Fanfic Name / Nombre del Fanfic: Resignation

Chapter / Capitulo: 8

Author / Autor: LTjg_GT_RDF

Dedicated to / Dedicado a: To those of us who wish we can get a second chance at love.

Rating / Clasificacion: AP (All People = Todo espectador)

Romance

Alternate Universe / Universo Alterno

Angst / Drama

Fanfic: RESIGNATION 
CHAPTER 8 
 
Everett Memorial Park 
January 5, 2016 
 
It was a cold, dreary, dark, rainy day in Everett, WA. The cold wind whipping off of Puget Sound made the day even more miserable. Under an awning tent and sitting on a covered padded metal folding chair both provided by the funeral home, Rick stared blankly at the powder blue coffin that contained the body of his wife. The top of the coffin was covered with a spray of flowers. Wreaths of flowers came from workers at the aircraft company and from friends of Catherine. Members of Skull Squadron and the RDF also sent flowers to the funeral. Max, Miriya, Claudia and Lisa were at the funeral with Lisa dressed in a black business skirt suit sitting next to Rick, giving Rick support. Cathy’s father and Uncle Jonathan and Aunt Rebecca Hunter were sitting with Rick. A minister was standing at the head of coffin, offering a prayer as Catherine’s remains are about to committed to the ground. 
 
“And now we hereby commit the mortal remains of your daughter, Catherine Anne Bateman Hunter to the ground, Earth to Earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, in the hope that her body and spirit will be united on the Day of Judgment. Amen.” 
 
The minister then closed his Bible, bent down to where Rick was sitting cradling a sleeping Abigail in his arms, embraced Rick and whispered some encouraging words to him. Max and Miriya then embraced Rick. 
 
“Rick, I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine what you’re going through right now. If there is anything me and Miriya can do for you, let us know.” 
 
“I will Max. Thanks for coming to the funeral.” 
 
“Rick, let me and Max know if you need anything.” 
 
“I will Miriya.” 
 
Claudia was next to comfort Rick. 
 
“Rick, words just can’t tell you how sorry I am for your loss. If you need anything, you let me know.” 
 
“I will Claudia. Thanks for coming.” 
 
Lisa stood up to comfort Rick. She had tears in her eyes and her heart was breaking for Rick. 
 
“Rick, I’m so sorry.” 
 
Rick broke down and cried when he saw Lisa. “Lisa…Lisa…What am I going to do? What am I going to do? Abigail doesn’t have a mother anymore!” 
 
“I’m here for you Rick. If you need anything, you let me know.” Lisa said as she took Rick’s hands in hers. 
 
Max, Miriya and Claudia encircled Rick around Lisa trying to comfort their grieving friend and former comrade. No matter how much his friends tried to console him, Rick was inconsolable.  
 
Guesthouse, later in the evening 
 
Max and Miriya Sterling entered their room in the guesthouse on Mr. Bateman’s estate emotionally exhausted after attending a post funeral reception. It has been a trying day for everyone. Max immediately began to take off his coat, suit jacket and tie and sat down in an easy seat. Miriya didn’t even bother to loosen up much less change out of her black dress. She looked preoccupied and had her head down as if she was deep in thought. In the short time she been around the Micronian humans, Miriya has learned a lot about humans and their culture and customs. But she never understood why they grieved when someone dies. That is, until now. Max looked over at his wife and noticed her distress. 
 
“Miriya, is something wrong?” 
 
“I was thinking about Rick, Maximilian. I cannot imagine what he is going through right now. We Zentraedi look forward to death and embrace death, especially in battle because we know that a great reward is waiting for us as a warrior.” 
 
“Yes, I know Miriya. What does that have to with Rick?” 
 
