Everyday Life
The group left this house with smiles. But there was also sadness. Charlie knew his parents needed to return home.
They had a train reservation for the next day. Bus was available with the limousine to drive everyone to the train station. He helped Earl load their luggage in the trunk.
"Emily, please write to us."
"I will Maryann. I always wrote letters to my father when he was stationed on a distant army base. He always told me how much he enjoyed all my details."
"We'll enjoy letters like them."
They had arrived at the station. The word goodbye wasn't spoken; it seemed too final. Hugs abounded and Earl told them.
"We'll call you when we get home. Audrey gave me your number."
Charlie, Emily and Elizabeth watched them board. They stood there until the train began its travel back to the west coast.
"Emily, maybe someday they may decide to move east. I doubt my brothers will ever live at home again. It may be as soon as we have a baby."
"That's a wonderful thought. Now we need to move into our home."
"Yes, we do."
Bus used the limo to take all their bags and Charlie's footlocker to the house. A neighbor saw Charlie struggling to help Bus carry it up the steps.
"May I help you sir."
"Please do. I have a bad leg."
"I know you. Your picture is in today's paper. You were awarded the Navy Cross."
"Yes, I'm Charlie Madison and this young lady is my wife, Emily."
"I'm pleased to meet you both. I'll help you carry it all the way to your bedroom. I can also help carry all your other bags too."
"That's very kind of you. My mother's things need to go to the apartment in the back of the kitchen."
The young man spent a half an hour helping them. "I'll tell my parents I met you. It's time for me to catch the bus to the university."
"We certainly appreciate your help. We look forward to meeting your parents."
They watched him walk away.
"I need to return the limo. Charlie, the navy's taxi service doesn't serve this area; you will need a car to get back and forth to the navy building.
"I checked the refrigerator. You have a few prepared meals in there. I think ladies from the church may have prepared them. And the pantry has some canned fruit and a container that probably contains a dry cereal of some kind. I'll be here in the morning with a car you can use."
As he drove away Elizabeth told the couple.
"I'm going to my apartment and begin to put my things away. I brought some tea with me. I'll brew us a pot later this morning."
"And we'll go upstairs and do the same."
Emily found their closet was more than large enough for both of them. Emily had a dresser for her lingerie. And Charlie had a chest on chest which easily fit all his folded clothes including his white uniform shirts which were laundered by a cleaners.
And that morning, they did enjoy tea time. They sat in the garden room of the apartment and spoke of all that had taken place. Later, after having lunch, they walked across the street to the park.
"Charlie, all these sidewalks will make pushing a baby carriage very easy."
"Are you trying to tell me something?"
"No, I'm not pregnant. But we both hope that one day I will be."
"Yes, I said that more than once, including the day we were married."
"And I'm looking forward to being a grandmother."
"I know you are, Mum."
They followed the sidewalk around dozens of trees and past several flower beds before they arrived where they had started.
It was too beautiful of a day to sit inside; they occupied the chairs on their porch. They were still there when a car arrived and parked in front of the neighbor's home.
They saw a man and a woman exit.
"They must be that young man's parents. Emily, let's go speak to them."
The man spoke as soon as they were closer. "Good afternoon sir, you must be the navy's first occupants of their newly acquired residence."
"We are. I'm Charlie Madison. This young woman beside me is my wife Emily and beside her is her mother, Elizabeth Barham.
"We met your son earlier. He helped us carry all our things into the house. I'm still recovering from a war injury."
"That was Mathew. It's nice to know he helped you. We're Raymond and Sarah Garfield."
Sarah, who had an inquisitive look on her face, asked. "Did I see your picture in this morning's newspaper?"
"Yes, you probably did."
"Raymond, he was awarded the Navy Cross by Admiral Jessup yesterday for being the first navy man on Omaha Beach."
"Yes, that's right. But the real heroes are all the navy engineers who defused all the mines."
"You're being very self-effacing. Emily, you must be very proud of your husband."
"I am, Raymond. It was a real honor to witness the ceremony. And then Admiral Jessup told us about this house. We came immediately to see it. We couldn't believe how perfect it is for us."
