Written: November 2000

Pre-SNAFU Series

Part 1 We Interrupt This Program

Warning! Some slang used that was indicative of the time. It is not intended to offend anyone.
**********

"Hey, Jeff," Ginger said as she bounded up the walk to the Metcalf house.

"Ginger," he muttered in reply.

"Aren't we a gloomy gus today?" Ginger stated.

Jeff sat on the steps slapping a baseball into his glove.

"Ginger!" Linda exclaimed as she opened the door. "You're not going dressed like that?"

Ginger looked down at her navy blue wool jumper, white blouse and navy pumps.

"Why not? What's wrong with the way I am dressed?"

"We're going to watch the guys play football not go to the theater," Linda explained. "What will I do with you? Come on in here. I've got something you can wear." Linda said.

"It has to be blue. Charlie likes blue," said Ginger.

"You should wear yellow not blue," Jeff mumbled.

"What did you say?" Ginger asked him.

"It's silly for you to wear blue all the time just 'cause Charlie likes blue. You hate blue," Jeff stated.

"Well, just what do you think you know, buster. You're not even old enough to have a girlfriend," Ginger snapped.

"Why would I want one? Dames are screwy," Jeff proclaimed and bumped into Sarah as he ran down the steps.

"Sorry, Sarah," he apologized.

"What's wrong with him?" Sarah asked.

"Ginger!" Linda said disapprovingly.

"What!? What did I do now?"
Linda ushered everyone into the house.

"Yesterday Jeff asked Sandy Parker to the Christmas dance. She told him no," Linda explained.

"Jeff likes Sandy Parker? You're kidding? That little..." Ginger started to say then Linda punched her arm.

"Gin, his heart's broke and then he and Hank were going to play catch this afternoon but Charlie and mike came by and wanted Hank to play a game of football with all the guys,"

"Poor Jeff," Sarah said.

Ginger put her hands on her hips. "Why somebody should teach that Sandy Parker a thing or two."

As the girls came out of the house, Ginger spied Jeff tossing his baseball up in the air.

"You girls go on. I'll catch up," Ginger said.

"Hurry up, we're already late," Sarah warned.

"l"ll hurry. Go on."

She waited till they had gone to the end of the block before she trotted over to where Jeff was.

"Jeff, hey. I"m sorry about what I said earlier. You know. About not knowing anything about women."
Jeff just kept tossing the ball.

"Why don't you come with me to watch the game. Or better yet. I bet they'd let you play.... Jeff are you listening to me?" She asked.

He caught the ball and looked in her direction. He looked her up and down and the corner of his mouth twitched. He put his arm over his mouth to cover the smile that was forming. Little did he know the smile reached his eyes. Ginger looked down at herself in Linda's flannel shirt, overalls and sneakers.

"I look pretty silly don't I? Well, I guess at some point we all do something that makes us look or feel silly. We just have to learn to laugh. Go ahead I know you want to," she said.

He then broke into a good laugh. She joined him. He had such a nice laugh.

"Come on, go with me," Ginger urged.

Jeff shook his head okay.
As they rounded the corner to the park, Jeff stopped.

"What?" Ginger asked.

Jeff stepped back behind a tree. Ginger scanned the crowd and spied Sandy Parker with a couple of her friends.

"Don't you let her know she's hurt you. Act like it's no big deal," Ginger advised.

"Who told you?" Jeff asked as his face turned red.
"Linda told me but..."

Jeff turned to walk away.

"Wait a minute Jeff. I have an idea."

He stopped and squared his shoulders.

"I really didn't want to take her to the stupid dance anyway. I don't even know how to dance. It's just too warm to sit out here and watch a football game is all."

"Come on, escort me to the game. I'll sit next to you and pretend that you're the swellest guy in the world."

"That's stupid. Everyone knows you have eyes for Charlie."


"Well, it's time I put my acting skills to practice. Come on."

She looped her arm through Jeff's. When they got into view of Sandy, Ginger looked up at Jeff adoringly and laughed loud enough to get peoples attention.

"Oh Jeff, you're so funny."

She snuggled up to his arm. He had thought Ginger was screwy before, now he was positive. Even so, he held her hand as she stepped onto the bleachers.

"Hey Linda! Sarah!" She said as she sat down.

She pulled Jeff down next to her.


"What are you doing?" Linda whispered.
"Ssh!" Ginger warned.

She put her arm through Jeff's again and hugged it.

"Your brother was so sweet to walk me here." She leaned over to speak to Sarah. "Jeff is taking me to the Christmas dance. He asked last week and I'm embarrassed to say I put him off waiting for that lug head Charlie Hailey to ask me. Luckily Jeff didn't have a date yet. I have come to my senses and realized I have wasted too many good years on Charlie Hailey," Ginger gushed.

"What are you talking about, Ginger?" Sarah asked.

"Why, Sarah you didn't know that Jeff has had a crush on Ginger for quite a while now. He was so heartbroken when he thought he couldn't take her to the dance," Linda embellished.

Ginger leaned over to Linda and whispered, "God bless you."

"Jeff, you sly dog you. What's mom going to say?" Linda teased.

"I don't care what Mom says. Ginger's swell and she'll just have to accept that we're going out."

Jeff removed his arm from hers and put it around her shoulders and pulled her to him.

"He's just aces, Linda. I can't believe I didn't notice before," Ginger said as she looked up at him.

Charlie looked over at the stands. What was Ginger doing?

"Is it working?" she whispered.

He glanced at Sandy who was watching everything that was going on.

"I think so," he said and encouraged by the thought, placed a kiss on the top of Gingers head.

"Oof!' Charlie said as he was tackled to the ground. Hank immediately after.

"Charlie pay attention. You're supposed to block for me," Hank yelled.

Charlie paid no attention to what he was saying.

"Mutt! Get your hands off her right this minute," he yelled out as he ran across the field.

"Uh oh," Ginger said.

Jeff looked at her.

"What do you mean, uh oh?" Jeff asked.
He had been so lost in the moment he failed to hear Charlie yelling at him.

"Charlie, now wait a minute," Ginger pleaded as she ran down the steps.

Jeff, Linda and Sarah right behind her.

"What the hell are you doing with my girl?" Charlie asked.

He didn't give Jeff time to answer before he punched him. Jeff fell to the ground.

