I'll Be Seeing You
Chapter 14
Somewhere
Tuesday, 2nd May, 1944
My darling Jo.
How are you my sweetheart? I miss you so much. Have you heard when your next leave will be granted, yet? I look forward to being with you so much. Don't forget, I am willing to come to you if it's easier. I'll wangle time off somehow!
I have been shopping in town this morning. It's quite a nice place. Like most places, there isn't much to be had in the shops, but it makes a change from home. I managed to get Ruby a few little trinkets which I think will amuse her and I got you something, but it's a big secret and you're not going to know until I see you next time! I mean that!
I am sharing a meal with someone tonight, but I feel a little nervous about it. I'm sure it will be fine, but it's the first time I've had to do this for work and I don't want to foul it up. Having said that, given the chance, I would pick up my skirts and run all the way back to Kent, right this minute! I hope I can achieve what I set out to do and then be able to go home and lick my wounds. At least I shall have all your wonderful letters to read. Your letter, which, I received before I left home; I carry with me along with your little china boat.
Well, I must stop here, Jo. I shall be picked up shortly and whisked away to Lord knows where! Please breathe some courage into me! Please!
Take much care, my darling and God bless you.
My love,
Charlie.
Xxx
p.s. Please forgive me.
***
After their meal, Hugo walked Charlie to the Station and waited until her train arrived.
"Charlie, I've really enjoyed this evening. It's been wonderful catching up with all the Whitstablestories, but you know, I'd really like to spend more time with you, just talking about you and me!" Hugo said, smoothly.
Charlie looked away anxiously for a moment but forced her eyes back to meet Hugo's.
"I'd really like that too. When can we meet again?" She asked, hoping she didn't seem too forward.
Hugo looked at her in wonder. He'd never known Charlie be so willing. He felt like the cat that'd just found the dairy. He stepped closer to her and wound his arms around her waist.
"What about tomorrow night?"
"What time?" She smiled back, keeping her eyes on his.
"Same time." He said, placing his lips on hers and pulling her close.
***
"'Ere, did you hear the one about the Pilot who was asked to give a talk to the local school kids about his flying experiences? He says to the kids..."
"The situation was really tough. The Germans had a very strong air force. I remember one day I was flying a spitfire and protecting our bombers then suddenly, out of the clouds, these 'Fokker' appeared. I looked up, and right above me was one of them. I aimed at him and shot him down. I immediately realized that there was another Fokker behind me, chasing me."
"At this instant the girls in the school start to giggle and the boys start to laugh. There teacher stands up and says,"
"I think I should point out that 'Fokker' is the name of the German aircraft company".
"That's true,"
"Says the Pilot,"
"but these Fokker's were flying Messerschmitt's!"
The public house, where Helen, Joey and Jim were sitting, roared with laughter at the funny guy who was telling jokes up at the bar.
Joey choked into her shandy and Helen and Jim patted her on the back vigorously, trying to help her.
When at last Joey composed herself and wiped her moist eyes with her handkerchief, Jim made a suggestion.
"Can you girls get nart off tomorrow?"
"What for lad?"
"There's a hop on over at HMS Ganges and they're looking for females to make op numbers. Are ya game?"
"U'm game!" Helen laughed, with a wink.
"Yeah! That's your problem!" Joey said, raising her eyes.
Helen poked her tongue out at her friend.
"What tarm?" Helen asked.
"It starts at seven thirty." Jim said, pleased the girls had taken an interest.
***
Somewhere
Wednesday, 3rd May, 1944
My dearest, loveliest Charlie,
I shall call you that, because that's what you are!
Thank you for your wonderful letters. I still worry about what you are doing, but I trust you will be sensible. I know you won't read this until you get home, but I hope when you do, you'll see that I have thought about you, so much and long to be with you again, soon. I will be making enquiries about leave tomorrow. I hope I will be granted time off, long enough for us to be together, be it here or at home. I sometimes imagine what we will say and do – especially 'do'!
What can this gift be? You have got me going now – well, you always do, but you know what I mean! Go on, give me a clue!
Pretty Wrens? What can you mean? You know I only have eyes for you, my love. But if I should find my eyes straying, I give you permission to use red hot pokers as long as your eyes are the last eyes I see!
Helen was examined by the M.O. and she has confirmed her pregnancy, but it seems that Chuck has absconded so Helen has to face the music alone. I'm not sure how long she will remain in the service, but I know I shall miss her so much when she leaves. I'm sure her family will support her, though I expect there will be fireworks at first!
Glad you liked the record. I'm also glad I have that affect on you! I like to think of you as jelly – makes me feel all wobbly too!
Well, my love, I must finish here. Helen and I are meeting Jim over at a training base not too far from here as there's a dance on. I wish you were going to be there too! I would get you on that dance floor and...Well, you know the rest!
I look forward to your next letter. Please soon!
With all my love,
Jo.
Xxx
***
Charlie met Hugo at the same time and place as the evening before. This time they greeted each other with lips and arms as well as smiles.
"I've missed you." Hugo whispered in Charlie's ear.
"Mmm, I've missed you too." She answered, feeling sick with nerves. "Let's go and eat, I'm starving!"
She hoped Hugo wasn't planning to whisk her off to his sheets immediately.
"Great!" He said.
They walked off arm in arm along the street.
***
Helen and Joey arrived at HMS Ganges at seven forty five. They could hear a dance band playing and followed the sound until they found the hall where the dance was being held. Jim promised to meet them outside and was as good as his word.
"Good evening, ladies!" He greeted. "Let's go in!"
