A Final Goodbye, A New Beginning
When the time came for them to say goodbye, Rafe collected all of his things. Evelyn walked him out to the curb, where a taxi was waiting for him. They kissed for a long time, unwilling to let each other go. He kissed her forehead, breathing in everything about her. "I will come back Evelyn.I promise. No matter how long it takes. I will come back to you. Never lose faith." "I won't Rafe, I'll be waiting when you come back. I love you." "I love you Evelyn." He got in the car, holding her hand through the open window. Her fingers slipped out of his as the taxi drove away. Evelyn stood on the curb watching the taxi until she couldn't see it any longer. "Be careful Rafe." She whispered, and with that, she walked into the hotel.
Evelyn paced her bedroom, looking at the clock, *9:30*. Rafe's train was scheduled to leave at 10:00. Thoughts raced through Evelyn's head *He asked me not to go...But I have to see him one last time.* With that, Evelyn had made up her mind. Her hair was still wet from her shower, but she didn't care. She grabbed her coat and raced out the door. She flew down the hall, going as fast as she could, as she turned the corner for the elevator, she nearly ran into Sandra.
"Whoa!" Sandra slid out of the way. "I'm sorry Sandra!!" Evelyn only paused a moment before continuing to the elevator, pushing the button. "Where are you going Ev?" Evelyn smiled at Sandra. "I have to catch Rafe.before he goes." Sandra smiled knowingly as the door dinged and opened. "Hurry Ev." Evelyn grinned and got into the elevator, and with that, she was on her way to Grand Central Station.
"I thought you told her not to come." Danny looked at Rafe. "I did.but its just my test.if I tell her not to come, and she comes anyway.then.I know she truly loves me." Rafe smirked and put his hat on.
"ALL ABOARD! TRACK 57!!!" a conductor yelled across the busy room.
Rafe looked at Danny. "If uh.if anything happens to me.I want you to be the one to tell her, allright?" Danny clenched his jaw at the thought. "You just make sure to come back.for the both of us." "I will." Danny held his hand out for Rafe to shake it. Rafe smacked his hand away and pulled Danny into a hug. Rafe then smiled, and picked up his bags. "I'll see you when I get back!" Danny shoved his hands in his pockets and nodded to Rafe. He reverently, almost like a prayer said "Good Huntin' Rafe."
Evelyn burst in through the doors of the station. She ran up to a conductor, out of breath, she asked "Has the train on track 57 left yet?!?" The conductor shook his head and pointed towards a train whose whistle blew. Evelyn tore towards the train, looking in each window, but she didn't see Rafe. She stared in dis-belief. "I missed him." She bowed her head.
Rafe looked out the window, dismayed that Evelyn had not come.and then he saw her. He banged on the window "EVELYN! HEY! EV." but she couldn't hear him. No.He couldn't let her go. He stood up, and half ran to the nearest door.
Evelyn turned to leave, a tear streaming down her face.then she saw him, standing in the doorway of the train was Rafe, calling her name and waving. She raced to to him, as the train blew it's final whistle.
"RAFE!!"
"EVELYN!"
She reached up and grabbed his hand, the train was very slowly starting to move, and Evelyn ran beside it.
"I couldn't let you go without knowing that I love you! I love you so much Rafe!" Evelyn yelled over the sounds of people and the train.
"I LOVE YOU EVELYN!!"
Evelyn's hand slowly slipped out of Rafe's as she came to the end of the concrete.
"Promise me again that you will come back to me!!"
The train pulled away as Rafe yelled his promise, but over the noise, Evelyn could only see his lips move.
Sandra sat on a crate on the deck of the huge barge, reading her TIME magazine. "Did you know there are about a hundred ships on Pearl?" She remarked very matter-of-factly.
"How many sailors on each ship?" Betty asked with that youthful tone in her voice.
Sandra hadn't put two and two together, to notice that Betty was asking for.social purposes. "Well, there are more on a battle ship than a sub, but say.2,000?" She looked thoughtfully at Betty, who was deep in thought on the number she was just given.
"But then you have the pilots, and the beach personnel." Betty cut Barbara off."I'm still workin' on the sailors!"
"Girls, I think the odds are in your favor." Evelyn smiled down at Sandra, who returned her smile. They were the only ones who's hearts were spoken for.
"Yea! Like 4,000 to one!!" Martha laughed. Betty put on her new sunglasses with palm trees on them and giggled. "It's Paradise!"
