...
Two weeks had gone by since Nora joined Easy Company. In those two weeks, she had gotten into a comfortable routine of training, eating, sleeping, and repeat. But then there came Nora's first jump with Easy Company. It was a planned jump, followed by a two-day field exercise. She packed the previous night and was ready to march with Easy to the planes the next morning. It was a mild morning, and by 0600 hours, the sun was painted against a blue sky. With chutes all packed, the men gathered the rest of their gear and struggled onto the planes. Nora was on the same plane as Winters and half of 1st Platoon. Joe was among them. Nora tried to sit next to Joe, but she ended up wedged between Perconte and Martin. Nora could hear Martin's lips smacking, as he chewed on a stick of gum. But the engines soon drowned out any noise. Eager troopers sat and waited for the plane to take off into the sky. Nora tried to look over her shoulder, hoping to catch sight of them taking off but the plane windows were small, and her gear blocked most of the view.
Nora's stomach leapt up into her throat when the plane began reaching its preferred altitude for their jump. It wouldn't be long now, until hundreds of Paratroopers jumped out into the sky like floating balloons. Like most men, Nora felt pangs of adrenaline at the thought of the jump getting closer. And once the red light turned on, Winters rose to his feet to get his men ready…
"Stand up!" Winters ordered. "Hook-up!"
Using the clip on their cute, they attached it to the static line which travelled above them, going along the fuselage. The static line would encourage their parachute to open, once they leapt out of the plane…
"Sound off equipment check!" Came Winters's next order. And one by one, they checked the man in front of them, ensuring they were ready to jump. It was a quick and easy process. And if their main chute happened to fail, they always had their reserve chute to fall back on…
…But there was no time to think of a possible chute failure because the green light suddenly came to life and the men were ordered to exit the plane. Once Johnny Martin took his leap into a blurry of white clouds, Nora jumped next. At first, it felt like she had been punched in the face as the wind knocked into her body. And then, Nora was yanked harshly upward, while her chute began to open. But once her chute was safely deployed, the journey toward the ground went smoothly and calmly. Floating in the sky like a hot air balloon, Nora took that moment of peace to admire the English countryside. Drawing out a long and relaxed breath, Nora took hold of the risers and stared down at the plush field to find a good landing spot.
Tucking and rolling, Nora landed and sat up to collect her collapsed chute. Rolling up her chute, she set it down by the pile of discarded chutes before leaving the field to join the rest of the men. Once Easy and the rest of 2nd Battalion were gathered, Major Strayer ordered their march to begin. They'd march until the early evening, where they would establish camp for the night. A long journey lay ahead of them. Hiking through plush fields, they were met with streams which they crossed. By the late afternoon, they soon reached a forest. With the Platoons covering at least three miles through the thicket of woods, each man was soon ordered to grab a buddy and dig foxholes. The march was uneventful, in fact, it was peaceful and calming. The weather stayed clear and by the early evening, a flurry of white clouds scattered across the darkening sky…
For the most part, Nora sat by herself. Winters was busy seeing to the men and Joe had made a couple of friends now. Picking up a twig, Nora examined it for a moment before tossing it away into the unknown. It didn't go very far, however, because it hit Hoobler in the face. Nora cringed and rose to her feet. She made her way toward the young man, who appeared more amused than anything else. Nora's shoulders dropped, relieved she hadn't angered Hoobler. A small smile met her lips upon hearing Hoobler chuckle…
"You really need to work on your throw, Nora". He said, "Luckily, I'm prepared to give you private lessons".
"I've never played sports before". Nora admitted.
Hoobler smirked. "I know…it's pretty obvious, Nora".
"Yeah…". With a tiny huff, Nora ducked her head. She rubbed the back of her neck and cleared her throat. Nora felt slightly embarrassed…
"Don't worry". Hoobler assured her lightly. "A few lessons with me, you'll be a pro".
Raising her head, Nora smiled up at Hoobler and faintly nodded. "Thanks".
"You're welcome". He continued to smile. And then asked, "You got a buddy for tonight?"
Nora gave a shrug. "Probably Lieutenant Winters". She assumed so, anyway. Considering Nora was Winters's shadow.
"Well, if you ain't…you can always share with me and Bob". Hoobler suggested with a casual shrug but added quickly after, "You don't have to…".
Nora asked, "Who's Bob?"
Hoobler's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. "You haven't met Bob?"
She shook her head. "No".
"Well, you've 'gotta meet Bob". Hoobler smiled and grabbed a hold of Nora's arm. "Come on, let's go see 'um".
Nora didn't protest as Hoobler pulled her by the arm through the woods. And it didn't take long until they were both standing by a freshly dug foxhole with a man sat inside it. Hoobler crouched by the foxhole and reached for his friend's shoulder, giving him a rough shake to wake him up…
"Uh?" Bob opened his eyes. "Hoob? What the fuck…".
