Shirley Temple

Short Stories 4

Shirley type children's stories

(Picture: B17 Heavy Bomber)


Background music: "I Wanna Go To The Zoo",
Arrangement ©1936, Robbins Music Corp,
Computer adaptation ©2011 L West

See Stories: Little Missy, Poor Little Rag Doll, Little Miss Hollywood, The Little Major, The Littlest Diplomat, The Littlest Sailor, The Littlest Fire Fighter

THE LITTLE MAJOR - By Rex W. Clark, June 18, 2005
(Dedicated to all the people who served in the American armed forces or in the resistance in Europe fighting for freedom)

Chapter 1 - The Little Major Waiting

On an air base in Europe during the Second World War, a little girl five years of age with blonde curls, brown eyes, wearing a pair of black pants, a brown bomber jacket, and a matching pilot’s cap was playing in a sand box when her mother came over and said to her, “Brandy, Mark and the boys should be arriving any minute now.” Brandy looked up with a dimpled smile as she asked, “Can you see their planes yet?” Brandy’s mother replied, “Not yet but if we hurry and go to the control tower, we should be able to hear them on the radio.” Brandy smiled as she said, “Thank you, but I’d rather stay here and give them a wave as they land.” Brandy’s mother chuckled and said, “Ok, and while you’re at it give them all a wave for me too.” Brandy smiled as she said, “Ok mommy.” Brandy’s mother said as she turned to leave, “I’ll be at the dispensary if any of the boys need me.” Brandy then blew her mother a kiss and said as she resumed playing in the sand box, “Ok mommy, bye,” Her mother blew her one back and said, “You be a good girl and stay out of everyone’s way.” Brandy looked up as she said, “Ok mommy.” At that Brandy’s mother left for the dispensary.

Later as several men were playing football on an open field near where Brandy was busy playing and while the men were running a play one of them pointed over a long line of trees and in a voice filled with excitement said, “Here they come!” Brandy turned around and looked in the same direction the men were looking and saw the massive B17 bombers known as the ‘Flying Fortress’ that were lined up in final approach. As the first of the planes flew at tree top level over Brandy, it’s massive engines roaring and pulsating as the panes landing gear began to lower, she dropped the shovel and began running as a small dog came out from under a pick up and began running and barking beside her to the area where the planes were to park after landing.

As she arrived to the area where the planes were to park the first of the massive planes touched down on the runway. Brandy smiled as she waved at the plane as it taxied to it’s designated spot where the ground crew chocked the wheels as the pilot shut down the massive engines. As all four propellers were slowing to a stop the side door opened, a man inside the plane put out a set of rod iron stairs then walked down the steps followed by the crew as the second plane taxied next to it and repeated the same procedure as the first while several more planes were landing while more taxied in.

As the men were coming off the planes many smiled and rubbed Brandy’s cap, one stopped as Brandy saluted him as she asked, “Well Captain did you have a successful mission?” The man saluted her back and smiled as he replied, “Yes Major we certainly did.” Brandy then ran towards him as she said, “Hello Uncle Mark.” In one motion Mark lifted her off her feet and threw her high into the air and caught her as she came down as he asked, “How has my favorite little girl in the whole world been doing while I was away?” Brandy smiled and replied as Mark carried her in his right arm as she put her arms around his neck as the two of them started towards the cafeteria , “Oh nothing.” Mark smiled as he said, “Aw come on surely you weren’t just doing nothing, why you’ve got sand on your shoes.” Brandy smiled as she said, “I helped Aunt Mandy bake some cookies then I helped her eat them all up, then I went to play fetch with Max, but all he wanted to do was lay beneath the truck and sleep, so I just played in the sand box until you came back.” Mark smiled as he asked, “Did you save some cookies for me?” Brandy reached into the pocked of her jacket and smiled as she replied, “I saved you six but I got hungry and ate two so now you have four.” She pulled out what was supposed to be four cookies but ended up being a hand full of crumbs and made a cute face as she said, “They don’t look like much but they sure are good.” Mark laughed as he took the hand full of crumbs, put them in his mouth and began to chew them and then said, “Umm they sure are good.”

As the two of them were walking they smelled the heavenly aroma of chicken frying and yeast rolls baking, Mark rubbed his stomach as he said “Let’s go see what Mandy has fixed for dinner, I’m so hungry I could eat your shoes.” Brandy laughed as she said, “You’ll get a lot of sand in your mouth,” she sniffed the air, “and they won’t taste as good as Aunt Mandy’s fried chicken, mashed potatoes with brown gravy, corn, green beans, and yeast rolls.” Mark smiled as he said, “Oh my goodness if that don’t sound like a dinner fit for a king then someone needs to slap me silly and call me goofy.” Brandy laughed as she said, “I won’t slap you silly but you sure are goofy.” Mark tickled her as he teased, “Hey what’s the meaning of calling me goofy?” With a dimpled smile Brandy replied, “Because you’re always making me laugh.” Mark smiled as he lovingly said, “Every time I hear you laugh with that cute smile and those adorable dimples I for just a little while forget that there’s a war going on where a lot of other people don’t ever hear the laughter of a very special child whom they love so dearly.” Brandy’s smile disappeared as she asked, “Why do we have to have a war?” Mark looked into her eyes as he replied, “Because the Germans want to kill all the Jews and everyone who defends them and our job is to protect them while we try to stop them from taking over Europe.”

