The Barnstormer

by Jane Lewis

  “You could give any actor in New York a run for their money.” He walked toward the stage.

  She laughed off the compliment. “Let’s get to work on dialog in case we get our parts.”

  She met the young actor in September and considered him one of her best friends. He danced and sang his way into the hearts of their classmates. He made sure everyone knew he wanted to perform on stage in New York. If anyone in the class could, it would be Ronald.

  They worked for several hours until they were too hungry to go on.

  He gathered his books. “Let me buy you supper.”

  “Thank you.” She put on her coat and followed him out the door.

  They arrived at the diner on the corner and ordered hamburgers, fries, and colas. While they waited on their food, they studied the script and recited lines.

  “We’ve almost memorized all the lines.” She put her notebook on the table.

  He studied her face. “Memorizing the lines is the first step, but there’s more.”

  She placed her hands on the table and leaned toward Ronald. “Mrs. James told me I’m too intelligent to be an actress.”

  “She did not.” He gave her a disbelieving frown.

  She raised her right hand as if swearing an oath. “She did. I asked her what she meant. She said I analyzed everything I did, and that I tried too hard.”

  “Yes, you do, but did she also say you’re a very talented actress?” He reached for her hands cradling them in his.

  She didn’t expect the intimacy. A reflex tempted her to pull away. She looked into his green eyes, heat ran through her body.

  He winked, giving her a devilish grin. “Go on. What’d she say next?”

  “She advised me to use the threshold technique to make an imaginary boundary between the everyday life and the creative world. She told me to cross into the magical world where my artist and spiritual energies could be liberated.”

  “You crossed the boundary tonight, I saw you. What else helps?”

  She grabbed a salt shaker. “Using props helps me most of all because I can transfer my thoughts to an object.”

  “You’re getting the idea.” He took the shaker from her.

  “In the monologue I have no props.” She placed her hands palm up on the table.

  He cradled her hands in his. “Something worked for you. I haven’t seen anyone come close to what you did today.”

  She tugged her hands from his grasp as the waitress set their plates in front of them. “I have the best coach. Thanks for helping me. Everyone knows you’re the best in the class.”

  He grinned before he took a bite of his hamburger.

  She dipped a fry in ketchup. “Why are you staring at me?”

  Ronald swallowed. He grabbed a napkin from the holder to wipe his mouth. “Whether we do or we don’t get these parts, I’ve enjoyed playing your love interest.” He locked his eyes with hers.

  Heat rose in her belly. She fidgeted and dropped her eyes to her burger. She sipped cola through the straw as she watched him dig into his supper. She liked him as a friend. She hadn’t thought of him as a boyfriend. He was handsome but not as tall as she liked. He had a dancer’s lean body punctuated by a short hair style. His skin appeared as smooth as hers. She was certain she smelled Pond’s Extract Vanishing Cream on his face when they were practicing one of their scenes. His peculiar ways had to be a by-product of his profession. Dating a man who understood her dreams captivated her. “Sure, I’d like to see more of you, too.”

  The food was gone except for a lone french fry on Ruth Ann’s plate. Ronald ate the fry, wiped his hands, and grabbed the bill. “You ready to go?” He stood and reached for her hand.

  The night air blasted her exposed hands and face. They huddled close as they strolled along the sidewalk. He guided her to a bench and brushed the leaves from the seat. “Let’s sit and rest a few minutes.”

  She gazed at the full moon, shining like a street light. “I’ve always loved the night sky. You should see the heavens from my uncle’s farm. On a clear night when you’re out in the pasture with no trees around, you can see every star in the sky.”

  He followed her gaze. “You sound homesick.”

  “I am, a little. I wanted to live in the city, now not so sure.”

  “When I graduate, I’ll move to New York. I’ve dreamed of working in New York since I attended a Broadway show with my parents when I was ten. I hope you feel the same. We could go together.” He regarded her and watched for a reaction.

  She stared into the night and imagined New York with people milling around under the blinking lights of the city. “I get inspired to live in New York when I read my Theatre Arts Magazines. After living in Atlanta, I just want to go back to Saplingville to start my own theater.”

