Love on Liberty

by M. J. Williamz

  “I was in bed. I didn’t see anything.”

  “Tell them that. Be honest. Tell them I was the one looking through the window.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Positive.”

  As if on cue, there was a knock on the door. Tommy answered it.

  “Tommy Benton,” the cop said. “I should have known I’d find you around this mess.”

  “I had nothing to do with it,” Tommy said.

  “Where you been, then?”

  “Right here.”

  The cop looked over and saw Dolly sitting in bed. Dolly was humiliated having been caught like this with another woman. She was sure her face was purple as she fought back tears.

  “Has she been here, ma’am?”

  Dolly nodded.

  “Did either of you see anything?”

  “Tommy was at the window,” Dolly felt like a traitor for saying it.

  “Yeah? And what did you see, Benton? All your friends turning over a car?”

  “It wasn’t my group,” Tommy said.

  “How can you be so sure?”

  “They wore bandanas over their faces. We never do that. And we’re not violent.”

  The cop stared at Tommy for a long time.

  “True. You’re annoying as hell, but you’re not violent. All right,” he tipped his hat to Dolly. “Sorry to have bothered you, ma’am. Enjoy your night.”

  He left and Tommy closed the door. Dolly collapsed into a pillow and began to sob.

  “What’s up, baby?” Tommy rubbed her back.

  “What if he’d asked my name? What if he found out I was in the navy?”

  “But he didn’t. Everything’s cool. Just relax, baby.”

  Dolly’s body was no longer racked with sobs, but she still cried.

  “Do you want me to leave?” Tommy asked.

  Dolly thought about it. Was that what she wanted? Everything could go back to normal for her. But did she want normal if that meant no Tommy?

  “No,” Dolly said. “I want you here with me.”

  “But the idea of me with you seems to upset you.”

  “I’m so confused. And my brain’s still fuzzy from sleep and marijuana.”

  “Okay, well, let’s just go to sleep and we’ll talk about things in the morning,” Tommy said.

  “That sounds great.”

  They curled up and went back to sleep. The next morning, Dolly was up before Tommy. She waited for an hour, but when Tommy still didn’t awaken, she decided to go for a walk. It turned out that the driveway of their motel was not the only place hit by the protesters the night before. There were cars overturned in several places. But the closer she got to the water, the less damage there was. She was able to walk on the shore and enjoy the cool ocean breeze. She let the morning air refresh her, and she was able to think about what she really wanted.

  Liberty wouldn’t last forever. That was her first thought, and it brought tears to her eyes. She swallowed hard as she thought of a future without Tommy. But certainly Tommy wasn’t serious about a woman who believed in everything she fought so hard against. She would just enjoy these next few days and then go away with fond memories. But that wouldn’t be easy. She was half tempted to go AWOL, but knew she’d never do it. She was a rule follower. And Tommy wasn’t. But how did she feel about Tommy? Wasn’t that what Tommy had questioned? How did she feel about being with her? Dolly knew the answer and turned to walk back to the motel.

  Chapter Seven

  Tommy stirred when she heard the door close. She propped herself up on an elbow and looked at Dolly.

  “Where have you been?”

  “I went for a walk.”

  Tommy sat up straighter.

  “Are you serious? Didn’t you learn from last night? That’s not safe.”

  “I just walked to the water. No big deal.”

  “Still. I wish you wouldn’t go out by yourself.”

  “I didn’t want to wake you. You looked so peaceful sleeping there.”

  Tommy chose not to argue any more. Dolly was safe. That’s what mattered. She lay back on her back and reached her arms out to Dolly.

  “Come here,” she said.

  Dolly crossed the room to her. She lay down in her arms.

  “Mm. That’s nice,” Tommy said. “Except you have too many clothes on.”

  “I could change that, I suppose.”

  “I wish you would.”

  Dolly stood and got undressed. She climbed under the covers with Tommy, who moaned in delight.