With a scowl Brandy stomped her foot as she said, “Someone should tell that bad man with the funny mustache to leave the Jews alone and be good so there won’t be a war and everyone can go home.” Mark said, “If it was that easy then we wouldn’t ever have any wars but let’s not talk about that now instead lets enjoy some of Mandy’s dinner then afterwards we can play together.” Brandy smiled as she said, “Ok Uncle Mark.”

After dinner and several minutes of play and laughter Mark said, “Let’s go see what your mother is up to, I’m sure she’s getting awful worried about you.” Brandy smiled as she said, “Oh she’s never worried just as long as I’m with you.” Mark smiled as he said, “Just the same let’s go say hello and see if she needs anything.”

Mark and Brandy were walking into one of the rooms of the dispensary where Brandy’s mother was busy folding a pile of freshly cleaned and ironed linen. As they entered the room Brandy skipped over to her as she cheerfully said, “Hi mommy.” Brandy’s mother stooped down and gave her a hug as she asked, “How’s my baby doing, have you’ve been staying out of everyone’s way.” Brandy smiled as she said, “Mark and I wanted to come and see if you needed anything.” Brandy’s mother said, “Oh that’s very sweet of you but I don’t need anything at the moment.” She went on to address Mark, “Did you loose any planes on this last mission?” Mark replied, “No as usual we had very good fighter support.” Brandy’s mother lowered her head as she said, “I wish Alex had the same fighter support he’d still be here with us.” Mark said, “This squadron is all Black and are no doubt the best of the best.” Brandy’s mother commented, “I bet some of the boys didn’t like having a group of Black pilots defending them.” Mark agreed, “Many of them balked at first but when they saw how good they were they all changed their tune now they won’t fly unless they’re up there with us.” Brandy’s mother then asked, “What’s for dinner at the cafeteria?” Mark was about to answer when Brandy cheerfully replied as she rubbed her tummy, “We had fried chicken, corn, green beans, mashed potatoes with brown gravy, and some yummy yeast rolls.” Brandy’s mother smiled as she said, “Oh that sounds so good I think I’ll get some just a soon as I’m done here.” Brandy made another cute face as she said, “Uncle Mark said that if it wasn’t fit for a king then I should slap him silly and call him goofy.” Brandy’s mother gasped then with her voice filled with alarm asked , “Oh no baby you wouldn’t really disgrace your Uncle Mark and I like that.” Brandy smiled while rocking on her heels as she replied, “Oh no I couldn’t ever do that why that’s your job if,” she turned her head slightly to the side, “someday Uncle Mark became my daddy.” Mark cleared his throat as Brady’s mother smiled then commented, “We’ll cross that bridge later when we come to it.” Brandy’s brow wrinkled as she asked, “Where are we going?” Brandy’ mother laughed as she asked, “What on earth made you ask that?” Brandy replied, “You said we’ll cross a bridge later so I figure we must be going somewhere?” Brandy’s mother was about to speak as Mark laughed then interrupted her, “Lisa let me explain it to her.” Mark went on to explain, “What your mother means is that two people would have to know one another then after a while would fall in love and eventually get married.” Brandy’s mother said, “We’ll talk about this at another time, for now help me fold this linen so mommy can get some dinner before it’s all gone.” At that Mark and Brandy began folding the linen.

Chapter 2 - The Surprise

Later as the three of them were walking to the cafeteria, Brandy’s dog came out from under a car and began barking while playfully nipping at Brandy’s heals as she ran and laughed. Brandy and her dog played together while they all continued walking to the cafeteria, Mark looked at Brandy’s mother and said, “Lisa having you and Brandy here has made this tour of duty go a lot easier not only for me but for all the guys. They all think of Brandy as their own good luck charm and won’t go up unless they all rub those magic curls.” Lisa chuckled as she commented, “She is very special to everyone, Thomas the senior cook said that she can talk the ears off a jack rabbit.” Mark laughed then commented, “He’s sure right about that,” Lisa looked him in the eyes as she continued, “You’re her favorite she loves you so much, I mean I really appreciate how you’ve taken her under your wing as if she were your own.” Mark said, “Alex and I were pals every since we were about her age we joined up together and when he died I felt it was my duty to look after the two of you.” Lisa put her hand on his arm as she said, “You’ve been so sweet to Brandy and I felt it was my duty to serve my country by staying on as a nurse rather than going back home to California.” Mark smiled as he said, “That night at the dance when you and Alex first met we argued over who would get the first dance with you so we flipped a coin he won then several months later the two of you got married, then a year later Brandy came along and I felt as if I was truly in heaven when I first held her in my arms and at that moment I told my self that I would look after the two of you if anything ever happened to Alex because it’s not only what he asked of me but it’s what he would do for me.” Lisa said, “I’ve been given some thought to what Brandy said about you becoming her father,” she stopped and spun him around, “well the job is yours that is if you want it.” Mark smiled as he asked, “Are you proposing to me?” Lisa smiled as she replied, “You could say that.” Mark picked her up and swung her around as he said, “You’ve just made me the happiest man alive.”

