Author's Note: After this chapter, please read A LEAP FOR KELLY. ETC will be on hold again, so I can complete KELLY. I apologize for this, but leaving the leap in the story would be too confusing. Chapter 11: Beth and Adam 1300 HRS. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1960. ADMIRAL JOHNSON'S RESIDENCE Beth found herself once more in the Johnson's sitting room, this time waiting for Edward. "Lt. St. John called a few minutes ago, lieutenant. He is running behind and asks that you wait," the maid informed her. The maid left and Beth heaved a sigh. The last thing she wanted, was to encounter a member of the family. *Maybe they're all out on errands,* Beth thought hopefully. Her worst fears were realized when, five minutes later, Adam Whitmore entered the sitting room. "Please, stay seated, lieutenant," the admiral requested politely as she moved to stand. He said nothing more, and paced in awkward silence behind her chair. "Lieutenant?" he said finally, after several minutes of silence. "Yes, sir?" "I must apologize to you and Lieutenant Thomas on behalf of my family and myself. I think we have made you and your friend uncomfortable, especially my wife." Beth turned in the chair. He seemed sincere and he was looking at her with a kindly expression in his eyes. George had always given her the impression that his father was a cold and indifferent man. "Did you know that George had a twin sister?" Adam said, suddenly, before Beth had replied. Confused, and startled by such an announcement, Beth shook her head mutely. "She was stillborn. I think that's when I realized that Victoria and I were not meant for each other." He paused. "I wanted more children, *she* didn't." *Why is he telling me this? Maybe it's the only thing he can think of to say.* Beth had to admit, it was better than sitting in silence. Adam continued. "I had an identical twin brother who died when we were five. I had a lonely childhood and did not want George to have the same." Adam turned and looked out the window at the garden where she and Al had sat the evening before. "It's too late to regret my mistakes. If things had been different. . . . if I had known, then, what I know now, I would have divorced Victoria and lived with those consequences instead. At least then, George might have had sisters and brothers." Beth was still confused. It wasn't much of a conversation, since she wasn't required to answer him. Maybe he needed a sympathetic ear, to hear his side of things. It was obvious he was trying to tell her something. >From what she could make of it, Adam cared about George, had wanted a large family, and had believed in the beginning that Victoria was the one for him. The admiral turned back to face her. "I just wanted you to understand, lieutenant, and forgive us our faults." Beth nodded. Bizarre conversation aside, she found herself truly liking him. The revelation had shed some light on his character, at least. She had heard that his mother had been a sweet and gentle person. Some of her personality must have rubbed off on him, softening the sharp edges. There was another pause and he seemed to be searching for another topic. Beth was about to bring up Al, when Adam said, "Do you still have family in Greenbelt?" "No, sir. My grandmother and I moved to Georgia when I was ten." He gave her a puzzled look. It was obvious that he was curious about her family. Beth realized she could lie, except that he could quiet easily have someone check into her personnel files and find out anything he wanted. It would just be simpler to tell the truth. "My mother and grandfather drowned that summer." The change that came over the man was instantaneous. He gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. His eyes were filled with compassion and sorrow. "And your father?" "I'm illegitimate." Touched by his reaction, the words were out of her mouth before she realized it. Beth was horrified. There was no pity or disdain in the admiral expression. She decided to continue. "I doubt he knows of my existence. I don't even know who he is." "You had a lonely childhood too, I suspect," he stated, gently. Beth nodded. "My Great-Aunt Milly made it widely known." "Does Al know?" Beth smiled, "Yes, sir." "I suppose he has told you about his own family too?" Beth nodded. Somehow she knew the conversation would lead to Al. "We understand each other; why we feel a certain way about certain things." He nodded, understanding. He walked away to pour himself a drink from the bar. "For what it's worth, lieutenant," he said, back to her, "any man would be proud to have you as a daughter. You are beautiful, intelligent and kind. It's his loss for not knowing you." It sounded suspiciously like a come-on to Beth, but before she could speak, Edward arrived. "I apologize, Elizabeth," Edward said, handing her the sealed envelope. She murmured her thanks, took the envelope from him. "I really must be going," she said to the two men, heading for the door. "Well, see you at the party this evening," the younger man said, escorting her. The admiral made no move to follow. He politely nodded. Once she had driven through the senior officer housing area, Beth pulled into the parking lot of one the small chapels. Beth gathered her thoughts and realized she was trembling. Last night, she firmly told Janet that she had been mistaken and was imagining things. The admiral had been looking at his father, not her. *He wouldn't make a pass at me, would he?