Chapter Seven
************************************************************************
"Goodbye! I will miss you all! I promise to write." Said Ella as she put the last of her things on the porch for Rafe to load into the car.
"Send me a bottle of sand!" Mary called after the moving car.
Ella leaned her head against the car window and sighed, she doubted she would ever see them again. In the short time she had known them she felt they had been close.
"You okay Hun?"
"Yea just thinking about the future, you know?"
"Sure."
************************************************************************
Hickam dawned clear and sunny to Rafe and Ella. Much unlike the first time they went to Pearl, Rafe and Ella's appearances were messy and unkempt. Rafe's shirt was untucked and his pants wrinkled. Ella wore a simple dress that was wrinkled, and her hair pulled back in a messy bun. The drug themselves off the plane and found Danny and Evelyn waiting for them. Ella and Evelyn began to talk and walk, while Rafe and Danny began to talk about Ella and Rafe's living arrangements. ************************************************************************
"Rafe there's another house on Seacrest!" Ella screeched from where she perched in the backseat of the convertible car. Rafe ran down the steps to take a look at the newspaper Ella held.
"Wait Elle. Seacrest? That's beachfront, I doubt it's in our price- range."
"Let's go look anyway. Please for me?"
"Sure." ************************************************************************
"Oh Rafe it's gorgeous."
Ella and Rafe stood outside a two-floor Polynesian inspired home. Ella stepped onto the porch and glanced up at the massive front door. She loved this house, she knew it was way over the amount she and Rafe could afford but would it hurt to look?
"Oh Rafe!" Ella gushed all the way through the house. Rafe knew that there was no way they could afford this house but he couldn't deny Ella a look.
After they got back in the car Ella thought of something.
"You know Rafe, we just may be able to get that house."
"Ella are you out of your mind. There is no way! I don't have that kind of money." Rafe said slightly annoyed.
"You may not. But I do."
"WHAT!"
"Remember I told you about my aunts? Well when my parents died all their savings, insurance policies everything was put into an account for me, like a little nest egg, then my aunts died their savings and the money from the sale of the house everything went to me. I never needed any of it I worked for my money; all of it is still in a safe in Philadelphia managed by a broker. I forgot until just now that it was there."
"Ells how much is there? Enough for the house?"
"Rafe if I remember correctly there's enough for the house, the wedding, everything."
Rafe was surprised, he knew Ella had said she grew up wealthy. He didn't want to press the amount that she actually had.
************************************************************************
"Yes Mr. Callahan, It's me Ella Carraway. I'm in Hawaii right now."
"What are you doing there dear?"
"I actually just got engaged, my fiancé is in the air corps, he is stationed at Pearl Harbor, we're here planning the wedding and all."
"I can't believe you are engaged! I remember when you were just entering the academy, oh I'll have to tell Millie she'll be so happy to here, she loved your mother."
"So is there anyway the accounts balance? Can it be transferred to a local bank?"
"Sure, sure within the week dear."
Ella said goodbye and hung up the phone. She knew that the money was a lot, enough for both her and Rafe to live comfortably for years. Money wasn't everything though she planned on working till they had kids, the money in the account was for things like a house, schools, maybe a vacation or so. ************************************************************************
Rafe and Ella stood on the porch of the house facing the ocean, kissing, neither could believe that this house actually belonged to them, this was the house they would live in, raise their kids in, grow old in.
Packing boxes were strewn all over the place, Ella was scrubbing the first floor bathroom and Rafe was changing a light bulb in the spacious living room.
"Ding-Dong!" The doorbell echoed throughout the empty house. It had been just over a week since Rafe and Ella had arrived in Hawaii. The money had been transferred into the local bank and Rafe and Ella had gone to collect the needed amount for the house. Rafe had been very surprised at the large sum, however Ella was not fazed. She knew that her parents were wealthy, her grandparents had been very successful in the shipping business, as had their parents. In a way she was very lucky neither of her aunts knew anything of the stock market, the Depression had hit everyone hard, if the money had been in stocks there wouldn't be any left. Her Aunt Betty was very intelligent, but she didn't trust banks, all of the money had been kept in a wall safe in the study.
"Hey Ev, hi kids!" Ella said as she approached the door.
"What can I do to help?"
"Actually, we're pretty much done. I scrubbed everything this morning, Rafe is just changing the light bulbs, and little stuff like that. I'll give you the grand tour, come on."
