Libby watched the car’s taillights as they drove away. Why wasn’t she driving off into the night with Dan? She didn’t know whether to feel relief or envy.
Libby rubbed her eyes, hoping some extra energy would kick in once she made it into the air. After Rose’s announcement, she hadn’t been able to sleep, thinking about the ins and outs of marriage—and from what she experienced with her own parents, mostly the outs.
The airfield was quiet this morning, as if all the mynah birds had also been up late and decided to sleep in. She slid her coveralls over her slacks and blouse, then zipped them up to her neck, eyeing the plane in front of her. She was about to tell Rose’s student, Otis, to go ahead and board the plane, when George waved to her from across the airstrip. Dan was at his side.
Libby grinned, waved, and turned to Otis. “I’ll be back in a minute.”
She jogged across the gravel runway, then came to a stop in front of the men and placed her hands on her hips. “Let me guess. A new plane has arrived, and we’re invited for a look? Did they add new bombs to—?”
Libby stopped short when she noticed the dark circles under Dan’s eyes. His lips were drawn into a tight line.
George placed a hand on her arm. “I’ve called in another pilot to take over this lesson for you. He’ll be here in a few minutes.”
“Sure, George, but—”
George walked away, and Libby turned back to Dan. “What’s going on? Is it your family? I’m supposed to be filling in for Rose—”
“Libby, we need to talk; that’s all.” He attempted a carefree tone. “I was thinking we could head to the beach.” He took her arm and guided her toward the office.
“Dan, I can tell something’s wrong. Did George tell you about Rose? She and Jack were married last night.”
Dan scratched his forehead. “Married. That’s nice. We can take a taxi to Waikiki. Maybe stop by your place for a swimsuit?”
Libby pulled her arm from Dan’s grasp. “Head to the beach in the middle of our workday? Did you just hear me say that our best friends had an impromptu wedding? Dan, something’s wrong, and I want you to tell me now.” She crossed her arms over her chest.
A few of the mechanics in the nearby hangar turned their head at the sound of Libby’s raised voice, but she didn’t care. “George doesn’t pull me from my schedule for no reason, and you just don’t leave the base, unless …” Her hand trembled as she covered her mouth, her eyes searching his face. “Unless you’re getting transferred.”
Libby had seen it enough times with her students to know the procedure. The orders came, and within twenty-four hours they were gone.
Dan lowered his gaze. “Really, I’d like to discuss it at the beach. Someplace quieter.”
Libby reached for his chin, forcing him to look at her. “That’s it. Isn’t it? You’re leaving.”
Dan nodded slowly, then took Libby’s hand and placed her palm against his lips. “I’m so sorry. I wanted more time. I …” His eyes moistened with tears. He blinked them away and then pulled back from her slightly.
Libby watched as he took in a deep breath, then lowered himself onto one uniformed knee on the graveled runway.
“Dan?”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box, then took Libby’s hand. “I wanted someplace romantic to do this. I’ve been thinking about it for weeks.” He gazed into the cloudless sky behind Libby, as if the right words were written there; then he looked at her again.
Libby’s heart pounded. “Dan, are you leaving? Please tell me it’s not for good.”
“Wait, just listen. Maybe this is the perfect place after all. This place is us.” He flipped open the box with his thumb and held it up for her to see. A gold band glinted in the sun.
“They’re shipping me out. I’m heading for the Philippines. But before I go, I need you to know how much I love you, Libby. And I want to know you’ll be waiting for me.”
She squeezed his hand. “Dan, are you asking what I think? Do you want me to marry you before you leave?” She thought about Jack and Rose’s rushed marriage. The one thing Libby needed was time. It was what she’d prayed for before drifting back to sleep.
“Well, we could, but we don’t have to. I want you to wait until you know for sure.” Dan’s blond hair fluttered in the light breeze. “Just say you’ll marry me when I return.” He released her hand and took the ring from the box.
“Yes.” Libby nodded and stretched out her hand, allowing Dan to slip the ring on her finger. This was a step she could take.
