Chapter 4: …Wars never seemed to settle anything
The road wound around the coves. Lights from the little boats twinkled on the water. Bob put his arm around my shoulders and drew me closer. He probably suspected I was doing all I could to hold back the tears.
“Laurel, I really enjoy being with you and hope you feel the same about me. When this war is over, and if I get back okay, I would like to see you again.”
“Bob Martin, I would want to see you again even if you don’t come back okay — and don’t talk that way. You will return just the way you are today, but just a shade older. Looking forward to the day you return gives me something to keep my dreams and memories alive…” I choked up and thought it a good time to stop talking.
Bob parked the car by a marina, which was closed for the night. The boats were all tied up at their docks and bobbed up and down with the waves from the inlet.
He shut off the engine and we looked out over the water. A lighthouse was blinking on the horizon, on the other side of the bay. The American Revolution was fought right here on this very ground — British warships still remained at the bottom of the bay. Wars never seemed to settle anything; they’ve been going on since the beginning of time.…
“What are you thinking about?” Bob asked softly.
“You,” I lied. I didn’t want to bring up the subject of war.
We exchanged glances and, as if he asked me with his eyes, I laid my head on his shoulder and pretended to write messages on the palm of his hand — like “I’ll miss you” — as he tried to guess what I had written. I prayed the stupid little pastime would distract him from noticing the tears in my eyes.
Bob reached over to the glove compartment and took out a square white box. “It’s for you. I know for sure you don’t have one just like it.”
I lifted the lid and could see, by the lights from the marina, a gold heart locket on a chain. I opened it and inside the locket was his picture — with -one of those “all over his face” smiles.
“It’s so beautiful. I love it! Help me put it on.…”
As he fastened the clasp, I put my arms around his neck and kissed him. It was a long kiss and we kissed again. I put my head on his chest and wished the evening would never end — and I told him so — and he kissed me so passionately, my toes tingled.
starting chapter 5 tomorrow