Sandra laughed, she had grown quite close to Betty, as well as Evelyn. Betty and Sandra were always room mates, giving them a chance to become quite good friends. The three of them, Betty, Sandra, and Evelyn, had all been extremely close, after staying up all night a couple nights before, dreamily discussing their dreams and plans for the future.
Rafe looked around at all the British pilots, running around, doing very important tasks. He looked up to see 12 RAF planes fly over his head. He smiled contently, "This is it." He dropped his bags and saluted an officer. "Lieutenant Rafe McCawley, reporting for duty sir." The officer saluted him back, and nodded in approval. "Lets get you to your room then." Rafe nodded, then paused. "Sir, would ya mind showing me the plane I'll be flying? I wanna get a feel of her." He smiled and the officer nodded. They rounded the corner to a plane with a big chunk of metal missing from the side, bullet holes everywhere. The canopy was streaked with blood and had several bullet holes in it. Rafe gently touched the side of the plane, and bowed his head, silently saying a prayer for the man who died in this plane, for those back home, for himself.and for Evelyn.
"Tell me something Pilot Officer." The British Officer said as they walked towards Rafe's room. "Sir?" Rafe looked toward him for the question. "Are all the Yanks as anxious as you to get themselves killed?" Rafe stopped and looked at him. "Not anxious to die sir.just anxious to matter."
Rafe put his bags down in the room. A small des, a dresser, and 3 other beds occupied the room. The room was dark and damp. The cold stone walls had eerie shadows cast on them from the small candles lie in the corner, which Rafe would soon learn, were for pilots killed, that had once occupied this very room.
Rafe unpacked his things, and picked up his small wooden box, containing his papers and pens. As he sat on a stool to begin writing, Rafe pulled his dictionary out from his bag. He wanted everything to be spelled right for Evelyn. He traced his finger over the locket that Evelyn had given him, and closed his eyes for a moment, thinking of Evelyn, and what she was doing right then.
Evelyn sat on the porch of the Nurses' Quarters, twisting the ring Rafe had given her in her fingers. It was so beautiful, and still smelled of Rafe's cologne. She smiled as she watched Danny and Sandra at the fence over looking the ocean. The two had been going out together quite a bit since Danny's squadron was transferred to Pearl Harbor. Evelyn couldn't help but envy Sandra a little. She had the man she cared about there with her.
Sandra leaned far over the white fence and looked down at the ocean, the sun was beginning to set and cast a pink glow over the ocean. "Don't go fallin' in now, cause, this is my good shirt, and I really don't wanna have to go in there after you and get it wet." Danny grinned. Sandra laughed and turned towards him. "Don't worry, you're shirt will be fine." She smiled and traced the collar of his shirt with her fingers. Danny smiled. In the five dates they had been on, he still hadn't gotten the nerve up to actually kiss her. Sure there was the kiss on the cheek.but that didn't mean much. *Just do it Danny.* He thought, *No you can't.* Danny decided there was only one thing he could do. "Sandy?" Sandra turned from gazing at the sunset to him. He was one of the few people she let call her Sandy. "Yes?" "Uh.Can I.I mean, um.would you mind if I.kissed you?" Danny's heart was beating so fast he was sure it would explode out of his chest. Sandra's cheeks flushed pink and she bit her lower lip. "I.I wouldn't mind it one bit." She smiled. Danny smiled back, he didn't quite know what to do. He gently put his hands on either side of her face, and leaned in. Sandra put her hands lightly on his waist and leaned up, her lips meeting his in a gently, sweet first kiss. After a couple of moments, each pulled away, almost reluctantly. Sandra blushed and Danny smiled at her. "So um.I'll see you tomorrow then?" Danny still hadn't taken his hands from her face. Sandra reached up and took both of his hands in hers. "I wouldn't miss it on a bet." Danny smiled at her, he loved the southern phrases she used. "I'll see you then, then." Sandra giggled, her curls shaking a little. "All right. Goodnight Danny." "Night." Her hands slowly slipped from his as she turned up the path. He watched her until she stopped to talk to Evelyn, then he turned and headed back to the hangar.
"I suppose you saw?" Sandra blushed, grinning and sat down next to Evelyn. Evelyn looked up from writing a letter to Rafe. "See what?" She tried to act innocent, but the smirk on her face suggested otherwise. Sandra rose an eyebrow at her. "Yea, I saw. You two are so sweet with each other." Sandra blushed, she leaned back and sighed contently. "Y'know Ev.I think he might be the one." She smiled from ear to ear.
