Just hear those sleigh bells jingling
Ring ting tingling too.
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you.
Sunday, December 23, 1945
Kenny Campbell sucked the last of the chocolate malt through his straw, making a loud slurping noise.
“Gee Kenny! Could you be any cruder?” Wendell Molinson admonished his friend.
“Sorry. After going without these kinds of treats for so long, I don’t want to waste a single drop.” Kenny took the straw from his glass and licked the foam clinging to it.
“You wouldn’t expect him to act civilized, would you, Wen? They don’t teach manners in the Army.” Andy Belden stepped up to the booth in Gower’s Drug Store in his hometown of Sleepyside-on-Hudson, New York, and set down his duffle bag. “You are crude, Kenny.”
“Andy!” Wen jumped up and offered his hand to his friend. “When did you get home?”
Andy grabbed the beefy hand and shook it. “Just got off the train. I thought I’d come by here to see if someone was around to give me a ride. It’s a little cold for hitching—even out to the farm.” Andy was referring to his family home, Crabapple Farm, which was a few miles outside of town.
“Are you home for good?” Kenny offered his hand. “I’ve been back for two weeks.”
“You went in a full year before me, Ken.” Andy sat down beside him in the booth. “I’ve been in less than two years. And I’ve only had a few short cruises whale watching in the Atlantic. Never even got a blip from a German ship.” Andy had gone directly into the Navy after graduating from high school eighteen months earlier and was serving on a submarine stationed in New London, Connecticut. He had received leave for Christmas, and wasn’t sure how much longer he’d be serving full-time. Thousands, if not millions, of servicemen had been discharged since Japan’s surrender in August, but he assumed that since he’d joined up late, he’d be one of the last to return home.
“I’m home ‘til Thursday and then it’s back to New London for me.”
Andy grabbed a couple of French fries from Wen’s plate and stuffed them in his mouth. “So,” he mumbled as he chewed. “Can one of you give me a lift? I’m sure my mother has something much better than these cooking for dinner.”
“I’ve got my dad’s car,” Wen offered. “But let me finish this first.” He pointed to the half- eaten hamburger and fries on his plate.
“Sure. I’ll just head over and flirt a little with Caroline Wilson.” Andy motioned over to the cosmetics counter where the voluptuous brunette was working. She was a few years younger and he’d never paid her much attention in high school, but she’d developed into the prettiest girl in town. “How old is she now? Definitely not jail bait any longer. And she certainly has filled out...Vavavavoom!” He cupped his hands in front of his chest and winked as he started to stand up.
Kenny quickly pulled him back down onto the Naugahyde bench. “I know that half the girls in Sleepyside have fallen victim to your charms, Belden, but Caroline Wilson is off-limits.”
“Something going on between the two of you?”
“Not me. Ed Lynch. He’s totally stuck on her. Wants to marry her when she graduates in June. I don’t think he’d take too kindly to his best friend putting moves on his girl.”
“Speaking of Eddie, where is he? If he’s so possessive about Caroline, why isn’t he here standing guard?”
“His grandparents had some shindig this morning. A brunch or something.”
“And he didn’t take Caroline?”
“Apparently they don’t...they have a problem with her...”
“Why? Because she’s an orphan? Because she lives at the Catholic Home? She has no control over the fact her parents died. She’s...” Andy looked over at the gorgeous young woman.
“She’s a nice girl and works hard,” Wen agreed. “And Eddie certainly appreciates that. I think his parents like her, too. Except they want him to stay in college and he’s more interested in getting married. It’s his grandmother...”
“Yeah, I’ve met the prim and proper Grandmother Mitchell. I get it. So what’s happening in the big metropolis of Sleepyside?”
“Some of us guys are planning to get together tonight,” Wen offered.
“If you’re looking for some action while you’re home, we might go down to...I know a place on Hawthorne Street,” Kenny offered.
“I don’t know. I’m not that desperate for feminine...ah...company, but I might enjoy a night out with the old gang.” Andy was interrupted by a commotion at the front of the store.
