The Education of Frank: A Story of Wwii

By Glenn G. Tucker

THE EDUCATION OF FRANK
A STORY OF WWII

Frank Talley was a young industrious boy living in a well-to-do family until his parents, sister and brother were killed in an automobile accident while taking his older sister to start her college studies. His familys closest friends have a contract that in case of an accident to either set of parents; the remaining parents would serve as guardians to the others children. He and Rosie, the daughter of his adoptive parents fall in love but Frank starts to think of Rosie as a sister and fights falling in love with her and soon comes to regard her as his sister.
His guardian finds the familys former maid, Iris, and rehires her to take care of the house Frank inherited and serve as his live in caretaker. He falls in love with Iris but realizes their age difference thwarts his love.
His first sexual encounters occur when three gold diggers seduce him. He has several other sexual encounters as he matures and soon learns the difference between girls who would be his friend and those who would rather share his wealth. Frank, as he matures, becomes aware of the moral implications of sex with young females and cleans up his act. When he graduates from high school he enlists in the navy. He discovers his love for his housekeeper Iris is now mutual and she joins him in Bremerton, Washington. They marry as he studies to become a radio operator at the navy base in Bremerton. He and his three closest friends are assigned to the USS Ben Franklin, CV 13. The carrier is attacked and badly damaged off the coast of Japan. Frank is badly wounded but still manages to pull two of his friends to safety but the third is dead. He blames himself for not being able to save his third friend. At the same time as the carrier Ben Franklin is attacked and Frank is wounded, his wife Iris is killed when a truck slams into her car as she is returning from a visit to her doctor. For his heroics in saving two of his friends Frank is awarded the Silver Star.
While in recovery from his wounds he realizes Rosie is not his sister and he falls deeply in love with her again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Mar 18, 2016
• ISBN: 9781504985468

Glenn G. Tucker

This is the sixth book written by Glenn G. Tucker. He was born and raised in Des Moines, attended Drake University, and received his BA from Iowa State Teachers College (1952). He taught science in Illinois until he moved to Florida to teach in 1958. In 1966, while teaching in Sarasota, he received a fellowship at the University of Florida: MA (1967), EdS (1958), and PhD (1969) in science education. He taught science education at Marshall University, Austin Peay State University, and Valdosta State University. For six years, he served as a state science consultant for teachers. He also served as a high school principal and as a county director of instruction in Georgia. He is a widower and lives in Lake Park, Georgia. His late wife, Beverly, who passed away in 2006, was a professor of early childhood education at Valdosta State University. He has four children: Dave and Bruce from his first wife and Bob and Elizabeth Jean (BJ), who were Beverly’s children. Dr. Tucker is regarded as Dad by all four.

Book preview

THE EDUCATION OF FRANK

A STORY OF WWII

BY

GLENN G. TUCKER

This is a book of fiction based upon actual occurrences and living conditions during World War Two. The names of all characters are fictitious, although based upon real people and their actions, most of whom are now deceased.

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AuthorHouse™

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© 2016 Glenn Tucker. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 05/18/2016

ISBN: 978-1-5049-8547-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5049-8546-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016904264

This is a book of fiction based upon actual occurrences and living conditions during World War Two. The names of all characters are fictitious, although based upon real people and their actions, most of whom are now deceased.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

THE EDUCATION OF FRANK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Frank Talley

2 A Life Alone

3 Ginny And Jill

4 Blanche And Phyllis

5 The Maturing Of Frank

6 Iris Takes A Break

7 Martha And Her Mother

8 Iris Returns

9 You're In The Navy Now

10 With The Ben Franklin C.v.13

11 Recovery

12 Back At Work

13 The Bomb

14 I Want To Go Home!

15 Home At Last

16 The Wedding

17 Bremerton

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THE BIG BEN HEADING HOME AFTER REPAIRS AT ULITHI

FOREWORD

In 1948, Glenn Tucker was on a two week naval reserve cruise on the USS Wisconsin. Also on board were two other sailors taking their two week reserve cruise. When they found that Glenn was also stationed on a carrier during WWII, the USS Gilbert Islands, CVE 107, they told him they were also carrier sailors and they had served on the Ben Franklin during the war. They told him about the battle and how badly the ship was damaged. They also told him that about 800 sailors lost their lives in the battle. They mentioned many sailors jumped overboard thinking the ship was sinking and others jumped from areas where the fires had isolated them from safe parts of the ship. They jumped to avoid being trapped in the flames.

