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- Story Listed as: Fiction For Adults
- Theme: Love stories / Romance
- Subject: Drama
- Published: 03/26/2013
“One, two, three – un deux trois” Betty Lamb droned in an almost high pitched tone as she drilled her ballet class. Olga thought about how her well toned calves ached that day as she stood high on her toes relying on the beam for balance. “Too much rock ‘n roll, jitter bug and jive the night before” she inaudibly moaned to herself as she rose yet again on her bruised toes, tightly bandaged. She was glad the class was over that day. “Mercie Mademoiselle” she mumbled at Betty as she flew out of the class and towards her bicycle. “Practice, practice, practice” Betty yelled after Olga. “Oui Mademoiselle, oui”. Olga loved that Betty insisted on the use of French in her classes.
Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia, renowned for its avenues lined with deep mauve Jacaranda trees - was home to Olga Lategan, a 16 year old promising ballerina. Her life revolved around dancing. Her slim and trim body was as flexible as that of a 5 year old and she excelled in every genre of dance from ballet to tap, Greek to Spanish, acrobatic and Latin American. She came from the world of arts. It was in her blood. Her Parents Pieter and Gracie were the proud lead musicians in the popular Blue Moon Orchestra. The most sought after band, booked literally from one Christmas to the next and a hit amongst all the Overseas officers training in Olga’s home city. Blue Moon was popular for belting out the sentimental tunes of the likes of Vera Lynn – We’ll Meet Again, I’ll Be Seeing You, Lili Marlene, As Time Goes By and many more wartime Tributes. Pieter was a self-taught drummer, whilst Gracie was a most talented pianist. Both were wrapped up in their own worlds. Gracie in particular was in love with music – the ebonies and ivories of her treasured piano were her passion and it seemed that she barely noticed Olga for the most part.
The year is 1945, and World War II is thankfully at an end and the future appears promising for the Optimists at least. The world was rejoicing and troops returning to their home Countries and loved ones. “Victory in Europe Day”, better known as VE DAY, was declared on 08 May – the day Germany surrendered and VJ DAY, “Victory in Japan”, made headlines on 15 August, when Japan surrendered after the USA dropped atomic bombs on both Hiroshima and Nagasaki. A new era was about to be born and worldwide peace was the Prayer on most lips. History was in the making and Olga was part of it.
Olga and her younger Brother Kingsley, who would later die far too young and who was noticeably favoured by Gracie, were often left alone to fend for themselves. At 16, Olga had a yearning to attend Blue Moon’s nightly performances and Pieter finally gave in to her pleas. She was typically a Daddy’s girl and had him wrapped around her little finger. He adored her. “Please Daddy – Sixpence can watch over Kingsley. Let me join in won’t you? I’m no longer a child and besides, Mademoiselle Lamb insists I practice more and where better than at your functions” Olga begged. Sixpence was the Family’s Cook, a figure common in most homes. Blue Moon shone and Olga took full advantage showing off her dancing skills. Under age, she thrived on the attention given her by the many Royal Air Force Officers from abroad. In fact, their roaming eyes simply thrilled her. Her attendance at these events became frequent, but Pieter and Gracie were far too wrapped up in their own performing to notice Olga’s “performing”.
Number 1 Squadron Southern Rhodesia Air Force, responsible for the training of Overseas Pilots, had its fair share of good looking, tanned and toned Flight Officers, yet Olga was drawn to the British boys in blue. There was something so much more appealing about them. Their looks, their sun deprived pale complexions, their accents, their almost arrogant and assuming manners and their meaningless promises which she would eventually fall victim to. The locals just somehow didn’t have what the Royal Air Force flying Squadron seemed to offer. In particular, First Flight Officer Brian Palmer caught Olga’s attention, as she did his. He was dangerously handsome. Still a child by day, Olga was seen doing cart wheels on the pavements and by night, she transformed herself into a sultry and most beautiful woman. She was growing up fast.
