Blossoms of Love Read online

  In an hour Lamont and David were on one of the Navy planes heading for Montana. They had to get off the plane in Butte. They rode a bus to Lamont’s home town. It was late afternoon when they got off the bus. David looked all around, “I’m surprised you’re from a small town. You know I like it.” Lamont laughed as he said, “You may not like it so much after you walk seven miles. Nobody knows we’re coming. It wouldn’t do any good to call home, this is Friday, no one’s home. Mom always works in her garden until meal time, the younger boys aren’t home from school yet, and the others are on the range or at the stable.” Lamont grinned, “There are no cabs.” David laughed, “So we walk.”

  After they had walked nearly halfway, David wiped his forehead, “It’s twenty degrees and I’m working up a sweat. When you were home did you walk this often?” Lamont replied, “Sure, we just have a truck and Dad uses it only for the ranch.” It was getting dark by the time they turned the bend in the road. Lamont pointed towards the house. They could only see the upstairs window. When they got around the bend, David saw a large, two story, white-framed house, large trees surrounding it. Lamont said, “There it is. I was born there.” Lamont chuckled, “I was never more than forty miles away from here until I went in the Navy.” He looked at David, “I got homesick when we were at sea.” No one saw them coming up the road. Lamont knew they were all in the kitchen. The sun was just going behind the mountains. Lamont asked, “Do you like to hunt Dave?” David looked at his friend, “I’m afraid not. I was always busy chasing girls or drinking beer.” Lamont said, “Dave you don’t know what good living is. I like to get up early on a cold morning, get my gun, wear my boots and jacket, and start walking in the woods. It’s beautiful up there.” Lamont opened the gate to the front yard. David was still uncertain about coming here, “Monty are you sure your parents won’t care for a visitor?” Lamont assured him, “They won’t care. It doesn’t matter to Mom if she has one more mouth to feed. She’s used to cooking for a lot of people. Mom always enjoyed our friends. Now stop worrying.” Lamont opened the door to the living room. They could hear voices in the kitchen. Lamont motioned for David to follow him. They walked down the hall, passing through the living room, to the dining room where they were just sitting down to eat. John, Johnny, Berry, and Leon were already seated at the table. Paul was carrying bowls of food from the kitchen along with Dorothy. Allen was washing his hands at the kitchen sink. Lamont stopped in the doorway. Lamont asked, “Got room for two more hungry mouths?” They were all so glad to see Lamont, they huddled around him, everyone talking at the same time. David stood back and watched the family welcome him home. David envied Lamont, he knew he would never get such a welcome at his house. There was love and happiness on every face. When everyone had welcomed Lamont, he said as he looked at David, “Family, this is David Agar, my best friend. By the way, he likes to be called Dave.” John said to Allen, “Get another chair for Dave.” Dorothy agreed, “You boys must be starving.” David said as he put food on his plate, “I am hungry, the walk from town gave me a real good excuse to eat a lot.” Everyone laughed. David thought their housekeeper at home was a very good cook but she cooked fancy foods. Mrs. Ellman’s food was plain, but very good. David liked it better.

  After being there only a few hours, David was glad he came with Lamont. Mr. and Mrs. Ellman welcomed him with open arms and Lamont’s brothers were very friendly. He felt he had known them for a long time. David had to sleep with Lamont because there wasn’t an extra bedroom. During their two weeks on the ranch, David went hunting in the mountains with Lamont and to his surprise, he liked it. He also saw three calves born and four colts. Lamont and Berry delivered them. He liked riding horses and loved the high jagged mountains. He was really sorry when it came time for them to leave. All the Ellmans asked him to come back and he promised he would. Of course, they were sad because Lamont had to go back.

  On their bus ride back to Butte where they would catch the Navy plane, David said, “Monty, you have a very special family. They all love each other. You can see it in all of their eyes. Your parents are the greatest. Why you left all of that, I’ll never know.” Lamont sat quietly for a few seconds and then looked at David saying, “I’ll go back to stay one of these days. I just want to travel for a while.”

  David sighed, “Well to each his own, but if I lived somewhere like that I’d never go far away. When you visit my family you will see what I’m talking about. I know my family has a lot of money, but money can’t buy what your family has.”

