To my fellow reviewers & favorite author/story/update people: THANK YOU for bearing with my delayed update. I am very happy to say that I am done with my first year of grad school, so you know what that means...
More Summers & Winters updates! YAY!
Guys, what I've decided to do is just write a chapter that details what they were up to the night before Easy leaves for Upottery. Let's face it. It's just more training, training, training, and then they do their practice jumps and finally, head off to Normandy. So it's going to be a little bittersweet—just a nice oneshot of our couple's last few moments together. That's not to say there won't be any drama between our favorite couple after the invasion. What I am also trying to figure out (I'm in a rut), is how much I should focus on the girls being in Normandy.
I'm thinking this could be a great time for character development—they're not going to be with their boys—perhaps Caroline can try to reach out to her mother more for support during their stint in Normandy. The blood and death they will witness will definitely play a crucial role in how much (as we saw in Band of Brothers) a person can grow in the course of less than a year. How much different will Caroline and June be by the time of Bastogne? We shall see…the 'carefree' days have come to an end with this chapter. It serves more as a one shot…and then we're moving forward.
Inspiration for this chapter (besides you all!): Noel Gallagher and his High Flying Birds! I am so in love with The Chief's second solo offering, and so many of the songs have assisted in helping me write loving (and angsty) scenes between Caroline and Winters. The one I use in today's offering, The Dying of the Light, is absolutely beautiful. I thought it could be easily applied to them. You'll see more of his songs in later chapters, but please, go give the song a listen!
RHatch89: Thanks for being amazing, and following this story. Thanks for the reviews, and stay tuned!
Livelaughluvmusic: Hi there! Thank you for liking my writing, and wow! You lost sleep because you were reading it? That's a compliment to me! I hope you continue to read, and as for the annoying little dude in my class…well, let's just say I'm stuck with him next semester too…yay. BUT I'm amazing, he's not, and I thank you for the moral support. I appreciate the review/advice!
Absentees: Thanks for not forgetting about me! I'm glad you like the sisters and their interactions, and my "Schmaltzy Richard." I wish it didn't sound so lovesick sometimes, and I try to not make it so sappy, but let's face it. If I made Winters some horndog, it would be completely out-of-character for him…although what I would give for Damian Lewis to ravish m—
Oops. Too much said. Anyways, Winters is a gentleman, but believe me. There will be some conflict later. It's not drastic, but their relationship isn't as picture perfect as it looks right now. War will come between them, take a toll on them, and test them. Also, glad you liked Speirs (he's a bitch to write!), and my take on 1940s culture/lingo/wording.
As for the Caroline/Evelyn dynamic: It does seem cliché. I know. But bear with me. Maybe I need to work on it, but there is conflict there. It's not meant to be Evelyn hating her daughter's life simply because she's mean and she wants to make Caroline miserable…but all will be revealed in due time. I swear. I am so happy you have caught up with story!
Luckynumber28: I love your Buck story, and by the way, he's making his first appearance in today's installment! Thank you for the review and (again) for the kind PM/words of advice you gave me while I read through An Expensive Solitude. Happy to see a Rita Hayworth mention—remember, I mentioned earlier that June has a 'Hayworth' appearance to her. She is much more glamorous than her sister. I've modeled Caroline after Emma Stone (with brunette tresses), for a girl-next-door vibe. I thank you for that 1940s film comparison…geez, it is hard to keep it 'accurate' to the era!
mngirl: Hello there! Thank you so, so much for the kind words, the countless bits of advice (I should've used the bayonet—you're right), and, of course, the good luck to 'power through' during exams. I did 'hang tough,' and I rocked my final term papers. Yay on going to school in Europe—congratulations!
As for your comments: love the hashtag, and I love that you notice that while they manage to stay professional, they can still be flirtatious with each other! You almost cried?! Oh my gosh, I'm sorry for the emotional overload, but I thought it perfect for Christmas time confessions of love. I am so glad that I can make your day with my updates. Now you'll get them more frequently! Again, thanks a million for the continued reviewing and support!