The boys looked over to see Susie Stahl and Mary Beth Delanoy walking in. “It’s Mary Beth, Andy. She was always keen on you,” Kenny whispered to his friend. “She’s really grown into a looker.” He waved at the girls to get their attention.
“Sit here, Mary Beth.” Andy scooted over so that she could sit next to him in the booth. He winked at Wen and Kenny when she accepted his offer.
“It’s so good to see you, Andy. I’ve prayed for you every night. God really does answer prayers coz’ now you’re home.” She looked up at the handsome young man.
“I’m only home on leave. I’m...I’ll be returning to New London in a few days.” Andy smiled as he placed his arm across the back of the seat behind her. “What have you been up to?”
“Just leaving church,” Susie interjected as she slid in next to Wen Molinson. “We thought we’d get some lunch.” She looked over at the boy working the soda fountain. “I’m getting an egg salad sandwich and a Coke. What do you want, Mary Beth?”
Mary Beth looked up at Andy. “I don’t know. Are you eating anything, Andy?”
Andy was startled when he noticed her eyes. They were almost as blue as...No. His brother’s new wife had the prettiest blue eyes he’d ever seen, but he couldn’t think that way about her. Mary Beth really was a looker and she was obviously interested in him. And available. He returned her smile and then glanced at his friends. “Sure. In fact, let me treat. Susie wants egg salad. Mary Beth?”
Mary Beth sighed. “I don’t know. I guess I’ll have the same. But I’d like a cup of coffee. It’s too cold out there for a Coke.”
“Kid?” Andy called to the teenager working behind the counter. “Hey Kid! Can we have two egg salad sandwiches over here? And a Coke and a cuppa mud!”
“Aren’t you getting anything, Andy? “
“Make that two cups of coffee, kid!” He scooted a little closer to Mary Beth. “So what are you doing tonight?”
“I thought you wanted,” Wen started to speak but was quickly silenced by a swift kick and dirty look from Andy.
Mary Beth stammered as she answered, “Oh, Andy. My parents are going out and I have to babysit Tommy.”
“How old is Tommy now? Can’t he stay at home alone, yet? Maybe I can come over. What time does he go to bed?”
“He’s only nine. And my parents would KILL me if I let you come over when they aren’t there.”
“How about tomorrow?”
Mary Beth sighed. “I’ll be working all day. I have a job at Crimpers for the holidays and...it’s the last shopping day before Christmas and I’ll be there until closing. Then I have to go to church with my folks and then...aren’t you doing anything with your family for Christmas Eve?”
Andy pushed her long hair back from her face and whispered into Mary Beth’s ear. “I’d really like to see you before...before I go back. I don’t know when I’ll get down again and it sure gets cold and lonely on that submarine. Surely you can find some time for a lonely sailor?”
Mary Beth giggled. “You sure are smooth, Andy Belden.”
The soda jerk set two plates and their drinks on the counter and Mary Beth jumped up to get them. She placed the plates onto the table and then grabbed the drinks. “You promise to take me to see The Bells of Saint Mary’s at the Cameo and I’ll consider going out with you later this week.”
She sat back down and took a bite of her sandwich.
Andy slumped down beside her. He knew he had a reputation for being fast that may or may not have been deserved, but Mary Beth Delanoy was one gorgeous brunette and her blue eyes were...he wondered why he’d never noticed them before. He was determined to spend some time with her while he was home.
“Why don’t I call you?” He took a long drink of his coffee and turned to Wen. “I really need to get home, Wen. Would you ladies mind if we...” He pulled a couple of bills from his wallet, tossed them on the table and took another drink. “My mother will be waiting anxiously.”
Mary Beth slid out of the booth and let him out. “You will call?”
“Of course, beautiful,” he called out as he and Wen headed for the door. “So, Wen, what exactly are the guys doing tonight?”
Andy got out of the Studebaker and turned to his friend. “You shure you’re shober enough tah drive, Eddie?”
“You’re the one who put away all that vodka, Belden. I barely had anything. I’m fine. I’d never take a chance in my Dad’s car.”
