In Harms Way

[cgraven]

Engulfed in the darkness of that lonely little room staring at the ceiling, then out the window in to the night sky, the creak of the old door, soft footfalls, the creek of the bed springs as Britney came to me in the dark of night, her supple body next to mine.

"No matter what happens... "

Britney’s voice a soft sensual whisper at my ear, the fear she felt tinged her voice.

"I do love you David."

Her small hand rested on my chest her head nestled on my shoulder. Turning my face to her, my lips gently brush hers in a tender kiss, as I gathered her into my arms.

”I love you Britney.”

Those three little words had been faced by us both and had changed all that had come before and all that would come after. Her head rested on my shoulder my cheek on her silken hair. as I held Britney close to me.

“Rest my love the morning will soon be here.”


I just held her as the night wore on.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Britney Cole

Curling up against him, I slept peacefully and had no disturbances nor bad dreams the whole night.

Waking up before dawn, I watched him breathing deep and slowly, indicating to me he was asleep. Smiling, I lay there, just listening to him breath. I did not want to go back on duty, I wanted to stay right here for a long time, unmoving. It was a surprising thought but pleasant as well.
We went home today, well back to the Naval base, in a few short hours we would part ways for who knew how long? It made me sad to think about it. The loneliness of seperation once again, how did I get myself into this mess??
We did not choose love, love chose us.. Fate had her say and I would play along with fate. I just hoped when this was all over, he would return to me, feeling the same as he did right now.
I leaned up on my arm and looked down at his peaceful face.
Smiling a little, brushing away the tear, I bent forward and kissed his lips, pressing softly at first until he began to respond to my kiss.

 

[cgraven]

Sleep had come at last as Britney lay in my arms, soft and warm. The first real sleep I had sense the loss of the PC 113.

Soft warm moist lips upon mine slowly coax me from sleep, my tongue sliding across her full moist lips, the kiss deepening as I wake. My eyes fluttering open as Britney’s smile face comes slowly into focus my arm around her waist I hug to me the feel of her in my arms so close and I smile up at her.

“Morning Britney “

My lips softly brush hers again.

“Coffee, and some breakfast I think are in order then we have to talk Britney …. Really talk.”

 

[Sweetp4u]

Britney Cole

"Good morning David. Breakfast sounds wonderful and yes, we need to talk." I smiled and crawled out of the bed, padding softly in my bare feet back to my own room to dress and pack what few things I had with me.
Sighing, I watched the sunrise out the bedroom window and smiled a little. The first golden rays climbing slowly up my torso, heating me until it bathed my face. Mornings were my favorite time durring this time of year.. It was beautiful here as well.
smiling, I turned and walked downstairs where I could hear david cooking in the kitchen.
Sitting at the table, I wondered if he needed any help but he mentioned talking. I did wonder what he wanted to speak to me about but dreading it as well. I wondered if there was some bad news coming?

 

[cgraven]

"Good morning David. Breakfast sounds wonderful and yes, we need to talk."

A soft kiss and Britney padded away on her bare feet back to her room the sway of her body the soft sensual curves that her night gown enhanced rather than hide. God what a fool I was She had come to my bed in the middle of the night prepared to do anything I wanted and yet I just held her in my arms.

Dressing in my uniform I packed my duffel knowing that This afternoon I would be reporting into the replacement depot in Boston. I left my uniform Jacket in tie in my room, ther would be enough time for them later.

The coffee was o, the eggs scrambled, and the bacon cooling when Britney came into the kitchen and took a seat at the little table.

“I hope bacon and eggs is all right, I am afraid there no butter for the toast.”


I placed a cup of coffee in front of her then kissed Britney on the cheek.

We ate in silence for a bit I think each of us dreading the conversation we both knew had to be. I placed my hand on hers and smiled.

“Britney thank you for last night, but you where right we can’t rush into this, god I wish we had more time but we don’t.”

I paused My eyes holding hers .

“I have to report in before midnight tonight to the replacement depot in Boston, I don’t know what my assignment will be, I don’t know if I even will be in the Boston area, The one thing I do know is I love you and I do not want to lose you.”

