A Fansite for Ryan Phillippe and Natalie Portman
Letters from the Pacific
by
MJT
Characters:
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| Pete: Ryan Phillippe | Lily: Natalie Portman | Robbie: James Franco |
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Mrs. Reed: Diane Lane |
Mr. Reed: Kevin Klein |
Lisa: Amanda Seyfried |
Chapter 1 Coming Home
Chapter 2 A Chance Meeting
Chapter 3 The Ball
Chapter 4 We Meet Again
Chapter 5 Clouds of War
Chapter 6 A Serious Question
Chapter 7 Wedding Day
Chapter 8 Departure
Chapter 9 New Zealand
Chapter 11: Guam--Operation Forager
Chapter 1 Coming Home
It was a Saturday morning as the train rolled into the Santa Fe Depot, in San Diego in November 1941. The platform was filled with people waiting for friends and family to arrive. Lily Reed looked out the window to see if she could spot a familiar face among the crowd but saw no sign of her parents or brother, Robbie. She closed her eyes and folded her hands on her lap. Her dark wavy hair shimmered as the sunlight beamed into the train car. “I’m home,” she thought wistfully as she heard the train whistle blowing and the conductor announcing that the train would be arriving at its destination momentarily.
Lily was coming home after four years at a private liberal arts college on the East Coast. Unlike many of the other female students on campus, she purposely avoided serious relationships and focused on her studies. She graduated with honors and was encouraged by her professors to pursue a graduate degree. She declined, stating that she wanted to take some time off from academic studies and wanted to work in the real world. Before graduation, she obtained a position as a teacher in an elementary school in Coronado, California. It was less than a mile from the home she grew up in.
The Reed family had long established itself as one of the preeminent families in San Diego, California. Reed Construction was the largest shipbuilding company in the San Diego County. Walter Reed, Lily’s father, oversaw the day to day operations of the company while his wife, Maggie, participated in numerous philanthropic organizations. Their oldest child, Robbie, had graduated from Annapolis and was currently stationed at Camp Elliott in San Diego as a second lieutenant. Lily was their second and youngest child.
“Do you see her?” asked Mrs. Reed, as she nervously paced the platform. Her eyes scanned the people as they disembarked from the train but saw no sign of her daughter. “No, I don’t,” replied her husband. She was relieved that her daughter was finally coming home and hoped that she would finally come to her senses and settle down and start a family like a proper young woman of her station at that time was likely to do. In fact, she had already made arrangements for Lily to meet a young Marine Captain at the Marine Corps Ball that evening. She had not met the man herself but was told through various sources that he came from a family with a long and distinguished military tradition who had recently received orders to come to San Diego.
As Lily stepped off the train, she heard a familiar voice say, “Hey, you.” It was her brother Robbie. Lily smiled and gave him a hug.
“How are you? Robbie asked.
“Tired, but glad to be home.”
“Then you better get some rest sis. Mom’s already filling your dance card for tonight.”
“What do you mean?”
“You do know that your going to the Marine Corps Ball with me tonight, don’t you?” Lily rolled her eyes. “Who is she setting me up with this time?”
“I haven’t met the guy yet. I hear he’s a Marine Captain. Don’t know much more than that.”
At that moment, Lily turned and saw her parents standing just inside the doors of the train station. She smiled and moved towards them.
“Darling, you look thin,” said Mrs. Reed as she embraced Lily.
“Thanks mom, its good to see you too.” Lily then turned to her father who gave her a peck on the cheek and a hug.
At that moment, a thin but muscular man with blond hair disembarked from another train car. He looked up at the sky, which was blue and cloudless, and smiled. “So this is San Diego,” he thought to himself. He turned his eyes from the cloudless sky and saw the mass of people milling about and decided to make a quick exit. He walked through the train station to the street where the taxis were line up. He walked up to the first available taxi cab and opened the door.
“Where are you going, Mac?”
Chapter 2 A Chance Meeting
Saturday afternoon. The taxi driver had dropped Pete off at his Aunt Mary’s house in Coronado. Pursuant to arrangements he had made prior to his departure from Virginia, a black Ford coupe was waiting in the driveway for him to pick up. He ate a late breakfast with his aunt and Uncle Charlie and then decided to take his new car for a spin. He meandered through the residential neighborhoods, drove past Tidelands Park, and then parked his car in front of the Coronado Beach. Since it was late in the year, the beach was largely empty. He rolled up his slacks and took off his loafers then walked along the beach until he reached the famous Hotel Del Coronado. He decided against going inside, opting instead to walk along the streets until he came up on a building on Orange Avenue with the words “Coffee Shop” painted on the front of the building and decided to take a break from his tour of the city.
After unpacking her things and having lunch with her brother and parents, Lily decided it was simply too nice a day to stay indoors. She walked into the garage of her parents’ home, found her bicycle, and decided that a bicycle ride and some fresh air was just what she needed to clear her head after hours on a train and a morning with her mother.
As Pete sat just outside a coffee shop, drinking a cup of coffee and watching the cars go by, he saw a pretty brunette with wavy hair riding a bicycle coming toward him. Suddenly, a little boy darted out in front of the young woman, who swerved to get out the boy’s way. She screamed as she lost control of the bicycle and fell down right in front of where he was sitting.
“Are you alright?” asked Pete, as a crowd quickly gathered around the woman who was sprawled out in front of him. Thoroughly embarrassed, Lily quickly tried to regain her composure, looked up at the concerned-looking man hovering over her, smiled and said, “I’m fine.”
“Why don’t you sit down a minute?” Pete helped her into the empty seat next to his then propped her bicycle against the wall. “That was quite a spill you took. You might want to get yourself checked out.”
“I’m fine, really.” Lily insisted, even though she felt the aches and pains from the fall increasing in her arms and legs with every passing minute.
“Can I get you something? Is there anyone you want me to call?” Pete asked, as he settled back into his chair. Lily shook her head, and held out her hand, “My name is Lily. Thank you but I think I’ve already imposed upon you enough for today.”
Pete smiled and shook her hand. “I’m Pete.”
Both suddenly felt at a loss for words and turned their gaze from one another to the ground. Pete broke the silence and said in an upbeat tone, “I’m new to the city. Just arrived this morning. Are you from around here?”
Lily lifted up her head, smiled, and said, “I grew up here. My family lives just a few blocks from here.”
“Great! Maybe you can be my tour guide then.” Pete smiled at her. Lily blushed.
“So what brings you to San Diego?” Lily asked, trying to change the subject.
Rather than responding immediately, Pete tilted his head a little to one side and looked at Lily, observing her body language to determine how best to respond. Before he’s able to answer, Lil said, “I don’t mean to be coy. It’s just that I’ve only just met you. A girl can’t be too careful you know.”
“You’re right. I apologize if I was being too forward. For all I know, you’ve probably got a full dance card and don’t have time to take a stranger around town.” Pete then added, “But if I just happen to see you here again a couple more times then maybe that won’t be the case.” Lily smiled at him and then they both start laughing.