These were the sailors the Captain wanted to charge with desertion, but cooler heads prevailed and all charges were dropped.

1

YOUNG FRANK

Frank Talley hurried out of school as soon as the 3:00 dismissal bell rang at Roosevelt High in Des Moines. It was February 15, 1942 and the war was three months old. If he hurried he could deliver his papers, collect the first half of his route and still make it to the rink in time to earn his admittance by serving as a skate boy for rink newbies. Newbies were those people who wanted to learn how to skate or the occasional visitors who did not own their own skates. There were two kinds of skates newbies could rent. For 25 cents extra they could rent shoe skates, but if they just paid admittance they were entitled to roller skates that fastened to their shoes. Skate boys were used by the rink to adjust the skates to the shoes and put them on newbies who didn't rent shoe skates. Skate boys received free admittance to the rink that night.

Frank could really get by without carrying a paper route or serving as a skate boy but he found he enjoyed making his own money and putting the allowance his dad gave him in the bank. His dad promised that at the end of every year he would match the savings of his children as shown by their bank books. Every January he would show his dad his bank book and his dad would match the amount he had saved the past year and buy bonds for him. Over the past four years he had accumulated over $2,000 in his bank account and bond portfolio.

His sister Roberta; called Bert, and brother Bill had the same deal but Bert preferred to spend her allowance on clothes and jewelry and Bill on sports equipment. Frank liked to watch his funds rise in value. Bert was now 18, Bill was 17 and Frank had just turned 16. Actually 13 months separated each of the three siblings.

Occasionally Bill or Bert would negotiate a loan with Frank for some emergency; such as a small loan to Bert when some item of clothing or jewelry came on sale that she absolutely had to have. Frank would make them sign an IOU payable on Saturday when their dad dished out the allowances. On Saturday when William, usually called Big Bill, called them together to receive their allowance, Frank would present the IOUs and their dad would hand the cash the siblings had borrowed to Frank and deduct it from their allowance, despite the pleadings of Bert or Bill.

Always pay your debts first, Big Bill would remind Frank's older brother and sister who had borrowed from Frank.

Frank, why not charge interest on these loans? His dad would ask in front of Roberta and Bill. Big Bill would laugh as he handed Frank the money he had coming from the sister or brother who had borrowed the money.

Because they'd probably pound on me! He would answer with a grin. But actually, I don't want to make a profit on my brother or sister, he'd add.

Mr. Talley was in real estate and their mother Gwen was an attorney. They weren't rich, his dad would say, but we're comfortable.

After delivering his papers he started collecting from his customers until 5:30. Knowing his mother was a stickler for promptness, he jumped on his bike and rode home just in time for dinner. He quickly washed his hands to get rid of the newspaper ink and wash his face with a damp wash cloth by rubbing it over his face a few times before hurrying downstairs to take his seat at the table.

Dad had hired Iris Stone to clean the house twice a week and cook the evening meal six days a week. Iris served dinner, what his dad still called supper, promptly at 5:45. Iris was a young widow who had lost her husband at Pearl Harbor three months ago. She was 18 when Frank's dad had hired Iris a month after she graduated from high school and before she lost her new husband. She had married Jeff Stone the day they graduated from high school together in June, 1941 and they had one week together before he had to report to the navy boot camp at Great Lakes.

He had been notified he would be called up after his graduation from high school but he joined the navy before graduation to avoid the army. He had to report to the navy recruiting office eight days after he graduated. Bill Talley hired her a month after her husband reported to the navy. She received the notice of his death six months later and Bill and Gwen helped her as she was overcoming her grief. She was now 19 years old and most would call her extremely attractive.

After Frank wolfed down his meal he asked to be excused so he could finish collecting.

OK, Frank, you're excused but don't forget on Saturday evening the Parks will be here for supper and I expect you to stay seated until everyone is through eating, his mother told him.

Mr. and Mrs. Donald Parks were attorneys and his mother Gwen was a partner with them in the law firm Parks and Talley. The families were close; William Big Bill Talley and Don Parks went to high school and the University of Iowa together and Liz Parks and Gwen Talley met in their college sorority, the Delta Gamma's, at the University of Iowa. The Talley's had three kids, but after Liz gave birth to their daughter Rosalie she was in an accident that left her unable to bear more children. As a result the Parks regarded the Talley children as also theirs and Rosalie became one of the 'Talley kids.'

Don and Liz originally had another name picked out for their daughter but when she was born with a full head of deep red hair, Liz suggested naming her Rosalie so they could call her Rosie for the color of her hair.

