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Post by *~Mrs. Cooper ~* on Jan 24, 2008 19:38:11 GMT -5
Dear James,
I hope this letter finds you safe, and I'm praying that you'll make it through without even a scratch.
I've kept busy doing odd jobs for Madam Larson until just a day or so ago; she said she could use a personal assistant: filing, cleaning, writing and running errands. She's been very kind to me and said I could keep the job as long as I wanted.
Sally said she wanted you to write to her as well; I know she only says that to make me jealous -- but sometimes I wonder about that woman. She always teases me about how I 'caught the most handsome soldier on the whole military base'. I never say anything back...but I know she's right. I framed the photo you sent along with your last letter, and have it sitting next to my bedside. It always helps me fall asleep whenever I'm afraid, because I know the moment I close my eyes I'll always be able to see you...as if you were really there, right in front of me.
You're so far away, James; sometimes I worry we'll never even see each other again because of the distance between us. But I won't give up hope, you'll come for me someday, won't you, darling? I know it sounds silly, but I’m literally counting the days until you return...
I love you and hope you're doing well, Kim
The next afternoon, Kim and Sally sit at their usual table in the back of the café, laughing and giggling about goofy things they used to do when they were little. At the same time, Walter and one of his friends walk into the café and scan the room for an empty table. Walter, surprised at the sight of Kim, whispers, “There she is…” as he fixes his eyes upon her with a smile. “Who?” His friend inquires, trying to follow Walter’s gaze. Walter leads the way toward a vacant table, a ways away from Kim and Sally; his eyes remain glued upon Kim. “Who, Walter?” His friend asks once more. Walter breaks from his stare and turns his attention onto his friend. “John, do you remember that woman I spoke to you about at the office a few weeks ago?” “Oh, you mean the woman you have been talking about ever since a few weeks ago?” He says with a sarcastic chuckle. Walter clears his throat and continues, “Yes, well, there she is…” He turns his attention back upon Kim. “The woman in the red hair.” “Ahhh; I never would have figured her to be your type, Walter…” John replies. The two men continue watching the girls when Sally excuses herself to use the restroom. Kim sits alone, sipping on her tea; she gazes out the window, looking as if she’s a million miles away. “You better make your move, Walter…” John nudges. “Go on, tell her how you feel.” Walter looks down, embarrassed that he’s acting so immature – so boyish -- about this whole situation. “I’m just afraid of what she’ll say, John. I’ve never had any luck with women; you know that.” “You need to break out of your work, Walter – experience life, and get your head out of that stuffy old office.” Walter builds up enough courage and nods his head, determined. “You’re quite right, John; I shall go speak with her; and I'll do it right now…” Walter stands up, pulls down on his suit-vest and clears his throat.
Kim looks at her watch and softly gasps, she sees Sally exiting the restroom and motions to the clock, mouthing: “We’re late!” Sally hurries her pace and makes her way out the door just as Kim picks up her things from the booth. The moment Kim stands herself up, she’s greeted by Walter, who’s wearing a great big smile. “Hello Kim.” Walter says excitedly. “Hello Walter…” Kim replies hesitantly, taking another look at her watch. Walter remains standing, silent; his smile begins to look a wee bit creepy. Kim waits for him to speak, but he only stares at her. “Is there something wrong?” She asks weakly. “Kim,” He begins. “Would you like to have dinner with me tonight?” Kim sighs, “I’m sorry, Walter, but I –“ Disappointed, Walter nods his head weakly and pouts. “No need to explain. I understand.” “I really am sorry, Walter.” She notices Sally waving from outside. “I’ll see you around, okay?”
“Who was that?” Sally asks as the two girls head back to the hospital. “Oh, just a friend.” Kim replies. “Maybe so, but he doesn’t look like he wants to remain just friends.” Sally snickers. “Oh please, you see everyone as a potential boyfriend, Sally; just a wanna-be match-maker is all you are.” Kim laughs. “I am not! He likes you honey, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he asked to take you out to lunch or dinner one day.” Sally walks in through the entrance of the hospital as Kim slows her pace and stands motionless. He already did… She whispers to herself.
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coopsgirl
The Bees Knees
More than just the 'It girl'
Posts: 584
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Post by coopsgirl on Jan 28, 2008 9:54:21 GMT -5
As Angie cleaned up the broken dishes, she imagined that she and Phillip were married and she was cleaning their house as she waited for him to come home from work. When she got done with the kitchen she walked through the livingroom to get to the other bedrooms that were in disarray. She paused for a minute to look at Phillip who was sleeping on the sofa. She thought to herself “he hasn’t asked me to marry him yet but I know he’s going to. We’ll be so happy together.” Then the sad realization that there was a chance they might not make it out of the war set in and she tried to push those thoughts from her mind as she went to straighten up the rest of the house.
Phillip’s grumbling stomach woke him up around lunch time and he went through the house looking for Angie. He found her in one of the bedrooms trying to clean up all the feathers from the ripped mattress and pillows. He heard her sneezing and seeing all the feathers everywhere made him laugh. “What are you laughing at?” she said as she turned around trying to hold in another sneeze. “You” he said frankly. “Were you having a pillow fight with yourself in here?” “Well if you must know, I was having a pillow fight, but not with myself” she said playfully. “Well who with then?” “My other boyfriend. He slipped out just before you came in.” Phillip knew she was just picking on him and he decided to turn the tables on her. “Oh well that’s okay then. My other girlfriend is coming over later so now I won’t feel guilty about seeing her knowing that you’ve got another man.” “You better not even joke about having another girl” Angie said as she continued to stuff feathers back into the pillowcases. “Oh so it’s okay for you to do it but not for me, huh?” he said smirking. “Now you’re catching on” Angie joked.
“Did you have a good nap?” she said putting the pillowcase down and walking over to him putting her arms around his waist and resting her head on his chest. “Yeah, but I sure am hungry”. “Oh Phillip, you’re always hungry” she said looking up at him. “Remember when you won that pie eating contest at the fair a couple years ago?” “Yep” he said as they both laughed about it. “I was dating Cathy then. She sure was a sweet girl” he said knowing it would get Angie’s dander up. “Sweet! She’s about as sweet as vinegar. She was going around with that loser Lyle Smith behind your back!” “I know” Philip said. “I just wanted to get you fired up. You’re so cute when you get feisty” he said as he bent down and kissed her.
“I don’t know what I’m gonna do with you” she said smiling up at him. “Well while you’re figuring it out, could you make me something to eat?” “Okay” Angie said pretending like she was still frustrated with him as they walked to the kitchen. She went down into the root cellar and got out some of the cans of food they had hid there and began to heat them up over the stove. “At some point I gotta get back to my squadron.” Phillip said with a mouth full of food. “Maybe we can take the train back to where I was stationed before, if they’re still running. There’s a hospital there and they’ll take good care of you” Angie said. “I can’t go to the hospital, I’ve got to get back to fight”. “You’re not even gonna argue with me on this one Phillip” she said seriously but also with a caring tone. “You’re going to the hospital. Your back may not be that serious now but if you aggravate it, you could do permanent damage and I’m not about to let that happen.” “Okay, sweetheart, you’re the nurse after all” he said reaching across the table and squeezing her hand.
