A/N: I accidentally deleted a scene in the last chapter, but I'll re- write it after I'm done with the story. It's mostly about Rafe and Jo's cousin coming to visit. The last chapter was mostly telling about Jo's personality, ect.
Disclaimer- I own nothing you recognize. And I don't own Col. Rabb, JAG does.
There You'll Be
All By Myself- Chapter 2
It had been months since Danny and Rafe left and they all wrote back and forth constantly. Jo had been as lonely as ever. About a year after they had left Jo got a letter from Rafe.
Dear Jo,
How are you holding up? We went for our physicals yesterday, and I almost failed it completely! We had to take an eye exam, and, well, you know how I am with letters. Well, there was this one nurse who was beautiful. I had to beg to get her to pass me on the eye exam. And when I found out she was doing those shots we had to get, I went back for her to give me a shot. I used another guy's physical forms, he hadn't gotten his shots so, I went back to this one nurse. I gave her the form, then she gave me the shot. I tried to ask her out on a date, but she poked me again. Well, I left, and came back two seconds later, I felt real strange. It was my second time getting the shot. I passed out and broke my nose. When I came to, and was able to leave, I bought a bottle of champagne and two glasses. I tried to get the cork off, and it hit me right in the nose! I tried not to cry, but it hurt! I poured it into the glasses and tried to drink. She laughed at me, leaned me back into her lap, and put some snow on my nose. We fell in love that night. They're coming next week to go out on the town. They being the nurses.
Love your brother,
Rafe
PS Danny's writing this as usual. He says hello.
PS 2. Her name is Evelyn.
After Jo read this she burst out laughing. Leave it to Rafe to do something stupid for a girl. Jo wrote back as soon as she had time.
Dear Rafe,
Why, dear brother, did you get a shot twice to get a nurse? Why didn't you just ask her on a date without trying to kill yourself? And if you want advice on women, DON'T ASK ME! Ma and Pa are fine, so am I. Ma's teaching me French, Japanese, German and Italian, just in case we go to war. I told her that if we do go to war and I have to pass as a Jap, then I'd have to sew the edges of my eyes back, dye my hair black, somehow turn my eyes black and become real pale. Pa laughed, Ma didn't find it funny. Did Danny tell you? Mr. Walker fell and broke his leg, horribly. He won't be able to fly or do his work as well. I offered to help, and he offered to pay me, but I wouldn't let him. I get to fly everyday! But only for work, I still love it. Send my love to Danny. I hope you two are behaving, although I doubt it. Love you,
Your favorite sister,
Jo
PS Bobby Jones came to call last week. Ma almost died, she'd given up on me getting married. I told her we were just friends and she got mad. Who is surprised? Pa had to take her to bed, he left us alone downstairs. Ma came down to `get some water' which was a lie. She still doesn't trust me.
He got her reply the same day he found out he was going to England. He'd tell them in a letter and send it tomorrow, so they couldn't stop him. He had Danny send the letter, and make sure that Jo didn't do anything stupid. A months later Jo was dusting the crops for Mr. Walker, and a man came to the Walker's house. Mrs. Walker answered the door.
"May I help you?" she asked.
"Is your husband home?" asked the man in the blue uniform.
"Yes, come in."
He came in and sat across from Mr. Walker.
"Danny's not dead is he?" was Mr. Walker's first question, gripping tightly to the arms of his chair.
"No sir. Is that your son out there flying? Would he be interested in enlisting into the Army as a pilot? How old is he?"
"No, that's not my son. I have one son, he's already in the Army, that's our neighbor. Yes, I believe so, you'll have to ask, though. And I think, twenty four. Why do you want to know?"
"He is one of the best flyers I've ever seen in all my days. By the way, my name's Rabb, Colonel Rabb. May I talk to the young Pilot?"
"Sure. Go right ahead."
The colonel left and waited for Jo to land. Jo landed and got out of the plane.
"Hello, I'm Colonel Rabb, you're one of the best pilots I've ever seen. Would you be interested in joining the Army?"
Jo coughed, she had a some allergy's and the dust made her voice sound deeper. She nodded, still coughing.
"Great! What's your name by the way?" he asked, taking out some papers.
"Jo, sir."
He asked her many questions and was about to leave when he stopped.
"What is your full name?" he asked.
"Josephine Heather McCawley, sir."
He gaped as she took off the goggles, letting her hair fall around her shoulders.
"Oh, you're a girl."
"What do you mean by that, sir?"
"Nothing, I'll ask Washington. We need all the help we can get, I'm sure you'll be able to get in. I might be able to get you in with the nurses, for bunking.'
"Nurses, sir? I'd like to stay as close to the base as possible, sir. I don't mind being with the boys, sir. I practically lived with my brother and his best friend, sir."
"I'll take you to Washington with me. Where do you live?"
"Through the corn field, sir."
"You're very disciplined. The Army likes that. I'll speak with your parents. Good night."
He put his hat on and went back to his car, and went toward her house. She put the plane away and ran home as fast as she could. She saw that the colonel had beaten her there, and her mother was trying to keep him from taking her daughter away from her. Jo stood at the screen door and watched.
