In The Beginning Chapters 13,14,15 &16

Chapter 13
A Painting We Shall Go

Mike wakes early and feels for Jackie but then remembers she’s home in her own barracks. He misses waking to her presence close beside him but due to a close call they can no longer get away with sneaking up to his room.

It’s Saturday and he has a full day’s activities planned. First a trip into Digby then up to Cliff’s place, or maybe he should call it Cliff’s wife’s place. Anyway it’s Cliff’s wife’s brother he’s going to see about the paint job on the power wagon.

He thinks he might hang around and help him tape it for painting. He might just learn something new that way but first of all, breakfast. He rolls out of bed and dashes into his civvies.

When he reaches the mess hall Jackie’s there with Bev. “Good morning, ladies.”

They both greet him enthusiastically. He asks, “You look like you’re feeling a lot better, Bev. Are you?”

“Yes, I am and thanks for noticing. I told Jackie the same when I met her and she tells me you two had quite a night in the woods. So you have finally initiated Tryst!”

“I think you two beat us to it but it’s official now.” He sets his breakfast by Jackie and takes a seat. “Any word from Jack?”

“No, I don’t really expect any. He’s right here in the bay.”

Jackie asks, “Why don’t you come into Digby with us, Bev? Like you say he’s not likely to be in touch over the weekend. I’m sure Mike can get you a pass.”

She looks at Mike and asks, “Would it be any trouble?”

“Not a bit but I’m not so sure I can produce the pass. I’m willing to try, though. Come on and join us.”

“Okay, if you can get the pass.”

He’s good as his word and so the three of them head in to Digby after breakfast. “The Duty Officer was as kind as you would wish,” he smiles.

Jackie grumbles, “Just because it was a she, you bugger.” Bev just smiles and says nothing.

They cross the Bear River bridge and round the turn by the bay passing Smiths Cove then across the Joggins bridge into Digby. Mike is surprised to see a Tim Hortons restaurant. He cheers for their donuts and pulls in.

“What are we stopping here for?” Jackie asks.

“Information on where the motor vehicle office is and what’s there to see in Digby,” his reply. “Besides a coffee sounds good and Tim Hortons is even better.”

Jackie mutters, “I’d like a Mac Donald’s better.”

Mike decrees, “Wash your mouth out with soap, infidel!”

Bev gets laughing at their antics as they go inside. At the counter Jackie jumps ahead saying, “I’ll get it.”

A cute waitress comes to the counter and looks right over her to Mike asking, “What would you like, sir?”

He glances at the girls and says, “I guess coffee all around, eh? That will be three coffees, two with cream. You don’t want cream, do you love?” Jackie is fuming and Bev is splitting her sides laughing. Unaware of any situation Mike continues, “I think that’s right.” The waitress leaves.

“Didn’t she see me at the counter? I think she needs glasses. No, I don’t want cream. Oh hell!” then to Bev, “And don’t you be laughing either.” That really breaks Bev up so Mike smiles.

They find out where to get their driver’s plates and that tourism is a large part of local economy along with the fishing industry. Harvesting scallops is the most famous and the trawlers that do that tie up at the local docks. It’s suggested they check the docks out.

Mike thinks it will depend on how fast he can get his plates but he would like to see the dock. They drink up and are soon on their way. Digby is a nice little town and a lot busier in summer tourist season than winter but there are two food markets, banks and service stations, a post office and other amenities.

They find the local Mounted Police office and are directed to the license bureau in town. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are the provincial police in Nova Scotia as well as local police for traffic as well as crime.

At the license bureau Mike gets the new plates. He is warned to get insurance and temporary coverage is supplied by USJP or unsatisfied judgment provisions for 90 days. They loan him a screwdriver to change the plates. That means their visit to the harbor is short but interesting.

There are fishing boats, trawlers, barges and personal yachts in the harbor. It’s a hubbub of activities with a ferry boat and a small cruise ship in harbor. Mike would like to have stayed longer but feels they better get on up to Cliff’s place.

