When Andrew put his hand up for the Bronze Award Tina suddenly became interested. But there were only three people who volunteered in that level: Andrew, Blake and Stella Piermont, the lovely raven-haired AB in the Starboard Watch. When Andrew glanced at Stella and she flashed a big smile back Tina’s mind was instantly made up. She put up her hand.
Lt Cdr Hazard noted this and said, “Thanks Able Seaman Babcock. That gives us a team for the bronze award. Now, any of you people who did this last year want to try for your Silver Award?”
There were but Tina barely noted who they were as she was taken up with looking at Andrew. When he turned and flashed her a smile and nodded she felt a wave of emotion sweep through her that left her feeling slightly breathless. ‘Maybe now he will notice me?’ she hoped.
Lt Cdr Hazard then went on to detail other events. “In June we have two things scheduled for the holidays. They both last a week so I do not expect people to attend both, although they may if they wish. The first is an invitation by 130 Army Cadet Unit in Townsville to take part in their annual Senior Field Exercise. That will take part in the first week of the holidays. During the second week we are combining with other navy cadets from T.S. ‘Coral Sea’ in Townsville and T. S. ‘Pioneer’ in Mackay for promotion and specialist training. Can I have a show of hands for who is interested in taking part in the army cadet activity?”
Tina wanted to attend the promotion training as she aspired to be a Leading Seaman but did not really want to give up two weeks of her holidays. However, when Andrew and his sister Carmen both put up their hands to attend the army cadet ‘Senior Exercise’, she felt impelled to do likewise. Lt Cdr Hazard took their names and then said, “Ask your parents please so we can give the army cadets a firm commitment as to numbers. Let me know next week. Now, the promotion course; if you are interested in attending write your name on this list. It will be on the noticeboard. OK, now Lt Ryan will take over and we will do some training for Anzac Day.”
For the next 40 minutes the whole unit marched around and did drill so that they could put on a good show the next day. It was hot and sweaty work, even though it was night time, but Tina still enjoyed it. She wanted the Navy Cadets to look good on the parade as she knew full well that the Army Cadets and Air Cadets would all be casting critical eyes on their rival’s performance. ‘Especially the Air Force Cadets,’ she thought, knowing that they placed great store on appearance and that they did a lot of drill.
And she was right. The following day was Anzac Day, Australia’s national day of remembrance for its war sacrifice, and all the local cadet units took part in the city’s street march and commemorative ceremony, along with the navy, army and a multitude of community groups such as the Scouts and St John’s Ambulance and many school groups. And the members of the other cadet units cast very obvious critical eyes over the dress, bearing and drill of the others.
Tina found this slightly stressful but not just because she was worried that her own unit’s drill might not be up to standard but because of how her white uniform shirt emphasized her bust. Several times she noted male eyes studying her, most with admiration and interest but a few with the leering gaze that she particularly resented.
One male who did give her a very appraising once over, even as he said a cheerful hello before the march formed up, was Graham Kirk. His glance lingered on her shirt front and then lifted to her face and his bright blue eyes looked into hers in a way that left her unsure if she resented his male appraisal or whether she had enjoyed it. That got her blushing and yet again wishing she had a better figure.
Graham was in his army cadet uniform and she thought he looked very handsome and dashing. ‘He is very handsome,’ she thought, then blushed and looked around to check that Andrew was better looking. Graham was with his friends Peter, Stephen and Roger. They were strolling around chatting to friends and teasing rivals and enemies while officers and marshals called on groups to assemble ready for the march. For several minutes they chatted to Andrew and Blake and made silly comments about the navy.
Tina watched them with interest and twice Graham glanced in her direction and their eyes met. Tina immediately looked away both times. ‘Oh dear, I hope he doesn’t think I am interested in him,’ she thought. But she did think he was good looking. ‘And brave and very fit and muscly,’ she noted. Then he met her gaze again and this time he lifted one eyebrow and she blushed deep red and looked hastily away.
By seniority of service the Navy Cadets led the cadet part of the parade so she only glimpsed the Air Cadets as they marched past to their place in line behind the Army Cadets. As they went past she could not help noting that their blue uniforms looked very smart, much neater than the Army Cadets, and also that their drill was certainly of a high standard.
‘At least we are at the front so they won’t see us,’ Tina thought, noting Willy Williams marching stiff and erect in the ranks of the Air Cadets.
Then, when the parade began, it was Tina’s turn to march erect and proud. She was very conscious of the watching crowds and felt very pleased when they clapped and called encouragement. For the next hour she tried her hardest to stand up straight and to do her best drill. As always with Anzac Day in North Queensland it was sweltering hot with a hint of rain, the sun’s rays blazing down and the sweat trickling down in uncomfortable rivulets between shoulder blades (and breasts). Several times Tina felt quite woozy and worried that she might faint but she managed to stick it out and was still standing at the end, even though a dozen others had fallen out or sat down.
After the parade she wanted to talk to Andrew but could only stand tongue tied on the edge of the group, listening to him and his friends until her mother arrived to collect her.
‘Oh drat! Why can’t I make him notice me?’ she fretted.
