From the Ashes of War, page 23
part #3 of The War Trilogy Series
“Didn’t she mention talking to Reverend Forsythe again? Millie said Anya really liked him and appreciated the counsel he gave her.”
“That’s a good idea, Joey. I forgot about that. I’ll talk to her when I get home.”
“Or what about having her talk to Mom? She and Anya seem to have a good relationship, and Mom’s the best when it comes to talking through things like this.”
“For some reason, Anya’s been keeping Mom at arm’s length. I’m not sure what that’s all about, to be honest. But I have to say Mom’s been good medicine for Huub.”
“No surprise there.”
“I know. A couple of times now I’ve come home to find them on the back porch, sitting in rockers, just passing the time together. One time Mom was softly singing an old hymn and Huub was just rocking in his chair, occasionally lifting a hand as if directing a choir. It was one of those moments when the peace and calm felt so real, you could almost reach out and touch it.”
“She’s amazing,” Joey added. “It’s like she has another gear for compassion and understanding. Way beyond anything the rest of us are capable of.”
“She does. And such a quiet strength. Like I said—she’s good medicine. And not just for Huub. For me, for Anya, even for Jacob. Makes me think we might just make it work. Somehow. Eventually.”
“It will. Hang in there.”
“I am. One day at a time.”
“How are classes going?” Joey asked. “Was it hard to jump back in after all this?”
“Kind of, but I’m managing. I’ll take a full load next semester so I can graduate as soon as possible. I need to finish so I can start teaching and earn some income.”
“Are you still meeting with those veterans on campus?”
“Had coffee with them last week.”
“What about that Tuskegee Airman—the one who got beat up on campus. How’s he doing?”
“Zach? He’s recovered for the most part, at least physically. And as bad as that whole episode was, it really bonded our group. In fact, remember I told you how cantankerous his mother was when Lum and I first went to see Zach?”
“I do. You said if she’d had a shotgun, you and Lum would both have been history.”
“No kidding. But she’s made a complete turnaround. In fact, she invited all of us over for dinner with our wives. We were supposed to go a couple of weeks ago, but that was right when Anya got back. So she insisted on postponing until we could come. We’re going Saturday night.”
“That’s sounds great. You’ll have to let me know how it goes.”
“I will. Oh, before I forget. Did you talk to Cosmos about closing for you on July fourth so we can all go to the fireworks show down at the Navy Pier?”
“I did. We’re all set. Mom and the girls are putting a picnic together for us, so we’ll go early and find the perfect spot for a good view.”
“Good. Sounds like fun.”
Joey pulled into the visitor parking lot at St. George’s in Aurora. A few minutes later, they entered Marv’s hospital room.
“Hey there, Marv,” Danny said, approaching his bed with his outstretched hand. “You’re looking a whole lot better than the last time I saw you. How’re you doing, buddy?”
Marv gave him a hearty handshake. “Not too bad, for an old coot like me. Nice to see you boys.”
Joey shook his hand from the other side of the bed, looking around the room. “It’s beginning to look like a florist shop in here.”
“How about that? I get a new one every day from the front office.”
“The chewing gum business must be doing well for Mr. Wrigley to foot the florist bill for all these. Impressive!”
“Mr. Wrigley’s a peach of a guy. He stops by at least once a week. Has since the first day. Lots of the guys come by whenever the team’s in town.”
“Have they given you any idea when they’ll let you go home?”
“Should’ve been home by now, but I got an infection in my stump here that set me back a couple of weeks. I was hoping to be fitted for a prosthesis by now. But I’m trying to be patient. It’s been really hard on Tess, though. She sure wants me home. I have to say, I couldn’t have made it through this without her. She’s at the beauty parlor right now having her hair done. She’ll be sorry she missed you.”
“You be sure and tell her hello for us, okay?” Danny said.
“I’ll do it.”
After they chatted for a while, Danny changed the subject. “Marv, there’s something Joey and I would like to talk to you about.”
“I’m all ears with no place to go. What’s on your mind?”