"Sir, we'll sleep on it. If she goes, she'll meet you at the station at ten forty five. If not, she won't be there," said Mr. McCawley.
Colonel Rabb nodded and left. Jo went to the back of the house to milk the cows while he left. She brought the milk to the front door, but didn't walk in, she still stood in front of the screen door. Watching her parents.
"Molly, if she wants to go, she should. This has been her life- long dream. Let her go. We can hire a boy to help us out and the Walkers," pleaded Mr. McCawley.
"No! I've lost one child to the air. I won't loose another!"
"Molly-"
"Don't Molly me."
"She's an adult, let her make her own decisions."
"As long as she's living here, she'll do as I say."
"Molly. Let her do what she wants."
"Andy, n-" Molly caught sight of Jo at the door, and looked at her blue eyes.
She recognized the look in Jo's eyes. They were the same look that she herself had had when her husband had to go in to W.W.I. Molly sighed.
"Fine, she can do what she wants."
Jo smiled, brought the milk and ran into the sitting room, and hugged her mother.
"Thank you Ma, thank you so much. You have no idea how much this means to me."
Molly smiled and hugged her daughter. They packed some of her things that night and got out a dress suit for Jo to wear the next day, and for once, Jo didn't argue. The next day, Jo got up, did her chores, ate breakfast and got ready by eight- thirty. Jo had the tan jacket and skirt on and a white shirt under the jacket, and she had her blonde hair in an elegant bun. She got her bags and her father took her to the train station. It was not a tearful goodbye, because she knew her parents would be fine. She saw Colonel Rabb waiting on the platform, looking around for her.
"Good morning, Colonel," she said to him, standing straight and saluting.
He saluted her back.
"At ease."
She did so.
"I'm glad your mother changed he mind," he said, smiling.
"Yes, sir, so am I, sir."
They got on the train and they sat next to each other, discussing where she would go, if accepted into the Army. They decided on the only possible place, Pearl Harbor. When they got to Washington DC several hours later, they immediately went to the White House. After two hours of waiting outside the President's office, Jo was finally invited in.
"How could this lovely young lady, want to go into a war?" asked the President.
"She's the best pilot I've ever seen," answered Col. Rabb.
"Let her answer for herself, please. What is your name?"
"Jo McCawley, sir. And it's always been my dream to be a pilot in the Army. And please don't do me any favors as I'm a girl, I hate that, sir. My brother is in England right now, fighting in the war, sir," said Jo, with amazing confidence.
"You're brave, not afraid of anything, are you?" he said that as more of a statement than a question.
"Sir, may I say something?"
"Of course dear child."
"I am afraid of something, I'm afraid of losing my brother, sir."
"What is your brother's name?"
"Rafe McCawley, sir."
"Do you say sir after everything you say?"
"Yes sir. Why, sir?"
"Don't you not say it?"
"Would you rather me say ma'am? I don't think that would suit you, sir."
The President laughed. Jo was terrified, she didn't mean it as a joke, but as a question.
"I like her. I think I'll assign you in Pearl Harbor. Good luck, Lieutenant McCawley."
Jo smiled, thanked the President and went off to Pearl Harbor, by train to California and plane the rest of the way. When she got there, some women put a lai around her neck. She saw a bunch of people there, first she was taken to her quarters, which was with the men. All were in there. They were all doing various things, one was looking at his photographs, a redhead was looking at a photo of his sweetheart, one was sanding a long piece of wood, and trying to put a fin on it, and another had his back toward her, looking out the window.
"Men, this is your new roommate. Treat her well."
The man who had come with Jo, left her standing there in her tan suit and with all her bags. When he had said `her' all but the man looking out the window turned and looked at her. When the man left they all practically laid down for her to walk on.
"What on Earth are you doing? I expect you to treat me no differently than the man next to you. Got that?"
The man at the window stood up, not noticing her presence, until he walked by her. He suddenly looked up and pulled her by both arms, and looked her in the eyes, so close they could have kissed.
"Jo?"
"Danny?"
"Jo!"
"Danny!"
They hugged, much to the confusion of the others.
"Y'all this is my little sister," said Danny.
"You told us you were an only child," said the one with a greasy wrench in his hand.
"I am, Goose, I am. This is actually McCawley's little baby sis. We were all close and she was like my sister. What are you doing here?"
"I joined the Army, as a pilot. Just like I've always wanted," said Jo, proudly, tossing her bag on an empty bed.
"And the government, not to mention your Ma, let you?"
"Yup. I met the President himself! And I had to beg Ma, when Colonel Rabb left after asking them. And I didn't go lookin' to be in the Army, neither. I was dustin' your Pa's crops when he came lookin' for me! I was so shocked, and so was he when he found out I was a girl. But he took me to Washington, and I've worn the same damn skirt for a week! I hate skirts. Will y'all excuse me so I can change real quick?"
