Charlie's Parents

Bus complied with Emily's desire to surprise her mother. He said goodbye to the hospital staff and proceeded to the exit door. Charlie and Emily were right behind him.

Bus opened the back door of the motor pool car. Emily knew Charlie would have difficulty getting into the car. She helped him.

"Charlie, turn so your back is towards the seat; now give Bus your cane. Feel for the seat and lower yourself on to it. Now bring your left leg into the car as you pick up your right with your hands and swing yourself to a sitting position."

It took Charlie a few minutes. When Emily saw he was safely seated, she hurried to other door. When she got in, she slid as close to him as possible.

After she was settled, her right hand slid under Charlie's arm; she held his hand. Her left hand held it too; her head rested against his shoulder. And in a moment Bus had pulled onto the road and was heading back to London.

It was well after midnight when they left the receiving center. They didn't talk much; they were content being close. As they traveled their adrenaline began to wane. They felt drowsy and succumbed to it. They both slept resting their heads together. They even slept all the time Bus was swerving to miss the holes.

They woke when the car began to slow. "Bus, where are we?"

"Charlie, we're in London. I think it's too early to go to Emily's home."

"Yes, the sky is only beginning to lighten. You might as well take us to the hotel; I do need to pack my things."

"Will do."

By the time Bus arrived at the hotel, the couple was wide awake. Their sleep had boosted their energy. Getting out of the car wasn't nearly as difficult as getting in had been. Bus offered his arm to help Charlie pull himself to a standing position. Emily was right there with his cane. They went up to Charlie's suite.

"Emily, do look around and take anything you want. "

"Now I'm delighted to go shopping in your store. Charlie, did you personally select all these dresses?"

"The salesladies helped me."

Emily only found a couple of dresses she liked; the rest were way too fancy for her. She did take two bottles of the expensive French perfume, one was for her mother and a few silk undergarments and a Peignoir set for their wedding night. Emily didn't ask Charlie why it was in his store.

The bodice of the gown was all lace with cap sleeves. The beige-pink nylon gown was attached to the lacey bodice at the empire-waist level; the gown was softly gathered and fell to floor length. The robe was also made from the same material; it had long full sleeves.

Bus helped Charlie pack his two bags and a footlocker before going on to his room to do the same. He would be leaving on a flight to Washington that morning. Charlie, Emily and her mother would be on a flight later that day.

Emily drove him to the airport. Neither she nor Charlie got out of the car. Bus took his luggage from the trunk and porters came to load it on carts. Charlie had rolled down his window.

"Have a good flight, Bus."

"Same to you two."

Bus walked away into the terminal. And Emily drove them to the dormitory room so she could gather the things she had left there. No one was there; they had checked out days ago.

It was still too early to drive to Emily's home. They sat in Charlie's hotel room and reminisced.

"Emily, I will always remember when I first saw you the night of the party. You were the most beautiful woman there. I must confess I was really shocked to see you in my bedroom."

"I think I shocked myself for being there. I can't explain my immediate attraction to you. We're polar opposites."

"That's the attraction Emily. You're not attracted to someone who is just like you. Life would be dull. We will always quip at each other but in a loving way."

"I suppose that is true. Tell me more about your parents."

"My mom made sure my brothers and I grew up properly. We were taught manners. She was also rather protective. I still remember my first day of school. When I came home she gushed all over me as if I had been gone for days. And she still does Em.

"I'm sure my dad will try to get her to have some self-control when she sees me with my limp."

"She loves you, Charlie. You need to indulge her gushing all over you."

"I suppose, I do."

Charlie noted the time. "It's almost sunrise, Emily. By the time we have breakfast we can go see your mother."

"She's going to be so surprised."

After having breakfast, Emily drove them to her home. Charlie had discovered he could use the car door to pull on to help him get out of the car. But Emily was right there if he needed her help.

And Charlie used her as a crutch to walk towards the front door rather than his cane.

"Charlie let me go in first; you need to wait right outside the door." Charlie smiled. He knew Emily wanted to really surprise her mother.

Emily didn't close the door all the way. Her mother was in the front room watering her plants. She saw Emily. And she immediately spoke.

"Mum, it was right of me to pretend Charlie was alive."