Again I pause my thumb gently caressing the back of her hand.


“If I right you will you answer my letters?”


There it was said and I waited my heart in my throat for her answer.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Britney Cole

I laughed, he had me so worried!! I saw his crest fallen look and quickly stopped laughing.
"I am sorry david.. Yes, of course I will write!" I chuckled shaking my head, "You had me worried something terrible was happening!" I sighed and reached for his hand, holding it with my own I smiled up at him.
"I will write to you, and wait for you as well.. And even if you are half way around the world somewhere, I will look forward to each and every letter." I leaned forward and kissed him softly before backing up.
"Had me worried something terrible was going to be said... How much longer before they are here to get us?" I pushed my eggs around the plate, wishing we had more time than this..

 

[cgraven]

Britney’s laughter caught me by surprise and it felt like someone had just hit me in the gut.

"I am sorry David.. Yes, of course I will write!"

Her eyes where bright the early morning sun dancing in them, the smile on her face the happy little chuckle. Britney’s hand on mine, a soft kiss, the promise to write.

"Had me worried something terrible was going to be said... How much longer before they are here to get us?"

“With in the hour Britney then 3 hours to Boston,. I doubt we will have much time to ourselves.”

I paused thinking.

“Britney I still have 30 days survivor’s leave on the books, owed me, do you think you could get a couple of days leave?”

 

[Sweetp4u]

Britney Cole

I shrugged as I chewed and swallowed.
"That I don't know, it depends on the Captain I guess. I could ask for a few days to recover from this trip, although I am not sure I could get more time off.. I think the Captain is angry with me.." A spark of a memory came to me..
"Wait.. I am sure I can get a few days leave..." The train came back into my mind and the first day on it. his ungentlemanly conduct would be the leverage I needed to get some time to myself. Perhaps, I would have to think it over. I could ask and if denied then press the issue.. But would it get me into trouble in the long run? One had to be careful when measuring steps in the Navy.

 

[cgraven]

Just the thoughts of Britney any where near Captain Roach turned my stomach he was a user and a bastard to boot the memory of that first day on the train came back in a flash and I wanted Britney as far away from him as possible.

"Wait.. I am sure I can get a few days leave..."

I saw the worried look that flashed in her eyes for just a moment. Coming round the table and stooping down to look Britney strait in the eyes both my hands on her arms.

“Britney Roach is just a “Public Affairs Officer” have nothing to do with him put your request in once you get back to Chelsea, Promise me you won’t go near that bastard he is not to be trusted , remember the train that first day? Promise me Britney.”

 

[Sweetp4u]

Britney Cole

I nodded my head, thinking about my supriors, I could get a leave easily enough. I had worked hard since the day I came to the naval base and never once took leave of absence for anything. It should be a possible without any troubles.
"I won't go near him David.." I smiled down at him, he was so worried about me when it should be us worried about him and where he would go. Where in this world would they send him? most likely where the fighting was, and that did not sit well with me.
"We should get our things rounded up, any time now they will be back here to fetch us.." I chuckled a little, "I guess they don't trust your uncle to get us back to the station on time or something.." I stood up, taking our plates to the sink and washing them off.

 

[cgraven]

"I won't go near him David.."

Britney smiled down at me and I let my breath out slowly not realizing that I had been holding it while I waited for her answer and promise.

“We should get our things rounded up, any time now they will be back here to fetch us.." ………………………."I guess they don't trust your uncle to get us back to the station on time or something.."

“Britney I don’t think Roach trust anyone, nature of the beast I fear.”

Britney’s mood was light and air as we watched and dried the ditches. Our bags packed I brought them down to the kitchen to await the ride to the station. Uncle Samuel returned and said he liked Britney and the she wasTres beau ravissant.

It grew later and still no sign of the Captain.

I drive you me old car she fine.

When we arrived at the station all the news was about Col. Doolittle and a raid on Tokyo. It seems Britney and I where yesterday’s news and that suited me just fine.

The ride back to Boston was sweet on prying eyes no press just the two of us talking about everything but our coming separation. The train was pulling into North Station and I knew a car and driver would be waiting for us.

