Posted by hummingbird on 6/18/2014, 8:43 am VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
Chapter Twenty-Seven October 14,1944
The letter was unfolded with trembling hands. It began...
September 24, 1944
My Sweet Bo,
I just received word today telling me you were injured. I can't begin to tell you how frightened I was just reading those words. I was given no details, so I am just hoping and praying that the injuries were not life-threatening. Honey, I am so scared. I am anxiously awaiting word from you telling me that you're alright. I am trying to remain positive believing that 'no news is good news' in this case. Please write to me soon.
Things here at home have been going pretty well, all things considered. The restaurant is as busy as ever with Vinnie at the helm. He honestly is as good a cook as Sal...I didn't think that possible, but he truly is. Rita is keeping busy. She is doing better I think...at least she seems to be.
Speaking of Rita, she gave me the sweetest gift. A whole big box of baby clothes! Blankets and diapers and tiny soft gowns in all colors. Oh Bo...I can't wait til you see them. I hope you are home by the time our little one arrives in February. Selma tells me I should be feeling the baby move soon. I haven't yet...at least I didn't recognize it if I did. She tells me it feels like fluttering or tiny bubbles. I can't wait to feel it! I'm so excited about our baby. It makes me feel closer to you knowing I have your baby inside me. I'm eating well and taking care of him...or her...whichever the case may be.
Len and Selma stopped by tonight after dinner in town. They are doing well. Len is already calling himself 'Grandpa'. By the way, I haven't told your family about the baby. I thought you would want to share that news with them.
Sweetheart, I can't begin to tell you how much I miss you. Last night the moonlight was shining on our bed. It made me ache for your arms. You know what moonlight does to me! Remember the loft? And that night here at home when the moonlight caressed our bed as we made love? It was much more romantic than candlelight...someday, Sweetheart...I trust that we'll share many moonlit nights.
I know you can't write often, but I hope you can at least scratch me a note telling me you're okay. I need to know you're alright. I'm trying not to worry, but I can't help myself. You are my world, Bo...But, I'm sure you know that.
I love you, sweetheart...forever. And the baby loves you too and sends tiny kisses your way.
Loving you, Red
“Cat! I’ve been looking for you! We have incoming wounded. Nurse Hadden needs all of us out front.”
Startled, Cat answered. “Coming Sarah” as she hurriedly folded the letter and crammed it back in it’s envelope.
“What are you doing anyway?” asked Nurse Sarah. “It isn’t your break time.”
“I went to the loo then got distracted here with some paperwork,” Cat answered.
“Well, hurry up! You know Hadden will take it out on all of us if one of us is slacking. You know how she is. And I for one don’t want to suffer her wrath just because you got distracted.”
“I said I’m coming!” Cat answered as she threw the letter to the back of her desk drawer.
As she hurried to the front entrance, Cat thought about the letter she had just read. So Nora Buchanan is his wife, NOT his mother... Cat thought. He has a wife...that is going to complicate things...I need time to sort this out...I need time to rethink my plan...
* * * * * * *
Bo was discouraged. He had seen the nurses deliver mail; but, once again, nothing for him. He didn’t understand it. He had sent Nora two letters since he had been well enough to write, and sent one to Texas as well; still, he had received no responses.
“Why are you looking so blue, Yank?” asked Nurse Cat on her afternoon rounds.
Bo sighed. “Oh...just wondering why I’m not getting any mail...I don’t understand. I’ve sent letters...my family should know where I am. Why no response? It’s just not like them.”
“Don’t be discouraged, Bo. Mail service is slow overseas...and it may be taking longer since you were transferred here.”
“That makes no sense. Walter there has gotten mail and he came two weeks after I did,” said Bo indicating the soldier two beds down from him.
“I don’t know, love,” she said using that endearment loosely as do the British, “but I do know that you shouldn’t be fretting so much. It’s not good for your progress.”
Bo grumbled.
“Why don’t you stop grumbling and talk to me. I have a little break, and you need some company. Tell me about America. Where are you from?
At her prodding, Bo shared with Cat about his Texas roots and recent life in Chicago. As she questioned him, he continued sharing...about his family background, working for the family business, meeting and marrying Nora. He thought she was just being friendly, and it was good to have someone to visit with. Nurse Cat was very pleasant and attentive. Little did he know, that she was gathering information that would help her reach her plans for a new life.
After awhile he noticed her smiling as she listened to him.
“What are you smiling about?” Bo asked.
“Oh...nothing...I shouldn’t really say…”
Bo grinned. “Well, you better say. I’m beginning to wonder if I have something on my face or in my teeth or something…”
Cat laughed. “No. Nothing like that. I was just noticing your eyes. They are smiling eyes...I like that.”
“Oh...well...thank you. I’ll bet you say that to all your patients.”
“No...just the ones with smiling eyes,” she said taking his hand. “It has been fun talking with you, Bo, but I had better get back to work. Break time is over and I see Nurse Hadden heading this way. You...take care,” she said squeezing his hand and smiling her prettiest smile. “and I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Okay...and...thanks...for talking with me.”
When Nurse Cat went back to her duties, Bo pulled out some paper. He began yet another letter to Nora.
* * * * * * *
When Cat made her final rounds before going off duty, Bo asked her, “Will you put this in the mailbag for me on your way out?”
“Certainly. Be delighted to. Are you feeling better?”
Bo shrugged. “I’d feel better if I was receiving a letter rather than sending one, but...I’m fine. Not grumbling anymore.”
“Good for you. I’ll drop this in the mailbag for you...and I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Thanks, Cat. Goodnight.”
Cat passed by the office where the mail was sorted and sent, but she didn’t stop. Instead, she shoved the letter in the back of her desk drawer with the rest of them...maybe she’d find time to read it tomorrow.