“I guesh not. Juss be careful.” He slammed the passenger door shut and headed toward the service porch of his family home.
BANG! Eddie had backed into the low stone wall along the side of the driveway.
Andy stopped so suddenly that he skidded across an icy patch on the walkway and almost fell.
Eddie got out of the car and looked to see if there was any damage. “Oh shit, Belden. Look what you made me do? Look at that fender. This is my father’s car.”
“I made you? You’re dee one driving!”
“You coulda’ told me I was backing into that damn stone wall.”
Andy walked over and looked at the car. “Get outa’ here, Lynch. It’s only a scratch! Hey, whad about tomorrow?”
“Nope. Going to evening services with Caroline.”
“Ah, Sweet Caroline Wilson!” Andy held his hands together in front of his heart. “She’s been carrying a torch for you shince elementary school! Guess she finally roped you in!”
“You wish you could be so lucky, Belden!” Ed called out as he drove off.
Andy watched the taillights as his friend turned onto Glen Road and drove away. “Yeah, Eddie; if I could be so lucky!” he called out into the darkness as he turned and went into the farmhouse.
He was starting to turn off the light left on for him when he noticed half of an applesauce cake sitting on the large pine table. He grabbed a bottle of milk from the icebox and sat down to enjoy a snack before heading up to bed.
“Oh! I didn’t know you were still up!” He was startled from his thoughts by his sister-in-law. Helen had married his older brother shortly before Peter had been shipped out to the South Pacific, and had been living with his parents since May. She’d given birth to a son two months earlier.
“Hi-de-ho almost sister of mine! Want some?” Andy held up a chunk of cake and smiled drunkenly.
“No thanks. I was just getting some milk.” Helen pulled her robe tightly around her and headed towards the icebox.
Andy offered her the bottle that was sitting on the table. “Here ‘tis.”
“Did you drink directly from this?”
Andy grinned and jammed a large chunk of cake into his mouth. “Mymufferdunnetledus.”
Andy watched as Helen took the bottle and poured some milk into a pan. After lighting and adjusting the burner on the stove, she watched as it began to warm. She then poured some from the bottle into a glass for Andy and placed the bottle in the ice box.
“You’re drunk.” She offered him the glass.
“Jush doin’ research.”
“Research?” Helen laughed.
“Yeah. Learned I like arnge chuze wid vodka but not ‘mato.”
Helen looked confused.
“We were drinkin’ Buddy Mares, Crew-dybers and Moosas”.
“What?”
“Eddie went to some bwunch and dey had all dese neat drinks. So me and dah guys tried to make some. Wid arnge and mato chuze.”
Helen laughed out loud. “Your parents are going to be furious if they see you like this. You know...”
“Wild oats, Helen. Gotta sow ‘em, ya know.” Andy smiled and winked. He started to say something more about the benefits of fruit and vegetables but stopped abruptly when he saw Helen’s face.
Helen let out a sob and wiped the tears from her eyes.
“Are you okay? Did I say somethin’ wrong?” Immediately sobered, Andy jumped up and went over to her. Helen stood, sobbing, while Andy stroked her shoulder.
“It’s okay, Helen.” Andy fumbled with the words, wanting to say and do something to console his sister-in-law, but he’d never seen anyone cry like this, and certainly didn’t know how to respond. “It’s okay.”
When Helen failed to respond to his words, he pulled her to him, aware of the awkwardness of embracing his brother’s wife; a beautiful young woman closer to his own age than his brother’s. “Just let it out,” he offered when she sobbed aloud. He rested his chin on her head, inhaling the scent of Ivory soap and baby powder. “Let it out.
She was mumbling about Peter between sobs. It sounded like she was calling him Peter. Andy started to pull her closer when she suddenly jumped back. “Oh my gosh. Oh, Andy, I’m so sorry.” She grabbed a chair from the table and sat down. “Oh, what have I done?”
“No. No, Helen. You....I.....I guess I should go.” Andy turned to leave, but hesitated when he heard her sobbing again. He turned back and stooped down in front of his sister-in-law.
