Three Romance Stories
Gary Whitmore
Copyright By Gary Whitmore 2011
Smashwords Edition
This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to events or places or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
Broken Heart Story
Chapter 1 – Broken Heart
It was a beautiful sunny Thursday morning over Brevard County countryside west of Cocoa, Florida in June 1978.
It was a perfect day for flying with scattered puffy clouds at 6,200 feet and the winds were around 8 knots.
A white with red Piper Warrior Cadet airplane, with the tail number of N986ZT, flew straight and level at 3,500 feet just west of Lake Poinsett.
Inside the Warrior Cadet was Jason Jenkins a 57-year-old certified flight instructor and owner of the plane. Jason was distinguished looking with a three-inch long scar above his left eye and had salt and pepper hair.
Jason was the owner of the High Flying Adventures aviation services company located at the north area of the Merritt Island Airport. Jason’s business was small and he only had two employees; a female office manager and a part-time mechanic.
Jason had dreams of expanding his business with more instructors and more planes, which included a Piper J-3 Cub seaplane. He even worked on approval from the airport authority to build a small restaurant, with docks, just north of runway 29 by the Indian River.
In the pilot seat of the Warrior Cadet was a student pilot named Kimberly Brookes. She was 35 years old and a beautiful chubby blonde with blue eyes and spoke with an English accent.
Jason watched while Kimberly made a shallow turn to the right with the Warrior. “You’re doing great Kimberly,” he told her.
She flashed a proud smile while she glanced over at him.
“Now, let’s perform a power off stall,” he told her.
Kimberly’s proud smile quickly vanished, and she suddenly looked nervous and hesitated.
Jason noticed her hesitation on performing this required maneuver. “You can’t be a private pilot by being afraid.”
Kimberly took a deep breath for some courage and decided to be brave.
She performed a clearing turn to the right in the Warrior.
Then she performed a clearing turn to the left in the Warrior.
“Very good, Kimberly. I’m impressed that you remembered the clearing turns this time,” Jason praised her.
She flew the plane straight ahead then she took numerous deep breaths. She performed the power off stall technique and the stall alarm soon blared from the console. The sound of that alarm scared Kimberly and she shut her eyes. “Ahhh!” she lightly screamed out and let go of the control yoke the second the plane dropped.
The second Jason saw her hands let go of the controls, he quickly sprung into action and he grabbed his control yoke. Jason resumed control of the plane and recovered from the stall.
“Okay, we’ll have to work on these stalls some more,” he calmly told her while the flew the plane straight and level.
“I’m never going to get the hang of performing that maneuver,” she replied and felt a little ashamed with her recent performance.
He looked over at her and gave her a warm smile. “Don’t worry, you’ll be mastering them after some more practice. And there’s one thing you have to remember, this Warrior Cadet is a very stable airplane. Watch this,” he told her.
Jason performed a right clearing turn and then her performed a left clearing turn in the Warrior.
He performed a power off stall and let go of the yoke.
Kimberly’s eyes widened with fright thinking they were going to crash to the ground. But she watched while the plane eventually settled into a straight and level configuration by itself.
“See, I told you that this plane is very stable,” Jason said while he grabbed his control yoke and pushed in the throttle.
“I see what you mean,” she replied and looked surprised at the performance of the plane.
The plane was soon flying straight and level at 3,400 feet.
“Okay Kimberly, she’s your plane and let’s call it a day. Take us back to the airport,” he told her.
Kimberly felt better while she grabbed the yoke and took control of the plane.
Five minutes later, Kimberly descended and flew the plane at 1,000 feet and was five miles southwest of the Merritt Island airport.
“Okay Kimberly, make your call,” he told her.
“Merritt Island traffic, this is Warrior 986 Zulu Tango, five miles southwest of the airport. Inbound for 45 degree downwind entry for runway two niner, Merritt Island,” she said into the radio.
Jason looked satisfied with her radio call and watched while she flew into a 45 degree entry into the downwind leg for runway 29.
“Merritt Island traffic, Warrior 986 Zulu Tango making 45 degree downwind entry for runway two niner, Merritt Island,” Kimberly said into the radio after she made the 45 degree entry into the downwind leg of runway 29.
A few seconds later, Kimberly configured the power and flap setting when she was abeam the numbers for runway 29.
“Merritt Island traffic, Warrior 986 Zulu Tango turning left base for runway two niner, Merritt Island,” she said into the radio when she turned onto the base leg of the pattern over the Indian River.
She configured the flaps while she was on the base leg of the pattern.
“Merritt Island traffic, Warrior 986 Zulu tango turning final for runway two niner, full stop, Merritt Island,” she said into the radio when she turned onto the final leg of the pattern.
Kimberly configured the plane and power was at idle when she knew the plane could make the runway.
While the Warrior glided down over the Indian River to runway 29, Jason looked out the front window and glance at the spot where he wanted to build his restaurant. It’s going be nice! He thought to himself while he looked at the area by the river and runway 29.
Kimberly leveled out the Warrior once she was in the ground effect over the runway.