PS: A blessed Memorial Day to our heroes.
10
"The Dying of the Light"
Aldbourne, England
30th May 1944
But it's alright
If you dance with me tonight
We'll fight the dying of the light
And we'll catch the sun
Caroline was at her vanity, finishing getting ready, for she was expecting Winters to arrive at any moment. The boys of Easy Company were due to have one last hurrah at the Blue Boar that night.
Their final night.
In April, the 101st Airborne went to Slapton Sands, along with the remainder of the divisions that, as a whole, made up the VII Corps. They were sent there to practice for the as-of-yet-unknown invasion location. The VII Corps spent a few nights there, and then, for the rest of April and May, resumed their training. Then, in early May, they were sent to Upottery Airfield for a "dress rehearsal"* that confirmed the fears everyone had on their mind. Sooner, rather than later, it would be time for the actual invasion. Caroline and Winters spent their free time together throughout May on edge, wondering when the call to ship out would arrive.
It finally came on the twenty-eighth of May. They were due to vacate to Upottery once more three days later, so Nixon organized a farewell party at the pub. Although the Blue Boar was usually restricted to 'officers only,' the exception would be made for the entire company for the celebration. Caroline had been surprised when Winters asked her if she wanted to accompany him to a pub. When he clarified and explained why he, of all people, was going to the Blue Boar, Caroline immediately agreed to go with him.
Because it's going to be our final night.
Now, as she put the finishing touches on her makeup, she was dreading the evening, for she feared that she would not be able to handle it. Almost two years of training, wasted. All of Edwards's instruction and yelling had not prepared her for this moment. She was going to have to say goodbye to the men, at least for a while. She was going to have to come to terms that they could die. She was going to have to come to terms that she could die.
She was going to have to say goodbye to Winters.
His visage entered her head, and she sighed at the thought of him. Caroline rose from her vanity, and gave herself a onceover in the small mirror hanging on the closet door. She smoothed out the folds of her pale green tea dress, an old standby from her college years, and fixed her curls before dabbing a spritz of perfume and stepping into her brown pumps. The doorbell sounded, and soon, Caroline could hear Mrs. Watson and Winters warmly exchange greetings.
Oh Richard, she thought, as she grabbed her pocketbook.
"You look lovely, Lina," he said as they walked to the pub, finally breaking the silence that had set since they left her billet. Caroline was not in the mood for talking, and had simply taken his arm before making their way to the pub.
"Thank you," she replied, briefly looking up at him. She then kept her gaze straight ahead.
"Are you alright?"
Goodness, nothing ever goes unnoticed by him. Do I honestly look that sad?
"I'm fine, Richard. I promise. Really."
He didn't question her further as they continued their stroll. She was glad to be out with him; out with the entire company, honestly, but she was still feeling saddened by their imminent departure. Caroline forced herself to put on a bright smile once they entered the Blue Boar. They were met with a resounding "Currahee!" from the men, and Winters went off in search of the officer contingent while Caroline flocked to June, who was casually sipping on a gin and tonic.
The bartender took Caroline's order—a scotch, neat—and she sat down next to June at the bar. Caroline paid attention to her sister for about thirty seconds, for she caught eye of a new officer that, to her surprise, was approaching them.
"Buck! Yoo-hoo! I have your drink!" exclaimed June, picking up a pint of beer in her hand. "Buck's" pale blue eyes lit up at June's call, and mouthed that he'd 'be right there.'
June smirked at Caroline.
"Don't you judge me, little sister. You'll meet him in a minute, but I must say, I didn't mean for it to happen…but Lew's been staring over here, in jealousy, since Buck and I arrived."
"June, don't be like Nix and use Buck for your own personal vendettas. C'mon. You're better than—"
"Thanks June."
