LOVE LOCKS part two

LOVE LOCKS …. part two ….

They will Bind your Love – or will they?

XO XO XO

They were allowed one hour to say their “goodbyes” before the transport bus arrived to take all the enlistees to their base camp.

After boot camp, the newly enlisted and / or / drafted, were allowed home for one week.

Steve called Anna to announce he was coming home for a week and asked, “Do you think you could put a quick wedding together for us? I know it’s not much time, but can you try?”

She didn’t waste any time. Her first train of thought was to speak with her supervisor at the hospital. He willingly, if not eagerly rearranged her hours. Her next stop was city hall where she obtained the license permit. Since they both had to sign in front of the city clerk, she promised to return with Steve in the morning.

The church was next on her agenda. The priest wasn’t happy about rushing through the procedure but agreed to make the exception.

Anna found a room at the back of a local bar whose manager gladly rented it to Anna for a smaller than expected fee. Since her friend’s uncle owned a nearby florist, the small bouquet was donated to the soon-to-be bride.

If you’ve never heard of a football wedding. I’ll briefly explain.

A 1940s New York tradition, football weddings are an Italian-American custom. Working-class couples, especially those with large families, would host informal parties at home or at a casual hall after the ceremony because, at the time, only wealthy families could afford catered weddings.

Under the circumstances and trying to do things a hurried fashion, Anna felt this was her best option.

“Mom, it’s not just Italian-Americans, anymore. It’s for anyone in a situation like mine that needs to get this done quickly.”

Her mother agreed but insisted on using her cousin’s bakery for the cake.

Now, all that was left was to find a white gown.

“Aw, mom, I don’t need a gown. Any white dress will do. I’m fine with it. I’ll only be wearing it once, anyway.”

Again, her mother agreed, and they went to the nearest mall.

Rather than a fancy tiara, Anna opted for a long white veil that matched her tea-length dress perfectly.

“Oh, honey, you look absolutely breath-taking.” her mother said while her eyes misted.

That night, sometime around eight, the doorbell rang. It was Steve. He almost ran up the three flights of stairs to reach his Anna.

He explained that he hadn’t yet gone to see his parents. He was too excited to hear about their wedding places – whatever they might be.

Anna explained as Steve ate the dinner her mom served him.

“Oh Anna,” he said, “it sounds so perfect. I really am sorry I couldn’t be here to help.”

Anna didn’t care about that. She had him home for one week and when the week was over, the man she loved would leave again, but this time, she’d been wishing her husband good luck.

The next morning, Steve picked Anna up and together, they went to city hall and signed the wedding license.

The following evening, Steve along with their families and invited guests, gathered in the back room of the small local bar along with the priest who waited for the bride and her father to arrive.

The bartender knew of two elderly gentlemen who were more than willing to play their instruments so the wedding party would be able to dance the night away.

As Anna and her father began walking into the room, they were surprised and thrilled as the gentlemen began playing, “Here Comes The Bride”.

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The ceremony and festivities finally over, both sets of parents approached the bride and groom.

“We know how hectic things have been and time wasn’t your own so please accept this as our wedding gift.”

In the envelope they handed to the happy couple, Steve and Anna found enough money that would enable them to have a very decent honeymoon, along with the key to a motel room out on Long Island.

“You can’t very well begin your married life under the roof of either set of parents. Go! Go and enjoy the rest of your week together.”

“Anna,” her mother began to say, “Steve’s mom and I put our heads together and packed clothes and toiletries for both of you. They’re in the trunk of the car.”

As everyone wished them well, Anna and Steve left the small Brooklyn bar and headed out to Long Island to begin their honeymoon.

Between their education and then jobs, they rarely had the opportunity to venture to Long Island, which to them seemed a desolate and remote part of the state of New York. Then their parents gave them a few days to explore, while excited to “get away from it all”, they were hesitant since they didn’t know what to expect.

The lobby of the hotel had a kiosk with brochures of the many attractions that Long Island had to offer. Anna and Steve were amazed and decided to take advantage of everything time would allow.

Unfortunately, they only had three days but, they made the most of each one.

The time seemed to fly by so quickly and before they had a chance to breathe, their time to return to the city and their lives, arrived. Steve would need to be back on base the next day.

They packed their clothes slowly trying to hold back as much time as possible. Anna checked the entire small suite and found there was nothing left to pack.

“Guess we’re all ready,” she sadly said.

“Hey, honey, don’t be so glum. I won’t be gone forever. Oh, and we can write. I might not be able to answer right away, but I will answer.”

Anna wrapped her arms around her husband, sighed, and said, “I know. You’re right but it just seems we hardly had time together and now, you’re leaving, again.”

Steve smiled. “Anna, we’ve been together since we were fifteen. We’ll be fine. We already know each other; it isn’t like we’re strangers. And don’t forget to send me a picture of our wedding as soon as you get them developed.”

She gave him one last tight squeeze, then picked up her suitcase, and said, “Ok, soldier. Let’s go! We’re burning daylight.”

As Steve opened the hotel door, they both turned and gave the room one last longing look. They turned their eyes to each other, turned toward the hallway of the hotel, quietly closed the door, and walked out of the building.