James, like some of the other surviving prisoners, wasn’t quite as resilient as Tony. Being treated for malnutrition and several parasitical diseases, he wasn’t ready to jump up and dance quite yet. And it was still hard to grasp that they had really made it out alive. Just thinking about their ordeal was so overwhelming that it was difficult to put into words when he was interviewed by the ship’s psychologist. But the thought of being in the USA soon—and seeing Amelia again—did make him want to dance!
16
It was less than a week before Christmas when James and the other prisoners landed in Honolulu. The plan was to keep them there a day or two—just until a flight to the mainland could be arranged. The men were taken directly to the hospital, where they received more medical exams and care, as well as good food. By now James was able to keep down more than just clear soup, but due to his low weight and general health, he was still confined to the hospital bed. At least the place was bright and cheery. The nurses had decorated it for Christmas, even bringing in a palm tree that they’d strung with lights. So the general atmosphere was surprisingly lighthearted and jovial. Especially considering the serious condition of some of the less fortunate patients. James realized that, despite his year of hardship, he had much to be thankful for.
“I’d like to send a couple of telegrams,” he told the nurse who had just checked his vital signs, “to let my loved ones know that I’m okay.”
“Do you want me to take care of that for you?” She looked up from her clipboard.
“I know you’re pretty busy, but I would appreciate it.” Not wanting to waste too much of her time, James quickly dictated a short note to his parents, notifying them that he was alive and well, and that he would call them as soon as he was stateside. “And now for my fiancée . . .” He wanted to come up with just the right words, then decided to keep it short and simple. “Dear Amelia—stop. I’m coming home—stop. Will see you in a few days—stop. Let’s get married ASAP—stop. Love James—stop.”
“I won’t be able to get these out until after my shift ends. Is that okay?”
“Sure, that’ll be fine.” He gave her his parents’ address in Rockford and the name of the women’s hotel where Amelia had been living before he left last January. It was hard to believe that he’d met her less than a year ago . . . it felt like a lifetime. But it would all be worthwhile when he could hold her in his arms again.
To James’s surprise, he was released from the hospital just a few hours later. More beds were needed because of a rash of incoming patients. He felt sorry for the nurses, scurrying about and getting everything ready. But he felt even more sorry when he saw the severely wounded sailors being wheeled in. All were in much worse shape than him—a grim reminder that this war was far from over.
Just the same, he was relieved to be out of the confines of the hospital. And despite his promise to the doctor—to continue a healthful diet and take it easy—James was enjoying his newfound freedom wandering about Honolulu with Tony.
It wasn’t until they were on the flight to San Diego that Tony questioned something. “Do you think our telegrams really got sent home?”
“What do you mean?”
“I just got to thinking how crazy everything was in the hospital—remember right before we were released the other day? I wouldn’t be surprised if that nurse forgot all about sending our telegrams.” He grinned. “I kinda hope she didn’t send them.”
“Why?”
“I like the idea of surprising my family. Think about it. I walk into the house at Christmastime and they all fall out of their chairs from the shock of it.” He laughed loudly. “I can just imagine Great-Aunt Gladys fainting in her eggnog.”
James considered this. Maybe it would be fun to catch his loved ones off guard like that. In fact, it might be fortunate if his parents hadn’t received his telegram yet. That way he wouldn’t feel guilty for spending more time with Amelia in San Diego. Although he just really wanted to sweep his sweetheart off her feet and take her home with him. Now that would make for a perfect Christmas!
By the time James was walking around in San Diego, it was just a few days before Christmas. He was still extremely underweight and wearing a uniform many sizes smaller than normal, but he felt strong and good—and all he wanted was to reunite with Amelia. Since it was a weekday morning, his plan was to surprise her at the beauty parlor where she worked—and then he would whoosh her away with him to Montana. He would introduce her to his family . . . and make her his wife! Maybe they could have a New Year’s Eve wedding—a way to commemorate the night they first met one whole year ago.