It was early evening when the alarm went off. Rafe leaped out of bed and pulled on his coat. He had learned to stay in his uniform all during the day. He ran down stairs with 10 other pilots and ran to his plane.
"I Fixed the engine and patched the bullet holes, but the oil hose still needs attention!!" Ian ran along side Rafe to his plane
Rafe leaped into the cockpit. "Just CRANK it IAN!"
Ian nodded. "Be Careful out there Lieutenant." Ian ran off to help another pilot.
Rafe pulled up and yelled into his 2-way radio. "We got boppers dead ahead, lets drop in on them and give them a reception. Follow me Red 2!"
"I'm goin' straight at the lead bomber." Rafe hit down on his guns, shooting at the lead bomber. "HAMMER DOWN!" Rafe hit the lead bomber and his engine shut down. "I got him!"
Rafe shot down two other planes, one of them bailed out, and for a second.Rafe wondered if he was a farm boy like he was.
"RED ONE YOU'VE GOT FIGHTERS ALL OVER YOUR TAIL!! PULL UP!!!"
Rafe tried to pull up, when he heard a whirring sound, he looked down and his oil hose burst open, shooting him in the eyes. "AHH!! I HAVE AN OIL LEAK!" the oil burst into flames . "I GOT A FIRE!!! I CAN'T BAIL!! I CAN'T BAIL!!!!"
Rafe looked out his front window.seeing the ocean coming towards him fast.too fast. "No.No.this can't happen.no!" Rafe pulled up with all his strength. He punched a hole in his canopy, and as the water was racing toward him, almost about to crash, the canopy flew open, and Rafe leaped out, no time for a parachute, he hit the water, just as his plane crashed beside him.
Evelyn sat up suddenly. It was 2:00 in the morning, her heart was racing, and she was sweating. She had a horrible feeling in her stomach. "Rafe." She whispered.she stood up and went into the kitchen to get a drink of water.something was not right.She tried to tell herself that Rafe was fine.that he would be coming back to her soon.but she couldn't shake the uneasy feeling she had. She sat in her bed, and re-read all the letters from Rafe.
Danny sat in the officer's room. "No.its not possible.Rafe.Rafe can't be dead."
The officer looked at him. "I'm sorry son.Rafe was a brave man." He nodded and handed the envelope to Danny, who held it in his hand.dreading what came next.
Evelyn was in the hospital, working on some inventory. She looked out the window at the last of the sun, and thought of Rafe. She heard a car pull up out front.her heart started beating fast.no.it couldn't be.she grinned and ran outside, to see a military car pull up. A tall, strong man stepped out, his face shaded by his cap in the dull sunlight. Evelyn breathed out "Rafe." She half ran down the stairs.to see Danny.a grim look on his face.
Evelyn knew before he said anything.Rafe.was gone. She bowed her head, tears filling her eyes. Danny pulled her close to him in a hug, the two mourning over their loss. Sandra came out to the porch."Oh no." She walked down the steps, knowing instantly what had happened.she looked at Danny, then placed her hand gently on Evelyn's shoulder. "Oh Evelyn.I'm so sorry." Evelyn turned to her, tears streaming down her face, she wrapped her arms around Sandra and hugged her, her body shaking as sobs overcame her. Sandra felt the sting of tears in her eyes, as she held her friend, letting her cry on her shoulder. Danny bowed his head and started to leave. Sandra reached out and took his hand. "Its ok to cry Danny." A tear fell down her cheek, as she pulled Danny to her and Evelyn, the three of them crying over the loss of a dear friend.
Rain was pouring outside of the Hula Hut, where friends and loved ones of Rafe McCawley sat. Evelyn stood, with Sandra holding her hand and Betty on her other side, one arm wrapped around Evelyn, there for support. There was not a person in the room who was not crying.
Danny poured a shot glass full, beneath Rafe's picture, and raised his own glass. "To Rafe McCawley. The best pilot.and the best friend I ever knew.and ever will know." Danny was so overcome with tears as he choked out his last words. "To Rafe." Each person drank the liquor in memory of their best friend. Evelyn drank as a tear streamed down her face.all she wanted was Rafe to be there with her.
