Chapter 5

The morning sun poured in through my window and I pulled the covers over my head. Suddenly, I realized what day it was and threw the covers off of me. I sprang out of bed, and into the hall. 

Checking the large grandfather clock in the hall, I see that it is half past 8. "Papa will be on the porch reading the newspaper" I think to myself, and rush downstairs to find him.

Sure enough, I find Papa out front lounging in a chair reading the newspaper. I simply can't understand how he can just act so relaxed when today is such a big day. "Good morning Papa!" I greet cheerily. "Morning Princess, come join me," he replies and gives his knee a pat. He holds out the paper and says, "Do you see these headlines? Sooner than you know it they will be a thing of the past. I don't want any worries you got it?" I nod sullenly and look down. He kisses my forehead and lifts my chin "I mean it now, Baby-doll." I manage a smile and reply "Ok Papa, it's just that I'm gonna miss you so much." He leans over and hugs me tight "..and I will miss you my dear."

Momma opens the front door and looks out onto the porch at us. "Good Morning! How about some breakfast you two? Herrice dear, I've made your favorite" she says smiling. "Oh boy! We'll be right in" he replies to Momma and gives me a grin. I run up to my room to get dressed, ready for the day before I meet Momma and Papa for breakfast.

Momma must have been up early because she had prepared a huge breakfast for us all. Delicious croissants, pancakes with sweet cream and berries, and buttery waffles were piled on the table. Papa kissed Momma on the cheek and thanked her, then we all sat down to eat. Momma and Papa sat talking about funny stories one of Papa's friends was telling last night. The day was beautiful, the talk at the table was light-hearted, and Momma had prepared our favorite foods. I however, wasn't feeling very hungry or talkative. If it would have been any other morning it would have been a great start to the day, but it wasn't any other morning. This was the day I had to say good-bye to my Papa, and who knows for how long. Papa was one of my favorite people in the world. We had never been apart longer than a day. What was I going to do without him around? 

Thank goodness for great friends like Freddie and Betsie. We were always there for each other. I knew that I could count on them to be there for me when Papa left. Betsie is always so sassy and spirited, when she talks people always listen. Freddie is more of a mediator he is always soft spoken and charismatic. Then there is me, slightly awkward and clumsy, a hopeless romantic who likes to make others laugh. Together we're a well rounded group. I'm glad I have these great people to call my friends. 

Papa stretches and smiles big at Momma. "My, oh my! You sure know how to fix up a meal Marion!" he says. Momma smiles tenderly and thanks him. "Say, I think I'll finish reading the paper for a bit. Relax a little before this afternoon" he mentions. He grabs the newspaper and settles in the living room to read it. After breakfast is all cleaned up, Momma hands me a stack of folded clothes to put away. "There are still things to be done Nora" she explained, "I need to get your father all packed up." 

I put my clothes in my dresser, make my bed and tidy up my room. "Wonder if Papa will read me a story" I ask myself as I advance towards the stairwell. Just then I hear a sound and edge my way over to Momma & Papa's room. The door is slightly cracked open and I peer in. Poor Momma is surrounded by suitcases and clothes and stands in the middle of it all, her face in her hands gently sobbing. I softly whisper ''Momma...'' and she immediately straightens up wiping her tears discretely. Still facing away she replies "What do you need Nora?" I look down at the ground and respond "Nothing, Momma." I carefully shut the door and turn to go downstairs. I just wanted to be there for her, I just wanted to let her know that we are in this together. Momma's cold emotion always keeps me at bay. I just don't know why our bond isn't stronger.

The time had come for Papa to leave and we were all so busy gathering up everything and loading it into the car, that there wasn't even time to be sad! After the last piece of luggage was placed into the car we stood on the porch to wish Papa goodbye. "Marion my darling, I love you more than words can express" I heard him tell Momma. He grabbed her and in one of the most romantic scenes of love, kissed her passionately. All Momma could say between sobs was "I...love...you...more." Papa wiped her face then took it in his hands and told her that she had to be strong and for her to try not to worry. They embraced and she stepped away so I could say goodbye to Papa.