“Good evening” Brian boldly approached Olga. She had endeavoured to get his attention for some nights and it had finally paid off. “May I say that Heaven is missing an Angel because she is dancing right here on earth. The pleasure is mine – I’m Brian Palmer. You are looking extra ordinarily beautiful tonight Olga”. Her heart skipped more than a beat – he knew her name and he associated her with the entertainers. With that he whisked her off to the dance floor and she did not resist. He locked her body close to his in a waltz. His muscles bulged and his body was hot and the smell of his perspiration was sweet. She lost herself in the moment. She was half his size. The rest of the evening was a magical blur and they shared many more dances and before the night was through, he kissed her long and hard yet passionately, gently and warmly, taking her breath away. His uniformed body excited her. She thought she was in love. Or was it lust, Brian wondered to himself? She certainly didn’t know and quite frankly, Brian didn’t care. She was naive and oblivious to the fact that he was more than double her age and surely scheduled to return to his own Country soon; the war being over. She also completely forgot about her high school crush, Reuben Taylor who continued to pursue her despite her obvious desire for Brian.
Many nights of heated passion followed. Brian and Olga engaged in hours of idle love making and Olga’s feelings grew and regardless of plenty of intense conversation tinted by jugs of red wine, Brian failed to tell Olga that he had left an attractive Wife, Noeleen and two young sons, Samuel aged 5 and Jonathan 3, in England, as well as a boy of 10 as a result of a brief romance in Scotland. Brian secretly regretted that he was estranged from beauty Adelaide Mac Millan with whom he shared a pre marriage fling and that he knew little about their “love child”, William. He often pondered about finding them, but feared consequences and rejection. He was 35 years old, but more than this, Olga knew very little about his personal life. She never stopped to think that Brian may have a family back home. She never dreamed he had secrets. In fact, she took it for granted that he had the same intense and intimate feelings for her as she had for him and there was no doubt in her immature and very undeveloped mind, that they had a future together. She believed he would be her “forever”. Young and foolish, she assumed he would marry her and that they would live happily ever after. In fact, she was almost sure he promised her they would.
Time passed quickly and Brian suddenly returned to England without a goodbye. Olga was heart broken and devastated to say the least and Pieter comforted her as best he could. Tears spilled down and stained her cheeks as she sobbed to Pieter, “He said he loves me Daddy”. Her heart felt as though it had been ripped from her soul which was left to bleed. Gracie remained neutral. Olga never stopped searching. She endeavoured to locate Brian but letters went unanswered and were returned marked – “RETURN TO SENDER – ADDRESS UNKNOWN”. She was never sure if she even had a correct street address and if she did, the returned post was evident that their sensual summer romance was over. “Had he perhaps been nothing more than a fragment of her imagination”, she wondered? “Was she losing her mind”, she questioned herself? Olga became physically sick but it was put down to the death of Kingsley who at age 7, had fallen ill with spinal meningitis and who passed within days of diagnosis. The shock of his death was shattering to Gracie and all that kept her going was her music and her belief that the show must go on. She was oblivious to Olga’s heartache.
Reuben, 8 years Olga’s senior, thrived on the fact that Olga sought solace in his strong arms whilst she battled to come to terms with her loss. She thought about how she could learn to love him and he took advantage of her. It was a whirl wind few weeks and when Dr King confirmed that she was with child, he laughed as he remarked on her “not taking life’s lessons on the birds and the bees very seriously”. Dr King felt for Pieter and Gracie at what would surely become a scandal. He was fond of the well-known entertainers. Later that evening, Olga wiped her jet black locks from her wet and glowing brow, despite a cool breeze blowing, and softly told Reuben of their baby on the way. Reuben only briefly questioned the paternity of the unborn. Accepting his subsequent marriage proposal was not an option for Olga. She felt relieved - her secret seemed safe for the time being. She had felt life in her tummy for some time now and had no doubt that Brian was the biological Father.