"We like living here because it's on a quiet street and having the park across the street ensures nothing will be built there. It's not far from the State Department where Raymond works, the school where I'm the librarian or the bus stop."
"Is there a grocery store nearby?"
"There is Emily. You have two choices; they're about the same distance from here. One is the Eastern Market which is more than a grocery store.
"The other is a District Grocery Store. The food prices are about the same. You could easily walk to either of them. We usually stop at one of them on our way home.
"If you go to the District Grocery Store, you will have your groceries packed in sturdy paper bags with handles. We've been using the same ones since the war began."
"Sarah, all you've told us make us like this house even more." Emily added.
"We're so glad to meet you both and Elizabeth. Do come by if you need anything, I mean that sincerely. Raymond and I need to put our groceries away."
"Thank you, we will."
Raymond and Sarah each carried a brown paper bag by its handle and hurried into their house.
The new occupants of the house on "E" street returned inside to prepare dinner. There wasn't much to do except reheat one of the casseroles from the refrigerator.
This dish was similar to Charlie and Emily's favorite at the café in London. It wasn't a meatless pie; it contained small pieces of chicken. It abounded in vegetables. They enjoyed peaches for dessert from one of the canning jars.
Emily washed their dishes; Charlie and Elizabeth dried them and put them away. By now their energy had begun to wane.
"I think I'll go on to my room. I doubt I will read very long. It's been a long day."
"We're going to our room too, Mum."
Charlie made sure the front door was locked. The couple walked as a couple up the stairs. They weren't too tired for marital activity. They slept like babies that night.
In the morning they woke startled. It took each a few seconds to realize where they were.
"Charlie, I still find it hard to believe all that has happened these last few days."
"I know. It's been slightly more than two weeks since I was on Omaha Beach."
Since they were using the front bedroom, they heard a car door shut.
"The Garfield's must be going to work. We should get dressed. I don't know when Bus will bring our car."
"Yes, I don't want to be in my nightgown when he comes."
Bus didn't come that early. They had breakfast before he arrived.
"How was your first night in the house?"
"We slept well if that's what you're asking. We also met that young boy's parents. They're Raymond and Sarah Garfield. Sarah told us about two locations where we can buy our groceries; neither is very far away."
"Emily, I'll remember to tell Admiral Jessup, you and your mother are already adjusting to life in America."
"And I'll drive you back to the navy building. I paid attention to the route you drove yesterday."
"Mum and I we'll have lunch waiting for you when you return."
As all newlyweds do, they kissed before Charlie drove away. When he returned they kissed as if they had been separated for days.
They sat at the small table in their kitchen to eat. Afterwards they sat on their porch. They could see a few children in the park with their mothers. And Charlie heard the telephone ring. He hurried to answer it. He was sure it was his dad calling.
He told Emily and Elizabeth this. "Mom and Dad are home. I told them how much we are enjoying this house. They send their well-wishes."
"And I'll write them a letter soon."
Their day ended after another hearty meal they found in the refrigerator. The next day was the beginning of their routine.
Charlie would have breakfast with Emily and her mother. They would keep busy making the house their own while Charlie was on duty.
Three days later Charlie had some news.
"Elizabeth, the British Embassy is in need of a new receptionist. The last one left because her husband had transfer orders. It's a nine to three position. Is it something you would like to do?"
"It is. But Emily would be all alone."
"I have a suggestion for her too. Emily, Walter Reed Military Hospital is nearby. They can always use volunteers. I know being around our wounded men won't scare you."
"Charlie, I'd love to volunteer."
"Then it all settled. You will need to use a bus to each place. We can find the right one on Saturday and visit each place."
Saturday was a beautiful day. They only had a short distance to walk to the bus stop in their neighborhood. They noticed the bus drove past the Lincoln Memorial and the White House on its way to the northwest quadrant of the city.
The terrain had changed. They were in a forested area which shared a border with the State of Maryland. They saw a sign which had arrows pointing to the hospital and a zoological park. The bus driver turned in the direction of the hospital.
Immediately, they saw the hospital; a red brick three stories building built in a U shape with many windows.
"Charlie, all those windows are wonderful. Nothing is worse for an ill person than being in a windowless room. Seeing the sun everyday gives them hope they will recover soon."