****3 Months Later****
Evelyn sat with Betty and Sandra on the beach. "Y'know, I think I like Hawaii winters a LOT better than those in West Virginia. Its so warm!!" Sandra smiled ant the others laughed.Evelyn still felt somewhat guilty when she laughed.like she was betraying Rafe.
"So do you guys think we should get a tree for our place?" Betty looked up from her magazine to ask.
"I think we definitely should. It would be great! What do you think Ev?" Sandra looked at Evelyn, who was staring out at the ocean.
"I think it's a good idea. We should definitely decorate it.maybe we should do something with the hospital too." Evelyn sat up. December 5th.what a beautiful morning it was.
"Good Idea. Hey Sandy.looks like you have a visitor." Betty giggled and nodded towards Danny, coming down the path. Sandra grinned, blushing and turned, seeing Danny, with a bouquet of roses. It was their 4 month anniversary. She jumped up and ran over to him, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him.
"Happy Anniversary Sandy." He grinned and hugged her.
"Danny they're beautiful!" Sandra grinned and took the flowers from him. "Thank you.and Happy Anniversary to you too!" She smiled, she was planning on giving him his gift later. "Come sit with us!" Before Danny had a chance to say anything, Sandra pulled him towards Betty and Evelyn, who were chatting about Christmas. "Hey Danny!" Betty smiled. Evelyn smiled "Hey Danny." Danny nodded and said "Hi" to them.
"What are you guys doing for your anniversary tonight?" Betty smiled and looked to Danny. "Well, if I told ya.then it wouldn't be a surprise for Sandy.now would it?" He smiled at her. Sandra smiled back and took his hand in hers. They had become really close in the four months that they had been together. He was such a gentle man with her, making her feel so safe with him.
Evelyn smiled, she could feel her skin burning against the hot Hawaiian sun. "Hey guys, I'll be back in a little while. I need to go get some sun screen. I'll bring it back." She said goodbye and walked towards the hospital, where they had tons of sun screen. She walked into the hospital, which was deserted except for a few nurses on duty. Evelyn walked to the back, she felt a little silly being in her civvies in the hospital, but at least she wasn't in her bathing suit. She found the drawer she was looking for. She rummaged through, and found what she was looking for. Wind blew the wind chime out front. She stood up, listening to the silence.there was something familiar in the air.but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.
Rafe stood outside the hospital, he was incredibly warm in his uniform, under the heat of Hawaii. He walked up the steps to the hospital.trying to get the nerve to go inside.rehearsing over and over what he would say to Evelyn. "I was shot down, but I got out.I was in the water.I got picked up by a French Fishing boat." and then he saw her. Looking so beautiful inside of the hospital, like the first time he saw her.
Evelyn stopped, she looked around, she felt like someone was watching her. She shook her head and smiled bashfully to herself. She pushed the door open and ran right into someone. "Oh I'm sorry." Evelyn's eyes fell upon a pair of silver flight wings.and a RAF metal.then a tag."L. Rafe McCawley". She rose her eyes and came face to face with Rafe.she fell back and gasped. She traced her hands to his metals.feeling that he was real, she fell into his arms, afraid that she would fall right through him, that he wasn't really there. Rafe slipped his arms around her and kissed her forehead "I told you I would come back." He wrapped her arms around her, holding her tightly. "Here.come sit down." He led her to a bench.she sat next to him, and gently touched his face, a tear streaming down her face. "You're real??" "Yea.I'm real" "Rafe.I wished for this every day!" "I know.so did I" "They.they told me you were shot down.that you had died." Rafe held her hand "Yea I was.I jumped out right before my plane hit.there was no land around, I couldn't swim." He paused to touch her hair gently. "I missed you.I um.I got picked up by a French fishing boat.and I was in occupied France, so I couldn't get word out." He leaned down and wrapped his arms around her, leaning his forehead against hers. "I won't ever leave you again Evelyn.I promise.and I keep my promises." Evelyn smiled through her tears and kissed him, she kissed him and held him close to her, afraid if she let him go she would lose him again. "I love you so much Evelyn. I'm here now.I won't leave.I promise." Evelyn smiled at him. "I love you too Rafe.I missed you.I missed you so much." Rafe smiled at her. "Does Danny know you are here?" Evelyn sat up, wondering if anyone else knew. "No.I had to see you first. Where is he?" Evelyn smiled, still not letting go of his hands. "He is at the beach with Sandra and Betty." Rafe stood up and pulled Evelyn to her feet. "Lets go then!" Evelyn smiled, she was still partially in shock.Rafe was back.for good this time.