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Post by *~Mrs. Cooper ~* on Jan 28, 2008 12:50:13 GMT -5
A few days later, alone in Mrs. Logan’s run-down - yet spacious - office, located in the west side of the hospital, Kim finishes her work duty for the day and stretches her achy muscles from such a long sit in a metal chair. Turning around to face the clouded window, half-cracked with the sided wood splintering, she admires the bright sun seeping into the room, warming it as the gentle breeze blows in, whipping through the curtains. She fixes her gaze longingly upon the park bench, almost as if she were able to see herself and James sitting together, just as they had the day before he was shipped out. Oh James, she whispers faintly. If only… she lowers her head. If only you— BOOOM! Without warning, a bomb drops nearby, then another and another. The whole building quakes alarmingly and the window in front of Kim shatters, showering her with broken glass. She ducks her head and crouches down beside the wall, shielding herself from the flying debris. After a few seconds pass, she raises her head, and through the shattered window she sees fires raging. Very near, a loud, terrifying explosion bursts yet again. The reverberations cause plaster to flake, dust trickles down over her face. Pandemonium. Chaos. People rushing in all directions outside the building; many carrying files, boxes, papers, shouting, screaming, calling... The office door swings open and in rushes Sally, hysterical. “Kim, are you in here?!” She calls, masking her nose and mouth with her turned-up collar. “Yes, I’m by the window!” She yells, coughing. The room is heavy with dust and concrete powder; another bomb goes off and splinters of wood cascade into the air. “KIM!” Sally cries out, her body now trembling. She hears no reply and begins to call louder, feeling the ground for a body. “Kim, answer me!” “I’m over here, Sal; make your way to the door, but don’t stand up – I’m right behind you.” Once Sally and Kim are out, they close the door behind them, but the moment their eyes follow down the long hallway and fix upon the horrors OUTSIDE the office, a sinking feeling consumes them both. “Do you think we’ll make it out alive?” Sally asks, her voice quivering; tears stream down her face. “We have to. We’re the nurses, aren’t we?” Kim smiles weakly, yet her own courageous words melt away like wax. Kim’s body feels numb, and her senses feel as though they were completely knocked out. “What are we going to do?” Sally asks. Kim stands, motionless, her mind follows James through the muck and mud of his own perilous journey; she wonders if this is even half of what he’s experiencing. As the fear begins to pour in, consuming her mind, body and strength, Kim focuses her mind on the positive. If you don’t survive this, what would James do without you? He needs you; fight for him. “Kim!” Sally snaps her fingers, trying to catch Kim’s attention. Kim snaps from her daze and fixes her eyes on Sally. A new strength shows on her face; a steel calm replaces her earlier frenzy. She clenches her teeth, balling her fist. “We’re gonna fight, Sal. And we’re going to win.” Sally smiles weakly, the strength within her own self begins to build courage and determination; she nods her head, as if to say, “We’re going to make it.” The explosions have been minimum for more than 3 minutes, so Kim takes action to begin healing the wounded. “Open those hospital doors; and get everything out! Bandages, sutures, gauze -- ” Four men from a jeep accident are lying in traction, their casted limbs roped in the air. Kim runs in, grabbing a razor blade from the medical cabinet; the sounds of bombs bursting in the far off distance stirs up more fear, but she tries her best to stay calm and tend to what’s most important. “Cut them down, and take cover; hurry!” She yells. The bombs sound as if they’re getting closer. Kim slices the traction ropes of a man with both legs broken; ignoring his groans, she rolls him out of the bed and covers him with the mattress. The other nurses follow her lead. The bombs are coming toward the hospital ward; Kim finishes with the fourth man and covers him and herself with the mattress, just as a bomb craters outside the window. The nurses and patients look up after the explosions have passed; there's a chunk of smoking shrapnel lying on the springs of the bunk where the last man had been lying. Medics have already started bringing in the wounded; with Kim directing the wounded like a frantic traffic cop. “Criticals in ward one, stables in two! Sally! Fill every syringe you can find with stimulant and antibiotic” “Kim, where's the morphine?” Kim runs into the front ward, snapping open the cabinet and grabbing a bag of morphine sticks; but just as soon as she’s about to run out again she sees a shock wave traveling through the trees like an invisible wall. She's crosses her arms and dives to the floor just as the windows blow out from the concussion, and glass flies over everything. The once-pristine hospital with its glowing white beds is now a bloody chaos, with blood dripping through the mattresses, onto the floor. Every bed is already full; there are burned and broken people on the floor -- soldiers, sailors, civilians, firemen, all mixed in together. People are dying everywhere, and screaming in pain, or moaning and begging for help. “I can't tell who's gotten morphine and who hasn't!” Sally yells, in panic. “Take a grease pencil and mark an M on the forehead of everyone you stick.” Kim replies, as she tends to an unconscious soldier. “Use ammo belts for tourniquets; use your own nylons if you have to! Sally! Grab anything that will hold a pint of blood and sterilize it.” The doctors are amputating limbs right there in the hallway. “Kim! You have to do the triage! They're bringing them in with trucks!” The Senior Doctor instructs. Kim moves to the door as trucks are pulling up, loaded with the wounded: young terrified soldiers. While they're being brought inside, she does quick triage as they pass. “Critical -- front ward!... Give him morphine, he can't wait...”
Later that evening, after most of the chaos has died down, Kim sits next to one soldier’s bed, her arms wrapped around her body, and her eyes in a far off daze. She tries to rest her exhausted body, but the memories of the day continue to haunt her. The faint echoes of gun shots can be heard off in the distance as the enemy moves further away. Yet her safety, now, doesn’t seem to bring comfort, because she knows that with every step the enemy takes from the hospital base, the closer danger advances, inching its way toward James. “Kim?” Sally whispers softly, standing in front of Kim. Kim slowly sits up, wiping her feverish cheeks with her fingertips, “What is it?” “Someone wants to see you.” Sally replies. Kim sits up, alert. Sally points about 5 beds down. Kim quickly jumps to her feet. It must be James! The moment she rushes to his bedside, she studies the face of the man laying before her eyes. The look on her face is riddled with disbelief and confusion. “Walter?” She whispers, “What happened?” Walter out-stretches his hand and whispers her name faintly. “Where are you hurt?” She asks, examining his arms. “Only my leg.” He replies. As she removes the gauze from his leg to take a look, she asks, “Did one of the nurses give you anything for the pain?” “Yes. I don’t feel a thing; the discomfort vanished about an hour ago.” He smiles, studying her face. “Good.” She smiles back, her tone friendly. The rest of the night, Kim sits next to Walter, comforting him and listening intently to the stories of his experience in traveling the world.
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coopsgirl
The Bees Knees
More than just the 'It girl'
Posts: 584
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Post by coopsgirl on Jan 28, 2008 14:04:58 GMT -5
WOW!! That was awesome!! If there was such a thing as past lives I would say you were a nurse in it. I'm working on my next part now.
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coopsgirl
The Bees Knees
More than just the 'It girl'
Posts: 584
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Post by coopsgirl on Jan 30, 2008 13:52:37 GMT -5
A few days passed and Angie and Phillip decided it was time to try and find civilization, and a hospital. “Have you got everything?” he asked as he fastened the straps on his small duffel bag that was sitting on the bed. “Yeah” Angie said as she walked into the little bedroom holding her suitcase. “Well let’s go then” he said smiling weakly, nervous about what lay in store for them. Phillip put his arm around her shoulder and they walked out to the barn where Simone had left one of her horses. “Are you sure you feel up to this?” she asked as he saddled up the horse. “I’ve been riding horses as long as I can remember Ang. If we go kinda slow it’ll be okay.” He took her suitcase along with his bag and strapped them to the saddle.
“You know I’ve always been kinda scared of horses and I think this is the biggest one I’ve ever seen. You’re gonna have to give me a boost” she said looking at the large Morgan horse. After he got Angie up on the saddle, he got on behind her and took the reins. With a gentle kick from Phillip, the horse picked up her big hooves and began slowly walking. Phillip could feel Angie tensing up as they headed down the dirt road toward the neighboring village. “Just relax honey. She’s not gonna go any faster than this” he said in a reassuring voice. “That’s easy for you to say. You love these things. I feel like I’m gonna fall off” she said gripping the saddlehorn with both hands. “Well, try holding onto her mane instead.” “Are you kidding me?! What if she doesn’t like it?” “She won’t care” he said laughing. Reluctantly Angie took the horse’s mane in both hands. “Is that better?” Phillip asked after a couple of minutes. “Yeah, a little.” “Good” he said resting his head on her shoulder. She turned and kissed his cheek and he smiled.
