Highway 40 west stories.. Chapter 13-15.

Highway 40 west stories. Chapter thirteen.  “Reno”

I gave Lana a hundred dollars. She went for the black Jack table. I stood at the distance. She tried her best. She lost the money in a half-hour.  She came back to me with a sad face and told me. You are right Johnnie. Gambling is no good. I won’t gamble no-more.  Are you going to gamble? I told her. No honey. I have done this a few times. I gave my money to the casinos too many times already. Are you ready for the final ride till we arrive at your sister house.
She smiled and said she said okay.

We entered highway 40. She moved over and got next to me. She took my hand and kissed it, than she held my right hand tightly. I saw in her eyes. She was thinking I was going to drop her off in Reno and drive into the mountains and forget her.  I kissed her cheek and I told her. My Lana, I will not run from you. Today I need to run to you and make you feel wanted and needed.  I want you happy and content. I want you to have a life. I worked for 32 years. I never enjoyed life till one year ago. The Army took me to war but also took me to new places. Wasn’t for the Army. I wouldn’t have met you. You are young and beautiful and I feel weaken when I’m near you. You make me believe love can be possible and my want is to see you smile and know the good things.

Lana started to cry and laid her head into my shoulder. She kissed my neck and whispered. Thank you Johnnie. I needed to hear them words. I have never wanted to give myself to anyone completely. With you. I feel safe and I feel I can be wild and not be afraid to show my bad side and good. I can stand nude in the front of you and I know. You think I’m beautiful. You don’t see my flaws and I know you love me.

The sign on Highway 40 said Reno was 50 miles away. I told my sleeping Lana. It is time to wake up. Almost to Reno.  We will be at your sister house in one hour. She begin to put make-up on and she asked me. Do I look okay? I told her. “You are prettier than a perfect painting.” I squeezed her leg and I told her. It will be fine. I will meet your sister and you will get yourself organized for Monterey.  You will need money and you need to buy some clothing. We will spend one day here. I have three days to report in. I want to get to Monterey one day early. We need shelter in Monterey my love.

Lana asked me to stop at the next rest stop. She used the bathroom and requested we stay for a minute. She told me. Johnnie, I’m afraid. When I face my sister. I will see my father’s face and brake down. You made me forget for a moment. I’m so damn scare and sad. My father told me often. Be brave my sweetie. Be strong for your father. Remember you will be my baby girl forever. I watched him die and I couldn’t do nothing. I wrapped my arms around her and I told her. Sweetheart, we can’t always be strong. You need to mourn. Mourning means we are alive. Tears for someone we love are necessary. If you didn’t feel sadness and regret. You would die too.

Lana pulled away and wiped away her tears. She told me. You are right Johnnie. I know I will be okay. I can lean on you awhile if you allow. I won’t be dead weight and hold you down. I promise. I kissed her and told her.

You are not dead weight. You are true beauty to a man who didn’t know he could feel and need again. You have saved me my beautiful Lana. I believe you are a gift. A honored touch for a man who held nothing for value till I saw your beautiful eyes looking up at me when I picked you up.

Lana smiled and told me. This is very good. Now we must meet my bossy sister and I need to leave the damn truck. Tonight we will dance and drink.  I don’t want to sit no-more today. I kissed her and said. Today we dance and drink in Reno. Your wish is my command.

Reno than California. Chapter fourteen.

We arrived late at the Sister house. Sandy was very kind. She had been talking with Lana about me. She had a meal ready. We ate and we sat down together.  Sandy told Lana. In the morning the money will be moved to a western bank. We can do our business early. I know Johnnie need to get his base. I have tried to talk you into staying on the phone. I see your face now and I understand. You need to enjoy some life. Johnnie looked okay. Most soldiers are okay.  I told her. Thank you Sandy. I appreciate you allowing us to leave early. There is a possibility of snow on the mountain crossing over to California and I promise to keep Lana safe and sound.

Sandy looked away and grasp Lana’s hands and she told her. You are the baby sister. You took care of Daddy and stayed in the city with him. The rest of us kids escape Boston. I want you to have fun. No more bad men, please. I know what your boyfriend was. I’m glad you can see now. Lana smiled and kissed her sister. She told her. Daddy loved us all. He was glad you got a education and create a good life. Your home is beautiful and the kids are wonderful. I promise to return and visit often. California is across the way only.  Sandy kissed Lana and she kissed my forehead and whispered. You hurt my sister. I will hunt you down and you will suffer.  Me and Lana went to the bedroom.

Lana wore her sister’s sleeping clothing. The wool pajamas were looking odd on her. I told her she looked like a teddy bear needing a hug. She came to the bed and joined me. She whispered. My sister liked you. That is hard to do. She believe all men are dogs. I’m glad you are not a dog.  I embraced her and caressed her forehead and shoulders. We fell asleep quickly. We skipped the dancing tonight. It was a long drive today. I awoke alone in the bed. Lana left a note. She and her sister went to the bank. I learn later her sister had a friend in Monterey and found us a small apartment near downtown Monterey. A $1,000 a month for a studio apartment. It would be enough. It was furnished and close to the city. Today if I can get across the mountain. We will stop in Sacramento
and me and Lana will dance tonight.

Lana said a long goodbye to her sister. She embraced me tightly and she thanks me. Thank you Johnnie. You have saved my sister life and I know you love her. I see how you look at her. How you hold her hand and how you listen to her. Please keep her safe. I gave you my phone numbers and any problems. Please call. I told I would and I kissed her forehead and I thanks her for the place to rest.  Lana was quiet and she was observing the mountain in the front of us. She asked. If the mountain safe? I told her. I called the road commission. They told me free and clear today. Not tomorrow. Snow is coming again.  We drove in silence till we saw the California welcome sign. She asked for a photo by the sign. I took a photo of Lana smiling and content. We made California. Safe and sound.