"Charlie! You big dunce! Get back. Jeff are you all right? I'm so sorry. This is all my fault," Ginger apologized.

"Your fault? What are you doing with this kid, Ginny?" Charlie asked.

"Charlie, what's the matter with you? Why did you punch my kid brother?" Hank joined in.

Ginger helped Jeff up. "Come on let's get you home."

Linda and Sarah both gave Charlie dirty looks. Hank shoved him and Mike slapped the back of his head.

"What? What did I do?" Charlie asked as he stood there by himself.

The next day Charlie and Ginger joined the Metcalf’s for lunch after Church.

"Charlie you need to learn that violence isn't the answer to everything," Anne reprimanded.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Metcalf. I didn't know what Ginger and Mutt were up to. I should have know Mutt could never steal my gal."

"Oh, Charlie," Ginger giggled.

"And you two going on like that in public. Making that girl think you two were going to the dance, well it's lying. You should be ashamed of yourselves," Anne admonished.

"I'm sorry. Mom, Mrs. Metcalf," they replied in unison.

"Well just to prove that I wasn't lying, well I, I am going to that dance with Jeff," Ginger stammered.

"What?" Jeff and Charlie asked in unison.

"Sure. It will be fun. You won't mind will you Charlie? You do owe Jeff," Ginger stated.
"I told you I don't want to go. I can't dance," Jeff replied.

"Well, then we have two weeks to get you into top form, buster."

She got up from the dinner table and went to the radio and turned it on. 'I don't want to set the world on fire' was playing.

"I can't watch this," Charlie mumbled.

"Well the rest of you can help with the clean up,"Anne stated

"How come Jeff gets out of clean up?" Hank complained.

"Hank leave your brother alone." Anne said.

"Here, Jeff. Look up. Start with your left foot. Step together step. No, look up. Keep your back straight. Ouch!" she cried out.

"I told you I couldn't dance," Jeff sighed.

"I don't even know why we are doing this."

"Because I am not going to give Sandy Parker the satisfaction of her thinking she broke your heart," Ginger declared.

"Why are you being so nice to me?" Jeff asked.

Ginger looked up at him. He was tall, much taller than last year. He had this adorable, 'I'm lost in the woods, come help me' look on his face. She smiled at him.

"Because Jeff Metcalf. If you weren't two years younger and I wasn't in love with Charlie, I....."

"We interrupt this program to bring you a special news bulletin...."

"Turn that up," Charlie ordered.

"The Japanese have attacked Pearl Harbor. The White House announces Japanese planes bombed Pearl Harbor Naval base in Oahu, Hawaii this morning in a sneak attack."

No one in the room, dared breath. They all knew what this meant. The announcement went off and the music continued.

"Those damn Japs. Pardon my French," Charlie stated.
"Everyone we need to pray." Anne instructed.

Just as they finished, the door burst open. Mike ran into the room. He took off his hat.

"Mrs. Metcalf, ladies."

"MIKE you heard?" Linda asked as she ran into his embrace.

"This is it. We're going to war," Mike stated.

The women gasped.

"Mrs Metcalf. If you have any blankets or dark material get it now and start covering the windows. We don't know how many more bombings may occur. It is best to take precautions. I have to get back home, I just wanted to check on you and Linda." He kissed her. "It'll be okay, honey. Don't be scared."

He turned to leave.

"Sarah, I need to get her and bring her here," Hank said.

Just then Sarah ran into the room.

"Hank, I am so scared." Sarah cried.

"It's okay. You can stay here with us," Hank soothed.

"I need to get home. Charlie, come with me," Ginger pleaded.

"Sure."

Charlie shook hands with Hank and waved to everyone.

"If those Japs think they can take us they're in for a surprise. We'll all join up and send them all to hell," Charlie declared as he walked out the door.

His statement frightened Anne beyond words. She couldn't even think of her boys going off to fight.

"Hank, we won't even discuss this tonight. Lock the doors and windows. Linda, Sarah. Go get all the blankets you can find. Jeff, go get the hammer and some nails," Anne instructed.

As everyone went to do their duties. Anne knelt down and prayed. More fervently than she had ever prayed in her life.

 

Part 2 Declaration of War

"All the windows are covered," Jeff announced as he and Hank walked into the living room.

"Mrs. Metcalf. Sit down. I'll fix you some tea," Sarah offered.

Jeff sat down at the kitchen table with his mother.

"Don't worry Mom. We'll show those Japs. We'll kill them all," he proclaimed.

"Jeff I don't want to hear you talk like that."

"But Mom!"

"But nothing. Somebodies sons, brothers, and fathers were killed today. I can't stand the thought of you and Hank going off to fight those....We will not discuss this now," Anne warned.

"Jeff, the last thing your mother needs right now is talk of you and Hank going off and winning this war single handedly. It is the last thing any of us need to hear," Sarah admonished.

Anne busied herself with wiping the counters.

"I know you don't want to hear this Mother, but if they call my number I will go," Hank stated.

"Stop it! Right this minute. I'll not have any talk of war in my house today," Anne cried.

"We'll have to declare war. It's a matter of honor. I have to serve as a matter of honor," Hank replied.

"I'm signing up as soon as I am old enough too," Jeff chimed in.

"But you baby brother will not go," Hank stated.

"And why not?"

"You need to stay here and take care of Mom and Linda and Sarah," said Hank.

"They can take care of themselves. And what if I get drafted first?"

"You're too much of a runt to fight a war," Hank teased.

"Am not!"
Jeff grabbed Hank and they began to wrestle. Anne tried to get them to stop. Finally Hank rolled Jeff on his back and pinned his arms to the ground. Jeff tried and tried to free himself.

"See! Say Uncle. Say Uncle," Hank urged.