Caroline was interrupted by the boisterous and confident voice of Buck Compton. She also sure could not help but notice Buck's wide grin when he laid eyes on her sister. She envied June; her sister had a natural charm around men. She never got tongue-tied or embarrassed, and always flirted the right way. June simply handed Buck the beer, and casually turned her attentions back to Caroline. Caroline took another quick glance at Buck…he seemed to be hanging on June's every word.
"Of course, Buck. Lina, sweetheart, this is Easy's new lieutenant, Lynn Compton, but he insists that everyone calls him Buck. Uncle Bob had me introduce him to the regiment, and I must say, he's fitting in nicely. The boys already invited him to play cards later Compton, this is my sister, Caroline."
He had a good-natured look to him, thought Caroline, as she cheerily introduced herself. Buck seemed approachable and friendly; eager to please and be sociable. Gone was the air of responsibility and duty that Winters, bless him, always seemed to carry. Buck's outgoing behavior seemed genuine, unlike Nixon's caddish behavior. Caroline loved Nixon to bits, but after the way things went between him and her sister (and subsequently, the start of his extramarital affair), she knew that everything he said could not be believed.
"A pleasure, Caroline…although Dick's told me good things about you too. It's nice to put a face to the name. You're as beautiful as he said."
Caroline's eyes went wide in shock…and caught Winters's gaze from across the room. She thanked Buck, excused herself, and walked back to him. Without any hesitation, she planted one on him. It took him a moment to realize what she was doing; he felt everyone's eyes on them, but the way her lips felt at the moment persuaded him to simply ignore the attention and continue kissing her.
"Where did that come from?" he asked, breathlessly, once they parted.
"I love you."
He laughed. "I love you too, but really. Where did that come from all of a sudden? First I see you and June talking to Buck, then your eyes are on me, and then your lips."
"You, Lieutenant, caused me to do that. For someone who likes to keep his personal life quiet…you sure didn't mind telling Buck about how I look."
"Oh…right, uhh…should I have not—"
She silenced him with another kiss.
"Richard, I've been feeling so apprehensive about everyone leaving. You telling Buck about me…it feels reassuring to know that you're always thinking of me. Just like I always think about you. And that we'll always think of each other when we're apart."
"Is that why you've been a little aloof this evening?"
She nodded her head. He grabbed her hand, and they went outside. Winters wanted quiet, and he wasn't going to find it in the pub. They sat down in the patio area, and held hands.
"I'm silly. Honestly, I should've known better. This day was going to come, and I should've been better prepared for it."
"Caroline, no one is prepared for this. Not mentally, at least. The men, myself included, may put on a front of acting as though we're ready to fight…but our thoughts are all in completely different mindsets. It's okay to feel scared, or anxious, or whatever it is you may be feeling right now."
"Good."
Winters let out a deep sigh, pressed his forehead against Caroline's, and this time, initiated the kiss. It was significantly tenderer than the one she'd given him, but with no less passion or love in its delivery. They sat there with their lips together, not noticing if anyone came in or out of the Blue Boar. They ignored the loud cheering and shouting that erupted every few minutes or so. Someone demanded that some music be turned on. As the faint strains of Frank Sinatra's "Taking a Chance on Love" echoed out from the pub, Winters simply helped her up without breaking their lip-lock, and they swayed along to the song.
It was a beautiful, moonlit night—their final night—and that did not cross their minds as they danced outside. The darkness of war was indeed upon them, and they were not sure of when it would be lifted; if they would ever make it to the end. The heartache of the next day, and what heartaches the following days would inevitably bring them didn't matter. To Caroline and Winters, all that mattered was that moment. That last final moment in the light; of what they were familiar with—before their world became shrouded in gloominess, despair and uncertainty, but they were certain that they would remain a constant.
*From 'Band of Brothers,' p. 65.
I'm sorry if it's a little sappy…but I feel like this just had to be done! Things will get better, I promise! Also, mucho thanks to Frank Sinatra!
Currahee!
-BB