Before long they reached the village where everyone had earlier been evacuated to. The enemy did not come through this area and everything seemed as beautiful and peaceful as it did before the war. They decided to stop at a café to get a bite to eat and try to figure out what their next move should be. The waiter overheard Angie and Phillip’s conversation and though he did not want to butt in, he felt he should warn them. “Forgive me for intruding, but the trains are no longer running in that direction” he told them. “They’re not” Angie said surprised. “No madamoiselle. You can take a train to the South, but not the North and I’m not sure how much longer those stations will be operational.” “Do you have a map we could use?” Phillip asked him. The man brought back the map and Phillip thanked him as he looked it over.
“Okay, it looks like we can take a train to Giverny; there’s a base there” he said. “Does it have a..” “Yes it has a hospital” he said before she was able to finish her question. “Good” Angie said smiling. “Now how do we get to the train station?” “If I may” the waiter interjected again, “Gustav, my brother, could take you to the station.” “We don’t want to put you out” Phillip said. “It would be no trouble. You are a soldier no?” “Yes sir.” “Well then, it’s the least we can do to repay you.” “Thank you, we’d appreciate it very much” Angie said. “I’ll go tell my brother to hitch up the wagon” he said as he turned to go inside the café. “Oh wait!” Angie said. “We have to give Simone back her horse. I hate to put you out anymore but there’s a woman here named Simone Lecreux and we were stationed back on her farm. This is her horse and I want to make sure she gets her back.” “I think I know her, I believe she’s staying with the Renier family. I’ll see that she gets her horse” he said kindly. “Thank you” Angie said as she kissed him on the cheek. He smiled shyly and went inside the café.
After the journey to the station, Phillip and Angie had to wait a couple of hours before the next train could take them to Giverny. With so many rail lines shut down, the ones still open were often crowded and they were only able to book one compartment for the overnight trip. That night they both squeezed into the bunk that was barely big enough for one person let alone two. “Your elbow is poking me in the ribs!” Phillip said as he tried to shift around. “I’m sorry” Angie said giggling. “It’s not funny. You’ve got pointy elbows” he said picking on her. “Well if you don’t like it me and my pointy elbows can go somewhere else!” she said pretending to be mad. “You’re not going anywhere” he said sweetly as he put his arms around her with her head now resting on his chest.
“I’m gonna miss this when we get to Giverny” she said sighing. “Yeah, me too. When we get back home we’ll spend every night together.” Angie knew what he was alluding to but she wanted to make him say it. “Sure we will. We’ll go out together every night either to the movies or dancing or something fun like that.” “Well, that’s not really what I meant” he said. “Well what else could you mean? Surely you don’t think I would spend the night with you like this once we get back home. It’s purely innocent but you know how people would talk.” Phillip put his hand under her chin and lifted up her face so he could see her. “You know what I meant. I want you to marry me.” He barely got the words out before Angie kissed him. “I guess that’s a yes huh?” “Yes, yes, yes!!!” she said as she kissed him again.
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Post by *~Mrs. Cooper ~* on Feb 2, 2008 16:43:30 GMT -5
“What did you do then?” Kim asks, giggling. Walter takes another bite of his breakfast, “I ran far from the danger. I’m a dentist, not a bushman.” He laughs. Kim chuckles and takes a sip of water. “So how many countries have you been to?” “I’ve been all over.” He replies simply, filling his fork with another load of eggs. Kim smirks, “Oh, come on; how many? 2? Maybe even 3?” She teases. “Well, let me see now.” He re-positions himself then raises his fingers to begin counting. “I’ve been to Asia, Africa, Greenland…Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, Antarc—“ “Okay, I get it; you’ve been ‘all over.’” She rolls her eyes and laughs. --- During the night, as James lay quietly in his bunk, letting his mind run wild with thoughts about his future with Kim, one of his platoon-mates, who’s also unable to sleep, snaps him from his reverie, “Montana…” whispers the young G.I. “Yeah?” James replies in a low whisper. “Is she pretty?” He asks softly, as if he were reminiscing about the love he lost; admiring the luck that James has with such a faithful woman. “Is who pretty?” James asks, continuing to gaze up at the ceiling. “Ya’ know…the girl you have -- your girl.” “Oh.” James pauses. “Yeah, she’s pretty.” He replies simply, as not to have his friend focus too much attention on his girl. “My gal left me this week.” The man continues softly. “I just got her letter this morning…” It’s a situation that’s becoming more and more common for these young soldiers over-seas; none of them ever believes it’ll be them on the other side of the conversation: tearing up and crying over some unfaithful woman. But as the weeks wear on, more soldiers are realizing how none of them are any different…and how helpless they really are so far away from home. James keeps quiet, the only words of comfort he can think to utter are much too routine-like – they’d be like a slap in the face, but the silence seems worse, so he utters them anyways: “I’m sorry, Joe.” The man remains silent; he sniffs back a couple tears and clears his throat. “Don’t be.” He chuckles away the sadness, but the sincerity in his, now, ex-girlfriend’s voice continues to echo in his memory. “She promised she’d wait for me when I got back…” He begins to sob again. James looks over at the man, worried that this story will be one that’ll be told, someday soon, from his own lips. “What happened?” James asks reluctantly, yet curiously. “She said she found someone else.” He sniffs away the tears then continues, “someone who could comfort her…and who wasn’t so ‘unavailable.'” James lay uneasily still as a slight pain creeps into his chest and weighs him down like an anchor. “Just knowing there isn’t a single thing I can do about it; that guys probably got his meat-hooks on her right now and I--” He clenches his teeth and takes another deep sigh. “Guess she just wasn’t the girl for me.” The man replies calmly, yet the wounds still burn salty. “Maybe I’ll find a gal as great as yours, eh?” He chuckles weakly. James goes to chuckle back, but it gets stuck in his throat. The image of that man from the café slowly worms it’s way into his mind, pouring more gasoline into his already blazing imagination. --- Kim takes another bite of her food and looks around casually, yet the smile on her face quickly evaporates once her mind is brought back to reality. She lowers her gaze to her plate as Walter continues eating. “What’s wrong?” He asks, just now noticing her far away look. “Nothing.” She shakes her head weakly, quickly wiping a tear from her eye, pretending it’s only a piece of dust. He leans towards her, laying his hand upon her shoulder. “Are you positive?” Kim smiles faintly and raises her eyes to his face. “I miss him, Walter…” Another tear forms in the corner of her eye. “I’m here for you, Kim. Just don’t worry; I’m sure he’s safe.” “Don’t worry?” Kim asks in disbelief. “How can you say that?” “I didn’t mean to express it that way, Kim. I--” He takes a deep sigh. “I only meant for you to relax your stresses, you haven’t slept in over 24 hours and your mind isn’t thinking clearly. There isn’t a thing you can do about his safety now anyways. Go take a nap; and rest your body – it’ll do you good.” And he’s right, her mind and body is tired and she desperately needs to rest. “You’ll be just fine, won’t you?” She asks, checking his temperature and stats. He nods his head and smiles. “If you need anything, ring Mary or Sally; they’ll take good care of you.” Walter nods his head once more and gazes at her, absorbed by her beauty. Kim checks out for the day and heads back home for a long nap.
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coopsgirl
The Bees Knees
More than just the 'It girl'
Posts: 584
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Post by coopsgirl on Feb 4, 2008 11:48:32 GMT -5
The next morning the train pulled into the station at Giverny and Phillip and Angie got off and headed to the makeshift base. Once they checked in, they found the infirmary and Angie explained to the doctor what had happened to Phillip and what she had done to treat him. “You did right by making him rest and take it easy. I’ll have to run some tests to see exactly what’s wrong but I don’t think it’s anything that will cause long term problems” the doctor told them. “Thank goodness Doc” Phillip said with relief. “Now if you’ll just wait outside Miss, I’ll give him a good once over” the doc told Angie. She left the room and sat down in one of the chairs in the hall.