  “You feel so good.” Tommy felt the familiar stirring deep inside. “And you smell like fresh salt air.”

  “Take me, Tommy. I need you.”

  Tommy was happy to oblige. She’d never enjoyed a woman the way she’d enjoyed Dolly. It was a complete coupling when she made love to her. It was different, but wonderful. She could spend forever doing that.

  She sucked on a full breast and slid her hand down her body to where her legs met. She found her slick clit and teased it gently before she moved her fingers inside her.

  “More, Tommy. I need more.”

  Tommy slipped another finger inside her and moved in and out until Dolly reached down and rubbed her clit. Together, they took her to an orgasm that made her body quake.

  Tommy held her until she was still.

  “You okay?” she asked.

  Dolly nodded.

  “Good.” She kissed the top of her head.

  “I can’t believe what you do to me,” Dolly said.

  “I love making love to you.”

  “I love it, too.”

  “So are you feeling better about us being together this morning?” Tommy said.

  “I am. As a matter of fact, there’s something I need to tell you.”

  “Do it. I’m all ears.”

  Dolly took a deep breath and her eyes teared up.

  “Baby? Are you okay?”

  “Yeah.”

  “So, what gives? Talk to me.”

  “I’m scared,” Dolly said.

  “I get that. Last night was rough.”

  “Not about that.”

  “Then what about?”

  Dolly propped herself on an elbow and looked down at Tommy.

  “Tommy?”

  “Yeah?”

  “You know how last night you asked about how I felt about being with you?”

  “Yeah. And I’m asking again right now.”

  “So I thought about that on my walk this morning.”

  Tommy felt a cold fist of fear forming in her gut. She was sure she was about to be turned out. She should have expected it. But she had to hear it from Dolly. She swallowed hard.

  “And what did you decide?” she almost whispered.

  “I love you.”

  “You what?” Tommy was sure she’d misheard.

  “Don’t make me say it again.”

  Tommy looked up into Dolly’s eyes. She was sure she’d see laughter or something there, but Dolly appeared to be dead serious. Which meant Tommy had to say something. What could she say? How did she feel? She knew the answer, but was she ready to say it out loud?

  “Say something, Tommy.” Tears were starting to leak from the corners of Dolly’s eyes.

  “I love you, too,” Tommy said. “I love you so much.”

  “Are we crazy?” Dolly asked. “We hardly know each other.”

  “We’re totally crazy,” Tommy said.

  “And we’re diametrically opposed to each other in our beliefs.”

  “That we are. Can we make it work?”

  “I want to,” Dolly said.

  “It won’t be easy.”

  “But we can do it.”

  “I hope so.”

  Dolly kissed Tommy on her mouth, then kissed her way down her body. She was between her legs and Tommy felt her excitement grow. She loved the way Dolly loved her and couldn’t wait to feel her tongue on her. She didn’t have to wait long. Dolly licked her long and lovingly, and Tommy spread her leg
s to grant her greater access.

  She closed her eyes and just felt. She felt Dolly’s tongue on every inch of her as well as her warm breath. The combination left Tommy lightheaded. She felt her muscles tense up as she got close and then the orgasms hit and she was left a puddle of mass.

  “You’re amazing,” she said.

  “So are you.”

  Dolly curled into Tommy’s arms again. Tommy felt so right with her there. As she held her, she pondered again their declaration of love for each other. No one ever felt like Dolly did. She had never wanted to spend every moment with someone like she did with Dolly. But did she really know her? And Dolly didn’t know her. That was for sure. She knew the basics and what kind of person she was, but didn’t know who she was. She was terrified as she realized she’d have to come clean about it. And soon.

  “You still with me?” Dolly said.

  “Sure. Why?”

  “You just felt distant there.”

  “Nope. I’m here.”

  “Good, because this is where I want you.”

  “So what shall we do today?” Tommy said.

  “You’re the one who lives here. What do you want to do?”

