Amber Billows sat in the large mahogany seat of the New York Express,
which, as many know, is one of the more beauteous trains of 1941. A lush
green carpet was thrown upon the ground, creating a little shuffling noise
as soon as the passengers stepped on it, and shaded lamps adorned the
walls. The booths were comfortable enough, but she and her friends
preferred to sit were the scenery could be viewed. Besides, with rickety
progress of the train, and the bar too close to the cream colored booths,
it was all the more safer for their clothes. Of course the real beauty of
the train consisted of one group of ten young women, Army nurses, sitting
in the corner. Now, none of these ladies were capable of outshining Amber,
but they were pretty and ripe enough....perhaps a bit too ripe for some.
They had to look good tonight, for tonight was the night when they'd see
the boys, and Amber in particular was anxious to find her man.
She quite unwillingly snapped out of her trance as she felt something tug at the sleeve of her arm. She turned her swan-like neck towards a sultry, busty brunette, otherwise known as Martha.
"Huh?"
Laughter erupted in the little section of girls, sounding somewhat similar to the cackling of a witch.
"Well, well," Martha smiled mischievously and continued, "Seems like our girl was daydreaming again! Watcha thinking about darlin?"
Amber tilted her head downcast slightly, and with a sheepish grin on her face, muttered the words that instantly made the fellow companions chorus a plethora of "Ohhhhh" and "Awwww"
"Soda."
That was all it took to get them started, and the cooing ensued. Everyone in the group knew all about Soda, though only two had seen him. Angelina, (or Angel), the blonde bombshell with blue eyes, threw up her arms and swooned onto her friends.
"Ah, true love!"
Heaven, a petite girl with soft eyes and light blonde hair, (and the youngest of the girls), inquired after a topic all single ladies wished to hear:
"How'd ya meet him and where can I get one?!"
Laughter rung out once more, this time joined by a fit snorts as well. Amber pondered the question, and began to speak.
"Well, it was four months ago, at the drafting...............
~~~Flashback~~~~
Sodapop Curtis wrung his finger through each other time and time again. Tiny bead of sweat trickled down his face, and his eyes had a restless panicky look to them. He was dreading today. In no longer than a few hours would his fate be sealed, and, knowing the odds, this did little comfort for his stomach. He'd already vomited in earlier this morning, but held down his breakfast steadily. A toned arm lifted to his forehead and brushed away the sweat. He suddenly felt a reassuring pat on the back from Steve and he turned around to look his best friend in the eye. Soda's amber ones met with Steve's dark ones.
"Don't worry Soda, you'll make it. I know you will."
Soda nodded and gave his childhood friend a thankful smile. As the years surpassed the two, they had gone from best friends to brothers, or even closer, if that was at all possible. Three years after the incident with the four by four, Cole Randal had suddenly died, leaving all he had (which wasn't much) to young Steve. Of course, he had moved into the Curtis' and, in doing so, gained all that he ever wanted: A family. Mr. And Mrs. Curtis watched over like they did each of their sons, and concerning Pony and Darry, well, Steve simply regarded them as his brothers as well......that included fighting like one, though it was very rare.
It had been ten years since the incident, and seven since Cole had died. The boys, now young men, were about to embark on their lives. They were certified air pilots---and lieutenants. They had passed all the necessary requirements, tests and whatnot, though Soda didn't fair too well, he did in fact succeed. But now, now the final exam that most were relieved about......except for one man.....the physicals. Oh, he dreaded it. Yes, it was true that he was fit, not too mention good looking as well, but it was also true that he had problems reading, and the eye chart against the wall terrified him. What if he didn't pass? What if he got his wings taken away from him? He shuddered at thought, what else would he do? There wasn't much else he was good at...he needed to pass.
The sudden cry from a few tables down brought everyone to their senses. A poor young man, no more than 18, was currently pleading with a doctor, begging him not to take his wings. The doctor ignored this, and in threatening red ink, he placed a bold stamp on the boy's file.