************************************************************************
Ella was dressed impeccably in a pale yellow dress, belted at the waist; her golden hair tucked up neatly, a pair of sunglasses perched on top of her head. She glanced into the bridal shop. As she pushed the door open a bell tinkled somewhere. A sales woman was at her side the moment she stepped in.
"What can I help you with today, ma'am?"
"I'm not exactly sure what I want yet, but I just wanted to look."
Ella walked over to a dress on a mannequin. Pure white in color the dress was the epitome of beautiful. It was off the shoulder, gathered by a ribbon at the waist and the skirt was sort of like a bell. Ella moved to look at the back of the dress, which was a corset-style.
"May I see this dress in a size six please."
"Of course!"
************************************************************************
An hour later Ella stepped out of the store carrying the dress in a large garment bag. She walked down the street after deciding to get a soda at the corner café. Rafe spotted her as he drove along Main street. He pulled over beside her.
"Hey! What's that?"
"My dress, DON'T open this Rafe! It's my wedding dress."
Rafe laughed at his future bride, she was so beautiful, and he loved to frustrate her because when he did her eyes gleamed a deep violet color.
"Are you sure I can't take just a little peek?"
"NO! Rafe don't!"
"Alright, alright. Come on lets go home the furniture was delivered this morning while you were out." ************************************************************************
"Okay Rafe move that one over there, no a little to the left, perfect." Ella directed him. They were rearranging the last room, the living room. They both flopped onto the large sofa.
"I'm tired." Ella stretched out, her head on Rafe's lap. "I could go to sleep right here."
"Me too."
And they did. ************************************************************************
Ella looked over the many lists in front of her. She had begun to plan the wedding, and as small as it was going to be, this was difficult. She had made the guest list which was just a few people, the Walker's, Barbara, Sandra and Rose, three nurses from the base, Rafe had invited his friend Red from when he was here at Pearl, and Rafe's parents. Ten people all total. Ella was a little nervous about meeting Rafe's parents, she hoped the liked her. They would be here in about two weeks.
"Ells?"
"Out here" Ella called from the porch where she had been sitting on a chaise.
"Whatcha doing?" Rafe asked from the doorway.
"Planning the wedding."
"Oh yeah my father called today. He and my mother are coming a week earlier they want to spend time with us."
"Rafe! They'll be here in a week that means! Oh my god.." She was flipping out Rafe could tell.
"Ella calm down. They will love you. Oh but um maybe we should um not share a room while they are here. My father's rather conventional."
"Definitely." ************************************************************************
Ella had spent three hours deciding what to wear and how she should do her hair. Today Rafe's parents would be arriving. The light early spring breeze blew through the open windows of the new house. Finally Ella pronounced herself done and unlocked the bedroom door. Rafe was a little annoyed at her. She had kicked him out of the bedroom they shared and into one of the multiple guestrooms. She thought his parents would like their privacy, and she and Rafe's room offered just that. It was located on the beachside of the house and had a balcony that overlooked the beach. The large king size bed had multiple feather beds on top of the mattress, making it heaven to sleep on. It was also the only room with a bathroom attached.
Ella walked out of the bedroom and Rafe had to smile, she looked great in the bright pink polka-dotted sundress. Her hair was done up in a twist complete with pink combs, she truly was beautiful.
They met Danny and Evelyn at the airstrip. Mr. McCawley had been like a father to Danny after his own father died and he went to live with Rafe. Finally the plane landed and out walked an older man and woman. Immediately they walked to the group hugging Rafe and Danny and Evelyn and the kids. Rafe's mother was crying and hugging Danny when suddenly everyone noticed Ella was there.
"Mom, Dad, this is my fiancée Ella Carraway."
Rafe's mother took Ella's hands into her own and looked into her eyes and said "It is wonderful to meet the woman Rafe loves so much. Welcome to the family dear." She finished and embraced Ella.
"It's so wonderful to meet you Ella, you are all Rafe ever talks about." Mr. McCawley said as he hugged her.
They all headed to Rafe and Ella's for lunch. ************************************************************************
Rafe's parents loved the new house. Ella served lunch on the porch, and Mrs. McCawley exclaimed
"The view is absolutely gorgeous here. I love it. And the house is beautiful. You have very nice taste Ella."
