(Story) U-46 puts to sea again

[Laughing Swordfish]

At the Champs Elysee we got an outside table straight away. A miracle in itself. I'd like to think it was my dashing uniform and medal ribbon, but this being Paris, much more likely that I had two beautiful girls in company, and perfect French window dressing in the Maitre de's eyes..

I can't help thinking of what happened at the Sacre Couer. And that unspoken gesture, and look in her eyes.

Heidi is literally holding a candle for me. She's made a commitment.

Snap decisions are what u-boat commanders do best. At least the lucky ones.

"Will you excuse me a minute, girls?" and moments later I was standing bewildered outside a shop window.

And then back again to the table.

"Josie, can I borrow you for a moment?"

Both girls looked up in surprise.

"Are we getting silk stockings...!" Josie exclaimed as I hustled her away before Heidi had a chance to speak.

"I need your opinion, Josie", as we went into the jewellers shop.

LS

[Sailor Steve]

It's about time he made an 'honest woman' out of that poor girl! Easy prey for any dashing young man with a fancy uniform and a flashy reputation!

[Laughing Swordfish]

It took a while to calm Josie down, once she realised what we were doing. She's quite excitable anyway. The Manager was called for and with a snap of the fingers a tray of champagne and two glasses summoned.

The French at least have great style.

Once we had established that Josie was not my intended, but that we were here to buy a ring for another, and it was to be a surprise (in fact until a moment or two before, a surprise to us both).

The Manager understood perfectly. With a brisk double clap, their current collection was brought to us on velvet cushions (as I say, there are some things the French do best).

At this point Josie came into her own. I suppose she can be quite businesslike when she wants to, and here she was in her element.

Her wedding finger was the same size as Heidi's, she said confidently. Apparently the girls compared back at the cadet academy, and talked of their perfect wedding, and most dreamy film star husband.

So Josie got to try on all the rings and demanding more, fluttering her fingers before me, so much so that the Manager smiled and asked if I was sure this wasn't my fiancee.

I liked them all, but had no idea which would be best.

"This one Rollie!"

Josie put her hand on mine.

A single diamond set with emeralds, the colour of our Swordfish.

"Perfect, thanks Josie, are you sure Heidi will like it?".

"She'll love it, Rollie" her eyes were moist, and she tried to wipe them dry, whilst still toying with the ring on her finger.

I held her hand.

"Soon Hans will be back from the front, and I know he thinks the world of you. He's a good man and...."

"I think he's hurt more than he says, Rollie. And anyway why would he settle for a limping stupid girl like me..."

Now I'm hugging her.

"You're not stupid Josie, you're a brave, beautiful, smart and adventurous girl. There are people out in action who think of you and that mate of yours every moment of every day".

She looked up with her make up starting to run. The Manager with immaculate timing has a glass of fortifiying brandy on hand. Clearly this is a dramatic scene played out many times in Parisian jewellery shops

She didn't want to part with it for a minute, but the staff finally took the engagement ring off Josie's hand.

"Come on, let's buy you those stockings, some for you and some for Heidi, otherwise she'll think we're having an affair!"

And that brought the sunny smile back to her face.

We sauntered back up the street, me and Josie, a bag of exhorbitantly priced silks; but also a little velvet box and a secret.

LS

[Jimbuna]

Great move Rollie...I think Sailor Steve was beginning to get ideas

[Laughing Swordfish]

Heidi pouted in mock anger.

"Where have you two been? I thought you two had eloped together".

Josie stepped right in.

"Oh Heidi, Rollie wanted it to be a treat, but I have to show you..."

She winked at my sudden look of alarm.

"Look at these! Full dernier silk stockings, the best in Paris, we've both got some!"

"Oh Rollie, you idiot! I love them! I do like surprises..."

And as the girls wandered off into excited chatter about lingerie, I ordered a very stiff cognac.

(This is going to be a very big day for surprises, my Darling.....)

LS

[Sailor Steve]

Poor Rollie. So easy to be brave in the face of death, but in the face of life afraid of his own shadow. Some battles are harder than others. Wasn't it always so?

[Jimbuna]

[Laughing Swordfish]

The waiter had already brought me another one before Heidi turned to me.

"Where next Rollie? We've already got some shopping done. I love them. I'll wear them tonight.."

"I thought we might go down to the Eiffel Tower..."

Josie squealed in delight, causing an amused and curious glance from Heidi, soon forgotten, and a more sterner one from me.

"I've always wanted to go there Rollie, can we!"

"Of course Heidi, I'll just settle up".

When I walked inside the bartender was already pouring me a third shot with a knowing eye.

We could have taken any carriage, but preferred to walk. It was a perfect day, but for some reason I felt a little warm, and my tunic collar seemed more tight than usual.

Josie was fairly pushing us down the Champs Elysee towards the River Seine, I think she had a better or clearer picture in mind than me.

But nerves calm down as they always must do in our line of work, and soon there was a spring in my step too.

At least outwardly, as we bought our tickets to the top of the tower.

LS

[Laughing Swordfish]

"Calm down Josie!" Heidi exclaimed. "You'll hurt yourself"

Even with her injured leg she was almost dragging me and Heidi to the top; bursting with excitement.

We clanged up every iron rung, sounding very similar to the U-46 bridge ladder on so many occasions.

At the top we could look out over the whole of Paris. The gardens to the south, the park and woodland to the west and back over the rooftops to the North where we had begun. The River Seine curling majestically towards the Latin Quarter, the islands, and of course the Cathedral of Our Lady, better known as Notre Dame.

"It's beautifull Rollie..." Heidi exclaimed.

"There still is beauty in the world, my love..."

I got a dig in the ribs from Josie the other side of me. Beside herself with impatience.

I felt in my pocket for the ring, hands trembling like never before on our boat.

"All the beauty I ever need is up here, right now. Heidi, there's a reason we've climbed this high. I love you. Will you marry me......?"

LS

[Jimbuna]

About time Rollie

I'll make do with Josie

[OSU]

Way to go Rollie! Congratulations!!!!

[Sailor Steve]

Originally Posted by Laughing Swordfish

When I walked inside the bartender was already pouring me a third shot with a knowing eye.

That bartender reminds me of Bruce Campbell's roll in the third Spiderman movie: "Of course ah understand love. Ah am French, after all!"

[bookworm_020]

Just don't drop the ring!

[Sailor Steve]

Originally Posted by bookworm_020

Just don't drop the ring!

I was thinking that very same thing. Don't let Josie get so excited she bumps Rollie...

[Laughing Swordfish]

(You guys are always ahead of me! LS)