See Disclaimers in Chapter One
Hey Everyone, Thanks for the feedback. It means a lot that you all actually read this and I'm not just writing to write. CP, to clear up any confusion I may have created, yes they are together but still very new in the relationship if you catch my drift. I do welcome any and all feedback; feel free to email me too. Dekkland.
1000 PST Hotel Del Coronado Coronado, California The lady behind the counter is eyeing the couple that has just stepped up into the lobby. Taking one glance at their attire she dismisses them as a couple of tourists coming to see for themselves the Del in all its glory. Just then the couple in question stroll over to her position. In her most snotty voice she greets the couple, "May I help you?" Harm seemingly oblivious to her tone partially smiles and speaks, "Yes, reservations for MacKenzie and Rabb, that's R-A-B-B" "May I see some form of identification?" They lady's demeanor spins one hundred and eighty degrees as she verifies the ID with the name on the screen. "Mr. Rabb of course, the Signature Suite. Here are your room keys and I'll have the Bell Captain assist you with your luggage. Is their anything else I may be of assistance with?" "No thank you, that will be all" and with that Harm took Mac's hand followed the Bell Captain in the direction of their suite. While walking through the majestic mahogany lobby the Bell Captain took this opportunity to talk with the couple. "Is this your first stay with us Sir and Ma'am?" "Why yes indeed it is," Harm replied. "If you'll indulge me I'll tell you a little about our property" "That would be lovely, thank you." Mac said. "The Del is a National Historic Landmark and its guests have included everyone from Marilyn Monroe to Charles Lindbergh. You know an entire many pictures have been filmed here even a couple of television shows, like "Baywatch". "Oh?" Harm asked as Mac poked him with her elbow. "Oh indeed. It Started With a Dream. In 1888, the picturesque Coronado peninsula - surrounded by water on three sides and just a stone's throw from the developing city of San Diego - showed its promise to Elisha Babcock and H.L. Story, who dreamed of building a hotel which they envisioned would be "the talk of the western world. Renowned for its magnificent architecture, the Hotel del Coronado is equally well known for its legendary guests. Ten United States presidents have stayed at the resort, starting with Benjamin Harrison in 1891. In fact, Lyndon Johnson and every president since have visited The Del. This is indeed a romantic property. In 1920, England's Prince of Wales visited The Del. At that time, his future wife, Wallis Spencer Simpson, was living in Coronado. Ever since then, people have wondered if the two may have met for the first time during Prince Edward's 1920 visit. Sixteen years later, Edward would give up the throne to marry the divorced Mrs. Simpson." Harm gave his full flyboy grin to Mac and she replied by holding his hand a little bit tighter. She was truly happy; it was such an intense feeling that she appeared to be glowing. The Bell Captain stopped and spoke once again, "Here we are, the Signature Suite. Please let me know if there is anything I can help you with," As Harm reached for his wallet to give the man a tip he responded, "Sir that won't be necessary; the gratuity has already been seen to and handsomely at that. If that'll be all, I'll show myself out." And with that the Bell Captain left, leaving a surprised Harm and Mac. "Harm your parents certainly didn't spare any expense, this room alone costs over $800 a night!" Harm simply shrugged, "What can I say, that's Mom and Frank for you. You know as much as I appreciate all they do, this is simply too much. How's a guy supposed to compete with this?" "Oh Harm, I would never ask you to," she said as she went over and placed her arms around his neck drawing him into an embrace. Harm took Mac's hands off his neck and looked her in the eyes, "Sarah, I want to be the one to give you these lavish gifts, not my parents." "Is that what this is about Harm? Do you think I somehow think less of you?" When he didn't say anything she took his clasped his hands in hers and said with all of her conviction, "Harmon Rabb Jr. I wouldn't care if we lost all of our worldly possessions, as long as you are in my life that is the only thing that matters." Harm smiled as the significance of her words sunk in. He was completely in love with Sarah MacKenzie she was his lifeline. "I couldn't have said it better myself Marine."
**** 1130 PST San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts San Diego, California
Mrs. Keller, the receptionist looked up from her desk as the two uniformed personnel approached her desk. "You two must be from the Judge Advocate General Corps,"
"Yes Ma'me. I'm Cmdr. Rabb and this is my partner Col. MacKenzie."
"If you'll follow this way I'll introduce you to our career counselor Ms. Johnson and she can take it from there."
Harm and Mac followed Mrs. Keller down the narrow hall and into another office. After knocking on the door an African-American woman of about 50 years of age greeted Harm and Mac. "My what a pleasure to have you with us, my name is Carol Johnson and I am the career counselor here at SDSCPA."