  “Well, I’m kind of a freak for museums. How do you feel about them?”

  “I know there’s a Naval museum I’d like to see. But how do you feel about that?”

  Tommy was silent. That was the last place she’d want to see. Could she see it in good conscience? On the other hand, could she say no to Dolly?

  “I take that as a no?” Dolly said.

  “No. I’ll go. But I can’t promise to enjoy it.”

  “I can accept that. But the exhibits will be from wars before this one. Surely you don’t think the other wars were wrong?”

  “Korea was.”

  “I know a lot of people felt that way. What about World War II?”

  “They bombed us. We had every right to retaliate.”

  “So you’ll be okay with those exhibits?” Dolly said.

  “I suppose I will.”

  “Good.”

  “But if we go see that, we also get to go see the Egyptian exhibit at the Museum of Natural History.”

  “Oh, that sounds great to me.”

  “Groovy. So let’s get ready.”

  They took their shower together and Tommy took Dolly to yet another orgasm. After, they dressed and walked to Main Street where Tommy hailed a cab. She told him where she wanted to go.

  “There was some trouble there last night, you know?” the cabbie said.

  “Trouble?” Tommy said.

  “Some kids broke some windows and shit like that. I think it’s open today, but I can’t promise.”

  “Thanks for letting us know. We’ll check for ourselves.”

  They got to the museum to find windows boarded up.

  “Do you suppose this was the same group?” Dolly said.

  “No way of knowing.”

  “Did I tell you I saw lots of cars overturned on my walk this morning?”

  “No, you didn’t. I really wish you hadn’t ventured off by yourself.”

  “We’ve had this talk. I made it safely.” Dolly smiled at her.

  “Okay. Let’s see if this place is open.”

  They went to the main entrance and found it open for business. Tommy paid for both of them and let Dolly lead the way in. She immediately went to World War II.

  “Shouldn’t we start at the beginning?” Tommy said.

  “We could, but I’ve always been obsessed with World War II.”

  “Okay, well this is your scene, so we’ll do what you want.”

  Tommy stayed close with Dolly as she examined the pictures and artifacts. She had to admit, it was fascinating seeing the old equipment they used. Not that she knew what they used in present day. Except bombs. Bombs to kill innocent people. She could feel her anger inching up inside. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

  “Tommy?” Dolly said. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m hanging in there.”

  “We don’t have to do this.”

  “Yes, we do. It’s important to you, so it’s important to me.”

  “But you’re upset,” Dolly said.

  “No. I just need to stay focused on this stuff and not the current war.”

  The expression on Dolly’s face changed.

  “I’m sorry for what I do,” she said.

  “Come on. Let’s sit,” Tommy said. She led her to a bench. “You aren’t sorry for what you do, so don’t say that.”

  “I’m sorry for the barrier it puts up between us.”

  “How long have you wanted to be a nurse?”

  “Since I was a very little girl. There was no doubt. I was even a candy striper in high school. I loved it so much. I couldn’t wait to be a nurse.”

  “That’s cool. Not many people are that sure. So, next question.” She paused. “When did you decide to join the navy?”

  “I knew I would as soon as I graduated. I told you, I’ve been obsessed with World War II since I was little. I thought it would have been so neat to be a WAVE.”

  “But you joined up even knowing you could go to war?”

  “I didn’t think they’d really send women out on battleships,” Dolly said softly. “I thought I’d serve in a hospital stateside.”

  “So, you got more than you bargained for, huh?”

  “Much.”

  They sat in silence for a few minutes, until Tommy decided she could handle the exhibit.

  “Let’s keep looking around,” she said.

  They spent another half hour at the World War II exhibit, then set off to find the Revolutionary War and make their way through the history of the navy in chronological order.

  Tommy actually found it all very interesting. And she loved watching Dolly enjoying herself. Each era was more fascinating than the previous. Until they came to the Korean War exhibit. It was too similar to Vietnam, and Tommy felt the rage in her belly again.