After about 15 minutes had gone by, two MP’s passed her and went into the exam room. Angie heard loud voices and then the MP’s came out holding Phillip in handcuffs. “What are you doing? Where are you taking him?” she shouted in an excited voice. They just ignored her as they continued on. “Phillip, what’s going on?” “Don’t worry sweetheart, it’ll be alright” was all he had a chance to say before they escorted him out of the building. Angie ran back into the doctor’s office to try and get some answers.
“What just happened?” “I’m not exactly sure. They said they had orders to arrest him and since he’s not a critical case I had no choice but to let them” the doctor said. “Well where did they take him?” “Come here I’ll show you.” They stepped outside and he pointed out a building to her and she quickly ran to it. “I’m looking for a soldier that was just brought in here” she said nearly out of breath to the man at the desk. “Just calm down lady” he said in an annoyed tone. “Don’t tell me to calm down. My fiancée was in with the doctor when a couple of brutes came in and practically drug him away.” Hearing the commotion another soldier came into the lobby and asked what the problem was. “She says her fiancée was just brought in here” the man told the other soldier. “Well what’s his name miss?” the second man said in a kinder tone. “It’s Captain Phillip Blythe” she said still trying to calm down. “Oh” the man said in a way that upset her even more.
“Will you please tell me what’s going on?” Angie said nearly in tears at this point. “Sit down” the man told her as he led her over to a chair and then also sat down beside her. “He’s been arrested for desertion.” “Desertion!!!” she shouted unable to believe it. “Yes miss, he’s been missing for several weeks.” ” What do you mean he’s been missing for weeks? It’s only been a little over a week” she said. “What’s only been a week?” he asked confused. “His squadron was leaving to head closer to the front lines and since he was in command he was the last to leave. Something went wrong with his plane and it crashed just after he took off. I was stationed there to help out Ms. Lecreux with the cooking and looking after the soldiers.” “Who’s Ms. Lecreux?” “She owned the farm where the men were stationed. He hurt his back in the crash and I’ve been taking care of him. I was trained as a nurse when I first came over. Oh it’s all my fault!” she said putting her face in her hands and crying. “I insisted he had to rest for a few days before we tried to find another base because I didn’t want him to mess up his back any more than it already was.”
“It’s not your fault and you don’t need to cover up for him” he said patting her on the back trying to comfort her. “I’m not covering for him!” she said angrily. “There’s no record of him being transferred to that farm. I’m sorry Miss but there’s nothing more I can do. I’ll need to get your name and the address where you are staying because we’ll need you at the court martial” he said now in a colder tone. “My name is Angie Moore. I don’t have a place to stay yet” she said wiping her eyes. “Well once you find a place, please let us know.” “Can I see him?” Her voice was so pitiful and she looked so sad that he decided to take pity on her and let her see Phillip.
“You can only stay a few minutes” he said as he took her to his cell. “Phillip!” she shouted as she got closer and saw him sitting on the little cot with his head in his hands. “Angie!” he said as he stood up and reached through the bars taking her hand. “No touching” the soldier said and reluctantly she let go of his hand. “Don’t worry Phillip. If they can get Simone to come here she can tell them you were at the farm and she saw your plane go down too. Maybe they could also find the waiter at that café. He knew we were trying to get back to the base” she said beginning to cry again. “Please don’t cry sweetheart. It’s just a big mix up. It’ll be alright” he said trying to be brave for her even though he was afraid himself. “You better go and find a place to stay and then get some rest”. “Okay” she said sniffling. “I love you”. “I love you too” he said as he watched her walk away.
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Post by *~Mrs. Cooper ~* on Feb 4, 2008 19:20:48 GMT -5
As Kim makes her way toward the apartment, she stands in shock at the ruins that appear before her eyes. Her first instinct is to run into the building to salvage her belongings, but the rubble is too high and her strength too weak. She notices a few of the other tenants, as well as friends, rummaging through the wreckage and asks them to set her possessions aside when they surface -- they agree. She begins to make her way back to the hospital but doesn’t want to run into Walter again, so to avoid the situation she decides to head on over to the café and write a letter to James. As she rounds the corner, she holds her breath, hoping that at least one building is this city is still standing; to her amazement it is. The glass is shattered, there are a few piles of swept debris sitting in front of the building, and a large chunk of bombed out concrete from its side leaning against the wall. Under the circumstances…it could be worse. She thinks to herself as she takes a sigh of relief and enters the café. Business is slower than usual and staff is few, she observes as she glances around the room. “Excuse me,” Kim clears her throat and leans forward to catch a waiter’s attention from behind the counter. The man raises his head, “Yes?” “I was wondering if you had a piece of paper and a pencil; I’d like to write to someone…” “Yes miss, just a moment.” The man bends down and rummages through a couple boxes on the shelves down below. A few seconds later he lays the pencil and pad of paper upon the counter. “How much do I owe you?” Kim opens her purse and begins counting her pennies. “No charge.” The man nods his head, then continues with his work of cleaning the countertops. Kim pauses then smiles, thanking the man for his kindness in such an unfortunate time. She finds herself an empty table to begin writing. “Kim!” Sally exclaims as she peeks her head into the café. Kim raises her head and waves her over. Sally quickly walks in and sits down at the table, looking anxious. “What’s wrong?” “It’s Mary…” Kim freezes for a moment; her mind goes back to yesterday’s bombing. “Did I see Mary at all yesterday?” She asks herself quietly, doing a quick scan of all the faces she saw; not one of them is Mary. “She…” Sally lowers her head, suppressing the tears. “She didn’t make it, Kim. Someone found her laying dead in her apartment; the building collapsed on top of her.” The tears well up in Kim’s eyes, “She was so young! She—“ Sally scoots next to Kim and gives her a comforting hug; both girls grieve quietly.
A few hours later, still in the cafe, Kim and Sally reminisce about the good ol’ days they used to have, before the war even started – when Sally, Mary, Kim and Angie all used to play next door in their small neighborhood as children. As time wears on, once the girls begin to head back to the hospital, it suddenly hits her. “Sal…” Sally turns around, “Yeah?” “I hate to ask you this, but I really don’t know what else to do.” “Go ahead and ask, honey; what do you need?” “I don’t have a place to stay anymore since the apartment –“ Without any hesitation, Sally nods her head in agreement and smiles, “Of course you can stay with me. You know, if it weren’t for Mary getting the last vacant room; I might be the one who…” Her smile turns to a frown as she pauses and cups her hand over her mouth. Kim puts her arm around Sally’s shoulder and the two walk to Sally’s apartment.
Later that night, as Sally lay in bed, sleeping; Kim sits up, unable to sleep and walks over to a small desk in the corner of the room. She pulls out a pencil and paper and begins writing to James. Inside the letter she includes the new address of where she can be located, along with an update of what’s been going on around the hospital; though she’s brief and her details are scarce about the horrors that went on yesterday and mentions Walter’s kindness in helping her cheer up after such a day. Once she’s finished, she folds up the letter and lays it aside. She climbs into bed and gazes at the ceiling, thinking of James and praying for his safety.