  He shifted her face toward him. “Right now, I want to be wherever you are.”

  Ruth Ann searched his eyes. She knew he wanted to kiss her. He didn’t disappoint. Ronald moaned as his kiss deepened. His hand found its way inside her coat. One thing about a big city, she didn’t have to worry about anyone she knew seeing her neck with a young man. She enjoyed kissing and had the reputation of a tease. Leaves rustled. Someone headed their way. She tugged his hand from under her coat. “I think we should go home. We have an early day tomorrow.”

  “Sure thing, let’s go.” He put his arm around her and guided her toward her living quarters.

  She wasn’t sure if she liked him, or she craved warmth in the cold night air. He surprised her. A romance with him never entered her mind.

  They approached her apartment. She gave him her full attention. “Thanks, Ronald, for a lovely night.”

  He placed a good night kiss on her lips. “I had a great time, too. See you tomorrow.”

  She hung her coat on the peg by the door. She walked to the middle of her residence to let the warmth of the floor heater take away the chill. She basked in the warmth and leaned against the wall with her eyes closed. The most popular guy in class likes me.

  Her body tingled with excitement. She did a ballet pirouette into her bedroom. With Ronald she forgot about her homesickness. I hope he can help me forget about Frankie marrying the damn gold digger.

  Chapter Three

  Ruth Ann’s taxi snaked through the crowded parking lot of Candler Field. She stepped from the car, focusing her gaze on the small planes. Her brother stood next to his airplane, waving. She said a silent prayer, thanking God he flew the bright yellow airplane instead of the biplane. She liked an airplane with cabin windows. Flying in the open cockpit of the Jenny scared her.

  Victor walked toward the taxi. He paid the driver before taking her suitcase.

  She hugged her brother. “Thanks for taking me home.”

  “No problem. How’s school?”

  “Great, I had my audition yesterday. I hope I get the part.”

  “When will ya know?” He guided her toward the Cessna.

  “They’ll post the lineup next week.” She watched a large airplane lift off into the air. “That’s a big plane.”

  Victor gazed at the Stinson Tri-Motor. “Yep, three motors in the front.” He turned his attention back to his sister. “Good luck. I’m sure you did fine in your audition.”

  “I did my best. I’ve got a friend who helped me go over my lines.”

  He smiled studying her face. “Does this friend have a name?”

  “Yes, his name is Ronald.” Heat flowed to her cheeks.

  “Oh, Ronald, huh?” He teased. “I assume he’s an actor?”

  “He’s the best in the class. He plans to go to New York after graduation.” She skipped toward the airplane.

  “What are your plans when you graduate?” He threw the suitcase behind her seat and took her hand as she climbed in the airplane.

  “Still trying to decide. How’s everyone at home?”

  He crossed to the other side of the plane giving the exterior a once-over before climbing into his seat. He fastened his seatbelt and studied the c
heck list. “We had some excitement last week.”

  “Give me the scoop.” She pulled her seatbelt tighter.

  She watched her brother ready the plane for take-off. She’d worshiped him since she was a little girl. He joined the United States Army Air Corps and to her delight, returned to Saplingville, met Dottie, and got married. He started his airport business instead of flying for a commercial airline.

  The plane leveled off. She took a deep breath, her ridged muscles relaxed against the seat. Over the roar of the engine, she raised her voice. “Okay, tell me what happened.”

  He glanced at the airplane gauges. “I’ll tell you; however, I don’t want you rubbing it in Frankie’s face. He feels bad enough already.”

  Her heart sunk in her chest. “Frankie…what are you talking about, what happened? Is he hurt?”

  He chuckled. “No, although, it’d be easier for him to get over a black eye from a brawl than it will to get over this.”

  She put her hand on the dashboard of the airplane and stared.

  “He found out Audrey was already married when they got married in September.” Victor spoke over the roar of the engine.

  “Who was she married to?”

  “A man named Charles Wallace. Searched for her since May. Even hired a gumshoe.”