"No the pleasure is all ours, I'm Lt. Col. Sarah MacKenzie and this is my partner Commander Harmon Rabb Jr." Mac replied, "We are happy to be here thank you for permitting us to speak with your students."
Harm spoke next, "Actually, we were a little surprised that you would have us here at all, last time I checked the Marine Corps and the Navy didn't offer much in the way of fine arts."
"Au contraire Commander, since we are in San Diego a great deal of our students parents and friends serve in the military and a lot of them have come an expressed interest in joining themselves someday. It is my understanding that military branches have excellent opportunities for young men and women in music."
"Well Ma'me we Marines do take pride in our bands."
"My thoughts exactly," replied Ms. Johnson. "Now if you'll follow me I'll give you a brief tour of our campus and then we can proceed to our Grand Theatre for your lecture."
Harm and Mac walked out of the gray administrators building and walked side by side with Ms. Johnson. On their left was a man in shorts and t-shirt riding through the grass in golf cart speaking into a walkie-talkie. At her puzzled expression Ms. Johnson said, "That is how our security and head administrators get around the spacious campus."
"Oh, good. I didn't bring any golf clubs on this trip" Harm joked good- naturedly. Mac smiled remembering how Bobbie had told her of Harm's horrid skills on the driving range.
They passed an open area that appeared to be an amphitheatre, but surely a normal school didn't have one of these. 'Only in California Mac thought'. As they continued their tour Ms. Johnson explained the dynamics of the school. "SCPA was founded in 1978 as a means to merge arts and academics, we moved to this campus in 1990 and have been here ever since. The student body is made up of 1,400 students ranging in age from 9 through 18."
"Do the older students mind the younger ones around and vice versa, I would think with the age differences it would be cause for friction," Mac said.
"Actually Colonel it serves as somewhat of a deterrent. You see, the older students act as the role models for the younger students. We even have mentoring programs to help ease the process for the younger students who aren't accustomed to switching to 7 classes a day what have you." Ms. Johnson boasted, "It's like a modern day 'FAME' if you will." A couple of hours later Harm and Mac had finished their lecture were on their way to do something special for someone very dear to both of their hearts.
Ok Everyone, let me know your thoughts!
Hey Everyone, Thanks for the feedback. It means a lot that you all actually read this and I'm not just writing to write. CP, to clear up any confusion I may have created, yes they are together but still very new in the relationship if you catch my drift. I do welcome any and all feedback; feel free to email me too. Dekkland.
1000 PST Hotel Del Coronado Coronado, California The lady behind the counter is eyeing the couple that has just stepped up into the lobby. Taking one glance at their attire she dismisses them as a couple of tourists coming to see for themselves the Del in all its glory. Just then the couple in question stroll over to her position. In her most snotty voice she greets the couple, "May I help you?" Harm seemingly oblivious to her tone partially smiles and speaks, "Yes, reservations for MacKenzie and Rabb, that's R-A-B-B" "May I see some form of identification?" They lady's demeanor spins one hundred and eighty degrees as she verifies the ID with the name on the screen. "Mr. Rabb of course, the Signature Suite. Here are your room keys and I'll have the Bell Captain assist you with your luggage. Is their anything else I may be of assistance with?" "No thank you, that will be all" and with that Harm took Mac's hand followed the Bell Captain in the direction of their suite. While walking through the majestic mahogany lobby the Bell Captain took this opportunity to talk with the couple. "Is this your first stay with us Sir and Ma'am?" "Why yes indeed it is," Harm replied. "If you'll indulge me I'll tell you a little about our property" "That would be lovely, thank you." Mac said. "The Del is a National Historic Landmark and its guests have included everyone from Marilyn Monroe to Charles Lindbergh. You know an entire many pictures have been filmed here even a couple of television shows, like "Baywatch". "Oh?" Harm asked as Mac poked him with her elbow. "Oh indeed. It Started With a Dream. In 1888, the picturesque Coronado peninsula - surrounded by water on three sides and just a stone's throw from the developing city of San Diego - showed its promise to Elisha Babcock and H.L. Story, who dreamed of building a hotel which they envisioned would be "the talk of the western world. Renowned for its magnificent architecture, the Hotel del Coronado is equally well known for its legendary guests. Ten United States presidents have stayed at the resort, starting with Benjamin Harrison in 1891. In fact, Lyndon Johnson and every president since have visited The Del. This is indeed a romantic property. In 1920, England's Prince of Wales visited The Del. At that time, his future