"You haven't met Nora?" Hoobler snorted. "Jesus, Bob…I thought you'd be jumping at the chance to meet her".
Rubbing his eyes, Bob stared at Hoobler. "I didn't 'wanna bombard her".
"You idiot". Hoobler smirked. Rising to his feet, he stepped to the side and revealed Nora who was standing behind him. "Well, she's here now…".
Eyes growing a little wide, Bob quickly got up and clambered out of the foxhole. Standing before Nora, he immediately reached for her hand. "Oh, Gosh…Nora". He seemed jittery. Bob took Nora's hand and began shaking it, with vigour. "It's so great to finally meet you". A wide grin soon met Bob's lips.
Nora accepted the handshake, despite how uncomfortable it felt. She stared up at him, with a tiny frown at Bob's obvious excitement and nerves. "Yes, hello…". Nora spoke with a hint of fear or nerves. Bob's approach frightened Nora a little…
"Sorry". Bob apologised with an embarrassed chuckle. "I – uh – I've been anxious to meet you". He ended the handshake.
Nora appeared mildly confused and concerned. "Why?"
"Okay, that explains the…". Bob gestured toward Nora's confused/frightened face. "It explains why you're frightened of me".
Hoobler snorted out a laugh and remarked, "Jesus, Bob…I thought you didn't 'wanna bombard her?"
Bob announced to Nora, "I'm Dutch – half Dutch". He said, "My parents are from Holland, they immigrated to the US".
Nora's eyes widened softly. "Oh…". She spoke lightly with a small smile. "Can you speak Dutch?"
"Eh…not well". Bob said, "I'm okay at basic things". He added, "My name is Robert Van Klinken – do you know us?"
"No". Nora replied. "I live in the city…not a small village, Bob".
Bob smiled and said, "I never thought I'd meet someone from the Netherlands who wasn't my parents".
"And the rest of your family?" Nora asked, "Are they still in the Netherlands?"
"Yeah". Bob gave a nod. "I've never met them. My parents never went back to their country".
Nora smiled. "You're friendly…just like us".
"Are all the Dutch friendly?" Hoobler questioned. "Is that a thing?"
Nora gave a shrug and replied, "Some of us".
Bob said, "I really hope we jump into Holland…I'd love to see the country where my parents grew up".
"I wish you could see it too, Bob". Nora said, "But under better circumstances". Her beautiful home was no longer the same. The Nazis had destroyed it and held the Dutch captive. Nora stared up at Bob and sent him a small smile. "You'll see it one day, Bob. I'm sure".
Bob's eyes briefly looked away from Nora, where he let out a sad sigh. "God…". He looked back down at Nora again. "It's tragic what's happening in Europe".
"Got that right". Hoobler mumbled while casting Nora a tiny smile. "But at least you got out of there, huh? You're safe with us, Nora".
A tiny frown met Nora's face, as her heart ached for those who weren't as lucky. For those who did their best to escape but tragically failed. Who ended up in a forest, much like the one they were currently standing in, and who got murdered by a firing squad. So many unmarked graves scattered in the woods in Europe. So many bodies were buried under the earth. There was so much murder in Europe. So many families were left broken and torn apart…
"Nora?" Hoobler questioned quietly. "Are you okay, pal?"
Nora's family were among many who were broken because of the Nazis. They had once lived quite peacefully, happily. Nora used to have goals and ambitions. She used to dream of a bright and happy future. Nora was excited to finish school and go off on her own little adventures. She had friends, a lovely small circle of friends. Nora hadn't seen her friends for a long time, just like she hadn't seen her mother…her brother…
"Are you sure?" Hoobler's eyebrows furrowed.
Nora gave another nod. She tried to think of something else. Anything else. "I need to go back to Lieutenant Winters now…". Nora faced Bob. "It was nice to meet you, Bob".
Bob smiled. "You too, Nora".
She quietly told the two men, "So, long". Turning her back to them, Nora walked toward the foxhole she had dug with Lieutenant Winters. Getting inside the foxhole, Nora's back leaned against the mud. Letting out a quiet yawn, her eyes closed. She only planned on resting her eyes, but then her head dropped to the side and Nora fell asleep…
…When Winters returned an hour or so later, he was greeted by his foxhole buddy sound asleep. Next to him, Nixon hummed out a tiny laugh before taking a drink from his flask. The sight of Nora sleeping so peacefully somewhat melted Nixon's heart. Winters checked the watch on his wrist – it was nearly supper time. Soon, the cooks would be calling the men for potatoes and minced beef. Jumping into the foxhole, Winters crouched before Nora and gave her shoulder a gentle shake. Her eyes immediately opened…
"Sir?" Nora's voice was still laced with sleep.
Winters sent her a warm smile. "It's almost supper time, Nora". He asked, "Are you hungry?"
"What are we having, Lieutenant Winters?" Nora asked while giving her eyes a rub.
