In any ordinary life (In any oridnary Book 1)

by Clare Stanley Midgley

  “I’m missing something I’ve been here hours and I know there’s something that I have to be missing.” she rested herself against the wall folding her arms. Ivy looked up towards the ceiling hoping for inspiration.

  “I’m talking to myself Jeanie this is all your fault and usually when I caught you doing it I though you where made. Well it just goes to show you that it runs in the family!” Stamping her foot down in temper something on the dresser caught her eye. Grabbing the chair she reached up and realised the paper on the end was the photo of James.

  The same picture she had given to Jeanie before her internment. Ivy froze, recalling John’s conversation whilst out on his trip. James and John had been some of the focus of this person’s attention.

  Stepping down Ivy placed the box on the table and as she searched the piles of letter’s she noticed these were not from Jeanie, they where for Jeanie delving deeper Ivy jumped in fright as Jacob entered the room.

  “Sorry my dear did I startle you I have brought you a cup of tea. You left your bag as well so I thought I would bring that down here,” catching her breath she replaced the lid on the box.

  “Thank you it’s still a bit messy in here I’m afraid.” Jacob looked around the room smiled and left without question.

  Stuffing the contents into her bag she knew if she left immediately it would arouse suspicion and as she drank her tea she paced the floor counting down the clock. After twenty minutes she left the room and in a stroke of luck Jacob was no where to be seen, wanting to run down the corridor she tried to keep her emotions under control. As she reached the gates of the barracks Ivy set off home at pace nothing or no one was going to stop her finding out the truth.

  The house was empty as she arrived home and as she ran upstairs she kicked off her shoes and coat tipping out the contents of her bag onto the bed. Frantically she started to search through the papers.

  They all said the same thing:

  “I love you Write back….Write back……Write back.”

  Finding a telegram stuck to the bottom of the box Ivy tentatively pulled it from its envelope.

  “We regret to inform that Private Jack Rutherford of the Engineering division has been lost presumed dead. Dr James Watson has been informed of his passing.”

  Ivy screamed hysterically, “John said she was fine, he said she was ok. I don’t understand.” James’s letters screamed at her wanting to know what was going on and who Jack was. Ivy frenzied ran to the phone box and the panic of not getting to John welled inside like an unexploded bomb as they where all in danger.

  Her hands shook as she requested the number from the exchange. “I need to speak to Lieutenant Colonel John Stanton please its urgent. I have clearance….I promise I have clearance.”

  “One moment please I’ll just put you through.”

  “John…..” Anne Coston’s voice deflated Ivy immediately and her contemptuous tones continued through her introduction.

  “No he’s not here he’s otherwise engaged.”

  “You don’t understand Anne I need to get an urgent message to him it’s important.” Anne placed her hands on her hips unrequited at Ivy’s melodrama.

  “Well it couldn’t have been that important when you ran out here this afternoon,”

  “Now you listen to me good Anne Croston. You need to write this down and listen well tell John James is alive and they are all in danger.” Anne screwed up the piece of paper unable to listen to the drivel any longer.

  “This is bullshit Ivy what are you talking about,”

  “For fuck sake. He sent me to see Mary.” Anne paused shocked that she knew about her.

  “My Mary. Mary Conaghan?”

  “I don’t fucking know some girl in hospital in some place that begins with Kirk. Please for the love of god listen. Tell John that James is alive. I found letters and his picture the name on the back of the picture was shit EC…..it just says EC…they are all in danger and the telegram that Jeanie received was a fake. I’ve checked Mary did it her signature is on the bottom. Anne I’m trusting you. Please get this message to him.” Anne was silent on the other end of the phone Ivy screamed again.

  “ANNE…ANNE!!,”

  “I’m here I got it I’ll go now I need you to wait.” Anne dropped the phone and ran down the corridor, the carriers where all but gone but she knew John would only travel by car. Seeing John she raced out in front of the vehicle and as the car slammed to Holt. John stepped out.

  “Anne what are you doing?” Still in shock Anne handed over the scribbled piece of paper. “Ivy…Ivy on the phone she said you would know she said it was important.”

  “Go back inside and tell her…tell her from me thank you and I will do my best.”

  Anne didn’t stop to see the car leave and as she raced back up the stairway tears streamed down her face.

  “I’m here Ivy…I’ve done it.” Ivy cried with relief dropping the phone out of her hand. Taking a deep breath Ivy sobbed uncontrollably feeling the relief at having got to John just in time. Leaving the phone box she wrapped her jacket around herself.

  Irene pacing the floor realising that the secret of the letters had started to be unravelled. Not able to comprehend what was going on she waited for Ivy’s return.

  “Mum?”

  “You tell me this minute what’s going on you said it was nothing these letters aren’t nothing where’s my girl tell me now Ivy. NOW!.”

  “I found these at the base this afternoon reading through them I realised that something wasn’t right and I’ve told John.”

  “My girl is fighting a war for a husband that isn’t dead and by the looks of it was never in danger she could be dead I could end up burying her because of him again. I can’t cope with this anymore. I feel as if I’m loosing my mind.” Ivy walked cautiously towards her, placing her hands over Irene’s she pulled her close.