  Lamont said, “I know you’re right, but it gets pretty rough when there’s not enough money to go around for what it takes just to live. I’ve seen the time when we’d go to school with jeans worn so bad there would be patches on top of patches. My Mom would wear old faded dresses, and Dad the same way. Day always had plenty to eat for us. I’m so glad the ranch is paying off now. With the money I send home and the ranch doing so well Mom and Dad can enjoy life for a change.”

  David said, “I believe they enjoy life anyway.” Lamont sighed, “I’ve seen my Dad look sad many times and I’ve seen him worried because he couldn’t give us a better living. David said, “I sure do want to come back again.” Lamont smiled, “Anytime Dave.”

  When Christmas came near the crew was surprised with an eighteen day leave. They were expecting to be on the sea somewhere. The reason they got another leave so soon was because the ship was being painted. This time Lamont was going home with David. This was Lamont’s first Christmas to be away from home. While he and David waited on the plane to come in, he called home. He talked to everyone and David told John and Dorothy to have a very merry Christmas. They got off the plane in Mobile, Alabama, just before noon. Lamont couldn’t believe how warm it was. People were only wearing light-weight jackets. As they got off the plane Lamont asked, “Is it this warm around Christmas every year?” David answered, “Yes, sometimes warmer than this. I’ve went around in my shirt sleeves.” Lamont laughed, “When I talked to Mom a few hours ago she said they had six inches of snow and it was still snowing hard.”

  David saw their butler, “There’s Porter.” They walked toward a dark blue Lincoln. David explained, “Porter is our butler and handy man. His wife is our maid and cook.” As they got closer Lamont could see he was a middle aged man with dark expensive clothes. He was fairly tall and very slim. Porter smiled holding out his hand, “Glad to see your, sir.” David said, “Thanks Porter.” David looked toward Lamont and said, “Porter, this is Monty Ellman, the best damned friend a guy could ever have.” Then he looked at Monty again, “Monty, this is Porter Rich.” Porter shook hands with Lamont and said, “Glad to meet you, a friend of Dave’s is a friend of mine.” Lamont replied, “Thanks Porter.”

  Porter took their bags and put them in the trunk of the car. As they rode through the city, Lamont thought to himself, “I’m glad I wasn’t born and raised here.” David broke his thoughts as he said, “The ocean is only a few miles from where I live. We don’t live in the city limits.”

  Out of the city limits Lamont saw the beautiful, southern houses he had seen in books. Seeing them with his own eyes, they were more beautiful than any picture he had seen. Lamont said, “These houses are very beautiful and so big.” Porter turned into a big circular driveway. Lamont saw the house. It was one of those old southern homes. Hugh trees stood around the big white framed house. Lamont looked at David saying, “I thought our house at home was big but it’s small compared to this.” David laughed, “It’s small. It only has 18 rooms. Most of these houses have more rooms.”

  Porter got their bags out of the trunk. Lamont followed David into the house. The foyer was large; the floor was covered with black and white tile. A huge winding staircase lead to the second floor. Red carpet covered the steps. David pitched his sailor cap on the bench in the foyer. Lamont looked to the left and saw a very large living room. It was the most beautiful room he had ever seen. The furniture was very expensive. His eyes rested on a baby grand piano. The carpet he
re was red also. The heavy drapes were red velvet and the furniture was all white. On the right of the foyer was a large library. The room was in gold and brown. Books covered two of the walls. The book shelves reached from floor to ceiling. An elderly lady came from the back of the foyer which lead to the kitchen. She held out her arms as she came closer to David, “Oh David! I’m so glad you’re home.” David put his arms around her and kissed her on the cheek. He turned to Lamont and said, “She’s my second Mom. Monty, this is Della,” he looked at Della, “Della, this is Monty Ellman, my best friend.” Lamont held out his hand as he said, “Hello Della.” Della smiled saying, “Welcome Monty. My, my you two look so handsome in those Navy uniforms.” David asked, “Where is everyone?” Della answered, “Mrs. Agar is in town shopping, Mr. Agar is at the club, and Natalie is with her friends decorating for the school Christmas party.” David gave a long sigh then motioned for Lamont to follow him, “Come on buddy, I’ll show you the room you will use while you’re here.” Lamont followed him up the long stairway.