He took in a deep breath, removed his hat, and entered the beauty parlor where Amelia worked. Everything looked the same—shiny and pink. It even smelled the same—a weird mix of perfume and chemicals. He wondered how Amelia could stand it day after day. Well, hopefully, she wouldn’t have to. Not after today! He smiled at the receptionist and tried to hide his impatience.
“Amelia Richards? She left us quite some time ago,” the receptionist informed him. “I think it was March—or April. But it’s been a while.”
“Oh?” He frowned. “Do you know where she works now?”
She just shook her head. Feeling slightly discouraged, James decided to make an inquiry at the women’s hotel. Surely they would know where she worked. But when he got to the hotel, which was only a few blocks away, he was told that she had moved from there—last spring.
“Did a telegram arrive here for her?” he asked with mild curiosity.
“No. We haven’t received any telegrams lately.”
He considered this. It had been almost two days since the telegram was wired from Honolulu. “You’re sure? It should’ve arrived by yesterday at the latest. Maybe it was returned because Amelia wasn’t here.”
“No telegrams have been delivered,” she firmly told him.
James thanked her, then went to use the pay phone in the hotel’s lobby. His plan was to call every beauty parlor listed in the phone book if necessary. Starting with AAA Beauty Shop, he was determined not to give up until he called Zelda’s Hair Salon—or located Amelia. To his relief, he hit pay dirt when the receptionist at Alliette’s Beauty Parlor confirmed that Amelia had recently worked there. “She only quit a few weeks ago,” the woman told him. “She left right before Thanksgiving.”
“Do you know where I can reach her? Where she’s working?” he asked.
“I’m sorry, I don’t. I do know she moved from San Diego, but I’m not sure where. Although Claudine could probably help you. She’s a hairdresser here, and they were roommates.”
“May I speak to Claudine?”
“Sorry. She’s gone to visit her family in Texas and won’t be back until after Christmas.”
“Is there anyone else there who might know Amelia’s whereabouts?”
“Not that I know of.”
He wanted to question her further, but she cut the conversation short, saying she had a customer to attend to. “Merry Christmas,” she said cheerfully, then hung up.
“Merry Christmas,” he repeated glumly as he replaced the receiver. What to do now? He considered calling his parents to let them know he would soon be home, but he felt so discouraged about not finding Amelia that he didn’t want to speak to anyone. Perhaps it would be better to simply surprise them. He knew he could catch a ride in a cargo plane going from San Diego to Seattle later this afternoon. From there the train trip was only seven or eight hours. If he took a late evening train, he would arrive by morning—and hopefully be in better spirits to greet his family. Somehow he would get through the holidays. And then he would return to San Diego and hire a private detective to locate Amelia.
But later, as he rode in the noisy cargo plane, sitting in the back amidst the boxes of supplies, he started to think . . . What if Amelia had gotten married to someone else? What if she’d given up on him, been swept up by another man? She was so sweet and smart and beautiful . . . What man wouldn’t want her for his wife
?
By the time he got on the late-night train, he felt thoroughly discouraged—and exhausted. But at least he was going home, where he imagined he might sleep for a week. At least he’d be well cared for there. Between his overly protective mother and Doctor Dad, he would be in good hands. And their attentions would actually be welcomed for a change. As the porter set his bag in the sleeping car, James tipped him and asked for a wake-up call before Rockford. Then, feeling even more hopeless than he’d been during his imprisonment, James went to bed.
Amelia had never in all her life been treated so well. Staying in the presidential suite, which the bellhop informed her had never hosted a real president, she felt like royalty. And with the hotel’s festive Christmas decorations and holiday cookies served by the fireplace every afternoon—not to mention the excellent food and room service—it was like being a guest at a long, lovely holiday party. So much so that it was difficult to check out of the Jackson Hotel. It had almost started to feel like home. A very luxurious home. The only thing missing was Jimmy. But she’d been trying not to think about that. She wasn’t sure she’d ever be able to think about her baby without breaking into tears.