  “Excuse me,” she said. She left the exhibit and went to sit in a small garden to cool her heels.

  Dolly followed her out.

  “I’m sorry. We should have skipped Korea,” she said.

  “No. It’s part of your history. You deserve to see it. But I can’t. The war was wrong, and I can’t look at baby killing machines and be calm.”

  “They killed a lot of bad people, too, you know.”

  “So, you’re defending them?”

  “Tommy, let’s not argue. We know this is one subject we don’t agree on.”

  Tommy nodded. It was true. It was just something they’d have to agree to disagree on. But was it that simple? It was a pretty big sticking point. Could they get around it?

  “So, about that Egyptian display,” Dolly said.

  “Oh, yeah. Let’s go.”

  Tommy led the way down the street to the museum. It was fairly empty, given that it was the middle of the day on a Tuesday. They took their time examining the various sarcophagi and scrolls from ancient Egypt.

  Dolly stayed close to Tommy, practically holding on to her. Tommy enjoyed the closeness, but thought it odd for Dolly to be so demonstrative in public.

  “What’s up?” Tommy asked.

  “Nothing. Why?” Her voice shook slightly.

  “You okay?”

  Dolly took a deep breath.

  “Dolly?”

  “This stuff scares me. It creeps me out. There are dead people in these.”

  “That’s what makes it so cool,” Tommy said. “But you don’t think so, huh? Okay, we’ll cut the tour short.”

  They stepped out to the front steps of the museum, and Dolly took in some deep breaths.

  “You gonna be okay?” Tommy said.

  Dolly nodded.

  “I’m sorry about that. You should have said something earlier.”

  “I didn’t realize what the exhibit would be. And I didn’t know I was so queasy about that stuff.”

  “You’re okay now though?”


  “Yeah.”

  Tommy looked thoughtfully at Dolly.

  “So, I have to ask,” she said.

  “Yes?”

  “If you’re so squeamish, how can you be on a ship with kids coming back from the war? Surely there are dead kids there, too.”

  “I never see the dead ones,” Dolly said. “And it kills me to see the wounded, but I work with the doctors to ease their pain and heal them.”

  “It’s too bad there are any dismembered kids anyway. Off fighting a war we don’t belong in.”

  “So you would have communism take over the free world?” Dolly said.

  “That’s just an excuse,” Tommy said.

  “It’s not. The Viet Cong are trying to take over and make Vietnam a communist state.”

  “Even if they did, it’s not our business.”

  “We’re the most powerful nation in the world. If we don’t fight against communism, who will? Besides, they have the Soviet Union and China helping them.”

  “They shouldn’t be helping, either. The war, which is wrong anyway, but if there has to be a war, it should be between the people of the country. Without outside interference.”

  She could see Dolly’s face flushing and knew this could easily turn into a full-fledged fight. That was the last thing she wanted.

  “Okay, baby. That’s enough of this talk. Let’s talk about something else, a little more pleasant.”

  “You’re right. How about lunch?”

  “Now you’re talking. I know a great deli in the neighborhood.”

  They walked to the deli and each ordered a sandwich. When they got to their table, Tommy took a huge bite out of her corned beef sandwich. She noticed Dolly had an odd expression on her face.

  “What?” Tommy managed through a mouthful of food.

  “Nothing. It’s just that I thought hippies ate nothing but alfalfa sprouts and the like.”

  Tommy lifted her head up and laughed.

  “That’s a good one. I eat meat whenever I get a chance. Now, mind you, on the commune, there’s not always an abundance of meat. And our meat is mostly fish that we catch. That’s one of the reasons I come into town sometimes. To get my fill of meat.”

  Dolly was still looking at her questioningly.

  “What?” Tommy said.

  “You have money,” Dolly said. “Obviously. Why don’t you buy meat for everyone?”

  “I don’t have that much money,” Tommy lied.