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Post by *~Mrs. Cooper ~* on Oct 30, 2007 19:24:45 GMT -5
In a fast paced city life live two young roommates who work in the Women's Army Corps (WAC) in the early 40s. They live in a rented flat on the lower east end of town, near the military base that houses the wounded; and spend every friday evening with the sailors who don't have anyone to spend their leave with. Kim and Angie never complain because they feel it's their duty to their country to encourage the boys and help the wounded men back to health.
The scene takes place in a small little cafe with about 20 sailors gathered round these two city girls.
"Charlie, behave! We wouldn't want you to get back into battle with a wounded leg, would we?" Angie chuckles, watching one of the sailors attempt to charleston in his socks. All the men laugh and poke fun at the guy. "Yeah Charlie, wouldn't want to tell your mother you were injured during a freak dancing accident!" One of the sailors chimes in -- laughing. The manager of the cafe walks up to Kim and pulls her aside. "I want you and your...your friends to take this party somewheres else -- I gotta close shop in 5 minutes!" The manager says in a frustrated tone. "All right Joe, I'll take care of it." Kim says, stepping back over toward the men. "Hey fellas, party's over; we gotta get going back home" The men all groan. Angie grabs her purse and salutes. "See you boys in a couple weeks?" She asks with a smile. The guys all whoop and hollar their way out into the street. Kim and Angie walk home, more quiet than usual, when Angie stops and looks to Kim, looking somewhat guilty. "Do you think what we're doing is wrong?" Angie inquires, looking down. "Do I think what's wrong? Hanging with these boys?" Kim asks. Angie nods weakly. Kim chuckles in disbelief. "Angie, we're not doing anything wrong -- if anything we're encouraging them to press on! We're giving them hope to --" "I know, but I had one guy come up to me and ask me to wait for him. Kim, I can't break these guys' hearts anymore. I just want to have a man all to myself so I won't have to lie to these guys and tell them I'm already taken." Kim takes a deep sigh. "I know what you mean, I felt that way too. One of the guys told me that Ben died -- remember him?" Angie nods; both girls continue walking. "Well, I felt just awful, but then I remembered how happy he looked when we all went for pizza that night." Kim says quietly, then looks to Angie and smiles, "The war should be over soon anyways -- everyone's saying so. And don't worry, we'll find a couple of good guys to take care of us, you'll see." The girls walk into their room and prepare for bed.
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Post by nutsaboutjerry on Oct 30, 2007 20:26:48 GMT -5
Angie puts the last roller in her hair and gets up from the vanity. She climbs into bed and waits for Kim to finish her hair and get into her bed. Angie turns out the light but can't seem to get to sleep. She lies there on her back staring at the ceiling.
"Angie?" Kim asks quietly in the dark.
"Yeah?" Angie welcomes this break in the silence, hoping maybe Kim's words can ease her to sleep.
"Did you have someone back home? I mean, before the war?" Angie thinks for a moment, not sure of how to answer that question, "Yes and no."
"Whaddya mean yes and no?! You're unsure of if you had a man before you signed up for this crazy outfit?" Angie sighs, "I had guys before him and guys after him, but never him." Kim's interest is piqued now. She responds, "Who's him?
Angie sits up and turns on a light and rifles through her purse. She pulls out a picture and hands it to Kim. Kim looks it over and then hands it back to Angie.
"He's very handsome." Angie props the picture up by the lamp on the night stand without responding to Kim's comment.
"What happened to him?" Angie looks at the picture, a thousand images running through her head of the times they shared together.
"He joined up." She leaves it at that, not going too far into the details.
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Post by *~Mrs. Cooper ~* on Oct 30, 2007 21:51:30 GMT -5
The next morning the girls decide to take a break from their daily routine in stopping by the military base to check in for voluntary duties and instead head up town for some window shopping. "How much do we have saved up?" Kim inquires, looking at the dresses in the window. Angie counts the dollars and change in her purse and looks to Kim with a smile. "$113.73." She replies. "No kidding!" Kim exclaims in disbelief. "That's just enough for our dresses and any accessories we need for the dance next weekend; and who knows, maybe we'll meet a couple handsome soldiers at that charity dance." Kim nudges Angie with a smile. "Come on," Angie says, rolling her eyes, "let's get our dresses and get something to eat, I'm hungry." The girls walk into the shop and thumb through a couple racks. "Hey, what do you think of this one?" Angie asks, holding up a beautiful party dress: "It's gorgeous!" Kim exclaims. She searches through a couple racks and picks out a pattern that catches her eye. "What about this one?" "I think it's lovely. Gosh, these boys won't be able to keep their eyes off of us!" Angie giggles as she walks up to the counter and lays her dress on the desk. "I know, let's just hope at least one of them is single!" Kim laughs.
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Post by nutsaboutjerry on Nov 3, 2007 1:23:57 GMT -5
After purchasing the dresses the girls walk back to the base with their purchases in tow. They barely get in the door of their barracks when Margie, another WAC, runs by them in the direction of the hospital.
"We've got wounded!" she screams as she runs by. Angie and Kim drop their purchases on their bunks and run towards the hospital. As they approach, they find the place swamped with bloodied men, sergeant's and Lieutenants, screaming orders.
All of the women jump in wherever needed. They try to sort out the soldiers, sending them to the appropriate places. They search the faces of the men, trying their best to figure out which ones are on their way out and the ones who have already passed.