When the time came for them to say goodbye, Rafe collected all of his things. Evelyn walked him out to the curb, where a taxi was waiting for him. They kissed for a long time, unwilling to let each other go. He kissed her forehead, breathing in everything about her. "I will come back Evelyn.I promise. No matter how long it takes. I will come back to you. Never lose faith." "I won't Rafe, I'll be waiting when you come back. I love you." "I love you Evelyn." He got in the car, holding her hand through the open window. Her fingers slipped out of his as the taxi drove away. Evelyn stood on the curb watching the taxi until she couldn't see it any longer. "Be careful Rafe." She whispered, and with that, she walked into the hotel.
Evelyn paced her bedroom, looking at the clock, *9:30*. Rafe's train was scheduled to leave at 10:00. Thoughts raced through Evelyn's head *He asked me not to go...But I have to see him one last time.* With that, Evelyn had made up her mind. Her hair was still wet from her shower, but she didn't care. She grabbed her coat and raced out the door. She flew down the hall, going as fast as she could, as she turned the corner for the elevator, she nearly ran into Sandra.
"Whoa!" Sandra slid out of the way. "I'm sorry Sandra!!" Evelyn only paused a moment before continuing to the elevator, pushing the button. "Where are you going Ev?" Evelyn smiled at Sandra. "I have to catch Rafe.before he goes." Sandra smiled knowingly as the door dinged and opened. "Hurry Ev." Evelyn grinned and got into the elevator, and with that, she was on her way to Grand Central Station.
"I thought you told her not to come." Danny looked at Rafe. "I did.but its just my test.if I tell her not to come, and she comes anyway.then.I know she truly loves me." Rafe smirked and put his hat on.
"ALL ABOARD! TRACK 57!!!" a conductor yelled across the busy room.
Rafe looked at Danny. "If uh.if anything happens to me.I want you to be the one to tell her, allright?" Danny clenched his jaw at the thought. "You just make sure to come back.for the both of us." "I will." Danny held his hand out for Rafe to shake it. Rafe smacked his hand away and pulled Danny into a hug. Rafe then smiled, and picked up his bags. "I'll see you when I get back!" Danny shoved his hands in his pockets and nodded to Rafe. He reverently, almost like a prayer said "Good Huntin' Rafe."
Evelyn burst in through the doors of the station. She ran up to a conductor, out of breath, she asked "Has the train on track 57 left yet?!?" The conductor shook his head and pointed towards a train whose whistle blew. Evelyn tore towards the train, looking in each window, but she didn't see Rafe. She stared in dis-belief. "I missed him." She bowed her head.
Rafe looked out the window, dismayed that Evelyn had not come.and then he saw her. He banged on the window "EVELYN! HEY! EV." but she couldn't hear him. No.He couldn't let her go. He stood up, and half ran to the nearest door.
Evelyn turned to leave, a tear streaming down her face.then she saw him, standing in the doorway of the train was Rafe, calling her name and waving. She raced to to him, as the train blew it's final whistle.
"RAFE!!"
"EVELYN!"
She reached up and grabbed his hand, the train was very slowly starting to move, and Evelyn ran beside it.
"I couldn't let you go without knowing that I love you! I love you so much Rafe!" Evelyn yelled over the sounds of people and the train.
"I LOVE YOU EVELYN!!"
Evelyn's hand slowly slipped out of Rafe's as she came to the end of the concrete.
"Promise me again that you will come back to me!!"
The train pulled away as Rafe yelled his promise, but over the noise, Evelyn could only see his lips move.
Sandra sat on a crate on the deck of the huge barge, reading her TIME magazine. "Did you know there are about a hundred ships on Pearl?" She remarked very matter-of-factly.
"How many sailors on each ship?" Betty asked with that youthful tone in her voice.
Sandra hadn't put two and two together, to notice that Betty was asking for.social purposes. "Well, there are more on a battle ship than a sub, but say.2,000?" She looked thoughtfully at Betty, who was deep in thought on the number she was just given.
"But then you have the pilots, and the beach personnel." Betty cut Barbara off."I'm still workin' on the sailors!"
"Girls, I think the odds are in your favor." Evelyn smiled down at Sandra, who returned her smile. They were the only ones who's hearts were spoken for.
"Yea! Like 4,000 to one!!" Martha laughed. Betty put on her new sunglasses with palm trees on them and giggled. "It's Paradise!"