"Uncle," Jeff groaned.
~~~~~~~~

"Yesterday, December 7, 1941, -- a date that will live in infamy, the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by Naval and Air Forces of the Empire of Japan."

The Metcalf’s sat around the radio and listened intently to the President of the United States.

"Hostilities exist. I ask that Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday December 7, 1941 a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire."

Hank jumped up.

"Hot damn! I told you Mother. We're going to war."
"Hank!" Sarah cried out.

"Aww, don't worry honey. It'll be over in a few months. "
~~

"See. Even the war department thinks you're a runt," Hank teased.

"You'll just have to wait a few years. But they still won't take you."

"Get lost," Jeff responded.

Anne stood on the porch wiping her hands on her apron.

"Well?" she asked.

Hank laughed. "Jeff tried to sign up. They wouldn't do it without your permission. Which I told him he could forget about."

Jeff ran past his mother, up the stairs to his room.

Anne heaved a sigh of relief. "What about you?"

"I've got my number right here. Now I just get to sit back and wait for my number to come up. "

Part 3 You're in the Army Now

Linda and Anne heard a loud shout coming from the front porch. They left the kitchen and made it to the living room when Hank ran through the front door waving a letter.

Linda grabbed it from him. He picked her up and spun her around.

"Hank, stop it. Put me down," she cried.

"What's in the letter? What does it say? Linda read it," Anne requested, a quiver in her voice.

Linda began to read.

Greetings Mr. Hank Metcalf:

Having submitted yourself to a local board composed of your neighbors for the purpose of determining your availability for training and service in the Armed Forces of the United States. You are hereby notified that you have been selected for training and service in the Army. You are to report for duty at Ft. Benning, GA. on February 22, 1943.


"Oh, my. Hank?" Linda felt as if she had been punched in the gut.

Anne sat down in a chair. "I thought they would pass you by,'" she said.

"I knew my time was coming," Hank stated.

Linda started to cry.

"Come on Sis, don't cry. I have to do this," Hank soothed.

"That is only ten days. What do we need to do to get you ready?" Anne said, trying to be brave.

Hank hugged his mother. "Thanks, Mom."

Just then the phone rang. Linda dried her tears and answered.

"Metcalf residence. Charlie, slow down. You got one too? Yes, Hank got his today. Hang on. Hank it's Charlie," Linda said.

There was a knock on the door. Linda motioned Ginger on in.

"What's the matter Linda? You've been crying. Oh, is it Mike?" Ginger asked.
"Oh, Mike! Oh, ah Hank got his notice, so did Charlie. Do you think Mike did also?"

"Charlie? He's leaving? Hank too? When?" Ginger asked her voice almost squeaking.

"You didn't know?" Anne asked.

"No, I just..That louse, I can't believe he didn't tell me," Ginger said as she stamped her foot in anger.

Hank hung up the phone. "Can you believe it! Charlie and I both report the same day at Ft.Benning," Hank said excitedly.

They heard footsteps on the front porch. It was Mike.

"Oh no! Not you too?" Linda cried out.

Mike held her. "Hank you got your notice?" Mike asked.

"Yeah, Charlie too. How swell is that? Ft. Benning?" Mike nodded his head yes.

"How could this happen?" Anne asked.

"Probably the numbers left were few and far between. We all went before the board a few weeks ago. I knew we would all pass the physical. I just can't believe we're all going to Ft. Benning," Hank stated.

"Will you all be together over seas?" Ginger asked.

"I really doubt it Ginger," Mike answered.

"If you all will excuse me. I have a few things to say to Charlie," Ginger said.

"Ginger. What are you going to do?" LInda asked.

"Kill him, I'm gonna kill him. I won't even give the Japs a chance. "

"I'd hate to be Charlie," Hank laughed.

"Well, you might find yourself in the same fix if you don't tell Sarah soon," Linda warned.

Hank grabbed his jacket.

"I'll be home soon,Mother."
~~~~~~
"What's the meaning of this buster?" Ginger asked.

"Don't be sore, Ginny. I was gonna tell you," Charlie said.

"When? Was I going to get a Dear Jane letter? Oh, I don't know. A month after you were gone?"

"No. I would never do that to you. Scouts honor." Charlie swore.

"Sure you say that now that you got caught. How can I believe you now?"

"Marry me," Charlie blurted.

"What?"

"Marry me." I've got ten days before I have to report. We can have Father Dreyer marry us and have a few days honeymoon before I have to leave," he suggested.

Ginger stood there in shock. She had wanted this since she was eleven. But this was not how she had pictured it.

"No! I won't have people saying I'm an allotment Annie. I don't want them thinking I married you for $50 a month and your $10,000 life insurance policy. Besides, what if I were to get pregnant and you never made it back?" Ginger asked.

"Ginny, I'll come home. I'm too hard headed to let some Jap or Nazi kill me."

"Oh, Charlie. You haven't even told me that you love me," Ginger cried.

"What? Of course I do. I wouldn't have asked you to marry me if I didn't," he stated.

"Tell me Charlie. Tell me you love me," Ginger pleaded.

Charlie got up and paced back and forth.

"Even if I told you now, you'd say it was because you forced me into it. It's a no win situation," Charlie complained.

"Well, you're right. I wouldn't believe you. But I love you Charlie and I will marry you. Only, I won't marry you till the day you come home," she said.

Charlie picked her up and swung her around.

"I'm the happiest man alive, Ginny."

"I will meet you at the train station the day you come home in my wedding gown and we'll get married then. Okay Charlie?"

"Okay, Ginny. I love you!"

Ginger looked at him in surprise.

"You can believe it Ginny. The day I come home I'll make you my wife."

 

 

Part 4 All Aboard

Jeff was out in the garage tinkering with his bike.

"Here you are," Hank stated.

"Yep. Here I am," Jeff snapped not looking at Hank.

"There's no need to bite my head off," Hank responded.

"Sorry," Jeff muttered.

Hank looked at his brother, realizing he was really going to miss him. He just stood there not sure what to say.

"Can I count on you...."

Jeff didn't let him finish.

"For the hundredth time I can take care of things here while you go off and fight your big war," Jeff said as he hopped on his bike and started peddling.

Hank grabbed his bike and went after him. Down the block, through town, across the bridge and up Kirkland Hill. Hank was upset enough to beat him but decided once again to let Jeff win. This may be the last time they raced up the hill and he couldn't let it be the only time he beat Jeff.

"I can beat you up the hill and I can take care of things here. Just because I have to be left behind because the war department says I don't have to fight because I'm the only other brother doesn't mean I couldn't be a better soldier than you," Jeff yelled.

"Calm down, baby brother," Hank said.

"Don't call me that. I'm not a baby. I'm 20 years old."

"Hey, Jeff. I'm sorry. You're right. You're no baby. You're a man."
Hank turned away and rubbed his head.