Angie looks into the face of one man. He reaches out his hand for hers. She takes it and squeezes his hand.
"You'll be all right." She says to the man. She screams at one of the nurses, "Surgery, we need a surgeon over here right away!" The nurse, not hearing Angie over all of the other screams moves over to yet another soldier.
"Please, don't let me die! I can't die!" Angie pushes the man up farther in the line. She searches for something to indicate that this man needs attention right away. She searches her pockets and pulls out her lipstick and draws an "S" on his cheek with it. She gives the man a kiss on the forehead and squeezes his hand one last time and searches the crowd for Kim.
"I just saw Ken...he's...he's not well. Kim, he's going to die!" Angie holds back the tears, but thinks of all of the great times she's had at the base dances with him, all the long walks they've taken together while on leave.
Kim keeps pushing soldiers through as she listens to Linda. "Angie, he'll be fine," she lies to her, "I've seen him pass through, he'll be all right. But, the faster we get these men through the faster you'll be able to go and check on Ken."
Angie looks over the crowd of men. The pained screams pound in Angie's ears, the green uniforms, the faces, all become one big blur. She tries to walk over to another soldier and faints, falling onto the ground. Kim and a few other nurses run over and help Angie back up and take her to the barracks and lay her out on a bunk.
Later that evening after all of the soldiers that came in have been tended to and the nurses' shifts set, Kim heads back to the flat. She sits on her bed and removes her shoes. She takes the dress and accessories thrown on there earlier. She hangs it up and then goes back to the bed. She lays back and looks over at Angie.
Angie rolls over and looks at Kim. "Do you want to know about Ken?" Kim asks Angie, trying not to make eye contact.
"He didn't make it, did he?" Angie knows in her heart that he didn't but can't seem to face. She braces herself for Kim's answer.
"No, Angie...I'm sorry, he didn't." Kim hangs her head and bites her lip. Angie wipes away a few tears and rolls over, facing the wall.
"What happened today? Are you feeling okay?"
"I'm fine. It's just that, all of a sudden, all of them looked like him..." Angie closes her eyes, picturing the man.
"Like Ken?" Kim asks Angie, wondering.
"No, like Phillip."
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Post by *~Mrs. Cooper ~* on Nov 3, 2007 5:24:23 GMT -5
With that said, Kim leaves Angie in peace and rolls over to face the window, trying her best not to mettle into Angie's affairs as she hears her best friend silently sob herself to sleep. Kim gazes at the stars above her window sill and prays that somehow -- miraculously -- Angie will find her soldier someplace and begin to heal the wouds of her past, whatever they may be.
The next morning Kim squints away the sunshine that's seeping in through her window and turns her head toward the clock. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath of the warm summers air that's gently blowing into their stuffy apartment and gives off a sweet aroma of freshly picked lilacs. She opens her eyes just a bit and takes a peek at the clock. "10:49?!" Kim gasps, bouncing out of bed and rushing over to the closet. "Angie!" Kim yells as she quickly takes her uniform off the hanger. "We're late! Margie said we're gonna need all the help we can get beca--" She cuts short and walks over to Angie, nudging her awake. Angie moans and turns her head. "Angie, get a wiggle on; we're late!" Angie picks her head up and squints, looking around. "Today's Sunday, we don't work Sundays." She drops her head onto the pillow and exhales deeply, falling back to sleep. "Well, we work this Sunday, girlie. Remember all those soldiers last night? Well, now they're wounded, cranky AND hungry, so Margie needs extra staff on duty today." Angie drags herself out of bed, stretching and yawning.
A few hours later, well into the girls' work day, Kim walks up to a man's bed and checks his chart, glancing through it for a few seconds then placing it back at the foot of his bed. She takes a seat next to him and feels his forehead for a temperature; then turns his wrist over for a good pulse rate. The man still has blood on his face and body but his reports show only minor damages to the shoulder. She stands up but the man reaches out his hand and softly caresses his fingertips with hers as she walks away. The feel of his gentle touch surprises Kim as the goosebumps trickle up her arm. Kim gets back to the nurses station in the front of the hospital and turns on the sink to wash some of the blood from her hands. "These soldiers sure are friendly, aren't they?" Kim chuckles to Sue, another nurse on staff, and wipes her hands on a tattered apron cloth. Sue laughs and nods her head, "I've had 6 men -- 6 handsome men -- ask me what I'm doing after the war, and 4 marriage proposals. Oh, if George ever knew about what I've sacrificed for my country...." Sue tsks and shakes her head, walking away to tend to another soldier. Kim laughs and fills her tray with more gauze and medication for the wounded.
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Post by nutsaboutjerry on Nov 4, 2007 22:10:19 GMT -5
Angie walks over to the nurse station to get the orders for her shift. She looks them over really quickly and then walks over to her first patient. She thinks about making light conversation with the man but can't find the words to say. Nothing seems appropriate after yesterday.
She suddenly realizes her own mortality and all of her unfulfilled dreams and wishes fill her mind. The soldier, noticing the sad look on Angie's face asks, "Is there something the matter miss?"
Angie tries to hide her emotions, not wanting this soldier to bear the burden of her troubles. After all, he has enough of his own right now, she thinks to herself. She shakes her head and responds, "Oh nothing. It's just this war. But, I don't want to bother you with any of my problems. Now, let's see to that leg, huh?"