Sandra laughed, she had grown quite close to Betty, as well as Evelyn. Betty and Sandra were always room mates, giving them a chance to become quite good friends. The three of them, Betty, Sandra, and Evelyn, had all been extremely close, after staying up all night a couple nights before, dreamily discussing their dreams and plans for the future.
Rafe looked around at all the British pilots, running around, doing very important tasks. He looked up to see 12 RAF planes fly over his head. He smiled contently, "This is it." He dropped his bags and saluted an officer. "Lieutenant Rafe McCawley, reporting for duty sir." The officer saluted him back, and nodded in approval. "Lets get you to your room then." Rafe nodded, then paused. "Sir, would ya mind showing me the plane I'll be flying? I wanna get a feel of her." He smiled and the officer nodded. They rounded the corner to a plane with a big chunk of metal missing from the side, bullet holes everywhere. The canopy was streaked with blood and had several bullet holes in it. Rafe gently touched the side of the plane, and bowed his head, silently saying a prayer for the man who died in this plane, for those back home, for himself.and for Evelyn.
"Tell me something Pilot Officer." The British Officer said as they walked towards Rafe's room. "Sir?" Rafe looked toward him for the question. "Are all the Yanks as anxious as you to get themselves killed?" Rafe stopped and looked at him. "Not anxious to die sir.just anxious to matter."
Rafe put his bags down in the room. A small des, a dresser, and 3 other beds occupied the room. The room was dark and damp. The cold stone walls had eerie shadows cast on them from the small candles lie in the corner, which Rafe would soon learn, were for pilots killed, that had once occupied this very room.
Rafe unpacked his things, and picked up his small wooden box, containing his papers and pens. As he sat on a stool to begin writing, Rafe pulled his dictionary out from his bag. He wanted everything to be spelled right for Evelyn. He traced his finger over the locket that Evelyn had given him, and closed his eyes for a moment, thinking of Evelyn, and what she was doing right then.
Evelyn sat on the porch of the Nurses' Quarters, twisting the ring Rafe had given her in her fingers. It was so beautiful, and still smelled of Rafe's cologne. She smiled as she watched Danny and Sandra at the fence over looking the ocean. The two had been going out together quite a bit since Danny's squadron was transferred to Pearl Harbor. Evelyn couldn't help but envy Sandra a little. She had the man she cared about there with her.
Sandra leaned far over the white fence and looked down at the ocean, the sun was beginning to set and cast a pink glow over the ocean. "Don't go fallin' in now, cause, this is my good shirt, and I really don't wanna have to go in there after you and get it wet." Danny grinned. Sandra laughed and turned towards him. "Don't worry, you're shirt will be fine." She smiled and traced the collar of his shirt with her fingers. Danny smiled. In the five dates they had been on, he still hadn't gotten the nerve up to actually kiss her. Sure there was the kiss on the cheek.but that didn't mean much. *Just do it Danny.* He thought, *No you can't.* Danny decided there was only one thing he could do. "Sandy?" Sandra turned from gazing at the sunset to him. He was one of the few people she let call her Sandy. "Yes?" "Uh.Can I.I mean, um.would you mind if I.kissed you?" Danny's heart was beating so fast he was sure it would explode out of his chest. Sandra's cheeks flushed pink and she bit her lower lip. "I.I wouldn't mind it one bit." She smiled. Danny smiled back, he didn't quite know what to do. He gently put his hands on either side of her face, and leaned in. Sandra put her hands lightly on his waist and leaned up, her lips meeting his in a gently, sweet first kiss. After a couple of moments, each pulled away, almost reluctantly. Sandra blushed and Danny smiled at her. "So um.I'll see you tomorrow then?" Danny still hadn't taken his hands from her face. Sandra reached up and took both of his hands in hers. "I wouldn't miss it on a bet." Danny smiled at her, he loved the southern phrases she used. "I'll see you then, then." Sandra giggled, her curls shaking a little. "All right. Goodnight Danny." "Night." Her hands slowly slipped from his as she turned up the path. He watched her until she stopped to talk to Evelyn, then he turned and headed back to the hangar.
"I suppose you saw?" Sandra blushed, grinning and sat down next to Evelyn. Evelyn looked up from writing a letter to Rafe. "See what?" She tried to act innocent, but the smirk on her face suggested otherwise. Sandra rose an eyebrow at her. "Yea, I saw. You two are so sweet with each other." Sandra blushed, she leaned back and sighed contently. "Y'know Ev.I think he might be the one." She smiled from ear to ear.