"I'm scared Jeff. What if I don't come back? What if I do and I don't come back whole?"

"Hank?"

"That's why I keep on you about taking care of the women. As scared as I am they have to be more scared," Hank muttered.

"Hank. I'm sorry. I promise you I'll watch after everything here," Jeff promised. "Hank. I'm scared too," Jeff admitted.

Hank grabbed Jeff to him. The two brothers stood there in the morning sun, in a spot they had been to more than a hundred times before. Both thinking this may be the last time they would be here together.

"I'm proud of you Jeff. I know I have nothing to worry about here, you'll take care of everything. I know you want to go fight too, but you're doing the right thing by staying here."

Hank stepped back from Jeff and ruffled his hair.

"Thanks Hank. Don't worry. You'll do all right over there," Jeff told him.

Hank chuckled. "From your lips to God's ears."

He looked at his watch. "Come on. Race you home!"
~~~~~~~
"Where have you boys been? Hank we need to get you to the station or you'll miss your train," Anne warned.
~~~~~~~~

Tears were shed and hugs exchanged as Hank, Charlie, and Mike were waiting to board their train.
"You better be waiting here in that wedding dress when I come home, Ginny," Charlie said as he kissed Ginger. "You look swell in that blue dress. Thank you for wearing it."

"Oh Charlie. Be careful. Please come home safely," Ginger cried.

He wiped away a tear from her face.

"Jeff you keep all the guys away from Sarah, okay?" Hank said.

"There are no guys here. They've all gone off to fight but me," Jeff muttered.
"Hey baby brother. You've got a big job to do here. And what good would your baseball career be if you lost an arm or a leg in battle?"

"Oh Hank!" Anne exclaimed.

"I'm sorry Mom. I promise that won't happen to me. I'll come home in one piece. How can I not, with you praying for me?" Hank stated as he hugged his mother.

Hank turned to Sarah. "Oh Sarah. I'm gonna miss you," Hank whispered.

"Promise you'll wait for me."

"Don't be silly Hank. I'll be true to you," Sarah promised.

"Sis," Hank said as he held his arms open for Linda.

She hugged him fiercely.

"Whoa. You're squishing me," Hank laughed.

Linda wiped away a tear. Hank held out his hand to Jeff. He took it and Hank pulled him close and they embraced.

Mike stood with his arm around Linda.

"I hope they have decent cooks in the Army. I just can't imagine my son eating slop off some tin plate. It's just unconscionable. Be sure you stay dry and warm. You know you have a tendency to catch cold easily," Ruth clucked.

"Mother," Mike said taking Ruth's hands. "Stop worrying. This will all be over soon and I'll be home before you can even miss me." Mike stated.
"That's not so, Mike. I miss you already."

She hugged him.

"Dad," Mike said taking his hand.

"I'm so proud of you, son," Mike Sr. said.


"All aboard!" The conductor called out.

They all exchanged quick hugs and Hank, Charlie and Mike boarded the train.

As the train pulled away Ginger ran after it. Sarah followed. The men waved out the windows as the girls ran as far as the depot would allow.

Linda sat down on a bench and cried. She had put her hand on Ruth Sloan's arm as the train pulled out and she had recoiled at Linda's touch. Linda had such a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach.

Jeff held his mother and wiped away his own tears. He was going to miss Hank. Heck maybe even Charlie a little. Who else was he going to have to fight with?

Later at the Metcalf's, Jeff sat on the porch swing lost in thought. Ginger softly closed the door behind her.

"Jeff?" She smiled at him.

"Hi, Ginger. You headed home?"

"Yeah. I wish I could stay here forever," she said as she sat down next to him. "I wish I were part of your family," she sighed.

"You say that 'cause you don't live here. I'd give you a week and you'd want your own family bac,." Jeff wagered.

Ginger laughed, then touched his arm softly.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

"Sure. Why'd you ask?"

"I don't know. You and Hank are so close. I know this must be hard on you. Everyone is fussing around us girls and you're kind of left out."

He scratched his head. "I'll be okay. I'll be pretty busy while he's gone. You know being the only guy in town. I'll be busy with all the dames you see." He laughed.

She smiled and patted his leg. "You take care Jeff and if you or your family needs me for anything, I'll be here."

Jeff nodded in acknowledgment.

"Maybe you could go to the show with Linda and me sometime, if you want. That is if you can find free time from all the dames," she teased.

He smiled. "Yeah, I think I could find the time."

"Maybe we could even finish those dance lessons. Sandy Parker just doesn't know what she missed out on."

"I guess we all missed out that Christmas," Jeff said.

"We haven't had a Christmas dance since the war started.

"Well, when they start back up you better save your old friend a dance," Ginger said softly.

"I don't know about that. I would probably break your toe or something," he laughed.

"I better get going. Good bye," Ginger said.

Jeff watched her as she walked away. She was pretty swell for a girl.

Jeff heard the door again. This time it was Sarah. She sat down on the swing and leaned into his chest.

"Oh Jeff! How am I going to make it. What if something terrible happens to Hank? I couldn't survive it," she cried.

"Don't talk that way Sarah. Hank will be okay. He has to be," Jeff said as he stroked her hair. The scent of it tickled his nose. "I'm here and I promised Hank I'd take care of you and I will."

She wrapped her arms around him. "I'm glad you're here Jeff."

 

Part 5 What Might Have Been

Ginger was bored out of her mind. She had the day off and nothing to do. Linda was working at the Sloan's factory and she didn't have anyone else she could go do anything with. Before the war there was always someone around with free time. Now all the guys were gone and her friends all had jobs.

She could go into drugstore and see if Mr. Brandstaetter needed her to work. She really didn't want to do that. She knew if she stayed around the house her mother would put her to work there.

She was tired of working. She wanted to have some fun. She wanted Charlie to come home so they could go out. Well, when Charlie came home they would get married then they wouldn't go out much then either. But at least there would be something to do.

She sighed loudly. She was only 23 but she felt old. The war had changed so much. She had taken to wearing pants most of the time now. No one had a decent pair of nylons left. Well she had one pair but she was saving them for her wedding day. Sugar and meat were rationed. What she wouldn't give to sink her teeth into a juicy steak, eat a piece of chocolate cream pie or have a new wool jumper.