Angie pulls the blanket back from the soldiers lower half. She unpins the bottom of his pants leg to reveal the mutilated leg. She draws back from the stench of the rotting flesh. She takes some iodine and some gauze out of her pocket and starts cleaning the leg.
"You lost someone close to you, didn't you?" The soldier asks, Angie still cleaning his wounds. She never bothers looking up at the man's face when answering, fearing that the tears that are already forming may fall.
"Yes, a very good friend." She wraps his leg in some gauze and then repins the leg of his pants, where his ankle and most of his lower leg should be.
"He came in with our company?" The soldier asks as Angie pulls the blanket back over the soldiers legs. She walks farther up the bed and fixes the man's pillows.
"Yes, he did. You probably knew him. Kenneth Jimmerson." She closes her eyes and visualizes his face, the last time they danced, his smile, his brilliant blue eyes and his smile.
The Soldier nods, solemnly. "He was a hell of a fighter..." He trails off. "You know, sometimes I wonder what is it that makes people like me survive and get to go home. I'm going home ya know. Just look at that leg!" He puts gestures to his mutilated leg. "I'm going right after surgery, but why do I get to live and people like Ken have to make the ultimate sacrifice?"
Angie pats the soldiers pillows once more, "Maybe some day we'll know." She walks away to the next solider.
Later that night, Angie is laying in her bed after her days work. Kim walks in and puts her coat and purse on a chair close to the door. "You're home early." Angie says from the bedroom.
"It wasn't the same without seeing some of those guys there. It just wasn't the same, I couldn't dance a single dance." Kim walks over to her vanity and lets her hair down. She takes off her jewelry and lays it on the vanity. Kim walks to the bathroom and changes her clothes. She comes out with her dress on a hanger and puts it back in the closet.
"I came home early from the base hospital too. One of the doctors sent me home." Angie props up in bed to talk to Kim. "It's strange, just getting to know these boys and then losing them, just like that. It's like losing a limb."
"Maybe it's not so good to get attached, but it is war, who knows what tomorrow will bring. This may be these boys last dance, last meal, you know what I mean?" Kim pulls her covers back and climbs into bed.
"You know, after Ken's death, I've strangely realized my own mortality. Kim, I'm only twenty two and there's so much to be done yet!" Angie turns off the light and slides back down in the bed.
"Can I ask you something?" Kim says, breaking the strange silence after Angie's last remark.
"Anything." Angie responds.
"Does this have to do with that fella Phillip?" She tries to make out Angie's facial expression in the dark.
"I suppose it does, some." Angie feels for Phillip's picture on the night stand next to her bed and holds it close to her.
"If you love the guy, why do you always talk so sadly about him? Is it because he joined up? What ever happened between you two?" Kim notices Angie's taking the picture.
"He doesn't even know I exist when it comes to looking at me as a woman. I've known him since we were kids. We were playmates, grew up together. Suddenly, I realized I loved him, but he never paid any attention to me. He had girlfriends and we hung out less and less. He joined up and never bothered to say goodbye to me. He barely knows that I exist!" She feels for the picture under her pillow.
Kim is left speechless, she says the only thing that comes to mind, "I'm sorry."
Miles across the country, in a dark trench, lit ony by shells exploding in the distance, a handful of men sit, waiting. Some of them praying, some of them holding pictures of their loved ones. A screeching shell comes over the trench. One of the men jumps, dropping the picture that he was just holding.
The men stand ready for attack a few moments and after an all clear is given, they sit back down. Another man picks up the picture. He glances at it and then hands it back to the jumpy man.
"Why don't we ever hear about her Phil?" He watches Phillip put the picture back into his inner coat pocket.
"Because she doesn't even know I exist." he replies, just before another shell flies over them and they are at the ready once again.
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Post by *~Mrs. Cooper ~* on Nov 5, 2007 17:49:47 GMT -5
"Oh, don't be sorry, it isn't your fault." Angie says as she wipes the tears from her eyes quickly and changes the subject. "So how was your date?" Kim scoffs and shakes her head in disgust. "Awful. When I'm in the hospital tending to those wounded soldiers I can't help but think how amazing it would be to date just a regular Joe; but when I'm out on a date with one of them...my mind is in that hospital again." The lingering silence after Kim's remark leaves the two without anymore words. Kim knows Angie doesn't want her to feel the burden of her problems, but this Phillip fellow must have really meant something to her because every night since his name was brought up...she's cried herself to sleep -- and tonight is no different. The next Afternoon while Kim sits at her usual booth in the cafe two blocks from the hospital, she gazes through the large window on her left and studies the look of the hospital building that contains all those poor wounded soldiers who, more than 50%, don't have the slightest chance of survival. She takes a deep sigh and tries to focus on happier things, but the dark cloud of this bloody war fills her mind -- as it does for the millions of others all across the United States. Kim snaps back to reality and her thoughts are instantly interrupted as she notices the figure of a man standing before her eyes outside the cafe. He looks at her and smiles kindly, tipping his hat. She smiles back and nods her head, to