Shirley Temple Short Stories 6 Shirley type children's stories (Picture: Naval Destroyer, California)

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 LITTLEST SAILOR - By Rex W. Clark, Oct 30, 2005

Chapter 1 - Introduction

On a fishing boat docked at San Francisco’s fishing village in the summer of 1941, a middle- aged man was busy mending a fishing net as the cool ocean breeze gently cooled the sweat on his brow as the waves gently crashed on the sandy beach. Children at a distance were splashing in the waves or picking up sea shells while their parents sat watching in beach chairs under colorful umbrellas
A cute little girl of six with a head of blonde curls wearing a sailor’s outfit threw a ball into the air as a black and white puppy barked as it quickly retrieved the ball and dropped it into her hands. She would then pet the puppy as she lovingly said, “Good boy!” The man laid his needle down on a mat next to him and came over to the little girl as she said to the puppy while raising her palms in and upwards motion, “Sit up, sit up.” The puppy would sit up as the little girl would say, “Good boy, good boy.” The middle aged man laughed and said, “Brandy your going to turn that puppy into a real champion yet.” Brandy laughed as she suggested, “Perhaps you could teach him to fish.” She then said as she made a rolling motion with her hand, “Hey Cap watch, Roll over, roll over.” The puppy’s tail would wiggle as it rolled over while Cap and Brandy both laughed. Cap then instructed, “I’m sending you on an errand into the village to Mr. Smith’s store to order more supplies and while you’re at it ask that old pirate when he’s going to let me take that new rig of his out for sea trials.” Brandy smiled with a snappy salute as she said, “Aye, aye Cap.” At that she started for the village skipping and humming a cute tune with the puppy barking as it ran along side of her.
Brandy skipped up to the front of Mr. Smith’s store where several sailors and locals were exchanging tall tales about the big one that had gotten away as one of them was playing a familiar sailor tune on an accordion. One of the sailors lovingly said, “Well if it isn’t the Littlest Sailor and her sidekick.” The sailor playing the accordion continued playing while another sailor asked, “Hey little ship mate sing and dance for us old salts?” Brandy rocked on her heels as she declined, “Sorry boys I’m on an important mission.” The sailors all sadly moaned as Brandy continued; “Perhaps next time when I’m not in such a hurry.” She then instructed the puppy as one of the sailors petted it, “Now you stay out here and don’t get into any trouble!” The puppy barked as Brandy went into Mr. Smith’s store where he greeted her with a cheerful, “Well if it isn’t the Little Sailor how have you and the Captain been doing?” Brandy cheerfully replied as Mr. Smith offered her a jar filled with various kinds of candy for her to choose from, “I’ve been busy taking care of Cap he’s certainly a hand full!” Mr. Smith laughed as he asked, “What can I do for you today?” Brandy replied as she choose a piece of candy from the jar, “The Cap wants me to order some more supplies, soup bones for Ralph and Cap also wants to know when you’re gong to let him take your new fishing rig out for sea trials.” Mr. Smith cheerfully replied, “You go tell that old salt that he can take my fishing rig out just as soon as he’s finished mending that new net of mine he snagged on the reef last month.” Brandy saluted with a cheerful, “Aye, Aye ship mate.”

Chapter 2 - Who’s Minding the Fish and Dogs?

Brandy spun on one heal and skipped to the exit where the sailors were waiting as one of them gestured, “Come on Brandy sing and dance for us.” The man with the accordion began playing another sailor’s tune as one of the sailors and Brandy began a cute song and tap dance routine that warmed the hearts of them all. Afterwards the sailors applauded as they surrounded her while one of them asked, “Brandy when is the Captain going out again I hear the red snappers are running?” Brandy replied, “He’s awful busy mending nets, greasing the tackle and painting the Mary Lou, he won’t pull up anchor until she’s fit and sea shape.” Another sailor teased, “Do you think the Captain will teach that puppy of yours to scout for fish?” Brandy’s brow wrinkled as she asked, “How is Ralph supposed to scout when he doesn’t even know how to swim?” The sailor teased, “Why Ralph would catch the scent of the fish so the Captain could drop his net just in the right place.” Brandy made a cut face as she balked, “Oh don’t be silly Ralph would get water up his nose if he sniffed for fish.” The sailor again teased, “Ralph would never be a sea faring dog if he can’t learn to scout for snapper he’ll be a land-lubbing dog fit for only one thing.” Brandy put her hands on her hips as she asked, “And what is that?” The sailor teased, “Fetching newspapers.” Brandy made a cute face as she stomped her foot as she scolded, “You just wait Ralph will be the best sea faring dog in the whole world and the only thing you will be doing is fetching his soup bones.” The other sailors all laughed as Ralph barked while Brandy stuck out her chin as she scoffed, “You tell him Ralph. About that time the dog catcher stopped his truck, got out and asked, “Whose dog is this?” Brandy replied, “It’s mine his name is Ralph.” The dog catcher scolded, “Don’t you know that all dogs must be on a leash.” Brandy apologetically said, “I was in such a hurry that I forgot to put Ralph on a leash.” The dog- catcher shook his finger at her as he again scolded, “I have a good mind to write you a fat ticket for this.” Brandy’s brow wrinkled as she looked him up and down as she commented, “It would have to be a big one because you’re not so little yourself.” All the sailors laughed as the dog- catcher shook his finger at her while scolding, “Don’t get cute with me young lady.” Brandy apologized, “I can’t help it my mommy made me cute when she made me.” The dog catcher impatiently asked, “Young lady where do you and this puppy live?” Brandy pointed to the pier where she came from earlier and said, “We live on the Cap’s fishing boat at the dock.” The dog catcher sharply said, “You tell this Cap that I’ll be paying him a visit soon to discuss that puppy.” Brandy said, “Yes sir.” Then as the dog- catcher was leaving Brandy gestured with both hands as she commented, “He must have been weaned on Cod liver oil.” All of the sailors burst out laughing while the dog- catcher made an abrupt about face as he scolded, “Don’t be disrespectful with me young lady!” Brandy looking fearful said, “I didn’t mean to be disrespectful the Cap said I must always be polite to grumpy old men.” The dog- catcher swiftly turned and stormed off as Brandy asked, “Who was that?” One of the sailors replied, “Stormy weather for little girls and puppies.” Brandy then excitedly said, “Then I’d better up anchor set sail for home and tell the Cap that stormy weather is on the horizon.” At that she picked up Ralph and ran down the side walk towards the pier where the Cap’s fishing boat was docked.