From a few metres away she studied Andrew while her mother chatted with Carmen Collins and Sub Lt Mullion. Suddenly Andrew glanced at her and their eyes met. She saw his widen and then he looked away and bit his lip. She noted a blush mottle his neck and cheeks and felt her own start to burn. ‘He saw me looking then,’ she thought, worrying that she might scare him off.
Suddenly Andrew turned from talking to Blake and Luke Karaku and walked over to her. Their eyes met again and she felt herself go weak. Fearful she had annoyed him she swallowed and tried to think up an excuse. But instead he smiled and said, “Gee Tina, you look really nice.”
Now Tina did blush. She bit her lip and bowed her head for a few seconds before her natural courtesy made her look up. “Thank you,” she managed to utter.
For a few more seconds they looked at each other. Tina noted anxiety in Andrew’s eyes and her own emotions went up and down. Then she saw him swallow and straighten himself up. He glanced around to see who was close and then blurted out, “Er. er.. er. Tina.. er..um.. I’d like to take you out on a date, that is if you are allowed to go on dates.”
For a few seconds Tina stood as though stunned. ‘He has noticed me! He has asked me for a date!’ her mind screamed. Then she noted the beads of perspiration on his brow and the anxiety in his expression and she thought, ‘Answer him you nong, before he thinks you don’t like him.’ With an effort she cleared her throat and nodded. “Er.. I’d like that,” she managed to say.
Again Andrew glanced sideways, she presumed to check that his big sister wasn’t within hearing. Then he broke into a grin as her answer registered in his mind. “That’s great. Are you allowed?”
“Only with nice boys that my mum and dad approve of,” she replied mischievously, certain that her parents would allow her to go out with Andrew.
But that got him looking even more anxious. “Oh..er .. er.. do I.. er.. Should I ask your father?”
Tina thought that was very quaint and old-fashioned but also appreciated the fact that he was obviously brave enough to do so if he had to. She replied, “I think it will be alright. You can if you want to but they already know you so it shouldn’t be a problem. Where did you have in mind?”
They discussed several options but had not decided when Tina’s mother turned and said, “Come on Tina, time we went.”
“Yes Mum,” Tina answered. To Andrew she said, “I’ll think about it and we can decide at school,” she said. Andrew nodded and beamed with happiness. It dawned on Tina that he must have been worried she would turn him down. To reassure him she gave him her brightest smile and then waved as she followed her mother towards the car.
She barely noticed the drive home. ‘He has noticed me! He wants to take me out!’ she told herself, smiling and hugging herself with a happiness that seemed to bubble out of her.
Her mother glanced at her and said, “What are you smiling about Tina? You look like you are the cat that got the canary.”
That put Tina on the spot. ‘Do I tell my mother or do I wait till Andrew has asked dad?’ she wondered. There was also the desire to avoid teasing and embarrassment from the family. But when she saw her mother’s quizzically raised eyebrow reflected in the rear view mirror she shrugged and said, “I have just been asked if I would like to go out on a date. May I Mummy?”
Before her mother could answer what Tina feared happened. Her little brother snorted and cried out derisively, “Date! With you? The poor bugger must need glasses.”
Tina blushed with hurt but her father spoke first. “That is enough of that Garth. You should be ashamed of yourself, saying hurtful things like that.” He then turned in his seat and said, “And what if we think you are too young?”
“I hope you don’t,” Tina replied a little breathlessly, the first words giving her some hope as they were not a definite no.
Her father then said, “And who is this person? I may not approve.”
“Andrew Collins Dad,” Tina replied.
Her father and mother exchanged glances and both smiled. That both cheered Tina and peeved her. “May I?” she asked.
“Yes, but we need to know where and when and we have to approve the venue,” her father answered.
Tina sighed with relief and was happy with that. She knew that her parents were really worried about her possibly getting in with the wrong crowd and that they did not want her involved in unsupervised parties where there was possibly alcohol or drugs.
“We haven’t decided yet,” she replied. “Andrew left it up to me and I think that maybe something simple like the movies might be suitable to start with.”
“To start with eh?” her father commented with a laugh.
Tina blushed again and it was on the tip of her tongue to retort that she intended to marry Andrew one day but she restrained herself.
They left it at that but for Tina where to go for the date became all she could think about for the remainder of the day. It obsessed her thoughts that night and led to warm fantasies of them kissing and hugging and of her being deeply in love and of him treating her like a fairy princess. ‘Instead of just like another sister, which is how he treats me now,’ she mused.
The same topic dominated her thoughts on Sunday and she conjured up pleasant daydreams while she did her usual household chores. She was in the middle of washing the dog out on the side lawn with the help of her father when she got a real surprise. Her mother appeared, and behind her was Andrew.
‘Andrew!’ she thought, suddenly very aware of her un-brushed hair and the old T-shirt and baggy shorts she was wearing. ‘Oh! I hope I look alright,’ she worried, using a soapy forearm to push a straggle of hair back away from her eyes.
Andrew was dressed in shorts and a white shirt and looked very anxious. He walked over and stood looking at her father, with a few glances at Tina. As he said hello it suddenly dawned on Tina why he was there. ‘He is going to ask dad if he can take me out!’ she thought. The notion that he was both that brave and that courteous sent a pulse of admiration through her and she knew she loved him for sure.