acknowledge his presence, then looks down and continues to pick at her food. Out of curiosity she raises her head just slightly -- discretely -- to see if the man is still standing there; she picks her head up all the way and looks around to realize he's vanished. "Excuse me, miss." The deep sound of the man's voice startles Kim and she lets out a sharp gasp, her hand over her heart. "Sir, you frightened me!" She giggles, looking up to see his face, though immediately she notices he isn’t wearing a uniform – just a plain looking suit. Strange how a uniform can set even the most alike men apart. "I'm sorry, but I couldn't help noticing that you were sitting all by yourself and I...well, I was wondering if you'd care for some company." He replies kindly. Kim hesitates for a moment and looks at her watch, finding she has time enough out of her lunch break to speak with this gentleman for a few minutes. "All right." she nods, smiling. The man sits across from her and lays his hat down beside himself on the table. Kim loads her fork up with the remaining food left on her plate and chews it slowly, feeling awkward that some strange man has come to watch her eat without speaking a word. She dabs at the corner of her mouth politely and pushes her plate aside. "You have beautiful eyes." The man breaks the silence; his eyes fixed on hers. Kim looks down, somewhat embarrassed then fixes her eyes back on him, with an inquiring look and chuckles in disbelief. “Did you come here to tell me I had beautiful eyes, Mr…--“ “Mister Pidgeon – Walter Pidgeon.” Kim nods and continues where she left off, “Mr. Pidgeon?” “No, in fact I came here to say that you had the most hideous looking eyes I’d ever seen in my life, but once I walked into the café and saw them in person I realized I had actually been looking at my own eyes in the reflection.” He smiles, trying to hold in his laughter. Kim laughs. “You think you’re quite charming, don't you?” Walter chuckles and goes to speak when Kim’s watch alarm starts to ring. “Oh, I’m so sorry but I have to go. Thank you for keeping me company, Mr. Pid—“ “Walter…just call me Walter.” He interrupts softly with a weak smile, extending his hand for a handshake. Kim stands up and smiles kindly, “Thank you…Walter.” She lays down a 10 cent tip and walks out of the shop, heading back over toward the hospital to continue her shift.
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Post by nutsaboutjerry on Nov 12, 2007 20:05:38 GMT -5
That night, after her shift, Angie decides to go out alone, to clear her head. She heads to a small cafe nestled between two small shops along one of the main streets.
She sits at a table and a waitress walks over, asking for her order in heavily accented English. Angie just orders a cup of coffee and sits, staring out the window while she waits for the waitress to come back.
I never should have done this. I should have just told Phillip how I felt before he was sent over here. What are the chances I'd ever get to see him over here anyways?
The waitress returns with the cup of coffee and places it in front of Angie. "You are okay madam?" The woman asks.
"Oh, just fine, thank you." She blows on the coffee and then takes a sip. The waitress nods and then turns and goes back to the kitchen. Angie decides the coffee is too strong and pours some sugar into it and some cream.
The only way I'd have a chance of seeing him would be if he came into the hospital. Her eyes grow wide, hoping that what she just thought to herself never happens.
I suppose he wouldn't have to be wounded badly, he could just have a slight wound. A bump on the head, a wound to the leg, he doesn't need to be seriously wounded.
She finishes the coffee and and lays her tip on the table. She walks out of the cafe and down the street to the flat she shares with Kim. She closes her coat around her tightly, picking up her pace so as to get out of the cold night air a little quicker.
She stops in front of a dimly lit window in a little brown house. The house isn't extrodinarly outfitted, just a plain little house with a plain little family. She turns and looks in the window. She sees a man kiss two children and then a woman. The two children, clad in flannel pajamas, disappear into a seperate room. The woman gets up out of a high backed chair once more. The man stands up as well. He wraps one arm around her waist and she places one of her hands in his. They whirl around their sitting room slowly, for a short while. They pull apart and they kiss. The woman turns and puts out the light and the two figures disappear into another room.
Angie stands there for a moment longer and wipes a tear from her eye. She finally turns and then walks on. Her mind runs wild with thoughts of Phillip. She walks through the door to the little flat. Kim wakes up, startled.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you." She puts her purse and coat on the seat of the vanity.
"What's wrong? You sound as if you've been crying." Kim turns on the little light on the stand by her bed.
Angie sighs. She sits on the edge of her bed and pulls her hair down out of the clip that was holding it up all day, "It's just been a long day."
"Oh no, you didn't lose another one did you?" Kim gets out of bed and goes to Angie's side.
Angie, not wanting to bring Phillip up again, uses it as an excuse. "I didn't even know him, but we found out he had a wife, and two kids, and a third on the way. Why does war have to ruin the lives of so many?" She closes her eyes and imagines the scene she just witnessed in the little window, filling her heart with some hope that not all is lost.
"Oh Angie!" Kim gives her a hug while Angie wipes away a few tears. Kim pulls back and gets up getting Angie a handkerchief. She sits back on the edge of her bed.
"Gee, I'm a mess. I better go clean up." She wipes her eyes on Kim's handkerchief and then disappears into the bathroom.