"Have you seen him?"

Charlie took her words as a cue to show his face. "Hello Mrs. Barham, I'm not a ghost."

"Oh my, you really are alive."

"And Emily and I have a surprise. I'm needed back in Washington. Emily's coming with me. We want you to come with us."

"Mum, I want you to be at my wedding."

"You certainly are full of surprises. I can't believe, little old me is going to America."

"Mum, you need to pack a bag."

"Emily, we have plenty of time until our flight. She can pack as many bags as she likes. I'm sure there are things she would like to have in America with her. I doubt she will ever return here except to visit. After all, her only daughter will be in America."

"Charlie's right. I need to call your Aunt Agnes and tell her Molly and her husband can live here. Did I tell you, she's expecting a baby?"

"No you didn't. But this is a wonderful place to raise a family; it's perfect for them. Let me help you pack. Charlie, sit and relax. It won't take us long."

Emily was able to elicit the help of a neighbor to load all the bags in the car. One of the bags contained Emily's dresses; they were never needed while she worked for the motor pool. As soon as they both checked the house to be sure they had everything they wanted to take with them, it was time to drive to Hendon Airport.

"Mother, it was here I first saw Charlie."

"And she was not at all impressed with me. She didn't like my friendly habit of tapping the lady drivers on their derrière. Your daughter slapped my face. We can laugh about it now. I want you to know I love her and I'm ready to keep the vows of marriage we will make soon."

"I can see that you two are madly in love. Am I going to meet your parents soon?"

"Yes, they should be on a train traveling across America to Washington. They should arrive shortly after we do."

By the time Emily parked the car several porters were there to assist with their luggage. After Charlie had gotten out of the car, Emily then opened the back door for her mom. They followed the porters to the check-in counter.

"You're right on time. Your flight is ready for boarding at gate two. Do you need a wheelchair sir? I noticed you were using a cane."

"No, I can walk, I really only need it for balance."

They walked away from the counter towards the ramp to the tarmac. The door was already opened and the stairs were being wheeled in place.

It took Charlie a little longer to climb the stairs than usual. He used the handrail to pull on as he climbed them. Emily and her mother were right behind him.

This airplane was more elaborate than the military plane Emily and Charlie had flown out of Lands End. This was a commercial plane. There were two rows of seats. On the right was a row of single seats. To the left of the aisle was a row of two seats. This was perfect for the group.

Mrs. Barham took one of the single seats and directly across from her was Charlie and Emily. Emily had the window seat. And Charlie would now tell Mrs. Barham what to expect on take-off and landing.

"Mum, it sounds worse that it is."

"Emily dear, I think it's exciting."

"Charlie, tell us again how long we will be in the air."

"About twenty hours, we will be served two meals plus snacks. They will distribute pillows and blankets so we can get some sleep. Your seat reclines and the foot rest comes out for your feet. The sound of the engines actually lull you to sleep."

Emily and her mom found all this to true. Both were thoroughly pleased with their meals. And all of them got enough sleep not to feel groggy when they arrived in Washington.

Bus had arrived at the airport with their ground transportation. He was waiting by the gate assigned to the plane. He heard. "Now arriving from London is flight twenty-one at gate three."

Bus had permission to meet them on the tarmac. They weren't the first passengers off the plane; they were the last. Charlie didn't want to hold up the others while he paused on each stair before stepping to the next. Going down stairs is more difficult than going up for anyone with a bad leg. Emily and her mom waited patiently to follow him.

Charlie saw Bus with a larger than normal smile. "Okay, what do you have to tell me?"

"I arranged a wedding for you at the church across the street from the White House. The priest will conduct the service whenever you want. I checked on the train; it's on time. And I made reservations for everyone at the Mayflower Hotel."

"Bus, did you really talk to the priest?"

"Yes, I did Emily."

"Emily, do you have a dress to wear?"

"Actually I do Mum, it's not a wedding gown. It's a nice church dress."

By the time they entered the terminal their luggage had been taken from the cargo hold and placed in the pick-up area. Porters were available to load it all on carts and take it to the car.

"How did you manage a limousine, Bus?"

