Blossoms of Love Read online

  Even asleep he was a very handsome man. He not only had a beautiful face but he had a muscular body. Even with his shorts on she could see he was very much a man. She pulled the sheet over him and kissed him tenderly on the mouth. She whispered, “Good night my love.” She didn’t bother to put her clothes back on. She quietly went across the hall to her room. She crawled on her bed and pulled the cover over her nude body. She began to plan what they would do before he had to leave. She would at least have him all day. It was daybreak before she finally fell asleep.

  She woke early, dressed, and went down to the kitchen. It was a beautiful morning. As she ate toast and drank coffee, she asked Della, “Would you fix Monty and I a picnic lunch?” Della said, “Of course. What would you like?” Natalie answered, “Just anything. I really don’t care what we eat I just want Lamont all to myself for today.”

  She went upstairs to wake Lamont but he had already showered, shaved, and was coming out of his room when she got to the top of the stairs. She smiled, “Good morning darling.” He said, “Morning.” Natalie said, “Della is packing us a picnic lunch.” Lamont asked, “Did we plan a picnic for today?” Natalie smiled, “We didn’t, I did.” He asked, “Is Sharon and Dave going too?” She said, “No. Just you and I. Dave hasn’t come home from Sharon’s apartment yet. He may be there all day. Any objections?” He smiled, “None.” She grabbed his arm, “We’ll go to Swan Lake.”

  As they went down the steps Lamont said, “Anywhere is fine with me but first I’m going to drink a cup of coffee.”

  It was ten thirty when they left for the lake. As they rode down the highway Lamont said, “I don’t remember leaving the club.” Natalie said, “You and Dave were loaded. No wonder with all those mixed drinks. That’s probably what made you sick. Drinking different booze will do that.” Lamont sighed, “Yea, we really knew better. Did I get out of hand?” Natalie said, “No, you and Dave were good boys. I could lie to you and say you were a marvelous lover, that you’re everything I ever dreamed of.” Lamont looked at her very puzzled, “Was I that lousy?” Natalie replied, “You weren’t anything. You passed out before I could get undressed. You really disappointed me Lamont Ellman.”

  She parked the car. “Here we are.” Lamont got the basket of food and Natalie got the blanket. They found an isolated spot by the lake. As she put the blanket on the grass Lamont looked around, “Hey this is beautiful.” She began spreading the food so they could eat. It took them over an hour to get there. She said, “Yes, it is lovely. That’s why I wanted to come here.” Lamont sat down hear her. “Umm, the food looks good.” She laughed, “Well let’s eat, I’m starved.” They laughed, joked, and talked. Natalie didn’t want to think about him leaving in a few hours. He helped her put the things away when they finished eating so the ants wouldn’t get in the leftovers. Then he laid back on the blanket. She sat down beside him, “What are you thinking?” He answered, “Nothing special.” She got a blade of grass and tried to tickle his nose. He rose up on one elbow, “So you want to play.” He started to tickle her and she threw her arms around his neck, kissing him. The kiss was long and sweet. Lamont said, “Nat I’m really glad nothing happened last night. I’d hate to miss out on something as sweet as you.” She looked at him, “It still could happen Monty.” He touched her face with his hand, “No, I respect you too much. We have something nice. Let’s don’t spoil it.” She replied, “Oh Monty. I don’t want to be respected. I don’t even want to be nice. I just want to belong to you.” His face was serious, “You are very special to me. I don’t want to hurt you. You are a very sweet girl but Nat, we could never afford to get too close.” Natalie asked, “Are you saying you could never love me?” Lamont said, “I’m saying we’re not for each other. Our life styles are nothing alike.” She asked, “Is it because I’m Dave’s sister?” He put his arms around his knees, “No, I want you to find someone who can give you the rich life you’re use to. I could never give you that kind of life. Even if I could, I wouldn’t be happy living the way you’re use to.” She replied, “I would be happy living any kind of life.” Lamont looked into her eyes, “What I’m saying honey, I think you are a wonderful person but you cling too much. You latch on too hard. I can’t breath. I can’t live that way. I’ve got to feel free, have room to breath. You’re smothering me with all your sweetness. I can’t take that.” Natalie asked, “What do you want? Someone to not show their feelings? I’m so sorry Monty. I just love you so much I can’t help from showing it.” Lamont took a long, deep breath, “I’m just not ready to be serious. If I’ve hurt you, it’s better this way than to lead you on and then tell you.” Almost in tears she said, “Yes, I’m hurt. Go ahead Monty, lead me on. I still want you.” Lamont suggested, “I think we better go.”

