Christmastime 1945

by Linda Mahkovec

  “I know, I know. But we might be out late, so don’t wait up.”

  Kate knew better than to object and was secretly relieved that Eugene had something to take his mind off whatever was bothering him.

  “When are they coming?” asked Jessica, sliding the cucumbers into the bowl.

  “They’re on their way,” Eugene called over his shoulder as he headed up the stairs.

  “I guess he’s going to change out of his work – ” Kate stopped mid-sentence when she saw Jessica jump up from the table and run upstairs. “Jessica?”

  “I’ll make a little more coffee,” said Ursula. She turned on the stove and took out the good teacups and plates from the hutch.

  In a few minutes, Eugene came down and sat at the table. “He sounded good, Clem. The more fellas that come back… You hear things, you know, and you start to worry.” He sat next to Kate and ran his hand through his dark wavy hair.

  Kate took a moment to admire her eldest. He and Ursula looked so much alike – he was much more angular, but they both had the same intensity in their beautiful faces. Both with dark blue eyes that always seemed to have a storm at the back of them.

  Eugene gave a wide grin. “And with Burly, well, it could get late, so don’t go fretting. We’re sure to see a bunch of the guys.”

  He sat up and jerked his head back when Jessica walked into the kitchen. She had changed into a yellow print dress and a blue sweater. And had tied a ribbon in her hair.

  “Who’re you trying to impress?” asked Eugene.

  “I want to look nice for our returning servicemen.”

  “It’s Burly and Clem! They couldn’t care less what you wear.”

  Jessica went to the window and saw the truck trundling down the road from the next farm over. She watched it turn onto the lane. “They’re here!”

  Eugene stepped out onto the porch and ran down the steps to greet his friends. He was soon slapping them both on the back. “It’s good to see you, Clem! Good to have you home. Come inside. Come on, Burly, just for a minute, then we’ll head into town.”

  They walked up the porch stairs, to where Kate was holding the door open for them. “Welcome home, Clem! And in time for Christmas. Come in, come in!”

  Jessica had moved to the kitchen table. Her hand gripped the back of a chair. “Hi, Burly,” she said, looking past him to where Kate was welcoming Clem.

  “Hey, Jessica, Ursula.” Burly pulled out a chair at the kitchen table and began talking to Ursula as she set out calico napkins by their plates. When Clem made his way to the table, Ursula greeted him. “Welcome home, Clem!”

  “Thanks. It’s good to be home.”

  Jessica took a step forward, waiting for Clem to notice her. Her hands played with the hem of her sweater.

  Clem turned and stopped on seeing her. “Jessica?”

  “Hello, Clem.”

  He leaned his head back in disbelief. “You sure grew up fast.”

  She nodded, with a wide smile.

  “I thought you were still a kid.”

  “Hardly! I’m seventeen and a half.”

  Kate pulled out a chair and gave Jessica a nudge. “Have a seat, Clem. Jessica, pour them some coffee.”

  The kitchen soon filled with Burly’s booming voice and laughter, and talk about the guys who were back and those who were scheduled to return soon.

  Jessica tried not to stare at Clem but her eyes kept going to him. She swallowed hard as she watched him talk, and carefully filled the other cups. She set the coffee pot on the table.

  “Date bread?” she asked, moving the plate closer to Clem.

  He shook his head, but Burly leaned forward and took a slice.

  “Mmm, mmm. Mighty good,” said Burly, and he was soon describing Shirley and Sue Ellen’s holiday baking frenzy.

  Jessica tentatively slid into the chair next to Clem. “How’s Donny?”

  “He’s fine, fine.”

  “I’m student teaching now. So I see him now and then. At the school.” She waited for him to say something, but he remained silent. “It’s only three days a week. But it keeps me pretty busy.”

  He nodded, regarded her briefly, and faced the others.

  “I was able to start teaching while I was still enrolled in the War Emergency Courses. Because of the shortage of teachers. I’ll have my certificate soon.”

  She opened her mouth to add something, but Clem picked up on something Eugene said.

  “Joe Madden? I haven’t seen him since I left. It’ll be good to see him again.”