"Mince and potatoes".
Nixon remarked, "Your favourite, kid".
…
Nora followed behind Winters as he did his rounds on the men an hour after supper. The mince and potatoes had been decent. The taste wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great either. The mince had come in a can, Nora didn't have high hopes for it tasting amazing to begin with. When walking by Joe, Nora was happy to find him sitting with Skip and Alex Penkala. The three were chatting and smoking, relaxing near the fire. Moving past the trio, Winters soon stopped to have a word with Welsh.
"Harry, we're moving out at 0600 tomorrow morning". Winters informed the Lieutenant. "Have your men up an hour earlier".
"You've got it, Dick". Welsh stared down at Nora and sent her a tiny smile. "Doing alright, Nora?"
"Yes, sir". Nora replied.
"I'll bet you're tired, huh?" Welsh said, "Cause I sure am".
Winters continued to tell Welsh, "It's a complex exercise we're running. We'll march back toward Aldbourne but run the exercise three miles outside the village". He said, "Major Strayer planned otherwise but we don't have enough time to run his original idea".
Welsh asked, "What's the hurry for Strayer?"
Winters didn't sound pleased when giving his reply. "He has business in London…".
Welsh snorted. "So, he has an appointment at the hotel bar in London?"
"I'm assuming so, yes". Winters sighed. "It doesn't matter. What does matter is tomorrow".
"He sure likes London…". Welsh quietly remarked.
Winters clapped his friend's shoulder. "Get a good rest, Harry".
"See you in the morning, Dick". Welsh turned to Nora and smiled, "Goodnight, Nora".
"Goodnight, sir". Nora told Welsh politely. She was glad when Winters started heading in the direction of their foxhole, Nora was exhausted. With her belly filled with barely warm canned mince and potatoes, she just wanted to sleep and get back to her bed at Mr and Mrs Barnes. Nora got into the foxhole and took her original spot. Leaning against the mud, she was halfway to closing her eyes when Winters crouched in front of her with a blanket.
"Lean forward for a minute, Nora…let's get this around you". Winters softly instructed.
Nora's back left the mud, and Winters pulled the blanket over her shoulders. He wrapped it tightly around her small frame. And Winters's hand lingered on her shoulder for a moment, when he sent the girl a gentle smile. Nora's eyes could just make out his smile in the darkness, and she found her lips smiling small back at him…
"You did really well today". Winters told her. "Everyone did".
Nora whispered, "Thank you, Lieutenant Winters".
Humming out a faint chuckle, Winters gave Nora's shoulder a squeeze before letting go but he soon felt Nora's hand take hold of his wrist. Winters's eyebrows gently furrowed at the action. His eyes moved away from Nora's hand, and he looked toward the girl's face.
"Thank you, sir". Nora whispered, with more emphasis.
There was a short pause. Nora hadn't let go of Winters's wrist. He opened his mouth, meaning to say something, but droplets of rain soon splattered on their helmets. Winters stared up at the night sky, the downpour of rain got harder. Fires would soon be snuffed out due to the weather. The men would have to sleep in wet clothes. But Nora didn't care because she was thankful, and she was safe. She'd rather be wet and cold than be back in Poland. She'd endure almost anything to stay with Easy Company and Lieutenant Winters…
"The men won't be happy about this". Winters commented. He stared down at Nora and snorted out a faint laugh. "The weather was on its best behaviour and now it has decided to rebel". Once the comment was made, Winters felt his wrist was free again. Nora was rummaging through one of their packs now, searching for something. Winters asked, "What're you looking for?"
Nora pulled out one poncho and said, "We should make a roof, sir…to keep the rain out".
"Oh…". Winters smiled, pleased by the idea. "Good idea. Yeah, let's do that".
Working together in securing the waterproof poncho over their foxhole, Winters and Nora were done in no time. Granted, it was still quite wet inside the foxhole but at least it would stop more rain from coming in. Sat back down again and leaning against the mud, the two Officers embraced the calming sound of rain pattering against the poncho for a few moments. Winters stared down at Nora, who had her arms crossed over her chest, her eyes staring out toward nothing…
"Lieutenant Nixon showed me your added notes on survival". Winters mentioned softly.
Nora gave a faint nod. "I thought he might, sir".
"It was very eye-opening". Winters said, "And I wonder…whatever did you have to endure, to learn all of that?"
"It wouldn't help anyone if…I told you anything, sir". Nora spoke quietly. "It doesn't matter what happened to me at all, sir".
Winters commented gently, "I think it matters, Nora".
Nora didn't want to discuss anything. Not because she didn't trust Winters, but because it was painful to talk about. And she truly believed, her story didn't matter…
Winters could tell she didn't want to discuss anything. "Let's get some sleep, Nora". He suggested kindly. "We have a big day tomorrow".
Nora stared up at Winters and sent him a tiny smile. "Thank you, sir".