As they head out the highway Mike comments, “I never realized Digby was such a busy place. I’m not sure of the population but I bet they have over five thousand people year round.”

“It’s a lot closer than Liverpool,” comments Jackie.

“I see they have a branch of my Bank of Nova Scotia bank,” he adds, “I guess that is why Hugo accepted my check so readily.”

They make their way out around the bay and over the bridges to the base. Then they go on by to Clementsport and Upper Clementsport where they pull into Cliff’s place. George is waiting for them and waves while they are rounding the pond. Mike waves him a mock salute.

They climb out by the house and Henrietta greets them from the door. As they walk to the house Mike inquires, “Where’s Cliff this morning?”

“He went into Annapolis Royal this morning but he should be back soon. He said he would be home at lunch time. Come in.”

They enter the house and Mike introduces Bev. Henrietta insists they sit down with them and have a bite of lunch when Cliff comes home. Mike and George walk outside to move the truck to the shed where he will do the painting.

George explains, “The forecast is for rain starting tomorrow. It’s a landfall sea storm coming up the eastern seaboard so it could last a few days. I think we better plan on doing it indoors.”

“Yeah, better safe then sorry.”

George has to move another car out of the paint bay but that only takes a moment and then Mike drives in. George comes to the door and inspects the inside of the truck. “You know, with new floor mats and just a little of that paint you could really spruce up this inside as well, eh?”

“I been wondering about that. The interior paint is good but it won’t match. Maybe just the dash.”

“Yeah, that was what I thought and some trim.”

“Whatever you think, George. You’re the expert.”

“Well, let’s go eat. I saw Cliff come in a bit ago.”

They go back to the house where Henrietta has a hot pot of clam stew with boiled potatoes chunked into it with clams, carrots, spring turnip and leafy bok choy. It’s a delicious sea food lunch worthy of the areas reputation for such.

She dishes up large bowls of the steaming stew and everyone settles to enjoy chatter and fine food. It’s a fun lunch with a family feel to it that the guests miss in their barracks life.

After lunch Mike joins George to work on the truck. Cliff comes out to join them later. It isn’t long and the truck begins to disappear behind paper and tape. Windshield, mirrors, glass and trim are all covered meticulously.

Mike asks, “What about the inside, George.?”

“On second thought I think it might be better to do the outside and see how it looks before we do any painting in there.”

“Okay and I better give you a key while I think of it.” He takes a key off his ring and hands it to George.

“By the way, I have your paint mixed and I put a coat on this piece of fiber glass so you could see how it looks when it dries. Careful, it might be tacky.” Mike takes the piece and holds it up by the truck door. “Baby butt pink, alright,” he grins and so does Cliff.

“People will see it coming.” is George’s comment.

“It’s a Tittiemobile!” exclaims Cliff.

“I heard that!” it’s Jackie coming up behind them with Bev. “I think it’s the perfect color for a love nest. Our sweet Tryst all in pink.” Bev watches on with an amused smile.

“Oh my, it is pink!” This comment from Henrietta.

George says, “Well, everyone out unless you want to get painted. I better get going on this or it won’t be done this week.”

“I thought I might help you with some of the sanding, George.” Mike offers help. The others are going back to the house. George gets various grades of sanding papers out and they study the body and what will be needed. Soon they are busy sanding.

George works with sanding disk and finer paper while Mike does heavier cutting with a belt sander. By late in the afternoon they have all the heavy sanding done and are both working with disks and buffers.

They decide to go with cherry for the bumpers and mirror backs. They are not sure about the hubs so will do them pink for now.

“Well, I guess I will start painting either tonight or in the morning.” George rubs his eye. “Damn eyes are tired tonight. Tomorrow, I guess.” Mike nods. They clean up at an outside pump and Henrietta brings them towels.