“I was thinking about Rick’s wife, Maximilian. You know, she wasn’t a warrior but she was the love of Rick’s life and his wife, the mother of his child. I wonder how his child will grow up not knowing her mother. She is much younger than Dana but she could still be our child. I cannot imagine what would happen to Dana if I’m not here to watch her grow up, get married and have children. I cannot imagine being without you and Dana.” Miriya began to cry. Max jumped out of the easy chair and held on to his wife like her life depended on it. “Hold me Max! Just hold me!” 
 
October 1, 2017 
 
“LH Consulting, Lisa Hayes speaking.” 
 
“Lisa, this is Michael.” 
 
“Michael, how are you doing?” 
 
“I’m doing well. How are you doing?” 
 
“I’m doing…ok” 
 
“Well that’s good, there’s nothing wrong with that. Lisa, has Rick contacted you since Cathy’s funeral?” 
 
“No he hasn’t Michael. I gave him my business card that has my work, cell and old home phone numbers and my e-mail address at the reception. I told him if he needed anything, I’m here to help but so far, he hasn’t called or e-mailed me.” 
 
“That is what I was afraid of. I’m getting really worried about Rick Lisa.” 
 
“From what you been telling me, I am too Michael.” 
 
“It has been almost 2 years since Cathy’s death and he hasn’t moved on and I don’t know why. It’s like he’s been in mourning ever since then and very soon Abigail will need a mother. Well, I had enough of this. It’s about time that I do an intervention.” 
 
“What are you planning on doing, Michael?” 
 
“As soon as we hang up, I’m gong to talk to Rick and try to convince him to contact you.” 
 
“I don’t know if that’s a wise decision, Michael. Rick and I didn’t depart on friendly terms and our last several meetings with the exception of your daughter’s funeral, it wasn’t exactly friendly.” 
 
“I know Lisa. You told me that, but I have to do something. This is getting ridiculous.” 
 
“Well, good luck Michael. I hope you can convince him.” 
 
“I also hope I can convince him. Not just for your sake and mine, but mostly for Rick and Abigail’s” 
 
Several minutes later 
 
Rick’s father-in-law walked to the flight line from his office. He had a concerned look on his face. ‘Rick, why haven’t you moved on with your life? It’s been too long. If there is ever a time that I need your help Cathy, it’s now. Well, here goes nothing Lisa. Let’s hope this works, for both our sakes and for Rick and Abigail’s.’  
 
Rick just finished doing a test flight on a new non-veritech fighter, when Mr. Bateman called Rick over. 
 
“Rick, can I speak to you for a minute?” 
 
“Sure dad. Just give me a minute. I have to tell the maintenance crew about a problem with one of the flaps.” 
 
Rick then walked over to Bateman. “Yes dad, what do you want to ask me?” 
 
“I don’t mean to pry into your private life but have you considered dating again? I mean, it’s been almost two years since Cathy died. Don’t you think it’s time to move on with your life?” 
 
“I don’t need to dad. I have a life. I have a life with Abigail.” 
 
“That’s not what I mean, Rick. Look, if Cathy was here for only a minute, she would tell you to move on with your life. You’ve been in mourning for too long.” 
 
“That’s not true, dad.” 
 
“Oh really when was the last time you went on a date? You know, very soon Abigail will need a mother.” 
 
“She doesn’t need a mother, all she needs is me.” 
 
“Well, not now but eventually she will need a mother. You know, there are some things a daughter can only tell a mother. I should know. After Betty died from breast cancer, there were some things I couldn’t answer Cathy, only a mother can answer her questions. What about Lisa Hayes? Have you been in touch with her since Cathy’s funeral?” 
 
“No, I haven’t. All I know of Lisa is that she went ahead and resigned her commission from the RDF and now works as a private consultant to the RDF.” 
 
“True, but do you also know that she still is unmarried? I think Lisa will be a wonderful stepmother to Abigail.” 
 
“Whoa, hold on for a minute, dad. We’re getting ahead of ourselves here. For all I know, Lisa may not want to become a stepmother. Besides, how do you know Lisa’s not married?” 
 