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coopsgirl
The Bees Knees
More than just the 'It girl'
Posts: 584
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Post by coopsgirl on Feb 7, 2008 9:25:03 GMT -5
After going back to the doctor’s office to get her suitcase, Angie headed off to the main part of town to find somewhere to stay. The first few places she tried were too expensive but finally she came to a small inn that had reasonable rates. “How long will you need the room mademoiselle?” the man at the desk asked in a chipper tone. “I’m don’t know. My fiancée is here but I’m not sure for how long.” “Well why don’t we just go day by day then.” “Okay” she said. He could see that she had been crying and still seemed quite upset. “Is everything alright?” he said. “I don’t have much money.” “Can you cook?” he asked. “What?” “I said can you cook?” “Yes, pretty good I guess” she said wondering why he was asking her such a strange question. “I could use some help in the kitchen and if you want the job then you could stay here as long as you needed.” “That would be great!” she said perking up a bit. Angie went up to her room and unpacked the few things she had then took a shower and lay down on the bed. She was so tired she quickly fell asleep. It wasn’t restful sleep however as she had a terrible dream that Phillip was found guilty and sent to prison. She woke up in a cold sweat and was thankful it was just a dream. The next morning she went back to the base to give them her address and to see Phillip but they would not let her see him this time. She went back to the inn and began to prepare for lunch. Her mind was miles away however as she went through the motions of cooking and serving the customers. “Wake up Captain” the soldier said as he unlocked the cell. Phillip stood up and stretched as the man unlocked his cell. “You’re free to go.” “I am!” he said excitedly. “Yes, sir. There was a mix up with the paperwork. We found your transfer orders to Ms. Lecreux’s farm and the doc also confirmed you did injure your back” he said as he led Phillip to the front desk where he could collect his belongings. “You’ve been given a few days leave while they find a new assignment for you.” “I’m going back to my squadron right?” “No. The doc says you’re grounded because of the back problem. Don’t worry though son” he said patting Phillip on the shoulder, “they’ll find something else useful for you. Here’s your girl’s address” he said handing Phillip a slip of paper. “Don’t waste the few days you have left with her, if you know what I mean” he said as he winked at Phillip. “No sir, I won’t” Phillip said as a smile formed on his lips. After dinner, Angie went to her room and was sitting by the window looking out at the town when someone knocked at her door. She opened it to see Phillip standing there with a big smile. “Phillip!” she shouted as she put her arms around him and hugged him tightly. “What are you…how did you…” she was so stunned to see him that she couldn’t finish her thought. [img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t163/coopsgirl_30/legendsbook0006new.jpg" src=" He walked in and closed the door behind him. “These are for you” he said handing her a bouquet of pink roses he had hidden behind his back. “They’re beautiful. Are you gonna tell me what’s going on?” she said unable to stop smiling, so happy to see him standing there before her. “They found my transfer orders and realized it was just a clerical error so they let me go. They gave me a few days furlough too while they find me another job.” “This room should do” he said looking around. “Do for what?” Angie asked. “Our honeymoon” he said taking her in his arms and kissing her tenderly. “I’ve got the rings and the license if you still want to get married.” “You mean right now?” she said happily. “Yep!” “Well then come on” Angie said taking his hand and practically running out of the room. They returned about 45 minutes later as man and wife. Phillip picked her up and carried her over the threshold into their room. “I’ve always wanted to do that” he said smiling as he gently set her back down on her feet. “Our families are sure gonna be surprised when we tell them the news” she said as she put her arms around his waist and snuggled up next to him. “I hope they’ll be happy about it” he said putting his arms around her as well. “I know they will be” Angie said looking up into his big blue eyes that had never seemed more beautiful than they did in that moment. Later that night, as they lay together in each other’s arms, Phillip and Angie felt like they had found a little piece of Heaven on Earth. “I love you so much Phillip” she said as a few tears rolled down her cheeks. He gently wiped them off and kissed her cheek where the tears had been. “I love you too, very much” he softly whispered. “The day you left, my heart just broke, and now I’m your wife. It seems too good to be real.” “I just wish we’d have had the nerve to tell each other soon how we felt. We would have had more time together” he said. “We’ll have plenty of time together now; years and years” she said trying to convince herself it was true. “When I get reassigned, I want you to promise me that you’ll go back home” Phillip said. Angie was quiet for a minute because she knew she wouldn’t leave without him. “Do you promise?” he asked again. “I don’t want to go back without you.” “I know but it’s just too dangerous for you to stay here” he said brushing her hair back from her forehead and kissing it. Angie thought for a minute and then came up with a solution. “What if I go to Switzerland instead?” Phillip thought about it for a bit and said “If I can’t convince you to go home, I guess that’s the next best thing.”
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Post by *~Mrs. Cooper ~* on Feb 9, 2008 0:06:42 GMT -5
As the weeks pass by, Kim and Walter become closer friends; sharing stories, laughs and personal heartache – both past and present. Though Walter’s intentions aren’t as platonic as Kim had first thought, she begins to doubt if she should even see him again. “So you really think he wants to be more than ‘just friends?’” Kim asks uneasily as she brushes her hair in bed, cringing at the thought of leading this poor man on, unintentionally. “I know he wants to me more than just friends.” Sally explains in certainty as she paints her toenails in the bed across from Kim. “I mean, look: he followed you to that café almost everyday and asked to have dinner with you. The afternoon James dropped by unexpectedly, Walter left – most importantly, he left jealous. He stares at you from across the room and NEVER brings James’ name up, even when it is brought up he just quickly changes the subject, like he’s ignoring the fact you even have a boyfriend. I think he just wants to get James out of the way so he can have full dibs on you for himself.” “How can you say that? Walter isn’t a terrible guy he’s just…” She pauses and takes a deep sigh, thinking hard. “He’s just lonely.” She nods her head. “Yeah, he’s just a very lonely man…” She continues brushing her hair. “Doesn’t mean a lonely man is completely innocent; lonely guys are never looking for a friendship based relationship with a pretty girl, Kim; you told me yourself that he’s looking for a wife to take back to the states once the war is over…” “Yes, but I never said it would be me, Sal.” “You better make sure it isn’t you; you’re unsingle-- and one of the luckiest unsingle women in this whole military base.” “‘Unsingle?’” Kim laughs. “If you choose this sap over James I’ll--” “I won’t choose Walter over James, Sal; now stop it!” Both girls remain quiet for a few moments; Kim takes a deep sigh. “I appreciate Walter’s company, but I don’t feel for him what I feel for James. I love James, and I’d never leave him…” Slowly, Kim looks over to Sally and smirks, “especially not for a guy like Walter.” A hint of sarcasm fills her voice and both girls giggle.
Over the next few days, Kim checks her mailbox daily – sometimes even 3 times a day -- but still she finds no letter from James. “Why isn’t he writing?” She asks nervously while closing the door and walking back into the house. “I’m sure he’s just busy; give it another week.” Sally replies. Kim walks into the kitchen and pulls out a pot of coffee. “I wouldn’t worry so much if he weren’t on the front lines; but I haven’t heard from him in over 4 weeks now; Sal, what if he’s…” “If you start thinking like that you’ll really be in big trouble.” Sally sits at the table, sipping her tea. “Don’t doubt, honey, once you start doubting it’ll make it that much harder.” “Harder?” “To keep from giving up. I haven’t heard from my Scottie in over a month and I’m not worrying.” Kim laughs, “I don’t know how you do it.” “I don’t worry, that’s how I do it; and it’ll work for you, too.” “All right, I won’t worry.” Kim laughs. Sally quickly takes a look at her watch and sets her cup down, “Come on, we’ll be late for work!” “I’ve got the day off.” “Oh, that’s right; I forgot you work for Mrs. ToughAsNails.” “Quit it, she’s not that bad.” Kim laughs. Sally grabs her nurse’s cap and slips on her shoes. “I’ll be back around 4, so we’ll still be able to catch that movie after dinner.” “All right, sounds good; see ya’ then!” “Oh! By the way, I have about 10 dollars on the top of the fridge there, can you pay Mrs. Johnson for the rent when you see her?” “Sure thing.” “Thanks!”