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Post by *~Mrs. Cooper ~* on Nov 13, 2007 5:12:27 GMT -5
The next afternoon as Kim sits in her regular cafe booth -- the same booth in which she sat yesterday afternoon with Mr. Pidgeon -- she finds herself, once again, in a far off daze: dreaming of life without this horrible war; though not particularly with anyone special in mind. No, she used to dream of a life that wasn't clouded by the war -- with a man by her side to make her happy. Her thoughts were always consumed by the laughter of small children in the far off distance with the warmth of a handsome husband in her embrace, sitting on their porch swing and being grateful for each and every moment they have together as family. Her dreams have changed quite a bit in the year that she's become more involved in serving her country as a WAC; they've gone from focusing on her own emotions and desires to becoming more concerned about the poor men who are off fighting for their country -- her country -- and striving for contentment in the smallest of things. Maybe it won't be in a fantasy dreamland like she had envisioned a year ago, but it's a more humbling and servant-like outlook on life that's brought her this far. Her desires for marriage and a handsome husband haven't changed in the least -- she still desires for those things deeply -- but her main objectives and ambitions have shifted toward focusing on the more important things -- like those soldiers. Kim takes a quick glance at her watch and begins to pack her things and lay down the tip as the time of her lunch break comes to a close. She exits the cafe and heads toward the hospital when Walter stops her on the street. "Hello Kim." He says with a bright smile. Kim nods her hello and smiles politely. "Hello Walter. I was just on my way back to work." "Oh." He says, looking somewhat disappointed. "I really must be getting back." Kim says as she looks at her watch once more. "I'll speak with you some other time." She begins to walk towards the hospital. "When can I see you again?" Walter calls out. "I want to see you again!" "I come here every afternoon for lunch -- I'll talk with you then." Kim waves him goodbye and hastens her pace.
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Post by nutsaboutjerry on Nov 16, 2007 2:24:37 GMT -5
The next day Angie sits at a table in the mess hall with a few other nurses. She picks at her food and keeps her head down. She overhears some of the other nurse's talking. "You know Gladys, I never thought I'd have to write letters to my boy back home!" remarked Georgia. "Oh, mine's a true 4-F'er. He even tried lying to the Army and they still wouldn't take him." The women erupt into laughter. The women look at Angie and ask, "What about your boy back home?" Angie looks up at them. "Oh, he's not back home." "Oh, what branch is he with?" asks one of the nurses. "He's in the AAF." Angie looks back down at her plate and pushes some potatoes around with her fork. "Wow, an army air force boy! Nice! What company is he with?" "I'm not sure." Angie sighs. "You mean, you don't exchange letters or sneak off to see each other on the few days off we get?" One of them asks, somewhat in shock. "Nope, I have no idea where he is, but I'm going to find him." "How can you be so sure?" One of the nurses asks snidely. "Yeah, you know how many AAF men there are?" says another, in the same rude tone. Angie shrugs and pulls out a letter from the inside pocket of her WAC uniform and shows it to the nurses. One of them reads it aloud to the group: Moore, Angie: The 4th Service Command of the Women's Army Corps is to report to O'Reilly field for flight training at 1530 hours. The women fold the paper up again and hand it back to Angie. She shoves it back into her pocket. The women look at her in awe. "You figure you're going to find your boy this way?" Gladys asks. "I sure hope so!" About the time the Sarge comes in and calls for attention. The group files past the place to deposit their trays and then all file out into the field for mid day role call and report.
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Post by *~Mrs. Cooper ~* on Nov 16, 2007 4:28:58 GMT -5
After roll call, Kim and Angie meander toward their apartment, ending another shift to another bleak workday. "Kim, I've been called to duty for the AAF." Angie says quietly. She hates to break such news to her best friend, but she knows she couldn't possibly stay here at the hospital with the torture of Phillip's memory lingering in her mind day and night -- always wondering 'what if'. Kim remains quiet for a few moments; she stops and turns toward Angie. "Was it a commission from the Sarge; or a request?" Kim asks, smirking slightly. Angie looks to Kim and breaks a smile, knowing she had pieced the puzzle together the moment she uttered the words 'Army Air Force.' "So you knew?" "You've been talking about Phillip nonstop for weeks now; I knew something like this was about to split our paths." "We'll see each other again, Kim; honest we will. I must do this, you understand." "Of course I understand, you had the look in your eyes way before we even joined up in this outfit. The look in your eyes that said you had lost the love of your life. Just promise me that you'll be careful." Kim smiles hesitantly, trying to hold back her own sadness; though she knows this is the best for Angie -- and no one could talk her out of it. "I promise." Angie smiles back, giving Kim a hug. The two girls continue walking, though a heavy silence lingers beside them as they think to themselves about the future. "When are you leaving?" Kim inquires. "Monday." Angie replies. "So you'll be able to come to the dance this Friday?" Km says with joy. "I completely forgot about that dance." Angie gasps then chuckles. "I'll think of it as a going away party." The two girls laugh then walk into the door of their apartment. A few days later at the charity dance, Kim sits at a table along with a few other women, all dolled up in party dresses. All the women are quite thrilled to be out of those drab military uniforms and finally wearing something colorful and lady-like around the soldiers. While the girls chat and giggle over frivolous and stupid things, Kim's friend, Sally, approaches the table. "Kim, I have someone who'd like to meet you." Sally smiles excitedly. Kim chuckles and stands up, "You do? Who is he?" Sally stays silent and walks up to the refreshment table, tapping on a very tall soldier's shoulder. The man turns around and his eyes light up brightly at Kim's presence. The man's piecing blue eyes captivate Kim immediately as she quietly gasps in it's dramatic sparkle; his tall stature and kind smile is a perfect match to his gentlemanly manner. He nods to Kim and smiles sweetly. "Kim, this is Officer James Baker." Sally introduces the two. "And James, this is Kimberly Auzins." James extends his hand and bows slightly, to show respect for a lady. Kim discreetly looks to Sally as if to say, "where did you find this man?!""May I have the pleasure of this dance, miss Kim?" He inquires politely, holding out his hand. Kim blushes; her heart begins beating a mile per second, though she tries to keep her composure and calms her nerves quickly. "If you wish." She smiles, placing her hand in the palm of his hand and twirls into a light waltz onto the dance floor among the others in the crowd. As they dance for a few moments, Kim breaks the silence by thanking James for sending Sally to her table, rescuing her from a certain death due to extreme boredom. He chuckles and smiles kindly, "I'm hardly the one to thank; you're the one who saved me." "Saved you?" Kim asks. "From what?" "From a lonely heart." He replies. The beat and rhythm of the music eases into a romantic sway. Kim looks around to see all the women lying their heads upon their sweetheart's shoulder; she goes to break from their dance to sit down, but shudders at the thought of having to give up a perfectly wonderful evening to sit at a stuffy table with talk about nonsense all night. She looks up into the soldiers eyes and smiles faintly; he gazes into her eyes and smiles back -- his heart flutters at the radiant twinkle in her eyes. (This is going to get extremely long if I put everything into one post and I have to get going to bed; so I'll split my post in half and leave the one part up to you; but we'll keep this dance going for a couple more posts. I still have a couple things to do before it's over, lol.)