“I’m sorry, Andy. I...this is the first time I’ve lost control like this.”
“Dammit, Helen. You’ve been through Hell and you deserve to...You’ve never cried?”
“Not like this.” Helen sniffed loudly and wiped her tears with a corner of her robe. “I want to be strong, but I really wanted him home for Christmas,” she sobbed. “Even after I ruined his life, he said he loved me and he promised. He sang to me and he promised!”
“He’s never made a promise he didn’t keep, Helen. But he can’t perform miracles, either.” Andy walked over to the stove and poured some of the warm milk into a cup. “And you did NOT ruin his life. Dammit you made it! You sit there and drink this while I make some breakfast.”
“Breakfast?” Helen glanced over at the clock.
“Okay, maybe it’s too early. But I’m sober now, and you need nourishment.”
“I’ll be okay. I need sleep more than breakfast.” She stood up. “I guess I just needed to release all my pent-up disappointment. Thank you so much for letting me...”
“I guess that’s what brothers are for. You can cry on my shoulder anytime, little sister.”
Andy watched as Helen headed upstairs. Dammit! Pete is...Yeah, if I could only be so lucky.
Thursday, December 27, 1945
Andy leaned back in the kitchen chair, sipping coffee and thinking about all that had happened over the past few days. Despite all the vodka he’d consumed the prior Sunday evening, he had slept fitfully that night and his father made certain he was up early enough to help with chores—after he’d been read the riot act for coming home drunk the night before.
“You may think I’m an old mud fudder...” Harold Belden said as he handed Andy a shovel. It had snowed the night before and he was expected to shovel out the walks and driveways.
“It’s fuddy duddy, Dad.” Andy winced as he scooped up a heavy load of snow.
“Whatever. I don’t understand half of what you young people are saying. Whatever you might think about me, I’m not too old to smell stale booze and you reek of it this morning! You’re an adult and I have no control over what you do when you’re in New London or wherever with your Navy friends, but you will NOT come into your mother’s house smelling like a distillery. Do you understand me?”
While Harold Belden hadn’t raised his voice, he still had the power to make his adult sons feel like they were ten years old --goofy, awkward, indecisive ten-year olds. Staring down at his feet, Andy resolved to clean up his act...not just how he behaved with his buddies, but how he treated women in general. He needed to stop seeing them as conquests, and begin seeking nice girls for companionship.
“Yessir,” he mumbled as he continued shoveling.
Andy had spent most of Monday shopping with Helen, sharing playful banter to try to get her to forget about Peter’s absence and enjoy the holiday. They’d ended the afternoon by meeting his oldest brother, Hal Junior, and his family at the train station. Despite his disdain for Hal’s wife, Isabel, he knew Hal was proud of his beautiful wife, son and second child on the way. Peter had surprised them late Christmas Eve, having managed to get leave before reporting to his new duty station in Norfolk, Virginia. When he saw the love and joy that Peter shared with Helen and their new son, Andy was certain he wanted the same in his life. And he was equally certain that he’d never find someone to share that kind of happiness with when hanging out in bars and other disreputable places.
He’d started his new lease on life by taking Mary Beth Delanoy to the movies on Monday evening, followed by ice skating on Crimper’s Pond on Tuesday afternoon. She’d allowed him to hold her hand during the movies, as well as when they skated, but she’d refused his attempt to kiss her goodnight on Monday. It was obvious that Mary Beth was infatuated with him, she was a nice girl...a very nice girl...and he respected that, but he’d been compelled to try again on Tuesday. He rubbed his face, remembering the sting of her slap when he’d tried for more than the chaste kiss she’d offered. He laughed, realizing that while he would eventually want a wife and family, he wasn’t ready to settle down any time soon.
His daydreams were interrupted when his father came into the kitchen from outside, stomping the snow off of his boots.
“Wind’s picking up out there. You might want to get an early start. The commuter train might stop running if this starts to drift.”
“Sure, Dad. Pete said he’d drive me. Let me get him.” Andy stood and headed towards the back stairs.
“Be sure to knock before...”
