The Barnstormer

by Jane Lewis

  He stepped outside the door and watched Victor walk to his car. The sunshine brought warmth to his front porch. He stepped inside and grabbed a flannel shirt so he could enjoy the modest heat of the November day. He sat in his porch swing and read the Sunday paper.

  His thoughts drifted to Ruthie. If she started any of her usual crap, he would tell her to mind her own business. It was time she outgrew her petty remarks and bitchy behavior. She infuriated him. When memories of her invaded his mind, he either fumed at her last scathing comments to him or his prick got hard and he had to take a cold shower. Even married to a woman like Audrey, his mind slipped to Ruthie every day. How could one woman control his emotions like she did? Was she a witch? He sat staring into the blue sky thinking first about Ruthie, then about Audrey. He contemplated becoming a monk. As much as he liked to pray and read his bible, he didn’t want to do it all the time. He also didn’t want to shave his head. Me, living in a monastery. What a joke.

  He glanced at his pocket watch. Time to get ready. The faster he got Her Highness to Atlanta, the better.

  Chapter Seven

  Ruth Ann placed her suitcase by the front door. She stood at the window, watching for her brother’s car. The Ford coupe barreled up the driveway. Frankie stepped out and walked toward the house. A smile filled her face, and her heart raced. Is he coming to see me? Hope bubbled in her heart. She opened the door as he stepped on the front porch.

  He lowered his head. “I’ve come to take you to Atlanta. Victor had a job today. He asked me to fly you.”

  She would be alone with him in the plane until they arrived at Candler Field. She disguised her excitement. “Thank you for doing this. I appreciate it.”

  He shuffled his feet. “No problem, just doin’ my job.”

  “Come in, I need to tell everyone goodbye.” She raced to the parlor and hugged her parents.

  He stood in the door and watched.

  Lisbeth whispered, “Have fun, my sis got her wish. She’s wanted to be alone with you since she got home.”

  “That’s what I’m afraid of.” His glance paused on Ruthie.

  Hattie led her daughter to the door. “Frankie, you be careful.”

  “I will, Mrs. Douglas.” They walked toward his car. He placed her suitcase behind the front seat. He bent and extended his hand. “Your chariot awaits.”

  She placed her hand on his as she got in the car. She settled in her seat and marveled at the interior. She remembered when Frankie bought the piece of junk. He’d worked hard to restore the 1930 Ford Model A Coupe. The tan car with black fenders and white sidewall tires was one of the best looking cars in town. She felt proud to ride in the fancy automobile. She realized how far he’d come by sheer determination and hard work. “Thank you for flying me. What plane are we taking?”

  “The Staggerwing, otherwise, I’ll have to take you in the Jenny.”

  She breathed a sigh of relief. She felt safer in the Staggerwing or the Cessna. “No, the red plane’s fine.”

  “Red plane? You identify them by color?” He slowed the car and turned onto the main highway.

  “I couldn’t care less about the name of the plane, my concern is safety.” She watched out the window as they left town and the land opened to pastures.

  Frankie studied Ruthie’s profile. “You look different. Your hair’s shorter.”

  She fluffed her hair on the back of her head. “Easier for school. Sometimes, I need to wear a wig.”

  He licked his lips and stared at her long neck. “How do you like school?”

  She faced him. Their eyes met and she felt a strange sensation in her belly. She gasped for air. After a long moment, she responded. “I love school, but I don’t like Atlanta. The city’s big and too many people. I wanted to go to New York after graduation. I’ve changed my mind.”

  “So you’re going to return to Saplingville?” His voice was almost a whisper.

  “Maybe, but coming home feels weird. It doesn’t seem like home anymore. So much has changed in the last few months.” She watched Frankie slow the car and down shift to make the turn.

  He wound the car into the large driveway at Andrews Field. “You’ve grown into a young lady. You’re not a child anymore. You’re gonna face lots of changes.”

  She sat in the car waiting for Frankie to open the door.