"Thanks Mrs. McCawley."
"Dear, It's either Mom or Ruth take your pick."
"Okay." Ella said laughing.
"Ruth, you have to see Ella's dress, it's magnificent. The prettiest thing you've ever seen." Evelyn told her.
The three left to go look at the dress which was hanging in the attic under lock and key. Rafe, his father and Danny were left alone.
"So Dad, what do you think?"
"I think she is a very lovely girl Rafe, a wise choice in a wife, you obviously love her. She is a pretty little thing too."
"Yea I know. I really do love her Dad."
"I know son, I know."
In the depth of their conversation neither had noticed Danny had left to see where little Danny had gone to. ************************************************************************
It was the day of the wedding. Ella was going nuts. She was dressed and ready waiting inside the house with Evelyn, who was her matron of honor. She and Rafe had chosen to get married on the beach in front of their house. Time was flying by faster and faster it seemed. First she was walking down the makeshift isle, next saying "I do" and finally kissing Rafe. They had done it. She was now Mrs. Ella McCawley.
The reception was held at the house, catered by a local restaurant. Everyone truly enjoyed themselves. When the party was finally over, Rafe grabbed Ella and began to run to the decorated car. Everyone yelled goodbye and best wishes as they drove away. Ella was apparently the only on with no clue what was going on.
"Rafe where are we going?"
"Well we couldn't spend our first night as a married couple in the house with my parents, could we?"
"Oh! I've got it!" ************************************************************************
Ella awoke in the honeymoon suite of the nicest hotel on the island. She glanced over at the sleeping Rafe and snuggled closer to her new husband. She was thoroughly happy. Yesterday had been perfect, and last night had been, well, nothing short of amazing. Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Ella grabbed a bathrobe and opened the door to a man with a cart.
"Room service."
"Um We didn't order room service."
"No? Are you Mrs. Rafe McCawley?"
"Yes I am."
"Your husband ordered it last night Mrs. McCawley. Where would you like it?"
"Um by the window and the table I guess."
"Alright then."
When he had left Ella slipped back into bed with Rafe and gently woke him. The two enjoyed their breakfast together before relaxing for the rest of the day. ************************************************************************
************************************************************************
"Goodbye! I will miss you all! I promise to write." Said Ella as she put the last of her things on the porch for Rafe to load into the car.
"Send me a bottle of sand!" Mary called after the moving car.
Ella leaned her head against the car window and sighed, she doubted she would ever see them again. In the short time she had known them she felt they had been close.
"You okay Hun?"
"Yea just thinking about the future, you know?"
"Sure."
************************************************************************
Hickam dawned clear and sunny to Rafe and Ella. Much unlike the first time they went to Pearl, Rafe and Ella's appearances were messy and unkempt. Rafe's shirt was untucked and his pants wrinkled. Ella wore a simple dress that was wrinkled, and her hair pulled back in a messy bun. The drug themselves off the plane and found Danny and Evelyn waiting for them. Ella and Evelyn began to talk and walk, while Rafe and Danny began to talk about Ella and Rafe's living arrangements. ************************************************************************
"Rafe there's another house on Seacrest!" Ella screeched from where she perched in the backseat of the convertible car. Rafe ran down the steps to take a look at the newspaper Ella held.
"Wait Elle. Seacrest? That's beachfront, I doubt it's in our price- range."
"Let's go look anyway. Please for me?"
"Sure." ************************************************************************
"Oh Rafe it's gorgeous."
Ella and Rafe stood outside a two-floor Polynesian inspired home. Ella stepped onto the porch and glanced up at the massive front door. She loved this house, she knew it was way over the amount she and Rafe could afford but would it hurt to look?
"Oh Rafe!" Ella gushed all the way through the house. Rafe knew that there was no way they could afford this house but he couldn't deny Ella a look.
After they got back in the car Ella thought of something.
"You know Rafe, we just may be able to get that house."
"Ella are you out of your mind. There is no way! I don't have that kind of money." Rafe said slightly annoyed.
"You may not. But I do."
"WHAT!"
"Remember I told you about my aunts? Well when my parents died all their savings, insurance policies everything was put into an account for me, like a little nest egg, then my aunts died their savings and the money from the sale of the house everything went to me. I never needed any of it I worked for my money; all of it is still in a safe in Philadelphia managed by a broker. I forgot until just now that it was there."