“Well, if you must know, I am busy tonight but there’s a chance that I can stop by this coffee shop on the way home from church tomorrow.”
“So who’s the lucky guy who’s going to see you tonight?”
“I’m going out with my brother actually.” Pete gave her a quizzical look. “Oh, no! It’s nothing like that. He’s taking me to the Marine Corps Ball tonight. My mother arranged for me to meet someone there. My brother is going to be like my chaperone.”
“So what do you know about this guy?”
“Not much.” Lily sighed. “And frankly, I’m not that interested in knowing. My brother told me he was a Marine Captain.”
“Do you know what his name is?”
Lily thought about it for a moment then said, “I think Robbie said his last name was Martin.”
Pete put down his coffee cup and said, “Who knows, he might be a nice guy.”
“If my mother’s prior choices for me are any indication, he either going to be a stuffy bore or an ogre with no personality.” They both laugh.
Pete looked down at his watch and asked, “Is there a barber shop in the area?”
“There’s a place just down the street. Do you have plans tonight too?”
“I got to check in with my bosses tonight and a haircut would help me make a good impression.”
“I better be getting home now. My brother and I have to be at the officer's club by 7 o’clock and it already passed 5 now.”
Pete and Lily rose from their seats and walked over to her bicycle. “It was very nice to meet you Lily. I hope we can see each other again soon.”
“I hope so too.” Lily smiled, turned away from Pete and got on her bicycle.
“Are you sure you’re going to be okay getting home? My car is parked just a little ways from here. I could give you a lift.”
“That’s okay. Besides, I think my mother would have a heart attack if she saw me drive up to the house with a man she’s never seen before.”
“Okay. Don’t say I didn’t offer.” Lily smiled and extended her hand to Pete, who took it with both hands and gave it a squeeze. “Goodnight Lily. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you soon.”
Pete watched as Lily rode away. Smiling to himself, he set out to find the barber shop.
Chapter 3 The Ball
Lily sat silently in the car as Robbie drove them to the Marine Corps Ball at the Officer’s Club in the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, which lied just north of Downtown San Diego.
“Earth to Lily, Earth to Lily,” said Robbie but Lily didn’t seem to hear him. Shrugging his shoulders, he turned on the radio. The local radio station was playing “Chattanooga Choo Choo” by the Glenn Miller Band. Robbie began to sing along. The sound of her brother’s voice broke Lily out of the daze she was in.
“What did you say?”
“Ah, I see you’ve decided to rejoin the land of the living,” joked Robbie.
“Sorry, I guess I’m still a little tired from traveling,” Lily replied, then looked out the car window. “So why didn’t you take Lisa to the Ball tonight?”
“She’s visiting relatives in L.A. this weekend. Besides, mom’s been pestering me to take you to meet Captain Martin for weeks now. I promised her I’d do it just so she’d stop asking.” Lily sighed and looked out the window.
“Who knows, he might be a nice guy.”
“Somebody else told me that today.” At that moment, she recalled the man she had met in front of the coffee shop and smiled.
“Who told you that?” asked Robbie.
Lily replied, “A guy I met at the coffee shop on Orange Avenue today.”
“So you’re picking guys up at the coffee shop now.” Robbie laughed as Lily swatted him in the arm.
Lily and Robbie drove up to the gate guard who saluted as they drove by. Robbie parked the car, opened the door for Lily, and led her to the front door of the Officer's Club. When Robbie opened the door, the sound of numerous animated conversations and big band music filled the air. People were gathering around the dinner tables in the banquet hall, porch, and lawn area, from which the San Diego Bay could be seen.
“So where is he,” Lily asked.
“Don’t sound so enthusiastic. I never met the guy so I’ll have to ask around. Do you want something to drink?”
“I’ll have a coke.” While Robbie walked over to the bar to get drinks, Lily decided to take a stroll around the building.
“Lily, is that you?” Lily turned to see Miriam Sommers, a high school classmate, walking towards her. Miriam took both her hands, gave Lily a quick peck on the cheek, and said, “You look tired.”
“Thanks Miriam, you always know just what to say.” Lily and Miriam had never gotten along particularly well and moved in different circles. Lily was considered a bookworm while Miriam was hailed as the school beauty.
“Lily, this is Lieutenant Michael Fields.” Lily offered her his hand. Lt. Fields took her hand and gently grazed the tips of her fingers with his lips and said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am.”
“Who are you here with, Lily?”
“My brother brought me but my mother arranged for me to meet someone here.”
“Have you met him before?” Lily shool her head.
“Do you know what he looks like?” Lily shook her head again.
“Do you know what his name is?” Miriam asked, sounding more and more intrigued with each question.
“I think my brother said his name was Martin, Captain Martin.” Turning to Lt. Fields, Miriam asked, “Darling, do you know Captain Martin.”
“I don’t know him but I can ask around and see if there’s anyone who knows him,” replied Lt. Fields.
“Please do, darling.” Miriam smiled at the lieutenant and then looked at Lily. “That’s a very interesting dress you have on.” Lily ignored the comment and resigned herself to engaging in idle chatter until either her brother or Lt. Fields returned.
Ten minutes later, Lt. Fields walked back to Lily and Miriam, and announced, “I think I found him. Would you like me to introduce you to him?” Lily shook her head. “I think I’ll wait for my brother to do that but I wouldn’t mind if you just pointed him out to me.” Lt. Fields pointed to the buffet table where a short, bald, and stalky Marine officer standing alone was stuffing his face with finger foods.
Lily made a face. Miriam laughed and said, “Are you sure you don’t want Michael to introduce him to you.”
“No thanks. I think I can wait.” At that moment, the guests received a signal to take their seats at the dinner table. Lily turned and saw her brother walking towards her with two drinks in his hand. “Where have you been?”
“The line for the drinks was a mile long. Here, take your coke.”
“How soon can we leave?” Lily asked and looked towards the front door of the club.
“We just got here. Besides, I'm not leaving till I introduce you to Captain Martin. I'd never hear the end of it from Mom if I don"t."
“I saw him.” Lily said, growing more impatient by the moment.
“Who did you see?”
“Captain Martin.”
“Were you introduced?”
“No one did. Miriam’s date pointed him out to me. He’s worse than I imagined.”
“Really. I overheard Mom tell Aunt Jane that he wasn’t bad looking.” Lily rolled her eyes and stormed into the dining area. Robbie was about to follow her but sees two senior officers walking toward him. The older man is Colonel Steven Ryan. Robbie doesn't recognize the other younger officer.
“Good evening, sir,” Robbie said as he salutes them both.
“Lieutenant Reed, this is Captain John Martin.” Robbie and Cpt. Martin nod toward one another.
“Captain Martin told me that he was going to be sitting at your table tonight.”
“Yes sir, that’s true,” replies Robbie. Turning to Cpt. Martin, Col. Ryan said, “The meeting tomorrow morning should bring you up to speed on where we are in terms of the reactivation of the 9th Marines. If time permits, maybe we’ll be able to talk about your father more after the meeting.”