The man nodded and she grabbed her bag from the bed, changed out of her suit and changed into her uniform, an pair of green pants, a white shirt, and the President had given her dog tags before she got on the train. She came out five minutes later, to see everyone crowded around Danny, asking him questions.
"Hey, Danny! Does she have a beau?" asked the one called Goose.
"No, I don't. And you know you could ask me these questions, you don't have to tackle Danny for the answers," said Jo.
The men turned around, embarrassed.
"W- w- w- wow. You- you- you're q- q- q - quick," said the redhead.
"Chill out Red, she won't bite," said Danny.
"G- g- g- good to know."
Jo smiled a bit.
"Hey Jo, we're going out to-" started Danny, but someone knocked on the door.
Red answered it, as Jo put her hair into a ponytail.
"D- D- D- Danny, it's for you."
Danny took it and the color instantly drained from his face. Jo saw him and became slightly worried.
"What? Danny is it your Pa? What?"
He handed her the yellow telegram. She took it slowly, as he put on his jacket and hat. Jo looked at it and fell to her knees.
"My God. No, no, not Rafe, he never did anything to deserve this," she whispered, trying not to cry.
Danny fell to his knees in front of her, hugging her.
"Jo, Jo listen to me. It's okay. Don't do anything stupid, in other words, something I wouldn't want you to do. I'll be right back."
He stood up and left, leaving Jo crying on the floor.
Red patted her on the back, confused.
Goose took the telegram and read it passing it around to the others. They all understood immediately. Later that night Danny came back. Jo was in the bed next to him as he laid down, he caught her eye.
"Go to sleep," he instructed her.
"Where'd you go?" she asked.
"Rafe's girlfriend is also stationed here. I went and told her."
Jo nodded.
"He told me a lot about her."
"I know, I wrote it for him."
Jo laughed a hollow laugh.
"I don't know why, but I'm expecting him to come back, trying to get you to help him on another of his crazy antics," said Jo.
"I know, so do I."
They didn't talk much for a long time and three months later Danny stayed out late. One night Jo got really worried. She was pacing around the room, all the men watched her.
"Ya know, Jo, if you keep doin' that, you'll wear a hole in the floor," said Goose.
"That's not funny. I'm worried about Danny, he's actin' real strange. Y'all know it, too. He's never acted like this. And he was actin' really, really odd when Rafe's girlfriend came in today. I haven't seen him since then."
After she said that he walked in and ran into Jo.
"What are you still doing up?" Danny asked, innocently.
"Don't play stupid, Daniel Walker, you know very well why I'm still up," scolded Jo.
"No, Mother, I don't."
"Don't play that with me. I didn't like it when we were kids, I don't like it now. Now, please tell me the truth, where were you?"
"Out. Do I have to tell you where I go all the time?"
"No, but it would be nice if you told us you were takin' a plane out with Rafe's old girlfriend."
"Her name is Evelyn."
"Do I look like I care? I was worried, anythin' could have happened to you. You know I'm paranoid, ever since Rafe died. You know that! I couldn't bear to loose my other brother. I'm sorry if I'm a pain in the butt! If you really feel that way, I'll ignore you, do you want me to? Because I will!"
"Jo, calm down. I'm sorry. I don't want you to ignore me, and you're not a pain it the butt."
He kissed her on the forehead. Jo glanced at him and went to bed. The next day, Jo went to the hospital to meet this Evelyn. She walked in and a bunch of women giggled.
"New recruits!" they all said together, all except one with dark hair, and pale skin.
"No, actually I've been here for about three months. I'm not a nurse, I'm a pilot. I'm lookin'-"
"A woman pilot? That's the biggest lie I've ever heard," said one with brown, curly hair and glasses.
"Here's my dog tags. I'm lookin' for Evelyn. I'm Jo McCawley."
"As in Rafe McCawley?" asked the pale one with dark hair.
"He was my brother, my best friend. Are you the newest addition to his fan club?"
"No, I'm Evelyn."
"Oh, well, I just wanted to say, not to keep my brother out too late or break his heart. Just a warning."
Jo turned to leave.
"Your brother's dead."
Jo turned around.
"No, my other brother. Danny Walker, he was my brother's best friend, mine too. He's like my brother, I call him my brother. Good day. Oh, and by the way. Which ever one of you is Betty. Red talks about you a whole lot. You're all he ever talks about. Don't tell him I told ya, though, he's kill me."
A young blonde blushed, and smiled. Jo left. A month later, Danny got a telegram, this time on white paper, so they knew it wasn't a death, but he left after reading it. Jo picked it up and read it, her eyes grew wide, and she followed him to the hospital. When she got there she almost fainted, but she realized what she was seeing. It was Rafe. She looked different, her hair had turned almost white, her skin was much darker, she had many, many freckles, and the sparkle of her eye had gone out.
"You two stay away," said Rafe to Danny and Evelyn, not seeing Jo.
"Rafe?" Jo called.
Rafe turned around. Jo ran up and hugged him.
"Wings? What are you doing here? You didn't do anything against me too did you?"
"What? No! I'm here as a pilot, as I always wanted. I'll tell you about it."