"Ginger stop feeling sorry for yourself," she said out loud. She grabbed her purse and headed out the door, deciding to go see a matinee. She walked the few blocks to the theater, but she didn't feel like watching a sad love story by herself. She could go skating! No, the rink was closed weekdays, so that was out.

So Ginger just walked. It was a beautiful summer day. The sky was a clear blue, not a cloud in sight and a cool breeze made it very comfortable.

She found herself at the ball park. She noticed Jeff's team was playing. She didn't like baseball, any sports really, but it was something to do. She climbed up in the bleachers. The last time she had been here was they day before the Japs bombed Pearl Harbor. That seemed like a lifetime ago.
She shaded her eyes against the sun, wishing she would have worn a hat.

The teams consisted of young men who were too young to go off to war and those who had been refused due to certain physical requirements. The fans in the stands were old men and young boys.

She felt completely out of place and was just about to leave when she saw Jeff waving at her from across the park. She smiled and waved back. He looked so cute in his uniform. Maybe she would stay for a while. Jeff seemed to be pleased someone he knew was at his game.

Ginger was the last person he expected to see here. He had no idea why her being here made him feel so.....happy. He was next up to bat. He approached the plate and took a couple of practice swings. The pitcher tossed him a low fast ball and it connected with the tip of his bat and sailed over the heads of the outfielders. Ginger stood up and cheered with the rest of the crowd.

Jeff looked in her direction as he headed to 1st base. She waved as she jumped up and down. He waved back and gave her a huge smile. 'My word he has a lovely smile,' Ginger thought.

God bless the old man next to her who explained what was going on. This was a terribly complicated game.

It was the top of the 9th. The visiting team was up to bat. Jeff's team led 12 runs to 10. The other team had runners on 1st and 2nd. The ball was pitched. The bat made contact and with a loud crack sailed into right field where Jeff easily caught it, threw it to 2nd where a runner was tagged out. Then the ball was thrown home where it was caught just as the runner slid home.
"OUT!" the umpire yelled.

"My word a triple play to end the game! That Metcalf boy is something," The old man stated.

Ginger had no idea what had just happened but it was a beautiful sight to behold. And she was so proud of Jeff. She ran down the bleachers onto the field where Jeff was being carried on the shoulders of his teammates.

"Put me down guys," Jeff instructed. "Hey Ginger!"
"Oh Jeff that was so exciting," Ginger responded as she hugged him.

He was surprised by her display, but hugged her anyway. When she stepped away he was sorry. She had fit perfectly in his arms. He shook his head. Where had that come from?

"I can't believe you came to see me play, Ginger. Thank you," Jeff said.

Ginger didn't have the heart to tell him she had shown up by accident.

"You're welcome. I really didn't know what was going on. But when you hit that little ball way out there and you ran all the way around the diamond. It was just so exciting," she explained.

"Home run," he offered.

"What?"

"When I hit that little ball way out there and I ran around that diamond, That was a home run," he explained somewhat impatiently.

"Oh. Well that triple play to end the game was something," she said somewhat breathlessly, hoping to redeem herself with the information the old man had provided her.

Jeff smiled. "Well yes, it was something," he responded surprised.

"Come on Jeff. Let's go to Brandstaetters and I'll by you a Coca Cola to celebrate."

"Swell."

As they walked along Jeff noticed the way the sun glinted off of her hair. She talked non stop about the game. Not that too much of what she said was technically correct but Jeff enjoyed hearing her talk about baseball. She was so bubbly and full of life and she was so easy to be around. Sarah, on the other hand was always pouting about something. It seem Jeff spent so much of their time together trying to boost her spirits. Just listening to Ginger talk, boosted his. All of a sudden he felt guilty. He shouldn't.
He wasn't doing anything wrong. Or was he? This was Charlie's girl.

It was so often he felt guilty that he should be used to it by now. Every time he was with Sarah he felt guilty. He hadn't meant to fall for her. He was just supposed to watch after her for Hank. She just needed him so much and he somehow had fallen in love with her. But he would never act on his feelings for her. She was his brothers girl. Sarah loved Hank and Hank loved Sarah. So he would keep his feelings to himself. Now he was thinking how nice Ginger was and here she was someone else's girl.
'I am such a louse.' he thought to himself.

He held open the door for Ginger as they reached the drugstore. They sat at the counter and Ginger ordered them two Colas.

"Have you heard from Hank lately? she asked.

"We got a letter yesterday," Jeff answered.

"How's he doing?"

"Okay, I guess. I don't think he tells us everything. His letters are always so up beat. Of course some of the letters are censored."

"Charlie's letters too. I hate it that someone else is reading my mail," Ginger said.

"I guess it's for security reasons. If the enemy would get hold of a letter that gave away any information it could be bad," Jeff offered.

Ginger sighed. "I'm so tired of this war. I want everyone to come home so it can be like it was before. Only it can't be like it was before, can it? Johnny Tompkins, Mark White, Sam Henning and so many others won't come home."

"Ginger come on. It will be okay. It has to end soon. Charlie and Hank and Mike will come home and things will be better than before the war,"Jeff comforted.

He raised his hand to smooth her hair, then he rested his hand on her shoulder.

"You're right. They promised us they'd come home okay and they will. Maybe I'll have you teach me all about baseball and I’ll surprise Charlie when he gets back," Ginger said, her spirits lifting.

Jeff moved his hand to her neck and leaned close to her.

"If you learn about baseball you'll surprise more than Charlie. You'll surprise the whole darn town," he teased.

Ginger playfully punched at his chest, suddenly feeling all tingly. "I could learn about baseball if I wanted to Buster!"

"Well, isn't this cozy?" Sarah said as she walked up.

"Sarah, Hi." Jeff jumped off the stool.

"Hi Sarah," Ginger said brightly.
"Are the employees supposed to sit with the customers on the job?" Sarah asked.

Ginger was surprised by the tone of her voice. "I'm not working. I have the day off," Ginger explained.
"We're celebrating. My team won today," Jeff said.
"Here Sarah. Sit here. If you'll excuse me just a minute," Jeff said as he left for the restroom.

Sarah eased onto the stool. "You went to Jeff's game? I didn't think you liked sports?"