“I’m looking forward to that sir. Good night.” Col. Ryan nodded then turned away from both of them. Robbie and Cpt. Martin stood at the entrance to the dining hall as Col. Ryan walked away and then turned toward one another.
“I’ll show you to our table, Captain.”
Frustrated and annoyed, Lily sat alone at her assigned table. To pass the time, rifled through the program and focused on the front table where all the most senior officers in their dress blue informs were being seated with their wives. She then looked and found the exit doors, laughed to herself, then sighed. At that moment, she felt a tap on her shoulder. She looked up and saw her brother looking down at her. “Lily, may I present Captain John Martin.” Lily stood and turned her head to the left. Cpt. Martin smiled at her and said, “Hello, Lily. I told you we’d see each other again soon.”
Confused, Robbie turned to him and said, “You know each other?” Cpt. Martin, whose gaze is focused on Lily, doesn’t appear to hear him. Robbie then looks at Lily, whose gaze is transfixed on the captain. After a moment, Lily blurted out, “How could you,” then darted toward the entrance of the banquet hall. Cpt. Martin looked at Robbie and said, “I’ll take care of this,” then follows her out the door.
Just past the entrance to the banquet hall, Cpt. Martin caught up with Lily and took hold of her arm.
“Let go of me,” she hissed at him. His grip on her arm tightens. He pulls her close to him and whispers in her ear, “Please don’t make a scene.” Their eyes lock on to one another. He feels her body shaking and so he loosens his grip on her arm. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.” Unable to speak, Lily just stares at him.
For a moment, they stand there silently looking at one another. Pete broke the silence by saying, “You look beautiful tonight.” Lily tilted her head upward and smiled. Pete instinctively responds by tilting his head down toward hers as his mouth gravitated toward her lips.
Miriam, who had seen Lily storm out of the banquet hall and followed her out to see what was going on, took this precise moment to approach them.
“I’ll be absolutely crushed if you don’t make an introduction for me this instant.” Pete and Lily take a step back from one another and look at Miriam. Lily frowned then made the obligatory introduction.
“Lily and I have known each other for years. We’re practically sisters.” Miriam said, as she smiled and batted her eyes at Pete. Pete said nothing and simply regarded her with a disinterested stare. Undeterred, Miriam added, “She wasn’t the prettiest girl in school but looks aren’t everything.” Too humiliated to speak, Lily’s gaze fell to the floor. Sensing that her verbal gibes are having the intended effect on Lily, Miriam then said, “And her dress sense is definitely a work in progress.”
Pete, sensing Lily’s growing discomfort and stifling his distaste for Miriam, asked in as nonchalant a voice as he can muster, “Have you ever heard the saying ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder.’”
“Why, yes I have,” Miriam replied.
“Well, to my eyes, I think she’s the prettiest girl in the room tonight by a mile.” Lily’s eyes shot up from the floor. Pete met her gaze, smiled, and held out his arm to her. Turning to Miriam, Pete quickly said, “It’s been a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” and then turned toward doors of the banquet hall with Lily on his arm.
When Pete and Lily arrived at the dinner table, Robbie turned to Lily and asked, “Is everything alright?” Lily gave her brother's hand a quick squeeze and said, “Everything’s fine.” After Lily and Pete took their seats, Lily leaned towards him and whispered, “I’m sorry. I overreacted. Can you forgive me?” Pete smiled, took her hand into his, and said, “Only if you reserve all the dances on your dance card for me tonight.” Lily laughed and said, “I think that can be arranged.”
Shortly thereafter, everyone in the room is asked to stand. The color guard entered the room. The National Anthem is sung, the most senior Marine officers in the room are introduced, and the Marine birthday cake is cut, with the first two pieces being given to the oldest and youngest Marine in the room. Col. Ryan then introduces the keynote speaker, a Marine general who speaks about, among other things, the growing concern that the Empire of Japan poses to the United States.
Afterward, Pete and Lily enjoy their dinner and dance until the doors to the banquet hall close. Pete escorts Lily back to the car. He opens the door for her and then closes it after she gets in. Lily rolls down the window and Pete leans against it.
“So do you have any plans tomorrow,” Pete asked. Lily replied, “I’m going to church in the morning with my family but I should be free after that. I can meet you in front of the coffee shop at 1 o’clock.”
“Sounds great. Good night, Lily.” As Pete walked away, Robbie, who has been pretending not to listen to their conversation, leaned toward his sister and says, “So that’s the coffee shop boy.”
Lily swatted at his arm.
“Don’t hit me!”
Chapter 4 We Meet Again
The next day at precisely one o’clock in the afternoon, Pete once again found himself standing in front of the coffee shop on Orange Avenue. The sky was overcast and there was a chill in the air. He was wearing slacks, a shirt, and a tweed jacket. Looking to his left, he sees a yellow Chrysler Highlander with a convertible top approaching from the south. The car stopped right in front of the curb of the coffee shop. Lily opened the door to the car. She was wearing a black coat over a cream colored blouse and a grey skirt. They smiled at one another as Pete took hold of her right hand while Lily stepped out of the car. Robbie, who is in the driver’s seat, leaned over and said, “Have a good time.” Pete closed the door and they both waved as Robbie drove away.
“Are you hungry?” asked Pete.
“Starving actually,” Lily replied. “Is there a diner or restaurant nearby?” asked Pete as he took her hand and placed it on his arm.
“There’s a diner that I like to go to just down the block.”
“Sounds good to me. Let’s go.”
Pete opened the door for Lily as they walked into the diner, which was brightly lit and bustling with customers. A waitress from behind the counter motioned them to go to a corner booth. After they are seated and order their meals, Lily looked at Pete and said, “So tell me more about yourself, Captain Martin.” Pete cringed slightly and said, “You’re still not sore at me about that are you?”
“No, but I do think that that was an awfully mean thing for you to do,” Lily replied.
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t help it. I didn’t think it would upset you that much.” With a mischievous smile, he added, “I promise I won’t do anything like that again.” Lily gave him a quizzical look and said, “Somehow I don’t believe you’re going to keep that promise.” They both laugh. “Back to your question. So where would you like me to start.” Pete folds his hands and places his arms on the table. “What would you like to know?”
“Tell me about your family,” said Lily as she leaned forward and placed her arms on the table.
“I come from a long line of military men. In fact, I believe there’s been a Martin in the U.S. military since the founding of this country.”
“Were all your ancestors Marines?”
“No, not all, but most of them were Marines like me. My father was a lieutenant in the Marine Corps in the First World War.”
“Is he still in the Marine Corps?”
“No. He died in the trenches at Belleau Wood leading his troops into battle. My mother died in childbirth so my father’s parents raised me.”
“I’m so sorry,” said Lily sympathetically.
“Don’t be sorry. I’ve had a good life. My grandfather was a diplomat so we moved around a lot. They made sure I went to the best schools and left it up to me to decide whether I wanted to carry on the Martin military tradition. I opted not to go to Annapolis and went to Dartmouth College instead. I joined the ROTC program there and got my commission in the Marine Corps after I graduated.”
