The Very Thought of You
Chapter 31
The news about the enemy aircraft shot down in the sea just off the Whitstable coast had caused something of a stir in town. Almost as soon as metal hit water, the authorities were informed and search groups made up of Army and Police teams searched the area for German aircrew that may have bailed out and trying to conceal their whereabouts somewhere within the area. A buzz of excitement engulfed the town, adults and children alike talked of the possibilities of finding a German.
Janet and Joey were at the allotment. They were harvesting the last of the runner beans and tomatoes which they'd grown over the summer period.
"When do you think Charlie and Ruby will come home?" Joey asked her companion trying to sound nonchalant; the question making her heart beat a little quicker.
"Dunno love. Charlie made mention of Friday, but as she has time off work until Monday, and depending how her Dad is, she may extent their visit until Sunday, I guess." Janet glanced at Joey. "You missing Charlie?"
Joey kept her eyes averted from Janet's, but smiled.
"Yes, a bit. She's always around which makes me feel safe. Just feels strange without her here." Joey said hiding the whole truth.
Janet affectionately put her hand on Joey's arm.
"You'll be fine. You've been through a lot. More than I'd ever want to experience in a whole life time! You know, Joey, you're a very brave woman. There's not many who would be standing here picking beans with me at the moment after what's happened to you. You should feel proud of yourself. As for Charlie, you'll learn to stand on your own two feet again once the trial and everything's out of the way."
"Thanks Janet. I'm not looking forward to standing up in court, but I suppose when it happens, I'll just have to put my best foot forward!" Joey said smiling and using an expression which her mum had always used.
"Well, you know we'll all be there for you! Still no idea when your case will be heard?"
"No. There's a war on you know!" Joey said laughing.
"Well, look on the bright side; Charlie and Ruby will be home soon, the weather still hasn't broken and we have fresh beans for dinner!" Janet announced proudly.
Janet had been taken out to dinner by Squadron Leader Paul Roman. Their romance seemed to be blossoming rapidly. Vince was staying at his Grandmother's for a few days, so the house was quiet.
Joey was alone in the lounge listening to the evening news; all grim as usual. She moved nearer to the wireless set and twiddled the knob in order to find something a little lighter; perhaps dance band music or a comedy show.
She suddenly became aware of noises in the kitchen. Could it Charlie just returned? She jumped out of her chair and headed in the direction of the din.
"Hi Joey!" Ruby cried flinging her arms around the other girl. "How are you?"
"I'm fine thanks, Ruby." She said, returning the hug. "How were things in London?"
"Quiet on the whole. We didn't have any raids, at least. We went up west and saw some smashing shows!" The young girl enthused.
"I thought they'd closed the theatres?" Joey said, glancing at the door, expecting Charlie to breeze in at any moment.
"They had, but as the bombing has let up recently, they've re-opened some. It was so exciting!"
"How did you find your Dad?" Joey asked, still waiting for Charlie.
"All things considered, not too bad. He had one or two moments, but on the whole, okaydoky! Well, better put my baggage away."
"Ruby. Where's Charlie?" Joey couldn't resist asking at last.
"Oh! She won't be back until Sunday. Think she had to get some things sorted out with Dad. Mind you, she was in an odd mood all the time – well, all the time I was there. Didn't seem to know if she was coming or going half the time. Rest of the time she was in a day dream. Huh! Guess she's in love! Mind you, I'll be blowed if I can think of anyone who...Unless..." Ruby glanced at Joey.
Joey coloured.
"Unless it's Hugo Austin, but... No I don't think so. Well, I'll be seeing ya!" Ruby called cheerfully.
"Ruby! How did you get back here then?" Joey asked.
"I got the train earlier this afternoon." Ruby said full of adolescent self importance.
"Where on earth have you been since then?" Joey asked, alarmed.
"I've been to see Annie. She has a new record. Have you heard it? It goes, "The very thought of you and I forget to do..." the younger girl sang as she strolled off towards her bedroom.
"That song", their song, was just another reminder that Charlie didn't come home with Ruby. Joey knew why. She knew that Charlie couldn't face her. She sighed and wandered back to the lounge.
Joey settled back in the chair again, ready to be miserable but had only expressed one sigh of regret when she heard a knock at the front door. Her heart skipped a beat. What if Charlie had relented and come home early after all?
Joey jumped out of her chair and headed for the front door and in doing so called out to Ruby.
"Don't worry, I'll get it."
She opened the door but was hardly ready for her expected guest.