...
It was when Nora was helping Mrs Barnes do the washing up after breakfast that Mr Barnes announced that someone had called for Nora. Setting down a damp tea towel, Nora left the small kitchen, walked through the living room and then entered the entrance hall to find Joe standing there with a broad grin. Slipping on her boats and jacket, Nora stepped outside and felt the nip of November's cold air pinch her cheeks. What confused Nora most was Joe Lesniewski's big smile. He looked far too happy considering Easy Company was falling apart due to Sobel and Winters's absence…
"He's gone". Joe announced to Nora. "Sobel. He's gone".
Nora's eyes widened softly. "What?"
"Colonel Sink assigned him to Chilton Foliat…he's 'gonna train civilians to jump". If possible, Joe's smile widened. "Nora, he's not 'gonna lead us anymore. He's gone".
Nora felt a wave of relief. But the feeling of relief didn't last long. "And Lieutenant Winters? Is he back now?"
Joe's smile slightly dwindled. He shook his head. "No…and I haven't heard anything about it". He asked, "Did you ever get that meeting with Colonel Sink?"
Nora paused to think. After ten or so seconds went by, she closed the front door and began jogging down the steps toward the street. Quickly, Joe followed the girl. She said, "I couldn't get a meeting. He was very busy. So, I will visit him now".
Joe huffed. "Now? Without warning? Without permission?"
Nora said, "He is not the King of England, Joe. I do not need such permission".
"You're insane".
"Not me". Nora argued. "They're insane…do you know, they only keep incompetent Officers in Battalion mess until they reassign them". She said, "Lieutenant Winters is not incompetent, he's the best Officer in Colonel Sink's Regiment. And Lieutenant Winters has been locked away far too long now".
The frost hadn't had the time to defrost, meaning it was still early. But Nora didn't care, and Joe wasn't about to stop her. With her boots crunching against white frost, stuck onto the cobbled roads, Nora marched about half a mile outside of Aldbourne toward a large country estate where Colonel Sink had his staff lived. Joe had left Nora's side before she left the village. She didn't mind being alone, it gave her time to figure out what to say…and how to find the courage to enter the large estate. Walking through the opened black, double gates, Nora followed the driveway up to the house and found a Private cleaning one of the many jeeps parked outside…
"Excuse me…". Nora approached the Private. And at the Lieutenant bars on her jacket, he quickly straightened up to salute Nora. But she was quick to dismiss the gesture. "I need to speak with Colonel Sink. Is he home?" Her eyes looked toward the large house.
"He is, Lieutenant". Private Lorraine replied. Lorraine was Sink's personal driver. "If you have an appointment to meet with him, Colonel Sink's orderly is inside. He'll show you the way".
"Right…". Eyes leaving the house, she stared up at Lorraine. "Yes. I have an appointment. Of course, I do…". She lied because Lorraine might not have let her inside otherwise. Plastering on a fake smile, Nora gave a nod toward the house. "So, just inside, yeah?"
"That's right, Lieutenant". He politely replied. "Just head on inside".
Nora had been inside a lot of rooms with scary men, much scarier than Colonel Sink. She didn't feel overly nervous about meeting Sink, but Nora did fear her worries would fall upon deaf ears or Sink wouldn't take her seriously. Not a lot of men cared for the opinions from women, especially from someone young like Nora. But she had to at least try. Inside the large house, the entrance hall was empty. With the hall silent, Nora's ears soon picked up the sound of cutlery scraping against plates – the noise came from behind a set of double doors. Quickly, Nora cracked open one of the doors and peered inside the room. The large dining room chairs were empty, save one. Colonel Sink ate alone. Nora thought it best to try again after Sink had finished his breakfast, however, her presence hadn't gone unnoticed…
"Don't just stand there". Sink said, "I don't like eavesdroppers…".
"Oh, I…". Nora opened the door and began to explain herself. "I was not spying, Colonel Sink".
"No?" Sink raised his eyes and looked at her. "Then what the hell were you doing, Lieutenant?"
"I was just…". When Nora let go of the door, it slammed shut. The loud noise caused Sink to let out an irritated sigh. Nora mentally cringed. Feeling her cheeks redden, she stepped further into the dining room but remained a good distance away from Sink. "Sir, I have a…".
"Lieutenant Clopper". Sink cut her off while cutting up a slice of bacon. "We meet at last. However, your arrival has come as a surprise. Did you speak with my orderly?"
Nora admitted, "I don't have an appointment, sir".
Sink scoffed. "That much is clear, Clopper". His eyes remained glued to his breakfast. "What is it you want, Clopper?" Sink asked. "And make it quick, I'm a busy man…hence the appointments you have to make…".
Nora mentally cringed once more, regretting her decision to barge into Colonel Sink's place of residence because she missed her friend. It was too late to turn back now. "It's about Lieutenant Winters, sir…".
Sink's fork hovered by his mouth and eventually, Sink placed the fork down and looked over at the girl. "What about him, Clopper?" He grabbed a metal-looking jug and poured out black coffee into a cup. "Coffee?" Sink offered the girl.