“Fly me down to the end of the runway,” Jason told her.
She pitched up the nose of the plane and it floated a little but eventually she landed the plane after a few bounces.
“Good landing, Kimberly,” Jason praised her.
She taxied the plane off to the right at the nearest taxiway.
Kimberly parked the Warrior next to Jason’s other airplane, which was a light brown Cessna 172.
After the Warrior was parked and secured, Kimberly and Jason, with small flight bags in hand, walked to his small office that was next to his small hangar. He also had a clipboard and the keys to the plane in his hand.
Jason’s High Flying Adventures building was small and consisted of a counter, his office, bathrooms and a pilot’s lounge.
Behind the counter, was Mandy Jepson, a 27-year-old female where she greeted the pilots, issued the keys to the planes and processed all the required paperwork. She had worked for Jason since the first day he opened up his business three years ago. She listened to Rod Stewart’s The First Cut Is The Deepest song that played on the radio while she completed some maintenance paperwork.
“The first cut is the deepest. Baby I know,” Mandy sang out along with the radio.
She heard the bell ring indicating someone entered the building. She stopped singing when saw Kimberly and Jason enter the lobby. Mandy smiled at Jason while he walked up to the counter and dropped off the clipboard and keys to the Warrior.
He then walked Kimberly to the small pilot’s lounge to the left of the counter.
The pilot’s lounge consisted of a small cubbyhole with a snack vending machine, couch, two chairs, a table, and magazine rack will current and old issues of Plane and Pilot and Flying magazines.
Kimberly removed her logbook from her flight bag and handed it to Jason.
He opened up her logbook and annotated today’s one-hour lesson.
“Okay Kimberly, next time, I really want to concentrate on those power off stalls. I know you can handle them so don’t be afraid. The Warrior won’t crash,” he said with a comforting tone and a warm smile.
“I know Jason. I’ll get the hang of them soon,” she replied, as Jason always made her feel at ease when her flying wasn’t going smooth.
He handed her back her logbook and she placed it inside her flight bag.
Kimberly and Jason stood up from the couch.
She looked at him and her eyes indicated there was something a little personal she wanted to ask him. She hesitated for a few seconds while she debated in her mind. She decided to go ahead and ask him. “Jason, I’ve been meaning to ask you something,” she said.
“Ask away,” he replied.
Kimberly fidgeted for a seconds while she wondered if she was making a mistake. “Ah, my mother’s a private pilot and owns a couple of planes, and I would love it if you would meet her. She lives about 85 miles southwest of here down in Winter Haven,” she finally blurted out and looked hopeful.
Jason cringed a little while he looked at Kimberly’s hopeful eyes and hesitated on answering.
“She’s beautiful and I have a picture,” Kimberly replied while she reached inside her flight bag and pulled out her wallet.
Jason placed a hand on her hand and stopped her from opening her wallet. “Thanks for the offer, Kimberly, but I’ll pass. I really don’t care to date right now since my business keeps me extremely busy,” he said.
“I understand,” Kimberly replied while she hid her disappointed behind her fake smile then placed her wallet back into her flight bag.
Jason walked her to the counter where Mandy had her bill ready.
Kimberly paid for her lesson by personal check. “I’ll see you on Tuesday,” she said while she dropped her check book into her flight bag.
“Next Tuesday it is,” Jason replied then escorted her to the door to show her he wasn’t upset with her offer to date her mother.
Jason opened the door and watched while she stepped outside.
He closed the door then walked over to the counter.
“Has she shown any improvement?” Mandy asked while she got up and walked to the coffee pot on a credenza behind the counter.
“Mandy, let’s say I felt safer when the Germans were shooting at me when she first started. But she’s slowly showing signs of some improvement,” he told her while she poured him a cup of coffee.
Mandy chuckled while she walked back and handed him his coffee.
“But I remember my niece being the same type of challenge,” he said then sipped his coffee.
Mandy smiled then she reached down by her paperwork and set an invitation for her wedding on the counter in front of Jason. “Speaking of a challenge, I wish you would reconsider coming to my wedding, Jason,” she said with a warm smile.
Jason frowned while he looked down at the invitation. “No offense, but I don’t do weddings. But I would like to give you a little fatherly advice for your present. Stay single!” he said then he winked at her, grabbed his coffee cup and walked over to his office, which was located to the right of the counter.
Mandy looked hurt as she removed her wedding invitation off the counter. She set it down by her paperwork then saw two letters that came in today’s mail.
She grabbed the letters and walked away from the counter.
Jason sat behind his desk in his small office and stared out his small office window while he sipped his coffee. His mind wondered while he thought about his future then his mind wondered while he thought about his past.
“I forgot these letters came for you today,” Mandy said while entered his office.
She walked up to his desk and dropped off the two letters. “You next lesson is in 20 minutes with Doctor Elroy. You have a cross-country trip with him,” she reminded him while she walked out of his office.
Jason looked at the letters and his eyes widened with anticipation of good news.
He opened up the first letter from Sun Bank and read it.