  Just as he said those words, it began to shower. Lamont grabbed the basket and Natalie the blanket and they ran to the car.

  They were silent on their way back. When the car was parked in the carport, Lamont looked over at Natalie, “Friends?” She answered, “I can’t be your friend. A lover yes.” Tears were in her eyes, “I just can’t be only a friend.” She got out of the car and ran into the house.

  David drove Lamont to the airport. Lamont didn’t see Natalie before he left. Natalie felt her life wasn’t worth living since Lamont had rejected her. He was gone a week and she still wouldn’t come out of her room. David decided he had to talk to her and tell her how childish she was acting. He tapped on her door. She said, “Come in.” When she saw David, “What do you want?” He sat down on the pink satin chair near the window, “I’m going to talk to you rather you want me to or not.” Her eyes were swollen from crying so much. She replied, “I don’t want to hear it.” Her hair wasn’t combed and she was still wearing her gown and negligee. David said, “You’re going to listen to me. I’m real disappointed in you Nat. You’re acting like a child.” She lit a cigarette, “Frankly Dave. I don’t give a damn.” David said angrily, “You are just a spoiled child. When you can’t have something you want you act like a baby.” You’re a grown woman. Act like one.” Natalie got angry, “How can you give me advice? You’ve never loved and lost. You have no idea so stop trying to tell me what to do.” David said, “I tried to tell you. Anyway, you never had Monty. You can’t loose something you never had. Look sis, you’re only hurting yourself. Monty didn’t lead you on. I’ll say this for him, he was honest with you. He’s used to women falling in love with him. When we were together in the Navy, they made fools of themselves over him. The guy’s just too damn good looking.” Natalie said softly, “I didn’t just fall in love with his looks. The way I love him is a deep, lasting love that only Monty can give to me. I’m not mad at him but Dave, I do love him so much.” David said, “I wish I could help you.” He hugged his sister to him and she cried. David said, “You can’t go on like this Nat.” She dried the tears from her eyes, “I know. I think I’ll get a job.” David looked surprised then he said, “You know sis, that will do you good. I think that’s a good idea.”

  When the family learned Natalie had a job as a bookkeeper for a trucking company, Mrs. Agar grumbled, “Surely you’re not going to work in an office where all kinds of truck drivers are going and coming? Natalie answered, “Mother I’ve got the job and I’m going to keep it.” Dora said, “Don’t let her Mother.” She looked at her sister, “With our standard of living, it’s a disgrace. What will our friends say?” Natalie asked, “Why should they say anything?” Mr. Agar said, “Let her alone. If she wants the job, then she should take it.” Mrs. Agar said, “You always did spoil her.” Natalie said, “If it’s such a disgrace, I’ll move out.” Mr. Agar said, “No you won’t move out and you keep the job.” That ended the talk about Natalie’s job.

  Natalie was on her job just about a week when she knew she was going to like it. The job was already helping her to stop thinking of Lamont so much. It was true, a lot of men came by the office. Natalie gave them their orders every morning. On payday, she gave out the checks. Most of the me
n were married and in their late thirties or early forties. Natalie’s boss, Mr. Gross, was in his fifties. Everyone liked Natalie. After she’d been working three months, two younger men started driving. One of them began dating Natalie. She liked him because he was a lot of fun to be with.

  In Japan, Lamont met a girl he liked. Her father was in the Navy. He had been in Japan two years with his daughter. The first time he was invited to their house for dinner, he met the young woman. Her name was Barbara. She really liked Lamont from the first. Most women did. After being at their house several times, Lamont began dating Barbara often. She wasn’t beautiful, or even pretty, but she had a wonderful disposition. They had a lot of fun together. Lamont really enjoyed being with her. He wrote to David about Barbara and sent him a picture of them together. Lamont wrote, “Wish you were here old boy. Barbara is a fine person and a very good bed fellow. Her father is my boss so you see, I’ve got it made. Say, how do you like the suit I’m wearing in the picture? We don’t have to wear our uniforms off duty. I got this suit real cheap.” David smiled as he read the letter. As he folded it and put it back in the envelope, he thought, “That’s Monty alright, got him a girl to sleep with while he’s there.”