  “He and Sue Ellen are married, did you hear?” asked Jessica. Her comment was met with no response from Clem. She pressed her lips together in frustration at his lack of attention to her.

  Burly laughed. “I already told him – and about how me and Shirley will likely follow suit. We’re two of the bravest men in the county ­marrying those two sisters. They can get us to do anything they want. Can’t say I mind tasting their new recipes, but Shirley had me drive to Peoria so she and Sue Ellen could shop for trimming for their dresses. Lace!”

  Jessica jumped up and took the coffee pot, topping the near-full cups. “A warmup, Clem?”

  He shook his head, and laughed at Burly’s comment. “So, Joe’s all right. And married! Think we’ll see him tonight?”

  Burly shook his head. “Sue Ellen dragged him over to Jacksonville for a few days – to a cousin’s wedding. Should be back on Saturday. Maybe we can all go out – ”

  “Joe and Sue Ellen are coming over here on Saturday,” said Jessica, causing Kate and Ursula to look up in surprise. “For dinner. Stop on by, Clem.” Clem started to decline but Jessica turned to Burly. “You’re coming, aren’t you Burly? I’m sure Shirley mentioned it to you. It will be so nice to have you all here.”

  Burly scratched his chin. “Huh. I don’t remember her saying – ”

  Jessica turned to her mother and Ursula for help.

  “Yes, please come,” said Ursula.

  “We’d love to have you,” added Kate. “I was planning to make a pot roast.”

  “So, you’ll all come?” Jessica asked with a smile.

  Burly nodded. “Course we will.”

  Clem leaned back in his chair, but didn’t respond.

  Kate noticed he was toying with his coffee but not drinking it. “Clem, what are your immediate plans now that you’re back?”

  He shrugged. “For now, I just want to enjoy being back home. Spend some time with my dad and my nephew, Donny. First thing I need to do is get my truck worked on so I can get around. It’s going to need an overhaul. I’ll take it into town tomorrow.”

  “Friedrich can look at it,” said Kate. “He’s one of our POWs. He can fix anything.”

  Burly took another cinnamon twist and dunked it in his coffee. “He sure did a number on my truck. Runs better than ever since he worked on it.”

  “Friedrich’s an engineer,” explained Jessica.

  Clem looked over at her, then down at his coffee. “I don’t want to impose. I’ll take it to the mechanic in town.”

  “Nah, bring it on by,” said Eugene. “Let what’s-his-name take a look. Might as well get work out of him while we can. He won’t be here much longer.”

  Ursula winced at the words.

  Eugene suddenly scooted his chair back and reached for his flight jacket. “I could use a beer. Come on. Let’s go.”

  Clem stood and thanked Kate.

  She placed her hand on his shoulder. “Please stop by anytime.”

  “It’s good to have you back,” said Ursula.

  “Yes, it’s good to have you back, Clem,” echoed Jessica, standing next to him.

  He smiled at Kate and Ursula. “It’s sure good to be home.” He gave a slight nod to Jessica, paused, as if to speak, but instead walked to the door.

  After the door closed, Kate raised her eyebrows to Jessica. “Dinner on Saturday?”

  Jessica shrugged. “It seemed like a good idea.”

  “You better call S
hirley and hope they don’t have plans.”

  “They’ll come.” Jessica stood and smiled. “I’ll change and then feed the animals.” She ran up the stairs, adding, “Poor old Clover will be wondering where I am.”

  Ursula cleared the table with Kate. “That cheered Eugene. Clem looks good, doesn’t he?”

  Kate nodded. “A little lean, maybe.”

  “He always seemed so much older than us. Jessica had a crush on him when she was younger.”

  “Looks like she still does. Not that I ever know what’s going on with my daughters.”

  Ursula set the dishes in the sink, avoiding that topic. “So, his nephew still lives here. I know there was some talk of his moving to Chicago with relatives.”

  Kate nodded. “Can’t uproot a child like that. Donny didn’t want to go and I can understand why. Losing both parents to the flu like that. He’s been a big help to Clem’s father these past few years. The house would have been empty without Donny there. And Clem has been like a brother to him.”

