Rose of Anzio - Jalousie (Volume 2): A WWII Epic Love Story

by Alexa Kang

  Rose of Anzio Book Two Jalousie

  A WWII Epic Love Story

  Alexa Kang

  Contents

  Disclaimer

  Part One - Departure

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Part Two - The Home Front

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Part Three - Boot Camp

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Part Four - The Shell-Shocked Patient

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Part Five - Tessa's Quest

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Part Six - Baptism of Blood

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Part Seven - Goodbye Chicago

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Part Eight - Naples

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Part Nine - Jesse Garland

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Part Ten - Jalousie

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Part Eleven - The Christmas Ball

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Rose of Anzio Book Three - Desire

  Rose of Anzio - Desire Preview

  The Rose of Anzio Series

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  Eternal Flame Synopsis

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  Citations

  About the Author

  Acknowledgments

  This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or actual events, is purely coincidental. The author has made every effort to ensure that major historical facts are accurate, but has taken some artistic license for fictional purposes. This book is not intended to be used as reference material and in no way should it be treated as an authority on any subject on any account.

  I

  Part One - Departure

  1

  Alone in her art studio, Tessa stood in front of the painting of Nadine and Laurent embracing each other in a state of rapture. Months ago, when she had painted this, she had thought this was what love would be like. Passion. Euphoria. Everything that would bring one to the epitome of happiness in this world. How could she have known then that love could come with so much pain even when the two people in love wanted nothing more than to be with each other?

  She had meant to give the painting to Nadine as a gift, but she never found the time to bring it to her. So many things had happened that got in the way. First, it was Jack's return from the war, injured. And then, Anthony.

  Anthony…

  Emptiness gripped her. She stood staring at the painting for a long time without seeing it. A maze of other thoughts occupied her mind. She tried to remember every sensation she felt in every moment when she was with Anthony, starting from the stroke of midnight when the New Year arrived. That was the moment when all the barriers, confusions, and misunderstandings between them disappeared, and a new beginning full of promises unveiled itself.

  That night, when they kissed, he had opened his inner world to her. In his arms, she felt close to him in a way she had never felt with anyone else. In that moment, she belonged to him, and he belonged to her. She felt as if they were the only ones in the entire ballroom. No one else mattered. Nothing could come between them.

  In the small hours as the lights dimmed, he kissed her again and again. Everything felt so right. There at the top of the Allerton Hotel, he had given her the most beautiful memories of her life. There was no other place she would rather have been that night.

  She remembered looking into his eyes. Such beautiful blue eyes. So deep, she wanted to lose herself in them.

  She could still feel the warmth and tenderness of his touch. His breath on her lips, on her cheeks, and on her neck. All those sensations still felt so real, so tangible. She could almost reach out her hand and touch him as if he was right next to her.

  She tried to remember all these feelings as she stared at the painting before her. Her memories took her back to New Year's Day.

  It was Friday, the first day of 1943 and the day after the Fur Ball, the day after they danced deep into the night and discovered paradise at the top of the world. As in all the previous years, the Ardleys hosted a New Year's Day brunch for their close friends and neighbors. By noon, everyone in the Ardley household was dressed and ready.

  She didn't get much sleep the night before. She and Anthony had returned home well past midnight. Back in her room, all she could do was lie in bed and think about everything that had happened. For hours, waves of sweetness flowed in her heart and it was impossible for her to fall asleep. Finally, when dawn broke and the morning light crept through the slits between the curtains, she dozed off and drifted into a series of dreams. She couldn't remember what she had dreamt about, but they were good dreams.

  Despite having only a few hours of sleep, she did not feel tired. Her whole being was bursting with blissful energy. She would rather be awake and be with Anthony than be asleep, unconscious and away from him.

  She came downstairs just in time. Uncle William and Aunt Sophia were leading the guests into the dining room. Aunt Sophia had planned for the brunch to be informal and relaxed, but the maid had nonetheless put out the fine china and silverware. Fresh flowers filled the vases on the table, making even this cold winter day cheerful and bright.

  Quickly, Tessa took a seat. When she looked up again, Anthony had entered. Her heart skipped at the sight of him and she looked down at the plate set in front of her. When he walked past her, he ran his fingers lightly across the nape of her neck and down her hair. She gasped at the feeling of his touch. Such a small, subtle gesture, but so filled with meaning. Sweet paralysis spread through every inch of her.

  He took the seat next to her and turned to look at her just as she turned to look at him. Excitement rushed through her core the moment their eyes met. Embarrassed, she turned away. She could feel Uncle William and Aunt Sophia watching them even as they continued speaking with the guests. She tried to act normally, but inside, she was exhilarated.