"Ells how much is there? Enough for the house?"
"Rafe if I remember correctly there's enough for the house, the wedding, everything."
Rafe was surprised, he knew Ella had said she grew up wealthy. He didn't want to press the amount that she actually had.
************************************************************************
"Yes Mr. Callahan, It's me Ella Carraway. I'm in Hawaii right now."
"What are you doing there dear?"
"I actually just got engaged, my fiancé is in the air corps, he is stationed at Pearl Harbor, we're here planning the wedding and all."
"I can't believe you are engaged! I remember when you were just entering the academy, oh I'll have to tell Millie she'll be so happy to here, she loved your mother."
"So is there anyway the accounts balance? Can it be transferred to a local bank?"
"Sure, sure within the week dear."
Ella said goodbye and hung up the phone. She knew that the money was a lot, enough for both her and Rafe to live comfortably for years. Money wasn't everything though she planned on working till they had kids, the money in the account was for things like a house, schools, maybe a vacation or so. ************************************************************************
Rafe and Ella stood on the porch of the house facing the ocean, kissing, neither could believe that this house actually belonged to them, this was the house they would live in, raise their kids in, grow old in.
Packing boxes were strewn all over the place, Ella was scrubbing the first floor bathroom and Rafe was changing a light bulb in the spacious living room.
"Ding-Dong!" The doorbell echoed throughout the empty house. It had been just over a week since Rafe and Ella had arrived in Hawaii. The money had been transferred into the local bank and Rafe and Ella had gone to collect the needed amount for the house. Rafe had been very surprised at the large sum, however Ella was not fazed. She knew that her parents were wealthy, her grandparents had been very successful in the shipping business, as had their parents. In a way she was very lucky neither of her aunts knew anything of the stock market, the Depression had hit everyone hard, if the money had been in stocks there wouldn't be any left. Her Aunt Betty was very intelligent, but she didn't trust banks, all of the money had been kept in a wall safe in the study.
"Hey Ev, hi kids!" Ella said as she approached the door.
"What can I do to help?"
"Actually, we're pretty much done. I scrubbed everything this morning, Rafe is just changing the light bulbs, and little stuff like that. I'll give you the grand tour, come on."
************************************************************************
Ella was dressed impeccably in a pale yellow dress, belted at the waist; her golden hair tucked up neatly, a pair of sunglasses perched on top of her head. She glanced into the bridal shop. As she pushed the door open a bell tinkled somewhere. A sales woman was at her side the moment she stepped in.
"What can I help you with today, ma'am?"
"I'm not exactly sure what I want yet, but I just wanted to look."
Ella walked over to a dress on a mannequin. Pure white in color the dress was the epitome of beautiful. It was off the shoulder, gathered by a ribbon at the waist and the skirt was sort of like a bell. Ella moved to look at the back of the dress, which was a corset-style.
"May I see this dress in a size six please."
"Of course!"
************************************************************************
An hour later Ella stepped out of the store carrying the dress in a large garment bag. She walked down the street after deciding to get a soda at the corner café. Rafe spotted her as he drove along Main street. He pulled over beside her.
"Hey! What's that?"
"My dress, DON'T open this Rafe! It's my wedding dress."
Rafe laughed at his future bride, she was so beautiful, and he loved to frustrate her because when he did her eyes gleamed a deep violet color.
"Are you sure I can't take just a little peek?"
"NO! Rafe don't!"
"Alright, alright. Come on lets go home the furniture was delivered this morning while you were out." ************************************************************************
"Okay Rafe move that one over there, no a little to the left, perfect." Ella directed him. They were rearranging the last room, the living room. They both flopped onto the large sofa.
"I'm tired." Ella stretched out, her head on Rafe's lap. "I could go to sleep right here."
"Me too."
And they did. ************************************************************************
Ella looked over the many lists in front of her. She had begun to plan the wedding, and as small as it was going to be, this was difficult. She had made the guest list which was just a few people, the Walker's, Barbara, Sandra and Rose, three nurses from the base, Rafe had invited his friend Red from when he was here at Pearl, and Rafe's parents. Ten people all total. Ella was a little nervous about meeting Rafe's parents, she hoped the liked her. They would be here in about two weeks.
"Ells?"
"Out here" Ella called from the porch where she had been sitting on a chaise.
