Chapter 21: More From Isla
"Hey guys," Hitch sat down at the table where the Rats were enjoying a much-needed meal after returning from a grueling mission. "I picked up the mail and there's a letter from Isla." He handed the others their mail then opened a large envelope from England and began to read aloud.
My Dearest Rat Friends:
I hope this letter finds you safe and well. I wanted to jot off a quick note before we move on to Edinburgh for four performances of "Giselle". I will treasure these ballet performances the rest of my life. Everything went beautifully and I confess I felt it rather magical. Dancing Mythra has been an absolute dream come true. I feel like I have trained my entire life for this role which I guess is true. I never thought I would have the opportunity to dance with a professional company of such high caliber. To do so in front of King George and Queen Elizabeth was an honor I will never forget. I got to meet them following the performance and received many kind words and praises, especially from Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret.
Princess Margaret enjoyed my costume, especially the little wings and Princess Elizabeth told me she admired my character more than Giselle who seemed rather wimpy to go mad over a faithless lover. She said Giselle should have straightened up, accepted he was no good and gotten on with her life instead of going mad and dying tragically. I like her spirit and think she will someday make a fine Queen of England.
How I wish I could have shared the experience with you all, especially my Tadpole. I've enclosed copies of some of the professional photographs that were taken of the performance along with one that will appear on my next record cover. I have sent you an advance copy of "I Wanna Be Loved By You" by separate cover since it required more packaging to keep from being broken. The flip side is "I'll Be Seeing You." I am still stunned by how well my records are selling. They are nowhere near the popularity of Vera-Lynn but they're doing very well.
Hitch stopped reading so they could view the photos of her in full costume; a scene from her with the willis and meeting the royal family.
"She must be over the moon," Moffitt replied.
"And then some," Troy added. "The princesses are really growing up. Last time I saw any photos of them they were still little girls,"
"Wow!" Tully said appreciatively as he saw the photo for the record cover. She was dressed in a form fitting swimsuit and high heels, posed looking over her shoulder in Betty Grable fashion so her back, derriere and legs were shown to their best advantage.
"Indeed," Moffitt said in agreement with Troy nodding his approval. At one time the three older Rats had all wanted to go out with Isla but refrained from doing so because they thought Hitch might get upset if they "put the moves" on his friend. Hitch looked at the picture and smiled. He was so proud of her and what she had accomplished. He continued reading aloud:
When I was with you, there was speculation that the fighting in Africa would soon end. Has any progress been made towards that becoming true? If so, do you have any understanding of what it will mean to your patrol? Will you be split up or be allowed to stay together? It seems like folly to disband such an accomplished and successful unit as yours. The four of you work so well together. Perhaps I should write to Captain Boggs on the subject.
They stopped to smile at Isla's reference to Boggs. They knew very well how tightly she had him wrapped around her finger. However, even her charm wasn't enough to influence military operations and they paused to consider her questions. They were ones they had each contemplated recently as the African campaign neared its conclusion. They were all nervous about what might be coming in the months ahead. Hitch continued.
You are always in my prayers, and I look forward to us being together under more pleasant circumstances. Take care of one another and please be safe.
Oh, Tully, I almost forgot. I wrote to your mother, and she sent her recipe for Jam Cake. I made it for the company, and they all loved it! I hope to be able to make one for you soon and you can compare the two, although I will chastise you if you select mine over your mom's.
Sam, I understand your mother is considering remarriage and moving from Colorado. I hope all that meets with your approval. She has been alone for so long and deserves an opportunity for more happiness in her life.
Jack, your parents have turned me into a bridge-playing fiend. We shall have to partner against them when you return. Most of the time I feel like I'm better off being the dummy.
The rest of this is for Mark so I will say goodbye. Please write soon. I do so enjoy hearing from you all.
The Rats smiled and appreciated how she had taken to writing to their families in addition to the letters she wrote to them. Picking up the rest of their mail, they excused themselves to write responses to her, leaving Mark alone with the rest of the letter. He took a long drink of his coffee before continuing.
I finally received your response to my letter asking you about the kiss I gave you when we said goodbye in Africa. I was so nervous I had damaged our friendship, and your reply gladdened my heart. I was so relieved to hear we are on the same page. It was mostly curiosity on my part. We had been through so much during the weeks I was with you and there were some pretty intense moments what with Dietrich and the convoy attack. My feelings were pretty off the wall, and I just wanted to know if our relationship might have shifted into a different area. I'm so glad we're good. I've sometimes wondered want it would be like to kiss you as I did. Like you, it was usually when I was with other girls who thought you were absolutely beautiful asking how I could just be friends with you. Your not responding threw me off a bit but I was so glad to hear our relationship is still good. I don't know what the future will bring but I do know it will be meaningless without my best friend.
I have to close now and get ready for the move to Edinburgh. Write when you can, and I will do the same. You know I love you.
It was signed, "Your forever friend, Zu-Zu" and Hitch had a few moments of nervousness as he wondered how she would react to his most recent letter when it arrived. Her postscript made him smile and gave him hope she would agree with his latest confessions.
P.S. I enjoyed it, too.