  At the table, the surprise appearance of Celeste Le Vonne at the Fur Ball the night before dominated the conversation. Uncle Leon had pulled off a huge coup. The actress's attendance at the event would surely be the talk of the town for months to come. Celeste had wowed everybody with her fantastic singing and their guests could not stop raving about it. But for Tessa, the only music she could hear were the blissful melodies flowing between her and Anthony.

  Sitting on the carpeted floor in his room, Anthony put his arms around Tessa as she leaned back against his chest. All he wanted this afternoon was to be alone with her, but the New Year's Day brunch went on and on for what felt like an eternity. He could not wait for the last remaining guests to leave. Now, away from everyone, he could at last bury his face in her hair and breathe in that sweet scent of her rose perfume. He brushed her hair to one side and kissed the back of her neck. She tu
rned around and smiled. Her smile was so endearing. Her affection was so genuine. He leaned in closer and kissed her again.

  If only they could remain in this moment. He looked at Tessa smiling and gazing at him with her bright, spirited eyes. What he wouldn't give to remain in this moment forever.

  He didn't know it would be so hard to follow through with what he had resolved to do. He could only blame himself for being so simple-minded. He thought if he confessed to her, he would be able to do what he should have done months ago, to enlist. So many of his classmates had done it. They made their promises to their girlfriends and left to answer the call of duty. He thought he could do the same. He only hoped Tessa would accept him and not laugh in his face.

  A year ago, after Pearl Harbor, he had let his parents and Uncle Leon convince him to wait until his draft number came up. Now, his civilian status marked him like a badge of shame. Everywhere, men of drafting age had taken up the military uniform. The absence of young men at the Fur Ball was impossible to miss and he had felt entirely out of place. Even worse, the handful of young men who had attended were 4-Fs rejected by the military for physical or other health reasons. Unlike them, he had no excuse for being there.

  Things could not have been more awkward than when he met the lieutenant who came to rally for the war bond drive. All night long, the guests' eyes were on the decorated young soldier, praising him for the two years he had already served. Anthony couldn't tell if he had imagined it, but he thought he saw the young lieutenant giving him a derisive look when Uncle Leon introduced them. He thought he heard a tone of contempt from their valiant guest when they exchanged greetings and shook hands.

  There was no point in waiting anymore. The military spared no one who qualified. Sooner or later, his number would come up. He had escaped the odds for too long. If the rumors were true that the military favored those who enlisted by letting volunteers choose which army branch to join, then he should enlist to increase his chance of joining the air force. He could follow in Uncle Lex's footsteps. His decision was clear.

  That was how, when New Year's Eve ended and the clock struck midnight, he gathered all his nerve and kissed the girl he loved. How was he to know that when she returned his feelings, it would tear his heart to think he would have to leave her?

  What an idiot he had been! Did he think he would ride off to battle while the fair maiden bid him farewell like he was a knight in a fairy tale? Did he think he could just leave and everything would be fine?

  He looked at the girl in his arms, happy and unaware of all that was going through his mind. How could he have not foreseen that if she had felt the same way about him, it would only be that much harder for him to leave? How thoughtless of him to let her know he loved her, only to bring her disappointment in the end.

  He hadn't told anyone, but before he left school for the holidays, he had made up his mind not to return. But now, he hesitated once more. Should he continue to stall and prolong the inevitable? Return to school and continue to wait until he was drafted? He could extend whatever time he could have with her that way. Or should he remain steadfast and do what he had set out to do?

  In two days, the spring semester would begin. One way or another, he would have to make a choice. If he chose to follow through with his plans, what would he tell her?

  He hadn't even left yet, but the ache of being apart from her already hurt. He tightened his arms around her, wishing he could hold on and never let her go.

  For Tessa, the New Year holiday was ending all too fast. Sunday afternoon was almost over. Tomorrow, she would have to return to the hospital, and Anthony would return to school. How sad that this weekend must end.

  In the parlor, she played the piano while he straddled the bench seat watching her. His eyes never left her the entire time she played. What a wonderful feeling it was to have him so near her. How could it be possible to like someone this much? Not in a million years would she have thought that the someone she would fall in love with would be Anthony. And yet, it was him. The more she looked at him, the more she liked him. His eyes, so full of intelligence, reflected a world of integrity. His body was such a figure of strength, he could take any girl's heart. But these were not the only reasons why she found herself falling hopelessly in love.