“It’s the middle of the afternoon, Dad.”
“And my son has been away from his beautiful young wife for seven months.” Andy looked over to see his father’s mischievous smile; the smile his father had passed on to each of his sons.
“I’ll knock!” He headed up the stairs, taking them two at a time.
Bang! Bang! Bang! “C’mon you old married man! I need a ride to the station and it looks like a real ‘lizard out there.” His brothers had teased Andy for years when he once looked outside to see the lizard in the yard.”
Peter opened the door a crack. “Go away jerk-off.”
“I’ll tell Mom that you’re using dirty words.”
Slam!
“I’ll be ready as soon as I finish packing up my gear. I’m not kidding, Pete. It’s really getting nasty and I need to get to the station.”
The door opened again. Peter shoved past him and headed down the hall to the bathroom
Slam!
Hearing water running, Andy crossed the hall to the room he had shared with Peter and their older brother, Hal, for most of his life.
Looking at the faded cowboys galloping across the wallpaper, he recalled the many nights he’d lain in bed staring at them and listening to the even breathing of his two older brothers. Peter and Andy were close in age and had shared countless adventures, pranks, secrets, and brotherly spats over the years. Hal was several years older and had always refused to join them in their antics. They’d had a sister, Rose, born a year after Hal. She had contracted polio shortly after he was born and his only memories were of her being ill. After her death, Hal emotionally distanced himself even further from his brothers and Peter and Andy had grown closer.
At one time, Hal had wanted to move into their sister’s room, claiming the younger boys interfered with his studies. Although their parents had always demanded academic excellence from all three sons, they had refused, insisting the three boys learn to share and get along. Their attempts had been partially successful.
Over the years only minor changes were made to “Rosie’s Room” and only the occasional guest ever stayed in it until Helen arrived the prior spring. Upon learning that Helen would be living with them, his mother spent long days painting and decorating in preparation.
The first time Andy came home on leave and saw the changes, it had seemed strange to him. He had started to say something but his mother quickly shushed him.
“I’ve waited over twenty years to have another woman in this house and you’re not saying or doing anything to make her feel uncomfortable.”
He hadn’t understood at first but he soon realized the void in his mother’s life that Helen filled. She was more than a daughter-in-law to his parents or a sister-in-law to him. She completed their family.
Andy shut his duffel bag and grabbed his gloves and heavy pea coat. “I’ll be waiting downstairs,” he started to call out just as Helen came out of the other room. “I’m off, beautiful sister. Thank you for sharing Pete long enough for him to take me to the train.” He kissed her on the cheek. “You look happy, Helen,” he commented as he headed down the hall. “Give Brian a kiss from his Uncle Andy and be sure he’s ready to play catch the next time I get home.”
“Thanks for doing this, Pete. I know you want to spend every possible minute with Helen.”
“I wanted to spend some time with you, too, Andy.” Peter gripped the car’s steering wheel as he inched down the treacherous hill to the intersection where Glen Road met Quaker Bridge Road. He rolled through the intersection, knowing not to try to stop suddenly on the slick road, but still skidded as he turned left towards Sleepyside. “And I didn’t want Dad to try to drive in this.”
“He’s a fine driver. He taught all three of us.”
“It’s not his driving I’m worried about. He looks tired and frail. I don’t want him having to try to dig out or hike home, if he got stuck.”
Andy thought about what his brother said. Their father had been looking increasingly tired each time Andy had come home on leave the past year, but he’d assumed it was because he no longer had help with chores and possibly that he was worried about his three sons in the service. “You don’t think he’s sick, do you?”
“I hope not. But keep an eye on him, will you?”
“Sure. But you might be getting home before I do. When do you think you’ll be discharged?”
“I think I’m stuck in Norfolk for some time. I had to pull some strings to get transferred.” Peter had managed to get a transfer from a battleship in the Pacific to one stationed out of Norfolk, but he was still assigned to one that had been retrofitted into a transport for repatriation of troops. He would be sailing back and forth across the Atlantic until completion of “Operation Magic Carpet”, which could mean months.