"Tell me over a drink, I'm buying."
"Okay."
They walked to the beach and Rafe got a little drunk and had Goose's hula shirt on Jo had on Red's. Danny walked up and Rafe toasted him. Danny just stood there. Rafe called him rude and Danny drank it. Soon, they were fighting and Jo was trying to stop them. The owner had called the MP, and they were on their way. All the military personnel who were there ran. Jo followed Danny and Rafe to a car, where the three fell asleep next to the ocean. Jo was in the back seat with her brother. He had his feet in her face and she had hers in his. There was a sudden sound of bombing and screaming, and the three woke up. Jo got in the drivers seat, making Danny get in the back, with a guy who had just jumped in. Introductions were made and Jo made good that clich‚, `Put the pedal to the metal' and she ignored every light and sign to get to Pearl Harbor.
"Can't you get there any faster Jo?" asked Rafe.
"Oh yeah, I can go a whole lot faster, we can use the B- 15 in my back pocket," she said, sarcastically.
"Shut up and drive!" shouted Danny.
Jo took a short cut through a field and on to the Harbor. They ran into the garage, and called a smaller air field, getting clearance, and assurance of the planes. This time Rafe drove. They got there with the Japs not far behind them.
"Faster Rafe! Go!" shouted Jo, pushing the man with the camera off of her.
"I'm trying to film here!" he shouted.
"Then don't `film' on top of me!"
They pulled up to the airfield and got to the ammunition closet. There were three planes that were ready to go. A blonde guy jumped in one, Rafe and Danny took the other two. Jo grabbed some ammunition and ran for the one in need of bullets. She loaded it up, climbed in, started the plane, and went up behind Rafe.
"Wings, you okay?" asked Rafe.
"Yes, I'm fine. Let's show these Japs who they're messing with!"
Jo got behind two Japanese planes and shot them down, not seeing the one following her. Danny shot down three, and Rafe four.
"Jo, look out behind you!" shouted Danny.
"I see `im."
He shot at her and hit her wing. She cursed.
"Josephine Heather McCawley, watch your language!" said Rafe.
"Shut up, Rafe. I can't stay up much longer!"
Jo began to fly circles around a tower, and managed to get behind her enemy, and shoot him down.
"Jo! Land! Land! Now!" said Danny, who also had to land.
Jo landed and Danny and Rafe followed her. They were happy that they made it through alive. They then went to the hospital, to give blood. Jo glaring at Evelyn the entire time, no one noticing her gaze. After the massacre, they went to see who hadn't survived. Jo noticed Red kneeling next to a casket. She walked over to him and placed her hand on his back.
"She was only seventeen."
Jo bowed her head in respect for all who lie there. Rafe, Danny and Jo were called to Dolittle's office. Danny and Rafe were nervous, but Jo was confident.
"I heard something about you," began Dolittle.
"We can explain sir," said Danny.
"What can you explain?"
"Whatever it is you heard, sir," said Rafe.
"You mean the hula shirts you flew in, or the ten Japs you three took down."
Relief was noticeable in Danny and Rafe's faces, but Jo just stood there, as Dolittle promoted them all to Captain, and gave them a mission, a top secret mission. The readily accepted. The day they were to leave to begin training, Jo caught sight of Evelyn talking to Rafe. Jo could see in her eyes that she was pregnant, but wasn't telling Danny yet. Evelyn saw Jo glowering at her as Jo walked past them.
"Rafe, I don't think your sister likes me much," she whispered.
"She don't like most people. She said she only trusts me an' Danny. I asked her about you once, she didn't say anything, but just kept glarin' and huffin'. So, Danny and I let her be. She said that she doesn't want you to hurt either Danny or me. She's very protective of us. Like I am of Danny and he is of her."
"Oh."
Jo walked over.
"Rafe, it's time to go. Dolittle's waiting, impatiently, I might add."
Jo took no notice of Evelyn as she left. Rafe followed. They got to the base where they were to train before the mission. First, they were all to stand in a line, there, they were asked all who were to accept the mission to step forward, and all stepped forward. Jo, Danny and Goose did a lot of the `lightening' for the planes.
"We want a skinny lady, not a fat lady," shouted Dolittle, walking around and watching.
"If we want a skinny lady, we could fly Jo, if she had a propeller on her face," joked Goose.
"And an engine up her butt," added Rafe, quietly.
"You're not funny, Goose," said Jo, hanging upside down from under the plane.
"Goose, don't call her a lady, `cause she isn't one."
"I am so! I just don't act it sometimes. Ask Danny what I was wearing when I first came to Hawaii."
"Nothin'?"
"Rafe Lorenzo McCawley! I'll tell Ma!"
"I'm jokin'. Danny, what was Jo wearing when she came to Hawaii?"
Rafe was only humoring her, he `knew' she had worn either overalls or jeans.
"A skirt and a jacket, with her hair in a bun. I was shocked, too," said Danny.
Rafe stared open- mouthed. Jo smirked and went back up under the plane. Eventually they were able to turn the fat ladies into skinny ladies, and were on their way to Japan.