Later that afternoon, while playing piano, Kim closes her eyes softly and lets the music carry her into a soothing peacefulness. Her fingers dance across the keys almost effortlessly as the sun seeps in through the windows and rains down rays of sunlight, gently bathing the house with a heavenly tranquility. The more she plays, the clearer an image forms in her mind; almost as if the silhouettes of her and James were dancing weightless in the sky: the clouds under their feet and the stars showering them with golden streams of moonlight. A faint knock on the front door breaks Kim from her daydream; she removes her fingers from the keys and lays them in her lap. “It’s open.” She calls out. The door opens and in peeks Walter. “Oh, hello Walter.” Kim smiles kindly. Walter steps into the living room and removes his hat, “Hi Kim, I hope I’m not disturbing you…” “No, I was just plunking away at the piano.” She chuckles. “Would you like some coffee?” She asks, getting up from the bench. “No, actually, I was…” He hesitates, looking down at the ground in search for the courage to ask. “I was wondering…” “Yes?” He takes a deep sigh, “If you’d like to have lunch with me today.” Kim laughs, “Was that so hard to ask?” Walter shifts his position. “That’s not what I originally had in mind to request.” “What were you going to ask then?” “Would you mind if we sit? I—“ “No, not at all. Here…” Kim pulls up a chair and pats the headrest. “Sit down…” Walter sits across from Kim and cups her hands in his. “I’ve wanted to ask you this for a while now, but I could never find the correct phrasing.” Kim laughs, “Walter, just get to the point.” He chuckles nervously and pauses for a moment then reaches into his pocket, holding in his hand a small box. Kim’s eyes get wide; alarms begin to go off in her head and the echoes of Sally’s warnings ring in her ears. “I’d like for you to be my wife.” Kim stands up quickly. “Walter, I can’t. I’m--” “Why not?” He asks, almost in disbelief. “‘Why not’?! Walter, I’m in love with James; remember him? He’s my boyfriend.” “You haven’t seen him in months!” “But I still love him!!” Kim calms herself and places her hand on her cheek, “Walter, I’m sorry, but I think of you only as a friend – nothing more.” Walter averts his eyes to the ground in embarrassment; he nods his head and places the box back into his pocket. “Walter, I’m sorr—“ He stands up quickly and walks to the door, leaving without a goodbye. Kim sits back down on the couch and exhales a sigh of amazement. James, I need you here, beside me; please hurry…
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coopsgirl
The Bees Knees
More than just the 'It girl'
Posts: 584
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Post by coopsgirl on Feb 14, 2008 15:13:19 GMT -5
Two weeks had passed since she left France and Angie had found a room to rent in a boarding house in a small town near Lake Geneva. Clara, another young woman from the states also staying there, was in a similar situation as Angie. [img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t163/coopsgirl_30/s_1005-2.jpg" src=" Her husband was fighting in France and when he got a few days leave several months ago, she came to visit him. After that she decided to move to Switzerland so she would still be close to him. Clara worked in a bakery a few blocks from the boarding house and she helped Angie get a job there too. “Have you heard from George lately?” Angie asked as she and Clara worked to decorate a cake for a birthday party. “The one I got last week is still the latest one” she said with a small sigh. “I know it’s hard to get mail through though so I try not to worry when I don’t hear from him for a while.” “I’ve only got one so far but it’s only been a couple weeks so I guess that’s normal” Angie said putting the finishing touches on the cake. “Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll get plenty more. Sometimes they come in bunches too and then you have a lot to read at once” Clara said as her face lit up remembering when she got six letters one day after not hearing from her husband in almost two months. “Have you heard from your parents yet since you wrote to let them know all your news?” “I just got their letter this morning” Angie said. “They want me to come home but I just can’t.” “What did they say about your marriage?” Clara asked, not in a prying way, but as a friend. “They were happy about it. My mom said she wasn’t a bit surprised either. I told her before I left that I was in love with him and she said she had already known that for years and she was wondering if I was ever gonna realize it!” The girls both laughed as they boxed up the cake. Phillip missed flying but now that he had a wife he was glad his new position as a radio officer was less dangerous. He was near the front lines but their group always moved if the action got too close. They couldn’t risk the equipment being damaged as messages had to get through to the different troop divisions. He had a picture of him and Angie that was taken the day they were married and he took it out of his pocket to look at it while he took a break for lunch. “She’s pretty. Is that your wife?” another soldier asked him as he saw the picture. “Yeah.” “How long have you been married?” he inquired. “About three weeks.” “Did you meet her here?” he asked guessing she must be a French woman Phillip met while stationed here. “No, I’ve known her just about as long as I can remember. We’re from the same town back home.” Phillip said still looking at the picture. “So you’re a newbie huh?” “No I’ve been here quite a while. She came over here to be a nurse and that’s when we met up again and got married.” “She came all the way over here for ya huh? You better hang onto that one then, she sounds like a real peach.” “She is” Phillip said smiling as he finished his lunch and went back to work.
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Post by *~Mrs. Cooper ~* on Feb 15, 2008 22:13:00 GMT -5
Awwww! Kim makes her way into the laundry room and finds Sally folding clothes. “Telephone for you Sal.” Sally sets the t-shirt down and follows Kim to Mrs. Larson’s room. “Hello?” She speaks into the receiver. “Yes, this is Sally McCrea.” She pauses for a moment, listening. “What?” The sound in her voice is filled with alarm and disbelief; she looks to Kim with tears in her eyes. Kim walks up to Sally and comforts her by laying her hand upon her shoulder. “When—how? I mean, are you sure? He wasn’t just…. Yes, I understand. Thank you.” Sally lays the phone back on its cradle. “What happened?” Kim asks. “He’s gone.” “Who is? Scott?” Sally nods her head. “Oh Sal, I’m so sorry.” Kim gives Sally a hug, trying her best to console her. Sally wipes her tears and removes her nurse’s cap. “Would you mind covering the rest of my shift?” She asks, her voice quivering. “Of course not; go home and rest. I’ll check in on you at 8.” Sally leaves the hospital and slowly makes her way back to her house. Just as Sally walks out, Walter enters. He notices the sniffling coming from Sally as she passes and he turns to Kim, “Is she alright?” “No; her boyfriend Scott died. She received the news from his mother just now.” “Oh, I’m sorry. Why a call from his mother and not from a fellow soldier?” “Because Scott’s mother and Sally are very close; we were all neighbor kids back in the states. Scott probably never left a phone number because he never thought death would catch up to him.” “Poor Sally. Do you think she’ll be all right?” “I honestly don’t know; they were both crazy about each other.” Later that night, after Kim’s shift, she makes her way to the house and opens the door to find 2 suitcases laying near the door. “Sal?” Kim calls out, stepping over the luggage; no answer. She walks upstairs to find Sally laying on her bed, sobbing. “Mind if I come in?” Kim asks softly. Sally wipes her tears. “No, come on in.” “What’s with the luggage downstairs? You throwing me out?” Kim teases. Sally shakes her head, “No, I’m going back home.” “What?” Kim asks in disbelief. “Why?” “Because I joined this outfit so I could help Scott; now that he’s gone I...” Kim rubs her back and shushes her sobs. “I don’t want to be here anymore, Kim. I can’t stay; it hurts too much.” “I understand.” “You do? So you’re not mad?” “Of course not; I’d do the same thing.” She smiles kindly and stands herself up, “I’ll help you pack…” The next morning, after the girls say their goodbyes, Kim sits on the porch of the renting house and watches the taxi take off with her dearest friend. She sits on the steps quietly, putting off the conversation she’ll have to discuss with Mrs. Johnson about paying rent. Maybe I should have told Sally about the money; …that I have none. She thinks for a second then shakes her head, No, she has enough to worry about; I’m glad I didn’t.The confrontation comes all too soon for Kim the moment she hears: “Hello Miss Auzins.” sound curtly from Mrs. Johnson’s pursed lips as she passes her by on the steps. “Hello Mrs. Johnson…” “Am I correct to assume that you will be paying full rent from now on; now that your friend has left?” “No ma’am, that’s what I need to talk with you about…. I don’t have the money to pay for the full bill. Could I pay in increments?” “Certainly not.” Mrs. Johnson replies. “If you don’t have the money, then you are evicted from these premises at once. I want your things out of this house by the time I return.” With that said, Mrs. Johnson leaves abruptly. Kim walks up the stairs and begins to pack her bags; though she doesn’t have much, she’s finished in about an hour. After packing, she carries her small suitcase over to the café and sits down for a hot meal. Out of the corner of his eye, Walter spots Kim and notices her melancholy appearance. He fights the urge to impose upon her, but she looks as though she needs a friend. “Hello Kim.” Walter says sweetly. This time, Kim doesn’t look up, she only stares at her coffee cup. “Mind if I sit?” He asks. Kim shakes her head faintly; he sits. “She left for good, didn’t she?” “For the first time in my life, I’m really going to be alone.” She says softly, in a daze. “No, you’re not. I’ve thought it over and I want you to take the spare room in my house.” “Oh Walter, I couldn’t do that.” “I insist. There’s plenty of room; besides I spend a lot of nights at the office when I work late.” Kim hesitates, unsure of what to tell him. What would James think? He got furious when I told him how grabby the soldiers got in the hospital; if he knew I was living with Walter he’d for sure leave me!“Kim, you have no place else to go. Please, let me try to be a friend to you.” “People would talk…” “It isn’t any business of theirs anyway. You need a place to stay; and I’d like to help. What do you say?” Kim tries to make up an excuse – any excuse – to wiggle her way out of this situation, but he’s right; she really doesn’t have any place else to go. “All right,” she agrees. “but just until James returns.”
