The Docklands Girls

The Docklands Girls by June Tate Read Free Book Online Page A

Book: The Docklands Girls by June Tate Read Free Book Online
Authors: June Tate
of thought to what you said, how you felt about …’ he was at a loss for a moment, ‘your business. That it’s a way to earn money to give you a future, so I’m hoping that these men don’t mean anything to you.’
    ‘But of course they don’t! How could they?’
    ‘In that case, will you be my girl again?’
    She frowned. ‘Can you live with what I do and still want me? Won’t that come between us?’
    He leant forward. ‘Look, Cora. Pretty soon we’ll be shipped across the Channel and I’m not sure just how long we’d have together, so let’s just enjoy what time we have. No recriminations. What do you say?’
    A smile crept slowly across her features. ‘I’d like that, Hank. I’ve really missed you.’
    ‘You have?’ He looked pleased.
    ‘Yes, why are you surprised?’
    ‘I guess after our last meeting and, I admit I was unkind, I thought you wouldn’t want anything more to do with me.’
    She placed a finger over his lips. ‘That was then, this is now. We won’t ever mention it again. From here on in, I’m your girl. Right?’
    He leant forward and kissed her. ‘Right! Can I take you out for a drink to celebrate?’
    ‘I can’t think of anything I’d rather do.’
     
    During the evening, Hank asked her about the night she lost her parents and her home and, as he listened, he could see how she’d suffered and began to understand how hard it had been for her to survive such a trauma.
    ‘The Germans came over every night about the same time. We used to hear the sirens go and we knew we were in for another bad night. Mum used to make a flask of tea in case it went on for a long time. We didn’t have a shelter so we used to crawl under the dining room table. We had blankets and pillows there to make us comfortable.’ She took a sip of her drink. ‘At first you’d hear the sound of the guns, then the planes and the whine of the bomb – then silence. That was the worst part because soon after thesilence you’d hear an explosion. On this particular night it seemed worse than ever. There were more bombs exploding than before and they seemed to be getting nearer than ever. Every time we’d cling on to each other, wondering if it would be us next … and then it was.’
    Hank caught her by the hand. ‘Don’t go on, honey, if it upsets you,’ he said.
    ‘No, I want you to know, then perhaps you’ll understand.’ She took a deep breath and continued.
    ‘We heard the bomb. Then the silence and suddenly all hell broke loose it seemed. The ceiling caved in on top of us, there was dust everywhere, the table collapsed, then I don’t remember anything until the air raid wardens and the firemen started to dig us out. All I remember was a strange voice saying, “Come along, miss, wake up, there’s a good girl”.’
    ‘Oh, Cora, honey, I had no idea.’ Hank’s voice was full of sympathy.
    Tears welled in her eyes as she said, ‘They managed to pull me free and into an ambulance, but when I asked about my parents, the men went quiet – and then I knew.’
    Hank called the barman over and asked for two brandies. When they arrived, he made her drink some. ‘Here, this’ll do you good.’ He watched her closely as she did so. Then he asked for the bill.
    ‘Come along, honey, drink up, I’m going to take you home,’ he said seeing the distress etched on her face. ‘Gee, I’m sorry I asked. It was stupid of me.’
    She gave a wan smile. ‘No, I wanted you to know. Now you do.’
     
    They walked silently through the unlit streets, using Cora’s torch to light their way in the blackout, ignoring others who were out enjoying their evening, through The Ditches and to her room. When they were inside, she put on the kettle to make some tea. They were sitting side by side on the bed, waiting for the kettle to boil, Hank holding her in his arms as she cried silent tears. He stroked her hair and patted her back as you would a child, making soothing noises until she stopped grieving. Then he

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