"I don't , but I had fun. Jeff hit a, ah home run and then ended the game with a triple play. The man next to me said Jeff was really talented," Ginger said.

Sarah lowered her voice. "Do you really think it is proper for you to go to his game and then be seen here flirting with him when you are an engaged woman?" Sarah asked.

Ginger flinched as if she had been struck. "I wasn't flirting! Heaven's to Betsy he's my best friends little brother," she said in her own defense.
"Even so. When I walked in I was shocked at what I saw. And if I was shocked, others who don't know you and Jeff as well, might be just as shocked," Sarah warned.

Ginger felt terrible. She would just die if word got around she was two timing Charlie.

"I better go. I have things to do at home. Tell Jeff I said good bye," Ginger said.

Sarah watched Ginger leave. She smiled smugly.

'That should take care of her,' she thought to herself.

"Where's Ginger?" Jeff asked as he returned.

"Oh, she had to leave. She said something about having things to do at home. So. Do you want to walk me home and tell me about your game?"

 

Part 6 Merry Christmas

Ginger and Linda sat at the dining room table at the Metcalf home.
"I thought they were going to fight the Japs," Ginger stated.

"Ginger it is a world war," Linda explained.

"I know but I thought they signed up to fight the Japs. Doesn't that mean they would fight the Japs?" Ginger wondered.

Linda sighed impatiently.

"What did Charlie's letter say?" she asked changing the subject.

"Not much. He talks about the guys in his unit, the food is bad, the beds hard, when they have beds. Here they risk their lives and this is the thanks they get. Bad food and hard beds."

"They're fighting a war, Ginger. They can't be put up in a 5 star hotel," Linda stated.

"Enough of war talk. It depresses me. Here are some patterns for my dress. Which do you like best?" Ginger asked.

Linda picked up the patterns.

"I can't believe Mike didn't ask you to marry him before he left. We could be planning a double wedding. Do you think I should just buy a dress? I don't think I will ever be able to find enough silk or satin for one and I would just die wearing a dress made from broad cloth," Ginger rambled.

Linda started to cry.

"Oh, Linda. What did I say?" Ginger wondered aloud.

Linda wiped her tears. "It's nothing Gin. I just wish I was planning a wedding too. I know the Sloan's never liked me much, but at least they put on the appearance of being civil when Mike was around. Even though I've been working at the factory, and seeing them everyday, they don't even talk to me about Mike. I miss him so much. It's been almost two years since he's been gone and I haven't heard from him in over a month. I wish they could all come home for Christmas. I'm ready for the whole war to be over."

"Me too. I haven't had a pair of nylons without a runner in over a year and I refuse to draw a line up the back of my leg. Just how, exactly do they expect us to draw a straight line all twisted backwards and bent upside down," Ginger said dryly.

Linda began to laugh. "Oh Ginger. You always know how to make me laugh," Linda confessed.

Ginger flashed her a huge smile. "Good."
Jeff trotted down the stairs.

"Where are you going in such a hurry?" Ginger asked.

"To help Sarah with her Christmas shopping. I'll be back soon."

"Hmph. They sure spend a lot of time together. Doesn't that seem strange to you?" Ginger asked.

"He's taking his promise to Hank seriously. Every letter, Hank reminds Jeff of his promise," Linda said.

"I just think it's funny is all. Especially when Sarah..."

"Linda!" Her mother called as she came down the stairs.

"I need your help with the Christmas cards."

"Mom," Linda whined.

"I don't feel like doing Christmas cards. I'm just not in the Christmas spirit."

"Linda, we all feel the same way. But with the way the mail is these days we have to get them done early. We have only two weeks till Christmas and none of them are done. I don't even feel like doing any of the Christmas traditions this year but I am forcing myself because I can't bear the thought of not having Christmas the way we normally would because it would make me miss Hank even more. So please just help me out," Anne expounded.

"I'll help too.'" Ginger offered.
~~~~~~

Jeff sat the packages down in Sarah's room.

"There you go Sarah. I best be getting home," Jeff said.

"Wait, Jeff," Sarah said as she laid her hand softly on his arm.

"You've been so sweet to me while Hank's been gone. I wanted to give you this. I know it's a little early."

She opened her desk drawer and handed him a Satchel Paige baseball card with a ribbon tied around it.

"Thank you Sarah," Jeff said.
He bit his bottom lip and pulled a small box from his jacket pocket and handed it to her.

"I hope you like it. I got it today when you weren't looking."

She opened the box to reveal a gold plated locket.

She was standing so close and she smelled like flowers.

"It's beautiful Jeff. I love it," Sarah said.

Jeff let out the breath he had been holding.

"Can I ask you something, Jeff?'

"Uh, huh."

"Have you ever kissed a girl?" Sarah whispered.

"Well, yeah, kind of. Yeah, Yes! I have," he stammered.

"Would you like to kiss me?"

"Oh, Sarah. I... NO! You're Hank's girl," he said as he backed away into the door causing it to close.

"What if I wasn't? Would you want to kiss me then?" Sarah asked as she ran her hand up his arm.

Jeff swallowed hard. "But you're Hank's girl," he repeated. 'I can't do this to Hank,' he told himself.

"I'll still be Hank's girl, Jeff. I'm just so lonely. I don't want to be lonely anymore," she said against his lips.

"Good Lord, I am going straight to Hell," Jeff thought as his lips touched Sarah's.
~~~~

"Sarah I'm so glad you decided to join us for Mass tonight," Anne said.

"Thank you for inviting me Mrs. Metcalf. It makes me feel closer to Hank to be with his family," she said looking at Jeff.

He dropped his head.

As they walked home Sarah and Jeff fell behind Anne and Linda. Jeff walked with his hands in his pockets. Sarah nudged him with her arm and smiled up at him. He nudged her back and smiled shyly.
"Jeff, Sarah! Look. Packages from Hank," Linda called out to them.

"Can we open them tonight Mother?" she pleaded.