A/N: Special thanx to those who reviewed:
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Disclaimer- I own nothing you recognize. And I don't own Col. Rabb, JAG does.
There You'll Be
All By Myself- Chapter 2
It had been months since Danny and Rafe left and they all wrote back and forth constantly. Jo had been as lonely as ever. About a year after they had left Jo got a letter from Rafe.
Dear Jo,
How are you holding up? We went for our physicals yesterday, and I almost failed it completely! We had to take an eye exam, and, well, you know how I am with letters. Well, there was this one nurse who was beautiful. I had to beg to get her to pass me on the eye exam. And when I found out she was doing those shots we had to get, I went back for her to give me a shot. I used another guy's physical forms, he hadn't gotten his shots so, I went back to this one nurse. I gave her the form, then she gave me the shot. I tried to ask her out on a date, but she poked me again. Well, I left, and came back two seconds later, I felt real strange. It was my second time getting the shot. I passed out and broke my nose. When I came to, and was able to leave, I bought a bottle of champagne and two glasses. I tried to get the cork off, and it hit me right in the nose! I tried not to cry, but it hurt! I poured it into the glasses and tried to drink. She laughed at me, leaned me back into her lap, and put some snow on my nose. We fell in love that night. They're coming next week to go out on the town. They being the nurses.
Love your brother,
Rafe
PS Danny's writing this as usual. He says hello.
PS 2. Her name is Evelyn.
After Jo read this she burst out laughing. Leave it to Rafe to do something stupid for a girl. Jo wrote back as soon as she had time.
Dear Rafe,
Why, dear brother, did you get a shot twice to get a nurse? Why didn't you just ask her on a date without trying to kill yourself? And if you want advice on women, DON'T ASK ME! Ma and Pa are fine, so am I. Ma's teaching me French, Japanese, German and Italian, just in case we go to war. I told her that if we do go to war and I have to pass as a Jap, then I'd have to sew the edges of my eyes back, dye my hair black, somehow turn my eyes black and become real pale. Pa laughed, Ma didn't find it funny. Did Danny tell you? Mr. Walker fell and broke his leg, horribly. He won't be able to fly or do his work as well. I offered to help, and he offered to pay me, but I wouldn't let him. I get to fly everyday! But only for work, I still love it. Send my love to Danny. I hope you two are behaving, although I doubt it. Love you,
Your favorite sister,
Jo
PS Bobby Jones came to call last week. Ma almost died, she'd given up on me getting married. I told her we were just friends and she got mad. Who is surprised? Pa had to take her to bed, he left us alone downstairs. Ma came down to `get some water' which was a lie. She still doesn't trust me.
He got her reply the same day he found out he was going to England. He'd tell them in a letter and send it tomorrow, so they couldn't stop him. He had Danny send the letter, and make sure that Jo didn't do anything stupid. A months later Jo was dusting the crops for Mr. Walker, and a man came to the Walker's house. Mrs. Walker answered the door.
"May I help you?" she asked.
"Is your husband home?" asked the man in the blue uniform.
"Yes, come in."
He came in and sat across from Mr. Walker.
"Danny's not dead is he?" was Mr. Walker's first question, gripping tightly to the arms of his chair.
"No sir. Is that your son out there flying? Would he be interested in enlisting into the Army as a pilot? How old is he?"
"No, that's not my son. I have one son, he's already in the Army, that's our neighbor. Yes, I believe so, you'll have to ask, though. And I think, twenty four. Why do you want to know?"
"He is one of the best flyers I've ever seen in all my days. By the way, my name's Rabb, Colonel Rabb. May I talk to the young Pilot?"
"Sure. Go right ahead."
The colonel left and waited for Jo to land. Jo landed and got out of the plane.
"Hello, I'm Colonel Rabb, you're one of the best pilots I've ever seen. Would you be interested in joining the Army?"
Jo coughed, she had a some allergy's and the dust made her voice sound deeper. She nodded, still coughing.
"Great! What's your name by the way?" he asked, taking out some papers.
"Jo, sir."
He asked her many questions and was about to leave when he stopped.
"What is your full name?" he asked.
"Josephine Heather McCawley, sir."
He gaped as she took off the goggles, letting her hair fall around her shoulders.
"Oh, you're a girl."
"What do you mean by that, sir?"
"Nothing, I'll ask Washington. We need all the help we can get, I'm sure you'll be able to get in. I might be able to get you in with the nurses, for bunking.'
"Nurses, sir? I'd like to stay as close to the base as possible, sir. I don't mind being with the boys, sir. I practically lived with my brother and his best friend, sir."
"I'll take you to Washington with me. Where do you live?"
"Through the corn field, sir."
"You're very disciplined. The Army likes that. I'll speak with your parents. Good night."
He put his hat on and went back to his car, and went toward her house. She put the plane away and ran home as fast as she could. She saw that the colonel had beaten her there, and her mother was trying to keep him from taking her daughter away from her. Jo stood at the screen door and watched.