Frank left the table to finish his collecting. By 6:45 he had collected half his route and went to the rink. Clara, the manager's wife, stopped Frank as he entered the rink.

Frank, Tommy enlisted today. Will you take over the floor? We'll pay you a buck and a half per session.

Tommy, the former floor manager who had the task of keeping order on the rink floor during skating sessions had enlisted. This meant Frank would no longer be fitting, adjusting and putting skates on the newbies but skating most of the times on the floor when the rink was open and receive pay, instead of just skating free.

I'd love the job, Mrs. Smithson. But dad told me tonight I had to stay at the table until the guests were through eating on Saturday. I might be a bit late that night and I have to get out a bit early Saturday afternoons to carry my route!

We can manage those times; Ernie can still do it. We'll count on you the rest of the time. You'll work the weekends starting Friday and the Saturday and Sunday afternoon sessions.

Frank couldn't wait to tell his dad about his new job and the money he'd be making. Counting the seven bucks he made from his paper route and the seven and a half from the rink he'd be making almost as much as a full time adult job.

Sounds like you'll be rolling in dough! his dad said laughing. Maybe I can squeak a loan from you too!

Saturday evening the Parks with Rosalie arrived about 5:00, right after Frank arrived home from the rink. He had used his mom's street car pass to go to the rink, leave the rink to carry his papers and ride home. Rosalie immediately hugged Gwen and William Talley and Bert and Bill. She then gave Frank a tight hug, making sure he was aware of her growing breasts pushing against his chest. She grinned when she felt Frank's response as his hormones kicked in immediately with an erection. She'd heard teenage boys had problems controlling hormones and she wanted to see if it was true.

During dinner the adults talked about Bert going to the University of Iowa in the fall or Iowa State College at Ames. It was finally decided to let her go where she wanted to go; the University of Iowa at Iowa City. This was also all four parents' alma mater.

The couples had met to discuss that if anything happened to either set of the four parents the other parents would take over raising the kids. This meant that if anything happened to Bill and Gwen, Don and Liz would be responsible for raising the Talley's kids and vice versa.

At 6:30 the adults stood and left the table and Frank asked if he could go to the rink now.

Rosalie heard him ask to leave and asked her mother if she could go with him to the rink.

How do you plan to get there? Liz asked her daughter.

On the street car with Frank, she replied.

Honey, how's our gas situation? Gwen asked her husband.

Since William Talley was in real estate and his car was needed for his business, both he and Gwen had C gas stickers so both were able to buy whatever gas they needed.

Rosie, you have your license now, don't you? Big Bill asked Rosalie. Frank doesn't have his yet.

Yes sir. Daddy lets me drive his car often when we're all going someplace. In fact I drove us here tonight.

She's pretty good driver, Bill, spoke up Don.

Rosalie, would you like to drive my car to take you and Frank to the rink? Your parents and Gwen and I plan to play bridge tonight, Big Bill told her.

Golly yes! Oh gee yes! And I'll drive real carefully!

Big Bill handed Rosie the keys to the Oldsmobile and handed Frank a dollar to buy a snack for Rosie and him to eat on the way home.

Going to the rink Rosie dove carefully, feeling out how the car handled, smiling and laughing as she turned a corner, occasionally gunning it for a few seconds. During the skating session she was a bit irked when Frank wouldn't skate with her as often as she would like but when he told her he was now the floor manager and getting paid for it she grinned and skated close to him as he skated, watching for reckless skaters. He did skate with her during two moonlight skates and again she made sure he was aware of her growing breasts pushing into his chest.

When the two families got together everyone kissed each other. Rosie had liked Frank more than Bill and Bert since the second and third grade. When she kissed Frank after kissing Bill and Bert, his kisses made her feel differently, like something exciting had happened. When she was in 6th grade, the liking started changing to love in her juvenile mind. She knew there was something missing, there should be something more when she kissed Frank.

In the 8th grade she started knowing what love was and knew she was in love with him and thought about him constantly, writing love notes to him but destroying them after reading them several times. She was now in the tenth grade and knew what love was and knew she was deeply in love with Frank. Unfortunately, Frank was still more interested in skating, making money and some sports. He liked girls but not enough to ask one out.

She was in a hurry, she said after skating closed for the night. She rushed him out of the rink and drove to Katz Drug Store, beating the crowd from the rink. After both had drunk a chocolate malted milk she hurried him out of the drug store.

Want to drive by Ashworth Park? She asked.