“What brought you to San Diego?” Lily asked.
“They needed officers out here and so I volunteered to go.” Pete took a drink of water then said, “I’m stationed at Camp Elliott.”
“So what’s your story?” asked Pete.
“I was born and raised in Coronado. My family is in the shipbuilding business. My father is the CEO of the company.”
“Where did you go to school?”
“I went to Vassar College and majored in English. I just got a job as an elementary school teacher. I start in January.”
“Congratulations.”
“Thanks.” Lily paused for a moment then said, “What else would you like to know?”
“So where did you meet that Miriam person? If she’s an example of one of your friends, I’d hate to meet your enemies.”
“We went to school together but we’re hardly friends. The only time she noticed me was when she wanted something or felt like picking on me. She always had boys buzzing around her like bees.”
“I can’t see why. So were the boys buzzing around you too?” Lily blushed. “No, but there were a few boys that did like me a little.” Lily leaned forward and asked, “So did you mean it when you said I was the prettiest girl in the room?” Pete smiled, leaned forward in his seat, took hold of both Lily’s hands and said, “I meant every word.” Pete let go of Lily’s hand when he saw the waitress approaching with their plates of food.
After the waitress walked away, Pete asked, “Do you have plans after lunch?”
“No, not that I can think of,” Lily replied.
“Well then I hope you don’t mind spending it with me.”
After spending the afternoon together, Pete drove Lily home. When they arrive, he stopped the car, got out, walked to the passenger side of the car, and opened the door for Lily. He took her right hand in his as she got out of the car and then placed her hand on his arm as they walked wordlessly to the front door. Both are lost in thought, anticipating what might happen next. Once they got to the front door, they turned toward one another and Lily said, “I had a wonderful time today.”
“So did I.” Pete then added, “I’d like to see you again.”
“I’d like that too.”
“I’m not sure what my work schedule’s going to be like but I’m pretty sure that I’ll have weekends off. I’ll call you this week so we can make more definite plans.”
Lily nodded and looked up at Pete. Pete looked down at the pretty girl with wavy black hair and blue eyes and considers what to do next. Likewise, Lily waited in anticipation as the slender but muscular blond and blue-eyed man returned her gaze. After what seems like an eternity, Pete placed his right hand on her chin, turned his head slightly to the right, and moved closer to Lily. Lily responded by closing her eyes and moved toward Pete. When their lips met, both their pulses began to race. Pete then put his arms around Lily, pulled her closer to him, and kissed her forehead. Then he looked down at her, smiled, and said, “Goodnight, Lily.”
“Goodnight, Pete,” Lily replied as she gazed up at him and smiled. As Lily turned to ring the doorbell, Pete walked down the steps of the front porch. When he got to his car, he turned and waived to Lily who was standing in front of her now open front door. She waived back and then walked into the house and closed the door behind her. She leaned against the back of the front door and smiled to herself. Meanwhile, Pete got into his car, turned on the radio, and whistled to the song on the radio as he drove back to base.
Sunday, December 7, 1941. Pete had accompanied Lily’s family to church that morning. After the service, they all went to the Reed family home. The men sat in the living room. Mr. Reed, Pete and Robbie conversed about the events of the day while Lily, her mother, and Robbie's girlfriend, Lisa Randall, preparing the meal and dining table for lunch. Lily turned on the radio in the kitchen so that they would have music or a radio show to listen to as they prepared the meal. As soon as she turned it on, she heard the voice of a local radio announcer stating that he had breaking news to report. She turned the volume up on the radio.
“Lily, why don’t you put the volume down?” said Mrs. Reed.
“Oh no!” Lily almost screamed.
“What’s wrong darling?” asked her mother. Instead of responding, Lily ran to the living room and said, “Dad, turn on the radio.”
Mr. Reed sat up from his chair, walked over to the radio, and turned it on. They all sat in shocked silence as the radio announcer informed them that Pearl Harbor had been bombed by the Empire of Japan. Pete and Robbie immediately got to their feet and informed Mr. and Mrs. Reed and Lily that they should to report back to base. Lily, who was too shocked to respond, simply nodded and walked them to the door. As he opened the door to go, Pete turned, gave Lily a quick peck on the cheek and said, “Everything’s going to be alright honey.” Lily nodded and smiled weakly. He turned and walked down the steps with her brother following behind. Pete waived to Lily as he stood in front of the door to his car. Robbie got into the passenger seat and then they drove away.
Lily stood on the porch and watched him drive away. She felt a chill run down her spine and a feeling of dread overtook her. “Oh God,” she thought. “We’re at war.”
After Pearl Harbor, the military quickly moved to build up the U.S. Marine Corps for the war in the Pacific. As the winter turned to spring, Pete became part of the cadre of officers from the Second Marine Division at Camp Elliott who were tapped to be part of the 9th Marine Regiment. In September 1942, the 9th Marines officially became part of the newly reactivate Third Marine Division under the leadership of Colonel Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr. It was also around that time that the Marine Corps made the move from Camp Elliott to Camp Pendleton.
As the months passed, Pete and Lily tried to see each other as much as they could. Pete worked long hours on base doing training exercises and participating in seemingly endless meetings. Lily worked during the day and did what she could in her free time to aid the war effort on the home front. Whenever he could, Pete would drive to Coronado to see Lily. With each passing week, the bond between them grew stronger and stronger. At first, their conversations focused on the here and now. Later, as the possibility of Pete’s deployment drew nearer, their conversations took on a decidedly more long range view but the subject of marriage had not yet come up.
Pete struggled with idea of marrying Lily. On the one hand, he did not want to tie Lily down and possibly make her a widow at such a young age. On the other hand, the thought of someone else with being Lily was almost too much to bear. For Lily, there was no one else.
Chapter 6 A Serious Question
In the fall of 1942, Pete learned that the Third Marine Division was set to deploy to New Zealand in early 1943. Shortly thereafter, Pete made a decision that would change their lives forever.
As was his custom, Pete called Lily before making the trip from Camp Pendleton to Coronado. Lily was waiting for him at the door when he arrives. They kissed and embraced in the foyer before walking to the living room. After they sat down on the sofa, Lily asked Pete if he wanted anything to drink. Pete declined and walked to the fireplace and took out a cigarette. From his back pocket, he pulled out a lighter and lit his cigarette. Pete turned to Lily and said, “Honey, there’s something that I need to ask you.” Lily tensed in anticipation of what she hoped the question might be and felt a lump in her throat but tried not to outwardly betray any sign of anxiety she was feeling. With great effort, she simply smiled, folded her hands on her lap, and waited for Pete to continue.
Pete put his cigarette in the cigarette holder on the coffee table, took hold of both of Lily’s hands, and gazed into her eyes. “They told us when we’re shipping out today.” At those words, Lily’s grip on Pete’s hands grows tighter. Sensing her anxiety, Pete began to rub the top of her hands with his thumbs and leaned over to kiss her cheek.