“Lisa gave me her business card that has her e-mail address at the reception after Cathy’s funeral and we’ve been e-mailing each other for a while. We even have been talking with other on the telephone. As for not wanting to be a stepmother, do you know she will be the legal guardian of her goddaughter? Who just happens to be the daughter of your best friends Max and Miriya Sterling?” 
 
“No I didn’t know that dad.” 
 
“It’s true. For some unknown reason she is not willing to tell me, the Sterlings will leave their daughter, Dana behind when the SDF-3 goes into space. Why don’t you call her Rick? I’m sure she’s dying to hear from you” 
 
Rick eyed his father-in-law with suspicion. “Dad did you and Lisa cooked up this little scheme to try to get me and her back together?” 
 
“Now you know me better than that.” 
 
“Dad!” 
 
“Ok, ok, you busted me. I’m guilty. But please don’t blame Lisa for this. I’m the one who talked to Lisa about doing this. This was my idea. I’m sorry for doing this to you but I’m only looking out for you and Abigail.” 
 
“That’s ok, dad. You don’t have to apologize...but still, I don’t know, dad. It’s like I’m cheating on Cathy.” 
 
“Rick, you’re not cheating on Cathy.” 
 
“I don’t know, dad. She’s hurt me once before.” 
 
“Rick would you listen to yourself? You’re making excuses! I’m surprised at you! The Hunters have always been known as the family of second chances. Remember when you were young and I was doing a stunt at an air show in Ohio one summer? I wasn’t paying attention and I missed a queue for a stunt and I almost got your father killed, do you remember that?” Rick nodded his head. “Your dad had every right to fire me on the spot but he didn’t. He gave me another chance because he knew I was Cathy’s sole means of support and income. Give Lisa a second chance. If Cathy was here for only a moment, she would tell you to give Lisa another chance. If you don’t call her, at least e-mail her. Lisa has recently moved but I have Lisa’s e-mail address and new home, cell and work telephone numbers on a new business card she sent me. Take it.” 
 
Rick hesitated for a moment before he took the business card from his father-in-law’s hand. “Thank dad.” 
 
“Hey, it’s the least I can do for my favorite son-in-law.” 
 
“You mean I’m your only son-in-law.” 
 
“Ok, my only son-in-law, but also my favorite.” 
 
Later in the evening 
 
After he fed Abigail, gave her a bath, changed her and laid her in her baby bed for the night, Rick was mulling over whether or not to start communicating with Lisa again. He went into his bedroom and pulled out his wedding ring he has kept in a jewelry box and looked at it. He pulled off his wedding ring and hasn’t worn it ever since Catherine died. He knew that if he called Lisa he wasn’t cheating on Catherine. But something in the back of his mind was saying he was. If he calls Lisa, he knows he will lose control of his emotions just as soon as he hears Lisa’s voice and it might give Lisa the wrong impression. But then again, he needed to hear her lovely voice. E-mails are just too cold and impersonal, as are letters. On top of it, letters are too slow. He decided to call her at her home. He looked at the business card and started dialing. 
 
A familiar and sweet voice answered at the other end. “Hello.” 
 
“Hello…Lisa? This is…this is Rick.” Rick said with his voice breaking. 
 
He could hear Lisa crying at the other end. “Rick! I’ve missed you! I missed hearing your voice. I missed your smile, the touch of your hand.” 
 
“I…I…I’ve missed you too! How…how are you doing?” Rick asked as he was beginning to cry. 
 
“Good. But I’m doing better now that I’m hearing your voice.” 
 
25 October 2018 
 
Commissioning ceremony for the SDF-3 
 
Lisa, serving as ship’s sponsor for the SDF-3 broke a bottle of champagne as per an old naval tradition. Claudia made a short speech and then it was on with the party. Rick as a former member of the RDF was invited to the ceremony. The party was still going strong well into the evening when Rick stepped outside to get a breath of fresh air. The evening air was getting cool due to the setting sun. The setting sun was giving a shimmering red and orange glow to Lake Gloval. Rick was admiring the view when he heard a familiar voice. 
 