Why not? He replied

She drove to Ashworth Park and parked behind a row of shrubs facing the lake.

Frank, have you ever kissed a girl? She asked

A few times after a football game on the way home. Nothing serious though.

Show me how you kissed them?

Frank leaned over the shift knob and gave her a small kiss. It was obvious the steering wheel and stick shift were in the way.

Let's get in the back seat, Rosie suggested. That way the steering wheel and shifter won't get in the way.

They moved to the back seat and Rosie pulled him closer and gave him a long hard kiss, making sure he could feel her breasts and he became deeply aroused. He tried to kiss her as firmly as she kissed him.

She turned slightly so her breast was against his hand and he gently moved his hand over it, squeezing it gently.

Do you like to do that, Frank? I like it when you squeeze it, she said, breathing hard.

He squeezed it again, slowly starting to massage her breast as she kissed him firmly.

Oh God, Frank. That feels so good!

She leaned backward into the corner of the seat and pulled him down with her, kissing him passionately and holding him tight until he started to return her kisses with the same passion.

For God's sake darling. Don't say anything about this to anyone. I like you a lot and have for a long time. Maybe we can get together like this again soon, she said while thrusting her breasts hard against Frank's chest, then kissing him again while hugging him.

She soon sat erect and opened the door to get out. Frank followed her out of the car and walked around it to get into the passenger side. She drove on to Frank's house with Frank's arm around her. For the first time Frank recognized there was now a special relationship between Rosie and himself. He took his handkerchief, wet it with his tongue and wiped his lips to remove any lipstick before they walked inside. The clock hands were just reaching 12:00 and all four parents were still playing bridge in the parlor.

Did you stop and get something to eat? Big Bill asked without looking up.

Yeah. We stopped at Katz drug store and had a malted milk, Frank replied. A lot of kids from the rink were there.

Hang loose, Rosie. As soon as we finish this game we'll go home, Liz told her daughter.

Frank walked upstairs to his bedroom before his parents came out and saw his lipstick smeared face, hurriedly going into the bathroom and washing his face.

As they stood to leave Don told Gwen he'd talk to her at the office on Monday and they would draw up some forms about the care of the kids in case of an accident happening to either set of parents.

For the past two years Frank had used small amounts of his money from his savings to buy 8 mm films showing the various dances for skaters. He would often lend these short films to Clara and Ernie Smithson, the owners of the rink. When he had time he would practice these skate dances with Clara, who in turn would teach them to her husband Ernie. Over the past two years Frank became an accomplished figure skater as well as a skater who taught skate dance routines to several of the girls he skated with.

The Monday after he was hired as floor manager Ernie called and asked if he would drop by the rink for a few minutes after carrying his papers. He rode his bike from his last house to the rink and walked in. Ernie was greasing the bearings of several pairs of shoe skates and asked him to come into the skate room.

Frank, I have an idea that might make the rink more money and you too. What do you clear each week carrying papers?

I can tell you exactly. I clear $7.15 if everyone pays. Some times they don't have the money and I have to carry them over for a week or two but that's my commission on the papers I deliver. Why?

"You're a good skater, probably the best of the regulars. I always have people who want to learn how to skate and others who want to learn some of the dances. I have enough lined up right now who are willing to pay 25 cents a lesson to learn how to skate. That would make you about five bucks a week. I also have a list of those who want to learn the dances.

There are enough kids who want to learn dance skating and willing to pay 35 cents a lesson to make you about 10 bucks a week. But they all want to have lessons right after school and you carry papers right after school. We'd both come out ahead money wise. I'd charge them a reduced skating admittance and you'd charge them for the lessons. I'll even go a step further. Any week you don't clear $7.50 I'll make up the difference. How does that grab you? Interested?"

You're darn right I'm interested! Give me a week so the Register and Tribune can find another carrier and you get the students lined up. Let's start two weeks from tonight. OK?

I figured you'd be interested. I have six already signed up for the dance steps and seven who want to improve their skating or simply learn how to stand up and move on skates. I'll put up posters immediately and let every one know that one hour classes start at 4:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays for students who want to learn to skate better and Tuesdays and Thursdays at the same times for students who want to learn the dances. Each student will pay me 15 cents a session, and pay you 25 cents a lesson to learn how to skate better and 35 cents a lesson to learn the dances. That's 70 cent a week for those students. You should clear about 10 bucks a week. They'll pay me and I'll pay you weekly.

Frank hurried home and told his dad, Big Bill, about his offer.

That's fine, son! But the day your grades start to suffer is the day your job is over! Agreed?