The room was smoky and crowed, mostly with men. A series of wolf whistles echoed around the hall as the two glamorous Wrens walked in. Helen's face beamed, but Joey felt embarrassed.
"What will ya 'ave to drink?" Jim asked.
"Shandy, please!" Joey said.
"Just a glass of lemonade, please Jim."
"Lemonade?" Jim answered incredulously.
"Yeah! Don't think I can face anything else at t'moment lad."
Joey shot Helen a quick look. With talk like that, Jim will start to ask questions.
Jim shrugged his shoulders and walked to the bar.
***
Hugo and Charlie sat in the same pub as the evening before. Charlie wasn't feeling very hungry, her nerves starting to get the better of her again. She told herself over and over, act the part, don't be Charlie, be someone else, but act the part.
"So Hugo. What are your plans after you finish your lectures?" Charlie asked innocently as she cut into her food.
"Why do you ask?" He said, eyeing her curiously.
A little panic shot through Charlie. You've blown it, you fool!
"I just wondered if you were likely to be visiting Kent soon." She quickly improvised. She laid down her knife and put her hand over Hugo's.
Hugo looked down at the soft hand covering his own and smiled.
"Won't be for a while." He said. "But rest assured, I'll let you know." He said, winking.
That hasn't answered my question, Hugo!
"So do you do this lecturing thing all of the time?" Charlie asked, gently removing her hand and picking up her knife again.
"Much of the time. Sometimes I have to go back up to my unit." Hugo said, chewing.
"Do you see much action?"
"Not at the moment, but..." He said, leaning nearer to her. "I expect to in the not too distant future!"
"Are you excited about that?"
"You bet! I've been a desk Waller for far too long. It's time I pulled the plug on this..." He stopped short.
Charlie wondered if he was about to say something interesting.
"Damn this war!" He said, sounding frustrated.
She looked him in the eye, taking courage from his little lapse.
"Hugo," she said, smiling her most seductive smile. "You look as though you could do with a rest." She put down her knife again and took hold of Hugo's hand, stroking it with her thumb. "Perhaps you could get a few days off and come and stay with me at my Aunt and Uncle's home. I'm sure they wouldn't mind."
"Sounds marvellous." He said, feeling wonderfully mellowed by the sweet seductive voice and the soft hand stroking him. "But I have to be in Oxford on Friday. I have an important meeting with...Well; you don't have to know that."
***
"Ya did well getting here as quickly as ya did." Jim said handing the two Wren's their drinks.
"We were lucky. We got a lift to the station and the train was ready and waiting. I think we were going downhill all the way, because I haven't been on a train that hasn't stopped to fiddle and fart around since the war started! And here we are!" Joey grinned.
"That's grand." Jim said, taking out his pipe.
"Oh! You're not gon'ta smoke thart smelly auld thing, are ya?" Helen complained.
"I thort ya liked t'smell, Helen. Well, thart's what ya always used to say!"
"Well, I dorn't now!" Helen said, grumpily.
Jim stared at his sister.
"You dorn't like smells you can't face drink. Ee, lass woz op wi' ya? You're not in t'family way, are ya?" Jim said, grinning.
Helen's face dropped and she bit her lip.
Joey stopped breathing.
"Ya are aren't ya!" Jim said, almost in disgust. "I've seen t'same signs with Ma."
"I'm so sorry lad, it just appened." Helen wailed.
"JUST 'APPENED!" Jim exploded.
Joey looked about her hoping no one was listening.
"I think we need a little talk outside, Helen. Excuse oz, Josie." Jim said taking hold of Helen's arm.
Joey stood up anxiously and caught Helen's eye. Helen smiled back, sadly. Joey sat again.
***
Hugo and Charlie walked along a quiet road. Hugo, without warning, took hold of Charlie and backed her roughly against a wall. Charlie gave a little yelp of surprise. He found her lips and passionately kissed her, his hands wandering up and over her breasts. She gasped, not in pleasure, but in panic. Hugo didn't seem to notice; he was too intent on getting what he wanted.
"Charlie, I want you." Hugo moaned in her ear. His lips, finding her's again.
"Not here, Hugo." Charlie managed to say as Hugo fumbled with her clothes. "I do have some standards!" She said, her mind returning to her 'moment' with Joey Collins in a quiet Hammersmith street some days previously. But that was different.
"Come to my place, then." He said, huskily.
Charlie could tell by Hugo's raised features that he was more than ready. She hoped it would subside quickly.
Hugo grasped Charlie's hand and they hastily started to walk.
***
The brother and sister returned to the dance hall. Joey could hear them coming.
"U'll smash the rotten little bugger's face in if I get 'old of 'im!"
"Ya do nought o' t'sort!" His sister replied.
"Come on, you two!" Joey said as they sat themselves down. "We're here to enjoy ourselves, aren't we?"
"I can't believe, daft little bugger's got 'erself in t'family way!" Jim moaned. "Little slut!"
"Jim! I'm sure it wasn't intentional!" Joey said, defending her friend. "Sometimes these things happen!"
Helen sat quietly. Jim said no more. Joey sighed.
"I'm going 'ome!" Helen said, suddenly getting to her feet and grabbing her jacket.
"Helen!" Joey cried. "You can't just leave!"
But Helen was already at the door.
"I'm sorry Jim!" Joey said as she picked up her bag. "I'll have to go with her."
"Nor. I'm sorry, lass. I should've kept me big gob shut!"
Joey ran out after Helen who was hurrying away from HMS Ganges. She watched as Helen rounded the bend, out of sight.
"Helen!" Joey shouted but Helen didn't stop.
Joey ran in pursuit of her friend and as she rounded the bend, bumped straight into a couple hurrying in the opposite direction.