“Miss Dena?” Polly called from the kitchen.
“Yes.” Dena said, closing the door.
“You have a telegram and a letter on the hallway table.”
“Thank you.” She picked them up and hurried to her room. The telegram was from Mother. She frowned. What if it’s bad news? Susan’s letter will tell me more than the telegram. But what if Susan’s letter doesn’t tell me everything? What if…Dena let her thoughts trail off...
Dropping her books on the bed, she ripped open the envelope and slowly pulled out the telegram. Uncertainty is frightening. Dena firmed up her lips, causing a frown. She wheezed—holding her breath for several moments. She opened the folded paper and read.
***
PALO ALTO CA 1939 SEPT 10 P.M. 2:35=
DENA CAULTER= 12 EAST ELM STREET=
CRISIS OVER= STOP=EVERYTHING
ALL RIGHT= STOP=BROCK BACK IN
SCHOOL=STOP= MUCH RELIEF=STOP=
MOTHER=
***
Why was Brock quitting school? Dena quickly tore open the letter and ran her eyes down the page.
***
September, 1939
Dear Dena,
I’ll try to answer your questions you’ll have after you read Mother’s telegram, but first I want to tell you about school. (I’m writing this at school in study hall rather than doing my homework.) School is harder this year, at least harder than I remember, and I seem to have more homework. Grant asked me to go to the Harvest Ball next week. I’m wearing your blue semi-formal since it’s a formal dance. It fits me perfectly. Mother said it was okay. Have you gone to any college social events—you know, a dance or a ball?
Now, back to answering the questions you probably have. Brock felt it was his patriotic duty to serve his country. Of course, Dad and Mother were dead set against the idea. They not only talked him out of it (Dad called it talking some sense into his head), but they went to see the navy recruiter. Brock isn’t talking to either of them right now. Dad mopes around. You know how close they are. Mother wants Brock to come home for Thanksgiving. He hasn’t said he will. It’s a real mess. Can you write to Brock? In case you don’t have his address, it’s: 24800 Rodeo Ct., Apt. 18, Fort Collins, CO.
Love,
Susan
***
Dropping the letter on her lap, Dena sat for a long time. Her mind whirled. So that was the crisis. Brock wanted to sign up for the navy but Dad found out. War had reached their home. Now she understood her dad’s telephone call. Dad would react to his only son considering such a ridiculous action. After all, he was heir of the ranch and third-year agriculture major. She frowned noting. As far as I’m concerned, it was asinine to do such a thing. Brock must not have thought it through. He should have known how their parents would react. Why, even I can figure that out. I’m not sure how I can help Brock with this problem. After all, it’s between Dad and him, not me. I’d like to hear his side of the story. I’ll write him. After answering Susan’s letter, Dena wrote a letter to Brock.
She sat cross-legged on her bed with her notebook opened and her drafting text in her hand. Homework was next. Yet she absently chewed on the end of her pencil. She just couldn’t think. Finally with a sigh, she picked up her books and went downstairs to the garden. Maybe I can finish my assignments out here.
***
October. Dena stared at the calendar above her desk. It’s October already. She had been in school a month, and loved everything about it. She gazed out the small window in the typing room. Leaves blew across the pane. Some trees weren’t losing their leaves. Dena sighed and slid her unfinished typing into the box before leaving. She stepped into Aunt Doreen’s office. Her aunt looked up and smiled. “Are you leaving?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll see you at home. Have a nice afternoon.” Aunt Doreen turned back to the stack of papers on her desk. The talk at the Tuesday and Thursday afternoon coffee was mainly about war. But lately the crowd was also discussing the upcoming Fall Fling, a college dance. Several people were already at the table when she arrived. The girls were sitting at one end.
“Hi.” Dena pulled out a chair and sat down next to Stuart. Marta and Mary were checking out something. “What are you doing?”
“Hi, Dena.” Marta said. Mary nodded as Marta continued,
“We’re just admiring my new silk stockings. They’re called nylons. Aren’t they great?”
“Really!” Dena spoke in a low hushed tone. She laid her books in the chair by Stuart and stepped over to see Marta’s sheer, shiny legs. “Are they comfortable?”