  A few days later, Natalie went to David’s room looking for the new records he’d bought. She saw the letter from Lamont on his dresser. She picked it up but laid it back down. The letter was private. She found the records she was looking for. She walked to the door, looked back at the letter. Lamont had been gone almost four months. Of course, she had not gotten a letter or even a postcard. She thought, “What was Monty doing, how was he? David wouldn’t care if I read the letter.” She went back to the letter and opened it. She cried as the read the short letter, then she looked at the picture. She hated the way Barbara was clinging to Lamont. She cried softly, “Oh Monty. You wouldn’t sleep with me. She’s not as pretty as I am. She’s not even pretty. Why?” She put the letter and picture in the envelope.

  All evening she played the records. Lamont was in her thoughts. She came to a decision. From now on, she was going to live a wild and carefree life. She was going to put Lamont out of her mind and her life.

  Natalie began dating more men and often came home from her date more than satisfied because in her mind, she was getting even with Lamont. But she wasn’t interested in anyone.

  As the weeks passed and Lamont continued to date Barbara, she knew now that she was in love with him. Her father was very fond of him.

  Lamont seldom thought of Natalie, but on her twenty-second birthday he sent her a beautiful jewelry box. It played a lovely, Japanese song. Natalie received the present the day before her birthday. She was even more surprised when he called her on her birthday. She was so excited she could hardly talk, “Where re you Monty?” He chuckled, “I’m still in Japan. I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday.” Natalie said, “Oh Monty, it’s wonderful to hear your voice.” He asked, “How are you doing kiddo?” She answered, “Just fine. I’ve got a job. It keeps me busy. Monty thanks so much for the present. I love it and I’ll listen to the song every night before I go to sleep.” Lamont said, “I thought you would like it. When I saw it, I thought of you.” She asked, “When will you be coming home?” He answered, “Not for a long time yet. As far as I know now I’ll be here another two years.” She replied, “Oh Monty, that’s such a long time.” He laughed, “It will pass before long.” Lamont cleared his throat, “How is everyone? How’s Dave?” She said, “We are all fine. Dave and Sharon are engaged. They haven’t set a wedding date yet.” Lamont chuckled, “My old buddy getting married? I can’t believe it. You tell him to let me know when they set a date and I think I could be there if he let’s me know several weeks ahead.” Natalie continued, “Mother and Dad are like always. Dora is expecting her first baby.” Natalie laughed, “Ralph had to buy her a fur mink before she would let him get her pregnant. She doesn’t even like kids but I guess Ralph was willing to do anything because he wants a child so bad.”

  Natalie could hear music and voices in the background but she didn’t ask about it. Lamont said, “Well honey, I better come to a halt. Again, happy birthday.” She said, “Monty, please don’t fall in love while you’re there and get married to a Japanese girl.” She could hear him laughing, “I promise you I won’t. So long sugar. Take care.” Then she heard the phone click. He was gone. The old longing for Lamont was back. She opened the jewelry box and the music began playing. She laid across her bed and closed her eyes. In her minds eyes, she could see Lamont’s beautiful face.

  Lamont called from Barbara’s house. When he put the receiver down she asked, “Is she pretty?” Lamont said, “Yes, she is very pretty.” Barbara replied, “She must be very important in your life. That phone call cost you a lot.”

  Lamont drank a little of the gin she had fixed for him, “Yes, she is a very dear friend and her brother is my best friend. Their house is my second home.” He winked at Barbara, “Now come on honey, let’s enjoy this party your father is giving.” He put his arm around her and they went into the other room where the crowd of people was.

  As they danced, Barbara snuggled closer to him. When the music stopped Lamont asked, “Do you think we could slip away for a while?” She answered, “I think so. The party will last for hours yet.” She kissed him on the cheek, “I’ll tell Dad we’re going for a drive.” He waited at the door for her. They went to a hotel where no one knew them. Lamont liked her body. She had a very nice figure and she sure did know how to satisfy him. As she undressed, Lamont looked at her body, “Honey you’ve got beautiful breasts.” She smiled, “I’m glad something is beautiful about me.” He reached and pulled her in his arms, “Hey stop putting yourself down. You’re plenty okay in my book.” She put her arms around his neck and pushed her body to his, “As long as you like me, I’m satisfied.” Their lovemaking was sweet and fulfilling.