While they were laughing and kissing, Brandy came over and cheerfully asked, “Does this mean that Mark can be my daddy?” Lisa stooped down and hugged her as she replied’ “Yes just as soon as we’re married.” Brandy jumped up and down as she said, “Yippee” then began kissing Mark, (who had then stooped down), and Lisa as she lovingly asked, “You really want Mark to be your father?” Brandy’s voice filled with excitement as she leaped and shouted, “More than anything in the whole world!” Lisa lovingly said as she took Mark’s hand in hers, “You can call him daddy starting right now or if you wish you can wait until after we’re married.” Brandy smiled as she said, “I’ll start calling him daddy right now.” She then hugged Mark as she said; “I love you daddy.” Mark hugged her back as he said, “I love you too pumpkin.” A NEW START Several days later the three of them were standing before the Chaplin along with two mutual friends. After the Chaplin said, “I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss your bride.” Brandy looked on with a dimpled smile as Lisa and Mark kissed. Afterwards the Chaplin shook their hands as he said, “Congratulations.” He then smiled as he said to Brandy, “Well Little Major it’s not every day I get the pleasure of giving a little girl like yourself a new daddy.” Brandy smiled and made a cute face as she said, “Oh he’s not new why he’s a lot older than I am.” The Chaplin laughed and then asked, “Well if your daddy is a lot older than you then what a bout me, why I’m a lot older than he is?” Brandy put her finger next to her mouth with a look of serious concentration and then said, “That must make you older than dirt because you’re older than my Grandpa.” Everyone in the office laughed as the Chaplin cleared his throat and straightened his tie.”

Later that day the base Commanding officer sent a Private to Mark with a written order that the Colonel wished to speak to him at once. Mark turned to Lisa and said, “Colonel Morris wants to see me at once.” Lisa looked into his eyes with concern as she asked, “What if you’re being transferred to another duty station?” Mark took her hands in his as he said, “If so then I’ll resign my commission, I’ve already served more than ten years.” Lisa looked intensely into his eyes as she said, “I couldn’t let you do that I know how much you love to fly, this is your life.” Mark squeezed her hands as he said, “I have a new life now, I could fly for a private company or perhaps an airline.” Lisa asked, “You’d really give up your commission for us?” Mark kissed her on the forehead as he replied, “In a heartbeat.” Lisa kissed him and then said, “If you’re transferred we’ll go with you, I’ll work as a nurse at a hospital and we’ll rent an apartment near the base if they won’t let us live on the base with you.” Mark asked, “What if that’s in enemy territory?” Lisa replied, “You’re forgetting that my Grandparents went to the United States right after they were first married and I’m fluent in German so we can live amongst them.” Mark asked, “Maybe so but what will happen if you’re found out, what will happen to Brandy?” Lisa replied, “I’ll take our chances just as long as we’re near you.” Mark said, “I can’t let you do that, I’m prepared to do what ever is necessary to insure yours and Brandy’s safety.” At that Mark and Lisa kissed and Mark left without waking Brandy from her nap.”

Chapter 3 - Bad Boy

Mark was just coming into Colonel Morris’s office and saluted him as Colonel Morris saluted him back as the Colonel motioned with his hand towards a seat in front of his desk as he said, “Have a seat Major I have something to discuss with you.” Mark sat down as the Colonel said, “Mark I heard that you and Alex’s widow were married just a couple of hours ago.” Mark replied, “Yes Colonel that’s correct.” Colonel Morris said, “Without military approval.” Mark fidgeted in his seat then replied, “Yes sir.” The Colonel shuffled some papers on his desk then said, “Normally a man would be disciplined for such an act, but since Lisa is an American citizen I’m gong to let that slide however there is one thing that I’m not going to let slide.” Mark again fidgeted as he asked, “And what is that sir.” The Colonel replied, “I’m not going to let slide the fact that you haven’t taken you’re bride and that child of hers on a honeymoon therefore as proper discipline for your actions I’m ordering you to take a two week furlough to London so you and your new bride can have a proper honeymoon.” Mark smiled as he said, “That’s very good of you sir, but what about the next mission who’s going to fly in my place?” The Colonel smiled as he replied, “The next mission hasn’t been planned because the scouts haven’t reported back on the next possible target so the sooner the three of you get a move on the sooner you can get back.” Mark smiled as he said, “Thank you sir, I’ll never forget this.” The Colonel and Mark both stood up as the Colonel commented with a smile, “Have a good trip.” Mark and the Colonel exchanged salutes then left the office.