"Tomorrow morning with the rest of them."
~~~~

Jeff woke up early and raced downstairs. No one was up yet. He stood at the foot of the stairs.

"Everyone up! It's Christmas morning!" he yelled up the stairs.

He went to the kitchen and started the coffee perking that his mother had been saving for this morning. Linda staggered into the kitchen.

"Will you ever grow up, Jeff?" Linda asked.

"Me? You were the one all excited to open Hank's gifts last night."

Anne and Sarah, who had spent the night, walked into the kitchen.

"As soon as we eat breakfast we'll open gifts," Anne said.

"Mom!" Linda and Jeff cried in unison.

"Oh all right. Breakfast can wait," Anne said.

Jeff and Linda reached the doorway at the same time. They shoved each other till Linda squeezed through first. They sat around the tree and opened gifts.

There was a knock at the door and Jeff ran to open it.

"Linda. It's a telegram for you," he said.

Linda skidded to a stop in front of the door. She signed for the telegram and ripped the envelope open. Her face went white. Anne came over to her daughter.

"Linda?"

Linda handed her the telegram.

"Merry Christmas!' she spat out and turned and ran up the stairs.

"Mom? What is it?" Jeff asked.
Anne read.

"Dear Linda stop Have met someone
else stop Intend to be married as
soon as possible stop My apologies
stop Mike."

Part 7 Two timers

"Linda, honey stop crying. You're going to make yourself sick," Anne pleaded.

"I don't care! I hope I get sick and die!" Linda hiccuped.

Anne turned to Sarah. "Go get her a warm wash cloth. Jeff go get her a glass of water," Anne instructed.

They walked out into the hall. Sarah pulled Jeff to her.

"Thank you again for the locket," she said as she reached up to kiss him.

He backed away. "My mother and my sister are right in there Sarah. I shouldn't have given you that locket. I shouldn't have kissed you. It was wrong. I can't do this to Hank. He's my brother and he trusts me," he whispered.

"But Jeff, I care for you," Sarah pouted.

"My sister's in there crying her eyes out over a guy who two timed her. You think I can do that to my brother?"

He turned and jogged down the steps to get Linda's water. Sarah stuck out her bottom lip in a pout.

"What took you so long?" Anne asked.

"I had to wait for the water to heat up," Sarah said.
Ginger was coming through the back door as Jeff walked into the kitchen.

"Merry Christmas!" Ginger said cheerfully.
"Not so merry," Jeff responded.

"Oh my word! It's Hank. Why didn't you call me?" Ginger panicked.

"No, no. It's not Hank. It's Linda. She got a telegram this morning from Mike. He's going to marry someone else," Jeff explained.

Ginger put the packages she was carrying on the table. She took off her coat and gloves and draped them over the chair.

"I'm sorry. I thought you just said Mike's marrying someone else."

"The telegram's in there if you don't believe me."

She went into the dining room with Jeff following. She read the telegram, then read it again.

"That lousy two-timer. How dare he?! Oh, Jeff. What am I going to say to Linda to make her feel better?"

Jeff dropped his head and shrugged his shoulders.

"I don't know, Ginger. She's taking it pretty hard," Jeff said softly.

The pain he felt for his sister was evident on his face.

"I hope you can think of something. Come on. I have to take her this water."

It broke Ginger's heart to see Linda curled up in a ball on her bed. Her face red and swollen, her hair wet with tears and her body convulsing with sobs.

"Linda?" Ginger said softly.

Linda hiccupped loudly.

"Giiinnngeerrr!"

Ginger hurried to the bed to hold her friend. Anne stood up and patted Ginger lightly on the arm.

"I'm glad you're here."

Anne ushered Jeff and Sarah out of the room.

"Sarah would you help me fix something to eat?"

"I really don't feel well Mrs. Metcalf. I think I will go home and write Hank a letter," Sarah said.
"Of course. this has been quite a shock for us all. Jeff, help her carry her things home," Anne instructed.

"Mom, I..."

"Jeff, don't give me any back talk today."
~~~~~~
"Sarah. I meant what I said. We can't keep doing this," Jeff said as he walked her home.

"Doing what? We've only kissed. It's not like we've done... anything else. It's just kissing," Sarah offered.

"Just kissing! That's enough! It would kill Hank if he knew."

Sarah opened the door to her room.

"Jeff, Hank will never know. I'll never tell him. Unless you feel...." She tugged at his sleeve. "It's just so hard, Jeff. When I am with you. I, I. I can't explain it. I..." She raised up and kissed him.
~~~~~~~~

"He two timed me Gin, with a foreigner. For all we know she could be the enemy. He couldn't have even known her for long. We dated almost 9 years," Linda cried.

"Well, I'm sure she is just a money grubbing, hussy who was looking for a free ticket to the United States. Mike just isn't thinking straight. You know the girls over there are more....Well, they are more experienced. You can't blame the men, when the women over there are offering themselves on a silver platter, so to speak," Ginger stated flatly.

"Mike is the one who cheated," Linda stated.

"Yes, he did. But he had to have someone to cheat with, didn't he?"

Linda sniffed. "You're right. Why cry over him? It's better to find out now that he's a two timing louse, instead of later," She sighed.

"1944 has been the worst year of my life."

"Well, cheer up Linda. It's almost over. And I promise 1945 is going to be better," Ginger offered.

 

Part 8 Beginning of the End

"Linda! Linda!" Linda turned to see Ginger coming towards her in a dead run. Linda's heart dropped.

"What? Is it Hank?" she asked.

Ginger stopped. Trying to catch her breath.

"No, no. It's over! Thank God it's over Linda!" Ginger said gasping for air.

"What's over?"

"The war. Germany surrendered!"

Linda and Ginger screamed and hugged each other.

"That means Charlie will be coming home and we'll have nylons and meat and wool and sugar. Oh and Hank and Mike will come home."

Ginger's smile was so bright.

"Don't get too excited Ginger. We've won the battle not the war," Linda cautioned.

"But we've beat the Nazi's. We've beat Germany!"
~~~~

"This is the beginning of the end, Sarah. Hank will be coming home before long. I feel so guilty when I write letters to him. I think I should tell him about us, "Jeff stated.

"We can't do that in a letter. We at least owe it to him to tell him in person." She nervously twisted her hands.

"I can't do to him what Mike did to Linda. Telling him in person will be best," Sarah said.

