North Africa
Spring 1940
Chapter One
Dear Sherry
May 8, 1940
Dear Sherry,
I arrived safely somewhere in North Africa. Our trip over was very quiet and uneventful. Although, one of the other companies had a lot of excitement in the form of torpedoes!
From what I have seen of these North African cities I am left with the feeling of appreciation that I come from the good old U.S.A.
I am writing this letter from our new base which is located on top of a hill overlooking a large vineyard grove. It's lovely, but pales in comparison to my memory of you and the shorelines of the Cape Cod Bay.
Your letter arrived yesterday and I was overjoyed at receiving it. I always am. I was so thrilled when you agreed to write me back in Falmouth. Please don’t think I’ve got a string of girlfriends because I’m a pilot. I did go out quite a lot at home but that was almost a year ago. I’ve not the slightest idea what you think of me and I know perfectly well I’m no prize package. If you only knew how much I’d like to tell people you’re my girlfriend.
Well Sherry, I will close hoping I receive another letter from you soon.
Love,
Dannie
I lay wide awake in my cot surrounded by snoring men. I should be snoring too but as usual my thoughts drift to Sherry. Never before had a girl affected me so profoundly. What’s worse is that my best friend was drawn to her first. I saw Josh walking with her on the beach. They were strolling, arm in arm, talking and laughing. While Josh never proclaimed her as forbidden territory it was obvious he was intent on making her his own.
I tried to steer clear of her, I swear, but it was impossible. Seeing her at the diner, day in and day out in that cute little pink uniform with her luxurious black hair twisted and coiled at the nape of her neck nearly drove me mad. I just kept imagining her long, dark mane unfurling around her shoulders while she stood bare legged in one of my tattered old tee shirts. God help me!
I was a lost cause, so when I saw her for the last time that morning in the diner I’d asked her to write me to keep me company overseas. She agreed happily and we’d shared a few letters in the past months. I’d never mentioned it to Josh and I constantly wonder if she is writing him as well. The idea of the possibility makes me nauseous and very jealous, jealous of my best friend! Damn it! This is so wrong, but I can’t help myself.
I finally managed the nerve to ask Sherry to be my girl, to make things official between us. Waiting for her reply has been hell! If she says yes, how will her choice affect Josh and my long cherished friendship with him? If she says no, will it mean she is in love with him and not me? Will I still be able to love Josh if she chooses him?
I both long for and dread the arrival of her next letter.
Chapter Two
Reunion
I could barely contain my excitement at seeing Joshua again today at school. His dad had held him on a short leash over the summer break. While I’d texted and spoke to him nearly every day I’d only actually seen and spent time with him on a number of occasions.
The last month before school began he’d spent with his grandparents in Florida. He hadn’t seen his mom’s folks since the Christmas holiday and they begged for him to spend part of the summer with them. Naturally, Joshua’s dad was thrilled with the idea since it meant placing more distance between us. You see, Joshua’s father, who is employed and presently brain washed by Gracie Henderson’s father, is convinced that my family is involved in some type of evil cult worship or equally bizarre and unappealing practice. Needless to say, he’s a bit uncomfortable with the idea of Joshua and me dating. He’s so paranoid he even made Joshua quit his job at Papa’s ranch. We can’t seem to catch a break.
My stomach tightened and my pulse raced at the sound of Joshua’s Jeep pulling into my driveway.
“I gotta’ run! I’ll see you after school!” I yelled to whoever might be listening before I shoved my strawberry pop tart between my lips and darted out the front door.
“I sure have missed you.” Joshua beamed encircling me into a deep bear hug.
He’d been waiting outside the door to his Jeep like usual so he could help me climb into the massive vehicle.
“Me too…” I smiled stretching onto my toes to give him a quick peck on the lips.
“Whoa, get back here! That wasn’t the type of kiss a guy gets from his girlfriend after a month of missing her in misery. You better give me some real sugar, baby.” he teased.
In an instant his lips were on mine. At first the connection was soft and tender but eventually his lips parted and his warm slippery tongue begged for entrance into my mouth. I obliged happily. I savored the taste of his delicious tongue snaking along my teeth. He moaned contently as he licked my lower lip. My tongue traced along the edge of his mouth until his lips parted wider. I darted my tongue inside his mouth and he responded immediately by sucking hard on my soft flesh. Soon we were panting and frenzied. Finally, we forced ourselves to break our embrace.
“That’s more like it…” he breathed in a daze.
I giggled, pleased with his satisfaction.
“Remind me to pick up where we left off later but right now we better get to school.” I reminded him as I lightly kissed the edge of his jaw line.
“You’re killing me, Laney,” he half smiled at me mischievously, “…but you’re right.” he agreed reluctantly.
He opened the door to his Jeep and assisted me as I hoisted myself into the passenger seat.
“So, the Hendersons still have your dad convinced that Laney is a bad influence?” Carly inquired innocently.
“Carly…” I warned.
“No, she’s right.” Joshua sighed. “My dad’s still freaked out about the fact that Laney and I tried to run away together last winter. Granted, Mr. Henderson doesn’t help matters much but at the end of the day he’s mostly just afraid of losing me.” he explained glumly.
Mike Bangs had just lost his wife, Rachel to cancer a little over a year ago. Of course the thought of losing Joshua too would be unbearable.
“But Laney isn’t trying to come between you and your dad.” Carly persisted.
Joshua shrugged at her words unable to respond. It was clear he agreed with Carly but had failed to convince his father of the truth her statement offered.
“Let’s talk about something else.” I suggested.
“At least he’s compromising.” Carly continued as if I’d said nothing at all.
I rolled my eyes as Joshua glanced at me in sympathy.
“Well, I’m off to the library. I’ve got to find something interesting to pass the time in History today. It’s going to be so boring!” Carly complained.
And she was gone.
“She’s right, you know. Dad’s being ridiculous. I’m just glad you put up with him. Any other girl would have bailed by now but you’re still here.” he grabbed my hand and kissed my knuckles.
“I don’t have a choice. I love you.” I explained.
“Thank God.” he smiled impishly. “You wanna’ come over and work on our homework this afternoon?”
“I suppose I could pencil you in.” I teased.
“Please do. I’ve been looking forward to finishing what we started this morning all day long.” he winked.
My stomach tightened at the memory. God, I love him!
Homework after school at his house was his dad’s only concession where I’m concerned. No ranch, no visits to my house and no dates. Of course, that won’t stop us from getting creative. Joshua realized he could tell his dad he had plans with Scott while conveniently leaving out the detail that it was a double date including me. And, if all else failed we could still travel together in the spirit world but that would be a last resort.