“Beautiful view, isn’t it Rick?” 
 
“Yes it is, Lisa.” Rick said turning to face Lisa. What he saw took his breath away. She changed dresses from the one she wore when she christened the SDF-3. She was dressed in a sleeveless spaghetti strap sparkling sliver short cocktail dress that flattered her curvy athletic hourglass figure and showed off her thighs and legs nicely. She was wearing black high heeled shoes that accentuated her legs and completed the sexy look Lisa has. ‘That is also a beautiful view. She still looks as beautiful as ever.’ Rick said to himself. “You are an even more a beautiful view Lisa because you look absolutely stunning in that dress.” Rick said in a low admiring voice.  
 
“Thank you, Rick. Believe or not, I am wearing this dress just for you and this is the first time I am wearing it. And by the way, thanks for all the e-mails you’ve been sending me and the phone calls.” 
 
“Oh, I believe it when you say you’re wearing that dress just for me. As for the phone calls and e-mails, you have to thank my father-in-law for that. He gave me your e-mail address and your home, cellular and work telephone numbers.” 
 
“I’ll remember to thank him. How have you been doing?” 
 
“I’m doing ok. I’m still a test pilot for Northdyne Aeronautics and I’m still doing volunteer work for a medical missionary group by flying them down to South America and Asia and Africa. I never realized how difficult being a single parent can be but it is also a real joy. And what about you, how have you been doing?” 
 
“I’m still doing consultant work for the RDF. It’s a good job. I get to set my own hours, my own work schedule. I can negotiate my fees, hire my own staff, the pay is finally good.” She said with a smile and a chuckle. 
 
Rick chuckled at Lisa’s last remark. “Short speech Claudia gave.” 
 
“Well, you know Claudia. She’s more of a woman of action than words.” Lisa said with a smile. 
 
“Yes she is.” Rick said with a chuckle. 
 
Rick and Lisa were quiet for a long time before Rick spoke up. 
 
“Why are you not married Lisa? I mean, you’re the most beautiful and desired woman in Macross City. I know of many men who want to date you and marry you, but yet you’re not married. Why?” 
 
“I’m…I’m still in love with you, Rick. I know if I marry or date any of them, I won’t be satisfied because they’re not you.” 
 
“Why are you still in love with me? I mean, even after I got married and have a child, you’re still in love with me. Why?” 
 
“I don’t know Rick, I don’t know why. All I do know is that I love you.” 
 
“If you really do love me Lisa, why didn’t you return my messages and phone calls to let me explain to you why I had to see Minmei on the day of our picnic?” Rick asked rather crossly. 
 
“I was angry at you Rick! You would be angry too if someone promised you they would be at a place on time and they never showed up because they had to meet someone and they never tell you! You should at least have the courtesy to tell me that you had to see Minmei. I would have understood!” 
 
“No you wouldn’t have understood! You never liked Minmei from the beginning and I don’t know why! Frankly, I don’t want to know the reason why and I don’t care! I’ve gotten over my feelings of love for Minmei a long time ago! I lost her ever since she won Miss Macross! I only let her stay with me because I was the only person she could count on! I loved you and I loved you long before you left for Alaska Base! It wasn’t until I thought I lost you at Alaska Base did I know for sure that I loved you!” 
 
“Then why didn’t you tell me this sooner Rick? Why are you telling this to me now? I’m not the only one who has made mistakes in our relationship.” Lisa said as tears began to fall from her eyes. 
 
Rick didn’t say anything because he knew Lisa was right. 
 
“Since we’re playing 20 questions, can I ask you a few questions?” Lisa as she was drying off her tears with her hand. 
 
“Sure, go ahead Lisa. Fire away.” 
 