Yes, sir.

It took three days for the newspaper to find a new carrier and four days to collect what was owed him and train the new delivery boy. He told the new carrier he could keep the uncollected commissions, which amounted to about 85 cents. For the first time in four years Frank did not have to get up at 5:00 A.M. to pick up and deliver the morning papers.

He immediately called Rosie after school and told her of his new job.

Do you mean you'll be teaching roller skating and skate dancing?

That's right, Baby Doll! I'll get to sleep in the morning and have more time on the weekends without having to collect!

You know our folks will be out of town next Tuesday through Friday, don't you? Rosalie told him.

No! Where are they going and how do you know? He asked.

My folks and your mom are going to an ABA conference in Chicago. Your dad is going along to help them party after the meetings. They're all going on a rented bus together with a lot of other lawyers. They say it saves gas but they just want to party all the way to Chicago. Maybe we can get together part of the time?

That means Roberta will be in charge. She's always a jerk, worse than mom or dad about me getting home on time. One day she locked me out and it was winter. I had to ring the doorbell over and over till Bill finally let me in. Dad heard about it and gave me a house key. But maybe she'll be dating her new boyfriend those nights and will get home late. But I'll try to see you. Maybe we can neck a little bit?

If you're nice to me, she giggled. But maybe I can get mom to pay for me to take skate dancing from you. That would be fun! We can skate together after school.

I'll have seven other students too. I'll have to split my time.

That evening at the dinner table Gwen told Bert, Bill and Frank of their upcoming trip to Chicago and that Bert would be in charge.

But Mom! I have a date with Freddy Wednesday and Friday! Bert complained.

Bill and Frank know the rules. Just remind them. They're old enough to take care of themselves now. 'In charge' merely means if anything bad happens you're old enough to know how to take care of it.

The next day when no one was around, Frank called Rosie and told her what his mom had told his sister, and that meant the chains were lifted as to his going out at night.

The following Tuesday Rosie was at the rink for the class on skate dancing and Frank led the group through the steps of the 'Circle Waltz.' Of course, as his partner in the demonstrations, he used Rosie to demonstrate the female steps. During the demonstration she whispered in his ear that he could go home with her. He agreed and then carefully watched each couple, correcting any mistakes. After the lesson three girls gave him a hug and thanked him, promising to see him for the next lesson Thursday after school.

Clara was at the door as Rosalie and Frank left the rink.

Beautiful job, Frank! Beautiful job! Clara said. Three more couples were watching during the lesson and all six signed up for Thursday.

Shall we grab a bite at Katz' Drugs? Frank asked as they walked towards town and the closest street car stop.

No. Momma left some food at home for us. I told her I'd invite you to eat with me after the skating class tonight.

Rosalie heated a can of pork and beans and three hot dogs and poured two glasses of milk.

Do you know what we're going to do after the dishes are done? She coyly asked Frank while putting the food on two plates; two hot dogs on Frank's plate.

I know what I'd like to do, he replied, grinning. That's smother your face with kisses!

You've been reading my mind! She laughed.

After they washed and dried the dishes, she led him upstairs to her bedroom.

I setting the limits now, she said. No feeling below the waist! I'm a virgin and I plan to stay that way!

They started holding and kissing each other and when Frank started fondling her breast she started to hold him tighter.

Do you want to kiss them? She whispered in his ear.

Oh God yes! He answered

Get up a minute, she said.

When he complied she sat up, removed her blouse and bra and lay back down. He immediately started kissing them, going from one side to the other as she squirmed beneath him. Suddenly she held him tight and kissed him hard.

Oh God, Frank! Guess what I did? Oh God! It was so wonderful!

I know! You came but you left me hotter than hell!

I'm sorry. Not really but you know what you can do when you go home.

Where did you learn about that? Frank asked.

Dad and mom have a book in their night stand. I found it while snooping several months ago. Every time I had a chance I'd read it. I won't try everything in the book but I've tried several things by myself. If you want I'll let you read it when you're here.

I know what to do.

She leaned over and kissed him again.

I love you, Frank. I really do. I've loved you for years. I realized I really love you a lot when what happened just then happened. But it's after 8:45 so you had better get home before your folks call. Mom said she'd call every night at 9:30 to make sure I was alright. You can come home with me again Thursday night after skate dance class.

Frank left and walked to the closest street car stop. He got home at 9:15 and his mother called at 9:45 to see if everything was alright.