  As they dressed she asked, “Monty do I mean anything to you?” He was putting on his pants, “Sure, you’re my girl aren’t you?” She looked at him, “Monty, I’ve fallen in love with you.” Lamont put his shirt on, “Look Barb, let’s don’t spoil what we have by getting serious.” She said as she pulled her panties up, “We’ve been dating each other for over a year now.” Lamont said, “I know and we’ve had great fun, haven’t we?” Barbara complained, “Yes, we have. But there comes a time when you want more out of life than fun.” Lamont remarked, “That time hasn’t come for met yet.” She saw that she was beginning to annoy him. She combed her hair, “Okay darling. I’m happy just the way we are.”

  Months passed and Lamont began to get restless. He was tired of living in Japan. Barbara could see he was getting bored. A week later, to Lamont’s surprise, he was transferred to the states. When Barbara learned of his orders, she cried. She went to the airport with him. He had to wait about twenty minutes on the Navy plane. He wanted to catch it because it was going straight to the states. They sat down on the platform to wait. It was ten thirty at night. Lamont had had a few rum and cokes. He was quiet. Barbara said, “I’ll never see you again Monty.” Lamont put his arm around her, “Never is a long time, honey,” She asked, “Would you write, just to keep in touch?” He answered, “Sure I’ll keep in touch.” She put her hands on his shoulder, “I’m going to be lost Monty.” She kissed his hand, “For two years we’ve been together so much.” He teased, “You’ll find another bed fellow.” She playfully hit him, “I don’t want anyone else.” She became serious again, “Won’t you miss me, just a little?” He answered, “Sure I’ll miss you.” She knew he was just being nice to her.

  The plane taxied up the runway. Lamont got up, “Well honey, this is it.” She put her arms around his neck, “I love you Monty.” He kissed her, “You’re sweet kid and you're wonderful in bed. I’ll miss you, especially at night.” He patted her on the behind as he walked away. She yelled, “Say the word Monty and I’ll go with you.” He yelled back, “You can’t. This is a Navy plane.” She said, “I could follow.” He smiled, “
Honey we’ve had our fling. We both know that.” The pilot in the Navy plane yelled to Lamont, “Hurry up sailor, we’re running late.”

  Barbara watched Lamont board the plane. He had hardly vanished inside when it began to taxi down the runway. She watched the plane until it had passed over and was out of sight.

  Lamont talked to the pilot. They learned they were both from Montana and the same age.

  It was early morning when he set foot in the United States. He caught a bus and arrived in San Diego a few hours before scheduled. He learned he would be permanently stationed in the states. He was to be an instructor of electronics. Lamont didn’t like that very much. He joined the Navy to see the world and there was a lot of the world he hadn’t seen yet. He thought, “Well, orders are orders. I’ve got a year and a half left. If I don’t like the job, I won’t re-enlist when the time comes.”

  In two weeks Lamont found an apartment. He didn’t like living on the ship.

  Thanksgiving came and he went home for a few days. As he walked up the road and saw the big, white-framed house, he realized how homesick he was. It had been such a long time since he’d been home. Everyone was so glad to see him. They made him feel like a king. He was there only one day when Johnny and his wife, Ellen, were blessed with a baby girl. Berry was married and lived sixty miles away. His father-in-law gave them half of his big ranch for a wedding present. Johnny lived in town. He worked in his father-in-law’s hardware store. Leon was getting married Christmas week. He worked for an insurance company. Paul was in college, studying to be a doctor. Allen was a senior in high school and a football star. He was the only one who looked like Lamont, except he was larger and taller. Allen was hoping to win a college scholarship.

  The last Sunday Lamont was home, everyone was there. Paul even got to come. When Paul was ready to go back to school, Lamont said as he handed him a check, “This should help you some.” Paul looked at the check, then he looked at his older brother, “This is for four hundred dollars.” Lamont grinned, “Maybe it will help a little.” Paul said, “I hate to take this but it sure will help. I’ve got two jobs at school but I don’t make a lot. It’s rough working and studying. Thanks Monty. One of these days, I’ll pay you back.” Lamont said, “You don’t owe me anything. What the hell do I need the money for?” Paul said, “I will pay you back. It may be ten years but I won’t forget.” Lamont smiled, “Okay little brother, if that’s the way you want.”