"I have connections, Charlie. Besides I suspected all three of you would have a lot of luggage. Now let's get you settled at the hotel before it's time to pick up your parents."

Bus knew his way around Washington. Emily was reading the street signs; some were named for a letter in the alphabet and others were numbered streets. And others had real names. She asked Charlie.

"Do these names have significance?"

"They do. They're names of states; I don't know if all forty-eight of them are represented. The first one I learned was Pennsylvania Avenue. I have no idea who decided on alphabet letters and numbers. I do know the city was totally planned by a Frenchman, Pierre Charles L'Enfant.

"It's unknown why he decided to help the people of the United States fight for freedom from the British but he did. He became General Washington's confidant. He was not only a soldier; he was an engineer and a painter. After you're here awhile you don't think the street names are so crazy."

As they were talking, Bus was approaching the Mayflower Hotel. Emily had a clear view of the building. He heard her exclaim.

"It's huge. I've never seen a hotel as big as this."

Mrs. Barham bent her neck to see it. "I agree with Emily."

"It's not only big. Wait until you see the front door."

Charlie knew exactly what they would see; he didn't tell them.

Again Emily saw it first. Her exclamation was even louder than before.

"What is that door made of; it looks like gold?"

"It is gold. It's used throughout the hotel. And a matching shade of paint was used so the entire inside looks very expensive. Charlie and I were just as astounded as you are when we first saw it. Your suite is modest in comparison to the first floor."

Bus had now stopped the limousine. He got out first as the porters arrived to obtain their luggage. They followed them into the hotel. They saw the gold decorated lobby area. Emily and her mother were speechless. They heard Bus tell them.

"I already have the key. The elevator is down this hall. Follow me."

Emily and her mother were both in awe of all the gold used in the lobby area. They both twirled around several time to take it all in as they walked towards the elevators.

The elevator attendant asked. "Your floor, sir."

"Fourteen please."

This was a modern elevator and rose rather quickly to the fourteenth floor. The doors opened and they got off. And they saw all the gold lamps on the walls and more of that gold colored paint.

Bus unlocked the door and handed the key to Charlie. The two ladies were drawn to the windows. They had a bird's eye view of the city. Bus had a suggestion.

"Why don't you freshen up while I call the train station and check on the train's arrival time?"

Bus's inquiry brought smiles to their faces. "The Commodore is on time and should be pulling into the station in about forty-five minutes. The train station isn't very far from here. It should only take me about ten minutes to drive there."

"Why don't we leave now, we can wait at the train station for the train to arrive."

"Emily, are you anxious to meet my parents?"

"I am Charlie."

"So you want to see my mom hug the stuffin out of me."

"I suppose."

"What are you two talking about?"

"Charlie told me his mom always gushes all over him when she sees him. He's hoping she can have some self-control. He doesn't want to lose his balance and fall."

Bus complied with Emily's request. They learned that the train station really was close by. They had entered the station and Bus commented.

"Well, you don't have long to wait. I believe that was the train's first toot of its horn we just heard."

And Mrs. Barham started to sing. "She'll be coming round the mountain, toot, toot." And then she repeated that line as Emily joined in singing the final lines which also ended with "toot, toot."

And they both broke out in the giggles.

"I learned that song too. It's been a long time since I heard anyone sing it."

"Charlie, Mum and I used to sing silly songs all the time. We drove poor Aunt Agnes from the room. I'm so glad we can both laugh and be silly again."

"I suppose our children will learn all those silly songs."

"Of course they will."

By now the train had tooted its horn twice and was pulling into the station. It finally came to a stop and the station announcer spoke.

"The Commodore is ready for deboarding on platform three."

"This way guys," Bus directed.

They now stood in clear sight of the passenger cars. The attendant placed the wooden steps beneath the train's door. One of the train's conductors opened the door. And they could hear him announce.

"End of the line, Washington's Union Station. All passengers must leave the train at this time."

The first persons off weren't Charlie's parents. In a few minutes Charlie spoke. "I hear my mother's voice. Emily, you better stand beside me. I think it's going to happen."

"I won't let you tumble over, darling." Spoken as her arm went around his waist.

Now everyone heard. "There he is, my wounded son."

"Maryann, you promised me."

"I just want to hug him Earl."