"I know that too. After I got my wits about me, I was moved by a window."
"Do you think we could go inside? I'd like to introduce myself."
"I don't see why not."
By now the driver had stopped the bus. He knew who Charlie was; he had seen his picture in the newspaper. He didn't mention it. Instead he told them.
"I couldn't help but hear your conversation. You'll find an information desk in the lobby. The receptionist can help you. And I can wait for you."
"Thank you. We shouldn't be long."
The three of them stepped off the bus and went inside. Emily went straight to the person sitting at the desk in the lobby.
"Good morning, sir. I'm Emily Madison. I would like to volunteer here."
"Have you ever been around the wounded before?"
"Yes, I was an ambulance driver in England."
"Then you will able to begin volunteering after an orientation to our hospital. When can the staff expect you to begin?"
"Monday, sir. I'll be using the bus so I should be here after nine."
"That's perfect. By then some of the men will be finished with their morning physical therapy session and would enjoy having a visitor."
"And I'll be ready to help them anyway I can."
The man heard Emily. "I can't wait for Monday to come. It will be nice doing something meaningful while you're on duty."
His memory had served him well. He too had recognized Charlie from his picture in the paper.
Charlie asked the bus driver. "Is there a bus stop where we can catch a bus to Embassy Row?"
"Yes, I can stop there."
The driver drove back the way he had come. The three of them were so surprised when the driver stopped near the zoological park.
"A bus should stop here in a few minutes. Embassy Row is only a little more than a mile from here."
"Thank you, you've been very cordial."
Charlie cautiously stepped off and then helped Elizabeth and Emily. They watched the bus drive away.
"Mum, we can take the same bus here."
"Yes, I'm sure during the week there may be others waiting to go on to Embassy Row. Charlie, are there a number of embassies located on this Row?"
"There are but I don't know how many."
The bus arrived. Since it was Saturday, there were very few people on board. The driver drove slowly down this street lined with large estates.
"Sir, do you need to go to a specific embassy?"
"Yes, the British Embassy."
"It's on Massachusetts Avenue. It like many of the other embassies was once the residence of a wealthy family who lost everything during the depression. The wife of the former ambassador designed the gardens. It will take several years before the full extent of their beauty will be developed. Even now, the summer blooms stand as example.
The British Embassy consisted of two large buildings joined together by a third one. They also formed a U. None of them saw any flowers; the garden was in the back of the buildings.
"Are you going be inside long?"
"My wife's mother was asked to be the new receptionist. She would like to introduce herself."
"The guard standing there should be able to help you. I have time to wait."
They exited the bus and walked towards the guard. "How may I help you?"
Charlie told him what he had told the driver.
"You can meet with the ambassador's secretary. She always works Saturday morning; she says she can get more done when it's quiet."
He led them directly there. Elizabeth wasn't shy. She had read her name plate. "Mrs. Sutton, I'm Elizabeth Barham."
"I'm so glad you came by. I see the Commander and his wife are with you. The picture of both of you was sent to all the embassies. Mrs. Barham, it was so kind of you to accept this position. Let's go see where you will be sitting."
Mrs. Sutton led them back to the main entrance. A desk, none of them had noticed, was in a corner near a window. Visitors would see Elizabeth sitting there upon entering.
Elizabeth noticed the African Violet plant sitting on a plant stand near the window. "This is a beautiful specimen; I don't believe I've ever seen so many blooms."
"We have several; the gardener rotates the plants. I don't know how he is able to always have one in full bloom. The visitors often comment about them too. Are you able to begin on Monday?"
"Yes, I will ride the bus with Emily; she will go on to the hospital to help there."
"It's been a real privilege to meet all of you. I'm sure you're like everyone else; you can't wait for Hitler's demise."
Charlie added. "We'll be even happier when the Japanese surrender. Thank you for seeing us. The bus driver is waiting to take us back to the city."
They said their goodbyes. They talked about nothing besides being excited to begin their activity on Monday.
On Sunday, they took another bus to attend church. Father Martin was pleased to see them. They had Sunday Brunch at the hotel before returning home. This would become their Sunday routine.
Life was very good. It was about to become even better.