“I hope you enjoyed your stay with us,” the desk clerk politely said as she checked out in the early morning.
“Very much so.”
“Going home for the holidays?” He gave her a receipt.
She wasn’t sure how to answer that, but returning his smile, she simply nodded. The truth was she had no home. Perhaps she never would. Maybe it no longer mattered. What use was a home if you had no family? Even when she’d tried to call Claudine, hoping she might be able to stay with her a bit, no one had answered. Not in the morning and not even at night. And so Amelia planned to just stay in a hotel during the holidays. Or maybe she’d return to the women’s hotel where she’d lived before . . . if they had an available room.
“Looks like your ride is here.” The clerk nodded toward the front door.
She turned to see Dr. Bradley just coming in. She’d told him it wasn’t necessary for him to take her to the train station this morning, but he had insisted—not only on taking her but also on purchasing her ticket.
“Good morning.” He smiled as she returned his greeting, but his eyes were sad. “Let me take that.” He reached for her bag. “How are you doing?”
“I’m fine,” she said in a tight voice.
“Ready for the long train trip?”
She just nodded, pulling the mink coat more snugly around her as they stepped outside to where snow was blowing in circles.
He hurried to the car, opening the passenger door for her. After they were both in the car, she tried to think of something to say. She wanted to ask how Jimmy was doing, but she knew what the answer would be. Jimmy was better than ever, putting on more weight, probably smiling—and who knew what else. She really didn’t want to know, didn’t want to break into uncontrollable tears.
Instead, she thanked Dr. Bradley for her time at the hotel. “I felt like a princess. So luxurious. And my suite was so beautiful, with a view looking out over the town all blanketed in snow. The scene reminded me of a Currier and Ives Christmas card. The hotel staff was so nice. And the decorations were so pretty.” She knew she was rambling, but she simply wanted to fill the empty space between them.
“Well, I’m glad you got rested up.” He glanced at her as he stopped at the traffic light. “Good to see you have some color back in your cheeks.”
“It looked like some guests planned to spend the holidays at the hotel,” she continued absently. “I got to see some happy reunions in the lobby.” She didn’t mention that witnessing the serviceman being greeted by his wife and children had made her unbearably sad . . . and lonely. That would only make everything worse. “I hope that you and your family have a good Christmas.” She forced a smile as he pulled in front of the train station.
“Thank you.” He got out and, after getting her suitcase, helped her out of the car.
“You don’t need to go inside.” She reached for her suitcase. “Thank you for all your help, Dr. Bradley.” That familiar lump had returned to her throat. “I know you will take excellent care of Jimmy and—” Her voice cracked with emotion as he wrapped his arms around her in a goodbye hug.
“You’ll be okay, Amelia.” He patted her back and stepped away. “You are a very resilient young woman. I know you will find your way. Just give yourself time.”
She nodded, still holding back tears.
“Be sure and write to us when you get settled. Give us your address and we’ll send photos of Jimmy like I promised.”
She thanked him again, then saying a hasty goodbye she turned and hurried into the station. The train wasn’t due for about twenty minutes, enough time for her to get a cup of coffee and hopefully pull her emotions under control. It still felt strange to be wearing Mrs. Bradley’s mink coat, but she had to admit it was cozy, and it was amusing to see people treating her with more respect. Just for a coat?
Finished with her coffee, she went over to the waiting area, watching as the train slowly pulled into the station. She picked up her suitcase and slowly made her way to the platform, watching as passengers disembarked from the train. She felt a catch in her chest as she watched a tall, thin man stepping off of the train. She knew it was the Naval officer’s uniform that had caught her eye. So common in San Diego, but not so much here in Rockford. But as the man walked toward the station, she blinked in disbelief and then did a double take.
“James?” She gasped, feeling so light-headed that it seemed the whole platform and everyone on it was spinning—like a kaleidoscope of color and sound and motion.