“Did you love Catherine?” 
 
“Of course, I loved Cathy. If I didn’t I wouldn’t have married her.” 
 
“You said you loved me. Do you still love me, Rick?” 
 
Rick was quiet for a long time before he nodded his head. “Yes Lisa. I still love you.” Rick whispered. 
 
“Did you love Catherine as much as you love me?” 
 
“I don’t know what that has to do” 
 
“Did you love her as much as you love me?” 
 
“What does that have to do?” 
 
“Rick! Did you love her as much as you love me?” 
 
“No I didn’t! I didn’t love her as much as I love you! There! I’ve said it! Are you satisfied? Are you happy? I confessed to you that I love you more than I did my wife! That’s what you want to hear am I right? I just made a mockery of the memory of the woman of my child the woman that I loved! Do you know why I acted like I didn’t know you? Do you know why I haven’t contacted you for years? Do you know why I married Cathy? IT’S BECAUSE I WANTED TO TRY AND FORGET YOU! I thought if I married her I wouldn’t have to worry about you invading my dreams every night! But no you wouldn’t leave me alone! Why didn’t you let me explain why Minmei was staying with me? If you would have let me explain none of this would had to happen! You and I would still be in the service! You would be in command of the SDF-3 and I would be by your side! We would be looking for the Invid together instead of hoping and praying that Claudia will find them before its too late! I wouldn’t have to write you a letter telling you I was leaving the service and Macross! I wouldn’t be a widower and a single parent now! You and me would be married by now and have children of our own!”  
 
By the time Rick was finished with his screaming tirade; he was breathing hard, in tears and was hoarse. Rick then turned introspective. “Do…do you know that…in…in the hospital…just right before…she...died…Cathy asked me…if I was…still in love with you. Did…did you know she asked that question once before? She asked it as she was flying me back to Everett after both SDFs were destroyed. I lied to her by telling her no. I thought it was the end of it. Cathy asked it again…just right before…she died. And…do…do you know what I said to her? I said yes. I mean…what could I say? I mean…she…she was on her death bed. I couldn’t lie to her. You know…you know what she said to me? She said; ‘Good Rick. After I’m gone…you go back to her…love her and…and marry her because you…and Lisa...belong together. You and Lisa…are meant…for each other.’ That’s what she said to me. I mean…even…on her death bed…she knew that…I love you more than her. She knew it all along. OH GOD!” 
 
Rick then bowed his head and started to weep bitterly. He was so overcome with grief and realizing the epiphany of Catherine’s knowledge of him still loving Lisa that Rick fell to his knees. Lisa went over to Rick and kneeled down beside Rick. She wrapped her arms around Rick’s head and led his head down to her shoulder so he can cry on her shoulder. 
 
“Rick, I am sorry I never let you explain why you let Minmei stay with you. You’re right, if I did let you explain why Minmei was staying with you, our lives would have turned out differently. You not making a mockery of Catherine’s memory by saying you love me more than her. I think Catherine is looking down on us and is encouraging you to go on with your life. If anyone has made mistakes in all this, it was me. I should have never let you go. I should have fought like Hell to keep you. It was my fault. I should have listened to you and let you explain why you were letting Minmei stay with you.” 
 
“No…it’s not entirely your fault. You’re right. You’re not the only one who has made mistakes. I should have stayed in Macross and try to work things out with you instead of running away. Claudia and Uncle Jonathan were right. I was running away from my problems. You know Lisa…that Christmas night after we had our argument…I thought I lost you. I thought I lost your love for me.” Lisa began to shake her head and tried to put her finger on Rick’s lips. “No…no Lisa, please let me finish. I thought I’d lost your love. And I...I…I couldn’t bare to be around you and to see you everyday knowing that I’ve lost your love for me. That is one of the reasons why I left.” Rick then continued to cry bitterly. 
 