Too upset to look at him, Lily fixed her gaze on their joined hands.
“We both knew it was coming,” said Pete almost in a whisper. Lily nodded and felt the tears begin to well in her eyes.
“How much time do we have?”
“The date is just an estimate but it looks like we have just a couple of weeks.”
Lily sighed then said, “What did you want to ask me?”
“Do you love me Lily?”
“Of course, I do. You know that,” said Lily.
“I may be away a long time. I may not come back…” Lily cut him off by saying, “Don’t say that” and shook her head in protest.
“Honey, we have to face facts. I’ve read the reports from Guadalcanal. I’ve heard stories about what the Japanese are doing to the Marines there.”
Unable to hold back her tears any longer, Lily buried her face in Pete’s shoulder. Pete kissed her forehead and cradled her in his arms. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you so much,” he said as he stroked her hair.
Lily pulled back, looked into his eyes, and said, “I’m alright.”
“Lily, you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“I feel the same way.”
Pete then bent down on one knee and asked, “Lily, will you marry me?”
Lily covered her face with her hands then said, “Yes!” Lily’s enthusiastic response made him smile.
"I'm going to need to talk to your father. I want to do this right."
"My parents went out to dinner and probably won't be back till later tonight."
"Do you want me to wait until they get home?"
"I think it might be better if I talk to them first." Pete squeezed Lily's hand and said, "Everything's going to be alright."
The next morning, Lily bounded out of bed, washed her face, changed her clothes, and combed her hair before she went downstairs to meet her parents for breakfast. When she walked into the dinning room, both her parents were already seated at the table. Her father was reading the Sunday paper at the head of the table while her mother sipped tea in a seat to his. Lily bent down and kissed her mother's cheek and did the same with her father before sitting down next to her father. As one of the maids poured tea into her cup and placed Lily's breakfast on the table, Lily took a deep breath and then turned to her dad and said as cheerfully as she could muster, "Dad, do you have any plans for this afternoon?"
Mr. Reed folded his newspaper and gave his daughter a quizzical look before asking, "No. Why do you ask?"
"Pete wants to talk to you."
Mr. Reed sensed his daughter's nervousness. He took a sip of coffee and then asked, "About what?"
"About us. He wants to marry me Dad."
For a moment, Lily's parents sat in shocked silence as they gazed at their daughter. Sensing the tension in the room, Mrs. Reed walked over to her daughter, put her hand on Lily's shoulder, and said, "Congratulations dear. That's wonderful news." Lily smiled up at her mother and then looked at her father to see what his reaction would be. Mr. Reed smiled at his daughter and said, "Tell Pete that I can meet him at one o'clock today." Lily jumped up from her seat and kissed her father's forehead, then bounded out of the dining room to the hallway to call Pete. Mr. Reed turned to his wife and said, "We're losing our baby girl."
When Pete opened the door to Mr. Reed's den, Mr. Reed looked up at Pete and motioned him to sit down in the leather chair facing his desk. Pete shook Mr. Reed's hand and sat down. Mr. Reed walked over to the small table where the decanters filled with liquor were and asked Pete if he wanted a drink. Pete politely declined and waited silently with his hands in his lap while Mr. Reed filled his glass. He walked back to his desk, sat down, and then said, "Lily tells me that you have something you want to ask me?"
At that moment, Pete's mouth felt dry and he sorely regreted not taking Mr. Reed up on his offer for a drink. He cleared his throat and was about to speak when Mr. Reed cut in by saying, "Relax Pete. Do you want a cigarette?" Pete nodded. Mr. Reed opened a drawer in his desk and pulled two cigarettes out of a pack, handing one to Pete.
"Need a light?"
"Yes, thanks."
"How's your training coming?"
"Fine, sir."
"Have you been told when your division is going to leave?"
"It looks like we'll be shipping off early next year."
Mr. Reed leaned forward, placed his elbows on the desk, and asked, "How long are you going to be away?"
"We've been told that Marines will be rotated back to the States after they've completed three campaigns."
"The Marines lost quite a few good men on Guadalcanal. I don't expect things will get any easier for you boys as you get closer to Japan?"
"No sir. It probably won't. But we're getting the best training possible."
"Have you and Lily talked about what's going to happen to Lily while you're away?"
"We haven't yet but I assure you that I will do everything I can to make sure that she's well provided for while I'm away."
"Her mother and I would prefer that she stay with us, especially if you're not going to wait to start a family." Pete blushed and looked down at his feet at that comment. Then he looked up at Mr. Reed and said, "If you don't mind, I think I'd like a drink now."
Mr. Reed motioned Pete over to the decanters of liquor. Pete nodded then walked over to the decanter, poured some brandy it into a glass, and took a sip. Then he turned to Mr. Reed and said, "I know how it looks but I can assure you that I've thought this through. If I didn't think it was the right thing for both of us to do then I wouldn't have asked her to marry me."
"Are you prepared to make my daughter a widow?"
"That's not my intention sir. God willing, we'll all come home after all this is over and get on with our lives."
"But what happens if you don't come back?"
"I'll do everything in my power to make sure Lily is as prepared as she can be for that."
"Have you talked about where you are going to get married?"
"Not yet."
"As her parents, our preference would be to have the wedding at Christ Church." Before Pete could respond, Mr. Reed went on to say, "I understand that your time together is limited but Lily's mother and I are going to be very firm on this point. Coronado is a small town. People might talk if you and Lily suddenly rushed off to get married." Pete nodded in agreement. Mr. Reed stood up from his desk and walked over the the window. As he looked out into the quiet neighborhood, he sighed then said, "She's my only daughter and I'm going to see to it that she starts off her married life in the proper way." Then he turned to Pete and said, "Do we understand each other?" "Yes sir." Mr. Reed then extended his hand to Pete and said, "Welcome to the family."
Lily paced back and forth on the porch, waiting for Pete to come out of her father's study. When Pete opened the front door, Lily ran into his arms and buried her face in his chest. Pete wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead. With his arms firmly around her waist, Pete leads Lily to steps of the porch. After they sat down, Lily anxiously looked up at Pete and asked, "How did it go? What did he say?"
Pete smiled as he brushed her hair away from her forehead then said, "It looks like we've got a wedding to plan."
Lily smiled and said, "Just leave that to me."
Pete replied, "That's what I'm afraid of."
Chapter 7: Wedding Day
Given the short amount of time, rationing, and scarcity of materials for the general population due to the war, the wedding party made due with what they had. The bridesmaids were asked to wear the gowns they had used for their debuts. Lily modified her debut dress, which was made of white satin, for the wedding. The top of the dress had a square neckline and short puffy sleeves. Lily’s grandmother added material to the bottom of the dress to create a train and made a beautiful floor length veil with lace and hand-made stitching at the edges.
On the morning of the wedding, the Reed household was abuzz with activity. The servants cleaned, decorated the house and backyard, and prepared the food for the wedding reception. Lily’s three bridesmaids arrived early in the morning.. Two of them were her cousins, Mary and Jane Foley, and the third was Robbie’s girlfriend, Lisa Randall.