"No thank you, sir". Coffee made Nora feel sick to her stomach. She said, "I wondered, sir…if we could get Lieutenant Winters back, sir".
The faintest of smiles reached Sink's lips. Setting the jug down, he grabbed a teaspoon and scooped up some sugar. Stirring his coffee, Sink asked, "You want him back, do you?"
"Yes, sir". Nora took a tiny step forward. "Most definitely, sir".
"I'm not a genie, Clopper". Sink said, "I don't grant wishes". Setting the teaspoon down, Sink picked up his cup of coffee. "But I do listen to reason". He said, "So, state your case".
"I haven't prepared anything, sir". Nora said, "This visit surprised me too".
"You acted on impulse". Sink asked, "Do you do that often?"
Nora shook her head. "I usually just…don't do anything, sir. I usually wait until it sorts itself out".
Sink said, "That's not why I took you on, Clopper". He took a sip of coffee before talking again. "I took you on because you don't wait around for something to change. You change it. I read your file, I know what you've done and where you've been".
Nora's hand went toward the bandage on her forearm. "You know, sir?"
"Not in great detail". Sink admitted. "But it impressed me, Clopper. If you hadn't impressed me, I would've told them no and to find another Regiment for you". He said, "And I've been keeping an eye on you…through reports and meetings with Captain Sobel and Lieutenant Winters. You've made good progress, Clopper".
"Then you'll know that…". Nora took another step forward, nearing closer to the top of the long table. "That Lieutenant Winters was the cause of my improvements, sir".
"He's a damn good man and Officer". Sink said, "I can see him making a fine career out of the army".
"Do you think…". Nora one more tiny step forward. "Do you think he should be in Battalion mess, sir?"
There was a pause. Sink shook his head. "I've been watching Lieutenant Winters closely, ever since he proved himself in Toccoa. He's respected by his men and he's damn smart. It would be a shame to separate Winters from his men".
Nora gave an eager nod and agreed with the Colonel. "It would, sir…it would".
Sink got up from the chair. "As it happens…I've managed to dismiss the entire ordeal. However, it was quite the headache". Sink announced. "I won't bore you with details, Clopper. But I will tell you this; Lieutenant Winters will return as a Platoon Leader in Easy Company".
A smile met Nora's lips. "That's brilliant, sir…really excellent".
Sink said, "Because you've wasted my time, I can't tell him the good news". He raised an eyebrow at the girl and said, "So, I'm ordering you to relieve Lieutenant Winters from Battalion mess effective immediately".
Nora's shoulders sank with relief. "Yes, sir". It was the best order she had ever received.
"And Clopper?" Sink said, "Don't wait for change to happen. Make it happen".
"I promise, sir…".
…Nora didn't walk to the schoolhouse; she ran the entire way. Out of breath with reddened cheeks, Nora pulled the double doors open and stepped inside the entrance hall. Lieutenant Winters stayed in the basement, with other Officers. Moving by the door which led into the dining room, Nora entered the kitchen and found a door leading down into the basement. It was cold and damp inside the basement, Nora could see sleeping spiders tucked away in the dark corners. And soon, she spotted a dim light. The oil lamp was sat upon an old table and sitting at the table, was Lieutenant Winters. Nora hadn't seen the man in weeks…
"Lieutenant Winters…". She greeted softly.
Raising his head, Winters turned to look at the girl. Standing up, he approached Nora and sent her a smile. "Nora…what are you doing down here? Shouldn't you be with Lieutenant Welsh?"
Staring up at the man, Nora gave her head a faint shake. She said, "Captain Sobel is gone, sir. He was reassigned to Chilton Foliat".
Winters frowned. "The jump school?"
"Yes, sir".
"Wow…". The news came as a surprise for Winters. He huffed out a faint laugh and ran a hand through his hair. "Well, I wasn't expecting to hear that…".
"No? Then here's something else, sir". Nora tried hard to suppress a grin. "I spoke with Colonel Sink, just there. And he has an order for you, sir".
"Oh, yeah?" Winters asked. "What's that?"
"You must return to Easy Company as their Platoon Leader, effective immediately, sir".
It was as if the sun had entered the damp basement when Winters smiled brightly. Letting out a laugh, he reached down and wrapped his arms around Nora. Lifting the girl off her feet, Nora's body went as stiff as a board, with both arms sticking to her sides like glue. She wasn't expecting to receive a hug from her Lieutenant. But Winters was overcome with relief and joy. Finally, he was going back to Easy Company and his comfortable life with the Barnes's and Nora. After a few seconds had gone by, Winters carefully set Nora back onto her feet…
"This is great news, Nora – fantastic news". He cast her another smile. Winters added, "Sorry about the…". He gestured toward the girl. "The physical contact moment, I…I was just happy – extremely happy".
Nora didn't see the need for Winters to apologise. "It's okay, sir". She said, "I am very happy to have you back, sir".