“How do you care for them?” asked Emily. The girls huddled, admiring the stockings.
“Hand wash,” Marta answered.
“May I feel?” Mary whispered. Marta nodded. Mary mouthed an ‘oh’. They felt silky.
“What’s going on, girls?” inquired Stuart, while sliding his arm around Mary’s shoulder. Marta laughed.
“They’re looking at my new silk stockings, girl stuff you silly man,” she teased. Stuart looked directly at her, his squinted eyes level with hers. His expression sobered.
“May I feel?”
“Stuart!” Mary exclaimed. He laughed heartedly, leaning over to peck her on the cheek. Embarrassed, Mary ducked her head. “Everyone’s looking at us!”
“Let them,” he said, watching her face redden. He loved teasing Mary. Dena decided she was giving stockings for Christmas presents. And maybe she would buy a pair or two for herself, if they weren’t too expensive. It was nice having spending money. The down side, she had to learn budgeting and managing, something she had never needed to do at home.
“Are you and Mary going to the Fall Fling?” Dena asked. Jack came over and stood next to Marta, catching Dena’s question. “Marta and I are going. Why don’t we make it a foursome so Dena and Emily can go?”
“Mary?” Stuart asked. She nodded, eyes glowing. “Then it’s settled, Dena. I’ll pick you and Emily up after I pick up Mary.”
“Pick up me for what?” Emily asked.
“Tell you at home,” Dena called. Emily nodded since she was carrying drinks and chips to the next table. Dena gathered up her books when Stuart and Mary got up. They walked together to the bus stop. After getting home, Dena checked the large stack of mail lying on the small table, picking a letter from Susan and Brock. Aunt Doreen was talking on the telephone when she hurried up to her room. Dropping her books, she tore open Brock’s letter.
***
October, 1939
Dear Sis,
Sorry I haven’t written sooner. No excuses. Now I’ll answer all of your questions and ask some of my own. I’ve really been busy with my classes and labs. A person wouldn’t think of an agricultural student as having labs, but we do. I have actually been able to treat molds and other crop diseases this year. It’s enjoyable to see all of the book learning come to life. I’m glad to hear that you’re also enjoying college. Dena, I just didn’t consider you for college life. And drafting classes, why did you choose that? I’m impressed.
Yes, I’ll go home for Thanksgiving. Dad and Mother are hurting, and it’s partly my fault. Even though I still feel strongly about joining the navy, I’ll respect their wishes, at least until I graduate or we go to war. Are you coming home for Thanksgiving?
Susan tells me you and Emily are going to some of the college functions. Do you have a guy to go with? I date, but nobody steady. I want to finish my education before I take on that responsibility. Besides, my girl will have to be a ranch-oriented person and totally enamored with me. My sisters have me spoiled. I guess that makes me sound stuck on myself, which I don’t want to be, so scratch that last remark. We’re having cold weather here. Some snow flurries. You know, coat weather. Do you need coats in California?
Write…your only brother,
Brock
***
A lump formed in her throat as Dena read her brother’s letter. To think he was in Colorado and she was
here in California would have been unbelievable a year ago. It surprised her that she missed him. She wiped her eyes with her shirt sleeve before she put his letter back in the envelope and laid it aside. What’s this about us spoiling him? I’m not sure he has that right.
She picked up Susan’s letter. Susan seemed happy with everything, especially with the holidays coming up. “Are you coming home?” She sat a long time staring, not really thinking. She had forgotten her homework.
“Dena! Where are you?” There was a soft knock. “Dena?”
“Come in.” She quickly wiped away her tears. As Emily stepped into the room, she slipped the letters into her notebook for later. She couldn’t believe it was five thirty already.
“What was it you wanted to tell me?” Emily eased onto the end of the bed.
“Stuart and Mary, and Jack and Marta are going to the dance together,” Dena explained. Taking a deep breath she continued, “Actually, I think we’re meeting Jack and Marta at the dance.”
Emily nodded.
“Stuart asked you and me to come along with them. Isn’t that wonderful?”
“Our very first college dance. The first of many,” Emily whispered. Her eyes glittered.
“Oh, Dena, isn’t this just the greatest? I didn’t know college could be such fun.”