“Is Helen...will she be living in Norfolk?”
Peter glanced over at his brother. “I was thinking she’d be better off staying here, at least until Brian is a little bigger. I’ll be at sea most of the time. At least she has Mom and Dad to keep her company and help her here. But after the past couple days, I...” he paused before continuing. “You’ll understand someday what it means to...I mean it’s...”
“To have regular sex?”
“Oh, little brother, it’s more than just sex.” Peter chuckled. “The sex is great, but don’t ever underestimate the pleasure of making love...real love...with...and little Brian. He’s...it’s incredible. To see this little human being and know that...” His voice cracked. “It’s going to be really tough to leave on Sunday.”
Andy stared out the window. “If I could only be so lucky.”
Peter laughed as he allowed the car to coast around another turn on the packed snow. “You will be. Just find the right girl.”
The brothers rode in silence the rest of the way to the train station. Andy got out of the car and turned to get his bag from the back seat.
“Thanks, Pete.”
“You don’t have to thank me for the ride, Andy.”
“Not just the ride. For...for...stay safe.”
“You stay safe, too, little brother,” Peter called out as Andy shut the car door and headed up the steps to the platform.
The commuter train from Sleepyside into the city was delayed because of the weather, and Andy had to hurry through Penn Station to catch his train to New London. The station was packed with servicemen and other holiday travelers and he bumped into several people. Seeing that the passengers were boarding his train, he shouldered his duffle bag and took off running. He barely noticed when he bumped into a young woman headed in the same direction.
“Sorry!” he called out, slowing slightly, before taking off again. “Didn’t see you.”
“That uniform doesn’t entitle you to be so asinine!” The woman called out. “Or rude!”
Andy stopped, turned and saw a petite brunette struggling with two large suitcases. Apparently he had knocked her down, because she was setting one her bags upright and brushing off her bright pink wool coat.
“I’m so sorry,” he said as he headed back towards her. “Let me help you.” He glanced back at the train, hoping it wasn’t leaving. “Are you getting on the train to...”
“I’m fine. Or I would be if you hadn’t knocked me down.” She struggled to lift her two bags.
“No, I insist. You’ll miss the train otherwise.”
The young woman walked away, dragging the large bags.
“Listen, you can drag those heavy bags and miss the train or you can accept my apology and let me help.” Andy reached down and managed to get one bag from her, but she jerked away when he reached for the second.
“Thank you for helping, but I...”
Andy grabbed the second bag and followed her to the train, helped her stow her bags as well as his own and walked behind her through the aisle of the train. She took a seat but refused to let him sit next to her, so he took the one directly across the aisle, hoping no one would sit between them. He sat sideways, watching as she took off her coat and pulled a book out of her purse.
“That’s a beautiful coat. Is that rabbit?” He referred to the fur collar of the long coat.
“It’s mink.” The young woman opened her book and pretended to read. Andy’s first instinct was to turn and watch out the window, leaving her alone, but he felt compelled to look at her again.
He watched as she tried to focus on the book, imagining what she was like and where she was headed. She was no more than five feet tall and couldn’t weigh a hundred pounds. She could pass for twelve or thirteen, but he assumed she was closer to his age. She was stylishly dressed and traveling alone, so she might even be older. Watching how she twitched her nose as she read, he decided she had to be just about the same age as him.
He continued to stare, deciding that, given the mink coat collar, the stylish cut of her clothes and expensive luggage, she obviously came from money. And she had poise. He smiled, deciding he liked what he saw...young, attractive, and...
Spunk. The girl had spunk. She’d called him rude—when he deserved to be—cast off his flirtations—which he didn’t deserve—and was managing to ignore him—which he decided wouldn’t last for long.
A lock of dark wavy hair fell off her shoulder and across her face and she unconsciously pushed it back while continuing to focus on the book.
Andy continued to watch with fascination until a woman walked past carrying a young boy. Thinking that she could be either of his sisters-in-law, he sighed aloud as he thought how lucky Peter—and even Hal—were, married to beautiful women with young sons they adored.