  Ursula washed the dishes as Kate brought the rest of them to the sink. “It will be a happy Christmas for them all.”

  Kate stood silent for a moment. Then she nodded, as if confirming some internal dialogue she was having. “I like Clem. He’s got a good heart. He’s always been steady and hardworking.”

  “Yes, he has,” said Ursula. She began drying the dishes. “I thought he seemed a little downcast. I remember him as being more cheerful.”

  Kate nodded. “You never know what goes on in a man’s mind, after he’s been to war. It changes him. Look at Eugene. He’s struggling with something.”

  They left it at that, and soon Jessica was running back down the stairs and out the back door, humming a cheerful tune.

  Chapter 3

  Lillian tightened her scarf around her neck as she walked to the restaurant to meet Izzy. The temperatures had dropped and more snow was in the forecast. She hoped it would snow for Christmas – a white Christmas would be wonderful.

  She felt a burst of happiness at seeing Izzy sitting at a table in the window. She had only seen her old friend a few times since the birth of Charlotte, and always at home when Izzy visited. This did feel like their old times together.

  “Izzy!”

  Izzy jumped to her feet and embraced her.

  “It’s so good to see you, Izzy. I was just telling the boys how I miss our lunches.” As usual, Izzy looked beautiful – dressed in a moss-green velvet suit with a white silk blouse.

  “Ah, our old times together,” Izzy said with a warm smile. “I have to admit that things are different with you gone.”

  After settling in, they took the menus offered by the waiter and ordered drinks.

  “A martini for me. Shaken. For you, Lilly?”

  “A cup of tea would be nice.”

  Lillian felt Izzy’s eyes on her. “What is it?”

  “Something I noticed the last time I saw you. A new expression playing about your eyes – rays of merriment at the corners, at some internal delight.” Izzy leaned back. “My God, you’re happy, aren’t you?”

  Lillian had to laugh at Izzy’s comment. “I am. Sometimes I can’t believe how happy I am. Sometimes I’m afraid that it’s all too good to be true.”

  “It’s true, all right. The war is over, and Charles will come home and see his new daughter. You’re working as an artist.” She waved to the poinsettias and pine boughs decorating the restaurant. “And it’s Christmastime!”

  The waiter returned with their drinks. Izzy lifted her glass to Lillian.

  “To Christmas! To the war being over and to new beginnings.” She took a sip of her drink. “What have you heard from Charles?”

  Lillian stirred sugar into her tea and added a splash of milk. “Just that he’s on his way back to England. Once he’s there, he’ll send a telegram to let me know when we can expect him. London – and then home! I’m sure he’ll see Red – ”

  “How was your meeting? You’ve been able to keep up with the illustration work?”

  “It’s worked out so well, Izzy. Better than I ever could have dreamed. Mrs. Huntington allowed me all the time I needed, gradually giving me assignments to see how the arrangement would work out. She appreciates that I always meet my deadlines – and I love the assignments. They’ve assured me of as much work as I can handle. The predictions are that the children’s book market will keep expanding.”

  “All those returning servicemen,” Izzy said with a chuckle. “I guess we can expect a lot of growing families.” She looked out the window and was suddenly miles away. Then she shook out her napkin, draped it across her lap, and folded her elbows on the table.

  Lillian sipped on her tea, noticing the shifts in Izzy.

  “And the boys are adjusting to having a little sister? What a change for them.”

  “They couldn’t be happier.”

  “I remember when Lois had her last child – she said her youngest had a hard time. She said he felt like he wasn’t important any more. That he had been pushed aside.”

  “The boys don’t feel that way, I’m sure. They argue over who gets to hold Charlotte,” Lillian added with a laugh. “And they’re so busy with their own lives. They’ve really matured over this past year. Tommy loves having a job. Gabriel is busy with school and Scouts. He’s involved in a class project that’s really fired him up.”

  “And Mrs. Kunztman watches the darling when you meet with Mrs. Huntington?”