"I didn't mean for this to happen Sarah. I didn't want it to. Oh, Sarah," Jeff said as he pulled her into his embrace.

~~~~

"Ginger!" Linda called out as she walked up the steps of Ginger's home.

"In here."

"Oh my word, Ginger. When did you get it?" Linda asked.
"Today. I've been saving money since Charlie left. I thought I would have to use it to buy silk under the table to make one, but this woman came into the drugstore the other day and we got on the subject of my wedding and needing a dress and he had this one. She never wore it. Her wedding didn't, uh, well. She had no need for it. So I get this beautiful dress and I still have a couple dollars left over."

"Isn't that bad luck?" Linda asked.

"Well, no. My Charlie would never back out on our engagement. Just because this poor woman’s fella did..... Oh, I'm sorry Linda," Ginger said as she saw the look on Linda's face.

"When the guys get home you'll have plenty of fella's to choose from. Speaking of having someone. Why doesn't Jeff have a girlfriend? It doesn't seem normal him spending so much time with his brother's girl," Ginger stated.

"He's been so worried about Hank. Every letter Hank asks him about Sarah. He's doing it for Hank," Linda explained.

"Well, it's just a good thing Jeff can be trusted," Ginger observed.

"Of course Jeff can be trusted. So can Sarah," Linda defended.

"Well if Jeff had paid me the kind of attention he's paid Sarah, I might have.... well of course I would still remain true to Charlie. Not all women can though," she said as she cleared her throat, remembering back to the day at Brandstaetters and how she felt when Jeff had touched her neck and leaned close to her.

"Some women get terribly lonely with their men away and well, Jeff's just very young and naive is all. I just worry about him," Ginger stated.

"Some men get lonely while they are away too," Linda offered.

"True. But men can only dally if there is a girl to dally with," Ginger explained.

"You always blame the girl, Ginger," Linda laughed.

"I blame whose fault it is."

Part 9 Coming Home

Ginger and Linda walked toward the Metcalf home.
"You got the telegram this morning? When will he be home?" Ginger asked.

"He didn't know for sure. But soon. What is it Ginger?"

"Oh, nothing. I guess Charlie is planning on surprising me. I haven't heard from him in a while," Ginger replied.

"Oh, Ginger."

"Don't Oh, Ginger me. Just because Mike went off an married an Italian tramp doesn't mean my Charlie did," Ginger lashed out.

Linda backed away.

"Linda, I'm sorry. I'm just so stupid. I didn't mean it," Ginger apologized.

"It's all right Gin. I'm long over Mike. I don't care who or what he's married. He's of no concern of mine," Linda said bravely.

"Let's go to the movies and celebrate that Hank's coming home," Ginger offered.

"I'd love to Ginger but I promised mother I would help start getting things ready for Hank. Some other time?"

Ginger agreed. She sat on the porch after Linda went inside. She wanted to go do something. Go somewhere to keep her mind off of the sinking feeling she had in the pit of her stomach when she thought of Charlie.

"Hey Ginger."

"Jeff!" she said as she popped up off the swing.

He stepped back .

"What?"

"Go with me to the movies?" she pleaded as she grabbed his arm.

He backed away again.

"I can't."

"Don't tell me you have to help clean too?"

"What? No. I, I have plans," he said.
"Plans? Why Jeff Metcalf do you have a sweetheart that you've been keeping a secret?"

He blushed.

"You do! Who is she?" Ginger pried.

"No one. I'm not sweet on anyone," he denied.

"Really? Then what are your plans?" she challenged.

"All right. I'll go. Just so long as it's not some sappy movie." He gave in.

"Oh, thank you Jeff." She said as she hugged him. "I'll meet you there at 6," she said as she sped down the steps.

He turned and watched her go. He scratched his head. Strange. He felt all jittery inside.

Linda carried the basket of laundry upstairs. She entered her room and opened her bureau drawer. She slowly pulled out the picture frame containing Mike's picture from the bottom of the drawer, where she had hit it month's ago. A tear escaped the corner of her eye. She wiped it away. She looked at her reflection in the mirror. Her blue eyes stood out against the paleness of her skin.

Mike had loved her eyes. His Italian wouldn't have blue eyes. but she probably wasn't pale either with lifeless brown hair. She ran her fingers through it She really should do something with it. Working at the factory afforded her little time to fix herself up.

"That's what I like about you Linda. You're just you. You don't try to doll yourself up to be someone you're not," Mike had told her.

She had been 15 when she attended a St. Valentines Day dance. She had known Mike all her life. He and Hank and Charlie had been friends since grade school. She and Ginger had been standing by the punch bowl when he had came up and asked her to dance. She couldn't believe it when he had.

He had walked her home that night and kissed her in the moonlight. Her first kiss. She had never kissed anyone else. Now Mike was married to someone else. She put his picture back in the drawer. Still not able to throw it away.
~~~~~~

"Because I can't. Ginger cornered me," Jeff explained.

"She did!" Sarah huffed.

"I'm sorry. I am. I'll make it up to you Sarah, I promise."
"Would you rather go to the movies with her than be with me?" She pouted.

Jeff paused briefly. "Of course not! It's just, well. I was afraid she might figure out about us if I told her my plans were with you. Linda says Ginger thinks it's a little odd we spend so much time together," he explained.

"It won't be long now and we won't have to sneak around any more. We can go to the movies and to the drugstore and anywhere you want to go," Jeff soothed.

"You won't want me when Hank comes back. I know you won't," Sarah whined.

Jeff placed his hand on her chin. "I'll always want you , Sarah," he whispered as he kissed her.
~~~~~

"Well, there you are! What took you so lon....Oh. Hello Sarah," Ginger said her voice squeaking slightly.

"I hope you don't mind me tagging along. I was so excited about Hank coming home. I couldn't just sit at home and I didn't want to help clean an already clean house," Sarah explained. "When Jeff told me where he was going, I invited myself."
Ginger looked at Jeff. He gave her a look of 'I'm sorry'.

"I don't mind at all. The more the merrier," Ginger smiled. Poor Jeff.

He had spent so much time with her to honor his promise to Hank that he probably hadn't been able to have much fun. Funny, she felt so strange. Almost like she was jealous of the time they spent together. That was ridiculous. she loved Charlie and Charlie was coming home........

........."Coming home on the 2 o'clock train on the 22d of this month. Hank is coming home Ginger. He's coming home," Linda read the letter further. "Charlie will be with him."

Ginger clutched her heart. Charlie was coming home! "What about Mike?" Ginger asked.

"Mike who?"