“Joey, it was your idea, so why don’t you ask him?”
“My pleasure. The thing is, Danny and I were talking the other night about how much we’ve missed seeing you and Tess at the theater.”
“I told Tess the other day, as soon as I get my new leg and they let me out of here, I’m taking her to see that movie with Yul Bryner and Deborah Kerr. What’s the name of it?”
“Anna and the King of Siam. It’s back on the rotation in a couple of weeks, so as soon as you find out when you can come, give me a call and we’ll set it up. You’ll love it. Course, it’s a musical, so there’s a lot of singing and dancing, but I figure you can handle a little of that,” Joey teased.
“Oh, I love musicals. And Tess is a huge fan of Deborah Kerr, so she’s mighty anxious to see it too. We’ll look forward to that.”
“Danny and I know how much you love the movies. And we haven’t mentioned this with anyone outside the family yet, but I’ve been in negotiations with another theater in town, and it looks like I’ll be buying that location from him. Meaning, we’re expanding, and we’ll be needing some new employees to add to our staff. So I was wondering if you’d consider taking a management position at the new theater. Now, I’m sure Mr. Wrigley wants you back at the ballpark, and we certainly understand if you choose to return to the ball park. But if not, Danny and I would love to have you join us when you’re ready.”
“Well, then. I have to say, I never expected such a thing when you boys walked in here today. And I’m … well, I’m a bit speechless.”
“There’s no rush. We know you’ve got a lot to think about these next few weeks. And if the Cubs want you back, we totally understand. They have no bigger fan than you, that’s for sure.”
Marv studied his hands for a few moments. “Well, Mr. Wrigley promised me I’d always have a job with the Cubs. And I’ve given it an awful lot of thought. But I’ll be honest, boys. I think my Cubs days might be over. They will always mean the world to me, and I’ve got so many great memories there. But as I’ve listened to all the games on the radio … well, I just know in my heart it’s time to move on. And I have to say, your offer sounds like just the thing for me. I’ll talk it over with Tess, of course. But I can’t think of a better place to start this new chapter in my life.”
“Really? Marv, that’s great!” Joey stood to shake his hand, then leaned in for a shoulder hug.
“That’s fantastic!” Danny reached over to shake his hand. “You’ll be a fantastic addition to Joey’s staff. And all the popcorn you can eat. What’s not to love?”
“Thanks, boys. I can’t wait to tell Tess.”
37
4 July 1946
“Thank goodness for this nice weather,” Millie said as they spread out the quilts for their picnic. “It’s been a long time since we’ve had cooler weather like this on the fourth of July.”
“Hand me the other quilt,” Danny said. “Good thing we came early. We’ll have a great view of the fireworks from here.”
“Where will they be?” Jacob asked, looking around.
Joey pointed. “See down there? That’s the Navy Pier. They’ll shoot them off there.”
“Will they get on us here?” Jacob asked, searching the sky above. “Will the fire fall on us if we’re too close?”
“Not a chance,” Joey answered. “No way they’d reach us way over here.”
The guys set up the folding chairs around the edge of the quilts. Anya and Betty set about opening the picnic baskets and readying the meal.
Joey sat Jimmy on the quilt beside Millie. “Here you go, my little firecracker. Why don’t you give me that carrot? Looks like you’ve gnawed the poor thing to a stub.”
“Dadadada,” he babbled, pulling himself up to stand by grabbing Millie’s shoulder. He looked at them for praise, face and dimples beaming with pride.
“Look at you, big boy,” Danny said. “You’ll be running circles around your folks any day now, won’t you?”
Millie smiled as he reached for her hand “He’s trying. Hasn’t quite mastered a step yet, but it won’t be long.”
“Yes, and life will forever change when he does,” Joey added.
Jacob wiggled a finger in Jimmy’s ribs to make him giggle. “Can I take him for a walk when he does?”
“How about we hire you to walk him once a day?” Joey teased. “Sophie on one leash, Jimmy on another.”