  “Yes, if the boys aren’t around. She’s a godsend.” Lillian took a piece of bread and began to butter it. “She watches her on our volunteer nights at the hospital, though it’s only one day a week now. She still loves to cook for Tommy and Gabriel. And they love to help her – running to the store when she needs something, helping her peel apples or chop nuts. Though that’s usually Henry’s job.”

  “Henry Hankel! What a charmer. Does he still volunteer at the hospital?”

  “Three nights a week! He’s as busy as ever.” Lillian bit into her bread. “Though his main duty now is to help Mrs. Kuntzman with her baking. He tracks down hard to find ingredients, rolls out her strudel, and is her official taster. Once a week they go out to dinner and a movie.”

  “Just like young love.” Izzy looked down at her glass.

  “Or like an old married couple who still enjoy each other’s company. It’s so nice to see. Life is full of surprises, isn’t it?”

  Izzy briskly opened the menu and they soon placed their orders.

  “What about you, Izzy? Are you going to continue volunteering at the canteen?”

  “The USO will keep the canteens open well into next year, if not longer, with all the servicemen coming home.” She gave a laugh. “One thing I won’t miss is the letter writing.” She flexed her fingers. “Give my hand a rest. Though it’s sad to think how many never answered.” She gave a deep sigh and gazed out the window. “It’s all different now, isn’t it?”

  “It is. It’s a different world,” said Lillian. “FDR gone. Hitler gone. So much of the world in shambles. It feels like the old world order has come to a close and a new one has arrived. They’re calling it the Atomic Age! I don’t think I like the sound of that. It sounds ominous, doesn’t it?”

  Izzy gave a soft sound of agreement. “It feels like a sudden goodbye to the old world.”

  “It does, indeed. Though better times are surely ahead. Did you see that the United States will be the location for the new United Nations? The United Nations. That sounds hopeful.”

  Izzy buttered a slice of bread. “Do you think it will help?” There was a skeptical edge to her voice.

  “Yes. I do. Well, I hope it does.” Lillian remembered the same hope she had for the 1939-1940 World’s Fair – the World of Tomorrow – with all the nations side by side. She brushed aside that thought and leaned forward in excitement.

  “Last week I went to Charles’s office to meet with Mrs. Sullivan, Edith, and Mr. Mason. They wanted to see Charlotte. And listen to this.
” Her eyes brightened. “Edith and Desmond are to marry in the spring!”

  Izzy sank back in the booth. “I’m happy to hear that. Those two were meant for each other. And to think that I introduced them at the canteen – what, three years ago?”

  “Desmond’s still touring with the USO in the South Pacific, but he’ll be home in the spring. Then they’ll marry and move to Hollywood! Can you imagine? He’s been offered some work in the movies, so he’s going to give it a try.”

  Izzy put her chin in her hand and squinted at the vision in her mind. “I can see Edith in a cozy bungalow in the Hollywood hills. What an adventure it will be.”

  “Edith believes his heart is with the stage and that he’ll miss New York City. But she’s willing to give it a try, even if it’s just for a few years.”

  “Sounds exciting. Everyone is moving on with their lives, leaping into the bright future.” She took a slow sip of her drink.

  “Don’t you feel that way, Izzy?”

  “I feel stuck. I can’t explain it. It’s like I don’t know what I want.” She gave a shrug. “And how about Mrs. Sullivan?”

  “Down to three days a week and looking forward to retiring in the summer. She’s training a new office manager – a returning soldier – to take over her role. She said Brendan was more than happy to vacate his position as machinist so that a returning GI could have his job. They have plans to travel.”

  “That’s wonderful,” she said, moving aside for the waiter to set down her dish. But her words of happiness did not match her tone.

  “If I didn’t know better, Izzy, I’d say your mind is miles away.”

  Izzy raised her head, surprised. Then she dropped the pretense and her shoulders sagged. “Sorry. I guess it is. I had a letter. I guess it’s still on my mind.” She picked up her fork and looked down at her food.

  “From Red?”

  Izzy nodded, and her brow wrinkled. “Now that we’ve exchanged a few letters – just as friends, you know – I can’t stop thinking about him. Wondering how he’s doing. And if I’ll ever see him again.” Her forked remained poised above her plate.