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Post by nutsaboutjerry on Nov 23, 2007 0:12:00 GMT -5
Angie sits at the table, watching the dancers. She sips at her Grand Cosmopolitan. When the song draws to a close she turns and puts her glass down and applauds for not only the band but for the dancers as well. She picks up her glass again and turns to watch the band once more. She scans the crowd for Kim, not finding her. She finishes the last swig of her Cosmo and stands up, going to get herself another glass when she is face to face with a dashing young soldier.
"Oh, excuse me." Angie says, almost tripping over the soldier. He catches her by the elbow. She sets her glass back down on the table, settling herself with the now free hand, catching the edge of the table.
"Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to..." The soldier takes his arm away from Angie's elbow.
"It's fine, really. No, need to be sorry. At least the glass wasn't full." Angie smooths out her dress and straightens herself. "I was just going to get another of these." She holds up her glass.
"Another glass?" the man asks.
"No, silly, another Cosmo." Angie puts her glass back down and turns to walk away to the table to get one but is stopped by the soldier who can see that she's staggering slightly. He lays a hand on her shoulder and she jumps, startled.
"I think you've had just one too many of these." He takes the glass away from her and sets it on the table where all the drinks are. "Let me walk you back to your table." He takes her by the arm and leads her back to the table.
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Post by *~Mrs. Cooper ~* on Nov 24, 2007 2:06:14 GMT -5
After 45 minutes of following the orchestra's lead into waltzes, sways, swing dances and polka's, Kim and James are having the time of their lives though their energy begins to evaporate as the audience cheers loudly for another round of 'Beer Barrel Polka'. The two stop dancing to catch their breath. Kim looks to James and smiles warmly; he studies her face -- impressed by her subtle yet striking beauty. A self-conscious smile covers her face and the break from his gaze, as she looks toward the drink stand, snaps him out of his reverie. He asks if she'd like a drink, and without hesitation she nods her head in agreement and wraps her arm around his. Although she isn't so much thirsty as she just wants to share a few moments together without the constant movement of her sore feet getting in the way. The two make their way over to the drinks, though on their way James is interrupted by his commanding officer and is summoned to be spoken to. He reluctantly leaves Kim alone and squeezes her hands softly. "I'll be right back." He whispers with a gentle smile and eyes that gleam of hopefullness mixed with a subtle plea. "I'll wait." She replies, satisfying his obvious curiosity. James and his commanding officer step outside into the warm midnight air and discuss things of a more grim reality. Kim fills her cup with some punch from the stand and turns around, glancing around the room. She watches the soldiers happily dance with their sweethearts, knowing each man carries a heavy burdon on his back; for each soldier fears his possible destiny of a gruesome death: a willing sacrifice for the love of his country and the freedom of its future. "He's a great guy, isn't he?" Sally interrupts, fixing her position next to Kim. Kim snaps out of her speculation and fixes her eyes on Sally; she smiles wanly. "Oh...yeah, he's a great guy." Kim's spirits lighten a bit more; her regular tendencies to dwell on the morbidity of war strangely diminishes at the meer mention of James' name. "Where did you meet him?" Kim inquires. "At the hospital." Sally replies, smirking faintly to see if Kim might remember. "The hospital? Why haven't I seen him there?" "Coming from him, it sounds like you have!" Sally laughs. "What are you talking about? I haven'--" "He said he tried to grab your attention -- something about his shoulder giving him pain, but you ignored him." "Oh my goodness! I didn't mean to ignore him -- I thought he was just another grabby soldier!" Kim exclaims; she thinks back to the afternoon that it happened and looks down at her hand, gently caressing it with her middle and index finger. "He touched my hand so gently..." Kim whispers to herself, though the memory is still vague. "After you decided to remove him from your care, they put me in charge of nursing him." Sally shakes her head in regret. "It's just too bad he liked you first." Kim looks to Sally astonished and chuckles in disbelief, "He still liked me after that?" "I don't get it either kiddo, but he said you had the 'purdiest' eyes he'd ever seen." Sally rolls her eyes and sarcastically chuckles. "Do you think he could care at all about me?" Kim inquires, her question sincere. Sally notices the look in Kim's eyes -- the look of a new found love, kindling in the strangest of places -- military warfare -- and realizes she had never spoken of love before; this was probably the first time she's ever felt something for a man. "I hope he does." Sally replies in a friendly tone; her smile genuine and honest. "He has something that is very rare in men." Kim looks up, her interest sparked. "What's that?" Sally continues, "He doesn't really expect women to like him. And having once found the one he wanted, if he got her...he wouldn't be looking around, 'cause it wouldn't occur to James, at all, that anyone else would want him." Kim chuckles to herself and scoffs, "But who wants a husband nobody else wants?" Sally shakes her head and corrects Kim's mistake, "I didn't say that -- oh no -- I said a man who doesn't THINK anyone else wants him...there's a big difference."