Olga’s body changed rapidly, but the ring on her finger consoled her and somewhat eased her inner shame. She never loved Reuben. “Lord forgive me” she Prayed. “My baby needs a Daddy” she cried and continued to Pray. “Father God, please bring Brian back to me”. That Prayer in particular went unheard for many years. Not a day went by where Olga didn’t think about Brian. The newlyweds moved in with Reuben’s Mother, Nell Taylor. She was a hard drunkard and she despised Olga from the start, often attacking her about her bastard child. Nell never for one moment believed that Reuben was the Father of the unborn. Olga took Nell’s abuse and that of Reuben’s, whose hereditary drinking problem was clear. He became physically violent. Charlotte was finally born on March, 15, 1946, apparently two months premature, but healthy; despite the beatings Olga was victim to during her pregnancy. Olga became the sole bread winner and taught dancing whilst simultaneously rocking the baby pram. The physical abuse worsened and it was obvious that Reuben resented Charlotte for whatever reason. They moved home constantly. Olga grew to hate Reuben but battled to escape his web of abuse, deceit, womanizing and booze. One baby after another was conceived with what seemed like no more than nine months apart – Frederick, Derrick, Charmaine and then Kevin.
Blue Moon was still popular and Brian had never been found, although Olga never gave up hope and continued her secret search. The years went by and Charlotte grew into a fine young lady and at the tender age of 18, found her way to Glasgow on a student exchange teaching programme. The secret had been kept all these years. Charlotte seldom questioned Reuben as being her biological Father or not, although she often wondered. “So many little things just don’t make sense” she told her best friend Anne Heere in confidence and she was almost sure she overheard bitter fights late at night and Granny Nell never seemed to warm to her as she did to her siblings.
“I’m worried about leaving you Mom” Charlotte sobbed. “I know the abuse is worsening and I am afraid of leaving you and the children alone with him”. Olga argued back, “I am strong and I need you to follow your visions. Go with my blessing my child, spread your wings and live your dreams” Olga insisted. And so in the early spring of 1965, Charlotte, reluctantly but excitedly, left on her Overseas adventure. In the late September of the same year, another baby girl, Paula, was born to the very estranged Olga and Reuben. By now Gracie had passed away, Pieter had remarried eccentric Violet and the once popular Blue Moon, was sadly nothing but a somewhat forgotten legend.
“Mom” Charlotte shrieked down the phone. “I have met the most amazing man” she boasted. Charlotte went on, “He is 28 years old, teaches History and English and his name is William Mac Millan – but he prefers Bill”. Clearly she had a thing for older men just like her Mother. “Things are happening fast Mom and I really want you to meet him” Charlotte screamed in excitement. Olga laughed deep from her heart. She was ecstatic at her Daughter’s happiness. “It’s a long story, but Bill has only recently found his Father who is travelling from England to Glasgow in four weeks’ time and Bill is insisting on sending you an air ticket to join for the reunion. Do you think you can arrange that the children are taken care of Mom? Could you possibly – please”? Charlotte begged. Olga had no idea what arrangements she could make but she was adamant to put a plan into action and so she did. In no time at all, she anxiously took her first flight ever, thankfully experienced a gentle landing and was met at the Glasgow airport by a thrilled Charlotte and her dashing love, Bill. Olga felt strangely like she knew him.
A dinner party was planned for the next evening. Dressed in her best, her figure petite despite six children, her porcelain complexion perfectly powdered with rouge and lipstick flawlessly applied and not a hair out of place, Olga waited in anticipation of meeting Bill’s Father who when introduced to her, flirtatiously said, “The pleasure’s all mine, I’m Bill’s Dad, Brian Palmer”. He oozed sickeningly sweet charisma. But Olga froze and so did he as they realised what was happening. Much older, with silver grey thinning hair, but still as strikingly handsome as ever, Brian looked like he had seen a ghost. His secret was revealed – he had another life – apparently, more than one. Olga realised that this meant that Bill and Charlotte were actually half Brother and Sister. But the secret, her secret, was still sacred. If she kept it that way, the young lovers would have a chance at a life together, no matter how illegal, unacceptable, taboo or deceitful, she thought, but if she revealed it, hearts would be shattered and worlds would be torn apart, perhaps more seriously than World War II. Her mind raced marathons in seconds. Brian fell silent and felt physically ill as he sluggishly lost his charm. After a moment’s consideration which seemed like forever, Olga whispered to herself, “This is MY secret” and then gushed at Brian, “Pleased to meet you and the pleasure is actually all mine”.