Dena nodded, and then solemnly asked her cousin, “What do you think we should wear? I didn’t bring any formals.”
“I’ll ask Mother,” Emily said, jumping up. “Better yet, let’s ask her now. Come on.”
They found her in the dining room just as she set an arrangement on the table. Dena thought the fall flowers in Aunt Doreen’s garden were by far the best. All the flowers in Colorado would be gone by now.
“Mother, can we talk?” Aunt Doreen looked up. She was putting the finishing touches to the table. “Who’s coming to dinner?”
“Is that the question?” Aunt Doreen laughed.
Emily shook her head no. “We need to ask about the Fall Fling. We’ve been invited to go with Mary and Stuart.”
“How nice.” Aunt Doreen sounded pleased. She sat down at the table and waited for the girls to do the same. Stuart burst in, late as usual. Aunt Doreen didn’t answer. Instead she asked about their classes, about Dena’s letters, and told them about her day. Everyone talked, sometimes at the same time. Now, it was time for dessert—chocolate cake. Emily asked again about the flowers.
“Flowers and chocolate cake, Mother, what is the occasion?” Dena noticed that all of them were studying Aunt Doreen, who smiled mysteriously. She moved her arm in an arc. “Can’t it be that I love all of you?”
“Aunt Doreen, does this have something to do with your telephone call this afternoon when I came home?” Dena asked, rather puzzled.
“Yes, it does.”
“What were you doing home in the middle of the afternoon Mother?” Emily asked. “You’re not ill, are you?”
Before Aunt Doreen could answer Emily, Stuart blurted out, “Dad’s coming home!”
He looked at his mother for confirmation. She laughed delightedly. Her face affirmed what her eyes gave away in their sparkle. Stuart raised his arm, fist closed, into the air and whooped. The girls giggled. Then everyone talked at once. Dena enjoyed the calamity.
“When, Mother?” Emily asked seriously. Dena followed Emily’s lead. She looked at Aunt Doreen too.
“I’m really not sure. Your dad didn’t know whether he’s flying or coming by train. It could be as early as next Saturday, or closer to Thanksgiving.” Aunt Doreen went on. “Now, let’s enjoy our delicious chocolate cake, and after that we can talk more in the garden. It’s a beautiful evening.”
Stuart started to say something but thought better of it. He ate his cake while eyeing both the girl’s slices. “Dena, I believe you have a larger piece.”
“Are we measuring now?” She looked defiantly at her cousin. Stuart just smiled, imitating a measure with his outstretched forefinger and thumb that formed an enlarged C. Greedily he reached for Emily’s partially eaten slice and finished it off.
“Stuart, how can you eat so much and not gain a pound?” she asked. Stuart shrugged and smiled around a full mouth.
“Dena, did I see you had mail from home?” Aunt Doreen asked, ignoring the ongoing fun. Dena nodded. “Susan said Mother and Dad say hello and Mother promises to write. I received a letter from Brock, too.”
“That’s wonderful! I know how much you have wanted to hear from him,” Aunt Doreen replied. She rose from the table, signaling for them to follow her to the garden. “Is everything well with him?”
“Yes. He really likes his classes in agriculture. He said he’s getting to experiment with mold.” Dena wasn’t ready to share too much. Conversation bounced back and forth covering several subjects.
Dena mainly listened. She liked this time in the garden. She wondered what winter was like in California.
“Mother, I’m so happy Dad’s coming home. I need to go and study.” Aunt Doreen tilted her cheek for Stuart’s kiss Almost as an afterthought; Stuart stopped at the door and asked, “How long is Dad going to stay?”
“Until January he thought,” she answered. “It seems he needs to do some work here for Mr. Hughes.”
“Great.” Stuart left the garden for his room. They heard a resounding yes echo from the hallway. Looking at each other, the girls giggled. Dena knew it was special—especially for all of the
family. And she did appreciate it. But she missed home. Tears sprouted. She sat quietly willing them away. She thought she would be able to hide her feelings better.
“I really need to study too. I’m not quite ready for midterms,” Emily stated, glancing at Dena before she bent over her mother giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. Aunt Doreen touched her daughter’s face tenderly. Emily stood waiting, causing Dena to wonder why.