"Watch out son, she's comin for you."

"I'll stand my ground, Dad. Emily will help hold me up."

"Son, I'm not going to hurt you. Can I get a little hug?"

"Sure Mom."

Mother and son hugged softly but it lasted several seconds. "Mom, this young lady is Emily, my fiancée."

"I suspected she was. I'm very glad to meet you and who did you bring with you."

"Mrs. Madison, this is my mother, Elizabeth Barham."

"I'm so happy to meet you. I'm Maryann and that's what I prefer to be called."

"And I'm her husband, my name is Earl. And is that you Bus?"

"It's me, sir. I'm surprised you remembered my name."

"Dad has a knack for remembering names. Bus we need to locate the baggage claim counter."

"It's inside the station. Follow me."

After retrieving all their luggage, it was loaded in the limousine. The limo's doors were opened and everyone took a seat. The five of them all fit in the back on bench seats.

Earl and Maryann sat across from the others. Maryann could see out the window.

Bus had been driving for about five minutes when she spoke. "Is that white building the White House?"

"That's it Mom."

"Is that building something special?"

"It is Elizabeth. It's where our president and his family live." Maryann told her.

And Charlie added. "And it's right across the street from our hotel."

Earl responded to his son. "I've read about that hotel. It's quite old. It's said if walls could speak they could tell all kinds of stories."

"Earl, I'm not familiar with that phase; can you explain its meaning?"

Earl wasn't sure what to tell Elizabeth; he had been thinking of men, including presidents, who had used it to have a secret affair with another woman.

He answered this way. "Some men like to keep secrets from their wives."

"That I understand."

And Emily thought she had to say something. "I'm sure the walls could also speak about all the wonderful, banquets and parties they have witnessed."

And Charlie squeezed Emily's hand, his way of telling her thank you for changing the subject.

As they had been talking; Bus had arrived at the hotel.

"We're here."

"Maryann, you're in for a real surprise. You'll never believe what the door is made of."

"I like surprises, Elizabeth."

Earl helped his wife from the limo. She saw the front door and immediately asked.

"Is that door made from real gold?"

The doorman answered her. "It is madam. I hear that question several times a day. I also like to tell people the hotel never became the boondoggle everyone thought it would be. The hotel has many people who call it their home. And dignitaries from around the world stay here. And before the war many families would stay here because of its proximity to the museums and monuments. It also has several restaurants."

"Mom, we need to go inside."

"Yes son, we do."

"I already have your keys. Your suite has an extra private bedroom for Mrs. Barham. Charlie and Emily have the suite across from you. As soon as you're ready, we need to keep my reservation at the main dining room."

No one took long to freshen-up. Bus led them back to the elevator and when it reached the lobby floor they got off. He led them to a corridor which had so much gold trim, it glowed. They found the dining room had been painted with that same gold-yellow paint used on all the other walls. And a huge chandler hung in the middle from a dome which was painted with a very unusual design.

This room also had a stage. They were told the tables were replaced with comfortable chairs whenever it was used for a play.

The maitre'd escorted them to their table. He gave each one a menu. Everyone found an entrée to order. They ate mostly in silence.

A long train ride is tiring even with sleeper births. Earl commented. "We're no longer young, Charlie. Our train ride has drained us. We need a goodnight's sleep so we can do some sightseeing tomorrow."

"And, Dad, we plan on visiting the priest at the church across the street from the White House. Bus already spoke to him so he'll be expecting us."

"Emily, you must be excited."

"I am Maryann. We're more than ready to be married."

Bus led them to the elevator where they said goodnight to him. The group road the elevator to the fourteenth floor. There they each went to their bedroom.

Emily was more than ready to be alone with her fiancé. That night, the couple lay together in their bed.

"Charlie, are we going to be able to be close?"

"Of course we are. We'll both need to be aware of my wound. I'll be so glad when it doesn't need to be bandaged anymore."

"Let's wait for our first time to be after we are married."

"We can do that. I do want to invite Admiral Jessup and the others. I will need an extra day."

"We can ask to be married the day after tomorrow."

"Now we can snuggle close; I don't think either of us will have any difficulty falling asleep."

Soon the walls of this room heard nothing but shallow breathing.