  He opened it and made a bow. They strolled to the Beechcraft Staggerwing biplane. He placed her suitcase behind the seat and took her hand. He guided her in the airplane. She settled in her seat and fastened the seat belt tight around her waist.

  She loved to watch him work. The handsome, strong, Frankie Howard. Known for his dare devil flying skills and drinking at Joe’s Tavern. Most people didn’t know what a kind, sweet, caring man he was.

  He settled in the pilot seat. He started the engine adjusting controls until the propeller and engine sounded like he wanted, then headed to the runway.

  She had questions but would wait until they were in the air. When he relaxed, she knew they were cruising toward Atlanta.

  She drew in a deep breath and swallowed. She spoke loudly so he could hear her over the engine noise. “So, bad luck with Audrey, huh?”

  “Yes. It was.” He stared straight ahead.

  “I can’t believe anyone would do such a thing. Bigamy’s a crime. She’s a criminal. She didn’t tell you she was married?”

  He stared through the windshield. “If she told me she was married, I wouldn’t have married her.”

  She narrowed her gaze. “Would you have dated her?”

  “What kind of question is that? Of course I wouldn’t date a married woman.” His voice grew louder.

  “Well, you did.” She stared out the side window.

  “Yes, I did. I didn’t know she was married.” He studied the instrument panel.

  She swung her attention to his handsome face. “What did you see in her anyway?”

  He leered at her. “Well, let’s see. She was gorgeous, she was sexy, she was willing.” He lowered his voice. “She said she loved me.”

  A fit of rage burned through her body. “I’ll bet she didn’t have blonde hair. Looked bleached to me. She wasn’t beautiful, either. I think she had a big nose.”

  He turned toward her, their eyes locked together. After several seconds he found his voice. “Can we change the subject? I made a mistake. I want everyone to forget it so I can get on with my life.”

  She reined in her jealousy. “I’m sorry. I’m worried about you, is all.”

  Frankie scowled using his words to put her in her place. “No, you’ve always loved putting me down. This is the ultimate joke for you, isn’t it?”

  She wondered why they always argued. “No, I’m sorry about what happened. You deserve more than Audrey Gordon or whoever she is.”

  Noise from the engine filled the plane. She stared into the sky waiting for an answer.

  He glanced her way. “Thanks.”

  The tension in the cockpit eased. She relaxed in her seat and stared at the blue sky. She glanced out of the window at the railroad tracks below them. Frankie and Victor used railroads and rivers as navigation aids. He veered the plane left, she watched the tracks disappear as they flew over a pine forest. The city loomed ahead with roads, buildings, and lots of cars. The airplane dropped in altitude, she spotted the airport.

  He readied the plane for landing at Candler Field. “Are you taking a taxi?”

  “No, one of my friends from school is meeting me. He’s one of the few of us who have a car.” She grabbed the sides of her seat.

  “Does he have a name?” Frankie concentrated on the descent.

  “Ronald Waters. He’s from Montgomery, Alabama.” She closed her eyes and prayed for a safe landing.

  He landed the plane and guided it to a parking spot. “I’d like to meet your friend from Alabama.”

  She’d planned to jump out, get her suitcase, and get in Ronald’s car. “You don’t have to. I know you need to get home.”

  �
�No problem, I’ll help you with your suitcase.” He walked close with his hand on her back.

  Ronald leaned against the hood of his car and waved. He hurried toward her with his arms open. She stepped aside. “Ronald, I’d like you to meet Frankie. He was kind enough to fly me to Atlanta today. Victor had to work.”

  Ronald stuck out his hand. “Nice to meet you. Thanks for taking care of my girl.”

  “Yeah, nice to meet you, too.” Frankie gave his hand a firm shake. He faced Ruthie. “Let us know if you need a ride home. One of us will come and get you.”

  She didn’t want him to leave. She didn’t know if it was because she wanted to be with him or if he was her lifeline home. “Thanks Frankie, have a safe flight.”

  Chapter Eight

  Ronald drove through the streets of Atlanta chattering about his weekend. He and some classmates enjoyed a night at the picture show where Top Hat featuring his idol, Fred Astaire played to a packed audience. “Can’t wait to show you the new dance steps I learned from the movie.”