"REJECTED"
The wails grew louder as he left, and all the other men busied themselves with something to concentrate on, to keep their minds off the horror. Every man in the room pretended they couldn't hear it. Steve looked towards Soda, knowing the outburst was sure to affect him. But, they had a plan. A clear voice rang throughout the air.
"Next in line please."
With a weary glance at his friend, Soda turned his and focused on the chart in front of him. The intrepid black letters stared back at him. They were daring him, laughing at him, knowing he would not be victorious. It was taped to fiercely to the white wall in back of the nurse, and he couldn't help but suppose that she memorized it all. Great. Steve couldn't help but fight back a chuckle when he realized his friend failed to notice the gorgeous young woman right before his eyes. He finally did though, as soon as she spoke.
"Let's see your file."
He passed the teal folder into her hands, finally noticing her. Her golden hair looked so much like the wheat fields back home. Her lips were painted red, contrasting wonderfully with her powdered skin. Mystifying blue eyes were within the boundary of long black lashes. (A/n: Yes, I KNOW it sounds stupid, but you have to remember that Soda is in awe of her and praise her 'till doomsday.)
Amber could feel his eyes on her, but kept focused on the small stack in her hands. She scanned the papers for more information. Curtis, Sodapop, P......quite an interesting name.
"My dad was somewhat eccentric."
She flung her head up while blinking...was he talking to her? Understanding that she had spoken aloud, she felt her cheeks flush, a bit embarrassed.
"It's nice. Original."
He simply gave a shy, almost forced smile. She peered down once more at his folder...his English and History grades were rather poor, but she noted his math and science scores were both in the 90's. Extraordinary; First ranking Lt. in his field. Well, his flying skills were certainly not a problem. Her gaze traveled down the page to where each man was required to give a reason for his chosen path. In squiggly untidy letters was where his heart was written down upon paper.
"I love to fli. In the aire I smell the breth of God"
It amazed her how it could be so sweet, so deep and....misspelled so easily. She frowned, and spoke.
"Now then, please read each letter aloud from right to left, starting at the top."
He grimaced, and slowly his mouth opened.
"BTSKMLORT," he said, much too quickly. "Eyes like an eagle ma'am."
Amber looked him over closely, knowing he had to have been cheating. He appeared so nervous even she was starting to feel uncomfortable.
"Good," she started slowly, "Now every other word on the bottom line...and read it backwards."
Soda instantly paled.
"Q.....w, e, c.....no, wait c, e."
Amber looked up to see the man behind Soda whisper the letters to his friend. Wha....suddenly it hit her. He wasn't stupid, just dyslexic. She'd heard of it before. That was what happened when certain people who cannot read standard print because of a visual, perceptual or other physical disability. She sighed, and told Soda to stop for a minuet. What was she supposed to do? Should she fail him? After all he didn't meet the requirements for this test. With a heavy heart she reached for the red stamp.
"Miss, wait."
A hand caught her arm and held on to it gingerly. She gazed into his sad pleading eyes.
"Listen miss, maybe I didn't do to well in school and junk.......but flying is my life. It's my heart and soul, my reason for living. And it doesn't matter about my reading abilities. You don't use manuals to fly."
He took two papers and spoke again, holding up a different piece with each one he talked about.
"This one says I'm the best pilot in this room, the other says different......which one are you going to believe?"
Moments passed with Amber staring at him, moved by his little speech. In a small voice, perhaps even a whisper, he said:
"Please don't take my wings."
He released her hand, letting her make the decision that would change his life forever. She reached for the two stamps once more..........this time choosing the green." The word ACCEPTED landed hard on his folder and he looked at her with such a look of emotion that she couldn't take it anymore.
"Next please."
He stood back, taking his folder and the most earnest voice in his life, said 'Thank you'. She nodded her head, praying to God that she didn't make the wrong decision. She picked up the next folder and skimmed for the name. Randle, Steven A.
