Chapter 14

Chapter Fourteen

November 1941

Paul’s flight to the training center in Hawaii took off at nine o’clock Saturday morning. Even though we had said our goodbyes the night before, it crushed me that I wasn’t there to see him off. Paul had promised to write as often as he could, and I promised to do the same.

Each day I rushed home to check the mail, anxious to hear from Paul and to hear how his training was going.

The first letter arrived the following Saturday.

My Beautiful Ruby,

After a long flight, we arrived in Hawaii safe and sound.

The view of the Pacific Ocean from the plane was incredible

and I can’t wait for you to see it. Once I’m officially a pilot I want

to share it with you. I guess we can add that to the long list of things

I want to share with you.

Our training begins bright and early Sunday morning. I guess the Navy

doesn’t abide by Sunday being a day of rest. I know that made you

laugh and I wish I were there to hear it.

I miss you already and will be counting the days until I see you again.

All my love,

Paul

I read the letter twice more before tucking it away in my dresser drawer. Pulling out the letter I started the day Paul left, I add to telling him that I too, would be counting the days until he returned.

The next morning, I can hardly wait to tell Millie that I had received a letter from Paul. Being the amazing friend that she is, she allows me to go on about it the entire ride to work. When the bus comes to a stop, Millie and I part to head off to work, but made plans before to meet afterwards for dinner.

Arriving at work and settling in behind my desk, cheerfully greeting Mr. Palmer when he arrived.

“Good morning Mr. Palmer.”

“Good morning Miss Thorpe. I’m guessing by that smile on your face you’ve heard from Paul.”

“I have and I have a letter ready for the postman when he comes in today,” I reply holding up the addressed envelope.

Mr. Palmer laughs, “I had no doubt you would,” he teased as he went into his office.

Working at the bank had become my salvation. I had made a few more friends, none that would ever replace Millie of course. We had known each other far too long for that to happen. And though Paul was never far from my thoughts, work helped occupy my time and kept me from dwelling on the fact that he wasn’t here.

* * *

Over the nextcouple of weeks, the letters continued and on the third week, I received two letters because he couldn’t wait to tell me about his first time piloting with an instructor. His excitement poured off the page as he described the feeling of being above the clouds. To think that he wanted to share that with me warmed my heart.

As the weeks went by, my excitement built at the realization, that Paul would be coming home soon. I missed him terribly, and even though Millie and Don included me on some of their outings, I knew that they needed time alone as well. There would be plenty of time for us to go out together once Paul returned.

When the next letter arrived, I feel giddy all over again. Taking the letter to my room, I settle on my bed, open the envelope and remove the letter, ready to hear the latest on Paul’s flight training.

My Beautiful Ruby,

I can’t believe I’m halfway through my training. Last week

the instructor took us up to get us used to being at the controls. This week,

we went back up only I was in control giving the instructor readings and

determining when and where to land. My first landing was a little rough, but

by the end of the week, I was landing like a veteran pilot. Even the instructor

commented on how much I improved over the week.

The last two weeks of our training, we’ll be teamed up with a rear pilot and

graded on how well we work together. And before you ask, you’ll be right there

with me, pinned to the panel reminding me why I’m doing this.

I did get a chance to explore the island a bit, and it is a beautiful place to see.

One I hope I get to share with you. Everywhere I looked, I saw something that

reminded me of you. I couldn’t help but think about our last night together, the

song we danced to and how I held you in my arms.

I probably shouldn’t mention this, but we’ve been working extra hours in hopes

of being home in time for Christmas. If not, then you can bet I’ll be there to kiss

you at midnight while we ring in the New Year.

I love you Ruby and miss you more than I ever imagined. In only four short

weeks, I’ll be coming home to you. I can’t wait to hold you in my arms once again.

All my love now and always,

Paul

Unable to contain my excitement at the thought of Paul being home in time for Christmas, I take off across the street to tell Millie. Running up the sidewalk, I knock on the door and wait for someone to answer. When the door opens, Mrs. Bishop greets me.

“Hello Ruby,” she says with a smile.

“Hi Mrs. Bishop, may I speak to Millie for a minute?”

“Of course,” she says opening the door wider. “Come on in, she’s in the kitchen helping me with dinner.”

“Thank you,” I say as I step inside and follow Mrs. Bishop to the kitchen.

“Mille dear,” she says, “Ruby is here to see you.”

Looking up from the potato she is peeling, Millie smiles, but I can see the confusion in her eyes as to why I’m there, until she sees the letter in my hand.

“Hi Ruby, everything okay?”

“Yes, everything’s fine. I just needed to talk to you for a minute.”

“Sure,” Millie says. “I’ll be right back Mom.”

“You girls take your time. Ruby would you like to stay for dinner?”

“Oh, thank you Mrs. Bishop, but I think Mom already has something started.”

Following Millie to her room, she closes the door behind me and asks, “Is that a letter from Paul?”

“Yes,” I practically sing in delight. “Millie, he said he might be home in time for Christmas!”

“What? Ruby that’s wonderful!”

“I know! He said they’ve been working extra hours a day so they can finish early before the holiday. There’s still a chance he won’t be here for Christmas, but he’ll definitely be here for New Year’s Eve.

“Oh Ruby, I’m so happy for you. I know you’ve missed him terribly.”

“I have, but once he’s back we won’t have to keep things secret. We’re going to tell my parents and start planning our future. And I’ll officially be a Flyboy’s girl.”