It was early evening when the alarm went off. Rafe leaped out of bed and pulled on his coat. He had learned to stay in his uniform all during the day. He ran down stairs with 10 other pilots and ran to his plane.
"I Fixed the engine and patched the bullet holes, but the oil hose still needs attention!!" Ian ran along side Rafe to his plane
Rafe leaped into the cockpit. "Just CRANK it IAN!"
Ian nodded. "Be Careful out there Lieutenant." Ian ran off to help another pilot.
Rafe pulled up and yelled into his 2-way radio. "We got boppers dead ahead, lets drop in on them and give them a reception. Follow me Red 2!"
"I'm goin' straight at the lead bomber." Rafe hit down on his guns, shooting at the lead bomber. "HAMMER DOWN!" Rafe hit the lead bomber and his engine shut down. "I got him!"
Rafe shot down two other planes, one of them bailed out, and for a second.Rafe wondered if he was a farm boy like he was.
"RED ONE YOU'VE GOT FIGHTERS ALL OVER YOUR TAIL!! PULL UP!!!"
Rafe tried to pull up, when he heard a whirring sound, he looked down and his oil hose burst open, shooting him in the eyes. "AHH!! I HAVE AN OIL LEAK!" the oil burst into flames . "I GOT A FIRE!!! I CAN'T BAIL!! I CAN'T BAIL!!!!"
Rafe looked out his front window.seeing the ocean coming towards him fast.too fast. "No.No.this can't happen.no!" Rafe pulled up with all his strength. He punched a hole in his canopy, and as the water was racing toward him, almost about to crash, the canopy flew open, and Rafe leaped out, no time for a parachute, he hit the water, just as his plane crashed beside him.
Evelyn sat up suddenly. It was 2:00 in the morning, her heart was racing, and she was sweating. She had a horrible feeling in her stomach. "Rafe." She whispered.she stood up and went into the kitchen to get a drink of water.something was not right.She tried to tell herself that Rafe was fine.that he would be coming back to her soon.but she couldn't shake the uneasy feeling she had. She sat in her bed, and re-read all the letters from Rafe.
Danny sat in the officer's room. "No.its not possible.Rafe.Rafe can't be dead."
The officer looked at him. "I'm sorry son.Rafe was a brave man." He nodded and handed the envelope to Danny, who held it in his hand.dreading what came next.
Evelyn was in the hospital, working on some inventory. She looked out the window at the last of the sun, and thought of Rafe. She heard a car pull up out front.her heart started beating fast.no.it couldn't be.she grinned and ran outside, to see a military car pull up. A tall, strong man stepped out, his face shaded by his cap in the dull sunlight. Evelyn breathed out "Rafe." She half ran down the stairs.to see Danny.a grim look on his face.
Evelyn knew before he said anything.Rafe.was gone. She bowed her head, tears filling her eyes. Danny pulled her close to him in a hug, the two mourning over their loss. Sandra came out to the porch."Oh no." She walked down the steps, knowing instantly what had happened.she looked at Danny, then placed her hand gently on Evelyn's shoulder. "Oh Evelyn.I'm so sorry." Evelyn turned to her, tears streaming down her face, she wrapped her arms around Sandra and hugged her, her body shaking as sobs overcame her. Sandra felt the sting of tears in her eyes, as she held her friend, letting her cry on her shoulder. Danny bowed his head and started to leave. Sandra reached out and took his hand. "Its ok to cry Danny." A tear fell down her cheek, as she pulled Danny to her and Evelyn, the three of them crying over the loss of a dear friend.
Rain was pouring outside of the Hula Hut, where friends and loved ones of Rafe McCawley sat. Evelyn stood, with Sandra holding her hand and Betty on her other side, one arm wrapped around Evelyn, there for support. There was not a person in the room who was not crying.
Danny poured a shot glass full, beneath Rafe's picture, and raised his own glass. "To Rafe McCawley. The best pilot.and the best friend I ever knew.and ever will know." Danny was so overcome with tears as he choked out his last words. "To Rafe." Each person drank the liquor in memory of their best friend. Evelyn drank as a tear streamed down her face.all she wanted was Rafe to be there with her.
****3 Months Later****
Evelyn sat with Betty and Sandra on the beach. "Y'know, I think I like Hawaii winters a LOT better than those in West Virginia. Its so warm!!" Sandra smiled ant the others laughed.Evelyn still felt somewhat guilty when she laughed.like she was betraying Rafe.