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Post by nutsaboutjerry on Nov 27, 2007 22:24:49 GMT -5
"Do you think you're in good enough shape to dance a little?" the soldier asked.
Angie chuckles, "Yes, well, I suppose." The band starts into another number, "Moonlight Serenade." A smile starts to form on Angie's face and the man just watches her as she sways rather gracefully for being somewhat inebriated.
"This is my favorite song you know." Angie says. She leans her head against her chest and imagines she's dancing with Phillip.
"I love you Phillip." she says taking the soldier by surprise.
"Who's Phillip? Your sweetheart?"
"Oh, sort of" she said snapping back into reality. "I think I'll head home now."
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Post by *~Mrs. Cooper ~* on Nov 28, 2007 20:19:00 GMT -5
James enters the dance hall, having been dismissed from his commanding officer's lecture, and scans his eyes about the room for Kim. Though, again, he's distracted by yet another person -- this time one of the orchestra leaders. "Ben ran off with some dame just 20 minutes ago, Jim. Could you fill in?" One of the men inquires. He notices James has a faraway expression on his face; a look that indicates he either has something -- or someone -- else on his mind. James absent-mindedly ignores the man and continues scanning the room. "Jim!" The man shouts. James' attention is immediately fixed on the man. "What?" He asks, his tone frustrated. "We need someone right now; can you do it?" "Uh, sure. Yeah, I'll do it." James nods his head faintly and takes one final glance around the room to find Kim, though his attempt is unsuccessful; he's summoned onstage and picks up his tuba. The band begins, as does James -- in all seriousness - albeit a trifle awkwardly. As he plays, he notices Kim talking with Sally toward the back of the room. He turns his head to watch her, and when he looks forward again, finds himself off-beat. He removes the mouthpiece from his mouth during a pause for his instrument. To cover his embarrassment, he smiles foolishly. They come to the end of the song, but James, whose eyes are searching for Kim, is oblivious of this and continues to puff on the tuba; the whole place breaks into laughter. The band ends for a brief intermission and slowly the couples begin to break from their embraces and head toward the refreshments or take a seat at their tables alongside a group of friends. A great deal of clamoring fills the room and the tumultuous sounds seem to bounce off the walls and fill every crevice of every corner. Kim notices James through the movement of those bustling around the room in ardency and politely excuses herself from her conversation with Sally. Through all the random movement, James loses her in the commotion; but he notices her beckon as she stands on her tip-toes and waves him down. With his bean-polish body, he tightly squeezes past the sea of people, eventually making his way up to Kim. "I'm sorry it took so long." He apologizes, his voice trying to reach Kim's ears above all the chattering. "I don't mind." Kim smiles cordially. The two stand amidst the hubbub of people, rubbing shoulders with those who are trying to move past them, when James gently takes Kim by the hand and leads her outside for a breath of fresh air. She struggles to keep herself from getting lost in the crowd and keep instep with him, but James wraps his large hand around hers tightly and guides her toward the exit. Once outside, Kim inhales deeply the smell and feel of the gentle breeze brushing against her torrid cheeks; the fresh air is refreshing after being cooped-up in such a stuffy building for so long. The night is warm with a bright moon shining through the trees. James stares up into the sky and smiles at its radiance; he steals a sideways glance at her, which amuses Kim greatly. His eyes fix upon her face -- both gazing into one another's' eyes -- and for a second Kim loses her poise, staring at him. A self-conscious mask covers her face lightly as she averts her eyes to the ground. "Thanks for getting me out of there -- I was beginning to feel claustrophobic!" She chuckles. "So was I." James agrees, "Besides, I couldn't even hear myself think it was too doggone loud." They both laugh and begin walking side by side; neither aware of the destination in which they're heading -- both just captivated by one another's presence. As they make small talk along the way, Kim can't help but remember so many times she'd walk down this same street and feel afraid that she'd get killed by the enemy: may it be by gunshot or a bomb dropping from above. Yet at this very moment...she's never felt more safe than she does now: in the presence of a man who has the ability to sweep her off her feet, take the breath right out of her speech and make her feel as though she's the luckiest woman on the face of the earth. At this very moment, by the gentleness of his strong hands protectively wrapped around hers, she realizes she finally belongs to someone. And that someone is a strong and handsome soldier with a heart as tender and sincere as a little boy.
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Post by nutsaboutjerry on Dec 3, 2007 0:28:19 GMT -5
"Do you think you can make it okay?" the soldier asked still seeing that Angie was a little tipsy.
"I guess so". She stumbled as she said it and he decided he better walk her home.
Once she got inside, Angie changed her clothes and then sat down on the edge of her bed holding Phillip's picture in her hand.
"I hope I can find him again" she muttered to herself. "He may not feel the same way about me as I feel about him but I gotta at least know he's okay."