"Sir, we'll sleep on it. If she goes, she'll meet you at the station at ten forty five. If not, she won't be there," said Mr. McCawley.
Colonel Rabb nodded and left. Jo went to the back of the house to milk the cows while he left. She brought the milk to the front door, but didn't walk in, she still stood in front of the screen door. Watching her parents.
"Molly, if she wants to go, she should. This has been her life- long dream. Let her go. We can hire a boy to help us out and the Walkers," pleaded Mr. McCawley.
"No! I've lost one child to the air. I won't loose another!"
"Molly-"
"Don't Molly me."
"She's an adult, let her make her own decisions."
"As long as she's living here, she'll do as I say."
"Molly. Let her do what she wants."
"Andy, n-" Molly caught sight of Jo at the door, and looked at her blue eyes.
She recognized the look in Jo's eyes. They were the same look that she herself had had when her husband had to go in to W.W.I. Molly sighed.
"Fine, she can do what she wants."
Jo smiled, brought the milk and ran into the sitting room, and hugged her mother.
"Thank you Ma, thank you so much. You have no idea how much this means to me."
Molly smiled and hugged her daughter. They packed some of her things that night and got out a dress suit for Jo to wear the next day, and for once, Jo didn't argue. The next day, Jo got up, did her chores, ate breakfast and got ready by eight- thirty. Jo had the tan jacket and skirt on and a white shirt under the jacket, and she had her blonde hair in an elegant bun. She got her bags and her father took her to the train station. It was not a tearful goodbye, because she knew her parents would be fine. She saw Colonel Rabb waiting on the platform, looking around for her.
"Good morning, Colonel," she said to him, standing straight and saluting.
He saluted her back.
"At ease."
She did so.
"I'm glad your mother changed he mind," he said, smiling.
"Yes, sir, so am I, sir."
They got on the train and they sat next to each other, discussing where she would go, if accepted into the Army. They decided on the only possible place, Pearl Harbor. When they got to Washington DC several hours later, they immediately went to the White House. After two hours of waiting outside the President's office, Jo was finally invited in.
"How could this lovely young lady, want to go into a war?" asked the President.
"She's the best pilot I've ever seen," answered Col. Rabb.
"Let her answer for herself, please. What is your name?"
"Jo McCawley, sir. And it's always been my dream to be a pilot in the Army. And please don't do me any favors as I'm a girl, I hate that, sir. My brother is in England right now, fighting in the war, sir," said Jo, with amazing confidence.
"You're brave, not afraid of anything, are you?" he said that as more of a statement than a question.
"Sir, may I say something?"
"Of course dear child."
"I am afraid of something, I'm afraid of losing my brother, sir."
"What is your brother's name?"
"Rafe McCawley, sir."
"Do you say sir after everything you say?"
"Yes sir. Why, sir?"
"Don't you not say it?"
"Would you rather me say ma'am? I don't think that would suit you, sir."
The President laughed. Jo was terrified, she didn't mean it as a joke, but as a question.
"I like her. I think I'll assign you in Pearl Harbor. Good luck, Lieutenant McCawley."
Jo smiled, thanked the President and went off to Pearl Harbor, by train to California and plane the rest of the way. When she got there, some women put a lai around her neck. She saw a bunch of people there, first she was taken to her quarters, which was with the men. All were in there. They were all doing various things, one was looking at his photographs, a redhead was looking at a photo of his sweetheart, one was sanding a long piece of wood, and trying to put a fin on it, and another had his back toward her, looking out the window.
"Men, this is your new roommate. Treat her well."
The man who had come with Jo, left her standing there in her tan suit and with all her bags. When he had said `her' all but the man looking out the window turned and looked at her. When the man left they all practically laid down for her to walk on.
"What on Earth are you doing? I expect you to treat me no differently than the man next to you. Got that?"
The man at the window stood up, not noticing her presence, until he walked by her. He suddenly looked up and pulled her by both arms, and looked her in the eyes, so close they could have kissed.
"Jo?"
"Danny?"
"Jo!"
"Danny!"
They hugged, much to the confusion of the others.
"Y'all this is my little sister," said Danny.
"You told us you were an only child," said the one with a greasy wrench in his hand.
"I am, Goose, I am. This is actually McCawley's little baby sis. We were all close and she was like my sister. What are you doing here?"
"I joined the Army, as a pilot. Just like I've always wanted," said Jo, proudly, tossing her bag on an empty bed.
"And the government, not to mention your Ma, let you?"
"Yup. I met the President himself! And I had to beg Ma, when Colonel Rabb left after asking them. And I didn't go lookin' to be in the Army, neither. I was dustin' your Pa's crops when he came lookin' for me! I was so shocked, and so was he when he found out I was a girl. But he took me to Washington, and I've worn the same damn skirt for a week! I hate skirts. Will y'all excuse me so I can change real quick?"
The man nodded and she grabbed her bag from the bed, changed out of her suit and changed into her uniform, an pair of green pants, a white shirt, and the President had given her dog tags before she got on the train. She came out five minutes later, to see everyone crowded around Danny, asking him questions.
