Page 32 of The Flyboy's Girl
Chapter Fourteen
November 1941
Paul’s flight to the training center in Hawaii took off at nine o’clock Saturday morning. Even though we had said our goodbyes the night before, it crushed me that I wasn’t there to see him off. Paul had promised to write as often as he could, and I promised to do the same.
Each day I rushed home to check the mail, anxious to hear from Paul and to hear how his training was going.
The first letter arrived the following Saturday.
My Beautiful Ruby,
After a long flight, we arrived in Hawaii safe and sound.
The view of the Pacific Ocean from the plane was incredible
and I can’t wait for you to see it. Once I’m officially a pilot I want
to share it with you. I guess we can add that to the long list of things
I want to share with you.
Our training begins bright and early Sunday morning. I guess the Navy
doesn’t abide by Sunday being a day of rest. I know that made you
laugh and I wish I were there to hear it.
I miss you already and will be counting the days until I see you again.
All my love,
Paul
I read the letter twice more before tucking it away in my dresser drawer. Pulling out the letter I started the day Paul left, I add to telling him that I too, would be counting the days until he returned.
The next morning, I can hardly wait to tell Millie that I had received a letter from Paul. Being the amazing friend that she is, she allows me to go on about it the entire ride to work. When the bus comes to a stop, Millie and I part to head off to work, but made plans before to meet afterwards for dinner.
Arriving at work and settling in behind my desk, cheerfully greeting Mr. Palmer when he arrived.
“Good morning Mr. Palmer.”
“Good morning Miss Thorpe. I’m guessing by that smile on your face you’ve heard from Paul.”
“I have and I have a letter ready for the postman when he comes in today,” I reply holding up the addressed envelope.
Mr. Palmer laughs, “I had no doubt you would,” he teased as he went into his office.
Working at the bank had become my salvation. I had made a few more friends, none that would ever replace Millie of course. We had known each other far too long for that to happen. And though Paul was never far from my thoughts, work helped occupy my time and kept me from dwelling on the fact that he wasn’t here.
* * *
Over the nextcouple of weeks, the letters continued and on the third week, I received two letters because he couldn’t wait to tell me about his first time piloting with an instructor. His excitement poured off the page as he described the feeling of being above the clouds. To think that he wanted to share that with me warmed my heart.
As the weeks went by, my excitement built at the realization, that Paul would be coming home soon. I missed him terribly, and even though Millie and Don included me on some of their outings, I knew that they needed time alone as well. There would be plenty of time for us to go out together once Paul returned.
When the next letter arrived, I feel giddy all over again. Taking the letter to my room, I settle on my bed, open the envelope and remove the letter, ready to hear the latest on Paul’s flight training.
My Beautiful Ruby,