Minutes later Mark arrived at Lisa’s sleeping quarters as Lisa asked, “What happened?” Mark replied, “Colonel Morris is going to discipline me for not taking you and Brandy on a honeymoon.” Lisa asked, “He what?” Mark replied, “He said he’s going to discipline me for not giving you a proper honeymoon but he was going to let slide the fact that I didn’t get military approval to get married.” Lisa asked, “So what is he going to do to you?” Mark smiled as he replied; “He has ordered us on a two week furlough in London England.” Lisa punched him on the arm as she said, “Why you goof I thought you we’re being sent to the stockade.” Mark smiled as he said, “No the Colonel wants us to take some time off to enjoy one another before things get serious again.” Lisa asked, “What about the next mission?” Mark replied, “The Colonel said that the scouts haven’t yet reported back with the next potential target so we have a few days off to enjoy.” Lisa threw her arms around Mark as she said, “Oh this the best wedding gift that anyone could have given us.” About that time Brandy awoke and asked, “Mommy is everything alright?” Lisa smiled as she replied, “Yes darling everything’s alright, we’re going to London for two weeks.” Brandy smiled as she said, “Oh my goodness.” She had a curious look as she asked, “Where’s London?” Lisa replied, “London is in England.” Brandy thought for a moment then asked, “Is that where everyone drinks a lot of tea and talks really funny.” Lisa and Mark both laughed then Lisa replied, “Yes it’s where everyone drinks a lot of tea and talks with a funny accent.”

Chapter 4 - Having A Jolly Ol' Time

Several days later the thee of them were touring Buckingham Palace when Brandy walked up to one of the palace guards, stood before him then gently tugged on his kilt and asked, “Sir why do you have to wear a dress why dresses are for girls?” She turned her head slightly to the side and looked at him and with mischief in her voice she asked, “Do you wear a bra?’ She raised his kilt, “And panties?” About that time Lisa rescued the guard when she came and took Brandy by the hand as she said, “Don’t bother the guard he’s not allowed to speak while he’s on duty.”

Chapter 5 - Making Plans

A couple of nights later, Mark and Lisa were on the balcony of their motel room as Brandy was sleeping. Lisa looked at the London bridge and said, “It seems as if the war is such a long way off I hope it never reaches this place.” Mark said, “It won’t if we have anything to say about it.” Lisa then asked, “Tell me how Alex died, did he suffer any pain or have to see the ground coming up to meet him before he died?” Mark replied, “No he didn’t suffer his plane was shot in the wing by an enemy fighter, the fuel tanks exploded killing everyone on his plane instantly, he never saw it coming.” Lisa looked away then commented, “That’s how he wanted to go he didn’t want to be captured and suffer at the hands of the enemy in some concentration camp where he would have died without dignity, at least as the cowboys say he died with his boots on.” Mark looked in Lisa’s eyes as he commented, “Yea Alex was a real trooper he wanted it only one way and that was to go for it all or die trying. ”Lisa said, “I see a little more of Alex in Brandy every day she’s so courageous, honest and very sweet just like him.” Lisa then asked, “Now that we’re a family what are your plans after the war is over?” Mark replied, “Since my parents are dead and I don’t have any more family in Kansas we can buy a farm in California near your family where we can raise Brandy and perhaps a few chickens so we can have fresh eggs, maybe a cow for fresh milk and a garden so we can grow our own vegetables.” Lisa snuggled closer to him as she said, “Umm it sounds so wonderful waking up to the crow of a rooster and watch the sunrise and at night be lulled to sleep by the sound of thousands of crickets and the smell of the air after a spring rain.” She went on to say, “I can see Brandy running through fields of flowers, making mud pies, and just being a child without the fear of enemy soldiers coming to take her away.” Mark commented; “That will be the good life.” Lisa agreed as she agreed, “Yea the good life.” BACK TO THE WAR Several days later Mark was in the briefing room along with a lot of other pilots being briefed by Colonel Morris on the next mission. Colonel Morris was standing next to a screen as a projector displayed a set of buildings, he then addressed the room full of anxious pilots as he pointed to a row of buildings “Gentlemen your next target is this factory where the very fighters that have shot down many a crew just like the one you replaced are manufactured so go get some payback.” Everyone in the room took notice while some said things such as, “Yea payback.” Or “Let’s give them a taste of their own medicine.” Colonel Morris then pointed to some other buildings as he continued, “This is an elementary school a playground and these are civilian houses. I want you to pay particular attention to your target because those children did not ask to live in a country whose government we are at war with so before you drop your bombs I want you to think of Brandy as if she were down there playing on that playground or in class. The factory is far enough away so no one on the playground school or in the homes nearby would be harmed so it’s imperative that you make absolutely sure you are right on the money.”

After the meeting Colonel Morris came over to Mark and asked, “Did you have a nice honeymoon?” Mark smiled as he replied, “Yes we had a very nice time thank you for the time off.” Colonel Morris then said, “Now things are about to get very serious, the German Army has been advancing through Switzerland and have been taking any one who has been suspected of helping the Jews in for questioning most are never heard from again so the President has asked us to step up our bombing runs to take out the factories that manufacture their fighters and tanks while our ground forces try to stop them from advancing through the rest of Europe.” Mark looked down then back at Colonel Morris as he asked, “I wonder how many more innocent people have to die before this war is over with?” Colonel Morris put his hand on his shoulder as he said, “That all depends on Hitler and the German Army all I know is that we have been called to slow them down wherever possible and to stop them from advancing through the rest of Europe, our job as Americans is to defend the innocent and punish the guilty it’s often a crummy job but someone has to do it.” Mark commented, “I sometimes think of all the families who have been displaced and all the children like Brandy who have been orphaned by this war. " Colonel Morris explained, “War is the side of life that no one likes but is often necessary in order to protect the most innocent citizens of this world that we live in.” Mark commented, “I long for the days when I can wake up to the sound of a rooster crowing at dawn, the smell of breakfast cooking and see Brandy grow up on our very own farm far away from all of this.” Colonel Morris sighed deeply then commented, “The very things in life we love the most often come with the highest price tag.” FAMILY TIME Several weeks later Mark woke up with Lisa in his arms, she moaned and then said in half a slumber, “I’ll get up and fix us some breakfast.” Mark pulled her closer as he lovingly asked, “What’s the big hurry let’s snuggle and enjoy some time alone.” After several minutes of warm snuggles, love and a lot of kisses, Brandy came into the bedroom rubbing her eyes with one hand while carrying a stuffed animal in the other. She moaned and then said, “Mommy I’m cold.” Lisa reached her arms out to her as she said, “Come and lay between us where it’s warm.” Brandy smiled as she quickly walked over and climbed into bed and snuggled between Lisa and Mark and went back to sleep as they also went back to sleep as they both snuggled with her between them.