THE END
LE BLUE MOON(Charisse Tyrer)
“One, two, three – un deux trois” Betty Lamb droned in an almost high pitched tone as she drilled her ballet class. Olga thought about how her well toned calves ached that day as she stood high on her toes relying on the beam for balance. “Too much rock ‘n roll, jitter bug and jive the night before” she inaudibly moaned to herself as she rose yet again on her bruised toes, tightly bandaged. She was glad the class was over that day. “Mercie Mademoiselle” she mumbled at Betty as she flew out of the class and towards her bicycle. “Practice, practice, practice” Betty yelled after Olga. “Oui Mademoiselle, oui”. Olga loved that Betty insisted on the use of French in her classes.
Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia, renowned for its avenues lined with deep mauve Jacaranda trees - was home to Olga Lategan, a 16 year old promising ballerina. Her life revolved around dancing. Her slim and trim body was as flexible as that of a 5 year old and she excelled in every genre of dance from ballet to tap, Greek to Spanish, acrobatic and Latin American. She came from the world of arts. It was in her blood. Her Parents Pieter and Gracie were the proud lead musicians in the popular Blue Moon Orchestra. The most sought after band, booked literally from one Christmas to the next and a hit amongst all the Overseas officers training in Olga’s home city. Blue Moon was popular for belting out the sentimental tunes of the likes of Vera Lynn – We’ll Meet Again, I’ll Be Seeing You, Lili Marlene, As Time Goes By and many more wartime Tributes. Pieter was a self-taught drummer, whilst Gracie was a most talented pianist. Both were wrapped up in their own worlds. Gracie in particular was in love with music – the ebonies and ivories of her treasured piano were her passion and it seemed that she barely noticed Olga for the most part.
The year is 1945, and World War II is thankfully at an end and the future appears promising for the Optimists at least. The world was rejoicing and troops returning to their home Countries and loved ones. “Victory in Europe Day”, better known as VE DAY, was declared on 08 May – the day Germany surrendered and VJ DAY, “Victory in Japan”, made headlines on 15 August, when Japan surrendered after the USA dropped atomic bombs on both Hiroshima and Nagasaki. A new era was about to be born and worldwide peace was the Prayer on most lips. History was in the making and Olga was part of it.
Olga and her younger Brother Kingsley, who would later die far too young and who was noticeably favoured by Gracie, were often left alone to fend for themselves. At 16, Olga had a yearning to attend Blue Moon’s nightly performances and Pieter finally gave in to her pleas. She was typically a Daddy’s girl and had him wrapped around her little finger. He adored her. “Please Daddy – Sixpence can watch over Kingsley. Let me join in won’t you? I’m no longer a child and besides, Mademoiselle Lamb insists I practice more and where better than at your functions” Olga begged. Sixpence was the Family’s Cook, a figure common in most homes. Blue Moon shone and Olga took full advantage showing off her dancing skills. Under age, she thrived on the attention given her by the many Royal Air Force Officers from abroad. In fact, their roaming eyes simply thrilled her. Her attendance at these events became frequent, but Pieter and Gracie were far too wrapped up in their own performing to notice Olga’s “performing”.
Number 1 Squadron Southern Rhodesia Air Force, responsible for the training of Overseas Pilots, had its fair share of good looking, tanned and toned Flight Officers, yet Olga was drawn to the British boys in blue. There was something so much more appealing about them. Their looks, their sun deprived pale complexions, their accents, their almost arrogant and assuming manners and their meaningless promises which she would eventually fall victim to. The locals just somehow didn’t have what the Royal Air Force flying Squadron seemed to offer. In particular, First Flight Officer Brian Palmer caught Olga’s attention, as she did his. He was dangerously handsome. Still a child by day, Olga was seen doing cart wheels on the pavements and by night, she transformed herself into a sultry and most beautiful woman. She was growing up fast.