  Last night, he had come by her room after everyone had turned in. On impulse, she took his hand and led him into her room to let him steal a kiss goodnight. He surprised her and gave her a kiss so passionate, it left her breathless. They were so close, she felt his body rousing against her. It left her confused, then amazed. It sent her heart racing.

  With great reluctance, he tore himself away from her, kissing her once more on the forehead before he left her room. Afterward, she lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling and realizing for the first time the kind of feelings he had for her. He longed for her. And now, as he sat listening to her play the piano, it was all so obvious. His every look made her feel wanted. His every touch made her feel desired.

  The new intimacy between them thrilled her. She finished the final notes of their song, "Liebestraum," and turned to return his gaze. He reached for her hand and kissed her. When their lips touched, she felt her heart could erupt and melt into streams like lava flows.

  They were still holding hands and gazing into each other's eyes when Uncle William entered with a sullen look on his face and an envelope in his hand.

  When his father came in, Anthony quickly let go of Tessa's hand. She looked as embarrassed as he felt. They hadn't said anything to his parents yet about what had changed between them, but from the way his parents had looked at them these last two days, his parents no doubt already knew and had given their tacit approval. Still, how awkward it was to have his father walk in on them.

  Oblivious, Tessa couldn't stop smiling. His own feelings of joy, though, vanished the instant he saw his father. He could guess already why his father looked so grave.

  "I haven't told your mother yet." His father handed him the letter. "I only realized a moment ago this was among the pile of mail that came in on Friday."

  Anthony took the letter. The envelope's upper left corner showed the County Draft Board as the return addressee. To his own surprise, he felt calm. Even relieved. He had expected this for a long time. Now that it had come, at least he would no longer have to make a choice.

  But he would never forget the crushing look on Tessa's face.

  2

  The following week went by like a blur. Back at the hospital, Tessa went through the motions of everything required of her at classes and work. She didn't even have much private time with Anthony. He had only one week before he needed to report to the County Draft Board for his qualifications exam. If he passed, and surely he would, he would not return. The army would take him directly from the place of the exam to training camp.

  He had so many personal matters to attend to before he left, taking a leave of absence from school, terminating or passing on the academic projects he was working on, and last goodbyes to his friends and classmates. Most importantly, his time belonged to his parents and family. One afternoon, he sat with Aunt Sophia and listened to radio programs she liked. Another morning, he accompanied her to a meeting with Philip Wrigley to talk about giving their support to help fund a new girls' softball league to keep baseball alive at home. Uncle William changed his week's schedule and cut short his work hours to be home to help Anthony with whatever he needed. Uncle Leon too came by with Aunt Anna every evening after work. On the weekend, Katherine and Alexander joined them.

  The entire family took the news hard. Uncle Leon went into hysterics when he first heard about it. He called every government official he knew, but nothing could be done. Aunt Sophia tried to put on a brave face, only to tear up whenever she thought no one was looking. Uncle William, who everyone normally relied on for assurance and comfort, seemed lost too.

  Ironically, it fell to Anthony to try to cheer everyone up.

  "It's still possible they won't assign you to c
ombat," Uncle Leon said when the Caldwells came for dinner the evening before Anthony left. "With any luck, they might assign you to a staff position. Didn't you take classes in military shipment and logistics? And you've had two summers of work experience with me on imports and exports. What you should do is tell them you can help them plan military logistics. You'll be more valuable to them that way. Make sure they know that."

  "Logistics?" Anthony said. "Sounds good. Maybe I can be the delivery guy or the mail guy." He pointed to his plate. "Or I can cook. Maybe they'll make me a cook." Everyone laughed except Tessa. She looked down without saying anything.

  "Not a chance," Uncle William said. "The troop would starve to death from bad cooking."

  "It's not bad cooking they gotta worry about." Leon served Anthony another slice of pot roast. It was a special treat made for Anthony. Aunt Sophia had saved their entire week's meat rations for it. "What they got to worry about is that fool in the White House…"

  "Leon," Aunt Anna interrupted him, "don't start."

  "What? If there's anything I worry about, it's that fool of a commander in chief. Why are we still short on weapons? You'd think we would've churned out a mountain of tanks and guns to crush the fascists by now. We should be wiping the Germans and the Japs off the map. Especially the Japs. How big is Japan? It's not even the size of California. We can bomb that whole country to its knees overnight. We wouldn't even have to send thousands of boys there to do the job. I'll tell you what the problem is. The problem is we got that New Yorker sitting in the White House. What does a New Yorker know about manufacturing and production anyway?"

  "Fine, you know better. You know everything about wartime production. We'll call Senator Reinhardt tomorrow and he'll tell Roosevelt to appoint you the Secretary of Factories."