Later that morning, Mark was awakened by something tickling his nose. He rubbed his nose but felt nothing. Several moments later, he again felt something tickling his nose and again he brushed his nose but this time he heard Brandy giggling. He went to rub his nose but instead opened his eyes and saw Brandy holding a feather and giggling. He began tickling her as she laughed as she tried to get away. Lisa woke up and lovingly asked, “Now what are the two of you up to?” Mark took the feather from Brandy and replied as he began tickling her nose, “Your daughter was tickling my nose like this, and this.” Lisa laughed as she said, “Stop you’re going to make me,” she sneezed, “sneeze.” She then bolted up and sat up in bed and said to Brandy, “Let’s get him.” Lisa and Brandy began tickling him until he said while laughing, “Uncle, uncle, I give, I give.” He then grabbed Brandy and with one hand began tickling her while tickling Lisa with the other as they both laughed until they both turned on him and began aggressively tickling him. They laughed and played for several minutes until Lisa got out of bed and said, “I’ll fix us breakfast if the two of you can make the bed.” Brandy sat up in bed and grabbed a pillow as she said as she hit Mark in the face with it, “I’ll get the pillows if daddy will get the sheets.” Mark picked up a pillow and almost shouted, “Pillow fight.” And hit Brandy in the face sending her head over heels on the bed as Lisa laughed. Brandy sat up and grabbed a pillow as Lisa also grabbed one and said, “I have a black belt in pillow fighting.” And then the two of them began pounding Mark as he tried in vain to grab one of them as the three of them laughed and played.

Chapter 6 - A New Plan

Later, Mark had just finished up in the briefing room when Colonel Morris came and said, “That last bombing run has proven to be very successful, the German’s air forces have been severely damaged however they still have a very large ground force that our ground forces are dealing with as we speak.” He was about to continue when he pulled a small feather from out of Mark’s hair as he asked, “Have you been sleeping with the chickens?” Mark smiled as he replied, “Oh no I just had a fight with Lisa.” Colonel Morris gave him a funny look. Mark then said, “Oh I mean is that I had a pillow fight with Lisa and Brandy this morning.” Colonel Morris smiled as he said; “You had me worried for a moment there.” He went on to continue, “Our next mission is our most dangerous one yet because we’ll be flying right over a large battery of anti aircraft guns on our way to bomb that German airfield so it looks like you’re going to be getting it in the air as well as from on the ground so be careful and stay within your fighter protection, don’t try to be a hero but instead come back in one piece.” Mark said, “Yes sir, I haven’t told Lisa that my enlistment is up in three months and I won’t be staying on but instead I’m going back to the states where I’ll be starting a new life with Lisa and Brandy.” Colonel Morris smiled as he said, “I’m sorry to see you go, but this is no place to raise a family.” Mark said, “I’ve put in nearly twelve years so it’s time to move on I have a new set of priorities to pursue in my life.” Colonel Morris agreed, “I fully understand and wish you all the luck when that time comes.”

Chapter 7 - Surprise Attack

Later, Mark was at the airfield waiting for the ok to take off to begin their mission when a soldier in a jeep came quickly driving and honking his horn, “He stopped the jeep and with excitement shouted to Mark, “Enemy bombers are on their way here to bomb the air field the Colonel has ordered everyone to evacuate the airfield the enemy bombers with their fighters blew right through our ground to air defence network they’re less than an hour away.” Mark unfastened his seat harness as he commented , “I just can’t leave my wife and child here.” The soldier said as Mark climbed out of the cockpit and down the plane, “The Colonel wants every plane to put as many people as possible on them while a small crew remains who’ll destroy all the buildings including the mess hall he wants you all to bomb the air field so it can’t be used against our ground forces then he wants you all to take the planes to England to the airfield there.” Mark ran and jumped in a parked pickup started it up and quickly drove to the dispensary where smoke had already began billowing out of the window as the nurses had already finished evacuating the sick and injured. As Mark parked the pickup Lisa came running out with Brandy as she shouted, “They’ve already began burning all the beds and have begun planting charges to blow up the dispensary.” As Mark sat Brandy in the truck next to him Lisa got in and said, “I need to go by the apartment and pick up a few things we’ll need.” Mark commented, “We’d better hurry the enemy bombers are less than an hour away.” Mark started up the pickup and quickly drove to their apartment where he and Lisa began loading up the absolute necessary items. Then as they began to get into the pickup to leave Brandy’s voice sounded of excitement as she shouted, “Mollie, I can’t leave Mollie I have to go back and get her.” She quickly ran into the apartment and came out holding her doll while running to the pickup. Lisa helped her in then closed the door as Mark started the pickup and quickly drove to the airfield where they boarded the plane where several other people were boarding the other planes.