“Excuse me.” Andy looked up and saw the woman who had just walked past. “These are the last two seats. Would you mind?” The young boy squirmed, obviously wanting to get down. “If I can sit here, and my son...” She then looked over at the pretty brunette. “Ma’am?”
Andy jumped up. “Oh, I’ll move. You need to sit together. The young lady won’t mind.” He moved across the aisle. “Will you?” He offered his most beguiling smile and quickly sat down before she could protest.
“Andrew Belden.” He offered his hand as if they were just meeting. “I’m headed to New London,” he paused but she didn’t respond. “And you’re?”
“Ah...” She gave a desperate glance at the woman who was getting her son settled across the aisle. “Ah...I’m Elizabeth Opperman. Liz.” She looked down at the book.
“And you’re headed to...” Andy smiled as he waited for a reply.
“New London. Connecticut College for Women.” She continued to stare down at the book.
“Imagine that! We’re headed the same place. Me, a rude and asinine young sailor, and, you, a lovely sophisticated coed!”
“I’m not really a coed. It’s an all-women’s college,” Liz said without looking up.
“Whatever. You certainly are an attractive young woman.” Andy paused, hoping she would look up at him. “And, of course, I’m just rude enough to say that.
“Tell me, Liz—is it alright if I call you that? Liz. Do any of those non-coeds ever date sailors? Especially rude, asinine ones they meet on trains?”
Liz shook her head without looking up.
“I see.” Andy began praying silently that she would look up at him. He was certain if she’d look at him, he could win her over with his smile. It had always worked before.
“What’s that you’re reading? Schoolwork or for personal enjoyment?”
“You really are a pain in the...” She looked up and Andy saw that her eyes were as blue as he’d thought. Helen had blue eyes, but they were a deep, rich blue—the color of sapphires. These were much lighter—like ice—and were an incredible contrast to her long dark hair. He felt as if she were looking right through him.
“Oh!”
Andy smiled wider. She had noticed his smile. He leaned back in the seat. “I know I’m being...
“Rude,” she completed for him.
“I was thinking forward. But you are beautiful and I’m feeling quite remorseful for knocking you down in the station, and...” He glanced at his wristwatch. “It’s over two hours until we arrive in New London and I’m bored. Do you think you could humor me and...”
Liz Opperman laughed. She tilted her had back and laughed out loud, and any thoughts Andy Belden had about forcing her to succumb to his charms were forgotten. She had charmed him.
Liz closed the book and turned sideways in her seat. “So, tell me about yourself, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.”
“Oh, I’m no Bugle Boy. I’m a submariner. But I’ve been known to Boogie Woogie at times!”
Due to the raging Nor’easter, it took over three hours for the train to get to New London, but the young couple was oblivious to the time or the weather outside of the train. When they finally arrived at their destination, their fate was sealed. A twenty-one year old college senior from Scarsdale had been charmed by a twenty-year old submariner from Sleepyside who was completely bewitched by her.
A gust of wind almost knocked Andy over as he stepped off the train, struggling with his duffle bag and the two large suitcases. “What kind of idiot would build a train station on the waterfront? The wind is always a killer here!” he yelled at Liz, who was struggling to keep her hat on her head.
“I think it’s the perfect location, at the head of The Parade and overlooking the Thames!” Liz was yelling loudly, but Andy could barely hear her over the sound of the train’s engine and the strong wind. He followed her across the tracks, slipping several times where the snow had been packed down, and over to the taxi stand. While it was usually easy to catch a ride to the submarine base, they had agreed to share a cab and, fortunately, there was one waiting.
The cabbie helped Andy put their bags in the trunk while Liz climbed into the car.
“I’ll have you know, Andrew Belden, that I think the New London station is beautiful,” she said when he joined her in the back of the cab. “It was designed by a renowned Boston architect, Henry Hobson Richardson, to replace one that burned down in 1883. And it was deliberately situated here so that it’s convenient to the downtown as well as Block Island. And it’s convenient to the college, too.”
“Says Elizabeth the historian.”