Chapter 3 - Storm Clouds on the Horizon

The next day Brandy was playing on the boat with her puppy when she saw the dog catcher and another official looking man walking up the pier. Brandy ran below and warned, “Cap the dog catcher and another kind of officer are coming to take Ralph away.” Cap looked out of the port hole as he said, “Let’s hope not let’s see what they want.” Cap and Brandy went onto the pier to greet the visitors one of which she knew and the other looked just as frightening to her. The dog catcher asked, “You must be the captain of this boat?” The Cap smartly replied, “That’s right and who are you?” The man replied, “I’m the animal control officer of this county.” Cap asked, “What can I do for you today?” The dog- catcher replied, “I’m here to discuss a dog that your daughter had in town the other day without a leash.” Cap barked, “So it’s jus a puppy.” The dog- catcher snidely snapped, “There’s a city ordinance that states that all dogs must be on a leash.” The Cap again barked, “So it’s just a puppy.” The dog catcher informed, “Any dog without a leash is considered to be a danger to society.” The Cap laughed and then asked, “That little thing a danger to society?” He turned his head slightly to the side as he teased “Did it poop on your shoe?” The dog- catcher now annoyed growled, “That’s beyond the point the law states that all dogs large or small must be on a leash or the owner will be cited.” Cap barked, “All right then write your ticket and be on your way I have a lot of work to do and you’re taking up my time.” The dog- catcher rubbed his chin as he conceded, “I’ll let it slide this time.” He looked at Brandy as he continued, “But next time have that dog on a leash when you take it off your property.” Cap agreed to comply as he turned to go below, “You can count on it.”
About an hour later one of the Cap’s friends, Jeremy stopped by and asked Brandy as she was playing with Ralph, “Hi Brandy is the Cap on deck?” Brandy replied as she tossed a ball as Ralph caught it and brought it back and dropped it into her hands, “Aye, aye mate!” Jeremy asked, “Lassie do I have permission to come aboard?” Brandy replied as she saluted, “Welcome aboard shipmate.” Jeremy patted Brandy on the head as he commented, “You’re a fine first mate.” Just then Cap came up on deck and greeted him, “Hey you old pirate what can I do for you today?” Jeremy replied, “I heard from one of the sailors that Brandy had a run in with the dog- catcher the other day so I came to see if there was any trouble.” Brandy broke in and angrily commented, “That mean old dog catcher wanted to write me a ticket for not having Ralph on a leash.” Jeremy asked, “What happened next?” Cap replied as he picked up a rag and began wiping dust off a chair, “He decided to let it slide but wanted to make sure Brandy has her puppy on a leash for now on when she takes it off the boat.” Jeremy rubbed his chin as he said, “That sounds fair enough.”
Jeremy then sniffed the air as he asked, “Mmm that smells good what you got cooking?” Cap replied as he wiped the dust off another chair and motioned for Jeremy to sit, “Dinner why don’t you stay and help us eat it up.” Jeremy thought of declining as he commented, “That’s mighty nice of you but I’m supposed to take Vicky to the movies later this evening which brings up another subject, when are you going to get married and settle down.” Brandy quickly walked over to Cap and put her arm around his legs as she defensively said, “Not as long as I’m first mate of this ship.” Jeremy laughed as he asked, “It sounds as if you think a lady might come along some day and take Cap away from you.” Brandy looked up at Cap as she lovingly said, “I love the Cap and he loves me and no other woman is ever going to take him away from me.” Jeremy laughed and then said, “It sounds as if the Cap’s a very lucky man to have such a loving woman as you to take care of him.” Brandy looked at Jeremy and said with her chin out, “The Cap’s mine and no one else is taking him away from me.”
Later on that evening Brandy was getting ready for bed when Cap came into the room to tuck her into bed and kiss her good night as Brandy asked, “Cap can you teach me how to pray?” Cap replied as he knelt next to the bed, “ First you have to kneel next to the bed,” Brandy knelt next to Cap as he continued, “Then you fold your hands like this.” Brandy folded her hands next to her mouth as instructed. Cap continued, “Then you pray now I lay me down to sleep,” Brandy repeated, “Now I lay me down to sleep.” Cap continued, “I pray the lord my soul to keep,” Brandy repeated, “I pray the lord my soul to keep,” Cap continued, “And if I should die before I wake,” Brandy repeated, “And if I should die before I wake,” Cap continued, “I pray the lord my soul to keep, “Brandy again repeated, “I pray the lord my soul to keep.” Cap finished up, “And make me a good little girl”. Brandy looked at Cap very surprised as she asked, “You want to be a little girl?” Cap replied, “No you ask God to make you a good little girl.” Brandy finished her prayer, “And make me a good little girl. Amen.” Brandy then asked, “Cap could you read me a bed time story?” Cap asked, “Which one do you want me to read to you?” Brandy answered as she opened a book on the night stand by the bed, “Read to me the one about Suzy who met the man with the magic shoes.” Cap opened the book and began to read about Suzy meeting a nice man who gave her a pair of magic shoes that would always bring her good luck. As Cap read her the story she fell asleep and dreamed of meeting a man who gave her a wonderful pair of magic shoes then after putting them on she was lifted high into the air and taken to a beautiful city on a hill shining with jewels where the streets were paved with silver and gold and while in her dream she sang a song about the city on a hill as Cap kissed her on the forehead, pulled the covers up around her neck and turned out the light as he left the room.