Mark then got word over the radio to take off he then started the engines as the other planes did the same and taxied to the runway and brought the engines up to full power as he turned into the wind and slowly began down the runway picking up speed until he had reached enough speed to support flight then pulled back on the controls as the plane’s nose tilted upwards and lifted off the ground and turned slightly sideways from the cross wind as it cleared a row of trees. The other planes followed suit until every one of them were in the air, then Mark said into the microphone built into his flight suit, “Ok boys, let’s turn that runway into a pile of rubble.” He turned the plane around and flew over the runway as the navigator ordered the bomb bay doors opened and ordered, “Bombs away.” As the bombs from theirs and the other planes that did not have the people from the base on them began dropping bombs on the runway turning it into a pile of unusable rubble as the ground demolition team began blowing up the buildings left behind until nothing useable remained for the enemy.

Chapter 8 - A New Place to Call Home

Later as they were all nearing the airfield in England, Mark said as the airfield came into sight, “Well boys that’s our new home let’s prepare for landing.” As all the planes were getting into formation for final approach a radio operator at the English airfield said in a strong British accent, “Welcome to jolly old England Yanks.” Colonel Morris’s voice came over the radio from one of the other planes, “I’ve always wanted to visit England.” The radioman at the base said, “It’s certainly good to have you bunch of Yanks we were running out of planes to complete the missions with.” Mark asked, “What happened to our fighter group?” Colonel Morris answered, “Their base is too far out of the way for the enemy to get to.” Mark said, “I’m glad to hear that they’ll still be there when we need them the most.”

Later after everyone was on the ground and getting settled in Mark and Lisa were settling into their new apartment when Brandy asked, “Do they drink soda pop over here, will I have to learn to drink tea and speak with a funny accent?” Lisa laughed and replied, “Yes they drink soda pop here and no you don’t have to learn to speak with a funny accent.” Brandy asked, “What about tea will I have to learn to drink tea?” Lisa again laughed as she replied, “You don’t have to drink tea the people here drink tea simply because it’s a tradition dating back beyond the sixteenth century.” Brandy breathed a sigh of relief as she said, “I just couldn’t give up soda pop.” Lisa suggested, “Perhaps you can make a lot of new friends if you drink tea with them and perhaps you can introduce soda pop to those who have never tasted it so you can drink tea and soda pop with your new friends.” Brandy then had a look of mischief as she asked, “What about chocolate candy bars?” Lisa laughed as she said, “We haven’t been here for even one day and your already wanting to conquer England.”

Chapter 9 - Standing By

A couple of days later, Mark’s crew along with many other crews were sitting on or next to the planes on the tarmac while waiting for word to began their mission. A group of men were playing football when a man in a jeep quickly came driving up and said, “The target is obscured by a thick cloud cover you’ve been ordered to stand down.” A man said as he threw his hat on the ground, “Aw son of a biscuit eater just as usual.” All the men in ear shot range in unison said, “All fowled up.” Mark tossed the logbook into the seat as he got up and said, “I’ve got to go see a man about a horse.” A dim witted man from the south said, “There’s no horses here.” Another man said, “He’s got to take a wiz.” The same dim-witted man asked, “What’s a wiz?” Another man said, “He has to go to the bathroom.” The same dim-witted man said, “I know what going to the bathroom is but that still doesn’t tell what a wiz is, is it something you drink?” One of the men who spoke earlier said, “You’ll figure it out before this war is over.” The dim-witted man had a look of puzzlement as he scratched his head as a couple of other men shook their heads while a couple of others laughed.

Later Mark’s crew along with the others were still waiting for word when the same soldier in the jeep came driving up and shouted, “You’re on, take off, get out of here.” Everyone jumped into the airplanes and took their positions as the planes engines started up and taxied to the runway then took off.

As the planes were nearing the site of the mission the same dim-witted man was still intensely thinking about what a wiz was when his face suddenly brightened up as he said, “I get it a wiz is the same as going to the bathroom.” In unison everyone in the plane shook their heads as they said, “Yea.”

Chapter 10 - Getting Some Payback

Later as the planes were almost at the target they were being plummeted by anti aircraft fire that was exploding all around them in black blotches of smoke. Mark was fighting with the controls as the shells exploded near the plane. Mark said as he began flipping a row of toggle switches, “I’m turning on the auto pilot we should be near the target.” Mark’s navigator said, “That’s our target we’re almost right over it.” Mark said, “Make sure it’s right on the money think of all the children such as Brandy who would be killed if we’re off just a little bit a couple of inches up here is half a mile down there.” The navigator re-examined his scope then said, “Open bomb bay doors.” The bomb bay doors opened he paused then said in a voice of excitement, “Bombs away.” The heavy bombs began dropping from all the planes. Moments later the target began blowing up in a cloud of smoke as the bombs hit their target right on the money sparing a housing development and the elementary school close by. Mark said as he pulled up on the controls causing the plane to climb, “We’re flying for ourselves let’s head for home.” The crew cheered as the planes all levelled off then turned and heading for home.