"Hey, Danny! Does she have a beau?" asked the one called Goose.
"No, I don't. And you know you could ask me these questions, you don't have to tackle Danny for the answers," said Jo.
The men turned around, embarrassed.
"W- w- w- wow. You- you- you're q- q- q - quick," said the redhead.
"Chill out Red, she won't bite," said Danny.
"G- g- g- good to know."
Jo smiled a bit.
"Hey Jo, we're going out to-" started Danny, but someone knocked on the door.
Red answered it, as Jo put her hair into a ponytail.
"D- D- D- Danny, it's for you."
Danny took it and the color instantly drained from his face. Jo saw him and became slightly worried.
"What? Danny is it your Pa? What?"
He handed her the yellow telegram. She took it slowly, as he put on his jacket and hat. Jo looked at it and fell to her knees.
"My God. No, no, not Rafe, he never did anything to deserve this," she whispered, trying not to cry.
Danny fell to his knees in front of her, hugging her.
"Jo, Jo listen to me. It's okay. Don't do anything stupid, in other words, something I wouldn't want you to do. I'll be right back."
He stood up and left, leaving Jo crying on the floor.
Red patted her on the back, confused.
Goose took the telegram and read it passing it around to the others. They all understood immediately. Later that night Danny came back. Jo was in the bed next to him as he laid down, he caught her eye.
"Go to sleep," he instructed her.
"Where'd you go?" she asked.
"Rafe's girlfriend is also stationed here. I went and told her."
Jo nodded.
"He told me a lot about her."
"I know, I wrote it for him."
Jo laughed a hollow laugh.
"I don't know why, but I'm expecting him to come back, trying to get you to help him on another of his crazy antics," said Jo.
"I know, so do I."
They didn't talk much for a long time and three months later Danny stayed out late. One night Jo got really worried. She was pacing around the room, all the men watched her.
"Ya know, Jo, if you keep doin' that, you'll wear a hole in the floor," said Goose.
"That's not funny. I'm worried about Danny, he's actin' real strange. Y'all know it, too. He's never acted like this. And he was actin' really, really odd when Rafe's girlfriend came in today. I haven't seen him since then."
After she said that he walked in and ran into Jo.
"What are you still doing up?" Danny asked, innocently.
"Don't play stupid, Daniel Walker, you know very well why I'm still up," scolded Jo.
"No, Mother, I don't."
"Don't play that with me. I didn't like it when we were kids, I don't like it now. Now, please tell me the truth, where were you?"
"Out. Do I have to tell you where I go all the time?"
"No, but it would be nice if you told us you were takin' a plane out with Rafe's old girlfriend."
"Her name is Evelyn."
"Do I look like I care? I was worried, anythin' could have happened to you. You know I'm paranoid, ever since Rafe died. You know that! I couldn't bear to loose my other brother. I'm sorry if I'm a pain in the butt! If you really feel that way, I'll ignore you, do you want me to? Because I will!"
"Jo, calm down. I'm sorry. I don't want you to ignore me, and you're not a pain it the butt."
He kissed her on the forehead. Jo glanced at him and went to bed. The next day, Jo went to the hospital to meet this Evelyn. She walked in and a bunch of women giggled.
"New recruits!" they all said together, all except one with dark hair, and pale skin.
"No, actually I've been here for about three months. I'm not a nurse, I'm a pilot. I'm lookin'-"
"A woman pilot? That's the biggest lie I've ever heard," said one with brown, curly hair and glasses.
"Here's my dog tags. I'm lookin' for Evelyn. I'm Jo McCawley."
"As in Rafe McCawley?" asked the pale one with dark hair.
"He was my brother, my best friend. Are you the newest addition to his fan club?"
"No, I'm Evelyn."
"Oh, well, I just wanted to say, not to keep my brother out too late or break his heart. Just a warning."
Jo turned to leave.
"Your brother's dead."
Jo turned around.
"No, my other brother. Danny Walker, he was my brother's best friend, mine too. He's like my brother, I call him my brother. Good day. Oh, and by the way. Which ever one of you is Betty. Red talks about you a whole lot. You're all he ever talks about. Don't tell him I told ya, though, he's kill me."
A young blonde blushed, and smiled. Jo left. A month later, Danny got a telegram, this time on white paper, so they knew it wasn't a death, but he left after reading it. Jo picked it up and read it, her eyes grew wide, and she followed him to the hospital. When she got there she almost fainted, but she realized what she was seeing. It was Rafe. She looked different, her hair had turned almost white, her skin was much darker, she had many, many freckles, and the sparkle of her eye had gone out.
"You two stay away," said Rafe to Danny and Evelyn, not seeing Jo.
"Rafe?" Jo called.
Rafe turned around. Jo ran up and hugged him.
"Wings? What are you doing here? You didn't do anything against me too did you?"
"What? No! I'm here as a pilot, as I always wanted. I'll tell you about it."
"Tell me over a drink, I'm buying."
"Okay."