  She didn’t hear a word he said. Her thoughts were with the handsome barnstormer.

  He raised his voice to get her attention. “Ruth Ann, I missed you this weekend. Did you miss me?”

  She focused on Ronald. “I’m sorry. I must be tired from the flight. What’d you say?”

  “I missed you.” He reached for her hand.

  “I missed you, too,” she lied. If she had thought about Ronald, she would have missed him. “I appreciate the ride to school. They post the cast list tomorrow. I can’t wait.”

  “Me either. I can’t wait to be your on-stage boyfriend, too.”

  Ronald thinks I’m his girlfriend. “This should make our acting easier, huh?”

  “Sure will.” They arrived at her living quarters. He carried her suitcase. “Can I come in?”

  “Of course, come in. I’ll fix us a cola. Have a seat.” She opened the refrigerator taking out two bottles and the ice tray from the freezer compartment.

  Ronald crept to the kitchen. He spun her around to face him. “Mind if I do this?”

  His kisses on her neck gave her goose bumps. He made his way to her lips. She melted into him, meeting his deep kisses with her own. Before she knew it, Ronald sat on the settee with her in his lap. She put her arms around his neck, her lips as greedy as his. His hand brushed her nipple, and she shook with desire. Her blouse tightened as he wrestled with the buttons. She removed his hand from her blouse, scooted out of his lap, and sat beside him. “Wow, where’d you learn to kiss?”

  “It takes two to kiss.” He lowered his head to claim another one. She stood and walked to the kitchen. “Let me get our drinks.”

  She hoped he wouldn’t follow, she had to get a hold of her feelings. If her mother knew she necked with a boy alone in her apartment, she would be in big trouble. It would be so easy to give in. No one would know. A lot of their friends were doing more than necking. She wasn’t ready. She didn’t know if he would be the one she’d give herself to.

  She entered the sitting room and handed Ronald his glass. She sat in the chair. They drank their colas and stared at each other. Neither could find words to say.

  Ronald finished his drink and set the glass on the coaster. “I guess I better go, we’ve got a big day tomorrow. I’ll come by in the morning to walk you to class.”

  “Thanks, that would be swell.”

  He took her hand from the doorknob placing it around his waist. He placed his hands around her face and leaned his forehead against hers. “I’ll see you in the morning, beautiful.”

  She placed a kiss on his cheek. “See you then.”

  She closed the door and leaned against it. She surveyed her quarters and decided to straighten and unpack before studying. She couldn’t concentrate on anything except Ronald and how he made her feel.

  She imagined kissing Frankie like she did Ronald. The feel of Frankie’s skin against her hand when she got in his car flitted across her mind. Her heart pounded at the memory. Why couldn’t she like Ronald? She needed someone like him, not Frankie. Her mind raced as she compared the two. Frankie’s tall frame and muscular physique towered over Ronald’s skinny dancer’s body. Ronald had a keen intelligence where Frankie was manly, tough, and street smart. She felt safer with a man like Frankie. He wouldn’t back away from a fight. Not many people would mess with him. Ronald would have to talk his way out of a fight, but Frankie would jump in head first. She didn’t know why she thought about Frankie. He loved Audrey and would always pine for his lost love. She was no match for Audrey’s beauty. If that’s the kind of girl he wanted, she didn’t have a chance.

  ****

  Ruth Ann and Ronald raced to the bulletin board for the results of the auditions. She scanned the board until she saw her name. She jumped in the air and screamed, “I got the part.”

  Ronald searched the list and found his name. “I did too.” He kissed her.

  She backed away. “Not here, Ronald.”

  “Sorry.” He looked around. “We got our parts. You’re Natalya and I’m Andrei. It’s going to be fun. We’ll be together all the time.”

  She tugged him toward their classroom so the others could check the board. She didn’t know if the empty feeling in her stomach stemmed from excitement or fear. Either way, they’d be together all the time, rehearsing. “I can’t believe I got the part.”

