With just a few more hours to go before arriving in San Diego, Dart’s biggest hope is that there will be a pile of mail for him. “Two weeks is a long time to go without it. (You know, don’t you?)”
Because he didn’t have a solo liberty in Panama, he wasn’t able to get into any of the shops he wanted, so Blevins did his shopping by proxy. The results are unsatisfactory. All he was able to purchase were two pairs of silk stockings in Dot’s size, but the quality is inferior – not even as good as the Haggard’s supply officer was able to get for him last year. Although he’s almost ashamed to send them, he’ll try to get them mailed during their brief stay in port.
He drew $16.00 of his pay today, and promptly spent three precious dollars on an “anchor pool.” If he got the ticket that has the exact minute the anchor is dropped in port, he wins $100; $25 if he gets one minute on either side of the exact time. It’s his first gambling attempt since joining the Navy, and he knows the only guys who stand to make any money are the three men who are organizing the pool.
As he looks back on her mother’s response to their letter about getting married in 1947, he thinks she was quite helpful. They already knew the pros and cons, but she was able to see from an outsider’s perspective which ones matter and which are merely side issues. She puts the decision squarely on their shoulders, where it belongs. He sure hopes Dot agrees with him on what their decision will be.
He talks about visiting all his old friends once he’s back home, renewing old acquaintances. He hopes Dot will accompany him to meet Homer, Fred, and maybe even visit Mr. Foecking’s bride, Pat. He says getting reacquainted with his pre-war buddies will feel almost like being in a new city. I’m glad you’ll be there to help me get started again.
Although it’s only 60 days until he’s eligible for discharge, those days seem almost beyond reach. It feels almost as long as the 16 months until June, 1947.
“What kind of wedding have you dreamed of, Dot? Or is that a prospective bride’s private domain? You’ll be a lovely June bride, Darling. You’re so lovely and lovable all the time, anyway, and being a bride adds 100% to any girl’s loveliness, usually.”
“Oh, if I could just take you in my arms tonight and never let you go! I miss your kisses (the ones we stole when no one was looking, and at traffic lights), and I miss your presence in every way.”
# # #
Dot’s letter tonight is a few short sentences, quickly scribbled after she’d completed her theme assignment. She’s weary of writing, and tired to the bone but must ask him one quick question. “Will you still love me even if I flunk biology tests and can’t write themes? I surely hope so, ’cause that’s just the situation that prevails.”
She got a letter from her future mother-in-law today, telling Dot how giddy she is for Dot’s visit this weekend. Dot is so very much in need of a weekend away from Kent and she’s very eager to go the the alumnae banquet at her old school.
Helen Peterson also mentioned that the points needed for discharge from the Navy had been lowered again. Is it possible Dart will be close enough that he’ll get to serve his final weeks on the west coast instead of heading back out to sea?