  The red carpet at the head of the stairs lead to many doors. David opened the second door on the right, “Your room sir.” The bedroom looked like a mans’ room. The colors were gray and blue. The furniture was oak and on the mantle of the fireplace was a big model ship. French doors led to a balcony. David smiled, “My room is next to yours.” Lamont laughed, “I’ve never slept in such a swanky room. I feel like a king.” David slapped him on the back, “If you feel like a king that’s fine with me. I think I’ll freshen up.” Lamont agreed, “I think I will too.”

  The den was the room Lamont liked best. There was a huge fireplace, nice comfortable furniture. A big Christmas tree stood in front of the bay window. There was a bar at the far side of the dent. David began mixing a drink for Lamont and himself. Lamont asked, “I saw a piano in the living room, who plays it? Would it be you?” David looked at Lamont and burst out laughing, “Not me. Both of my sisters play but Nat does most of the time. I call Natalie, Nat.” David handed Lamont his drink. Lamont sat down in a big over-stuffed chair. He looked at David and said, “Hell Dave, I can’t understand why you’d leave something like this for a cot on a ship.” Dave took a sip of his drink. His face became very serious, “You know something Monty, I’ve been more content and happy since I joined the Navy than I’ve ever been since I’ve grown up. Money doesn’t mean you’re happy. Look at me, my whole family knew I was coming home. They haven’t seen me in a long time and what do they do? They send the hired help to meet me. When I get home, who is here? Again, the hired help. I love Della and Porter but they aren’t my parents or my sisters. See what I mean? Look how you were greeted. Your whole family showed their love and how glad they were to see you. Why Monty, if my Mother hugged and kissed me like yours did ...” Real tears came in his eyes as he poured another drink. He said, “When they get home my Mother will kiss me on the cheek and Dad will shake my hand. Dora will smile and say she’s happy to see me and Nat will kiss me. There won’t be love, just an act. I guess Nat really loves me in her own way.”

  Lamont really felt sorry for his friend. He didn’t know what to say except, “You could be wrong.” David drank his second drink, set the glass down, and said, “No, I’m not wrong. You’ll see. In my family money has taken over. Money means everything to them, there’s no room for love.”

  They heard a woman’s voice coming from the foyer. David made no attempt to move. Then they heard Porter’s voice, “David is home Mrs. Agar. He’s in the den.”

  Lamont looked up in time to see a very nice looking, middle aged woman, so different from his mother. She was dressed in expensive clothes, her hair looked as if she had just came from a beauty salon. She was about his mother’s age but she looked much younger. She smiled at David, leaned over and kissed him lightly on the cheek. She asked, “Have you been here long darling?” David answered, “Not long.” She looked at Lamont, “A friend of yours David?”

  “Yes Mother. This is Lamont Ellman, my best friend. He’s the best friend I’ve ever had.” Lamont said, “Glad to meet you Mrs. Agar.” David said, “Monty is going to spend Christmas with us.” Mrs. Agar replied, “That’s nice. Glad you could come with David.”

  Mrs. Agar went to the kitchen to tell Della there would be guests for dinner. Mr. Agar came home soon after his wife. Just as David said to Lamont, his father shook his hand and said he was glad to see him. After he was introduced to Lamont, he made them all a drink. Then he began talking about his business and the club.

  A little later Natalie came into the room. She looked very much like her mother. She threw her arms around David and kissed him. “I’m so glad to see you,” she replied. Natalie wasn’t beautiful but she was very attractive, neat, and cute. She looked around, it was then she saw Lamont, “Well, who do we have here?” David spoke, “Nat, my best friend, Lamont Ellman. Lamont, my baby sister.” “Hello Natalie,” Lamont said. She smiled, “Hello Monty. I’m glad you’re my brother’s friend.”

  They could hear voices in the living room. The guests had arrived. Natalie said, “Oh hell, I forgot we were having company. I must go get ready. Please excuse me.” She hurried out of the room.

  David began laughing at Natalie. He said to Lamont, “That’s my kid sister. She’s only 18. She graduates high school this spring. David looked up and saw Dora, “Here comes my big sister.” He barely had the words out of his mouth when she came into the room. The clothes she was wearing were very expensive. She looked like her father. Ralph was tall, very thin, dark hair and eyes, and wore a dark suit that didn’t fit very well. Dora held out her arms and hurried toward David. She kissed him and hugged him for a second. She said, “David, I’m so glad they finally let you come home.” Ralph held out his hand and grunted, “Yes, we are glad to see you.” When they were introduced to lamont, they both grunted, “hello.”