  “Of course you got the part, you’re the best.” He let her enter the classroom ahead of him.

  “I’m not surprised they chose you for Andrei, you’re the best in our class. I’m surprised about getting my part. Thanks for your help, preparing me for the audition and everything.” She stopped and touched his hand.

  He winked. “My pleasure, beautiful.”

  The room buzzed with happy and disappointed students. Ruth Ann glanced around the room, if dirty looks were daggers, she’d be dead. Jenny Price hugged Ronald with a full body embrace and congratulated him. She didn’t glance at Ruth Ann or acknowledge her presence. Jenny walked away with her eyes focused on Ronald. He stared and smiled. Ruth Ann was caught in a private moment between him and another girl, and she didn’t like it. She punched him on the arm. “What was that about?”

  Ronald rubbed his arm. “That hurt.” He ignored her question as another group of girls congratulated him.

  They took their seats as the teacher read the assignments. The ones who didn’t get a major part were understudies, extras, or set workers. Everyone in the class had a job to do in the play. She wrote important dates on the blackboard including when lines were to be memorized, set and costume deadlines, and the date of the spring production. Ruth Ann wrote the dates in her notebook with a star beside what applied to her. The teacher congratulated everyone and reminded each student that their job, whether the star or a dresser, was important to the production of a successful play. She dismissed the class and stood at the front as students peppered her with questions.

  Ruth Ann gathered her books.

  Ronald glanced at Jenny before following Ruth Ann out of the classroom. “How about I buy you a burger?” He reached for her books.

  She passed them to him. “Sure, thanks.”

  Ronald watched her devour her hamburger. “What do you want to do tonight?”

  She drank a sip of cola. “I need to study. I’m going to start memorizing my lines.”

  “I can help you.” His gaze steady and hopeful.

  She didn’t want another tug of war. “No, I need to be alone and study, and I promised my mother I’d write her when the results were posted.”

  They left the restaurant and meandered toward their living quarters. The sun dipped toward the horizon causing the temperature to drop. Ronald put his arm around her, and she plunged her hands into the pockets of her jacket. When they arrived at her door, he gathered her in his arms and kissed her good night.

  She stopped him before he got carried away. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

  He reached for her key. She placed it in h
is hand, he unlocked the door and waited for her to enter. “See you then.”

  She sat on the settee surveying the tiny apartment. She liked her living quarters. The twin bed had a better mattress than her bed at home, and the desk in the bedroom held her books and papers with space left over to write notes on her script. The kitchen had a refrigerator, stove, and small table. She had no money for luxuries like a radio, so she spent her time learning as much as she could before her year of college ended.

  She tried not to think of home. She missed everyone, but Frankie more than anyone, and that surprised her. She smiled as she remembered how Ronald flinched when Frankie shook his hand. There was more to the barnstormer, and she wanted to learn all of it. She paused and whispered a prayer. She prayed he would get over his mistake of marrying Audrey and find true happiness.

  Chapter Nine

  Frankie turned his car into the large driveway of Andrews Field and glanced at the air sock, something he did every morning. The sock stood straight out, and dark clouds rolled in the distance. There would be no flying until the weather improved. Al stood at the tailgate of his old blue truck and waved. He parked next to Al’s truck and got out of his car. “Good morning, Al.”

  Al grabbed a bag of rags and cleaner from his truck. “Good morning, son.”

  “Can I help you with anything?” He stood next to his friend and waited.

  “No, I’ve got it, bought a few supplies in town.” Al gathered his bags. “You can open the door for me.”

  Frankie closed the tailgate on Al’s truck and opened the side door feeling the wall for the light switch. He unlocked the large hangar door but left it closed. “You making coffee this morning?”

  “Heading that way now.” Al put the bags in the storage room.

  He sat at his desk and studied the to-do list Victor left him. He numbered each line in the order he planned to do the tasks.

  Al yelled, “Coffee’s ready.”

  He strolled to the back of the hangar where the old man had their chairs assembled. He poured a cup of coffee, sat, and sipped the hot brew. “How was your weekend? Did you see Ethel?”