"All right, Lt. Randle, how about you?"
The young man smiled, his dark eyes laughing merrily.
"How about me?" he asked suavely.
Amber smirked and shook head.
"Just read the chart, flyboy."
A/N: Ha! How's that for a longer chapter! I realize that we're still in a flashback, but I didn't want to make it any longer, so it'll be in the next one. 5 more reviews please, and I'll go as fast as I can!
She quite unwillingly snapped out of her trance as she felt something tug at the sleeve of her arm. She turned her swan-like neck towards a sultry, busty brunette, otherwise known as Martha.
"Huh?"
Laughter erupted in the little section of girls, sounding somewhat similar to the cackling of a witch.
"Well, well," Martha smiled mischievously and continued, "Seems like our girl was daydreaming again! Watcha thinking about darlin?"
Amber tilted her head downcast slightly, and with a sheepish grin on her face, muttered the words that instantly made the fellow companions chorus a plethora of "Ohhhhh" and "Awwww"
"Soda."
That was all it took to get them started, and the cooing ensued. Everyone in the group knew all about Soda, though only two had seen him. Angelina, (or Angel), the blonde bombshell with blue eyes, threw up her arms and swooned onto her friends.
"Ah, true love!"
Heaven, a petite girl with soft eyes and light blonde hair, (and the youngest of the girls), inquired after a topic all single ladies wished to hear:
"How'd ya meet him and where can I get one?!"
Laughter rung out once more, this time joined by a fit snorts as well. Amber pondered the question, and began to speak.
"Well, it was four months ago, at the drafting...............
~~~Flashback~~~~
Sodapop Curtis wrung his finger through each other time and time again. Tiny bead of sweat trickled down his face, and his eyes had a restless panicky look to them. He was dreading today. In no longer than a few hours would his fate be sealed, and, knowing the odds, this did little comfort for his stomach. He'd already vomited in earlier this morning, but held down his breakfast steadily. A toned arm lifted to his forehead and brushed away the sweat. He suddenly felt a reassuring pat on the back from Steve and he turned around to look his best friend in the eye. Soda's amber ones met with Steve's dark ones.
"Don't worry Soda, you'll make it. I know you will."
Soda nodded and gave his childhood friend a thankful smile. As the years surpassed the two, they had gone from best friends to brothers, or even closer, if that was at all possible. Three years after the incident with the four by four, Cole Randal had suddenly died, leaving all he had (which wasn't much) to young Steve. Of course, he had moved into the Curtis' and, in doing so, gained all that he ever wanted: A family. Mr. And Mrs. Curtis watched over like they did each of their sons, and concerning Pony and Darry, well, Steve simply regarded them as his brothers as well......that included fighting like one, though it was very rare.
It had been ten years since the incident, and seven since Cole had died. The boys, now young men, were about to embark on their lives. They were certified air pilots---and lieutenants. They had passed all the necessary requirements, tests and whatnot, though Soda didn't fair too well, he did in fact succeed. But now, now the final exam that most were relieved about......except for one man.....the physicals. Oh, he dreaded it. Yes, it was true that he was fit, not too mention good looking as well, but it was also true that he had problems reading, and the eye chart against the wall terrified him. What if he didn't pass? What if he got his wings taken away from him? He shuddered at thought, what else would he do? There wasn't much else he was good at...he needed to pass.
The sudden cry from a few tables down brought everyone to their senses. A poor young man, no more than 18, was currently pleading with a doctor, begging him not to take his wings. The doctor ignored this, and in threatening red ink, he placed a bold stamp on the boy's file.
"REJECTED"
The wails grew louder as he left, and all the other men busied themselves with something to concentrate on, to keep their minds off the horror. Every man in the room pretended they couldn't hear it. Steve looked towards Soda, knowing the outburst was sure to affect him. But, they had a plan. A clear voice rang throughout the air.
"Next in line please."