  At the dinner table, the women were in semiformal clothes and the men in suits and ties, except for David and Lamont. They were wearing their uniforms. After the main meal, Della poured coffee and served the dessert. Lamont felt out of place. Eating a meal here wasn’t like at home. People talked but everyone was too polite. There was no togetherness like in his family. Lamont was beginning to see what David was talking about. The Agar family was well respected and very popular but the love and closeness was missing. For the first time in Lamont’s life he was glad his family was poor. They were rich with love and togetherness. Lamont smiled to himself because he knew what real happiness was. At eight p.m. more people began arriving and by nine o’clock the huge house was packed with people. David went over to Lamont who was being introduced to Mr. Agar’s club members. David gave a big smile to his father and club members saying to them, “Excuse me, I want my friend here to meet someone.” He took Lamont by the arm leading him away. “I thought I would rescue you from being bored to death with Dad’s old friends.” Lamont said, “Thanks buddy. Gold isn’t my height of interest.” Natalie came over to them as they sipped on a drink. She put her drink down, “I’m bored stiff. Let’s go somewhere.” David said, “I’m with you sis. What about you Lamont?” Lamont answered, “Let’s go.”

  The three of them left, not really being missed. Natalie sat between them in the car. She gave a sigh of boredom, “Let’s go somewhere exciting.” David asked, “Where would that be Nat?” Natalie’s eyes flashed with excitement, “We’ll go to the White Dove. That’s the best place now.” David said, “You can’t go there, you aren’t twenty-one.” He looked at Lamont, “Monty’s only nineteen. I’m the only one who’s 21.” Natalie giggled and said proudly, “I’ve been there before. Don’t you think I look twenty-one?” David answered, “Hell no. You don’t even look 17.” Natalie replied, “Well thanks brother. Come on let’s go there.” David asked Lamont, “What do you say buddy?” Lamont grinned, “I’m game if you are. Let’s give it a whirl.”

  The White Dove was a very elaborate night club. It was a rich mans’ club. David parked the car in the parking lot in front of the cl
ub. He turned to his sister and asked, “Now tell me Nat, how do we get you and Monty inside? It seems you have a big secret on knowing how.” She giggled, “I’ll just ask for Mr. Allen. He’ll let us in. He and Dad are good friends, besides he owes Dad a great deal of money.” David laughed, “This sister of mine may be 17 but she sure knows the ropes.”

  Natalie told the doorman she wanted to see Mr. Allen. It was only seconds when Mr. Allen came from his office. Natalie asked him, “We want to go inside.” Mr. Allen looked at Lamont, then David. Natalie said, “This is my brother David and our friend Lamont.” Mr. Allen said, “Don’t get too loud or do anything that will draw to your attention. I could get into big trouble.” David said, “We promise to be good.”

  The waiter seated them at a table far in the corner. Lamont had never been in such an expensive place. When he looked at the menu he groaned, “I don’t know about you two but I can’t stay here long.” Natalie laughed, “Everything’s on dear old Dad. He has a charge account here.” David looked at his sister, whistled through his teeth and said, “Just what would dear old Dad say when he gets the bill?” Natalie answered, “I’ve done this before. When he got the bill, he thought he had bought all of it himself. You know how Dad gets loaded every time he goes to a club.” David sighed, “My how times have changed since I was home last.” Natalie laughed, “Dad doesn’t think I drink.” She looked at Lamont, “Let’s live it up.” They ordered drinks.

  David met a girl and asked her to dance. Natalie looked at Lamont, “You don’t talk much do you?” Lamont answered, “I never saw any need to talk if you don’t have anything to say.” Natalie sipped on her drink then she said, “Well, sometimes talking keeps you from being lonely.” Natalie thought Lamont was the best looking man she had ever seen. He had golden blonde hair that was always a bit unruly. His eyes were a deep blue and his smile would capture any girl's heart. She wished he wasn’t so quiet. Natalie asked, “Do you dance?” Lamont said, “I’ve tried, but I’m afraid I don’t do too well.” She laughed, “I’ll take a chance.” She took his hand, “Come on.” Lamont laughed, “Okay, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”