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coopsgirl
The Bees Knees
More than just the 'It girl'
Posts: 584
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Post by coopsgirl on Feb 22, 2008 15:46:21 GMT -5
Another week passed and Angie got her second letter from Phillip. She sat down on her bed and read it over and over again.
Hi Sweetheart,
You probably noticed my address has changed since the last letter I sent. We’re moving around a lot and I may not be able to get your letters. I’ll keep writing to you though so just stay put – ha!. I hope you’re doing alright. I pray for you every night and I know you’re doing the same for me. I miss you so much and I keep our wedding picture in my pocket so I can look at you whenever I want. Those few days we had together before I was sent back out were the happiest of my life. When I go to sleep I imagine that I’m holding you close and I can almost feel your soft skin and smell your perfume. I’m sorry I’ve got to cut this letter short but we’re getting ready to move again. I’ll write to you again as soon as I get a chance. I love you very much!!
Phillip
Angie’s eyes began to tear up as she read his words but she was determined not to cry again and she wiped them dry and folded up the letter and put it back in the envelope. She heard a knock at the door and told them to come in. “Hi Clara”. “Are we still on for dinner and a movie?” Clara asked. “Oh, I forgot” Angie said. Clara saw the envelope in her hand and sat down on the bed next to her. “Is that from Phillip?” Angie nodded yes. “It’s not bad news is it?” “No, he’s fine. I don’t think he got my letter though. He said they’re moving around a lot and he might not get them.” “Gee, that stinks” Clara said. “Do you still feel like going out?” “I don’t know” Angie said looking down at the letter. “Come on, it’ll take both our minds off our troubles” Clara said as she got up. “Besides, I know you love Gary Cooper and one of his movies is showing.” “Well, you’re right about that” Angie said giggling a little. “Come on, let’s go” she said as she got up from the bed and grabbed her sweater from the closet.
“You know” Clara said as they walked down the street to the café, “your husband favors Coop a little.” “You think so? I hadn’t really noticed. I think Phillip’s cuter though” she said smiling proudly. “He’s not as cute as my Georgie” Clara said and they both laughed as they continued down the street. Angie was happy to have a friend like Clara who was going through the same thing she was. She wondered how Kim was doing and hoped that everything was alright with her too.
As they sat in the darkened theater, Angie’s mind kept drifting off to thoughts of Phillip. She relived every moment they spent together on Simone’s farm and also the days they had together after they were married. For a minute she even thought she could feel his strong arms around her but then the movie ended and the lights came on bringing her back to reality. “That was a good one” Clara said as they walked back to the boarding house. “Oh, yeah it was.” Angie mumbled still somewhat off in her own world. “You weren’t paying attention either huh?” Clara said smiling. “Not really” Angie confessed. “I was daydreaming about George” Clara said looking up at the stars as they walked along. “That’s funny, I was thinking about George too” Angie said joking with her. They got back to the boarding house and went to their rooms to get some sleep. Angie went to bed and put Phillip’s latest letter under her pillow hoping maybe she would at least see him in her dreams.
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Post by *~Mrs. Cooper ~* on Feb 28, 2008 20:55:57 GMT -5
LOL, I knew you were going to do something like that one of these days!
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coopsgirl
The Bees Knees
More than just the 'It girl'
Posts: 584
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Post by coopsgirl on Feb 28, 2008 21:26:55 GMT -5
I couldn't resist!! One of us always manages to work him into the stories somehow.
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Post by *~Mrs. Cooper ~* on Feb 28, 2008 22:48:32 GMT -5
A few weeks later, as Kim gets settled into her new place of home, things don’t seem as bad as she had first expected; but then again she hasn’t seen much of Walter since he’s been working late at the office the past couple weeks. Kim sits on the couch in the living room, reading her new book as the front door swings open and the jingle from Walter’s keys clang in his hand as he unlocks the door. “Good evening,” He says as he enters the house; though Kim doesn't respond. He removes his shoes at the door and hangs his hat on the sturdy oak stair-railing. “Smells wonderful” he says chipperly. "Dinner's on the table." Kim says with her eyes glued to the pages, her mind still in the book. Walter chuckles and steps into the kitchen to eat. After dinner, while Kim continues to read, Walter sets his plate down into the sink and stands in front of the living room doorframe, across from Kim. He smiles faintly, watching he nervous fingers twirl strands of hair. “Good book?” He asks. Kim raises her head and pauses, “oh, yes,” she smiles, “it’s very good.” She continues reading, her brow knit together in anxious anticipation. “Can I ask you something?” Kim raises her head again and sighs, somewhat perturbed. “Sure.” “A few of my friends from work are celebrating a birthday party and they wondered if you’d like to come.” She hesitates for a moment, “I better not, Walter; it would look--“ “It would look like you’re finally having fun for a change!” He laughs. “Come on, you’ll have a wonderful time. Besides, it’ll give you a chance to wear that fancy dress of yours.” “It'll be that formal?" She asks. "Betty, the woman we're throwing the party for, said she wanted everyone to dress formally. It's more of a sentiment for her than it is a costume party..." "Oh. Well, I haven’t worn that dress since…” Her voice trails off, remembering the last time she wore it: dancing with James, the first night they met. “Since…” “I know…” Walter says, his voice sympathetic and soft. “He’d want you to have fun though, Kim.” Kim smiles faintly and raises her eyes to his. “All right, I’ll go.” The next morning, as Kim and Walter get ready to head out the door, a young soldier makes his way up the long sidewalk. “Come on Kim, we’ll be late!” Walter laughs, checking his tie in the mirror next to the front door. “I’m coming!” She yells downstairs, over the banister as she clips on her earrings. Her high-heels clank against the wood on the staircase as she makes her way downstairs. Walter opens the door and begins toward the car when the soldier meets him halfway. Kim closes the door behind her, locking it up, then turns around, lifting her gaze to the man in front of Walter; her heart skips a beat. Kim slowly begins to make her way toward the two men when the soldier’s eyes shift from Walter's face to meet Kim’s. The man excuses himself and walks toward Kim. “Are you Miss Auzins -- Miss Kim Auzins?” “Yes.” Kim replies at a standstill, her voice shallow. “I’m Lt. Frank Myers. I’m afraid I have some very bad news, ma’am. …It’s about Lt. James Braydon.” Kim’s eyes widen and her knees grow weak; the news about James’ death hits Kim like a brick wall; she faints. Once Kim wakes, she slowly opens her eyes to find Walter sitting beside her and a cool rag over her forehead. The moment she remembers the news about James, she quickly sits up, her eyes even wider now with a desperation in her voice. “Is it true?” Walter gently takes her hand and pats is softly. ”I’m afraid so. The Lt. gave me the details, but you don’t need to hear them.” She looks into Walter’s eyes, tears streaming down her cheeks. She bites the side of her lip to stop from crying, “Yes…I do.” She says adamantly. Walter takes a deep sigh and hesitates, wondering if he should even tell her. “James was in a field hospital near the front.” He begins slowly. “They exchanged a lot of fire power, the hospital took a direct hit. I’m sorry, Kim; but no one made it out.” Kim’s body begins to shake, the look of horror masks over her face like a sheet as she covers her mouth and wraps her right arm around her waist. She tries to regain her composure, wiping her red eyes with her sleeve. “Did, uhh…” Her voice quivers, “did the Lt. leave any letters?" her voice crumbles in tears. "Any..." the tears begin to stream once more. “anything?” She asks in a faint whisper, shrugging. “This was among the few possessions he had...” Walter hands Kim a small box. She takes it into her hands and blinks through the tears to make out its content. The second she opens it up a whole fleet of emotions rush into her senses, piercing her heart. She smiles weakly and gazes at it for a few moments, the tears are so hot they feel as if they’re burning her cheeks. As she begins removing the ring from its case, she stops immediately and begins to sob uncontrollably again. She closes the case and runs up to her room, closing the door behind her and collapsing onto the bed.