wife, Wallis Spencer Simpson, was living in Coronado. Ever since then, people have wondered if the two may have met for the first time during Prince Edward's 1920 visit. Sixteen years later, Edward would give up the throne to marry the divorced Mrs. Simpson." Harm gave his full flyboy grin to Mac and she replied by holding his hand a little bit tighter. She was truly happy; it was such an intense feeling that she appeared to be glowing. The Bell Captain stopped and spoke once again, "Here we are, the Signature Suite. Please let me know if there is anything I can help you with," As Harm reached for his wallet to give the man a tip he responded, "Sir that won't be necessary; the gratuity has already been seen to and handsomely at that. If that'll be all, I'll show myself out." And with that the Bell Captain left, leaving a surprised Harm and Mac. "Harm your parents certainly didn't spare any expense, this room alone costs over $800 a night!" Harm simply shrugged, "What can I say, that's Mom and Frank for you. You know as much as I appreciate all they do, this is simply too much. How's a guy supposed to compete with this?" "Oh Harm, I would never ask you to," she said as she went over and placed her arms around his neck drawing him into an embrace. Harm took Mac's hands off his neck and looked her in the eyes, "Sarah, I want to be the one to give you these lavish gifts, not my parents." "Is that what this is about Harm? Do you think I somehow think less of you?" When he didn't say anything she took his clasped his hands in hers and said with all of her conviction, "Harmon Rabb Jr. I wouldn't care if we lost all of our worldly possessions, as long as you are in my life that is the only thing that matters." Harm smiled as the significance of her words sunk in. He was completely in love with Sarah MacKenzie she was his lifeline. "I couldn't have said it better myself Marine."
**** 1130 PST San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts San Diego, California
Mrs. Keller, the receptionist looked up from her desk as the two uniformed personnel approached her desk. "You two must be from the Judge Advocate General Corps,"
"Yes Ma'me. I'm Cmdr. Rabb and this is my partner Col. MacKenzie."
"If you'll follow this way I'll introduce you to our career counselor Ms. Johnson and she can take it from there."
Harm and Mac followed Mrs. Keller down the narrow hall and into another office. After knocking on the door an African-American woman of about 50 years of age greeted Harm and Mac. "My what a pleasure to have you with us, my name is Carol Johnson and I am the career counselor here at SDSCPA."
"No the pleasure is all ours, I'm Lt. Col. Sarah MacKenzie and this is my partner Commander Harmon Rabb Jr." Mac replied, "We are happy to be here thank you for permitting us to speak with your students."
Harm spoke next, "Actually, we were a little surprised that you would have us here at all, last time I checked the Marine Corps and the Navy didn't offer much in the way of fine arts."
"Au contraire Commander, since we are in San Diego a great deal of our students parents and friends serve in the military and a lot of them have come an expressed interest in joining themselves someday. It is my understanding that military branches have excellent opportunities for young men and women in music."
"Well Ma'me we Marines do take pride in our bands."
"My thoughts exactly," replied Ms. Johnson. "Now if you'll follow me I'll give you a brief tour of our campus and then we can proceed to our Grand Theatre for your lecture."
Harm and Mac walked out of the gray administrators building and walked side by side with Ms. Johnson. On their left was a man in shorts and t-shirt riding through the grass in golf cart speaking into a walkie-talkie. At her puzzled expression Ms. Johnson said, "That is how our security and head administrators get around the spacious campus."
"Oh, good. I didn't bring any golf clubs on this trip" Harm joked good- naturedly. Mac smiled remembering how Bobbie had told her of Harm's horrid skills on the driving range.
They passed an open area that appeared to be an amphitheatre, but surely a normal school didn't have one of these. 'Only in California Mac thought'. As they continued their tour Ms. Johnson explained the dynamics of the school. "SCPA was founded in 1978 as a means to merge arts and academics, we moved to this campus in 1990 and have been here ever since. The student body is made up of 1,400 students ranging in age from 9 through 18."
"Do the older students mind the younger ones around and vice versa, I would think with the age differences it would be cause for friction," Mac said.
"Actually Colonel it serves as somewhat of a deterrent. You see, the older students act as the role models for the younger students. We even have mentoring programs to help ease the process for the younger students who aren't accustomed to switching to 7 classes a day what have you." Ms. Johnson boasted, "It's like a modern day 'FAME' if you will." A couple of hours later Harm and Mac had finished their lecture were on their way to do something special for someone very dear to both of their hearts.
Ok Everyone, let me know your thoughts!