  She sighed and closed her eyes. “Poor Frankie.”

  He faced his sister. “Ruth Ann, look at me.”

  She stared at the floor of the plane. She remembered the time he threw her cigarettes out the car window and threatened to tell their mother. She gazed at her brother waiting for his reprimand.

  “Ruth Ann, please, please don’t harass him. I know this is just the sort of thing you would love to needle him about. Don’t. He feels bad enough.”

  A calmness flooded through her she hadn’t felt since she learned he married Audrey. Frankie isn’t married.

  Realization of what she’d done caused guilt to replace the calmness. She didn’t want Frankie to get married. She liked the attention he lavished on her. She ignored him and treated him like a jerk, so he found someone else. She blamed herself for his marriage to the gold digger. “So I guess Audrey left with her husband. I mean the man she was legally married to.”

  “Yes, thank God she’s gone. Promise me you’ll be nice.” Victor checked his gauges.

  “I promise. Will he be at Andrews Field when we land?”

  “Probably. He’s keeping to himself so he may not be talkative.”

  She thought about the handsome man. She ignored his advances, laughed, and called him terrible names to his face. Secretly, she longed for the attention he gave her until Audrey arrived in town and caught his eye.

  Everyone recognized him as a tough guy, but she knew the real Frankie. He’d give you the shirt off his back if you asked. “So they aren’t married?”

  “No, we talked to a lawyer to make sure. He assured us the marriage wasn’t legal since Audrey was married when they said their vows.”

  “What’s he so upset about? Did he love her that much?” The thought of Frankie loving anyone but her brought the jealous thoughts she’d tamped down to the surface. She glanced out the window as the earth drew closer.

  Victor started his descent toward Andrews Field. “No, I don’t think he ever loved her. My guess is, she asked him to marry her. He’s upset because she made a fool of him.”

  “Ridiculous. He’s not a fool.” She closed her eyes and silently prayed they’d land safely.

  “We’ve all told him. Do not mention this, you hear me?” He surveyed the instruments and concentrated on the landing.

  She clenched her seat as the plane descended. “I won’t say anything. I promise.” The airplane touched the ground. She opened her eyes, released the air she held in her lungs, and let her body relax against the seat. She appreciated her brother’s smooth landing.

  He taxied toward the hangar.

  When the propeller stopped, she opened the door and jumped from the plane eager to see Frankie. She ran in the hangar surveying the surroundings. His car stood in the parking lot, and his leather jacket hung on a nail.

  Al stood at a table near the door sorting tools. She wandered over. “Hi, Mr. Gregory. How are you?”

  “Fine, and you?”

  “Swell.” She hesitated, searching the hangar. “Is Frankie around?”

  Light shown from the old man’s eyes while a huge grin filled his face. “He was here a few minutes ago. I don’t know where he got off to. How you doin’ at actin’ school?”

  “Good, I like it.” She wouldn’t get anything out of Al. If Frankie was hiding from her, he was in on it.

  “And Atlanta, you like the big city?”

  She gazed through the glass window into Victor’s office. “I like it fine.”

  Her brother stuck his head in the door. “Ready to go see Ma and Pa?”

  She gazed through the hangar one more time, hoping to see Frankie appear from one of the rooms. “Yeah, I’m ready. See you Mr. Gregory.”

  She climbed into Victor’s car. She watched the airport fade out of sight. Damn it, I need to see Frankie. I’ll see him before I go back to school, if I have to go to his house.

  ****

  Frankie opened the supply room door.

  Al continued to put the tools in order. “You can come out now. She’s gone.”

  He wandered into the hangar. “I’ve stooped to hiding. What an idiot.”

  “You ain’t no idiot. She wanted to see you. If you’d seen the disappointment in her face when you were nowhere to be found, you’d have run out to meet her.”

  “Ruthie and I have a long history of harassing each other. She wanted to rub in the mistake I made with Audrey.” He grabbed a wrench and placed it with the others.

