Happenings Shape the Future

Emily really didn't need to be told to sit beside Charlie; she relished the opportunity. After she sat, Charlie's arm went around her back and his hand rested on her shoulder; he pulled her as close as possible to him. Charlie kissed her temple. And Emily snuggled even closer.

"Charlie, I never asked. Is this your first time to visit England?"

"It is. I certainly wish it wasn't because of this war."

"Yes, but just think. It's because of this war we met. You know Charlie; I firmly believe something I was told long ago. Each of us must find the life we were meant to live."

"And we both must have done something good to find each other."

"That's a nice way to think about our relationship."

They shared several romantic kisses. Kisses they both knew would lead to something more in the future. But these romantic feelings were soon going to be interrupted. The door to the suite opened and they both saw Bus.

"Charlie, I hate to disturb you but the admiral requested a bar be set up for him and Admirals Healy and Hoyle. They've been discussing the big event."

"Bus, you don't need to speak in generalities around Emily. We've already spoken about it. I'll set up the bar in here and we'll find some place to hide."

"Okay, by the way I need to tell you what Admiral Jessup told the others. He confessed that he hasn't slept more than three hours a night since his wife died. He was worn out. And then he told the others, they should really 'tie one on.' You know what that might mean."

"Bus, you need to stay sober in case something happens."

"I will."

"Come with me Emily. I know where we can sit."

The couple had departed shortly before the three admirals arrived. Bus watched them as they became very drunk. He heard them tell stories about their time at the Naval Academy and even about the Civil War. Bus heard Admiral Jessup rant and rave; extoling the reasons for a large navy.

All this time, Charlie and Emily were sitting in an alcove for all the extra clothes young ladies could search through to find that special dress. They were sipping on tea. Charlie had just told Emily.

"Something very strange is happening to me. I'm beginning to like tea."

Emily had added. "With milk," when Bus barged in.

"You better come here Charlie. The Admiral is in some kind of trance."

Emily watched Charlie hurry out the door which he pushed softly shut as he left. It hadn't shut tight. Emily could hear someone shout, "Florence, Florence."

And then Charlie's voice traveled into the room. "I've got him. Help me get him to his room."

Charlie and Bus together practically carried him to his bedroom. They gently lowered him onto his bed. Together they were able to remove his jacket.

"What happened, Bus?"

"He asked me about the movie. I haven't been able to locate any photographers so I let it slid. Then he started yelling for his wife."

"I can take it from here. You need to see Admirals Hoyle and Healy out."

After Bus left, Admiral Jessup grabbed Charlie and pulled him close and whispered.

"I want you to make my movie. I want you to take charge and make my movie."

Charlie's answer, I'll take care of it, was spoken without realizing what it would involve.

Charlie helped him get undressed and into his nightshirt. He stayed nearby to be sure he fell asleep. He returned to see Emily.

"Is he alright?"

"He's asleep. When he asked me to set up a bar for the three of them I had no idea they would get so drunk. He's not been right since his wife died. The booze must have pulled a trigger. I'll have someone drive you home. I don't want to leave him."

"You're a good man. I'm sure the admiral appreciates your loyalty. I'll ride home with whomever you pick. Will I see you tomorrow?"

"I hope so. A day without one of your kisses will make me blue."

"I feel the same, Charlie."

A young Ensign drove her home. He even walked her to the door of the building which housed the woman's dormitory room.

Morning came early for Charlie. The admiral already had a movie he wanted him to view, a movie about a beach in Wales which had been built to mimic the beaches of France. He, Bus and Captain Ellender began to watch it before the admiral joined them.

Charlie asked. "Do you want me to start it from the beginning?"

"No, I've got to run. You're on the fight track."

"Admiral, sir, do you remember when we first met?"

"Of course I do. Why do you ask?"

"I want to continue to take care of you."

"Charlie, you sound like I might never see you again. Listen to me. You'll be storming the beach under artillery fire from the battleships. You hurry and take your pictures and high-tail back to the platoon boat. It's that simple, Charlie."

And Charlie was thinking. He really doesn't know I'm a full-blooded coward. The artillery fire from the allied ships will still make me cower in fright.

The admiral left them and Commander Bus took charge. His plan was devious. He would cut Charlie orders for things he knew didn't exist. Then he would cut new orders and continue this until the war was over.

Charlie's first orders were to take Emily on a vacation for a week. Something he was eager to do.

And Emily was anxious to learn about this meeting. She was waiting outside the hotel.

Charlie saw her before she saw him. His greeting was a question.

"Are you waiting for someone special, Miss?"

"No, he's right here? How's the Admiral?"

"He's doing better. Emily, I've been given leave for a week. Will you join me in Sussex?"

"A whole week with you, you bet I will. I'll return home pronto and pack. The motor pool can do without me for a week."

"And I'll pick you up in an hour."