With a weary glance at his friend, Soda turned his and focused on the chart in front of him. The intrepid black letters stared back at him. They were daring him, laughing at him, knowing he would not be victorious. It was taped to fiercely to the white wall in back of the nurse, and he couldn't help but suppose that she memorized it all. Great. Steve couldn't help but fight back a chuckle when he realized his friend failed to notice the gorgeous young woman right before his eyes. He finally did though, as soon as she spoke.
"Let's see your file."
He passed the teal folder into her hands, finally noticing her. Her golden hair looked so much like the wheat fields back home. Her lips were painted red, contrasting wonderfully with her powdered skin. Mystifying blue eyes were within the boundary of long black lashes. (A/n: Yes, I KNOW it sounds stupid, but you have to remember that Soda is in awe of her and praise her 'till doomsday.)
Amber could feel his eyes on her, but kept focused on the small stack in her hands. She scanned the papers for more information. Curtis, Sodapop, P......quite an interesting name.
"My dad was somewhat eccentric."
She flung her head up while blinking...was he talking to her? Understanding that she had spoken aloud, she felt her cheeks flush, a bit embarrassed.
"It's nice. Original."
He simply gave a shy, almost forced smile. She peered down once more at his folder...his English and History grades were rather poor, but she noted his math and science scores were both in the 90's. Extraordinary; First ranking Lt. in his field. Well, his flying skills were certainly not a problem. Her gaze traveled down the page to where each man was required to give a reason for his chosen path. In squiggly untidy letters was where his heart was written down upon paper.
"I love to fli. In the aire I smell the breth of God"
It amazed her how it could be so sweet, so deep and....misspelled so easily. She frowned, and spoke.
"Now then, please read each letter aloud from right to left, starting at the top."
He grimaced, and slowly his mouth opened.
"BTSKMLORT," he said, much too quickly. "Eyes like an eagle ma'am."
Amber looked him over closely, knowing he had to have been cheating. He appeared so nervous even she was starting to feel uncomfortable.
"Good," she started slowly, "Now every other word on the bottom line...and read it backwards."
Soda instantly paled.
"Q.....w, e, c.....no, wait c, e."
Amber looked up to see the man behind Soda whisper the letters to his friend. Wha....suddenly it hit her. He wasn't stupid, just dyslexic. She'd heard of it before. That was what happened when certain people who cannot read standard print because of a visual, perceptual or other physical disability. She sighed, and told Soda to stop for a minuet. What was she supposed to do? Should she fail him? After all he didn't meet the requirements for this test. With a heavy heart she reached for the red stamp.
"Miss, wait."
A hand caught her arm and held on to it gingerly. She gazed into his sad pleading eyes.
"Listen miss, maybe I didn't do to well in school and junk.......but flying is my life. It's my heart and soul, my reason for living. And it doesn't matter about my reading abilities. You don't use manuals to fly."
He took two papers and spoke again, holding up a different piece with each one he talked about.
"This one says I'm the best pilot in this room, the other says different......which one are you going to believe?"
Moments passed with Amber staring at him, moved by his little speech. In a small voice, perhaps even a whisper, he said:
"Please don't take my wings."
He released her hand, letting her make the decision that would change his life forever. She reached for the two stamps once more..........this time choosing the green." The word ACCEPTED landed hard on his folder and he looked at her with such a look of emotion that she couldn't take it anymore.
"Next please."
He stood back, taking his folder and the most earnest voice in his life, said 'Thank you'. She nodded her head, praying to God that she didn't make the wrong decision. She picked up the next folder and skimmed for the name. Randle, Steven A.
"All right, Lt. Randle, how about you?"
The young man smiled, his dark eyes laughing merrily.
"How about me?" he asked suavely.
Amber smirked and shook head.
"Just read the chart, flyboy."
A/N: Ha! How's that for a longer chapter! I realize that we're still in a flashback, but I didn't want to make it any longer, so it'll be in the next one. 5 more reviews please, and I'll go as fast as I can!