Together Under the Stars

by Beryl Matthews

  ‘What’s up?’ Luke glanced up from his own letters.

  ‘I’ve had a letter from Nancy’s folks with Christmas wishes to all of us, saying we’ll be welcome to stay with them anytime we’re on leave.’ He handed the letter over for Luke to see.

  ‘My word, that’s kind of them. Nancy must have told them about us.’

  Steve nodded. ‘I’ll send a reply thanking them.’

  ‘Hey,’ Ricky exclaimed, ‘I’ve got a letter from Uncle Harry, and he says that everyone at the Jolly Sailor is sorry we can’t be there for Christmas.’

  ‘Yes, that’s a shame,’ Steve admitted. ‘I was hoping we could get to see him again.’

  Luke glanced at the clock. ‘We’d better start getting ready.’ All spruced up in their best dress uniforms, they inspected each other to make sure everything was perfect.

  Ricky stepped in front of Steve and looked him up and down, then sighed. ‘Do we have to take him with us?’

  ‘Of course,’ Luke replied. ‘We don’t go anywhere without our pilot. Why?’

  ‘Just look at him. He’s over six feet and oozing charm without even trying. Is it any wonder the girls can’t take their eyes off him? What chance do we stand?’

  Steve reached out and felt his friend’s brow. ‘Are you feeling all right?’

  ‘Fine. You’re a handsome bugger, but at least you’re a good pilot.’

  ‘Thanks,’ he remarked dryly. ‘I’m pleased to hear I have an attribute you approve of.’

  Sandy looked in the door. ‘Come on you guys. We’re all here and ready to party.’

  They made their way to the officers’ bar, laughing and looking forward to a good evening.

  The first person Steve saw was Nancy and he went straight up to her. ‘I’ve just received a letter from your parents saying we would be welcome to stay with them any time. I’ll write thanking them, and we’d love to do that when we have the spare time. Will you also thank them for us?’

  ‘I will.’ She gave a tight smile. ‘They did mention it when I was home, but they’ve obviously got fed up with waiting for me to offer.’

  ‘Why didn’t you tell us?’

  ‘Because I knew there wasn’t much chance of that happening while you are flying missions. I was waiting until you finished your tour of duty.’

  ‘And by then you were perhaps hoping the whole idea would have been forgotten?’ he asked, eyes glinting with amusement.

  ‘I was going to tell you, honestly. When they first mentioned it, I didn’t think it was a good idea in the circumstances, then I saw how eager they were and knew it would make them happy to have you there.’ She gazed up at him.

  ‘The guys and I would love that. How many of us can come at the same time?’

  ‘We have quite a large house and can easily put the four of you up at the same time.’

  ‘That’s excellent. I’ll let them know we’ll come at the first opportunity.’

  ‘They’ll be so pleased. I wasn’t sure you’d want to stay with people you don’t know.’

  ‘Nancy, spending time in a real family home would be wonderful.’

  ‘There you are!’ Luke came up to them with a tray of drinks, quickly followed by Ricky carrying a plate piled high with food.

  ‘Hello, Nancy. Where’s Jean?’ Ricky asked.

  ‘Right behind you.’

  He snapped his head round, nearly dropping the plate, grinning with pleasure at seeing Jean. ‘Where have you been hiding? I searched the room for you.’

  ‘I’ve only just arrived.’ She helped herself to a drink and a sandwich. ‘Good of the officers to put this on for us.’

  Luke nodded and eyed the piano standing in the corner. ‘A bit of music would make it seem more festive.’

  ‘We could sing,’ Ricky suggested.

  ‘Don’t you dare,’ Jean scolded. ‘I’ve heard you trying, and you are tone deaf.’

  ‘So I’ve been told. They kicked me out of the choir at college. Can’t understand why, because it sounds all right to me.’

  They were laughing when the commander came over to them. ‘Good to see you all enjoying yourselves. Care to share the joke?’

  ‘Ricky was offering to sing for us.’

  ‘Ah, that bad, is it?’

  ‘Excruciating,’ Jean said.

  The commander winked at Ricky. ‘Wait until the end of the evening and no one will notice by then.’

  ‘I’ll do that, sir.’

  ‘Where did all the food come from?’