“For real? Can I?”
“Joey, don’t go giving him any ideas,” Betty said.
“Oh buddy, I was just teasing. It’ll be a while ’til Jimmy’s up for walks like that. But when he is, you’ll be first to know. Fair enough?”
“I guess. How come we couldn’t bring Sophie? Look at all the dogs around here.”
“Sophie’s a bit skittish in big crowds like this,” Danny said. “She wouldn’t have liked it.”
“What is skittish?”
“It means nervous,” he answered. “It gets kind of loud, and she’d be too afraid. That’s why we left her at home.”
“Papa, sit here with me.” Jacob pulled Huub by the hand and led him to the folding chair nearest Jacob’s spot on the quilt.
As they chatted, they passed around dishes of fried chicken, potato salad, and Betty’s bread and butter sweet pickles, then enjoyed the meal as the sun listed toward the horizon.
“Aunt Betty, did you bring that watermelon?” Jacob asked, licking his fingers. “Uncle Joey said I could spit the seeds wherever I want.”
“Did he?” Betty laughed.
“He did. Tell her, Uncle Joey.”
“Well sure, Mom. What’s a fourth of July without a spittin’ contest?”
“I thought you boys would’ve outgrown that sort of thing by now,” she teased. “Thank goodness your wives have better manners.”
“Hardly,” Danny added. “Anya’s the best seed-spitter I’ve ever known. Aren’t you, sweetheart?”
She smiled. “Why, Danny McClain. Is that a hint of jealousy I hear?”
“Can we spit now?” Jacob asked, digging through the second basket. “Where’s the watermelon?”
“Not just yet, Jacob,” Anya said. “Eat your supper first.”
“I already ate it.”
“Already?”
“Yes.”
“Then wait until everyone else is finished.”
He glared at her for a moment. The dare in his eyes no longer provoked her as much, nor did his pursed lips as he plopped back down on the quilt. Perhaps they were making progress after all.
“You all have some more chicken,” Betty said. “And there’s plenty more potato salad.”
“Don’t mind if I do,” Joey said, reaching for another piece. “Your fried chicken was one of the things I missed most while I was overseas. That and your peach pie.”
“Must be your lucky day since that’s what I made for dessert today.”
“How about that? I’m batting a hundred today.”
“Speaking of baseball,” Danny added, “Think the Cubs can win the second game of their doubleheader today? They barely squeaked by the Cardinals in the first game.”
“Yeah, but they won and that gives them the advantage. And coming off those back-to-back wins against Pittsburgh ought to give them some momentum. We’ll see.”
“Oh Danny, I meant to tell you,” Betty began after sipping her lemonade. “Mrs. Martello stopped by yesterday to visit. She told me Angelica’s mind seems to be slipping a little more every day.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. But those sisters are both up in their eighties, aren’t they?”
“Yes, I believe they’re both over eighty-five. Anyway, she’s decided to move Angelica into her house then either sell or rent out Angelica’s.”
“It’s about time,” Danny said. “I never did understand why they lived in two houses right next door to each other.”
“Hey, maybe you and Anya could rent it from her,” Joey said. “Or better yet, use the GI Bill and buy it.”
Anya and Danny locked eyes, the possibility hitting them at the same moment. The images flashed through her mind. Picking out paint colors. Hanging pictures on the walls. Planting tulips in the front flowerbeds … Our very own home?
“Oh Danny,” she breathed. “Do you think we could?”
He set his plate aside and wiped his hands on his napkin. “You know, we just might be able to pull it off.”
Her laughter bubbled up and spilled out so quickly, she practically threw herself into his arms. “Really? Our very own home?”
“Why not? It’s a pretty little house.”
She answered with a bold kiss prompting a round of laughter from the others.
Anya suddenly stopped and turned to catch Betty’s eye. “But only if it’s all right with you, Betty? We wouldn’t want to abandon you.”
“Of course it’s all right with me. You’ll be right across the street. It will be the best of both worlds! And I couldn’t be happier for you. I think it’s a wonderful idea.”