  “We can’t think like that Jeanie’s strong. Jeanie’s stronger than all of us put together and like you said before if anything had happened we would be the first to know Mum I promise.”

  Holding her close Ivy looked at the trees outside the window, the violence of the wind lay heavy on Ivy’s heart. Knowing she had to be the strong one was always a difficult role to play.

  John said she was fine so it must be true. He would lie after all this.

  Stepping into Jeanie’s spot she felt the burden, the burden of what her sister had carried for so many years and as she wiped Irene’s tears away she realised how selfish and cruel she had been.

  “Come on Mum stiff upper lip. I think its time for a cuppa…”

  “Ivy Thank you.” Ivy smiled back puzzled to her mum’s response.

  “What for?”

  “You’ve been through a lot as well and I don’t think I have given you enough praise….so thank you.”

  Ivy just hoped John knew what he was doing not just for her sake but for his as well.

  Chapter 31

  John looked at his reflection in the broken mirror and as he washed away what little suds he had and replaced them with razor burn he knew the decision to shave had been a bad one.

  Knowing he was addressing the troops he felt as if he needed to make an effort or at least look like it was important enough to. Reading through the telegram again he couldn’t believe that part of the nightmare he’d been facing for the last six years was coming to an end.

  “Gather what troops are left in camp get some water stations set up.” John replaced his cap and trying to smooth down the now red marks under his collar; he couldn’t help but think of Jeanie.

  Standing on the embankment John took the telegram from his top pocket marking the momentous occasion.

  “I have received a telegram today of great significance. The war in Europe is over.” A small cheer erupted from the few that had gathered but in no way did it signify the event with the celebration it deserved.

  “Ok settle down we know we still have some way to go here so as much as it is good news we need to keep fo
cused and continue to push forward so this war can end for all of us. Please resume duties.”

  With that John undid his tie and loosened the top buttons of his shirt, it was short, sweet and at least it marked the occasion, however thoughts of Jeanie and finding her seemed to have more of significance.

  Unaware of John’s presence Jeanie had packed up her things and waited patiently in line for a new pair of boots, dragging her heals the thought of not knowing where she was going next exhausted her.

  “Jack I remember you...your Jack.” Jeanie vaguely remembered the voice and hardly lifted her head to acknowledge that someone had spoke. “The last time I saw you…yeah the last time I saw you where kicking someone’s head in at the barracks.” Knowing the conversation wasn’t going to end Jeanie looked around to see who was talking,

  “I remember you don’t tell me….Eric bed at the side leant me shoe polish...” Eric nodded and shook her hand; juggling equipment on his back Jeanie walked his way happy to see a friendly face.

  “Sorry bout before been a long few months just not what I expected…” Not being able to find James in the chaos made Jeanie feel like her mission had failed.

  “So where bout’s are you heading?” Eric was upbeat and Jeanie couldn’t understand his happiness or his enthusiasm.

  “I’ve got a few men which I have to meet at the far station. Be given orders at that point mind you I’ve heard rumours this war’s winding down so hopefully it might end soon.” Jeanie paused wanting to scream out. Eric waited for her as his blank expression said it all.

  “I know what you mean. I’m heading over there now apparently we have a new Sarge let’s hope he’s not a bastard like the others!”

  Gossip had already started about the end of the conflict in Europe, and how it must signify an end for them. If the conflicts had finished the next phase would be the liberation of the POW’s and for Jeanie that meant there was still hope that James was alive. She had seen the conditions of POW and dreaded the thought of anyone putting up with the cruelty and brutality that had been dished out over this god awful conflict. The stories needless executions, dysentery and starvation made her anxiety heighten and whilst Jeanie hung onto hope she new it was the dangerous option.

  “Sergeant are you with us today,” Jeanie hung her head knowing the blank vacant stare would have to be eradicated.

  “Apologies Sir.”

  “Ummm if I’m to believe your recommendations a blank look when I’m giving you orders isn’t going to bode well with me. At ease soldier.

  There are six of you altogether I will give you the names in a moment.”

  “Thank you Sir.”

  “There are several yank warehouse stations to the north and we need to start moving what we can. So come here…” Jeanie wandered over to the desk looking at the map placed in front of her; still self conscious of the previous look Jeanie dipped her head.

  “There are a number of stranded vehicles which are going to be essential to get this stuff moved. So when you arrive you will need to report into Sergeant Kowalski understand.”

  “Yes Sir.” As Jeanie was dismissed her heart sank knowing the war for her wasn’t over yet and the thought of stranded possibly burnt out vehicles to get back on the road made the fight for James more distant.

  Gathering the group Jeanie briefed out what was needed and double checking the munitions Jeanie placed another hand gun into her inside pocket just for good measure. The journey may have sounded simple but knowing the endeavours she had just faced made it all the more reason to be prepared.

  Setting off Jeanie looked back at the sanctity of the camp, she longed to be home and to be with her family. Her feelings by no means any different than any other soldier she had met. The experience of war had changed her and the near death experience had become the crutch she leant on to keep her alive. Like before war had made her strong enough to fight and her will great enough to survive.