“Amelia!” He dropped his duffle bag and raced toward her, swooping her into his arms just as her knees gave way.
When she returned to her senses, she was sitting on a bench with James’s arm wrapped snugly around her and a strange woman offering her a paper cup of water. She held up her hand to reject the water then turned to stare into James’s face. “It really is you,” she whispered. “I can’t believe it.”
“It’s true, darling.” He leaned toward her, landing a reassuring kiss on her lips. “And it’s really you.”
She reached up to touch his face. Although his skin was tanned, he was too thin and looked aged. “You’re not dead.”
He smiled and his blue eyes lit up with the warmth she remembered. “I’m very much alive.” Holding her hand, he told her about his plane being shot down and being captured by the Japanese. “My crew and I were held on an island in the Philippines until just a few days ago. I tried to send you a telegram from Honolulu, but—”
“Your parents!” she said suddenly. “They don’t know either, do they?”
“I tried to send them a telegram too.” He frowned. “But maybe they didn’t get it yet. It got awfully busy at the hospital right before I shipped out.”
“Oh, James. I have so much to tell you.” She looked around the train station, relieved to see that the small crowd of curious onlookers had moved on. “But not here.”
“What are you doing in Rockford?” he asked as they gathered their bags.
“It’s a long story.” She clutched his elbow with her free hand, determined not to let go—ever! Then hoping this wasn’t all just a dream—if it was a dream, she hoped to never wake up!—she tried to walk steadily through the train station.
“Where should we go to talk?” he asked as they went outside. The snow was falling harder now, and she could see that he was shivering.
“To your house,” she declared. “Your parents need to know you’re alive, James. The sooner the better!”
He waved for a taxi, and it wasn’t long until they were driving into the Bradley driveway and past the snow-covered nativity scene. “Hey, they still use that old thing.” James laughed.
“It’s a beautiful old thing,” she told him. “I love it.” To her relief, Dr. Bradley’s car was parked in front. It was probably too early for him to go to his clini
c. “Your parents are in for such a shock,” she said nervously. She glanced at James as he pressed the doorbell. “And so are you, darling. So are you . . .”
CHRISTMAS DAY, 1944
The Christmas wedding held in the Bradley home was small and private and intimate. And in Amelia’s opinion, everything—from the twelve-foot-tall Christmas tree to the numerous shimmering candles illuminating the front room—was absolutely perfect. She couldn’t have dreamed of a more beautiful ceremony.
James’s darling sister Grace loaned Amelia her own wedding dress—a beautiful gown of ivory satin that, although a bit long, fit remarkably well otherwise. Grace, wearing a dark green velvet gown, stood up as Amelia’s matron of honor. James’s brother-in-law and best friend, Harry, performed the services of best man wearing his Navy officer’s dress uniform that was identical to James’s. Their sweet daughter, Janie, dressed in a red velvet dress and carrying a bouquet of pink poinsettias, was the flower girl. Little Jimmy, happily nestled in his daddy’s arms, was dressed in a white suit complete with a tiny pocket that contained two bands of gold.
Helene and George wore their finest—along with happy faces. Goldie, who wore a big red bow, and the household staff were the only other wedding guests in attendance. That suited the wedding couple just fine. The Bradleys’ old family friend, the respectable Reverend Thompson, officiated the double-ring ceremony—and his words were both eloquent and gracious.
But it was James’s beaming face—as Amelia came down the poinsettia-lined staircase—that would remain fixed in her mind forever. He looked just as happy as she felt. And seeing him waiting for her, surrounded by his loving family, holding his infant son in his arms—well, it was absolutely perfect.
The wedding couple enjoyed a lovely wedding feast of roast beef and all the trimmings. As they all sat around the big table, Amelia knew she’d never felt so much at home or part of a family than she did right now. After Amelia and James put Jimmy to bed, Amelia changed out of her wedding clothes. She was just buttoning the jacket of her good blue suit when she heard a gentle tapping on the door.
The Christmas Blessing Page 12