It was the reason. After licking his lips and looking worried Andrew said, “Er hello Mr Babcock. I am Andrew Collins.”
“Yes, I know,” Tina’s father replied standing up and putting out a hand. As they shook he added, “Tina has often mentioned you. And we have seen you at cadets.”
Andrew nodded and then said, “I have come to ask if I can take Tina out on a date.”
Tina’s father smiled and nodded. “Yes you may. It is not common these days for young men to have the courtesy to ask and we appreciate it. Now grab a leg if you don’t mind and we will get this pesky dog bathed and then we can sit in the shade and have afternoon tea.”
Without hesitation Andrew knelt and helped hold the dog. As he did he looked at Tina and their eyes met. Tina also noted with approval that the dog did not resist or bark but instead licked at Andrew’s hands. The irrational thought that if the dog approved he must be alright crossed her mind, making her smile. She also smiled with happiness and admiration and he smiled back, his face looking so handsome she felt like swooning.
Later they sat with Tina’s mother and had afternoon tea: cordial and biscuits- in the shade of the courtyard. Tina felt very self-conscious but also elated. Her admiration for Andrew had reached new heights. He added to this by talking to her parents in a relaxed and mostly mature way. The venue for the proposed date and the associated administrative details such as timings and travel were agreed on. Tina’s mother was to drive her to met Andrew at his house and then take them to the movies. Afterwards she would pick them both up afterwards and take Andrew home first.
When it came time for Andrew to leave he shook hands with Tina’s dad and thanked her mother. To Tina’s delight her mother beamed back and obviously approved of Andrew. Tina stood up and shyly walked with him to the front door. There she felt quite tongue-tied although she boiled with things she wanted to say. She also ached to reach out, to take his hand, to hold him; to kiss him. But she did none of those things and just stood and mumbled a thank you and gave him a nervous smile. She felt unable to believe her good luck. Then she watched as he turned and walked out to where his bicycle leaned against the fence. As he pedalled away he turned and waved and she waved back, her heart hammering with joy.
So elated was she that she had trouble thinking straight and difficulty concentrating. In bed that night she was a mass of nervousness and heated fantasies and lay awake for hours. She felt she could not wait till the following Saturday evening. She began to itch with impatience.
At school the next day Tina was a tingling mess of emotions and uncertainties. She was unsure whether Andrew would want to be seen with her at school. As she did not want to annoy him or make him regret asking her she stayed with her own friends and watched him from afar, all the while wishing they were together. Equally she was very reluctant to even hint to her girl friends that Andrew was talking her out, at least until she was more confident of her position.
However he did not speak seriously to her, only chatting casually when they met during a change of classes. That was enough for Tina. ‘He spoke to me. He wants to take me out. I’m in love!’ she thought.
Her daydreams almost got her reprimanded for inattention in class but as she usually got very good marks and rarely gave any trouble it was not serious. She settled back to her work and then drifted into more reveries of romantic fantasy.
This set the pattern for the week. But Tina did yearn for Andrew to be seen with her at school, to sit with her in the way that other couples did who were acknowledged ‘items’. She knew this was partly so that other girls would notice and be jealous and because it would boost her status. She did not want to be seen as just a ‘frump’. There was plenty of the normal woman in her for those sorts of vanities.
But she was too shy to go and sit with him. Twice she walked past where he was sitting with his friends but apart from some eye contact and him nodding a greeting there was no encouragement for her to join them. That peeved her a little but she was
too anxious about possibly annoying him that she did not push her luck. ‘He is taking me out on Saturday night,’ she reminded herself.
That had the effect of making time seem to drag. It seemed that Saturday would never come and school became a mixture of pleasure and frustrating torment. Tina tried to smother her feelings by working hard and even by playing some games of handball and netball with other girls during the breaks but it was all still a trial of impatience.
Only on Wednesday during the lunch break was there an incident to break the pattern- and that did not involve Andrew. Tina was sitting under the school with a dozen other girls, nibbling at her lunch and chatting about nothing much when she noted Willy Williams walk past and stop to talk to one of the Year 9 girls seated further along. Out of idle curiosity she glanced to see who it was and saw that it was a red-haired girl she had often seen before. The red-head was big for her age, long-legged and with quite prominent breasts but Tina did not know her name.
Nor did Tina hear what Willy said but it was obvious he was trying to win on. Tina noted that Willy looked nervous and embarrassed and assumed he was asking the girl for a date. The fact that he had plucked up the courage to do so in such a public place and in front of a dozen other girls raised Tina’s estimation of him a notch. But she was only casually interested and was turning away when it all exploded into a major incident.
Tina heard Willy say: “I wanted to ask you for a date; to go to the movies on Saturday night.”
There was a moment’s pained silence. Then the red-head replied: “So ask me then.”
Willy blinked and looked flustered and confused. There was a ripple of laughter. Tina felt quite sorry for him and decided she did not like the red-head. But Willy stood his ground, swallowed and said, “Er.. Will you.. umm. will you go out with me?”
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