“Britney I call you tomorrow or if you here about your leave before then than call me at base Boston ok?”

A kiss then it was time to leave the war and time where no respecters of love.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Britney Cole

Smiling over the news of the successful raid, I hugged David and nodded my head, "Yes I will David. As soon as I know I will phone you." I gave him a quick kiss wondering what had happened to the Captain? All well, good riddance to bad rubbish!
I hugged him tightly, afraid to let go for a moment but knew I had to.
"Be safe David and call me soon.." Finally having to pull apart, my car had arrived, I moved to the car and climbed inside, I watched out the window as he waved good bye. Blowing him a kiss, I sat back and smiled. I had hopes and I hoped we would be together sooner more than later.

 

[cgraven]

"Be safe David and call me soon.."


Britney’s words kept repeating in my mind and the memory of her sweet kiss as the gray Navy sedan pulled away. Britney waving and blowing me a kiss till it was lost in the city traffic.

I hoisted my duffel to my shoulder and started the long walk to the foot of Hanover Street and The Coast Guard base that housed the Replacement depot. I showed the gate guard my orders and was directed to BLD. # 1 second floor office 221,, to hand the yeoman on duty my orders.

“Afternoon Chief Captain Engles wanted to see you as soon as you reported in have a seat please.”

The duty Yeomen picked up his phone .

“Sir Chief Tugas just reported in……….yes Sir…….. Yes Sir……Aye, Aye Sir.”

Hanging up the phone he turned to me.

The Captain will see you now Chief third door on the right.

The interview was brief and to the point when I left Captain Engles office I had two things my 30 days survivors leave and a set of orders.

I headed for the nearest pay phone dropped in my nickel and dialed the nurse’s bachelor Officers quarters.

“Ensign Britney Cole please.”

 

[Sweetp4u]

Britney Cole

I had a meeting scheduled for first thing in the morning with my commander, it would be soon enough I supposed.
Sitting my things down in my room, I was barely changed when I had a knock on the door.
"Telephone Britney." Nodding, I moved towards the office and picked up the phone.
"Ensign Cole speaking." I wondered if I had new orders or was being called into work only just having arrived I was not happy with the idea.
When I heard David's voice on the phone I sighed a relief sigh and smiled, "Hi salior.."

 

[cgraven]

"Hi salior.."

“Britney I got my leave all 30 days of it.”

I paused resting my head against the back of the phone booth just picturing her, trying to see her now in my minds eye.

“I know you must have just got in and probably haven’t had time to put in your leave request but I just had to hear your voice again god How I miss you girl. Fancy a trip back to New Hampshire there this little cabin I the woods I know of or would you rather go down to Cape Cod?”

We talk for a few minute till the operator warned us only one more minute. I quickly gave Britney the number of the replacement barracks and then all too soon our time was up.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Britney Cole

"A cabin sounds wonderful David and I would love to!" I listened to him talk and smiled.

"I miss you too and I will put in my request first thing in the morning.."

The operator called times up to us and I hurried to reply, "See you soon Sailor!" I hung up and smiled brightly. I could not wait til we met again!

heading in to rest up, I slept with pleasant dreams and happy thoughts. Waking up, I filed my request with my commander and went to work.

It didn't take long to get the request approved, only two days but it felt like an eternity at times. Finally given permission, I called the barracks and left a message for David.

"Next week Love. Brit."

I worked three twelve hour shifts on, two off and one more on before I was on leave for seven days and eight nights. Jumping out of the car as it reached the nurses quarters I began packing and humming with the radio.

He would arrive soon I was told, I just hoped I had everything I needed.

 

[cgraven]

"Next week Love. Brit."

That had been the message and now I had to figure out how to pick her up. The regs where quite clear about Officers and Enlisted personnel dating and the fact that I was a chief would cut no ice with the Marine guard at the Nurse’s barracks in Chelsea. Chief Machinist Carroll was an old buddy of mine and head of the Coast Guard Motor Pool in Boston. A little plotting and I wangled a Jeep and Bill came along for the ride. It would be both our necks if we where caught.