Chapter 11 - Time For A Fight

Later on their way home, one man from one of the other planes shouted in a voice of excitement, “Enemy fighters at three o clock.” Everyone on Mark’s plane took notice as the fighters were quickly nearing. Mark said, “Hold your fire until they are within range don’t waste your ammunition make every shot count.” As two of the planes neared the plane next to Mark’s their crew began shooting at them hitting one of them sending it into a spin while the other buzzed them without hitting them. One of Mark’s gunmen said in the same air of excitement, “Enemy fighters at nine o clock.” As he and the belly gunner turned their guns towards the planes and began shooting as the fighters buzzed them. Another one of Mark’s men said in a voice of excitement, “They got the Grable.” The Grable’s engines begin to smoke as the plane begin to descend. The crew began bailing out an opened their parachutes. One of Mark’s crew compassionately said, “I hope the poor devils make it to safety before the Jerry's get them.” Another of Mark’s crew said, “Our ground forces are nearby they’ll pick them up.” About that time One of Mark’s gunners said in a voice of excitement, “Enemy fighter at two o clock.” As he turned his gun and began firing but he was too late the fighter hit the planes right outer two engines. Mark quickly flipped a couple of toggle switches shutting off fuel to the two engines and fought to control the plane as it began to descend. Mark then said in a voice of the same excitement, “You all bail out I’ll try to set the plane down in that open field if possible.” One of the crew said, “We’re going down with you.” Mark almost shouted, “Bail out, that’s an order, you have a better chance of getting picked up by our ground forces than staying on board.” As the men began bailing out one man said, “Be careful sir hope to see you on the ground?” Mark instructed, “If I don’t make it tell my wife and daughter I love them.” The man shouted as he stood in the doorway, “You’ve got to make it.” Mark almost shouted, “Go on get out of here.”

Chapter 12 - Crash Landing

The man bailed out as Mark aimed for an open field several miles away. He lowered the landing gear as the field grew near. Then as the plane descended even lower he saw a German patrol as he flew over it. The plane’s landing gear hit the open field as Mark hit the brakes and discovered they didn’t function he figured they must have been damaged when the plane was hit by the enemy fighter’s machine gun fire. The plane was quickly headed for a row of trees at the edge of the field. He braced for impact as the planes wings were then knocked off by the trees. The fuselage of the plane skidded to a sudden stop as Mark hit the control panel and felt intense pain as a couple of ribs broke. The heavy smell of aircraft fuel filled the air as he held his side as unfastened his seat harness that had broke loose on one side of the seat during the crash. He then limped to the same door his crew had jumped to safety out of earlier. As he exited the doorway a German couple helped him out of the plane and helped him to a nearby car as the man in a thick German accent ordered, “Come we must hurry before they capture you.” Mark continued holding his side as the couple helped him to the car just as the fuselage exploded in a fire ball. Mark heard the sound of a large bomber pass overhead as the couple helped him into the car where he laid down and quickly passed out in the back seat.

Later at the airfield, as usual Brandy was there to meet the planes as they came in for a landing. She watched each plane as it came in hoping to see Mark’s plane until all the planes had landed. She continued looking towards the horizon as a man came and stood by her side. She looked up at the man with tears streaming down her face as the man was about to speak. She looked at him and shook her head as she said through the tears, “No, no he’s just late he’s coming he’s just late.” The man stooped down to her level as she looked into his sad face as the man said, “I’m so sorry but his plane was shot down his crew all made it to safety while he crashed landed in an open field.” Brandy grabbed the man’s shirt collar as she asked, “Did he make it out?’ The man said, “I don’t know all I saw shortly after he crashed was a fireball as the plane exploded.” Brandy stomped her foot as she said while the tears continue streaming down her face, “He can’t be dead my daddy can’t be dead he’s alive he just has to be alive.” About that time Lisa came and picked her up as she herself was crying and took her back to the apartment. Some time later, Colonel Morris came with his hat in his hand as he said, “A British patrol came upon the site several hours after the crash and said they didn’t see Mark’s body so there’s still hope he’s alive but where?” Lisa said through the tears, “He has to be alive I just can’t go through loosing another husband, I don’t think Brandy could handle loosing Mark she was just a toddler when Alex died she doesn’t remember a lot about him, she thinks of Mark as her father loosing him would kill her.” Colonel Morris said, “I’ll keep you posted of any news we hear about him whether it’s good or bad.” Lisa put her hand on his arm as she said through the tears, “I appreciate all you’ve done for us.”