  Steve indicated the long table piled high. ‘There’s actually chicken in some of the sandwiches.’

  ‘The local farmers have been very generous. They’ve done this for us ever since the war started, and insist it’s their way of showing their gratitude for what we are doing. Now, I must mingle.’

  ‘That’s something we should all do.’ Steve picked up his glass and began to move around the room.

  Nancy watched him, completely at ease whatever their rank.

  ‘Why are you frowning?’ Luke asked.

  ‘I was just trying to figure Steve out. He said he was a farmer, but that just doesn’t seem to fit somehow. There’s an air of authority about him – he’s a gentleman and clearly well educated.’ She looked at Luke. ‘Tell me the truth; what does he really do in Canada?’

  ‘He is a farmer’s son.’ Luke stared across the room so he didn’t have to look at her.

  She shook her head and sighed. ‘None of you ever talk about your homes. Why?’

  He did turn to her then. ‘Because we damn well miss it and talking about it hurts. Every time we go on a mission we wonder if we will ever see it again.’

  ‘Oh, I’m so sorry; I didn’t mean to upset you. Please forgive me.’

  ‘Nothing to forgive,’ he told her with a smile, but his eyes hardened. ‘When the war is over, we’ll tell you all about ourselves – until then, just let it go.’

  ‘I will.’ Her eyes filled with tears, knowing her curiosity had made her make a terrible blunder. In view of the loss her family had endured she really should have known better, and was thoroughly ashamed of herself.

  ‘Hey.’ He placed an arm around her shoulder. ‘Don’t be upset. It’s only natural you should be curious.’

  ‘That is kind of you, but I’m quite embarrassed.’

  ‘You like him, don’t you? I can tell you he’s one of a kind – special – and we’re happy to trust him with our lives. What we all did before coming over here is unimportant.’

  She nodded. Dan had the same attitude. The past was gone, and the future would never be the same for these young men.

  There was a burst of laughter and Luke took hold of her arm. ‘Ricky’s entertaining the wing commander, let’s go and join them.’

  Nancy’s sombre mood lifted at once and for the rest of the evening they ate, drank, talked and laughed.

  The next morning, the men all piled in Steve and Luke’s room, surrounded by the contents of parcels each had received from home.

  ‘Do you think Jean will like this?’ Ricky held up a brightly coloured scarf. ‘I asked Mum to get me something pretty for her.’

  ‘I’m sure she will,’ Luke told him.

  He nodded and began to wrap the gift in the paper he had also been sent.

  ‘So, you’ve told your folks about Jean, then?’

  ‘Of course, Steve. I’m going to marry her when this bloody war is over.’

  They all looked at him in astonishment.

  ‘Does she know that?’ Sandy wanted to know.

  ‘Not yet, but she will agree,’ he stated confidently. ‘Have you a gift for Nancy, Steve?

  ‘As a matter of fact, I’ve got something for both girls.’

  ‘I’ve got something for both, as well,’ Luke said. ‘Those girls have been good to us.’

  ‘Too right. They don’t get many treats, so I’ve bought them chocolates.’ Sandy held up two boxes. ‘Aren’t you giving Nancy anything, Ricky?’

  ‘Of course I am.
Mum sent scented soaps and that’s for Nancy. What are you giving them, Steve?’

  He held up six packets and fanned them out. ‘Silk stockings, so can I have some of your wrapping paper?’

  Ricky handed it over, grinning. ‘Wait till the girls see those, they won’t be able to believe their eyes. They’ve been without pretty things for such a long time, haven’t they? You didn’t say what you’ve got them, Luke.’

  ‘Well, it had to be something that’s almost impossible to get over here, so I asked my sister and she sent lipsticks and perfume.’

  ‘Let’s have a look.’ Ricky sat on the bed next to his friend and examined the items. ‘Nice colours; they’ll love those.’

  With the presents wrapped as best they could manage, they set off for the mess and their Christmas Day lunch. They reserved two seats for the girls and piled the gifts on the table.

  The moment Nancy and Jean walked in the door, Ricky rushed over and led them to their seats. They sat down and blinked at the parcels, saying nothing.

  ‘Well, open them,’ Ricky urged.