“Good evening” Brian boldly approached Olga. She had endeavoured to get his attention for some nights and it had finally paid off. “May I say that Heaven is missing an Angel because she is dancing right here on earth. The pleasure is mine – I’m Brian Palmer. You are looking extra ordinarily beautiful tonight Olga”. Her heart skipped more than a beat – he knew her name and he associated her with the entertainers. With that he whisked her off to the dance floor and she did not resist. He locked her body close to his in a waltz. His muscles bulged and his body was hot and the smell of his perspiration was sweet. She lost herself in the moment. She was half his size. The rest of the evening was a magical blur and they shared many more dances and before the night was through, he kissed her long and hard yet passionately, gently and warmly, taking her breath away. His uniformed body excited her. She thought she was in love. Or was it lust, Brian wondered to himself? She certainly didn’t know and quite frankly, Brian didn’t care. She was naive and oblivious to the fact that he was more than double her age and surely scheduled to return to his own Country soon; the war being over. She also completely forgot about her high school crush, Reuben Taylor who continued to pursue her despite her obvious desire for Brian.
Many nights of heated passion followed. Brian and Olga engaged in hours of idle love making and Olga’s feelings grew and regardless of plenty of intense conversation tinted by jugs of red wine, Brian failed to tell Olga that he had left an attractive Wife, Noeleen and two young sons, Samuel aged 5 and Jonathan 3, in England, as well as a boy of 10 as a result of a brief romance in Scotland. Brian secretly regretted that he was estranged from beauty Adelaide Mac Millan with whom he shared a pre marriage fling and that he knew little about their “love child”, William. He often pondered about finding them, but feared consequences and rejection. He was 35 years old, but more than this, Olga knew very little about his personal life. She never stopped to think that Brian may have a family back home. She never dreamed he had secrets. In fact, she took it for granted that he had the same intense and intimate feelings for her as she had for him and there was no doubt in her immature and very undeveloped mind, that they had a future together. She believed he would be her “forever”. Young and foolish, she assumed he would marry her and that they would live happily ever after. In fact, she was almost sure he promised her they would.
Time passed quickly and Brian suddenly returned to England without a goodbye. Olga was heart broken and devastated to say the least and Pieter comforted her as best he could. Tears spilled down and stained her cheeks as she sobbed to Pieter, “He said he loves me Daddy”. Her heart felt as though it had been ripped from her soul which was left to bleed. Gracie remained neutral. Olga never stopped searching. She endeavoured to locate Brian but letters went unanswered and were returned marked – “RETURN TO SENDER – ADDRESS UNKNOWN”. She was never sure if she even had a correct street address and if she did, the returned post was evident that their sensual summer romance was over. “Had he perhaps been nothing more than a fragment of her imagination”, she wondered? “Was she losing her mind”, she questioned herself? Olga became physically sick but it was put down to the death of Kingsley who at age 7, had fallen ill with spinal meningitis and who passed within days of diagnosis. The shock of his death was shattering to Gracie and all that kept her going was her music and her belief that the show must go on. She was oblivious to Olga’s heartache.
Reuben, 8 years Olga’s senior, thrived on the fact that Olga sought solace in his strong arms whilst she battled to come to terms with her loss. She thought about how she could learn to love him and he took advantage of her. It was a whirl wind few weeks and when Dr King confirmed that she was with child, he laughed as he remarked on her “not taking life’s lessons on the birds and the bees very seriously”. Dr King felt for Pieter and Gracie at what would surely become a scandal. He was fond of the well-known entertainers. Later that evening, Olga wiped her jet black locks from her wet and glowing brow, despite a cool breeze blowing, and softly told Reuben of their baby on the way. Reuben only briefly questioned the paternity of the unborn. Accepting his subsequent marriage proposal was not an option for Olga. She felt relieved - her secret seemed safe for the time being. She had felt life in her tummy for some time now and had no doubt that Brian was the biological Father.
