her family home in Montana. First stop for her shore leave, before heading to Texas for the grand gala. The view was magnificent, the single story dwelling was more room than she ever needed but her parents left it to her. She had fond memories growing up here as a child, and her time on Betezed too. The yard was rolling green grass was thick and beautiful. She stopped sat down and took her shoes off just to let her toes have some grass time. Standing and throwing her shoes into her bag, she saw the children. Actually she heard the laughs and giggles first, then they spotted her. It was like a frozen moment in time. They just stopped for that micro-second. Then they were off like stampeding cattle.

"Mommy!!" They both echoed as they ran.

Caressa caught herself running too. It had been far to long. The three met in the middle of the huge yard. She had a six year old in each arm and they basically tackled her to the ground. There were no tears just happiness and joy. " I have miss you guys so much" she placed a kiss on each little forehead. Gavin took her bag, it was almost to big for him but he was not going to let that stop him. It was a picture perfect family moment except that one person was missing.

She looked up to see her Uncle Mikos standing on the porch that encircled the entire house. The swing on one end was lightly swaying in the breeze along with hanging plants that were evening spaced along the roof line. The kids veered off in unison into the house, she stepped up onto the porch and landed into her Uncles awaiting arms. " I have missed you my child" spoken in his deep rich fatherly tone. " I have missed you too, so tell me Uncle what has been going on while I have been gone." The two walked arm in arm into the house. The décor was furnished in what was called a country rustic. Caressa really didnt care, she loved the over sized sofa's and chairs and the huge fire place. She brushed her hand along the length of the sofa, finding herself standing my the huge river rock fireplace looking at pictures. Her Uncle brought her a cup of coffee just the way she liked it, sugar and flavored creamer. She smelled it. It wasn't replicated he had brewed it fresh. "Oh Uncle, it is so good to be home."

They took seats at the kitchen table. It was like the counselors office on ship." So tell me off your adventure, or at least what you can tell me" he laughed as he said it. He understood that she could not tell all. They laughed and talked for what seemed hours. The kids were playing with the gifts that she brought home. It was all good until he brought up Henry. " So, have you and Mr. Crow worked out an agreement" tapping his fingers on the kitchen table. Caressa just grimaced " I really try not to interact with him Uncle. Its so hard to see him with her everyday. I at least dont cry anymore, alone or if he is around. I actually talked with him briefly two days ago about spending time with the children." Mikos nodded his head and took a sip of coffee, " How did that go?"

"It went ok, nothing terrible. I kept it together. He wants us to come to a huge picnic party in Texas. Its for the whole crew. He wants us to stay in the guest house. You are welcome to come also." Spinning her coffee cup in her hands as she talked. Mikos put his hand on hers. "You need to stop holding in the pain. Let it go. You did nothing wrong. The situation is tense, but workable. Use your counselor skills. You need to heal for your children."

She nodded she knew he was right. " So I guess we are going to Texas" the children heard her comment. " Mommy you talked to daddy we are going to be a family in Texas!" Galena said excitedly. She hugged her daughter, "Yes we are going to Texas for a huge picnic. You will get to spend time with your dad, but remember he has a wife and other children so you will have to share him." Galena stared into her mothers eyes. " But what about you Mommy?' Gavin turned to look at her. "Yes, mommy what about you?" She looked at them and then to her Uncle. " I will be fine your Uncle and I are going to have a fabulous time." She turned to her Uncle. He shook his head, " My child you are on your own on this one. Its time for me to leave and for you to take your children. They need there mother."

Caressa was shocked. " I will return at the end of your shore leave, let me know what decisions you have made and we will go from there" Mikos stood up from the kitchen table, turned and grabbed the bag that was at the door that Caressa just noticed. " But Uncle!!!"

"Bye my child" and he was out the door. The children evidently knew he wasn't staying they were singing and running. It was preplanned before she arrived. He gave her one last hug. " It will be fine" he whispered into her ear. He placed a kiss on her forehead and then left on the waiting shuttle craft.
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Caressa walked out onto the porch and waved as he left. She turned to the kids,"Well, tonight we stay here and tomorrow we are off to Texas. Who wants pizza for dinner?" As she stood and walked to the kitchen. Hoping she remembered how to cook.

Lt. Commander Caressa Melanick CMO
Mother and Chaos Coordinator.