Chapter 13 - Life Without Daddy

The weeks passed by without a single word about Mark. Summer had given way to Autumn, the leaves on the trees were falling to the ground and a hint of winter was now in the air. Brandy was at home with Lisa packing away the summer clothes and breaking out the winter clothing and overcoats. Brandy asked Lisa, “Mommy do you think daddy is still alive?” Lisa said as she unfolded a pair of wool pants for Brandy, “You must never give up until he either comes through the door or they find his body.” Brandy dropped the pair of mittens she was holding and ran into her bedroom and jumped onto her bed then said to her doll through the tears, “He can’t be dead he just can’t be dead.” She then cradled her doll in her arms and lovingly spoke to it, “Molly you must never give up you must be strong daddy’s coming home soon and then we’ll have the best Thanksgiving ever.” Lisa was listening at her bedroom door with tears streaming down her cheeks as she said to herself, “Yes we must be strong and have faith.”

It was now several days before Christmas all the little shops in the town outside the airfield were gaily decorated for Christmas. Holiday cheer filled the air except for Brandy and Lisa who were facing the first Christmas truly alone. It was near nightfall as several carollers stood outside their apartment singing Christmas carols as if there wasn’t a care in the world. Brandy went and climbed into Lisa’s lap as she said, “Mommy I think that daddy may be dead.” Lisa held her close as she lovingly said, “Baby you mustn’t give up we must be strong and believe that daddy’s still alive he’s probably somewhere where it’s not safe to come home or in a hospital and isn’t well enough to travel.” Let’s not think about that right now come let’s go to the Christmas pageant the children at the church are putting on tonight I’m sure we’ll have a good time.” Brandy wiped the tears from her eyes as she said, “Ok mommy but afterwards I want to pray for daddy.” Lisa kissed her on the forehead as she said, “Of course we’ll both pray for him to come home soon.”

That night at the pageant, the children sang carols and put on the best play Brandy had ever seen. As the children were acting out their parts, for the first time in months she laughed and smiled as Lisa thanked God for bringing them there to experience a bit of happiness even if it was for just a short period of time. Afterwards one of the ladies they knew from the airbase came up and said to Lisa, “Lisa why don’t you and Brandy accept the fact that Mark is dead and go back to the states so you can get on with your lives your only making things harder on Brandy by making her believe Mark is still alive accept it and get on with your lives.” Brandy overheard the lady then came over and made an angry face as she kicked her in the shin as she said as the lady gasped in pain while grabbing her leg, “My daddy’s not dead he’s alive he just can’t come home until it’s safe.” The lady sternly said as she continued rubbing her leg, “Your only hurting yourself accept the fact that your daddy is dead so you can get over it and get on with your life.” Lisa grabbed Brandy by the hand as she angrily said to the lady, “How dare you say that to her after all she’s been through you should be ashamed of yourself.” At that Lisa quickly led Brandy out of the church as the lady called after her, “I’m just trying to help.” Lisa shouted back, “Don’t try to help you’re making matters worse.”

The next day Lisa was working in the hospital when a man dressed in a full dress Army uniform came in and said to one of the nurses as he handed her an envelope then sombrely said, “I’m sorry to inform you that your husband has died in battle in France.” The lady opened the envelope and burst into tears and uncontrollable sobbing as she read it. Lisa ran from the room crying herself and threw her self onto an empty bed and cried herself to sleep. Later she was awakened by a fellow nurse who said, “Your shift is over go home to your daughter it’s Christmas eve.”

Later Lisa and Brandy were at the church kneeling at the alter and sobbing when the pastor came and put his hand on Lisa’s shoulder as he asked, “Dear is there anything I can do for you?” Brandy answered, “Pray that my daddy will come home.” The pastor shook his head yes as he walked away and knelt down on the other side of the church and began to silently pray. Several minutes later as Lisa and Brandy wept Lisa felt another hand on her shoulder and thinking it was the pastor looked up and was taken off guard, she thought she was seeing a vision of Mark until he gently said, “Hey beautiful I thought I’d never get well enough to come home.” Lisa leaped up and embraced him as Brandy hugged them both at the waist as she said, “Daddy you’re really here.” He stooped down to her level as she hugged him and said, “I never gave up I always knew you’d come home.” Mark held out a very adorable blonde doll dressed in a traditional German folk dress as he said, “A very nice German couple took me in and nursed me back to health they have a little girl about your age she wanted you to have her doll and to take very good care of her.” Brandy took the doll and hugged it very tightly as she said, “I promise to take very good care of her tell her thank you.” Mark said as he pointed to a little girl standing between her parents, “Why don’t you tell her yourself.” Brandy turned and looked the little girl with long blonde hair. She went over to her and gave her a hug as she said, “Thank you for taking care of my daddy and thank you for giving me your doll I promise to take very good care of her.” The little girl smiled as she said in a thick German accent, “Thank you your daddy is very nice he wants to take us to America where we can be neighbors and play together every day.” Brandy turned and asked Mark, “Is it true that you’re going to bring them home with us?” Mark smiled as he replied, “Yes I’ve already worked it out with the government they’re coming home with us to America.” Brandy smiled as she held her new friends hand and asked, “What’s your name?” The little girl replied, “My name is Heidi.” Brandy smiled as she hugged Heidi and said, “Oh this is going to be the best Christmas ever my daddy is home, and I have a new friend and a new doll oh this is the best.” Mark said to Lisa, “I’ve been discharged we’re going home shortly after the holidays when our new friends get their visas.” Brandy had a dimpled smile as she said in an air of excitement, “Oh this is the best, it’s the best Christmas ever.”

THE END
 

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