I saw Sacramento in the distance. I awoke Lane and told her. There is our dance hall tonight. Our first night in California together. Sacramento looked bright and fun as we entered the city limit. I found a Holiday Inn with a bar and dance hall. I wanted no-more driving tonight. Lana looked very content. She requested shopping tonight. We found a mini-mall. Sacramento was pleasant. 65 degree and the sun was showing. She found a high class store and I watched her try-on 10 dresses. Each one was good for me. Lana wanted California Clothing. She bought a bathing suit also and five Spring and Summer dresses. I enjoyed the view. Nothing happier than a woman shopping.

We arrived at hotel. She stripped down and she ran to the shower. She left the door open for me. I pulled a chair by the door. I told her. You need a long bath. She smiled and told me. Johnnie is a bad boy. I believe you like to see me nude in the bathtub? Maybe give me a back rub and if the bath tub is big enough for two my love, please join me.  I reached over and I kissed her and I told her. I believe you maybe right. I do like to see you soaking in the tub  and looking so beautiful. You are the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. You would tempt the gods.
She smiled and told me. You can’t bathe with your clothing on, Soldier. I’m giving you a direct order. Strip down and join me. I took my clothing off and I sat behind her in the tub and I held her tightly in the warm water. Her body feeling soft and willing. I told her. Thank you for giving reasons and purpose to be alive. I would of been lost without you.

Lana turned her face around and whispered to me. Thank you Johnnie. Thank you for caring for a lost a confused woman.

California. Last chapter..

Lana was very content. The warm night in Sacramento made her happy. I loved looking at her legs in her knee-high dress. She danced around the room in her bare feet. I heard her say. I made it dad to California. You promised me California and now I’m here because of you. She came to me with tears in her eyes and told me. My dad would be happy I was in California. He promised me this trip since I was a little girl. He worked and worked till two weeks before he died. I got up and embraced her and told her. He would be content his beautiful baby girl was dancing barefooted in California. I know he smiling from heaven. Tonight we drink and dance to our new life.  She stopped crying and told me. You are right Johnnie. I’m messing up my make-up with sad tears. Tonight we celebrate. You didn’t leave me behind. I’m thankful Johnnie.

The club was okay. A small dance floor and older music. We drank long Island ice teas and dance to almost every old song. In the midnight hour. A older couple asked to join us. I said yes.  The man introduced himself as Paul, retired Gunny and his blessed wife Lilly. I told him my name is Johnnie and I introduced Lana. Paul asked. What is a AWOL soldier doing in my city Sacramento? Are you going to war and running from it. I told him. Running from it and on my way to report in at Fort Ord.  He laughs and told me. I will buy you a Marine drink. You are drinking those water down drinks. Real men drink whiskey and cold beer. He ordered a double of Jack Daniel and some cold tapped beer. Lana smiled and agreed. She told him her Daddy was a Marine. Paul saw the sadness in her eyes and he told her. Don’t worry honey. Marines take care of Marines. He is in a good place. He touched her face softly and told her. Death comes to all of us. Key to life is to have a good times and spend time with the family. I will tell you the secret to a good life. More whiskey and bad jokes. ‘Lilly smiled and told him to be quiet. She asked Lana. Honey, what happen to your father?

Lana trying to hide tears told them. My father died of cancer last month. He was a good father. Lilly came over and told her. Good to be sad. We need the sadness. Help us to find peace in things we don’t understand. Paul raised the glass of whiskey and he said. “To a Marine and father. I hope he found peace in a better place.” We touched shot glasses and all of us agreed. Lilly gave us a big smile and told everyone. Time to do some dancing. We can cry tomorrow. The four of us were the lone dancers and we didn’t care.  At the end of the night. Paul and Lilly gave us hugs like we were lost children. Paul took me aside and told me. “Remember after we serve our time. Us Veterans must help each other.” He asked me did I need anything?” I told him. “You gave me a lot. You made Lana laugh and showed her she is not alone. Paul wrote his phone number down and told me. I have a lot of good friends in Monterey. Please call me if you need some help.  Lilly kissed my forehead and Lana’s cheeks. She told me. You best be good to this little lady.  She is a good woman.

Me and Lana laid in the hotel bed. I felt her heartbeat against my skin and I could smell the fruity shampoo in her.
hair. she looked me in the eyes and asked. Will we see the sea in the morning? I want to run into the sea tomorrow. I told her. If we leave early enough, we will reach the Pacific ocean by noon. She closed her eyes. The good whiskey and the long day left her tired and wore out.

We left at 6 am. I could see the excitement in her eyes. The deeper we drove into California, the most pretty she got.  The temperature got warmer.  She told me. I love this place. Winter seem so far away. I feel refreshed. I needed this place Johnnie. You promised to take me places? I reached over and kissed her. Told her. We will dance and drink on every free beach on the California coastline.

I awoke Lana. I saw the ocean after leaving the San Francisco city limits.  Her eyes were aglow with the vast Pacific ocean. She stared and pointed at the lighthouses and the rocky shores. The first public entrance I drove into with my truck  and parked the truck on the beach. She escaped the truck quickly and she tossed her shoes off. She ran to the water. The waves were powerful and overtook her dress. I laughed at her and took off my shoes and put my wallet in the truck. She ran up to me and whispered. Water is cold, very cold.  I embraced her and I watched the sea dancing. Lana brought my face to her face and told me to promise. Never to leave me. I told her, I’m yours till you do not need me no-more. She kissed me.

We were on Highway one. The coastal highway. Cars were driving by. No-one care about two people beginning a new life together.

         The end of Highway 40