Posted by Ensign Chloe Harland (Nurse) in Chloe’s Quarters - Guess who is coming to dinner

Posted by Lieutenant Nathan Harland (Assistant CNS/ Child Psychiatry) in Chloe’s Quarters - Guess who is coming to dinner

Posted by Ensign Chloe Harland (Nurse) in Chloe’s Quarters - Guess who is coming to dinner
Chloe cleaned her quarters like she was nesting. Since she was pregnant it could have been the urge to nest or the fact Nathan was coming over. Chloe had to present the image that she was able to handle things by herself. Why she felt this way, Chloe could not put into words. Nathan had come home numerous times having to high step over the toys and mess like it was a minefield back in Massachusetts; however, that was before. Unlike what he remembered in the past, this home was spotless almost to a holozine level. No corner contained dust or grime because often Chloe had trouble sleeping. At 0200 hours with two sleeping babies, all you could do was clean.

The interior was classic Connecticut with cool white walls, furniture, and light floors. Punches of navy and light blue stood out as the accent colors. The decor left one feeling as if the beach was immediately through one of the closed doors and all food and drink never made it out of the kitchen. Chloe moved about the room to adjust stacks of books and twisting knick-knacks more out of nerves than due to needing it. Nathan would be here any moment so everything had to look perfect to eliminate questions or concerns about life in her home. The ding of the oven indicated that the food was finished. Moving to the kitchen, Chloe removed the tray from the oven and called out to her kids. “Dinner is ready. Wash your hands and come to the table please,” she said in an upbeat tone. Another ding rang out and Chloe looked at the stove again confused for a brief second. It was then she realized the door was now calling for her attention instead of the over. Finger combing her hair, she made her way to the door knowing who was on the other side but not how the evening would go. She was strangely calm compared to yesterday. The day was tough but this was more a 180-degree shift in temperament and tone.

Chloe

Across the door Nathan couldn’t help but feel his stomach churning as he stood there looking like some delivery boy. He had what felt like dozen items in his arms, flowers along with three presents all stuffed in his arms. Nathan himself has his normal look, which he often called unkempt chic. His hair always had this impression that he never took care of it, the reality was far from the appearance as Nathan often took great pride in looking like he did nothing by spending more time than some women in the mirror. Today above all days he did, wearing his charcoal dress pants and crimson dress short with a sharp charcoal jacket to match. Nathan always seemed to have a look to him that made it seem he belonged more in a rock band than behind a desk counseling people.

As the door opened Nathan found sights and smells beyond what he had ever hopped. It had been so long since he truly had something to look forward to as he stared at Chloe with a wide smile as she stood before him. “Hey doll face…” he said softly as she stepped aside letting him in.

“I’m glad you could make it,” she said a bit formal. Any other times she would have broke out laughing at how nervous they both seemed for a couple that very few secrets. “And brought gifts,” she gestured to the items in his hands. “You didn’t need to do that but,” she smiled at him, “you did keep the street-side flower sellers in business back in Boston.” A long moment stretched as she and Nathan stood just inside the door like some awkward first date. Chloe would never be able to say thank you for Nate letting her set the pace. “You are just in time,” she eventually said. “I was setting the table.” In an odd way the conversation between them was more strained now than in his quarters. There they had a topic. This was forcing a topic. Chloe reached up finding a lock of hair near the base of her neck. Pulling it forward she twirled it trying to think of something to say.

“I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to bring wine, then I remembered you can’t drink it… and I figured this wouldn’t be a pot luck… but I did bring you this.” Nathan said as he handed her the flowers and a small present from the other arm as he kept the two with him. It was clear these were not for her, but his children. “You look… stunning.” he said softly with a large smile as he looked her up and down as he leaned in to kiss her cheek.

Nathan Harland

“In my yoga pants and your old sweatshirt,” she added the fact it belonged to him only to herself. If he remembered correctly, a lot of his clothes ended up in her closet especially when she became pregnant. “You are the one that looks amazing,” she put a hand on his sports jacket palm flat like it was something special to touch. “Are you playing music again? The local watering hole is looking for someone. You should check it out. You were always happiest in the field or on the stage.”

Reaching out she took the flowers and small gift savoring the gesture. Even before things when to purgatory in a handbasket, it had been a long time since she received a spur of the moment gift from her soon to be ex-husband. The scent of the wildflower medley mixed all her favorites: the peonies were aromatic but not sickeningly heavy like roses could be at times. Lavender and vanilla scents rounded out the bouquet of colorful flowers. “These are so beautiful. Thank you, Nathan.”

“Daddy,” came an inquisitive voice the grew louder the second time it was uttered. “Daddy,” Mara toddled over as fast as her feet could carry her slipping along the way on socked feet still sporting the uniform of the Waldorf Academy private school. She was only two but attending the preschool program as her brother attended the kindergarten program. Barreling towards him like a bullet, Mara plowed into his leg full forced with arms up eager to held. It had been months since she had seen him not on a console screen. “Daddy,” she suddenly looked at him with a worried expression. “Daddy I misted you. I misted you alot,” she looked at him with a look of pure innocence and trust. Throwing her arms around his neck she curled up on his shoulder and closed her eyes.

“I misted you too… so very much.” Nathan said as he picked her up as he spun her around, holding tightly as if she was would vanish in a second as he let every second feed his need for his family. He loved them all so much, and after everything he needed this more than anything.

She loved the feel of how he held her. His arms were so big and strong. They were like a blanket that was warm and cozy. She didn’t say another word but listened to his voice with a surprised wide eyed expression like she still could not believe he was here. “Don’t go ‘way ‘gain,” she said softly placing a thumb in her mouth as her head rested in the perfect spot almost under his chin.

Chloe

“I am not going anywhere little one, never again…” Nathan said softly as he looked over at Chloe as he took a deep breath. He meant that, even if she said she still wanted a divorce he would do all he could to leave and follow. He wasn’t about to let all this vanish again. He had fought so hard to find a balance and he wasn’t going to let it slip away. Patting Mara on the back of her head he kissed the top as he gave her love as he moved to the couch as he sat down as he just wanted some time with his youngest.

Nathan Hatland