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coopsgirl
The Bees Knees
More than just the 'It girl'
Posts: 584
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Post by coopsgirl on Feb 29, 2008 15:41:48 GMT -5
Aw, that's so sad . At the bakery, Clara was working on a wedding cake while Angie was baking muffins. The cake reminded Clara of the one at her wedding. It had four tiers with pink and yellow flowers around the borders. Her face lit up as she told Angie all about it. There were 150 guests and 6 bridesmaids and groomsman. Angie joked with her telling Clara she didn’t even know that many people. “Well, I didn’t know most of them either. I didn’t even know all my own bridesmaids. Four of them were my friends and the other two were George’s cousins, but they were from out of state and I only met them a few days before the ceremony. He has a really big family and since his dad is a state senator, we had a lot of people.” “It sounds beautiful” Angie said. “There were only four people at my wedding. Me, Phillip, the minister and a witness. We didn’t even have a cake” She said trying to laugh but it got stuck in her throat. Clara walked over to Angie and put her hand on her shoulder saying “It doesn’t matter how many people are there or if you have any of that extra stuff, as long as you’ve got the right man.” “I know. Still, I’d always dreamed of having a nice wedding with a beautiful dress and lots of flowers everywhere.” “Well when you and Phillip get back home you can have that wedding” Clara said smiling as she went back to work on the cake. “Maybe we will” she said perking up. When Angie got home she checked the mail and found two letters in her box. One was from Phillip and she rushed upstairs to read it. Dear Angie,
I won’t be able to put my address on any more of my letters honey. They don’t want anyone to be able to trace us. It’s driving me crazy not to be able to hear from you. We’re making progress every day though and people are saying the war may only last a few more months. I sure hope that’s true.
I had a dream about you last night. The war was over and I came to Switzerland to surprise you. You were living in a big fancy house. It had a huge rose garden in the backyard and that’s where I found you. You were sitting in a gazebo reading a book. You had a really pretty dress on too. It was pink and had lots of frilly stuff on it. You looked very beautiful. When you saw me, you dropped the book and ran to me. I picked you up and kissed you and you started to cry because you were so happy to see me.
I know I say this in every letter, but I miss you so much. While we’re apart don’t forget how much I love you, how much I’ve always loved you. I better go so I can get this off in the mail. I’ll write again soon sweetheart. I love you.
PhillipAngie read his letter three times before folding it up and putting it back in the envelope. She saw the other letter that she had already forgotten about it and she picked it up to read who it was from, ‘Lake Geneva Medical Center’. Her heart began to beat faster as she opened it. Mrs. Blythe, Your test results have come back and they confirm that you are pregnant. If you would like to schedule prenatal care appointments please call or come by the facilities at your convenience.
Cordially, Alessia Willem Head Nurse – Maternity Lake Geneva Medical CenterAngie was overjoyed knowing she and Phillip would be having a child together. She picked up his picture and began talking to it. [img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t163/coopsgirl_30/shopwornangel2-1.jpg" src=" “Well it looks like our family is gonna get a little bigger in a few months darling. I wish I there was some way I could let you know.” Angie lay down on her bed and began to daydream about what life would be like once the baby was born. Her happiness was tempered a bit though when the realization hit that she may end up having this baby all alone. ‘What if Phillip isn’t here? My parents can’t afford to come here either?’ she thought to herself. “It’s too early to worry about that yet” Angie mumbled to herself as she closed her eyes and went to sleep.
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Post by *~Mrs. Cooper ~* on Mar 5, 2008 23:09:12 GMT -5
The tears stream down Kim’s face as she lays on the bed, her back facing the door and her eyes gazing out the window. All her hopes and dreams seem to be circling the drain; the future doesn’t appear to be as bright as it once looked. A black cloud hangs overhead, constantly reminding her that she’s alone, with only a handful of shattered remnants left of her broken heart. There’s a faint knock at the door, but Kim doesn’t budge; can she even hear it through all the echoes of her buzzing thoughts? It sounds again, this time a voice follows: “Kim, can I come in?” She only keeps her eyes fixed outside the window, watching the sun go down behind the trees, but she’s hardly aware of the hours she’s spent lying there, numb and dazed. The door handle jiggles and in steps Walter; he turns on the light and sits next to her on the bed. “Kim, it’s been a week now; you’ve got to eat something.” She closes her eyes and pulls the covers higher above her shoulders, replying in a dull tone; “I’m not hungry.” Walter continues to urge her toward a hot meal, maybe even just a piece of bread, but she doesn’t respond. “Well, if you decide you are hungry, there’ll be a plate downstairs on the table for you. Goodnight, Kim.” Walter turns the lights off and closes the door behind him. Once she hears the creaking stair-steps, she rolls over onto her back and gazes at the ceiling; her heart aches to cry, relieving some of the pain, but she simply has no more tears left.
The next day, Kim makes her way downstairs, about 10 minutes after Walter exits the house for work. The cold tiles on the kitchen floor awaken her senses a bit more as she opens the refrigerator door and pulls out a pitcher of water. The morning is bright and cheery with a soft glow from the sun beaming gaily in through the windows, filling it with a warm hue. She sits down at the table and across from her is today's newspaper. Her fingers glide across the paper then she flicks at the edges, her face showing disinterest and unconcern for the rest of the world’s grief. She stretches out her right hand across the table and gently lays her head upon it, taking a deep sigh. How long can you go on like this? She asks herself. He’s dead; you’re not. The words pierce her heart, and she slightly cringes at it’s painful truth – a hard fact with no way around it’s jagged edges. I can’t run away – I can’t run back home and leave this war. I started without him and I’ll just have to… She couldn’t utter the words; not now, it’s still too soon. She raises her head and stares ahead at the clock on the wall: 7:24. She still had 6 minutes to get to work…was she ready? She slowly gets up from the table, pushing herself to continue on with her life; a life that’s now emptier and meaningless, but a life just the same.
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