Lily sat on a stool in front of her vanity desk and looked at herself in the mirror as she put on her lipstick. Her wavy, black, shoulder-length hair draped her shoulders. The pearl necklace with matching earrings was still in its case on the desk and her wedding dress lay draped on the bed.
“How are you feeling?” Lisa asked, as she stood at the entrance to Lily’s room. Lily smiled and said, “I’m fine. Just a little tired from all the running around I’ve been doing for the wedding.”
Lisa walked over to Lily and kneeled at her feet. She looked up at Lily and said, “Everything’s going to be fine. You’ll see.”
“I hope so,” said Lily almost to herself. Seeing the concerned and almost sad look on Lily’s face, Lisa patted her hand and said, “What’s wrong?”
“We have so little time left. When we got engaged, Pete wanted to get married right away but mom wouldn’t here of us doing a civil ceremony.”
At that moment, Mary and Jane came into the room. Lily took the opportunity to change the subject. “So has Robbie said anything to you?” Lisa shook her head. “Robbie doesn’t want to tie me down while he’s gone. He even told me that I could see other people.”
“I'm so sorry.”
A little less than an hour before the ceremony, Lily descended the stairs of the Reed residence. Her father, who was waiting at the foot of the stairs, looked lovingly at his daughter and said, “You look beautiful.” Lily beamed. At that moment, Mrs. Reed strode past them and said, “What is everyone standing around for? We’re going to be late!”
Pete paced back and forth in front of the entrance to the chapel in his dress blue uniform. Robbie, who was also wearing his dress blues, motioned him over to the side of the church and handed him a cigarette. Robbie checked his pockets to make sure that the rings were there and then took another puff on his cigarette. They were soon joined by two more uniformed groomsmen, Pete’s cousin and a friend from Dartmouth. When the guests began to arrive, Pete and his groomsmen went inside. When they entered the church, Pete walked toward the altar. Sensing his need to be alone, his groomsmen did not follow. As he stood at the foot of the altar, Pete became lost in his own thoughts. Rev. Smith walked up to Pete and said, “Are you ready?” Pete nodded and motioned Robbie to come forward.
At precisely two o’clock, the organist began to play and the guests sat down in the pews. Robbie joined Pete at the altar just as the bridesmaids and other groomsmen began walking down the aisle to J.S. Bach's piece, Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring. Lily stood at the door of the church with her father. When they were told to come forward, Mr. Reed looked at his daughter and said, "You're going to be fine. You'll always have us no matter what happens." Lily smiled up at her father then walked forward on her father's arm. When Lily and her father entered the church, the organist began to play Jeremiah Clark's Prince of Denmark's March. Pete and Lily smiled at each other when she entered the church. Near the altar, Lily and her father stopped and then turned to face one another. Mr. Reed kissed Lily's forehead then placed her right hand into Pete's left hand. Pete leaned over to her as they walked toward the altar and whispered, "I love you Lily." When the chaplain pronounced them man and wife, Pete took Lily in his arms and kissed her, to the loud applause of the guests in the pews.
After the reception, Pete and Lily drove to a cabin owned by the Reeds in Jamul to spend their first night together as a married couple. When they drove up to the cabin, they were greeted by Jimmy, who was hired to keep an eye on the cabin when it was not in use. He smiled as he opened the door for Lily. "Everything's ready for you, miss. The fireplace is set and the furnace is turned on."
"Thank you, Jimmy."
"You're most welcome. If you need anything, just give me a call." Jimmy handed Pete the keys to the cabin and walked away. When they walked in, they saw that the fireplace was lit. Two wine glasses and a bottle of wine in a bucket of ice were on the small kitchen table on one side of the room. Lily walked toward the table and picked up the note that was placed by the wine. She opened the note which said, "All the best. Love, Mom and Dad." Pete walked to the bedroom and saw that the bed had been turned down. He turned to Lily and said, "Your parents think of everything, don't they." Lily smiled and walked over to Pete. "Is that sarcasm I hear in your voice."
"I'm sorry. Its not that I'm ungrateful for everything they've done but..."
"But What?"
"I can't help but feel a little inadequate. What can I give a girl whose been given everything?" Lily wrapped her arms around Pete and buried her face in his chest. After a moment, she looked up and said mischeviously, "Are you saying that I'm spoiled?"
"Who me? I would never even think of such a thing." Lily gasped in mock indignation and then they both laughed. Pete pulled her even closer to him and began to kiss her. He picked her up and laid her on the bed. For a moment, he just looked at Lily as he sat by her side. "Are you nervous?" Lily nodded and said, "A little." He stroked her cheek with his hand, "It's going to be fine honey."
Lily smiled at Pete and said, "Pete, do you mind if we turn off the light?"
"Sure." Pete reached over to the lamp and the room turned black.
The Third Marine Division was scheduled to depart from San Diego harbor in January 1943. Pete spent his days in meetings, training, or on maneuvers. Given his schedule, Pete insisted that Lily stay with her parents and continue to work. He and Lily stayed in the carriage house on the Reed residence on the weekends he was able to get away. During the week, he stayed in Officer’s quarters in Camp Pendleton.
A week before his departure, Lily drove up to Camp Pendleton to see him. At the entrance, she received instructions from the gate guard as to how to get to Pete’s location. She asked him where the offices for the Ninth Marines’ officers was and drove to the front of the building marked Number 9. When she walked in the room, she saw that it was a large and lined with desks. In the far corner of the room, she spotted Pete standing by his desk. Robbie was standing by his side along with a few other officers and enlisted personnel. For a moment, she considered turning around and leaving, as she did not want to disturb him. Just then, Pete looked up and saw her. He excused himself and walked over to Lily.
“I’m so sorry. I should have called first.”
“Is everything alright?”
Lily nodded then said, “Do you have a minute?”
“Sure. We were just about to break for lunch. Wait here, I gotta get my cover.” Lily nodded and waited by the door while Pete adjourned the meeting. When they walked outside the building, Pete turned to Lily and said, “So are you going to tell me to what’s going on?”
“Is there a place to eat here?”
“The chow hall’s just around the corner. I’d take you off base but I’ve got another meeting this afternoon that I need to prepare for.”
“That’s fine. I’m starving.”
“Lily.”
“Yes?”
“You didn’t answer my question.”
“Do you mind if we wait until I’ve got some food in my system?” Pete was about to respond then thought better of it.
When they walked into the chow hall, the smell of potatoes and roast beef filled her nostrils and made her stomach churn. Pete gave her a worried glance but said nothing. He handed her a tray and got in line. After they got their food and found an empty table, Lily’s appetite reasserted itself with a vengeance and she began tearing into her meal. Pete looked at her and said, “Are you alright?”
“Why do you ask?”