“Now what was it you girls needed to ask me?” Aunt Doreen asked.
“Dena and I need advice about the upcoming dance.”
“Oh?” Aunt Doreen spoke, frowning.
“Yes, Aunt Doreen. As Emily said before dinner,” Dena spoke up, “we’ve been invited to go to the Fall Fling with Stuart and Mary… and…well, what should we wear? I didn’t bring anything for a dance.”
“Is that all?” Aunt Doreen laughed, looking from one girl to the others. College functions aren’t much different from the high school dances. Each girl stood waiting for an answer. “Well, let’s see. It’s not a formal dance. That dance is in the spring semester—in February or March. But the fall dance does call for nice dresses and dress shoes.”
“Mother, have you seen the new nylons?” Emily asked anxiously. Just the prospect of wearing nylons made her shiver with excitement.
Aunt Doreen shook her head. “Jane was talking about them yesterday, but I wasn’t really listening.”
“I…we were wondering if…well…maybe…if we each could have a pair for the dance?” Emily asked.
“We’ll see.” Aunt Doreen considered the options for a moment. “The dance is next week, right?”
“Two weeks. Midterms are this week and next. The dance officially ends the midterms.” Both girls spoke in unison and then laughed. They frequently thought alike. Dena wondered if it was because they were cousins.
“Mmm. How about we go shopping this…she checked her calendar… Friday afternoon? Emily, are you scheduled to work?” Aunt Doreen frowned while she rubbed one hand over the other as if massaging her fingers.
“I’m off,” Emily said, nodding.
“So it’s set.” Aunt Doreen relaxed, sinking slightly into the plush chair cushion. “Friday after you both get out of class, just come by my office, and we’ll go from there.”
“Okay!” Dena was excited about shopping for a new dress. She still had homework. Plus, she really wanted to answer Brock’s letter. So she got up to leave, but first stopped next to Aunt Doreen and said, “I’m really glad that Uncle Walter is coming home for a while.�
��
“So am I. You know I’ve much to do before he arrives.” Aunt Doreen reached up and hugged her. “I need to make a list for me and Polly.”
“Don’t forget to put us on that list, Mother.” Emily giggled. Rising, Aunt Doreen shooed her daughter into the house. Dena followed with her hand over her mouth, stifling a giggle.
Chapter Six
Friday, around eleven in the morning, Dena sat at her window, enjoying the beautiful fall day. It felt like Colorado. The fall mornings—Indian summer as it was called at home— were crisp yet sunny. The sun always won out over the brisk mornings, warming the day up nicely. But she knew from the mornings winter was coming soon.
She was glad that midterms were over. Her grades had been posted that morning and she was pleased. Now she was happy just sitting here, enjoying the autumn sun and doing homework for the following week. She looked down at her notebook. The blank sheet said it all. She had two papers due at the end of next week as well as tests on Wednesday. Many called it procrastination. But Mother would have called it laziness. What with her job and college, she stayed active and at times fell into bed really tired from her fast-paced schedule. She smiled when she thought of her shopping trip last week her dress was just—
“Dena?” Aunt Doreen called from downstairs. “Are you ready to go downtown?”
“Be right down,” Dena answered. Walking to the stairs she frowned wondering why she hadn’t heard from Brock since October. She ached for him to tease her about as much as she wanted to hear her dad call her girl. Surely she would see him at Christmas. I never dreamed I would miss him as I do. He was always such a tease while we were growing up. Dena hurried down the stairs. Aunt Doreen was standing at the entrance discussing the menu with Polly.
“I thought we could look for a wrap or maybe some jewelry for you and Emily to wear to the dance tomorrow night. Emily is going to meet us at the store.” Dena nodded. Shopping is just what I need.
Later that afternoon, Dena stood before the mirror in her room holding her new dress in front of her. It’s beautiful. Aunt Doreen knows how to shop. Her face glowed with happiness. Along with the dresses, Aunt Doreen had purchased also for each girl black patent shoes and matching clutch purses with rhinestones lining the edge of the latch and two pair of nylon stockings! She also got a small black wrap. It had rhinestones scattered along the edges of the one-inch black patent strip border, which complimented the hem.
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