Chapter 4 - Excitement on the High Seas

The next morning just after sunrise Brandy was awakened by Cap as he was humming a tune in the kitchen. She sat up in bed rubbing her eyes and then smelled a heavenly scent of eggs and bacon frying and homemade biscuits baking in the oven. She climbed out of bed and went to the kitchen where Cap was laying out two place settings on the table followed up with two glasses of milk. Cap turned around and smiled when he saw Brandy standing there with a dimpled smile as he lovingly greeted her, “Hey pumpkin.” Brandy smiled as she commented him, “When I woke up everything smelled so good oh my goodness it’s making me so hungry.” Cap smiled as he said as he took the biscuits out of the oven, “Sit down and get ready to enjoy a breakfast that’ll make even the Queen of England jealous.” Brandy sat down, her eyes opened wide as Cap put two eggs, four strips of bacon and two biscuits on her plate. She looked at the meal before her and said, “Oh my goodness it looks so delicious.” Cap smiled as he bragged, “It ought to be it was prepared by the finest chef on the west coast?” Brandy looked at him with an expression that asked, “Who on earth would that be?” Cap read her expression and laughed as he said, “Me.” Brandy smiled as she said, “Oh for a moment I thought someone else came and prepared breakfast.” Cap sat down as he said, “I have a surprise in store for you.” Brandy jumped with excitement, “Oh goody.” Her brow then wrinkled as she asked, “What kind of a surprise?” Cap replied as he sliced off a bit of an egg with his fork, “We’re going to pay a visit to the Naval reserve station this morning.” Brandy asked with a dimpled smile, “Will all the sailors be there?” Cap replied as he picked up a slice of bacon, “Yep and they’re all dying to see their little mascot.” Brandy smiled embarrassingly as Cap then said, “We’re going to go out to sea for a short cruise where we’ll all have a real good time together.” Brandy leaped in her chair as she almost shouted with excitement, “Oh goody, goody!!” Cap then said as he picked up a biscuit, “Better eat up because we have a pretty exciting day ahead of us.” Brandy smiled as she said with a beaming smile, “Oh Cap you’re the best daddy a girl could ever have.”
Later that morning Cap and Brandy were saluted by two sailors as they drove through the front gate of the Us Naval Station Treasure Island and drove to the pier where the USS New Jersey was docked. Brandy’s eyes opened wide with excitement when she saw the mighty 18inch guns along with the smaller guns sitting in their parked position. Cap smiled as he said, “She’s quite impressive she’s brand new and we get to take her out for sea trials.” Brandy gasped, “Oh my goodness she’s so beautiful.”
Cap and Brandy were being piped aboard as two sailors saluted Cap dressed in his Captains uniform with an eagle on either side of his tie pined to his collar, brass buttons on his coat and gold (commonly referred to as scrambled eggs) on his hat. One sailor said, “Welcome aboard Captain.” Cap then introduced Brandy; “This is my daughter who is also the official mascot of our reserve unit.” The sailor smiled as he saluted Brandy as she wore her Sailor’s uniform with her white cap slightly cocked to the side her blonde curls sticking out of the sides and stripes, three up and three down on her sleeve complete with a dimpled smile as he welcomed her aboard, “Welcome aboard Master Chief Brandy.” She saluted him back as she cheerfully thanked him, “Thank you shipmate.”
As Cap and Brandy were walking across the deck on their way to greet all the other sailors on reserve duty many of the enlisted sailors smiled at Brandy and then saluted Cap as he saluted them back. Then as they stepped onto the bridge where the reserve sailors were all very busy swabbing the deck while others were dusting or polishing the brass fittings. They all with very much excitement greeted Brandy with comments such as, “Hey it’s Brandy” “Look it’s our little mascot.” Or, “Hey little cutie.” And, “Hey look it’s the littlest sailor.” Brandy smiled as she cheerfully greeted them all, “Hi ya palsy walsies.” One of the sailors asked, “Are you going to sing and dance for us?” Brandy smiled as she replied, “Sorry boys but I left my tap shoes at the duty station the last time I saw you.” Another sailor produced a small black bag as he said, “I picked it up for safe keeping.” Brandy walked over and took the bag from him, sat down and took off her shoes and put on her tap shoes then stood up as another sailor began playing a tune on a harmonica that was popular with the sailors as she began to do a song and dance routine that captivated and warmed the hearts of everyone there. Afterwards the sailors all stooped down to her level as one of them presented her with a beautiful new doll. She cradled the doll in her arm and with a dimpled smile thanked them all, “Oh my goodness thank you ever, ever so much.”
Later that day they were all several miles at sea where the crew were running several training drills as customary when a ship got a brand new crew. Cap and Brandy were on the bridge high above everything else watching the crew as they trained. Cap nudged Brandy as he said, “Their going to fire the 18inchers now.” Brandy watched as the massive guns slowly swung around to the starboard side of the ship and then the massive barrels began to slowly rise until they were in firing position. Then after an alarm sounded followed by a short pause one of the massive guns fired as a white smoke ring came out with an ear splitting massive boom that rocked the ship. Brandy held her hands over her ears she commented, “Oh my goodness those guns are loud.” Cap smiled as he boasted, “The shells in those guns weigh four thousand pounds and travel twenty five miles.” Brandy asked, “How far is that?” Cap replied just before another one of the guns fired, “That’s the about same distance from Grandma’s house to the Mary Lou.” Brandy was awe struck as she said, “Oh my goodness.”