With another smile, Winters reached down and ruffled Nora's hair. He said, "Well, I suppose I should pack up and get the hell out of here, huh?"
"Sounds like a good idea, sir". Nora said, "I'll help you, sir".
"Thanks, Nora".
…
Having Winters back not only improved Nora's life, but it also improved the life of Easy Company significantly. The men were relieved and grateful to have their Lieutenant back and there was a new sense of hope for the men, where they eagerly awaited their new Company Commander. It wouldn't be until the end of November that the new CO arrived, so until then, First Lieutenant Patrick Sweeney would oversee Easy as their Executive Officer, until their new CO arrived. Of course, Sweeney would remain as Easy's XO, taking over Winters's old job. Winters didn't seem bothered by the "demotion" back to a Platoon Leader – in fact, he preferred it. Winters would take command of 1st Platoon. Which was perfect for Nora, as Joe and Hoobler were both in 1st Platoon. During free time, Nora went back to playing basketball with Hoobler, Luz, Bull and a few other men. Try-outs for the 506th basketball team were just around the corner and according to Hoobler, Nora had a lot of practicing to do…
"Will you try out, Bull?" Nora asked the Sergeant.
"Nope". He replied. "I like the sport, but I don't 'wanna play for no team".
"I'm trying out". Gordy Carson stated with eagerness.
"We don't stand a damn chance…". Luz sent Gordy a smirk. "You're our best player, pal".
Gordy shrugged and teased, "There's always room on the bench, George".
"Hey – fuck you, buddy". Luz chuckled.
Hoobler said, "Me and Nora are 'gonna try out".
There was a still silence. The men turned to face the pair. Hoobler, they could understand. But Nora…that confused them. They weren't sure if a female was allowed to join an all-male sports team. However, neither wanted to burst the girl's bubble…
"Best of luck to 'ya, chick". Luz cast her a smile. He gave Hoobler a nod. "You too, pal".
"Thanks". Hoobler smiled and shook Luz's hand. He said, "Nora's been working real hard, and I think she has a chance".
"Right…". Luz tried to suppress his doubtful expression. He turned back to face Nora and shook her hand. "All the best, huh?"
"Thanks, George". Nora smiled small. Unlike Hoobler, she could tell Luz didn't have confidence for her joining the team. And to be honest, Nora wasn't sure if she'd get in either, but she wanted to at least try. It wasn't that Nora wanted to prove herself to the men, she just enjoyed the sport and playing for the Regimental team sounded fun. Being a part of any team sounded good. Nora just wanted acceptance in life. She wanted to feel like she belonged somewhere again…
…When free time came to an end, they dressed back into their coveralls and headed inside the schoolhouse for lectures. Nora brought out her notepad and pen, ready to take notes if need be. Having studied field manuals almost every day since she arrived in Aldbourne, Nora did well in lectures. She was quiet, however, and never answered any questions. Nora mostly kept her head down and took notes, while listening to the men relay their answers. Lieutenant Nixon took their lecture that afternoon, it was on survival.
"Nora, come here". Nixon called for her.
Setting her pen down, Nora got up and walked to the front of the room. She stood before Nixon, a note of worry across her face. "Sir?"
"Why don't you tell the class a bit about survival". Nixon gave her shoulder a clap. "But don't take up too much of my time…you ain't getting paid for this, kid". The men chuckled at Nixon's remark.
Nora quietly told Nixon, "I don't know what to say, sir".
He quietly said to Nora, "What helped you survive".
"Anything…". Nora whispered to Nixon.
"Don't tell me, kid". Nixon said to her. "Tell the whole class". Placing a hand on her shoulder, Nixon turned Nora around to face the men.
And while staring out at the men, Nora froze. It wasn't that she was nervous to speak in front of a large group of people – well, maybe a little nervous – but Nora didn't like talking about what happened to her in Poland. She didn't share anything, not even with Winters. She doubted the men would understand, or anyone who wasn't with her in Poland. Nora couldn't go into detail. She couldn't relay such trauma to the men. The men were eager to jump, to fight. They were eager to use their skills in combat. Nora never doubted the men were going to do great out there. She had seen them in training, they were fast, strong, and sharpshooters. And they were also extremely good at throwing grenades – Nora suspected it was due to their love of baseball. However, she hated the thought of any of them ending up in a place where Nora was imprisoned.
Drawing out a quiet sigh, Nora realised almost a minute had gone by and she hadn't said anything. She rubbed the back of her neck. Most men were patient, but a few appeared bored and restless during Nora's silence. Her mind drifted back to moments when Nora was so close to dying, and what saved her was either somewhat immoral or luck. Being in the right place at the right time, mostly. Nora told them, "I was very lucky".
There was a pause, where Nixon waited for Nora to elaborate. But she fell silent. "Is that…".
"That's it". Nora cut Nixon off before walking back toward her seat.
And while passing Guarnere, the Sergeant joked quietly to her, "Well, that was fucking life-changing and inspirational, thanks…".