“Actually, I’m a literature major.” She leaned back in the seat, not moving when Andy scooted close and rested his arm across the back of the seat. “But I love history, too.”
She closed her eyes. “You know what I love more than anything?”
“What’s that?” Andy’s voice became low and he leaned closer. “What do you love more than anything?”
“I love, love, love Christmas lights and decorations. One of my favorite things to do is to drive around at night and enjoy the Christmas lights.”
Andy knew he was low on cash after buying Christmas gifts and other expenses over the holiday, but he had a strong desire to grant this beautiful pixie whatever she wished.
“Cabbie? Did you hear that? The lady would like to drive around looking at Christmas lights. Think you can oblige?”
“In this storm?”
Liz sat up straight. “You don’t have...”
Andy pulled the last bill out of his wallet. “How’s this, sir?”
The cabbie grabbed the bill without looking back. “It’s your dollar, Sailor.” Seeing it was a five dollar bill, he laughed. “You must be in love.”
“I must be. Yes, must be.” Andy leaned back in the seat.
The cab driver drove cautiously through the downtown, past decorated storefronts, and then through several residential areas of New London in the direction of the college while the young couple watched for houses with lights or trees that might be visible from the roadway. Andy had never paid much attention to outdoor lights, much less what could be seen through windows, but he quickly realized why Liz had such a love for them. While the multi-colored bulbs brought warmth and cheer to the cold winter evening, by opening draperies or blinds to showcase their decorations, people were allowing glimpses into their homes and their lives. The young couple saw grandfathers asleep in their chairs, fathers reading the paper, mothers cleaning up after dinner, children playing with new Christmas gifts, and two brothers wrestling, all while also enjoying the colorful lights. They glimpsed one woman straightening the Gold Star Banner that hung in her front window and Andy offered a silent prayer of thanks that all three of the stars on his mother’s banner were blue.
Suddenly, Liz sat up and called for the driver to stop. “Look Andy! Look!” She pointed to a sleigh that was gliding across the field in the distance. “Oh! Doesn’t that look...it’s beautiful. Sssh...I think I can hear the bells. Oh how romantic!”
“Romantic? Yeah, I guess it’d be nice and romantic all snuggled up with your best girl, keeping each other warm and...”
“It’s more than romantic. It’s fun! It’s exciting and beautiful and the sleigh bells are musical and...”
“And how do you know this?”
“I’ve never been on a sleigh ride, but I’ve always wanted to. I’m sure it’s all of those things.”
“I’ll take you.”
“What?” Liz looked up at Andy.
“I’ll take you. I’ll find a sleigh and we’ll make sure it has bells, and we’ll snuggle together under a blanket and we’ll see just how exciting...”
“You seen enough? These roads are getting pretty bad.” The cabbie interrupted.
Andy looked over at Liz, realizing for the first time that she had moved closer and was now nestled snugly against him. “Liz?”
“Well, I can never see enough, but I do need to get to school.” She leaned forward. “I live in Windham House, at the college.”
“Sure thing, little lady.”
The campus roadways were barely passable but their driver skillfully maneuvered to Liz’s dorm. Andy left him to wait while he carried her bags to the door. He set them inside and leaned forward, hoping for a kiss, but he was offered a small gloved hand instead.
“I can’t thank you enough for an enjoyable trip, Andy.” She stepped back.
“Can I...I’d like to call. Maybe we could go out for New Years?” Andy knew better than to try again for a kiss, although he desperately wanted that and more. “New Years? Do you have any plans?”
“Call me. Use the college number. My hall extension is 317.”
Andy watched as she walked over to the receptionist’s desk, then turned and headed back out into the storm.
He was unaware that he was whistling as he trudged through the snow to the cab and got into the back seat, focusing on how he would find the money to take her out on New Years, much less get leave. But he was determined.
“What’s a sailor doing whistling that song?” The cabbie asked as he pulled away.
“Whistling? Was I?”
“Yeah, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. You a fan of the Andrews Sisters? I love the Andrews Sisters and...”
“That’s impossible. I’m a submariner. We prefer Bing Crosby.”
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