* It would certainly explain his questions. If she still had relatives in Maryland, it would be the perfect excuse for her to make trips there without arousing suspicion. But Beth wasn't interested in him. He was too old, married, and an admiral. Besides, she was in love with Al. *Al.* She decided it would be best not to mention any of her conversation to Al, just in case she was wrong about Admiral Whitmore's intentions. Beth picked up the envelope laying on the seat next to her. She carefully opened and slid the picture out. It was a black and white photo of Al, smiling up at her. Beth smiled back. All Admiral Whitmore's money couldn't compare to that smile or those eyes. She returned to the photo to the envelope for safekeeping and drove off, feeling much better. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1960. NURSES' BOQ Beth turned back to her reflection in the full length mirror. She was still a little concerned with her choice. It was a strapless, lavender gown and Beth had never worn anything strapless before. She pulled on a pair of opera length gloves, borrowed from Daphne. The gloves nearly reached her shoulders and this made her feel less self-conscious. A quick glance at the desk clock told her she had fifteen minutes to spare before Al arrived. Sitting on her vanity was the framed picture and another vase of calla lilies. It was silly, Beth knew, but she had found it hard to change earlier in front of that picture. She plucked one of the flowers from her vase and contemplated the man in the photograph. At the beauty parlor earlier with Janet and Daphne, the young British woman had referred to Al as her fiancee. Daphne was apologetic when Beth had told her otherwise. Daphne had assumed, from observation, that there was "an understanding" between them. This, coupled with her encounter with Admiral Whitmore and the growing feelings she had for Al, convinced her she had to do something soon. The more time she spent with him, and the more she learned about him, the more she fell in love with him. He wasn't perfect, but then, neither was she. Al accepted her, as she was, so the least she could do was return that acceptance. And live with the fact that she would be third in his life. Beth's own career came first, too. After all, she still had Gran to support. Al wouldn't change overnight and Beth would have to accept that too, and try not to force the changes. Al was stubborn, and to push him, would only make him more so. It was easier for her to wait for him to come around than argue with him. She saw that much when he told her of Maureen. Beth was still unsure of how deep Al's feelings were for her. Did he love her enough to marry her? That in itself would be a major change for Al. Tonight, she would tell him how she felt. That is, if her nerve didn't give out first. "In your arm's," she said to the picture, smiling, "while were dancing." She laughed, feeling silly. Beth replaced the flower and stepped into her shoes. She decided to wait for Al on the porch before she started talking to the furniture. Just as she opened the door to the porch, Al was walking up to the building, buttoning his gloves. He looked handsome in the short white jacket and black pants. His modest row of miniature service medals and gold wings were perfectly aligned on the left breast. Al glanced up as she descended the stairs. Beth smiled at his delighted expression. She could feel her color rising as he stared up. When she reached the bottom, she twirled around, girlishly showing off the dress. "Do you like it?" Al was speechless. "Well?" She asked impatiently. "I love it," he replied simply. "You're breathtaking." Beth wound her arms around his neck. "You don't look half-bad yourself." She gave him a quick kiss. "Why don't we forget about the party, and go someplace quiet?" he asked her, seductively. "Al! Behave yourself," she admonished him, playfully. She didn't want to admit to him just yet that the idea was beginning to appeal to her. "Sorry." "No, you're not," she said in the same playful tone, "but I'll forgive you anyway." "Your benevolence overwhelms me," he replied, kissing her again. "Are you two going to stand there all night?" Beth jumped at the sound of Kelly's voice behind her. She whirled around to face her. "Kelly! What are you still doing here?" Before Kelly could answer, Al asked, "Are you going alone?" Kelly shook her head. "No. Patrice's cousin is taking me. He's late." Kelly was annoyed. "Do you want us to wait with you?" Beth asked. "Only if you promise not to stand there kissing." "Can I at least hold her hand?" Al asked, plaintively. Kelly grinned, mood lightened by his tone. "No. No hand-holding either." The wait wasn't long. Kelly's blind date arrived and Al saw her off, like a protective older brother. "Now, where were we?" he asked her. "On our way to the party." Beth pointed out. Al sighed, defeated, at least for the time being. "You're a cruel woman, Elizabeth Townsend," he said, opening the car door for her. "Yes, I know," she replied lightly. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1960. PENSACOLA COUNTRY CLUB Beth did her best not to stare as she entered the county club on Al's arm. The room was over half-filled with guests. From what Beth could see, the majority of the men were in naval uniforms (mostly American, but there were a few British and other Allied powers). It amazed her that they *followed* the family down from DC. "Aren't those Academy uniforms?" she asked Al, nodding her head in the direction of a small group of young men. "Yes. Seniors, of course. I'm surprised, though, that the Superintendent allowed them to make the trip down here." They joined the milling crowd of guests, looking for their friends. Beth let go of Al's arm and turned to look for Janet. She hoped her friend was having a good time and handling the situation well. Beth spotted Janet talking to a couple, neither were in any type of uniform. Janet seemed to be at ease. George was not with her. Beth turned back to Al, and was about to comment on Janet, when she realized that he was no longer at her side. *He can't have gone far,* she thought scanning the crowd. Beth found him and started toward him. She froze in her tracks when she saw who he was talking with. Accompanied by Chip, Al's attention was occupied by three very pretty, young ladies. Though she was still too far away to hear what he was saying, she could tell by his body language, that he was flirting with them. Beth wasn't sure which was worse, the jealousy or the hurt. Suddenly, George was at her side. "Don't be jealous," he said in a low voice. "It doesn't mean anything." Gently, but firmly, he guided her away from the scene. "Al flirts with almost every woman he meets. You know Margie, the waitress? He flirts with her constantly. He brightens her day. Trust me, I've seen him do this countless times." Beth was numb, but she realized where George was leading her. JP was sitting in a comfortable chair, in full uniform. There was an empty chair next to him. "I'll bet he'll be back by your side in ten minutes." He made her look into his eyes. George was serious. "Trust me. I know him too well. It's harmless." George's words and the look in his eyes finally sank into Beth's numb mind: Lt. Cmd. Layton's mother-in-law, Margie, and almost all the nurses at Pensacola. All had been smiled upon by Al Calavicci. It had brightened their day; put them in a better mood. But it never amounted to anything more. The jealousy began to recede as she sat silently next to JP. The pain would take longer, possibly because she had planned to open her heart, and was therefore vulnerable. *My back was turned for no more than a few minutes. What could happen if he's TDY or on liberty?* Beth scarcely paid any attention to JP, but she did hear him order the dance to start. He rested a comforting hand on hers. It was actually less than ten minutes when she saw Al scanning the crowd with an anxious look on his face. A small sigh escaped her lips. *George was right.* By now, the jealousy had melted away entirely, but her heart still ache. It would be awhile before she could tell him that she loved him. His face lit up when he saw her and he hurried toward her. Beth gave him a small smile. Al's expression changed so fast, it startled Beth. "Beth, honey, are you OK? Do you want to lie down?" he asked, concerned. JP, watching them, spoke first. "It's probably something she ate." Beth looked at him. JP had a knowing look in his eyes. "I'm fine. Really." Al wasn't convinced, but he kept his peace. However, he brow was still furrowed in concern. The music began and Beth rose. Al, taking his que from her, led her to the dance floor. The only thing keeping Beth from over reacting was the fact that George was right. Plus, she had known, from the beginning, what he was like. He hadn't denied anything. Beth rested her head against his shoulder and held him tight. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * "I've changed my mind, Henry," Adam told the staffer on the other end of the line. "I've decided not to retire." "But Adam, we're counting on your support. You were enthusiastic about entering the political arena on Monday, and now here it is Saturday, and you're not interested? What happened?" "I've decided that I can serve my country better by remaining on active duty, Henry." As always, there was a note of fierce pride in his voice when he spoke of serving in the military. "You can fight communism just as easily from an office on the Hill as you can from the deck of a ship or a desk at the Pentagon," the staffer replied. *He's probably never served a day in his life,* Adam thought, disdainfully. "The decision is final," Adam informed the staffer in a cold, commanding tone. "I am not retiring. I have no intentions of entering politics and I have no intentions of *ever* entering that arena. Is that perfectly clear?" "Yes." It was clear to Adam that the man on the other end was trying to control his anger. "Thank you. Now, I must get back to my guests. Please pass on my regards to your wife and family. Good night." Adam hung up the phone. So far, he had managed to keep the news quiet. Monday morning, it would be all over the local new in Maryland and DC. Adam knew he must inform his family of the change, but he wasn't looking forward to it. He stood up from behind the club manager's desk and returned to his guests. Several were concerned that an international crisis had arisen and they would all be called back to their respective duty stations to subdue the latest communist threat. Adam didn't bother explaining. He wasn't answerable to any man in that room, with the possible exception of his own father. Adam began searching for his own son and saw Al and Beth. Al was walking away from Beth, whose attention was drawn to her friend, Janet. The young nurse looked stunning in her lavender gown and Adam couldn't help smiling. He was about to approach her when she noticed that Al was no longer at her side. Beth seemed to find her missing boyfriend quickly enough. The change in her expression caused Adam to look sharply in Al's direction. Because of the crowds, Adam could not see Al from his angle. When he looked back at her, George was at her side, leading her away. Adam was tempted to investigate, but he was waylaid by an old acquaintance. By the time Adam was free, his father had ordered the dance to start and the couple was on the dance floor. Adam was so wrapped up in Beth and Al, he nearly plowed into George from behind. George was also watching them, looking like he wanted to strangle Al. Adam momentarily forgot them and informed his son of the phone conversation. "Mother isn't going to be pleased," George replied. He didn't look at his father, but Adam could see the smirk on George's face. "She'll live." Adam was hoping that George would immediately rush off to inform Victoria of the news. George wouldn't want to miss the look on her face when she found out. But George hadn't moved. He stood, watching his friend. To the causal observer, the young nurse looked as if she had a headache or her shoes were too tight and Al was in a state of confusion. "How serious are they?" "Up until a little while ago, I'd say expect a wedding invitation. I think they were on the brink, but Al did something earlier that upset her. It could end the whole thing." "George that doesn't look like a woman who is upset. If she were holding him any tighter, he wouldn't be able to breathe." As he hoped, George filled him in on what had transpired. "I warned him," George commented. Adam frowned. Without any further comments, George finally walked off, presumably to find Victoria. She would be less than thrilled to hear the news. It would be better for them all if he did not enter politics. One should never enter that arena if one had skeletons in the closet. Especially if there are skeletons one was not aware one had. Adam, contrary to rumor and his wife's belief's, did not have a mistress. Victoria would believe that this was the reason for his change of heart. In all the years of marriage, Adam had been unfaithful once and only once. It was not long after he gave up flying, due to his injuries. He had tried, discreetly, to find the woman, about fifteen years or so ago, but failed. And now he knew why. Adam studied the woman in Al's arms. It was like seeing a ghost. The same face, the same eyes, the same smile, the same laugh. Betty Townsend had captured his heart the moment he set eyes on her. She knew, without a word from him, that she couldn't keep him. However, that didn't stop either of them. Earlier today, Adam had his aide check on Elizabeth Townsend's records, specifically her birth date. Without a doubt in his mind, Adam knew she was his daughter. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Reminder: Please read A LEAP FOR KELLY before preceeding on to Chap 12. Don't say I didn't warn you! :) ************************************************ Christina's Corner http://home.earthlink.net/~catyasdo * catyasdo@earthlink.net * ************************************************