His skate dance class on Thursday had grown by another eight students and now numbered 17, equal divided between boys and girls counting Frank, ranging in age from 13 to 19. He was fortunate in that Rosie made the number of girls even with the boys counting Frank. This meant he was making almost $12.00 per week teaching skate dancing, and not counting what he was making just teaching kids how to skate better.

After class Frank took Rosie to a local hamburger shop and treated her to a hamburger and a malted milk. Riding the street car home Rosie reached over and held his hand until they came to her stop. After they got off the trolley she again insisted on holding his hand as they walked the two blocks to her house.

When they entered she shut and locked the door and immediately hugged and kissed Frank, this time inserting her tongue between his lips. He immediately got an erection and she giggled.

That was in the book. It's a French kiss and is supposed to make both men and women hot. The book was right. It made me just as hot as you.

She took his hand and walked up stairs with him, purposely bumping her hip into his hip.

Frank, turn the light off, while I close the blinds and let's lay on my bed and neck. I've been hotter than the dickens ever since Tuesday night when we necked. When you kissed my boobs I just wanted to hold you close and tight and squeeze you!

In the dim light they lay down together and she unbuttoned her blouse and took her bra off. He leaned over her, and started kissing her breasts.

Do you want to go further, Rosie asked, breathing hard.

I don't think we should get into that yet, he answered. I'd like to save that until we're married. You do plan to marry me when we're old enough, don't you?

Oh my Frank, my darling! Are you asking me?

It will be a long engagement and a lot of necking but I'm up to it as long as it's with you.

Oh my Frank! You make me so happy! Oh God, I love you!

They lay together on their sides, holding each other with their arms tight around each other, often kissing each other.

You really mean you want to marry me when were older? She asked.

Oh God yes! And you?

Me too, she replied. That means we're going steady!

That means I can kiss and hug you when ever I want."

Oh my darling Frank! I love you so much. It's 7:45, she said looking at the clock on her dresser. Let's go down stairs and get a Pepsi. Momma said she'd call at 9:00 to see how things are going and that means Gwen will be calling you about that time. You had probably better leave before 8:30."

They went downstairs and she opened two Pepsi Colas and they sat close together on the couch. She soon stood and made him sit straight so she could sit on his lap and put her arm around him.

I love you Frank. I've loved you for years, ever since I was in elementary school. I knew there was more to loving someone than just kissing. We'll think before taking the next step. I want to be at least 19 years old. Can you wait that long before we really make love?

They held and kissed each other until 8:30 when they decided he should be heading home.

Good night, darling, she said as she kissed him good night a final time. He walked two blocks to catch the streetcar and got off two blocks from his home.

Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon she was at the rink as he taught the steps and phases of the various roller skating dances. And every night they were at the rink together they would manage to find time to steal a kiss or two.

Occasionally during the dance classes he would borrow the rink's projector and movie screen and show his students the actual dances filmed at the various state and national skating dance competitions then try to teach them the little steps they were missing.

Frank noticed one week Rosie missed both lessons. When he tried to call her she wasn't home. Her mother would never lie for her but did tell Frank she didn't know what she was busy doing when he called. He finally sadly chalked it up to the end of a romance.

In early June as soon as school was out, Frank approached Ernie about the rink sponsoring a show case performance by his students. He would work up some single skater routines and some solo performances and the dances his dance students had been working on. They would hold it the week before school started in the fall and charge admission. Ernie and Clara; both accomplished skaters; agreed and would appear in several comedy acts they would work up. Frank started preparing his dance students for their performances, with some of the best skaters selected for solo routines and some of the better beginning skaters for bit parts in the production.

Near the middle of August, 1942, his mother started going shopping with Bert, getting ready for Bert's move to Iowa City and the start of her college career. They planned to drive Bert up the last Friday, August 28. This would give her the weekend to settle in and get ready for classes which started the following Wednesday, September 2nd, the start of the fall semester. That Friday was the day Frank had scheduled a dress rehearsal for their big performance on Saturday.

Since all the advertising signs had been posted for weeks and ticket sales were rising, Gwen and Big Bill excused Frank from going with the family to Iowa City. Frank was now spending almost every day going over final details with help from Clara and Ernie; polishing each act and dance performance, and helping in rehearsals of individual acts or with each partner in skating duets.

Rosalie came down to the rink once and asked if they could go out again, she was sorry for the way she had ignored him. She thought she fell in love with another boy but it turned out he wasn't as nice as Frank. Frank was sorry but he was just too busy right now getting ready for the big show to go out with anyone.