Chapter 5 - Shopping with the Cap

A few days later, the same man who did the little song and dance routine with Brandy at ‘Smith’s Mercantile met the Cap, and Brandy while on their way to the clothing store to buy a new pair of fishing boots for himself and a new dress for Brandy. As the Cap and Brandy were walking down the sidewalk with Ralph walking at Brandy’s heals, Billy commented, “Brandy your going to turn that puppy into a champion some day.” Brandy laughed as she said, “That’s what the Cap said a few days ago.” Billy said as he leaned over and gently pinched the end of Brandy’s nose, “If you ever do turn that puppy into a champion you let me know and I’ll bring it some soup bones.” Brandy laughed and thankfully said, “Aye, Aye ship mate.” Billy then asked Cap, “Hey you old fart where are you off to today?” Cap replied, “I’m needing a new pair of fishing boots and a new dress for Sunday school.” Billy winked at Brandy as he asked Cap, “You’re going to wear a dress to Sunday school?” Cap pretended to be angry as he replied, “No you blubbering old pirate I’m buying a new dress for Brandy for Sunday School!” Billy looked at Cap with one eye closed as he teased, “For a minute I thought you had lost your marbles.” Brandy commented, “Cap still has his marbles because I used some of them for my sling shot while shooting at soda bottles on the pier.” She gestured with her arm, “Why I can hit one at twenty five feet.” Billy laughed as he commented, “I’d be lucky to hit one at five feet.” Cap teased, “That’s because you’re blind in one eye and can’t see out the other!” Billy again winked at Brandy while teasing Cap, “At least I don’t wear a dress to Sunday School.”
Later that day Cap and Brandy were coming out of a department store when he candidly asked Brandy, “I guess you wouldn’t want any ice cream?” Brandy smiled as she replied, “Oh yes I’d love some you know the kind with the chocolate and whipped cream with a great big cherry on top.” Cap smiled as he commented, “Oh you must mean a hot fudge sundae.” Brandy continued, “Yea and with the bananas in the little boat” Cap said as he pulled Brandy closer to his side, “They call that a banana split.” Brandy motioned with her arms as she said, “Yea the great big yummy kind!” Cap smiled as he lovingly said, “Then a banana split for each of us it is.” Brandy then asked, “Oh what about Ralph do you think he’d like a banana split too?” Cap winked as he replied, “I think Ralph would like a soup bone.” Brandy said while motioning with her arms, “Then we’ll get Ralph a great big soup bone!” Cap laughed and said as he held Brandy even closer to his side as they continued walking, “A couple of banana splits for us and a great big soup bone for Ralph.” Brandy then smiled as she lovingly said, “Oh Cap you’re the best daddy a girl could ever have.”

Chapter 6 - A Touch of Jealousy

A few days later, Brandy was in dance class along with several children working on a routine when Cap was greeted by the mother of one of the little girls, “That little girl of yours is so adorable.” She gestured while smiling as she continued, “And so talented I bet you’re very proud of her.” Cap looked at Brandy as he lovingly said, “Yes I’m very proud of her indeed.” The lady then nudged him on the shoulder as she suggested, “You should consider putting her on stage.” Cap laughed and then said, “Oh she does that already, why I’d hate to think what would happen if I ever tried to take her off the stage.” The lady gasped and then asked, “She does, where?” Cap replied, “Every time we go visit the sailors at the duty station she just has to put on a performance.” The lady lovingly commented, “Oh I bet they get a really big kick out of her.” Cap beamed as he bragged, “She’s the official mascot for many of the ships docked at Treasure Island.” The lady gasped and then said, “Oh I know you must be very proud of her.” Cap rocked on his heels as he continued to beam, “Yes indeed.”
A couple of weeks later, Brandy was at church on stage with several other children putting on a play as the congregation eagerly watched. As the children acted out the play the sound of several flash bulbs were popping as they emitted bright flashes interrupting the joyous scene without anyone raising a complaint. Then while Brandy was speaking her lines Cap made a facial expression followed by a smile causing her to almost burst out laughing. Then as she finished her line Cap winked as she smiled while waving back inconspicuously.
Later after the service had ended, Brandy and the pastor’s wife were talking when a pretty young brunette went over and began speaking to Cap. Brandy tried to listen to what they were talking about as the pastor’s wife rambled on, “You were all so good, why I remember when I was a little girl I was always singing in the children’s choir while all the adults silently argued over the best seats, places to take their pictures, or trying to see around Mrs. Hopkins’s hair do.” The pastor’s wife noticed that Brandy wasn’t listening, but rather was trying to listen in on Cap’s and the brunette’s conversation. She looked at the two of them as they talked and noticed that they both seemed to have a mutual attraction for one another. She then nudged Brandy on the shoulder as she warned, “You’d better look out she might take Cap away from you.” Brandy gestured with both arms as she defensively said, “Not as long as I’m first mate of this ship!” She puffed out her cheeks as she pranced over to give the lady a royal blessing out. She stopped in front of the lady and stood there with her hands on her hips and glared up at her. Brandy was just about to verbally rip her to shreds when the lady looked down and smiled as she commented, “Oh she’s so adorable.” She leaned over as she continued, “What she needs is a mother around to teach her to sew, cook, and go shopping with.” Brandy stepped a little closer to Cap as she smartly said, “I have the Cap to do all those things with!” The Brunette smiled as she asked, “Yes I’m sure Cap is very good to you but wouldn’t you like to have a woman around the house to keep you company?” Brandy put her arm around Cap’s legs and stuck her chin out as she defensively replied, “Cap keeps me company.” The lady again smiled as she asked; “Do you think Cap needs to have a wife to cook, clean, sew and to kiss him goodnight?” Brandy stomped her foot while gesturing with both arms as she angrily replied, “No other woman is going to come and take Cap away from me as long as I’m first mate of this ship.”
Brandy then spun around on one heel and pranced off to the lady’s room to cool off as the brunette said to Cap, “Feisty little thing isn’t she?” Cap laughed and then said, “She never knew her mother and I haven’t met the right lady who would be a suitable mother to Brandy and a good wife to me at the same time.” The lady asked, “What happened to her mother?” Cap looked down as he sadly replied, “Betty Lou passed away shortly after Brandy was born.” The lady smiled weakly and commented, “That explains why your daughter is so protective of you.” Cap apologetically commented, “She does get a little carried away at times when a lady appears to be too friendly to me.” The lady smiled as she said, “She doesn’t want to loose you like she lost her mother.” Cap looked into the lady’s eyes as he said, “She never knew her mother.” The lady smiled as she explained, “She knew her mother more than you think she did.” Cap asked, “What makes you say that?” The lady explained, “Her mother carried her for nine months before giving birth, you just don’t know it but she bonded to her more than you’ll ever know.” Cap asked, “How could have Brandy bonded to her mother if she never saw her?” The lady replied, “Part of her mother is flowing through her veins, looks out through her eyes, and loves you very deeply through Brandy because she is a part of Brandy in every way.” Cap thought deeply as he commented, “She has her mother’s eyes and the same smile.” The lady put her hand on Cap’s arm as she suggested, “Let me come by and spend some time with her I don’t want to try to come between the two of you but hopefully to allow her to see that she needs a lady around to help her in those times when only a lady could be there for her.” Cap rubbed his chin as he suggested, “Why don’t you have lunch with us and give her time to get to know you.” The lady smiled as she accepted, “Oh that would be wonderful.” Cap smiled as he asked, “I haven’t even asked your name and I’m already asking you out to lunch?” The lady held out her hand as she introduced her self, “My name is Kimberly and of course I already know you, why everyone knows you.”
About that time Brandy came from the lady’s room and looked up at Kimberly as if she were saying, “GO AWAY!!!” Cap read her expression and said, “Kimberly is joining us for lunch.” Brandy looked up at Cap and commented in frustration, “Oh my goodness!!” Kimberly laid her hand on Brandy’s shoulder as she lovingly said, “I’m not out to take Cap away from you but rather I just want to be your friend.” Brandy asked, “Honor bright???” Kimberly smiled as she replied, “I don’t know what that means but I promise.” Brandy held out her hand as she asked, “Shake?” Kimberly shook her hand one time as she replied, “Shake.” Brandy turned her head slightly to the side as she commented, “Then maybe I’ll be your friend.” She held up one finger as she continued, “And no funny stuff.” Kimberly laughed and brushed a curl from Brandy’ eyes as she said, “You got it boss.”