Olga’s body changed rapidly, but the ring on her finger consoled her and somewhat eased her inner shame. She never loved Reuben. “Lord forgive me” she Prayed. “My baby needs a Daddy” she cried and continued to Pray. “Father God, please bring Brian back to me”. That Prayer in particular went unheard for many years. Not a day went by where Olga didn’t think about Brian. The newlyweds moved in with Reuben’s Mother, Nell Taylor. She was a hard drunkard and she despised Olga from the start, often attacking her about her bastard child. Nell never for one moment believed that Reuben was the Father of the unborn. Olga took Nell’s abuse and that of Reuben’s, whose hereditary drinking problem was clear. He became physically violent. Charlotte was finally born on March, 15, 1946, apparently two months premature, but healthy; despite the beatings Olga was victim to during her pregnancy. Olga became the sole bread winner and taught dancing whilst simultaneously rocking the baby pram. The physical abuse worsened and it was obvious that Reuben resented Charlotte for whatever reason. They moved home constantly. Olga grew to hate Reuben but battled to escape his web of abuse, deceit, womanizing and booze. One baby after another was conceived with what seemed like no more than nine months apart – Frederick, Derrick, Charmaine and then Kevin.
Blue Moon was still popular and Brian had never been found, although Olga never gave up hope and continued her secret search. The years went by and Charlotte grew into a fine young lady and at the tender age of 18, found her way to Glasgow on a student exchange teaching programme. The secret had been kept all these years. Charlotte seldom questioned Reuben as being her biological Father or not, although she often wondered. “So many little things just don’t make sense” she told her best friend Anne Heere in confidence and she was almost sure she overheard bitter fights late at night and Granny Nell never seemed to warm to her as she did to her siblings.
“I’m worried about leaving you Mom” Charlotte sobbed. “I know the abuse is worsening and I am afraid of leaving you and the children alone with him”. Olga argued back, “I am strong and I need you to follow your visions. Go with my blessing my child, spread your wings and live your dreams” Olga insisted. And so in the early spring of 1965, Charlotte, reluctantly but excitedly, left on her Overseas adventure. In the late September of the same year, another baby girl, Paula, was born to the very estranged Olga and Reuben. By now Gracie had passed away, Pieter had remarried eccentric Violet and the once popular Blue Moon, was sadly nothing but a somewhat forgotten legend.
“Mom” Charlotte shrieked down the phone. “I have met the most amazing man” she boasted. Charlotte went on, “He is 28 years old, teaches History and English and his name is William Mac Millan – but he prefers Bill”. Clearly she had a thing for older men just like her Mother. “Things are happening fast Mom and I really want you to meet him” Charlotte screamed in excitement. Olga laughed deep from her heart. She was ecstatic at her Daughter’s happiness. “It’s a long story, but Bill has only recently found his Father who is travelling from England to Glasgow in four weeks’ time and Bill is insisting on sending you an air ticket to join for the reunion. Do you think you can arrange that the children are taken care of Mom? Could you possibly – please”? Charlotte begged. Olga had no idea what arrangements she could make but she was adamant to put a plan into action and so she did. In no time at all, she anxiously took her first flight ever, thankfully experienced a gentle landing and was met at the Glasgow airport by a thrilled Charlotte and her dashing love, Bill. Olga felt strangely like she knew him.
A dinner party was planned for the next evening. Dressed in her best, her figure petite despite six children, her porcelain complexion perfectly powdered with rouge and lipstick flawlessly applied and not a hair out of place, Olga waited in anticipation of meeting Bill’s Father who when introduced to her, flirtatiously said, “The pleasure’s all mine, I’m Bill’s Dad, Brian Palmer”. He oozed sickeningly sweet charisma. But Olga froze and so did he as they realised what was happening. Much older, with silver grey thinning hair, but still as strikingly handsome as ever, Brian looked like he had seen a ghost. His secret was revealed – he had another life – apparently, more than one. Olga realised that this meant that Bill and Charlotte were actually half Brother and Sister. But the secret, her secret, was still sacred. If she kept it that way, the young lovers would have a chance at a life together, no matter how illegal, unacceptable, taboo or deceitful, she thought, but if she revealed it, hearts would be shattered and worlds would be torn apart, perhaps more seriously than World War II. Her mind raced marathons in seconds. Brian fell silent and felt physically ill as he sluggishly lost his charm. After a moment’s consideration which seemed like forever, Olga whispered to herself, “This is MY secret” and then gushed at Brian, “Pleased to meet you and the pleasure is actually all mine”.
THE END
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