She lifted her hand and looked at the ring. “It’s beautiful.” She met Dan’s gaze, and he pulled her into his embrace. Her cheek pressed against his uniformed chest.
“Dan.” She took a deep breath. “When are you leaving?”
“Tomorrow, Libby. I’ll be gone tomorrow.”
Seven
TOP HATS AND TIARAS
Washington—used to its roving citizens returning to the capital with tales of danger, destruction, and tragedy—should be gratified to hear the lyric praises of Mrs. Golden Bell for her recent two years in Manila.
With the wives and daughters of army and navy officers ordered home, the traditionally gay Army-Navy Club, around which much of the occidental social life in Manila circulates, is somber in tone. “It’s amazing and rather gratifying to see how dejected the husbands look,” laughs Mrs. Bell.
Though admitting the hot stickiness of the islands, where you constantly feel as if you’ve been “bathed in honey,” Mrs. Bell finds the spontaneous hospitality of the people and the beauty of the surroundings more than adequate compensation.
Patricia Grady
Excerpt from the Washington Post, September 28, 1941
Natsuo’s mind filled with the words of a poem as he awoke. A few months ago it had been an English poem stirring his thoughts. Now it was the words of Minamoto Sanetomo.
Seven hundred years ago, Minamoto had been the third Kamakura Shogun and the last head of his family’s clan. Not wanting to meet the same fate as his brother, who was assassinated for plotting against the throne, Minamoto put all of his time and energy into writing poetry.
As Natsuo rose and prepared for the day’s training, one stanza of Minamoto’s poem ran through his head—he’d known the words since he was a boy, and they echoed over and over in one long refrain.
When mountains are split
And the seas run dry—
Should such a world be born,
I would not show a double heart
In the service of my lord.
The shadow of a cherry tree swaying in the morning’s slight breeze danced over Natsuo’s face. He knew in his heart the words to the poem had special meaning—perhaps sent as a message from the Lord Emperor himself, the true god. Natsuo had read ancient tales about men who had been given a high appeal to service in such a manner. He’d heard stories of those who heard voices in their minds.
Now during the day, despite the tedious drills, the sharp commands of the trainers, and even the occasional snap of a bamboo stick over his head, Natsuo felt renewed vigor. He’d been called for a purpose. He had thought his fate in joining the army had simply been part of a government requirement; now he knew otherwise.
War was coming.
A greater war than the one witnessed in China. The mountains would split and the seas run dry, yet Natsuo would not show a double heart. He would give life and service to his lord, the emperor.
His time in the United States had been part of this overall plan, he concluded. What he’d learned in the States would help him defeat the enemy. He’d touched the American souls and understood their weaknesses. He’d been trained in their ways.
“Should I have said yes, George? I’m not good enough. I don’t even know how a successful marriage works.” Libby fingered the gold band that looked oddly out of place on her hand.
She was sitting across from George in the airport office, watching the planes take off and land. Billy Jackso
n, despite his ever-present hangover, had taken Libby’s lessons for the day.
George leaned back in his chair, which gave a loud squeak of protest. “It sounds like you’re trying to talk yourself out of it. You could give the ring back until Dan returns.” George leaned forward again. “But if I were you, Libby, I’d hang on to this guy …”
“Maybe I’m uncertain, but I’m not stupid. I mean, really, George. Dan is the kindest, most wonderful man I’ve ever met.”
A mechanic peeked his head inside the door. “Hey, George, got a minute?”
“Sure thing, Larry.” George rose, then paused before Libby. “Do you believe in the good Lord, Libby? Do you believe He’s in control, even in this crazy, mixed-up world we live in?”
Libby studied George’s eyes. She knew she couldn’t fool him. “I believe there is a God. But to be honest, it’s been a long time since I’ve thought about Him. I used to pray sometimes, but then …” Libby lowered her gaze. “Then I began to wonder if the praying did any good.”