Anya worked her way over to hug her mother-in-law. “I don’t deserve you,” she said, her voice choked with emotion. “I truly don’t.”
“Why’s she crying?” Jacob asked, reaching for another chicken leg.
“Because she’s happy,” Millie answered. “One day when you’re grown up, you’ll get married and be excited about buying your first house. Then you’ll understand.”
“I don’t want to get married. Papa and me are plenty happy. I don’t need some old girl crying and carrying on all the time.”
Their laughter drew curious glances from other picnickers. Even Jimmy squealed with delight at their outburst.
“I don’t see what’s so funny,” Jacob added casually with a final bite of chicken.
They hooted a second time until he finally shrugged and tossed the bare chicken leg in the brown paper trash bag.
“Ihr seid alle so komisch,” he announced.
Anya stood, then leaned down to hug him, her arms circling his bony shoulders. “Yes, we are weird, and aren’t you glad?” She kissed the top of his head and hugged him even tighter. She stopped, suddenly embarrassed by her gesture of affection, and slowly pulled back, giving him a little pat on the head.
When she glanced at her father, his eyes met hers for a moment, a smile warming his face as he tilted his head to the side, the way he used to do. How could such a subtle movement evoke so many memories? That one simple tilt of the head such a familiar backdrop of happier times back home.
A second later it was gone. Anya closed her eyes, clinging to the stolen pleasure, the gift of that tiny glimpse of the father she used to know. For now it was enough.
Later, after a raucous game of spitting watermelon seeds, with the rinds stashed in nearby trash receptacles, they settled in to wait for the fireworks. Anya and Danny rested against the trunk of the tree above them. Jimmy slept in his mother’s arms as she leaned against Joey. And Betty relaxed, seated in her chair beside Huub who’d dozed off for a second time.
It pleased Anya, observing how easily Jacob allowed Betty to be Huub’s companion—Papa’s companion. Her gentle and motherly ways had surely endeared her to him. Perhaps she was the one person he didn’t view as a threat to his tight bond with Papa. Anya wondered if there would ever come a day when he would allow her into his world too.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Danny whispered in her ear. Leaning back against his chest, his arms encircling her waist, she pondered his question.
“I was thinking how nice this evening has been. And how … unexpected it is, to enjoy it so. After everything. I did not think it could be this … this—”
“Good?”
“Yes. Good. I wasn’t sure life would ever be good again.”
“You didn’t?”
“No. If I’m honest, no. I didn’t.”
“Want to know what I was thinking?”
“That’s easy. You were sulking because I won the contest, spitting seeds miles farther than you.”
“Well, there’s that of course.”
“Of course.”
He kissed the bare skin on her shoulder. “Actually, I was thinking we haven’t celebrated our anniversary yet. Our first anniversary. And I was thinking we should do something about that.”
“But you told me there was a bad fire at the hotel where we had reservations. What would we do?”
“Believe it or not, the La Salle isn’t the only hotel in Chicago.”
“I know, but it’s where your mother and father spent their most romantic evening. I thought we were going there for … for, what was that word Joey used earlier? Sent—”
“Sentimentality? You’re right. That was why I picked the La Salle. But we can make our own memories. The other day I talked to a buddy of mine at school who took his wife to the Drake for their anniversary, and he said it was amazing. It’s a famous hotel. More famous than the La Salle. And a lot less smoky.”
“Don’t be heartless. You told me sixty-one people died in the La Salle fire. It could have been us, you know.”
“You’re right. Anyway, lots of famous people have stayed at the Drake. Winston Churchill stayed there on an American vacation back in the twenties. Lots of foreign dignitaries, and plenty of movie stars, like Bing Crosby, Walt Disney, Cary Grant—”
“Look! The fireworks are starting!” Joey shouted, pointing to the pier.
A sprinkling of sparkles lit up the darkening sky. Just a few at first, the echo of their delayed popping mostly muted by the ever-present wind blowing the opposite direction.
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