  ‘You shouldn’t be giving us presents.’ Nancy looked concerned. ‘We haven’t got anything for you.’

  ‘All we want is your company,’ Steve told them. ‘This is our way of saying thanks for your kindness to a bunch of fellas a long way from home.’ He watched Nancy as she opened the parcels, exclaiming in pleasure at each gift, and he remembered their first meeting. She had looked so tired and sad then, but now she was smiling, happy, and quite beautiful.

  ‘Such luxuries,’ Jean said huskily. ‘We haven’t seen things like this for a very long time. Thank you so much.’

  Nancy swiped a hand quickly across her eyes. ‘This is very kind and thoughtful of you all, and a mere thank you seems very inadequate.’

  ‘We’re glad you like them, and seeing your pleasure is thanks enough.’ Steve sat back and said teasingly, ‘Of course, you could always let us win the next darts match.’

  ‘Not a chance, Mister Pilot,’ Jean told him. ‘We have our reputation as the best darts players on base to defend.’

  ‘It was worth a try,’ he laughed.

  The meal was served, and although there was only a small piece of chicken on the plates, there were plenty of vegetables, and a pudding to follow – not quite a traditional Christmas pudding, but the best the cooks could do with limited ingredients.

  In the evening there was a concert, and Sandy lifted his glass. ‘Here’s to the hope that by next Christmas there will be peace.’

  Everyone drank to that, and although there were doubts, it was good to think the end might be in sight.

  Chapter Twelve

  During January there was little time to see the boys as they were either flying or sleeping. Jean’s uncle had made the small metal items they had asked for, but it had taken him a while to finish them. They had arrived two days ago and were beautiful. He also sent two extra stars for Jean and Nancy. They had put them in their bags, happy to have keepsakes for themselves.

  Late one afternoon Jean rushed into the stores. ‘It’s snowing hard and the weather over Germany is impossible, so they aren’t flying tonight. I’ve just seen Ricky and he said they’ll meet us in the NAAFI tonight. We can give them the good luck charms then.’

  ‘I hope they like them. They were so good to us at Christmas and I felt awful not having anything to give.’

  ‘So did I, and this is a small way to say thanks. See you for dinner and then we’ll go to meet the boys.’

  When they arrived it was packed, as usual, and the Allard crew were all together. Sandy was at the table next to them with his crew. Drinks were already on the table waiting for them.

  ‘Hey, Steve,’ Robert Jackman called across the room, ‘are you taking them on at darts again?’

  ‘Not until we’ve improved our game. We intend to beat them next time.’

  ‘Good luck with that.’ Robert grinned.

  Everyone was smiling as the girls took their seats, and as soon as they were settled Jean took out a small packet and put it on the table in front of her, then beckoned Sandy over.

  ‘We’re glad everyone’s here tonight because we’ve got something for you. A while ago I gave Steve a star as a good luck charm, and now I have one for each of you.’ She handed them round to all the crew.

  ‘Gee, they’re great.’ Sandy bent over and kissed Jean’s cheek. ‘Steve’s one has kept his crew safe, so I’ll make sure this is always with me.’

  ‘Hey, watch it,’ Ricky growled. ‘Who told you it was all right to kiss Jean?’

  Jean laughed and pushed another packet over to Nancy. ‘Your turn.’

  ‘I wanted you to have double protection, so this star has your name on the back, and Jean’s uncle has even sketched a Lancaster on the front.’ She handed them round and watched as they examined them with obvious pleasure.

  ‘Thank you so much, they’re beautiful.’ While everyone else was showing their appreciation of the gift, Steve studied it carefully. ‘Did your uncle make this as well, Jean?’

  She nodded. ‘He’s a wizard with metal.’

  ‘More than that! I’d say he’s an artist.’

  ‘It’s even got my gun turret on it,’ Eddie said, beaming with delight. ‘Thanks so much.’

  ‘We’ll treasure both tokens.’ Andy tucked them into his top pocket, and they all did the same.

  ‘We know you’re a long way from your families and we wanted you to know that when you’re up there under the stars and in danger, you aren’t alone. We’re praying for you,’ Nancy told them. The men all gave the girls big bear hugs.