“Cause you’re eating like you could polish off both your plate and mine.” Lily reluctantly put down her fork and then wiped her mouth with her napkin. After carefully placing the napkin on her lap, she cleared her throat, looked up at Pete and said in as nonchalant a voice as she could muster, “It’s chilly today, isn’t it?”
Exasperated, Pete leaned over and said, “Lily, will you cut it out already?”
“Well, if I thought I was going to get this kind of a reception from you, then maybe I should have stayed home.”
Pete shook his head and leaned back in his chair and said, “Fine. Have it your way.”
Lily sighed then said, “I’m sorry.”
“I’m sorry too. Its just not like you to come here unannounced. When I saw you, I thought maybe something was wrong.”
Lily smiled at Pete and grabbed hold of his hand under the table and gave it a squeeze, then said, “I saw the doctor this morning...”
Pete broke in, “Are you sick?”
Lily shook her head. “I have a condition.”
“What kind of condition?”
“I’m pregnant.”
Just then, Robbie walked up to their table with a tray full of food and said, “Mind if I join you?” Lily looked up at her brother and nodded. After Robbie sat down, he turned to his sister and said, “So what brings you here?”
Pete turned to Robbie and said, “She came up to tell me that the rabbit died.”
“Well I’ll be damned.”
The night before the Third Marine Division’s scheduled departure, Pete took the ferry from San Diego to Coronado to see Lily. When the ferry arrived at the pier, Lily waiting there the greet him. After having dinner with Lily’s parents, Pete and Lily retired to the carriage house.
The morning of Pete’s departure, he woke up early, got out of bed, and walked over to the window. The sun had not yet risen, so much of what lay outside was still covered by the blackness of night. He turned to see Lily lying on the bed. The sheet was pulled back and her slender silhouette was clearly visible even in the dimly lit room. He walked toward the bed and placed a gentle kiss on Lily’s forehead then walked out of the room to get ready to go.
As daylight broke, Pete and Lily walked over to the main house for breakfast with Lily’s parents, her brother, and Lisa. The breakfast table was unusually silent. Most seemed to be lost in their own thoughts. Just as they were finishing breakfast, one of the servants walked into the room to announce that a man in a military jeep had pulled up in front of the house to take Pete and Robbie to the San Diego harbor.
Mr. Reed helped Pete and Robbie load their things onto the jeep while the ladies stood nearby. When it was time to go, Lily went up to her brother and gave him a hug then turned to Pete.
Pete and Lily stood in front of the jeep, locked in an embrace. Both seemed at a loss for words. Lily broke the silence by saying, “Take care of yourself.”
Pete nodded and said, “I will. You too.” Pete kissed her forehead and then enveloped her in an even tighter embrace. Despite almost choking on his words, he whispered into her ear, “if you need anything. Don’t hesitate to ask.”
Lily nodded then said, “I’ll be fine.” At that moment, the jeep’s driver started the engine which caused Lily’s grip on Pete to become tighter. Lily looked up at Pete. Her eyes betrayed the fear and anxiety that was welling up inside her. It also conveyed a request for a promise…that he would return.
Pete felt his throat constrict and tears well up in his eyes heart breaking but tried to keep his composure for Lily’s sake. He said to Lily, “I’ve got to go,” then released her from his embrace. He shook hands with the other family members then got into the jeep. As he closed the door, Lily ran up to the jeep, placed her hands on the car door, and said, “I love you Pete. Please come back. Please.” Tears were streaming down her face.
Pete placed his hand over hers, and said in as reassuring a tone as he could muster, “I love you too Lily. Everything’s going to be alright. You’ll see.”
As the car drove away, Lily fell into her father’s arms and cried.
Chapter 9 New Zealand
V-Mail--February 1943
Dearest Lily,
We've been underway for a couple of days now and should be reaching our destination soon. I apologize in advance if my letters seem vague as to time and place. I promise to fill in the blanks when I come home.
I'm busy most of the time. I think its better that way. It keeps my mind off how much I miss you. You manage to creep into my thoughts every minute I'm not focused on my job. Sometimes it hurts just to think of you. I'm so sorry I won't be there when the baby's born but I know that you and the baby will be well taken care of while I'm away.
I can't promise I'll write everyday but I'll write as often as I can. I can't wait to start getting your letters. Please don't try to sugarcoat things for me when you write. I want to know how you are. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask.
I love you more than I can say. I think I'm the luckiest guy in the world. Of all the guys you could've chosen to marry, Lily picked me.
I put your picture on my desk. I have another one that I carry in my breast pocket. I'll carry that one wherever I go.
Its getting late now, so I better be getting to bed. Sweet dreams, honey.
Love always,
Pete
The Ninth Marine Regiment arrived in Auckland, New Zealand on Friday, February 5, 1943. After debarking the USS Mount Vernon, the Ninth Marines were separated into different camps scattered over a twenty mile radius. Pete was part of the Ninth Marines' first battalion. As the company commander for Charlie Company, he spent many hours either in division or regimental meetings or training with his troops. To his men, he was referred to as skipper. He was tough but fair. He led by example and rarely raised his voice or used threats to get his men to do what needed to be done.
Fifteen to twenty mile hikes were a core part of the training. It was during these hikes that Pete took the time to get to know the men in his company. He would often walk up to a young man and ask him his name and where he was from. On one of those hikes, two privates discussed Pete's skill with the rifle.
"I heard the skipper shot a 150 at the rifle range," said Private Simms.
"Geez. That's a perfect shot. Nobody can do that," replied Private Myers.
Private Simms said,"I heard he was born with a rifle in his hand." All the men around the two privates laughed at that comment.
A few minutes later, Pete came up next to Private Simms and said, "How are you doing son?"
"Just fine, sir," said Private Simms.
"We're making good time today," said Pete.
"That's cuz you've got the best guys in the regiment." Pete smiled at that remark.
"Sir?"
"Yes, Private Myers."
"Is it true that you shot a 150?"
"There's no such thing as perfection. You can always do better. Remember that son."
"Yes sir."
"Carry on."
After Pete walked away from the two privates, a lieutenant in Charlie Company who had been walking within earshot of them while they were talking to Pete came abreast of the two men and said, "So you heard the skipper shot a 150, eh?"
Private Simms turned to the lieutenant and said, "Is it true?"
"He's done it three years in a row. He's arguably the best shot in the Marine Corps."
"Holy cow."
When not in training, Pete would use his spare time to explore the countryside or visit friends and acquaintances he had met through his grandfather, who had served as a diplomat in the Far East after retiring from the Marine Corps.
On one night in particular, Pete entered a bar to get a drink before heading back to camp. He walked to the bar and ordered a beer. While the bartender was pouring his drink, he turned to look around and saw only a few locals sitting in a booth in the corner. He felt a tap on his shoulder, and
turned to see a beautiful titan-haired woman smiling up at him.
"Of all the Yanks in New Zealand, I run into Pete Martin."
Pete smiled and said, "Hello, Kate." Kate Reynolds was a native of New Zealand whose father worked in Washington, D.C. as a diplomat. Pete and Kate moved in the same social circles and dated for a brief period just before Pete was transferred to San Diego.