“Come for supper now.” she adds, “Cliff will take you back to the base after supper.” Inside the girls are relaxing while helping Henrietta with supper. They have become friends and chat easily with each other. Mike is glad to see it. He senses Bev needs feminine friendship other than with Jackie.

After supper they prepare to return to the base. Mike and the girls load up with Cliff and start down the road. Mike comments, “That is one sweet wife you have there, Cliff. You really lucked into her. Not only a terrific cook but well to do, at that.”

“You been listening to George, haven’t you?”

“He told me about the family history and lands.”

“You mean how the Martins came here to settle and still own over a thousand acres?”

“Yeah, although I wondered about that. Do they still have that much land hereabouts?

“As far as I know, the Martins own a little cottage in Yarmouth where my wife and her imaginative brother grew up. He has a tendency to exaggerate a whole lot.”

“Oh. Then it’s your family land, is it?”

“Yes. We have a few hundred acres with a small lake on it on Highway 8 and about a hundred acres at home. That’s it.”

“George suffers from illusions of grandeur, I take it.”

“Well put,” he grins.

“Did he paint this Jeep?”

“Yes, he did. He’s a very good painter.”

“I guess that’s the main thing.” They nod in agreement.

Back at the base Mike is bidding Jackie a good night. “I’m going to shine my boots and do a laundry tonight. It’s a shame we have tomorrow off and a pass but nowhere to go.”

“We could go for a walk or we could catch the bus into town.”

“Or we could do both.” They kiss like two love birds.

“Wouldn’t you like some help with your laundry?”

Mike smiles but says, “No can do, love. We have Tryst now, why spoil it by getting caught.”

“I know, I was just kidding.” But he knows better.

“I hear we have a career day next Wednesday. Did you hear that?”

“Yes,” she pauses, “I think they test us to see what profession we suit best.” she asks, “What do you want to try out for?”

“If my aptitude qualifies me I would love to take the training to be a navy pilot. Just the thought of pushing those power bars and flying through the air sends chills up and down my spine. What about you?”

She laughs, “You know my choice. I want to be the legal eagle that challenges the system and wins! They can train me as a lawyer and I’ll cheer.”

“Well, at least we would both be officers, so we could still enjoy a piece of tail now and again or even tie the knot. Have you ever given that any thought?”

“Not yet. I’m still enjoying my youth and my freedom. Lots of time to think of that later, much later.”

“Yes, I suppose you’re right. Well, good night love.” They kiss once more and part.

Sunday they go for a walk out the gate and to the bus stop. Before long they are seated in the bus rolling towards Digby. “Did you sleep well?”

“I suppose, but I missed you.” Mike kisses her.

“Mike! Everyone is watching.”

“Well, of course. We’re a fine looking couple,” he grins.

They get off the bus in town and Mike heads right for Tim Hortons on Warwick Street. They enjoy coffee and donuts before heading for the main street. Many tourist bed & breakfasts dot the area and Mike notes the Harbourview Inn across from the harbor and the Bayside Inn along Montague Row. They hear about the Digby Pines Resort and Golf Course but cannot travel to see it on Shore Road.

In a crowd on the dock they watch open air grilling of scallops and shrimp and soon have to partake of some. Gulls cry and fishing boats rock with tolling bells behind them as they lick their fingers. It’s a beautiful day but Mike is mindful of George’s warning that a storm is on it’s way.

They walk quite a way around the town making their way down to Water Street and the fishery. Coming back up on Carleton Street Mike notes dark clouds south of town. “We better get back to the bus stop love. See those black clouds ahead?”

“Let’s hurry.” She takes off jogging and Mike trails her. With luck they will catch the 1500 bus up the valley. It catches those at the base getting off work at 1600. They just make it as the bus is leaving.

“I wonder what taxi fare is to the base?” Mike ponders this. “It’s likely a twenty for servicemen.” He grins, “They love us.”