We pulled up to the Nurse’s quarters right on time the marine lance corporal giving us a close going over. I saw Brit face light up as we came to a stop. I quickly jumped out of the Jeep came to ridge attention and saluted her.

“Ensign Cole your transport Mam. May I help you with your bag Mam?”

Everything was spit and polish, and by the regs. I put Brit bag in the back of the Jeep and Bill jump in back and we pulled out of there before to many questions could be asked.
Once we where well clear of the base I smiled over at her.

“Brit this is Chief Machinist Bill Carroll a good friend.”

Before long we where at North Station and on our way back to New Hampshire and a cabin in the woods.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Britney Cole

I knew others were watching this, and I knew I had to restrain myself. I walked up with my bags, tempted to launch myself into David's arms and get a great big hug, but I knew I couldn't.
"Thank you gentlemen for being so prompt." Bags loaded and into the jeep I waited until we were far from base.
"A pleasure to meet you Bill." I extended my hand and gently shook his, which he wasn't sure if he should salute or shake it or kiss it. Laughing, I tugged my hand free and winked, "No worries Im not into that stricter stuff.."
Once at the station I said good bye and a few thank you's to Bill, including a hug for helping David get to me.
Loading up and boarding, I smiled.
"We're back where we started aren't we?"

 

[cgraven]

"We're back where we started aren't we?"

Brit smile and her eyes teasing me as she speaks.

“I hope maybe a little closer than when we started Brit”

I tease her. The train was packed and we had to spend most of the three hour journey standing in the club car. Every now and then an officer would look our way with a questioning look. One Army air Corps Major asked Brit if I was bothering her.

The train pulled in to Berlin at 2 PM. Uncle Samuel was there to pick us up in his old Chevy, and to drive us out to the little secluded cabin by the lake. He had bought a week's worth of groceries and the pantry was well stocked.

The cabin was nothing grand a smile little log structure with low eves, open and airy the main room served as kitchen, dining room and pallor. A hand pump by the kitchen sink provide fresh well water cold and sweet, an old wood burning stove for cooking and a stone hearth to chase away the chill of night. The other room as the bed chamber with a double bed, on its iron frame and a small closet and dresser with mirror.

Uncle Samuel helped with tour bags and quietly left. It was the first time that Brit and I had been really alone.

“Brit I know its not grand but it has always been special to me.”


I took Brit in my arms and softly kissed her.

“Well I don’t think we need to stay in uniform Ensgin Cole as we are both on leave now.”

My eyes smiled as I teased Brit

“Would you like to change now or shall I?”

 

[Sweetp4u]

Britney Cole

The trip was pleasant and quiet. We sat side by side, just enjoying each other and the silence around us. our career's were hetic and noisey at all times, this was a welcomed change.
The cabin wasn't much to look at, infact was pretty old and far from normal standards and I actually loved it more than a fancy motel. Smiling, I assured him it was alright and no need to worry about it. Although worry did come when we entered and I realised there was only one bed room and one bed... I flushed a little uncertain what to say or do, so when he mentioned changing, I nodded my head.
"Sounds wonderful.. You go ahead David." I set my bags down by the door and wandered around the tiny cabin, even looked outside through a small window above the sink. It was nice and romantic here... It made me smile once again and my heart leap a little in pleasure and happiness.
I was acting or perhaps feeling like a school girl again, dating for the first time and content and giddy all at the same time. I wondered how wise I was to get envolved with him? But knew deep down, I wouldn't be happy right now if I hadn't taken just a small step towards a new relationship.
I heard him exit the bedroom and turned, smiling at him.
"Well Sailor, you clean up nicely in and out of uniform.." I blushed a little, the words implicating something more if one thought of it... "What are we going to do first?" I smiled, excited to be alone with him and at the same time afraid..... excited to be in the country and all the things we could do..... and yet afraid as well I would do something stupid like run into a bear! I laughed a little, David looking at me like i was crazy for a moment.
"My thoughts are just running away from me again.... So handsome.. what will we do?"

 

[cgraven]

"Sounds wonderful.. You go ahead David."