"So do you guys think we should get a tree for our place?" Betty looked up from her magazine to ask.
"I think we definitely should. It would be great! What do you think Ev?" Sandra looked at Evelyn, who was staring out at the ocean.
"I think it's a good idea. We should definitely decorate it.maybe we should do something with the hospital too." Evelyn sat up. December 5th.what a beautiful morning it was.
"Good Idea. Hey Sandy.looks like you have a visitor." Betty giggled and nodded towards Danny, coming down the path. Sandra grinned, blushing and turned, seeing Danny, with a bouquet of roses. It was their 4 month anniversary. She jumped up and ran over to him, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him.
"Happy Anniversary Sandy." He grinned and hugged her.
"Danny they're beautiful!" Sandra grinned and took the flowers from him. "Thank you.and Happy Anniversary to you too!" She smiled, she was planning on giving him his gift later. "Come sit with us!" Before Danny had a chance to say anything, Sandra pulled him towards Betty and Evelyn, who were chatting about Christmas. "Hey Danny!" Betty smiled. Evelyn smiled "Hey Danny." Danny nodded and said "Hi" to them.
"What are you guys doing for your anniversary tonight?" Betty smiled and looked to Danny. "Well, if I told ya.then it wouldn't be a surprise for Sandy.now would it?" He smiled at her. Sandra smiled back and took his hand in hers. They had become really close in the four months that they had been together. He was such a gentle man with her, making her feel so safe with him.
Evelyn smiled, she could feel her skin burning against the hot Hawaiian sun. "Hey guys, I'll be back in a little while. I need to go get some sun screen. I'll bring it back." She said goodbye and walked towards the hospital, where they had tons of sun screen. She walked into the hospital, which was deserted except for a few nurses on duty. Evelyn walked to the back, she felt a little silly being in her civvies in the hospital, but at least she wasn't in her bathing suit. She found the drawer she was looking for. She rummaged through, and found what she was looking for. Wind blew the wind chime out front. She stood up, listening to the silence.there was something familiar in the air.but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.
Rafe stood outside the hospital, he was incredibly warm in his uniform, under the heat of Hawaii. He walked up the steps to the hospital.trying to get the nerve to go inside.rehearsing over and over what he would say to Evelyn. "I was shot down, but I got out.I was in the water.I got picked up by a French Fishing boat." and then he saw her. Looking so beautiful inside of the hospital, like the first time he saw her.
Evelyn stopped, she looked around, she felt like someone was watching her. She shook her head and smiled bashfully to herself. She pushed the door open and ran right into someone. "Oh I'm sorry." Evelyn's eyes fell upon a pair of silver flight wings.and a RAF metal.then a tag."L. Rafe McCawley". She rose her eyes and came face to face with Rafe.she fell back and gasped. She traced her hands to his metals.feeling that he was real, she fell into his arms, afraid that she would fall right through him, that he wasn't really there. Rafe slipped his arms around her and kissed her forehead "I told you I would come back." He wrapped her arms around her, holding her tightly. "Here.come sit down." He led her to a bench.she sat next to him, and gently touched his face, a tear streaming down her face. "You're real??" "Yea.I'm real" "Rafe.I wished for this every day!" "I know.so did I" "They.they told me you were shot down.that you had died." Rafe held her hand "Yea I was.I jumped out right before my plane hit.there was no land around, I couldn't swim." He paused to touch her hair gently. "I missed you.I um.I got picked up by a French fishing boat.and I was in occupied France, so I couldn't get word out." He leaned down and wrapped his arms around her, leaning his forehead against hers. "I won't ever leave you again Evelyn.I promise.and I keep my promises." Evelyn smiled through her tears and kissed him, she kissed him and held him close to her, afraid if she let him go she would lose him again. "I love you so much Evelyn. I'm here now.I won't leave.I promise." Evelyn smiled at him. "I love you too Rafe.I missed you.I missed you so much." Rafe smiled at her. "Does Danny know you are here?" Evelyn sat up, wondering if anyone else knew. "No.I had to see you first. Where is he?" Evelyn smiled, still not letting go of his hands. "He is at the beach with Sandra and Betty." Rafe stood up and pulled Evelyn to her feet. "Lets go then!" Evelyn smiled, she was still partially in shock.Rafe was back.for good this time.