“Well, we don’t have to worry about it tonight.” She snuggles up to him. “I think those vendors on the wharf are going to get wet.” The bus trundles along making numerous stops for customers along the way but arrives on schedule at 1600 at the base.

They step down and allow the crowd to climb aboard. The sky is really black in the south so they head for their barracks quickly. “See you at supper. Bring your poncho even if it’s not raining yet.”

Entering the barrack Mike notes it is already turning blustery and the air has cooled off. He goes up to his room and pulls out his poncho throwing it on the bed. A quick run to the bathroom and when he comes back he notices rain is slashing against the window. He flips the light on and goes to the window. It looks like it might be a long wet night.

Downstairs he hears the front door bang and voices calling as someone comes rushing in. There’s chatter and laughter as they come up the stairs. Somebody got caught out in the rain. Suddenly his room is lit by a flash of nearby lightning. The flash is almost immediately followed by a loud boom and the windows rattle.

Mike dons his poncho and braves the elements during a lull in the storm. He dashes to the mess hall and joins the line inside. He sees an early arrival waving at him and recognizes Bev. She indicates she has a table for them. Mike shrugs when she seems to query him by pantomime. He has no idea where Jackie is.

He joins her and asks, “No sign of Jack yet?”

“He wasn’t sure if they would make it before supper but said not to worry if he was late. I am worried now with that storm raging. That lightning struck close a while ago.”

“It sure did. I wonder where Jackie is. I thought she would be here. You didn’t see her?”

“No but I didn’t check on her before I left. I thought she would be with you or here at supper.”

“We went in to Digby today on the bus and just got back before the storm. It was a nice morning and afternoon until the storm blew in.” Outside the storm is raging again with wind swept rain and flashes of lightning. The lights in the hall flicker. “Oops, I think the generator just kicked in.”

Outside the street lights come back on winking here and there in flowing shadowy images on the glass. Bev shivers, “It’s gotten dark awfully fast, hasn’t it?”

“Yeah, I hope Jackie isn’t trying to get here in that weather.”

They eat in silence but Mike glances at her often. Finally he can’t resist asking, “Remember your problem we earlier discussed?” She looks blank. “You know, not being able to orgasm with Jack.”

She grins, “I don’t have that problem anymore. Didn’t you notice when we did it in the backseat of the truck?”

Now Mike is the embarrassed one and admits, “I was pretty sure you came that time. I know it really pissed Jackie off when we didn’t get the chance.”

“I know, she got downright hateful over that but we got the chance and had been as excited about using the truck, the same as you guys, so we got right to it. It was great!”

“I can imagine. We used the back seat ourselves the other night. It was awesome.”

“Mike. I don’t know how to ask this so I will just blurt it out. There’s a girl in our barracks who says she has had sex with Jackie. Is that possible?”

“Is she a blonde female amazon from Denmark or Sweden or somewhere like that?’ He can see Bev nodding before he finishes asking. “That’s Mary Anne and Jackie did room with her when we first arrived. You must remember her. She arrived the day after we did.”

“That’s her name, alright. I don’t remember her but it was a confusing time when we arrived.”

“Well, we threesomed with her and I’m pretty sure her and Jackie got it on a few times on their own so I guess that answers your question.” She nods but remains thoughtful. They eat in silence.

“Penny for your thoughts,” he grins.

“Do you think Jackie would come on to me?”

Mike studies her before venturing an opinion. “I don’t think she would. You don’t have that flare, that outrageous sexist extreme she is drawn to.” He adds, “Don’t get me wrong, you have definite sex appeal, in fact having seen you in action I have to watch myself that I don’t cross the line with you.”

She laughs, “So it’s you I have to watch out for and not Jackie, is it?” Mike laughs with her. They finish their supper just in time to see Jackie come running in.

“Whew! I got caught in the storm and had to go back and change. My hair is still wet!” She shakes her head, but Mike is suspicious. It looks more like she took a shower and he smells a hint of shampoo.