Papa's face hung somberly though he tried to give me his best smile. Salty tears were flowing down my cheeks as I jumped off the porch step into his arms. We stood there hugging tightly for the longest time. "If only I don't let go, he can't leave" I thought. Papa's shoulder's shook silently as he held me and I whispered ''Papa, don't go..." He stepped back and placed his hands on my shoulders, kneeling down to eye level with me. "I love you with all my heart, baby-doll. I'll be back before you know it. Now, you take care til I return, alright?" he said softly. He started to speak again but I joined in and we both said "We're always together when you live in my heart." It was one of his favorite sayings. He hugged me once more, then kissed Momma on the cheek. 

Papa took a deep breath and gave Momma and I a smile, but I could tell he was fighting back tears. "I'll be off now" he said. "Papa, write to us?!" I exclaimed. I almost didn't think to remind him, sure glad I remembered. He chuckled and said "Of course dearest." Momma dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief and tells Papa "Safe journey darling." He makes his way down the walk, and over to the car. He turns, saluting and smiling that crinkly mustache smile of his before getting into the car. I'll never forget that moment. Momma's handkerchief floats in the air as she waves with it, and I blow Papa a kiss. He starts up the car and pulls out onto the road. Momma, still sniffling, hurries into the house. I run down the walk and out to the side of the road still waving. "I love you Papa!" I shout, and watch the car until it disappears into the horizon. I slowly made my way back inside. I stood in the foyer staring into space until the ticking of the clock caught my attention, 2:10pm it read. I trudged into the parlor where I collapsed onto the sofa, crying. 

"She's just in here" I hear Momma say. Freddie and Betsie enter the room, giving a soft "Hello." Betsie takes a seat next to me and gently pulls my hair back, tucking a loose piece behind my ear. Freddie hops onto the armrest of the sofa and gently strokes my back. I just cry even harder, not even trying to suppress my sobs. "There, there Nora" Betsie says lovingly "The sooner he leaves the sooner he'll be back." She takes her handkerchief and wipes my tears. Freddie reaches down and takes my hand in his. "We're always here Nora just let us know how we can help, ok? Freddie chimes in. "Nora" Bestie grins "I know you're not in the mood, but ya see Freddie and I think it will help. We have a surprise for you. Well, it was Freddie's idea but I picked out the accessories." Freddie took my hands pulling me up and onto my feet. "Yea and you're mother knows all about it, she says it's fine by her" he says eagerly. "Now you just wait 5 minutes and come out back alright?"

Betsie and Freddie were certainly right about one thing, I was not in the mood for surprises. I thought I should at least see where their efforts of cheering me up had led them, and after 5 minutes I stepped out the back door. "Holy mackerel!" I shouted as the back door swung open. Betsie stood with her hands clapped together smiling brightly. Freddie stood with the biggest grin I've ever seen and in his hands he was holding up a little puppy. I clapped my hands to my mouth and tears spilled out of my eyes. This time though, they were tears of joy. I had wanted a puppy since I was 6 years old, but Momma refused. She always told me what a mess they were. Now, here she's agreed to let me have one and my dear, dear friends have given me an amazing surprise. 

"Do you love her!?" I picked out the little purple collar." Betsie said. "Oh, very much Betsie!" I replied hugging Betsie close. Betsie took the little pup from Freddie and I threw my arms around him. "Thank you so much! You're the best friends anybody ever had!" I say overjoyed.

Freddie hugs me and laughs "I take it this has lifted those spirits some, eh?" Excitedly I reply yes. He places his hand on my shoulder and looks at me smiling "Anything to put a smile on that pretty face of yours Nora." I blush and turn to Betsie to greet my new little pup.

"I think I'll call her Lucy" I say. Taking the little puppy into my arms, I'm greeted with sweet puppy kisses on my cheek. I sit her down on the ground and she bounces around happily. Freddie, Betsie and I laugh and play around with the pup for awhile before Momma calls me to dinner. "Now you kids are welcome to stay for dinner" she says. They agree and thank Momma. She phones over to inform the Linder's and the Warner's, and we all sit down to dinner. Maybe things won't be so bad, and like Papa said, he'll be back before I know it.