Historical Narrative

Since I haven't posted in a long time and can't really think of anything right now, I'll just post a story I had to write for English. It's a 1940s love story.



“Goodbye, Daddy! I’m headed to the dance.” “Well, alright. If you feel you must go to this silly dance your silly club is putting on then you best be on your way. Just don’t you go bringing any sailor boys home.” “Yes, Daddy.” I walked out the door and took to the road.
As I walked into the community center where the dance was being held I smiled to myself. So many strapping young sailors and I could have the pick of the lot. “Excuse me, miss. May I have this dance?” “Why of course, my fine fellow.” We started to dance and have a small conversation. He was anything but a gentleman. I won’t say what he did to give me this impression. “No need to be so rude.” I quickly backed away from him.
“May I cut in?” I turned around to see a tall, young sailor waiting for my reply. “Absolutely.” He took my hand and led me away from my previous partner. “I’m Betty.” “Nice to meet you. I’m Jimmy. I’ve been training at the university.” “How do you like it?” “Oh, it’s good. Not my favorite thing in the world, but it’s not bad.” That was about the extent of our conversation, but he was my partner for the rest of the dance. It was nearing the end of the night and we were slowly swaying to the music of the last song. “I’d like to walk you home tonight.” “Okay, that’ll be fine.” We walked out of the community center and started down Main Street. “Which way is your house?” “Take this
road.” I pointed to a country lane branching from Main. We started down the lane with the moon leading the way. His hand brushed my palm then suddenly took hold. My breath caught in my throat as his fingers looped through mine. Our hands held tight, we continued on.
As we neared my house, a picture of my daddy saying “Don’t bring any sailor boys home,” flashed through my head. Oops! And even worse Daddy was sitting on the porch waiting. “Hello, Daddy.” “Hello, Betty. Do you not recall what I told you before you left?” “I’m sorry.” “Betty, go inside. I need to talk with this young man you seem to have brought home without my permission.” I walked into the house and waited in the living room.
It was about an hour later when Daddy walked back in the house. “That boy is very nice. I give you my approval and permission.” “Th-thank you, Daddy.”
About a week later I heard from Jimmy again. We hadn’t talked since the dance, so I didn’t expect him to pursue the relationship, but he surprised me. I received a call from him inviting me on our second date. We met up with some other sailors and their dates for a milkshake and a trip to the show. Jimmy walked me home after we split from the other sailors. As we neared the house Jimmy said he had to get back to the university so he wouldn’t have time to talk tonight. We stopped at my porch and he kissed me. “Goodnight, Betty.” He turned and walked back down the road. Our first kiss…
After that night, Jimmy and I talked regularly over the phone and went out almost every Friday night. But soon a problem erupted. Jimmy was being sent to Pensacola, Florida by the Navy. He was going to be trained for the war. He came by the house to say goodbye and to take me out one last time the night before he left. The next morning I met him at the train station. He boarded the train to Florida giving me a quick wave before he disappeared in the crowd. I waved back even as the train started rolling. There I stood and watched until the train was only a dot on the horizon.
Jimmy was still able to call me on occasion, but calls don’t always make a person feel closer to another, so I still missed him. It was around Christmas time that some of those sad feelings got better. “Betty, I’m calling to tell you that I’m being transferred to Forth Worth, Texas.” “That’s not anywhere close to Indiana.” I obviously didn’t understand how this was good news, but Jimmy sounded excited so I decided to listen. “Yes, but they don’t need me at the base in Florida and I don’t have to be in Texas for another week, so I’m coming to visit you and then on the way back I’ll stop in Tennessee and see my family.” “Oh, really? That’s wonderful! I’ll see you in a few days. Bye, Jimmy.”
“Daddy, I’m going to go up to the train station to meet Jimmy. He’s come to visit me!” I walked to the station and waited for the train from Florida to arrive. “Florida to Indiana arriving in 5 minutes,” came over the loud speaker. A train turned around the corner and slowly came to a halt. People started filing off the train and onto the platform. I stared into the crowd searching through it but Jimmy didn’t seem to be on it. A few
minutes later another train pulled into the station. Once again people walked off the train and met up with the people who had come to meet them. I still didn’t see Jimmy so I turned, heading back home. Maybe he couldn’t come after all. “Betty!” I turned to see Jimmy running toward me. “Oh, Jimmy, it’s wonderful to see you. I’ve missed you so much.” We walked into the main building of the station so he could rest from his journey.
The man at the ticket desk started looking around and suddenly yelled, “Telegram for Mr. James Sutton. Telegram.” “I’m James Sutton.” Jimmy stood up and walked over to the ticket master. “Here you are, sir.” Jimmy opened the telegram and began reading. His face started to look concerned. “Is everything okay?” “No. Apparently they need me in Fort Worth now. I have to get a plane and take it down there. My commanding officer is paying for it later. I’m so sorry, Betty.” He picked up his bag and was gone. I sat there stunned. I had been so close to getting to spend some time with him.
Jimmy made it to Fort Worth fine and then found out when he got there that his commanding officer had been wrong in sending him when he was supposed to be visiting me. The sailors didn’t have to be in Fort Worth for two more weeks. To make it up to me he asked me to come visit him instead, so I took the train down and spent the week letting Jimmy show me around Fort Worth. It was very enjoyable and I was sad when it ended but Daddy might have gotten suspicious if I had stayed longer than I was supposed to.
Once I got back home, Jimmy and I still talked on the phone, but not as much as we had. His training was kicked up a notch and was taking most of his time, so he usually
only called if it was important. After a few months of him being in Fort Worth Jimmy called with news very urgent.
“Betty, we need to talk.” “Okay.” This sounded serious. Getting transferred so much and not being able to see you has made me realize how much I miss you. I love being able to spend time with you and I want to be able to see you everyday.” “I feel the same way.” “Then, will you marry me?” “Yes.” I was breathless. “We’re getting married!” “Yes, we are. Listen, I can’t leave the post right now so, I’ll send you the ring in the mail.” “Alright.” There was a moment of silence. “I love you, Betty.” “I love you, too.”


*based on a true story*