Chapter 7 - Getting to Know You

Cap, Brandy, and Kimberly were being shown to a booth by a waitress and after Cap had taken his seat Brandy quickly sat beside him but far enough to the edge of the seat forcing Kimberly to sit across from the two of them. Shortly afterwards another waitress placed two menus on the table followed by two glasses of water. Brandy looked at the menus and the two glasses of water and looked up at the waitress as she defensively asked, “Hey what about me?” The waitress smiled and replied as she placed a glass of chocolate milk on the table followed by a child’s menu, “Oh I was saving the best for last.” Brandy looked up smiling as she apologized, “Oh excuse me.” The waitress patted her curls as she cheerfully commented, “I always save the best for last.” Brandy smiled as she thanked her, “Thank you.” The waitress smiled as she said, “You’re welcome.” She then directed everyone’s attention to the lunch specials written on a chalkboard near where the cook was busy cooking, “Our lunch specials are written on the black board, I hear the pot roast is really delicious.” Cap looked at Kimberly and then said, “That sounds good enough for me.” Kimberly pushed her menu back as she said, “Me too.” The waitress then smiled as she asked Brandy, “What about you sweetie pie?” Brandy opened the child’s menu and saw a picture of a cheeseburger, French Fries and a soda that seemed to have her name written all over it, she looked up smiling as she said while pointed at the luscious picture, “I’ll have that.” The waitress asked, “With or without cheese?” Brandy replied as she motioned with her arms, “A whole big bunch of cheese.” The waitress laughed as she said, “Lots of extra cheese it is.” She then whispered loud enough for Cap and Kimberly to hear, “How about a hot fudge sundae for desert?” Brand licked hr lips and then replied, “Oh yummy.” The waitress again laughed as she said, “I’ll take that as a yes.” At that the waitress left as Kimberly suggested, “After lunch let’s all go for a stroll along the boardwalk.” Cap smiled as he accepted, “That’s a good idea.” Kimberly then suggested as she put her hand on Cap’s, “Then afterwards I’ll prepare dinner for us at my place.” Cap smiled boyishly as he accepted, “It’s been an awful long time since anyone’s prepared dinner for me.” Brandy elbowed him as she defensively said; “I fixed dinner for you yesterday.” Cap laughed as he said, “Excuse me I forgot.” He then directed his comment to Kimberly, “We had fish sticks, grilled cheese sandwiches, and milk.” Kimberly not wanting to hurt Brandy’s feelings, said, “I’m not sure if I can top that but I’m sure I can whip up something almost as tasty.” Brandy smiled as Cap winked a thank you to Kimberly as she smiled back.
Later as they were slowly walking along the boardwalk, the sounds of a ship’s tackle hitting the mast as the wind blew, a freighter’s horn blowing at a distance, and voices of many people filled the air. A lady and a little girl on roller skates passed between Cap and Kimberly as the little girl called out as they passed, “Thank you.” Cap smiled as he waved and then said to Kimberly as he pointed to he center of the Golden Gate Bridge, “When ever a Navy ship is returning home from duty overseas, the crew are lined up around the deck in their dress whites and give a salute as the Captain of the ship blows the horn signalling they have safely returned home. Kimberly smiled as she said, “It would be quite romantic if a lady was waiting for the arrival of the man she loved. Cap smiled as he said, “Yes it’s a feeling that stays with you.” Kimberly looked at Cap as she said, “You say it as if you’ve experienced it.” Cap reminisced, “I remember when I was returning from overseas and standing on the upper deck of my ship dressed in my dress whites and hearing that horn blow and knowing that Betty Lou was waiting for me on the pier.” Kimberly put her hand on his arm as she said, “You really loved her.” Cap smiled weakly as he continued to reminisce, “We were married the following day, I thought I had found the true meaning of happiness that is until Brandy was born.” Kimberly smiled at Brandy as Cap continued, “A couple of days after Brandy’s delivery the nurse mistakenly administered the incorrect dosage of pain reliever which caused Betty Lou to sink into a coma of which she never regained consciousness and passed away a few hours later.” Kimberly’s eyes were filled with tears as she said, “Oh how tragic.” Cap looked down at Brandy as she looked up at him and said, “If it hadn’t of been for Brandy I don’t know what would have happened to me.” He smiled and pulled her closer to his side as he continued, “She’s kept me going all this time, she’s shown me what real love is and how to keep loving despite the loss of Mary Lou.” Kimberly smiled and squeezed Cap’s arm as she said; “Now I understand why she’s so protective of you and why you love her so much.” Cap ran his hands over Brandy’s curls as he lovingly said, “Having her in my life is like having a part of Mary Lou as well.” Kimberly smiled as she commented, “It would take a very special lady to fill the shoes of Mary Lou.” Cap smiled weakly as he said, “A lot of ladies have tried but I won’t commit to a serious relationship with anyone unless Brandy is comfortable with her and so far that hasn’t happened.” Kimberly said, “I understand.”

