Chapter 1
July 1941
The train was rapidly making its way through the plains as Bonnie looked
outside the window. Her hair was perfectly curled and a small hat was sitting
on top of her head. Navy blue just like her uniform. She smiled proudly. She
was an army nurse now. She looked around and noticed people were glancing
at her. She was in the part of the train meant for people of color obviously but
her uniform was drawing attention. She got up. She needed to drink some
water and maybe eat a bit. She went to the lunch wagon.
Elena : she got up Ladies, I need to powder my nose. I'll be right back she left the wagon
She spent a few minutes in a scandalously little restroom and got out. Her
stomach grumbled so she decided to go grab a snack in the lunch wagon. She
went there and smiled politely.
Bartender : Excuse me Miss but you're in the wrong wagon.
Elena : she looked at him and realized he was black Oh sorry, I got distracted she had a small awkward laugh
Bartender : You'll find the lunch wagon for white people on the other side of the train, Miss.
Elena : Thank you she was about to leave when she noticed a young woman in a navy uniform
Bonnie was sipping her coffee quietly.
Elena : she smiled Hey, you're a navy nurse ?
Bonnie : she looked up and was surprised to see a white chick Yes, I am.
You're going to Hawaii too ?
Elena : she nodded Yup. Why don't you join the other girls ?
Bonnie : I think it's rather obvious.
Elena : What I see is that we're all blue. C'mon.
The young black woman thought about it. She was going to be among a lot of
white people anyway. She accepted her offer.
Pearl Harbor
Jake was making the monthly inventory with the head nurse.
Head nurse : How many rolls of bandages did you say ?
Jake : Twenty. Is it today that the new nurses are coming ?
Head nurse : Yes and you can charm them she laughed a little
Jake : I never did such a thing he looked up from his sheet of paper
Head nurse : Not on purpose but you will. Let's get going with the inventory.
They knew they were lucky to be there and not in Europe where the war was
raging since a couple years. United States weren't oficially involded but some
boys crossed the Atlantic Ocean to fight and they wrote how awful it was.
Nazis were strong. Jake ran a hand through his hair and remembered the
stories his father told him about World War One. He hoped they wouldn't be in
such a situation again anywhere else than poor Europe.
The new nurses travelled on a plane from Los Angeles to Pearl Harbor. They
landed safely but Bonnie was happy the flight wasn't longer. She didn't like to
fly and she resisted the temptation to kiss the ground.
Elena : she looked around It's so sunny, I'm going to love it !
Bonnie : Are you always so...so happy ?
Elena : Yes. Because I have everything I can ever wish for. Well except a husband she looked at the sky
Bonnie : I'm sure that will happen.
As they were speaking army planes flew through the sky training.
Jeremy landed perfectly and parked (AN : not sure if that's the right word) his
plane in the garage with the others. He climbed out and joined his crewmates.
Jim : Hey guys, have you heard about the new nurses ? Fresh meat.
Jeremy : Is there a day where you don't think about girls ?
Simon : C'mon Borelli, I bet you're looking for some company too. I'm sure a babe will do you good.
Jeremy : I can't say no to that he wiped his sweat with a cloth
They were all lined up in the lobby of the hospital.
Head nurse : she smiled Welcome to Hawaii, ladies ! After this little speech, I wil show you the hospital and where you will sleep. Well...*she noticed Bonnie* Oh excuse me, Miss, they didn't tell us we would have a colored nurse and we don't have a separate room for you.
Bonnie : That's fine. I can handle being among white people. I mean if that's not a problem for you.
Jake : It shouldn't be.
All heads turned towards him.
Jake : Hello he smiled I'm doctor Riley, but you can call me Jake, and you'll be under my watch and nurse Swanson's for your time in Pearl Harbor.
Bonnie looked at him. Tall, dark and handsome. Interesting.