The bartender brought Pete's beer over and placed it in front of him. Pete looked at Kate and said, "Can I buy you a drink?"
"That depends."
"On what?"
"If the gentleman buying the drink is going to be a gentleman."
Pete laughed at that remark and turned to the bartender and said, "Give the lady whatever she wants."
After the bartender walked away to get her drink, Kate sat down in the stool closest to where Pete was standing. She looked up at Pete and said, "I'll never forgive you for leaving without saying goodbye."
"I'm sorry. I got my orders to go to San Diego just a few days before I had to go. That didn't give me much time to much more than pack up and go."
"You could've written."
"I've never been much of a letter writer."
"You never gave me a second thought."
"I don't think anyone could someone like you." Kate smiled at that remark then said, "Then maybe we can pick up where we left off?"
"I'm afraid that's not possible."
"Why not?"
"I'm married."
"I've seen plenty of married yanks cavorting with the women here. What makes you any different?"
"I made a vow to someone back home. She waiting for me..."
Kate interrupted, "How do you know that? These aren't normal times and you're thousands of miles away."
Pete said, "I know Lily and I would never do anything to hurt her. I'm sorry."
Kate gave Pete a wistful look and said, "She's a lucky girl. You must love her very much."
Pete shook his head and said, "I think that I'm the lucky one."
"Well then, I guess there's nothing else to be said. I'd better be off before I make an even greater fool of myself than I already have."
"That's not true."
"Yes, it is." At that moment, Kate rose from her seat and kissed Pete on the cheek then turned to go. Pete watched as she left the bar then looked to his left and saw Robbie staring at him. When their eyes met, Robbie rose from his seat and walked out the door. Pete ran after him and called Robbie's name. Rather than slow down, Robbie's pace quickened when he heard Pete calling his name. When Pete caught up to Robbie, he grabbed Robbie's arm, turned him around, and said, "Let me explain."
"There's nothing to say."
"Kate was an old friend..."
Robbie cut him off by saying, "An old friend, aye. And just how often have you been seeing this 'old friend' of yours since we got here."
"Not that its any of your business, but I just ran into her tonight. I didn't even know she was here."
"Likely story."
"Will you shut up and listen."
"Why should I listen to anything you say? You made sure my sister couldn't be with anyone else while you were gone. She's probably sitting at home pining away for you. God Pete, she's carrying your child."
"I know it looks bad but nothing happened. I swear, nothing has happened or will happen with any woman while we're over here. I love your sister."
At those words, Robbie felt the anger and indignation he was feeling drain from his body. He shook his head and said, "I'm sorry I overreacted. Its just that I walked into that bar and saw you with that woman..."
Pete interrupted him by saying, "Forget about it." Pete looked down at his watch and said, "It's getting late. We better be getting back to camp."
Robbie nodded and then they both headed back to camp.
As August turned into September, Pete anxiously awaited any news of the impending birth of his first child. The mail came in a sporadic and haphazard manner. It wasn't uncommon for him to receive several letters all at once, out of order, and/or weeks after they had been written. The men assigned to the post office became well acquainted with the skipper for Charlie Company who would often walk by the makeshift post office to see if a new batch of mail had arrived or for news of when it would be arriving. One day in late August, as Pete was walking in the direction of the post office, a jeep filled with bags of mail drove past him and stopped in front of the post office. It was quickly surrounded by men, eager to hear word from friends and family. The wait for his name to be called seemed endless. Finally, Pete's name was called and he was given a stack of letters. He rifled through the letters from Lily, looking for the ones that were dated around Lily's due date and tore open an envelope dated August 24, 1943. As he unfolded the stationary a picture of Lily holding a little baby in her arms slipped to the ground. He quickly retreived it from the ground and stared at the picture, trying to capture every detail in his mind then turned to read the letter.
Dearest Pete,
Its a boy. John Peter Martin was born on August 11, 1943. He was 19 inches and weighed 6 lbs 2 ounces. Dad took me to Balboa Hospital on August 10th. The delivery was long but the doctors and nurses who took care of us were wonderful. He's got strong lungs and a hearty appetite. Mom says its too early to tell but I think he's the spitting image of his father. I had this picture taken of the two of us so you could make up your own mind about that. I'm sorry if this letter is shorter than usual but lil' Pete has me on a tight schedule. I promise I'll write more later.
Love always, Lily
TO BE CONTINUED...
Chapter 11 Guam--Operation Forager
After successfully overtaking the Japanese in Bougainville, the Third Marine Division set their sights on the island of Guam. During the interim period, Pete was promoted to Major and reassigned from the First Battalion's Charlie Company to Commander of the Ninth Marine's Second Battalion. Robbie was also promoted to Captain and put in charge of the Second Battalion's Fox Company. As a result of the promotions and reassignments, Pete was in Robbie's direct line of command.
Operation Forager began on July 21, 1944. The Guam Campaign was preceded by seventeen days of naval gunfire and aerial bombardment. Pete and Robbie debarked from transport ships at daybreak. Pete spent much of the early morning hours ensuring that both men and material were getting ashore with as few casualties and loss of weaponry and materials as possible. After that initial objective had been achieved, he sought to carry out the orders assigned to the Second Battalion.
On July 25, 1943, Pete was ordered to bring his men into the fight for Fonte heights to relieve the First Battalion, Ninth Marine regiment. At the CP, Pete gathered the company commanders in his battalion for a briefing. At the end of the briefing, the officers hurried back to their companies to carry out the assignment that lay before them.
Pete took Robbie aside and asked, "So how do you like being a company commander?" Robbie smiled and said, "I like it fine, especially knowing that I've got you watching over me."
"Flattery won't get you anywhere in this battalion!"
"Seriously, Pete. You're one of the best officers in the Corps. You run a tight ship but the men know that you've always got their best interests at heart."
"I'm only doing what any other officer in my position would do."
"Pardon my french but that's bullshit and you know it. A lot of these higher ups are in it for the glory and medals. How many battalion commanders do you know that have taken the time to get to know his men and have fought as hard as you to make sure they're squared away?"
"Let's see what the men think of me after this battle is over."
"They'll love you just as much as the guys in Charlie company did after Bougainville."
"I hope you're right, Robbie." After a short pause, Pete said, "You better get back to your men. Its going to be a rough day."
Robbie turned and started to walk away, then turned around and called out to Pete. Pete turned and looked at Robbie with a sense of dread about what he was about to say.
"I'm sorry for the way I acted in New Zealand. I jumped to conclusions..."
Pete interrupted him, "There's nothing to be sorry for. The situation looked bad. You were just looking out for Lily. I would have felt the same way if I had been in your place."
"If I don't come out of this fight, tell Lily I love her."
"Don't talk that way."
"Tell lil' Pete about his Uncle Robbie."
"You tell him yourself."
"I'm proud to have served under you."
"You're talking in the past tense."
"You're a good man Pete."
"So are you." With that said, Robbie smiled as he waived goodbye then turned and walked away.