She laid back on her bed and imagined what she'd say to him if she did find him again. Nothing sounded right though and soon and she drifted off to sleep.
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Post by *~Mrs. Cooper ~* on Dec 9, 2007 21:33:25 GMT -5
Kim and James sit on a park bench and gaze at the beautiful starry sky which illuminates the midnight blackness around them. "I don't want this night to end." Kim sighs, taking in a breath of the crisp air. "It doesn't have to." James places his arm around her shoulder and gently pulls her closer. "I'm afraid it does. I have to get up for work tomorrow -- I have an early shift" She unmindfully fiddles with a button on his uniform, stalling. "I'm on leave for a couple days, so we'll see more of each other." He assures her, knowing how unreliable soldiers can be around the women; he lifts her spirits by removing a medal from his jacket and places it into her hand. "What's this for?" She inquires, studying its engraving and caressing her thumb over top. "It's a promise that I'll come back for ya'." He smiles, "I know it isn't much and it isn't very comforting but --" "No, I like it very much." Kim smiles sincerely; though her fears weren't that he'd leave her for someone else, but that he'd leave her for good -- reluctantly -- toward an ill-fated destiny. A destiny all soldiers must face...and a destiny their girlfriends and wives must suffer after they're gone. "Keep it safe for me, will ya'? It's expensive." He teases, pointing to the medal she just placed into her pocket. Kim lightly runs her fingertips over the outline of the medal and nods her head pensively, too far gone into her thoughts to realize he was only kidding. He notices her faraway gaze trailing further and further from the quiet park bench -- trudging toward the bloody military front; her eyes so laden with worry and fear that he can almost see the death in which she's been so afraid of. He clears his throat quietly and stands up. "I better not keep you out too late; I’ll walk ya’ on home." He whispers kindly; his aim to subtly steer her thoughts in another direction -- away from her vivid imagination and morbid thoughts of war. "Oh, yeah, I guess I better get going." Kim stands up and smiles half-heartedly. The two arrive at her front door stoop and hesitate for a moment, neither knowing what to say after such a wonderful evening. "I… -- I can't thank you enough, James." Kim says as she lowers her head, embarrassed that she acted so rude in her silence just a few minutes ago. “Thank me?” He chuckles in disbelief, “Thank me for what?” Kim looks up and smiles humbly, “For giving me a break from the ordinary and letting me have some fun for a change. I really enjoyed myself.” “I have to confess something, Kim…” James says lowly. “Confess what?” Kim asks apprehensively. “I wasn’t just doing it for you…. You see, I don't date women, mostly because I don't trust them; but the moment I saw you in that hospital I knew you were different. You weren’t like all the other women I’ve seen – throwing themselves at any man with a charming smile and a pressed uniform, jumping from one bunk to the next…" The moment James mentions the word “hospital”, Kim’s memory is immediately jogged and she sincerely apologizes for acting like such a snob. “I wish there was something I could do to make up for my attitude.” “Have lunch with me tomorrow.” James answers, without missing a beat. “I’m being serious.” “So am I!” James laughs. He gives her a polite kiss on the cheek then starts to walk off. “I’ll pick you up at 12!” Kim goes to speak up, but laughs as he’s already out of hearing range. She shakes her head and smiles, opening the door to her apartment.
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coopsgirl
The Bees Knees
More than just the 'It girl'
Posts: 584
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Post by coopsgirl on Dec 10, 2007 9:12:18 GMT -5
The next morning Angie woke up early and packed the few things she had for her move to the air base. Kim could see the sadness in her eyes that had only gotten more obvious over the past few days.
"I'm sure gonna miss you Ang" she said as Angie was packing the last of her belongings. "I'm gonna miss you too. Don't worry though, we'll meet up again" she said trying not to cry.
Kim wanted to tell her about James but she was afraid it would only make Angie miss Phillip even more so she decided not to. They said their goodbyes and Angie headed to the train station and off to her new position.
Later that evening she arrived in a small town that couldn't have been more different from the city she had left behind. It was dotted with quaint cottages and shops instead of tall, cold looking buildings. The streets were made of cobblestones and most of the people still used horses and carts to get around. The air base she would be working at was little more than an open field with some tents the pilots used for barracks.
Angie made her way to the house on the property and went inside. She found a woman who looked to be in her mid-40s standing by the stove and she cleared her throat to get the woman's attention.
"Hello, I'm Angie Moore." "I'm so glad you're here!" the woman said before Angie had a chance to say anything else. "We need to get supper ready before the boys get back."
Angie set her bags down and put on the apron the woman had handed her and jumped right in. "My name is Simone by the way" she said smiling. "This is my farm. I'm sure glad to have some help here." "I'm glad to be here. It's much better than that dirty old city where I was." Angie said trying to be cheerful. "May I ask you what all my duties will be here?" "Mostly we cook the meals for the boys and I could use help keeping the house clean since some of the officers are using my extra rooms. I could also use some extra help working my farm. All the men are off fighting so I'm shorthanded."
"Don't worry, dear" Simone said seeing the rather overwhelmed look on Angie's face. "You don't have to do everything". They laughed and Angie let out a sigh of relief. "Some of the kids in the village help out with the farm chores. Mostly I need you in the house." "I can definitely do that" Angie said.
It wasn't long before the officers came in and sat down at the table. Angie quickly looked over them but did not see Phillip. Of course she didn't know what his rank may be so she'd have to get a look at the other pilots later.
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