They walked to the beach and Rafe got a little drunk and had Goose's hula shirt on Jo had on Red's. Danny walked up and Rafe toasted him. Danny just stood there. Rafe called him rude and Danny drank it. Soon, they were fighting and Jo was trying to stop them. The owner had called the MP, and they were on their way. All the military personnel who were there ran. Jo followed Danny and Rafe to a car, where the three fell asleep next to the ocean. Jo was in the back seat with her brother. He had his feet in her face and she had hers in his. There was a sudden sound of bombing and screaming, and the three woke up. Jo got in the drivers seat, making Danny get in the back, with a guy who had just jumped in. Introductions were made and Jo made good that clich‚, `Put the pedal to the metal' and she ignored every light and sign to get to Pearl Harbor.
"Can't you get there any faster Jo?" asked Rafe.
"Oh yeah, I can go a whole lot faster, we can use the B- 15 in my back pocket," she said, sarcastically.
"Shut up and drive!" shouted Danny.
Jo took a short cut through a field and on to the Harbor. They ran into the garage, and called a smaller air field, getting clearance, and assurance of the planes. This time Rafe drove. They got there with the Japs not far behind them.
"Faster Rafe! Go!" shouted Jo, pushing the man with the camera off of her.
"I'm trying to film here!" he shouted.
"Then don't `film' on top of me!"
They pulled up to the airfield and got to the ammunition closet. There were three planes that were ready to go. A blonde guy jumped in one, Rafe and Danny took the other two. Jo grabbed some ammunition and ran for the one in need of bullets. She loaded it up, climbed in, started the plane, and went up behind Rafe.
"Wings, you okay?" asked Rafe.
"Yes, I'm fine. Let's show these Japs who they're messing with!"
Jo got behind two Japanese planes and shot them down, not seeing the one following her. Danny shot down three, and Rafe four.
"Jo, look out behind you!" shouted Danny.
"I see `im."
He shot at her and hit her wing. She cursed.
"Josephine Heather McCawley, watch your language!" said Rafe.
"Shut up, Rafe. I can't stay up much longer!"
Jo began to fly circles around a tower, and managed to get behind her enemy, and shoot him down.
"Jo! Land! Land! Now!" said Danny, who also had to land.
Jo landed and Danny and Rafe followed her. They were happy that they made it through alive. They then went to the hospital, to give blood. Jo glaring at Evelyn the entire time, no one noticing her gaze. After the massacre, they went to see who hadn't survived. Jo noticed Red kneeling next to a casket. She walked over to him and placed her hand on his back.
"She was only seventeen."
Jo bowed her head in respect for all who lie there. Rafe, Danny and Jo were called to Dolittle's office. Danny and Rafe were nervous, but Jo was confident.
"I heard something about you," began Dolittle.
"We can explain sir," said Danny.
"What can you explain?"
"Whatever it is you heard, sir," said Rafe.
"You mean the hula shirts you flew in, or the ten Japs you three took down."
Relief was noticeable in Danny and Rafe's faces, but Jo just stood there, as Dolittle promoted them all to Captain, and gave them a mission, a top secret mission. The readily accepted. The day they were to leave to begin training, Jo caught sight of Evelyn talking to Rafe. Jo could see in her eyes that she was pregnant, but wasn't telling Danny yet. Evelyn saw Jo glowering at her as Jo walked past them.
"Rafe, I don't think your sister likes me much," she whispered.
"She don't like most people. She said she only trusts me an' Danny. I asked her about you once, she didn't say anything, but just kept glarin' and huffin'. So, Danny and I let her be. She said that she doesn't want you to hurt either Danny or me. She's very protective of us. Like I am of Danny and he is of her."
"Oh."
Jo walked over.
"Rafe, it's time to go. Dolittle's waiting, impatiently, I might add."
Jo took no notice of Evelyn as she left. Rafe followed. They got to the base where they were to train before the mission. First, they were all to stand in a line, there, they were asked all who were to accept the mission to step forward, and all stepped forward. Jo, Danny and Goose did a lot of the `lightening' for the planes.
"We want a skinny lady, not a fat lady," shouted Dolittle, walking around and watching.
"If we want a skinny lady, we could fly Jo, if she had a propeller on her face," joked Goose.
"And an engine up her butt," added Rafe, quietly.
"You're not funny, Goose," said Jo, hanging upside down from under the plane.
"Goose, don't call her a lady, `cause she isn't one."
"I am so! I just don't act it sometimes. Ask Danny what I was wearing when I first came to Hawaii."
"Nothin'?"
"Rafe Lorenzo McCawley! I'll tell Ma!"
"I'm jokin'. Danny, what was Jo wearing when she came to Hawaii?"
Rafe was only humoring her, he `knew' she had worn either overalls or jeans.
"A skirt and a jacket, with her hair in a bun. I was shocked, too," said Danny.
Rafe stared open- mouthed. Jo smirked and went back up under the plane. Eventually they were able to turn the fat ladies into skinny ladies, and were on their way to Japan.
A/N: Special thanx to those who reviewed:
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