“I was wondering where you were. I thought you would try to make it here earlier.”

“I was busy,” she goes on, “Some of the girls had a game going and I joined them. I never noticed the time.” She nods at Bev, “Isn’t Jack back yet?”

“No, I don’t think they docked because of the storm.”

“Gee, did I break up your little tête-à-tête?” She glances at Mike then glares at Bev. Bev gets up to leave but Mike stands and takes her arm stopping her.

“Hold on, Bev. I think someone has an apology for you,” he glares at Jackie. She just sulks unapologetically.

Bev pulls away, “I have to go. See you later.”

Mike sits down again, “That wasn’t very nice. What’s wrong with you?” She continues to eat sullenly.

“Now you are punishing me, is that it?”

“Mike, it’s not you. I love you. Can I help it if I get jealous now and then. You’re awfully close to her, though. I can sense it and I don’t understand. She’s such a cow.”

Mike is disappointed with her response but leaves it alone. He sits with her as she eats a light supper then they leave to brave the weather.

He goes back to his room and gets it ready for Monday morning inspection. Some time during the night the storm blows out to sea and the morning bursts upon the valley with a new vibrancy in the wet grass.

Now in their fourth week of eight they go through career day. Wednesday is spent testing and determining potential in candidates for future careers. Mike finds he has aptitudes for cooking, mechanics, electronics and leadership. Amongst the careers open to him are cook, mechanic, driver, pilot, electronic tech or seaman officer.

He’s ecstatic to see pilot included. That answers his questions and he decides that’s the career for him. He will be a navy pilot. Maybe even a test pilot or an astronaut. Who knows?

Jackie is found to have aptitudes for medicine and leadership opening her for doctor, nursing, dentistry, psychiatry, teacher, lawyer or seaman officer. She is delighted to see law amongst her options.

Jack is pleased to find he can look forward to a career as a sailor with leadership potential in the navy and likewise Bev finds her wishes to become an RN are within her reach.

They all get together at supper and congratulate each other. Mike doesn’t tell them of his dream to go on to become an astronaut but Jackie senses he is happy for more than just the chance to be a pilot.

“Let the military train you and go to work for United Airways or some of the other big players out there. That’s what you do, eh? Make lots of money some day!”

“Ha, a navy jet jockey is good enough for me. Just give me the plane and to hell with the money.”

“But you want more! I can tell you think bigger than that. What is it you seek in the air?”

He smiles enigmatically, “Maybe it’s not in the air.”

Bev nods knowingly and Jack asks, “What kind of lawyer, Jackie?”

Bev whispers towards Mike, “Beyond the air.” as Jackie responds to Jack while Mike nods to her.

“I think a service lawyer to start but corporate is my final aim. That’s where the real money is.” She gloats, “I plan to always go first class.”

They finish supper and Mike is off to the motor pool. He is studying air systems. He aims to get his air ticket so he can get a Class 1A driver’s license. He wants the very best, too.

Friday Mike calls George. “Hello, is that you, George?”

“Do I sound like my sister?”

“No, I’m sorry, George. Cliff tells me you have the truck finished. Is it ready to drive?”

“Yeah, it’s ready to go as is. I mean, it’s all dry but if you want any changes or other highlights or such that won’t be ready yet.”

“That’s the thing, I want to view it in full sunlight before I make a decision on that. How be I make arrangements to come out tomorrow morning. Does the bus run Saturdays?”

“I think it does. I see it pass by on the weekends. You better check the schedule.”

“I will and I’ll see you tomorrow. Take care.”

Mike gets passes for them both so Saturday morning at 0800 they catch the bus to Annapolis Royal. It’s a lightly cloudy morning but bright so Mike is optimistic they will be able to see it clearly in a good light.

They have the driver drop them at Cliff’s place and wend their way around the pond in front of his house. Jackie says, “I love the setting for their home.