Chapter 8 - Facing a Hard Fact

A few days later at Kimberly’s home, Brandy was sitting on the sofa in the living room while Cap and Kimberly were laughing and talking in the kitchen. Brandy couldn’t make out what they were laughing about so she got up to see why. Just as she went into the kitchen she saw Cap and Kimberly kissing. Brandy bolted and ran into the living room and sat on the sofa quietly pouting. Kimberly looked at Cap and said, “Let me talk to her.” Cap pleaded, “Try to understand her.” Kimberly said, “I do that’s why I want to try to make her understand.” At that Kimberly went into the living room and sat next to Brandy. Kimberly put her hand on Brandy’s shoulder as she said, “I’m sorry you caught us kissing like that but Cap and I don’t mean you any disrespect.” Brandy looked down then sadly commented as her voice nearly broke, “You promised now go away.” Kimberly put her arm around Brandy as she lovingly explained, “Your father loves you more than anything or anyone is this whole world and I know he wouldn’t do anything to hurt you but there is a time when a man needs to put the past behind him and get on with his life and that time has come.” Brandy continued looking down as she commented through tears, “Cap will forget about my mommy if he married someone else and what about me, he may forget about me too.” Kimberly pulled Brandy closer as she lovingly said, “Oh now Cap will never forget about your mother and he will certainly never, ever, in a million years ever forget about you.” Brandy looked at Kimberly through the tears as she asked, “Honor bright?” Kimberly hugged her as she lovingly replied, “Honor bright.”

Chapter 9 - Love and Acceptance

A few months later Brandy was playing with Ralph in front of Kimberly’s home when she tripped over him bumping her knee quite hard. She immediately burst into tears as she sat rubbing the painful knee while crying. Kimberly ran outside with a wet rag and held her close as she wiped away the dirt. She continued holding her close until she had stopped crying and then lovingly suggested, “I hear that an ice cream cone makes the pain go away.” Brandy asked as Kimberly wiped the remaining dirt away from her knee, “Are you and Cap getting married?” Kimberly kissed her forehead as she replied, “I don’t know he hasn’t asked me.” Brandy then asked, “If he asked you would you marry him?” Kimberly looked into Brandy’s eyes as she replied, “Only if it was ok with you because I want you to be happy even if it means that Cap never gets married ever again.” Brandy looked at Kimberly with love in her eyes as she said, “It’s ok with me if you marry him you’re what I imagine my mommy would be like if she were here.” Kimberly laid the rag down as she lovingly said, “I’ll try my very best to be worthy of that Role.” Brandy smiled as she asked, “Honor bright?” Kimberly smiled as she lovingly replied, “Honor bright.” Brandy then continued smiling as she held out her hand as she asked, “Shake?” Kimberly smiled as she shook Brandy’s hand one time and replied, “Shake.” The two of them then embraced as they both laughed. Brandy then pulled back as she said, “I love you.” Kimberly quickly hugged her as she lovingly said, “I love you too.” Bandy then smiled as she Teased; “You’re good enough to be a mommy.” Kimberly laughed as she said, “That’s the best compliment I’ve ever had.”