  “Needling and fussing is how you and Miss Prissy communicate, since neither of you will admit how much you like each other. I see how you watch her like a dog cravin’ a bone. She puts on a highfalutin air to ignore you. What you don’t see is her watchin’ you with a dreamy glint in her eye.”

  Frankie said, “I don’t see it.”

  Al smiled and counted screw drivers. “Course you don’t.”

  He gathered tools from his work station and placed them on the table. They worked together in silence. The last time he saw Ruthie, he was with Audrey. They were gathered at Victor’s house for supper. When he made eye contact with her, she glanced away. She ate and left without a word. He figured she was mad because it was one of the few times she didn’t have one of the Saplingville boys hanging on her arm. When she left for school, he married Audrey.

  Al guided the table with rollers to the side wall. “I heard Victor ask you to supper Saturday. Ya need to go. Check out what she’s been up to. I bet she’s homesick for more than her family.”

  “What? Give her the chance to harass me about my foolishness? No thanks.” He grabbed his leather jacket.

  “Think about it, son. You need to be with people who love you right now.” He put on his hat and denim jacket.

  They stepped outside, and Frankie locked the door.

  Al opened the door to his truck. “You have fun this weekend. I’ll see you Monday morning bright and early.”

  “Thanks. Tell Ethel hello.”

  Frankie drove by Joe’s Tavern on his way home. He parked, silenced the engine, and watched people come and go. A young couple arrived in a new car. The man opened the door for his date and kissed her. He started his car and backed out of the parking space. Being around people wasn’t going to dispel his loneliness; he’d rather be alone in his own home.

  Chapter Four

  Ruth Ann ran in the house while Victor collected her suitcase. “Ma, I’m home.”

  Hattie rushed from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. “Ruth Ann, I’ve missed you so.” She embraced her daughter. “I’m glad you’re home.”

  She hugged her mother and followed her to the kitchen. The familiar smell of lemon cleanser along with Ma standing at the counter organizing the
utensils she needed for biscuits elevated her homesickness to another level. She opened the lid of the pot on the stove. The aroma of beef stew hit her in the face. “This smells delicious.”

  “I put it on early this morning. The meat should be good and tender. How’s school?” Hattie handed her a glass of water.

  “School’s great. I auditioned for a part in a play. They’ll post assignments next week.”

  She sat on the brown soda fountain stool in the corner of the kitchen. Her father salvaged it when he got new ones for the drug store he opened in 1905. Jacob had a heart attack two years ago and sold part of Douglas Drug Store to Ned Ayers, a young pharmacist. They ran the store together.

  Hattie had her right hand in the biscuit dough using her left hand to pour milk into the mixture. “Sounds wonderful. I’m sure you’ll get the part. What’s the name of the play?”

  “The Three Sisters by Anton Chekhov. He was a Russian playwright.” She twirled around on the stool.

  Hattie shuffled to the sink to wash her hands before she rolled the dough into biscuits. “Russian, you mean you have to do a play in Russian?”

  “No, Ma. The play’s in English. The man who wrote it’s from Russia. He’s dead now. His plays are performed all over the world.”

  She dried her hands and tucked the towel in the drawer pull. “I’m so proud of you. You’re learning more than I ever thought possible.” She placed the biscuits in the pan. “Have you met any nice boys?”

  She didn’t want to tell her mother too much about Ronald. Hattie wanted her to get married and settle down. She chose her words. “There’s a boy named Ronald. He’s the best actor in our class. We run lines and rehearse together.”

  She opened the oven door and deposited the biscuits on the rack. “I’d like to meet this Ronald. He sounds very nice.”

  The back door opened. Lisbeth strolled into the kitchen. “Hey, sis, welcome home. How’s life in Atlanta?”

  She glared at her sister. With a two year age difference, they should be closer. They didn’t fight like most sisters. They tolerated each other. Lisbeth played the piano at church, never bragged, or demanded attention, the perfect studious daughter. Trouble found Ruth Ann, whether she looked for it or not. She and Hattie locked horns all through her high school years. “I’m having the time of my life.”