  ‘That means a lot to us,’ Steve told them, and the rest were nodding in agreement. ‘To know there’s someone here waiting for our return is the greatest gift you can give us. Now, how about giving us some tips on how to throw darts so they hit the target?’

  That lifted the mood and everyone laughed.

  ‘We don’t usually give free lessons,’ Nancy teased, ‘but we might relax our rules this once. What do you think, Jean?’

  Jean took a box of darts out of her bag and stood up. ‘Come on then, boys; let’s see if you can hit the target.’

  The rest of the evening was light-hearted.

  Back in their quarters, the four Canadians lounged in Steve and Luke’s room drinking beer.

  Ricky took the tokens out of his pocket with a smile on his face. ‘The girls are cute, aren’t they? Pity there isn’t another two like them and then we could have one each.’

  ‘Don’t include me,’ Sandy told them. ‘You know I have a girl waiting for me at home. We intend to marry as soon as the war is over.’

  ‘Let’s have another look at her picture?’

  ‘Sure.’ He took a small photo out of his wallet and handed it to Luke.

  They all gathered round to study the picture of the young woman smiling back at them.

  ‘She’s very pretty,’ Steve said.

  ‘That really doesn’t do her justice. You ought to see her with the sun shining on her golden hair. She’s so beautiful.’

  ‘It must’ve been tough leaving her.’ Luke handed back the photo.

  Sandy nodded. ‘It was, but I’ve always wanted to be a pilot, and this was my chance. She understood.’

  ‘You’re a lucky man.’

  ‘I know I am, Ricky.’ Sandy yawned and stood up. ‘Time for some rest. We might be flying again tomorrow night.’

  ‘Good idea.’ Steve ushered everyone out of the room.

  After breakfast the next morning they went to find out if there was a raid planned for that night. There was, so they slipped into the usual routine of spending the morning writing, reading or playing cards. In the afternoon they slept.

  There was still half an hour before briefing, so Steve wandered over to his Lancaster and chatted to the ground crew.

  ‘She’s really loaded this time, sir.’ The sergeant was looking at the plane and frowning.

  ‘Don’t worry, she’s a tough bird and can tak
e it.’

  ‘No doubt, but we’ve checked her over extra carefully and she’s in good nick.’

  ‘Thanks.’ Steve checked his watch. ‘Time to see what’s in store for us tonight.’

  The briefing was thorough, as usual, and fully armed with all the necessary information they climbed on board. Steve strapped himself in and after the usual checks the engines roared into life. He tapped his top pocket with the good luck tokens in it. The fact that one was a gift from Nancy meant a lot to him. He wanted to be more than friends with her, but was holding back from taking that step – for her sake, not his. He knew she didn’t want to get emotionally involved with anyone, especially not someone on active service. He took every opportunity to be with her and let her know he thought a lot of her.

  Instructions came through and everyone took their place, ready for take-off. Take-off went smoothly, and although the Lancaster was fully-loaded, it seemed eager to be on its way.

  Very experienced by now, everyone knew the routine, working together smoothly and efficiently. The target was reached and bombs released without any difficulty, but as they turned for home something hit the plane, and almost immediately after that they were hit again.

  ‘Fire in engine three,’ Luke informed him. ‘Shutting down. How does she feel, skipper?’

  ‘I’ve still got enough control to coax her home. Keep an eye on the engines.’

  ‘Fire looks as if it’s out.’

  ‘Good, is everyone all right? Report.’ They all came through and much to his relief no one was injured. He then focussed on keeping the Lancaster steady, but he knew they were badly damaged. The rest of the crew were also aware of their perilous situation and no one spoke.

  Luke tapped a dial in front of him and said, ‘We’re losing fuel. At this rate we won’t get back to base.’

  ‘Ricky, give me a heading for the shortest route to land,’ Steve ordered. ‘Away from populated areas. I want to get as close to home as possible.’

  It didn’t take Ricky long to send it through. By the time they were over the sea, another engine had packed up and they were losing height. Steve knew they weren’t going to be able to stay in the air for much longer as he struggled to keep some control. He didn’t want to ditch in the sea, but it looked unavoidable. He could see the coast in the distance and tried to gain some height, but there was no response from the plane. She was going down and he couldn’t do a damned thing about it. He had to give his friends a chance.