Chapter 10 - Bad News

A few days later Cap had been summoned to the office of the chief commanding officer of Treasure Island. A four star Admiral met Cap as he entered the office. Cap saluted as the Admiral saluted him back and then said, “I think you’d better have a seat Captain Blake.” Cap sat down as he asked, “May I ask what this is all about Admiral?” The admiral sombrely replied, “Captain I’m going to be rather blunt, the word from Washington is that war with the Japanese is a very real possibility, which is why I’ve summoned you here to my office.” Cap asked, “May I ask, what does this have to do with me sir?” The Admiral replied, “I’m calling you back to active duty to assume command of the Arizona which is presently on her way to Pearl Harbor.” Cap then asked, “If I may ask, what happened to the current Captain?” The Admiral replied as he opened a folder on his desk, “Captain Townsend suffered a major heart attack and isn’t expected to return to active duty for several months.” He continued, “I looked over your record and see that you are the best man for the job being as you have demonstrated above average leadership skills with your reserve unit here at Treasure Island.” Cap smiled as he said, “I’m very flattered sir, but what about my daughter?” The Admiral asked, “What about your daughter?” Cap replied, “Her mother died shortly after she was born and I haven’t remarried if anything happened to me she wouldn’t have anyone to care for her.” The Admiral asked, “What about the child’s grandmother?” Cap replied, “She’s too feeble to care for a small child.” The Admiral looked at the folder and then replied, “It’s out of my hands now so I suggest you get your affairs in order.” Cap asked, “Meaning?” The Admiral looked him squarely in the eye as he replied, “Meaning you either find someone to take care of your daughter while you’re away or you take an early retirement or resign your commission.” Cap stood up and said, “Yes sir.” He then saluted the Admiral and left the office.
Later at Kimberly’s home over dinner he broke the news, “I’ve been ordered to assume command of the Arizona when she arrives in Pearl Harbor late next week.” Kimberly dropped her fork as she asked, “Oh no when do you have to leave, and what about Brandy?” Brandy jumped up out of her chair and ran around the table and hugged Cap as she said through the tears, “I don’t want you to go away.” Cap held her close and said as his voice almost broke, “I don’t have a choice in the matter, it’s either go or I have to give up my career in the Navy.” Brandy hugged him as she said, “I don’t want you to go.” Cap said, “I’ll be back before you know it.” Brandy held him as she said through the tears, “I’m going to miss you.” Cap pulled her back and said to her, “I want you to stay with Kimberly while I’m away I’ve asked her to marry me so we’re going to be a family.” Brandy looked at Kimberly who through the tears said, “I’ll take very good care of you while Cap is away, we’ll have lots of fun together. Brandy pleaded through the tears, “I want us to be a family but I don’t’ want you to go away.” Cap explained, “I don’t have any choice, I’ll be back before you know it.” Brandy then asked, “Will you be here for Christmas?” Cap sadly replied, “No but I’ll try to arrange for the two of you to come to Pearl Harbor where we’ll all celebrate Christmas there.” Brandy then put her forehead against his as she sadly said, “I’m going to miss you while you’re away.”
The following week, Cap was on the pier getting ready to board the USS New Jersey. Brandy and Kimberly were embracing him as he said, “I’ll be back before you know it.” Brandy sadly said through the tears, “I don’t want you to go.” Cap kissed her on the forehead and then said, “I’ll be back before you know it.” Brandy looked him in the eyes as she asked, “Honor bright?” Cap replied, “Honor bright.” Brandy then said, “Ok I’ll be waiting for you right here when you come back.” Cap kissed Kimberly and then said, “I’m glad that things worked out for us the way they did meaning that I’ve once again found true happiness.” Kimberly kissed him back and then said, “We’ll be waiting for you right here when you come back.” Cap then picked up his sea bag and said, “I had better get on board we’ll be shoving off in five minutes.” Cap then turned and began walking up the gang plank when Brandy ran after him crying as Cap dropped his sea bag as he knelt and hugged her. He then said through the tears, “I’ll write to you every day and I’ll be thinking of you every minute of every single day while I’m away.” He wiped away a tear as he asked, “Promise me you will take care of Kimberly for me.” Brandy wiped away a few tears as she replied, “Ok.” He then said, “You better go back on to the pier with Kimberly, I have to get aboard we’ll be shoving off soon.” Brandy slowly walked back to the pier where Kimberly picked her up and held her as they both waved goodbye to Cap as he waved goodbye back as the ships mooring ropes were released and thrown onto the pier as the ships horn loudly blasted signalling they were now underway.