  Eric started to whistle as the lads trundled down the road.

  “Come on Sarge you know this one.” Jeanie smiled as he confidently broke out into song and as the moral lifted if nothing else it took their minds off death.

  As night fell John entered the camp head quarters,

  “At ease men as you were. We don’t have as many men as I expected. I know we have had some casualties in these regions but I’ve just been made aware that group of men have been sent to recovery some of carriers…..how many in total again was it?” The group in front of him hurriedly looked through the remnants of paperwork scattered behind them.

  “Six altogether sir and I believe the have gone to meet the yanks.”

  “What do you mean the Yanks? They where supposed to be heading up towards Rangoon?” The blank look on all of the faces made it easy for John to understand.

  “There was a Private Jack Rutherford in that group….” Confused as to why John asked he handed the sheet over.

  “You mean Sergeant Jack Rutherford Sir they moved out earlier this morning meeting an American Staff Sergeant Kowalski.”

  “Read out the names of who is with him…” Again confused as to why John would be interested he read them out.

  “Fred Armstrong, Bill Kidderminster, Arthur Roberts, Joe Andrews, and Jack Rutherford…” John counted under his breath hoping not to hear a familiar name.

  “That’s only five you said there where six?” Hearing the aggravation in John’s voice he desperately looked for the missing name.

  “Sorry Sir bottom of the last sheet, Eric Cowley.” John screwed up the piece of paper in his hand.

  “Cowley you said!” looking frantically at the sheet he repeated the name again. “Yes Sir….Eric Cowley.”

  Throwing the piece of paper on the floor John clenched his fists.

  “I need more details……find out where they are going exactly where they are going and let me know right away.”

  “Sir these orders came in from General Peterson.”

  “I know where they cam from I just need the details of exactly which ridge they are going to.”

  Walking away he couldn’t believe that she’d been in camp and he didn’t notice. He could have been with her saved her and as John paced unrequitedly in camp Jeanie started to set up perimeters for the night.

  Taking the first watch she took out her journal:

  “I’m back to sleepless nights again, I don’t think I can take anymore rain everything is drenched and it makes it more difficult for me to keep up my spirits in the rain.

  The new lads seem ok, everyone’s a bit quiet but I’m sure we will get to know each other before the days out. Every time I think I may be closer to finding you they send me in another direction, this time its more carriers.

  I’ve lived in shit so long maybe it suits me. I met an old friend today, we where in basic training together. I don’t look like a sergeant I look like a scared young kid in charge of men who have been here years.

  We have passed so much death on the way that it is just normality now every path you take is little with the stinking stench of death. Its make you want to vomit but instead you just step over them and carry on. If push comes to shove and its either me or them my gun is always poised. What does that now say about me?

  People have been talking about the POW camps and I just can’t stand the thought of you being persecuted. Maybe you’re not being persecuted, maybe you’ve developed the taste of death and killing has become second nature. I don’t know why but it doesn’t even seem senseless anymore. It feels like a means to an end just another job.

  Its pitch black, I like to say it was peaceful but the rain just keeps falling. I feel I’m truly on my own and for the first time in a while I’m not scared, just homesick. One day I will give you this journal, maybe our kids can read it about their mum’s adventures trying to find dad in the jungle. But I don’t think they would want to know how many people I’ve killed or what I have had to do to survive.

  Wherever you are I hope you’re thinking of me as I thi
nk of you, I miss you. Night Night may you be safe.”

  Jeanie popped the pencil back into her jacket pocket and placed her hand over the top of the book. Her thoughts had become her conscience and her notebook her guide back home.

  The temporary shelter wasn’t pretty but at least it was keeping some of the rain away and as Jeanie stoked the fire and walked the perimeters; the rest of them had tried to settle as much as they could. Eric still jovial started to reminisce back to the barracks and Jeanie still confused could recollect that he talked a lot but he was never this optimistic.

  “Sarge we can’t make out your accent where the fuck are you from?” Jeanie knelt beside the fire glad to be out of the rain.

  “Originally Lancashire quite close to Chorley. We also did a stint in Manchester for a while and then when I was a teenager we moved further up to Cumbria so I suppose I’m a dolly mixture.” Joes still trying to figure his new leader out looked intently at Jeanie as she warned herself by the fire.

  “Listen Sarge I mean don’t take this offensive but you look well different. You know what I mean…” Jeanie laughed, it was amusing to see so much attention about her looks and the fact that the same conversation had been regurgitated so many times prompted the story she had told over and over again.

  “Sorry did I say something funny…”

  “No nothing I haven’t heard a million times over since I joined up but I’m sure you lot will make me a man. Well you can try. Ask Eric what I did to the last one who called me a puff.”

  “Jack put him in the infirmary apparently his nose has never been the same since!” Joe couldn’t help but laugh and as no story needed to be told he felt at ease.

  “Told you! Anyone who looks like that my old sunshine has to have a decent personality.”

  Jeanie chuckled the reminiscence of the situation was uncanny; she had the same conversation with the American soldiers she had been stationed with. In fact the de ja vue was implicit that every moment after had been embedded into her memory.