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.”
Then Lamont turned to Allen and handed him a check. Allen grinned, “Two hundred dollars! Is this for me?” Lamont teased, “Your name is Allen Ellman isn’t it? I may not make it back for your graduation this spring.” Allen said, “Wow! Thanks Monty.”
As Lamont was upstairs packing his clothes, his mother came into the room, “Need any help son?” He answered, “No thanks Mom. I’m use to throwing a few things in a bag.” She sat down on the side of the bed, “Your Father and I wish you could stay longer.” He said, “I do too Mom. I’m stationed in San Diego now so I’ll be able to come home