“Rick, you have never lost my love for you.” Lisa said quietly with love in her voice and with tears welling up in her loving eyes. “I was angry with you for seeing Minmei on the day of our picnic and for having Minmei stay at your house. But you have never, ever lost my love for you. And you never will. Do you understand?” 
 
Rick nodded his head in acknowledgment. 
 
“Let’s start over again Rick.” Lisa said quietly as she helped Rick up on his feet. 
 
“Lisa, listen to me. How can we start over again? We can’t just pick up where we left off, start over again and think everything will be just peachy, everything will be the way it was. I’ve changed, you’ve changed, and our whole world has changed. I don’t want to forget Cathy. We have known each other since we were little. It’s almost feels like I’m cheating on her.” 
 
“I understand that Rick. I never dated anyone for a long time after Karl died. It felt like I was cheating on him. That is until I met you. You’re not cheating on her, Rick. You should never forget Catherine. Catherine will always have a place in your heart and she’s living on in Abigail. I know things have changed Rick, but my love for you hasn’t changed.” 
 
“It will not be easy Lisa.” 
 
“Who said it will be easy?” Lisa said quietly as she parted her lips as an invitation for Rick to kiss her. Rick met her lips with his. They only kissed for a few seconds before Rick broke it off unsure he can continue kissing Lisa. Rick then looked away as if he was ashamed of what he just did. 
 
Rick apologized for what he did but Lisa put her fingers on Rick’s cheek and jaw and gently used it to move Rick’s head. It is as if it was an unspoken sign for Rick to look at her. She then put her finger on Rick’s lips as a sign to tell him he didn’t have to apologize and to be quiet. She took Rick’s hands into hers and they intertwined their fingers as they lowered their arms. Lisa looked at Rick with sincere love in her eyes. Rick saw something more than just love in Lisa’s eyes. He saw a look of confidence and determination. She lost Rick once before and she was determined not to lose him again. 
 
“Rick, I believe things happened for a reason. I have always believed that we will be together again. I think that was the reason why I never married. I didn’t care how long it will be or how long it will take. I’ve lost you once before and now I have another chance to make it right with you and to win back your love. I don’t want to lose you again. I love you, Rick. You say you still love me. Please Rick, do it by giving me another chance. Give me another chance to prove to you that I love you.” Lisa said quietly and with love. 
 
“It will take time, Lisa. I need time to think this over.” 
 
“Take all the time you need. I’ve waited all these years for you; I can wait a few more years. In the meantime, will you kiss me like you always did?” 
 
Rick bent his head down and parted his lips as an invitation for Lisa to kiss him. Lisa met him and soon, their lips were locked in a deep kiss. Rick let his guard down a little by letting his hands glide gently up and down Lisa’s bare arms. Lisa moaned as she felt sparks of erotic electricity going from her arms into her brain. Lisa then loosely wrapped her arms around Rick’s neck as Rick moved his hands from her arms to the side of Lisa’s body. Rick then wrapped his arms around Lisa’s thin waist and pulled her in closer as if trying to kiss her harder, making Lisa moan more. After a minute, Rick and Lisa let go of their kiss. Lisa smiled at Rick with a look of love in her eyes and let a contented sigh escape from her lips. 
 
“You always knew how to press my buttons just right with your kissing. You were always a great kisser.” 
 
“Funny, Cathy used to say the same thing about me and my kissing. Let’s go inside, you must be getting chilly being out here in the cool evening air just wearing that dress and no sweater.” 
 
“Oh, I don’t mind Rick. As long as I know you’re near me, I always feel warm.” 
 
“And it’s a good thing that I’m near you. I’ll need to near you to keep the guys off of you as long as you’re wearing that dress.” 
 
“Why Rick Hunter, are you jealous that some guy might try to hit on me while you’re around?” Lisa asked coyly. 
 
“What? Me jealous? Nah!”  

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Author email / email del autor: georgemtATearthlink.net