Big Bill, Gwen, Bert and Bill left for Iowa City at noon on Friday planning to spend the afternoon and evening unpacking Bert's clothes and school supplies and on Saturday helping her get her dorm room organized. Saturday was the last day males were allowed to be in the women's dorm and the same day the skating show was scheduled. Big Bill and the family arrived at Iowa City at 3:30 Friday afternoon.

After unloading the Oldsmobile at Bert's dorm, all four checked into a motel. On Saturday they decided to take the short drive to Coralville to eat lunch at a fancy new restaurant. As Big Bill was returning to Iowa City on Saturday afternoon, they were slowing down to pull off highway 6 at the exit into Iowa City when a speeding semi plowed into the back of his Oldsmobile, pushing it into a concrete wall at the edge of the overpass crossing the highway. The driver claimed he never saw Big Bill's left arm out the window signaling a right turn.

The speed limit on all highways throughout the nation was 45 mph during the war years and 35 mph when passing or going through a city. Several witnesses told the highway patrolmen they saw Big Bill's arm out the window, signaling a right turn. According to the highway patrol the semi was doing at least 65 when it hit the rear of the Talley's car. There were no survivors in the Oldsmobile. Quick action by the Iowa City Fire department a block away quickly doused the fire starting in the engine compartment of the Olds, thus sparing the bodies.

Frank entered the rink Saturday afternoon, August 29, 1942 at 3:30, tired after non stop work for four days. He checked off the name of each performer as they entered the rink and Clara helped each girl get dressed, put on makeup and get ready for her performance. Ernie did the same for the boys. The rink organist started playing songs to entertain the gathering audience at 6:45 and at seven sharp, Frank performed a solo skating routine including spinning a partner with her feet on his shoulders by way of introducing the show; what Frank called a show-off routine. He took his place at the mike and announced the first act.

As the last act of the show was starting, Don Parks was entering the front door of the rink, accompanied by Liz. They explained to Ernie why they were there. Ernie was at his desk at the entrance to the rink watching the performances. Don, with tears running down his face, told Ernie what had happened.

Give the boy a chance to complete the show, Ernie asked Don; Ernie's eyes now also filled with tears. Let him have his single moment of glory before shattering him with the news, he implored, his own tears now running down his cheeks.

Don agreed. After Frank took his bow as producer and director of the successful show, he walked over and spotted Don and Liz.

Hi, friends! Did you catch any of the show? He asked exuberantly.

No. We came to take you home, Liz replied, her eyes also filled with tears and running down her cheeks. We're in a hurry so can you leave now?

Frank glanced over at Ernie and Clara. Clara was crying and Ernie had his arm around her, tears streaming down his face.

Go ahead, Frank. We'll take care of winding down the cast and the props. It's important that you leave now with your friends and take a rest. You're beat!

Frank left with Don and Liz and they drove him to their home, saying little to him, both constantly wiping their eyes and faces.

As they entered their house, he spotted Rosalie, sitting on the sofa, sobbing.

What's the matter, Rosie. Is it something I did?

No Frank. It's nothing you did.

Frank, there's been a bad accident at Iowa City; a semi hit your father's car! Don said, choking on a sob.

Are they hurt bad? Frank asked, jumping to his feet in alarm.

Sit down, Frank. We're awfully sorry but all four of your family are no longer with us. They were all killed in the accident.

2

A LIFE ALONE

The next three weeks were hectic and Frank remembered little of them, other than the fact he always seemed to be crying. The agreement signed several months before making each parent the executors and guardians of the other parent's children and estate kicked in and Don shouldered much of the planning for the funerals. The death of the owner of a prominent real estate agency and the husband of a successful attorney along with two of their children made national news. The church was crowded at the joint funeral of all four of Frank's family. It took almost three weeks before Frank could make a rational decision on his own. After three weeks of living with the Parks he approached the three of them at dinner.

"Don, Liz, Rosie. I think I'm ready to go home. I like living with you but home is where I feel I belong. I don't know how my finances are but I believe there's enough to keep me going till I'm out of school. There should be enough to rehire Iris to run the home. She can live there which should cut down on any salary needed.

I'm already three weeks late returning to school and I think I've imposed on you enough. Your help and love this past month has really pulled me through this disaster but I have to start trying to live my own life."

"Frank, you won't have to worry about finances for a long time. Big Bill had insurance polices on everyone and that was far more than enough to pay for the funerals. I've also arranged to sell his real estate agency for a large sum. I expect you'll get a big chunk of cash in the suit against the truck driver and his company. And one thing you didn't know, your dad was considered wealthy and our law firm had insurance policies on all members of the firm.