I enter the small bedroom, As I changed into a simple pair of jeans and a red plaid flannel shirt. I was thankful that Brit had not asked if I had received orders yet. How could I tell her it was again out to the slaughter of the convoys. This time not the mid ocean crossing but coastal convoy, where the loss of the under gunned escorts was almost as heavy as the loss of merchant men, but that was in the future and we had a week. Putting my best face on I opened the door.

"Well Sailor, you clean up nicely in and out of uniform.."…………….. "What are we going to do first?".

Brit words and that where all over the place a smile , a blush and excited little laugh. The sight of her in her dress white’s god was she beautiful.

"My thoughts are just running away from me again.... So handsome.. what will we do?"

I smiled at Brit, then my lips brushed hers in a soft kiss

“Well unless you plan to spend the next week in dress White’s I would say changing into something a bit more comfortable, then perhaps a walk down by the lake if you would like.”

 

[Sweetp4u]

Britney Cole

Smiling, I kissed his cheek, "Yes, I suppose you are right." Giving him a little wink, I moved into the bedroom and shut the door. Location a soft shirt and skirt, I changed quickly, letting my hair down and washing my face.
Walking back out into the main room, I moved up behind him and poked him in the ribs lightly.
"Hey there... ready for that walk?" my mind was all over the place but mostly centered on. Just us.. It was only us here, no one else around.... Oh boy! I moved around him and wrapped my arms around his neck, studying his face for a moment.
"So sailor, gonna teach a city gal how things work in the woods?" I threw out my best Jersey accent and smiled yet again.
I was more than happy! I was completely at ease, content and over joyed and I had yet to really get to know him...
Time would tell, perhaps later tonight?

 

[cgraven]

"Yes, I suppose you are right."

Brit’s lips brush my face, her face brightened by her smile as she goes to change. I watch the sways of her hips as she goes to the bed room. I putter about the little cabin, lightning the small wood burning stove to take the chill off. I was just putting away some of the groceries my uncle had left, a sharp poke in the ribs

"Hey there... ready for that walk?"

I turn and there is Brit, her hair down in a soft shirt and skirt damn but she look good. Her arms now around my neck her body pressed close to mine, we stood there in silence Brit intently looking at me.

"So sailor, gonna teach a city gal how things work in the woods?"

Brit smiled her eyes alive and for the first time we are truly alone, no press no family just the two of us.

“Sure thing Brit but aren’t you afraid you might run into a big bad wolf.”

I tease her and kiss the tip of her nose.

The air was crisp and cool, the sun shining, and the woods where alive with the signs of life on that early spring afternoon. We ambled through the woods I would point out the different animals that call the woods home. Suddenly I stopped and held my finger to my lips and crouched low. Brit beside me our cheeks brushed as I pointed to the shore of the lake, where a doe and her fawn had come out to drink. The little one with no fear trotting out to the waters edge yet the doe, hesitant to leave the cover of the woods steps out slowly, her head raise d as she sniffed the air for danger.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Britney

I walked along with him and when he ducked down, I hurried and followed suit. Looking to where he pointed I smiled as I watched the fawn and doe coming towards the lake's edge.
Turning to watch him, his eyes intent on the doe, I leaned towards him and lost my balance.
"Oh n-!" I bumped against him and we both went down, him on his ass and myself on his lap. Laughing, I couldn't help myself, I tried to stop it quickly enough but I was glanced and the Doe and Fawn were gone.
"Oooh, I am sorry david.. I am such a clutz!" Moving off of him I sat down on my bottom in the grass.

 

[cgraven]

"Oh n-!"

The next thing I knew I was flat on my back looking up at the sky with Brit on my lap. Her laughter filled the still after noon. Her smile infectious and I couldn’t help but laugh.

"Oooh, I am sorry david.. I am such a clutz!"

Brit managed to say between fits of laughter as She pushed off of me to set in the grass. She was so happy and relaxed I think truly relaxed sense the first time I had met her. Laying there my hand caresses Brit’s cheek, then slowly I draw her to me, my lips brush hers in a soft kiss.

“Brit I did warn you that there are “Big Bad Wolves” in these.”

I tease her and smile up into her eyes.