"Whatcha doing?" Rafe asked from the doorway.
"Planning the wedding."
"Oh yeah my father called today. He and my mother are coming a week earlier they want to spend time with us."
"Rafe! They'll be here in a week that means! Oh my god.." She was flipping out Rafe could tell.
"Ella calm down. They will love you. Oh but um maybe we should um not share a room while they are here. My father's rather conventional."
"Definitely." ************************************************************************
Ella had spent three hours deciding what to wear and how she should do her hair. Today Rafe's parents would be arriving. The light early spring breeze blew through the open windows of the new house. Finally Ella pronounced herself done and unlocked the bedroom door. Rafe was a little annoyed at her. She had kicked him out of the bedroom they shared and into one of the multiple guestrooms. She thought his parents would like their privacy, and she and Rafe's room offered just that. It was located on the beachside of the house and had a balcony that overlooked the beach. The large king size bed had multiple feather beds on top of the mattress, making it heaven to sleep on. It was also the only room with a bathroom attached.
Ella walked out of the bedroom and Rafe had to smile, she looked great in the bright pink polka-dotted sundress. Her hair was done up in a twist complete with pink combs, she truly was beautiful.
They met Danny and Evelyn at the airstrip. Mr. McCawley had been like a father to Danny after his own father died and he went to live with Rafe. Finally the plane landed and out walked an older man and woman. Immediately they walked to the group hugging Rafe and Danny and Evelyn and the kids. Rafe's mother was crying and hugging Danny when suddenly everyone noticed Ella was there.
"Mom, Dad, this is my fiancée Ella Carraway."
Rafe's mother took Ella's hands into her own and looked into her eyes and said "It is wonderful to meet the woman Rafe loves so much. Welcome to the family dear." She finished and embraced Ella.
"It's so wonderful to meet you Ella, you are all Rafe ever talks about." Mr. McCawley said as he hugged her.
They all headed to Rafe and Ella's for lunch. ************************************************************************
Rafe's parents loved the new house. Ella served lunch on the porch, and Mrs. McCawley exclaimed
"The view is absolutely gorgeous here. I love it. And the house is beautiful. You have very nice taste Ella."
"Thanks Mrs. McCawley."
"Dear, It's either Mom or Ruth take your pick."
"Okay." Ella said laughing.
"Ruth, you have to see Ella's dress, it's magnificent. The prettiest thing you've ever seen." Evelyn told her.
The three left to go look at the dress which was hanging in the attic under lock and key. Rafe, his father and Danny were left alone.
"So Dad, what do you think?"
"I think she is a very lovely girl Rafe, a wise choice in a wife, you obviously love her. She is a pretty little thing too."
"Yea I know. I really do love her Dad."
"I know son, I know."
In the depth of their conversation neither had noticed Danny had left to see where little Danny had gone to. ************************************************************************
It was the day of the wedding. Ella was going nuts. She was dressed and ready waiting inside the house with Evelyn, who was her matron of honor. She and Rafe had chosen to get married on the beach in front of their house. Time was flying by faster and faster it seemed. First she was walking down the makeshift isle, next saying "I do" and finally kissing Rafe. They had done it. She was now Mrs. Ella McCawley.
The reception was held at the house, catered by a local restaurant. Everyone truly enjoyed themselves. When the party was finally over, Rafe grabbed Ella and began to run to the decorated car. Everyone yelled goodbye and best wishes as they drove away. Ella was apparently the only on with no clue what was going on.
"Rafe where are we going?"
"Well we couldn't spend our first night as a married couple in the house with my parents, could we?"
"Oh! I've got it!" ************************************************************************
Ella awoke in the honeymoon suite of the nicest hotel on the island. She glanced over at the sleeping Rafe and snuggled closer to her new husband. She was thoroughly happy. Yesterday had been perfect, and last night had been, well, nothing short of amazing. Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Ella grabbed a bathrobe and opened the door to a man with a cart.
"Room service."
"Um We didn't order room service."
"No? Are you Mrs. Rafe McCawley?"
"Yes I am."
"Your husband ordered it last night Mrs. McCawley. Where would you like it?"
"Um by the window and the table I guess."
"Alright then."
When he had left Ella slipped back into bed with Rafe and gently woke him. The two enjoyed their breakfast together before relaxing for the rest of the day. ************************************************************************