But let me talk to Liz in private about this for a few minutes. There's a factor you're not aware of we have to consider."

I think I know what that is. You know that Rosie and I have been sweet on each other and you're worried about the close proximity of us two.

Don burst out laughing and Liz reached over and hit Don on his arm as she laughed loudly.

Frank, I wish to hell you were my real son then I wouldn't have to worry about that. You hit the nail on the head but now that you're aware of our worries I don't think we have to worry about that any more. But I know how you feel. You feel like you're not at home and you're not comfortable not being at home. I felt the same way when I was rooming with a family at the University. They wanted me to feel at home but it wasn't home! I'll make a deal with you. I'll abide by your wishes and let you go home if and only if you agree to let me handle all of your finances until you're actually on your own, and I'll decide when that is. Is it a deal?

It's a deal! I want you to know I love both of you very much. I regard you as a second set of parents or stand-in parents, take your pick.

As soon as I can get Iris in there I'll help you move home, Don said. I think you should hold off on buying a car. Everything out there is trash or costing over four times their real value.

It took three days for Don to find Iris and ask her to come back to the Talley house and take care of the house and Frank. All bills and expenses were to be sent to Don Parks at his office.

Frank moved back in on the fifth day and Iris greeted him with a kiss and a hug at the door.

Frank, thanks so much for getting me into my old job, only now its full time! Do you want to help me plan the menus or just remember what you like and don't like.

You live here too, Iris, we'll just play it by ear but don't try to mother me. You're too young and pretty to take mom's place. No one can take her place! Frank said, choking back a sob.

Where did you want to sleep? In your room or the master bedroom? she asked.

Let me try that big bed dad bought a year or so ago, Frank replied.

While Frank was staying with the Parks, Liz and a friend had come in and removed the personal belongings of Roberta, Bill and his parents so essentially all bedrooms were empty.

Somewhere, several years before, Big Bill had found a very large mattress from a movie prop store and had a furniture maker build a bedstead to hold it. His dad was proud of that bed. He said he could sleep without feeling Gwen's elbow or knee in his back. Gwen didn't like it. She liked to feel Big Bill close beside her.

The next day Iris helped Frank bring everything out of his room down into the master bedroom. She glanced through the small book titled The Liberated Couple and laid it on top of the dresser. Frank saw her looking at the book and immediately put it in a drawer.

I found that book two years ago when I watched the police raid a small book store and one of the cops dropped the book, he told her. I picked it up and was getting ready to hand it back when I glanced inside and saw dirty pictures. I stuffed it under my sweater and brought it home. A Dr. Chankys had written it and there were photos of couples having sex. The book was all about different ways to satisfy your partner. I hid the book and about a month later I asked dad about it. He glanced through it and handed it back and said to keep it in a drawer. He said some people would call the book dirty; others would regard it as a part of life.

In three months he had practically memorized the book, reading it and looking at the pictures at night before going to sleep. The Doctor who wrote it had written in large letters at the beginning of every chapter that what consenting couple's do that harmed neither one was O.K. if they enjoyed it.

IRIS! Frank yelled about 30 minutes later after everything he had was moved into his parent's former bedroom.

She came into the kitchen, worried that Frank was angry about something.

What is it Frank? Are you upset about something?

Oh no, Iris. I didn't know where you were so I just yelled. What I wanted to know is what room do you want for your own?

Do you mean you want me to move in here with you?

Only if you want too. No need for you to be paying rent someplace when we have all this space. I thought Don Parks told you that!

He referred to something like that but I wasn't sure if he meant it. I'd love to live here in this nice house! It sure beats that room I'm renting now.

Do you want my old room upstairs or one of the smaller bedrooms down here?

Can I have your old room upstairs? It's bigger than the ones down here and the bathroom is right outside the door.

Let me know when you're ready to move in and I'll call a cab.

No need to, Frank. I still have that '39 Ford I used to drive here when I worked. It's parked in the alley in back.

Use the garage.

Shall I move Gwen's car closer to the wall?

Do you mean Mom's car is still here? He asked in a surprised voice.

Of course! You mean you didn't know?

I plain forgot about her car and so did the Parks. I haven't seen her drive it in months!"

She told me several months ago that what with gas rationing and all that she didn't want to be bothered, Iris said. Big Bill drove her where she wanted to go.

I'm 16 now. I might as well get a license and gas stickers and use it. Maybe take you out to dinner once in a while.