George’s voice was gentle. “Whenever I get all worried, the thing I focus on is what I know to be true. First God, then His love for me. Next, I think about the truth of whatever situation I’m in. Once I know the truth …” George patted her back. “Well, things tend to fall in place from there.”
Libby nodded. “Thanks, George. I’ll think about that.”
He moved to the door. “You’re a bright girl. Don’t let fear stand in your way of happiness. Just start with what you know for sure.”
Start with what you know. George’s words replayed in Libby’s mind as she walked toward the Schofield Barracks. What did she know? She knew that since meeting Dan, she wasn’t lonely or sad. Dan also had a way of calming her anger. Of making her smile and not take life so seriously.
For the last few months, she had half-expected him to wake up one day and change his mind about her. Expected that he’d get tired of her or find someone else. But that hadn’t happened. He’d wanted to see her as often as he could. In fact, Mr. Atkins had complained about Dan’s frequent visits and their long chats on the stairwell under the light of the moon.
Yes, she knew he loved her.
But how did she feel about him? She laughed out loud. No question about that. Being with Dan gave her an even greater rush than the moment of liftoff.
Libby paused as she stood before the barracks. She glanced toward the sky and noticed afternoon clouds forming. Now that she was here, she wondered if she’d even be allowed to go in. She was about to take a chance and stride up the front steps, when she noticed a familiar face.
“Excuse me, Zeke. Do you know where Dan is?”
“Libby! He’s looking for you. He went to your apartment and couldn’t find you.”
“I thought he was packing. We’re getting together tonight, but I just—”
“No time to blabber, girlie. There’s word that some Jap ships are causing trouble in the middle of the ocean. Dan’s group has to leave right away, or they lose their window for safe passage. The planes are being taken by aircraft carrier, and the pilots are hopping a ride too. He’s already at the docks, but if you hurry you can make it.”
Zeke’s words tumbled over each other, and Libby attempted to take them all in. No, not yet. I’m not ready…. A few soft raindrops fell on her face, and Libby brushed them away.
“Wish I could help.” Zeke removed his cap and scratched his head. “But I’ve got no wheels. I’d take a taxi if I were you.”
Libby didn’t realize until her legs were sticking to the vinyl seats of the cab that she hadn’t even thanked Zeke for his help. When she arrived at the harbor, things were even crazier than she’d imagined. Pilots and sailors, wives, children, and girlfriends were intermingled in a mob of movement, frantically trying to find their loved ones for a final good-bye.
“Excuse me; I have to get through.” Libby pushed through the crowd, getting as close to the aircraft carrier as possible. Bigger raindrops were falling now. She brushed wet strands of hair back from her face.
Dan couldn’t leave without knowing. Without her telling him once more that she loved him and that she would wait as long as it took.
Libby made her way to the gangplank connecting the carrier to the dock. Her eyes scanned the high deck, hoping for a sign of him. But it was too far away, and there was too much motion aboard as the crew prepared for the journey ahead.
Bodies pressed against Libby as they moved past her, and tears filled her eyes. Then a gentle hand touched her shoulder, and her heart leapt as she turned and saw him.
“Dan!” She wrapped her arms around his wet shoulders and planted a kiss on his chin. “I thought you were gone.”
He looked down at her with those blue eyes full of love. “No way, lady. I would have held up the whole ship just to say good-bye.”
Libby took a deep breath and let the words spill out. “I want you to know that when I said yes, I meant it. You’ll come back, and we’ll be together. I promise.”
“It won’t be long.” Dan brushed her hair from her face, wiping raindrops from her cheeks. “Wait for me, and I’ll think of you. I love you, Libby.”
Libby heard a knock at the door, and fear clawed at her chest. No one came by at this hour unless something was wrong. Maybe something had happened to Dan’s transport. Perhaps his convoy had already hit trouble out at sea.
She slid from beneath her sheet and quickly donned her bathrobe, hurrying to the door. “Who is it?”
“Libby, it’s me. Rose.”