Chapter 11 - Bad Dreams and High Hopes

Three weeks had passed since Cap had left for Pearl Harbor. One night Brandy bolted up in bed screaming and crying as Kimberly came running into the room embracing her as she frantically asked, “Brandy what’s wrong?” Brandy held her tightly crying and shaking as she replied, “I had a bad dream.” Kimberly held her close as she suggested, “Tell me all about it.” Brandy calmed down a little as she told of the dream, “I dreamed that Cap’s ship was blown up and it was on fire as it sank.” Kimberly lovingly comforted her. “It was only a dream just a dream Cap is ok, we read the letter he sent to us after he arrived at Pearl Harbor.” Brandy looked at her as she asked, “Is he really ok?” Kimberly replied, “Yes he’s ok, now go back to sleep.” Brandy asked, “Can I sleep with you.” Kimberly replied as she climbed beneath the blanket with her and held her close, “Yes, I’ll be right here.” Kimberly and Brandy then drifted off to sleep.
Several nights had passed and Brandy kept having the same horrible dream waking her up crying and shaking. Things had gotten so bad that Kimberly knew she had to do something that this couldn’t possibly be just another bad dream repeated every night. So the following day Kimberly phoned her congressman and arranged a meeting with him regarding the matter of Cap being the only son and the possibility of war
Kimberly and Brandy were sitting in the waiting room of the Congressman’s office when a pretty blonde opened the door to the congressman’s office as she politely said, “The congressman will see you now.” Then later after the meeting the congressman was handing a note to Kimberly as he said, “My hands are tied on this issue which is why I’m giving you this note to take to the President, I think it would better if you and the child see him in person and explain everything to him as you did with me.” Kimberly took the note as she thanked him, “Thank you for listening to us you’ve been very kind?” The congressman then said, “I can’t make any promises but it’s worth a try.” He then looked at the calendar which was showing that day’s date to be December 4th. He then said, “I’ll phone the president and let him know to be expecting you tomorrow morning.” Kimberly smiled as she thanked him, “Thank you very much.” Brandy smiled as she asked, “Do you have a little girl?” The congressman smiled while patting Brandy’s curls as he replied, “Yes I do and she’s about your age and you made me think of her which is why I’ve decided to refer you to the President and perhaps he’ll order Admiral Thomas at Pearl Harbor to send your father home before Christmas.” Brandy leaped as she said, “Oh goody.” She then hugged him as she said, “I knew you were good enough to be a daddy.” The congressman smiled as he said, “Why that’s the best compliment I’ve ever had.” At that Kimberly and Brandy left for Washington to meet with the President.
Kimberly and Brandy were waiting in the lobby right out side the office of the President of the United States when a young man opened the door to the office as he politely said, “The President will see you now.” Kimberly and Brandy went into the office where the President smiled as he greeted them, “Mrs. Blake it’s a pleasure making yours and your daughter’s acquaintances.” Kimberly smiled nervously as she said, “Thank you Mr. President it’s very kind of you to meet with us regarding my husband.” The President rolled his wheel chair over to his desk and picked up a folder as he said, “Yes congressman Richards briefed me over the phone regarding this matter.” He opened the file and after a short pause said, “The little girl’s father Captain Blake was widowed shortly after the birth of his daughter Brandy while he was still on active duty and retired from active duty to care for her then just three weeks ago was called back to active duty by Admiral Smith at Treasure Island.” Kimberly nervously smiled as she said, “Yes that is correct Mr. President.” The President looked back into the folder as he continued, “Here it also states that your husband is the only son of his mother and also states that his father passed away several years ago.” Kimberly replied yes sir that’s correct Mr. President.” The President then asked Brandy, “Brandy what do you have to say about your father being away?” Brandy looked down as she sadly replied, “I miss my daddy and want him to come home.” The President smiled as he commented, “I’m sure that the children off all the soldiers and sailors serving overseas wish the same thing.” Brandy continued looking down as she said, “Yes sir.” The President asked, “Why should I bring your father home and let all the other sailors remain overseas?” Brandy replied, “If something happened to my daddy no one would be able to take care of me.” The President looked at Kimberly as he asked, “Are you the child’s mother and what about her grandmother?” Kimberly replied, “No Mr. President Brandy’s father and I are engaged to me married and her grandmother lives in a nursing facility.” The President then held his arms out as he said, “Come here Brandy.” She walked over to the President where he hoisted her up into his wheelchair and into his lap and then said, “My you’re a pretty little girl.” Brandy smiled as she thanked him, “Thank you.” The President then said, “I don’t usually order a sailor serving overseas home because his little girl misses him.” Brandy interrupted him as she looked at him with a look that burned a hole right in the center of his heart as she said through a couple of tears, “You just have to bring him home.” The President softly asked, “Other than you just miss your father why should I bring him home?” Brandy replied through more tears, “Because I keep having bad dreams that his ship got blown up and sank.” The President softly said, “If we were in a war I would be compelled by congress to bring him home because he’s the only son of his mother.” Brandy looked into the President’s eyes as she pleaded while shaking him, “You just have to bring him home you have to, you have to.” She then buried her face into his chest as she cried as he held her close. He then put her back on her feet, reached across his desk and picked up the phone and spoke to a man at the other end, “John type up an official order for Admiral Thomas at Pearl Harbor for the immediate release of command of the Arizona from command of Captain Blake and have him sent back stateside immediately.” After a short pause the President hung up the phone and smiled as he said to Brandy, “Your father’s coming home.” Brandy ran and kissed the President on the cheek as she said, “You’re good enough to be a daddy.” The President laughed and then said, “That‘s the best compliment I’ve had since I’ve taken office.” At that Kimberly and Brandy left the office and returned home to await the arrival of Cap.

Chapter 12 - December 7 1941

It was now a little past one on December 7th as Brandy and Kimberly were listening to Christmas music on the radio when the broadcast was interrupted by a man who in an air of extreme urgency said, “We interrupt this broadcast to bring you news of extreme urgency, today at noon Pacific time eight o clock in the morning Hawaiian time, Pearl Harbor was viciously attacked by the empire of Japan. Several Naval ships were destroyed or received severe damage the death toll is expected to be above 1500. This station will keep you posted of any further updates; we now return this radio station to its normal broadcast.” Brandy and Kimberly both embraced in tears as Kimberly said, “Cap just had to make it out.” Brandy looked into her eyes as she asked, “Can we ask someone if he’s on his way home?” Kimberly picked up the phone and dialled as she replied, “Yes I’ll ask Admiral Smith.”
A few minutes later Kimberly hung up the phone and then said to Brandy, “Admiral Smith said that he hasn’t heard from anyone at Pearl Harbor but he did say Cap was scheduled to be on the eight o clock flight when the airport and runways were destroyed during the attack.” Brandy asked, “What about an earlier flight?” Kimberly sadly replied, “His name wasn’t on the flight log in the tower.” Brandy’s eyes filled with tears as she said while shaking Kimberly, “He can’t be dead, he can’t be dead, I know he’s on his way home.” Kimberly held Brandy back as she sadly said, “His name wasn’t on the 7.00 AM flight log.”
Later in the day Brandy and Kimberly were going through Cap’s photos taken during the many times they were together when Brandy picked one up of her and Cap together on one of their visits to the duty station. As she looked at it tears from her eyes dropped onto the photo as she sadly said, “Oh Cap.” Kimberly held her close as the two of them looked at the photo when the front door opened as Cap stepped through the door and dropped his sea bag on the floor as Brandy and Kimberly both looked up with very much surprise and ran and embraced his as he said, “Hey what is all the crying about?” Brandy held his legs tightly as she replied, “We thought you were dead.” Cap laughed and then said, “Well ho one told me about it.” Kimberly kissed him and then said, “We heard that the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor and that the flight you were on was also attacked.” Cap explained, “I wanted to get an earlier start so I traded seats with a sailor who wanted to catch the next flight out.” Cap then hoisted Brandy up into his arms as he said, “Something told me to catch the earlier flight when Admiral Thomas told me that you convinced the President to order me home after hearing your story.” Brandy smiled as she kissed him the cheek. Cap then asked, “What exactly did you tell the President that convinced him to order me home?” Brandy replied, “I told him I had several bad dreams about your ship being bombed and sinking.” Cap thought for a moment and then said, “You were having premonitions about the attack from the Japanese and my ship was indeed attacked and did sink, you saved my life.” Brandy kissed him and hugged him tightly as she said, “I had to bring you home, I just had to.”
A few days later Brandy was standing in between Cap and Kimberly as they were finishing up the exchanging of wedding vows. Then as they kissed Brandy looked on and said with a dimpled smile, “Oh my goodness.”

THE END
 

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