Libby opened the door, and her friend hurried in.
All day Libby had been strong. She’d shed no tears as the aircraft carrier slipped out of the harbor. No tears as she’d walked home alone. But now, with one look at the concern and compassion on Rose’s face, a river of hot tears began to flow.
“Oh, Libby. I’m so sorry.” Rose wrapped an arm around her shoulder.
“What are you doing here? You were on the other side of the island on your honeymoon, remember?”
Rose clicked on the table lamp and led Libby toward the sofa. “We came back as soon as we heard. Jack said he’ll have me forever, but you need me now.”
Libby clung to her friend. “Thank you. I can’t believe it, but thank you.”
Rose set a small satchel down on the floor.
“What’s that for?” Libby managed between sniffles.
“It’s my things. I’m going to stay with you a few days, just to keep you company.”
Libby wiped tears from her face and neck. “You don’t have to. I’ll be fine, really. You need to be with your husband.”
Rose smiled. “Your mouth’s saying one thing, but the way you’re clinging to my hand says another.”
“But you’re a married woman now. I mean, you should be with Jack.”
“I wish I could be. He goes out on maneuvers during the week, remember? Don’t worry. I’ll be back with him by the weekend.” She picked up a throw pillow and hugged it to her chest. “You have two beds. I thought I’d bunk here for a few nights.”
Libby showed Rose through the dark hallway to the extra bed.
Rose slid off her long, tan raincoat that belted at the waist, and Libby saw that she was wearing baby doll pajamas underneath. She wanted to ask a hundred questions about her wedding, about what it was like to be married. But now wasn’t the time. Libby couldn’t bear to know how really wonderful it was being with the man you loved.
Rose pushed back the covers and snuggled in. “It’s a sleepover!”
Libby climbed in between her sheets. “Good night, Rose. And thank you.”
“No problem, sweetie. Just glad to be here.”
The moon hung heavy in the window between the two beds, casting a gentle glow.
How many nights will it be until I see Dan again?
A few minutes passed, and Libby could hear Rose tossing and turning beneath the thin blanket. She wondered if her friend regretted coming, regretted not sleeping by her husband’s side one more ni
ght before he went back to sea.
“Wow, the moon sure is bright.” Rose turned again. “My parents’ house is on the edge of a plantation, and the trees block most of the moonlight. Here I feel like I’m trying to sleep in the middle of the day.”
Libby rolled onto her stomach. “It’s perfect for me.” She glanced out to the full orb in the sky. “Even on cold nights I push open the drapes to let the moonlight in. I don’t like the dark …”
Rose didn’t reply, but Libby could tell that she wasn’t sleeping. Sure enough, when Libby glanced over, Rose lay on her side, propped up on one elbow, waiting.
Libby returned to her back and pulled her blanket to her chin. “I was only five when my mom left.” She stared at the pattern the windowpanes made on the ceiling. “She came and stood in my doorway in the dark, and I could hear her breathing. I didn’t say anything, and neither did she.”
“Oh, Libby, I didn’t know.”
“She stood there, and I thought she was going to apologize for the fight she and Daddy had gotten into. She always did that. After their blowups, she’d come up to my room and say, ‘Don’t worry, little girl; the sun will come up in the morning, and all will be forgiven. Do you want pancakes for breakfast?’ ”
Libby felt the tears come again, as the pain of her losses, one fresh and one long buried, rose to the surface.
“You didn’t see her again after that?”
“No.” Libby rolled to her side. “The sun did come up the next morning, but there were no pancakes, no mother.”
Rose climbed out of bed and sank down by her side.
“How come they always leave? Why did I let this happen to me again?”
She didn’t expect an answer, and Rose didn’t give one. She just held Libby and cried with her.
Why didn’t I tell Dan about my mother? Libby wondered. There is so much of me he doesn’t know. She promised herself that next time they were together, she would tell him everything. No holding back. My whole heart, I promise.
Dawn of a Thousand Nights Page 6