“Dear Mister Jenkins, we’re sorry to inform you that your loan request for expanding your aviation business at the Merritt Island has been disapproved,” he read from the letter signed by Bobby Wilson, Loan Manager.
He looked disappointed then he quickly opened up the other letter from the local airport authority.
“ Dear Mister Jenson, we’re sorry to inform you that your request on the building of a restaurant on Merritt Island airport property has been denied,” he read from the letter from Kent Guise of the local airport authority.
Jason was disappointed while he crumpled up the two letters then tossed them into his trash can.
He heard the bell ring when someone entered the building.
“Good afternoon, Doctor Elroy,” Mandy called out from behind the counter.
Jason got up from behind his desk and walked out of his office.
Jason walked up to Dr. Elroy who waited at the counter by Mandy. “Hey doc, are you ready for our little cross-country trip?” he asked Dr. Elroy.
“I’m ready,” Dr. Elroy replied with a look of confidence.
“Great, go out there and pre-flight the 172 and I’ll be out shortly,” Jason responded.
Mandy handed Dr. Elroy the clipboard and keys for the Cessna 172.
Dr. Elroy took the clipboard and keys and headed to the front door.
While Dr. Elroy went outside to preflight the 172, Jason headed to the bathroom.
Twenty minutes later, Dr. Elroy and Jason took off from runway 29 and made a left crosswind departure to the south and headed to Vero Beach.
Then later that day, Dr. Elroy performed a touch-and-go at the Vero Beach airport then they headed northwest to Winter Haven.
Later that afternoon, Dr. Elroy made his final approach to runway 5 of the Winter Haven Gilbert Field airport and flew over Lake Jessie.
“Keep an eye for any seaplane taking off or landing with the lake down below. They shouldn’t be a threat since they maintain a 500 foot traffic pattern,” Jason warned Dr. Elroy since there was Jack Brown’s seaplane training base there at north end of the lake.
“Dr. Elroy saw a seaplane on the lake but it wasn’t a threat to their approach to the runway.
Dr. Elroy made a smooth landing and taxied over to the FBO and parked.
After they refueled the plane, they took a bathroom break, bought some cookies and candy bars from a vending machine. They sat down in the small lounge and ate their snacks while they relaxed.
Then a little while later, Dr. Elroy performed a quick preflight, while Jason looked about the airfield and thought this would be a good location for a business. In fact, he thought the one end of the airport property by Lake Hartridge would be a perfect location for his restaurant.
Jason then looked over at another area of the airport near Highway 92, and saw a large hangar and a smaller hangar that was a new aviation museum. He thought nothing of it and while he walked over to Dr. Elroy and the Cessna 172.
A little while later, and Dr. Elroy took off from runway 5 and headed back northeast to Merritt Island.
Jason went home and went into the kitchen where he made a pot of coffee.
He walked over to phone and saw he had a message from his answering machine. He played back the recorded message from the machine.
“Jason, it’s me Katie. I haven’t heard from you since our date in two weeks, and I was wondering if you wanted to go out tomorrow night. Maybe dinner and a movie? Call me,” Katie’s message stated from the tape.
Jason erased her message, as he wasn’t interested in getting involved with Katie.
While the coffee was brewing, Jason walked over to the refrigerator and opened up the freezer. He removed a frozen dinner and walked over to the oven.
It was later that evening, and Jason relaxed in his den while he drank some coffee. The walls of his den were decorated with numerous pictures from his 30-year Air Force career, as a pilot. He retired in 1973, as a Colonel and used the money he saved for years to start up his aviation business.
While he sipped on his coffee, he looked over at his blueprints for his restaurant he called High Flying Eatery. The main building had 20 tables and he wanted to decorate the walls with numerous pieces of airplanes. There was an outside wooden deck with tables where some people could eat outside and enjoy the view of the Indian River or watch the airplanes take off or land on the runway.
He looked disappointed while got up and folded up his blueprints.
He walked them over to the closet. He opened the doors and placed the prints on the top shelve for good.
His phone rang in the kitchen so he walked out of the den.
He walked into his kitchen and picked up the phone.
“Jason Jenkins residence,” he answered the call.
“Hey Uncle Jason, it’s me, Robyn,” his niece answered the call.
“Hey baby,” he replied with a smile.
“I should be landing tomorrow morning around 10:00. I’m so looking forward to spending the weekend with you,” she said.
“Me too and I’ll see you tomorrow at the airport,” he replied with a warm smile then he hung up the phone.
Jason left the kitchen and headed out for dinner in Merritt Island.
Chapter 2 – Broken Heart
It was Friday morning and Jason woke up bright and early at 6:00.
After he took a shower he made some scrambled eggs and drank his morning coffee.
Jason closed down his business today and for the weekend so he could spend time with Robyn. Mandy loved these paid days off since he gave her time to work on her wedding plans.
After breakfast, Jason drove to his office to take care of some paperwork while he waited for Robyn.
A few hours later and it was 9:52 a.m., and Jason was finishing his third cup of coffee while he reviewed some paperwork at his desk. He had on the radio so he could listen to the radio calls made by the pilots.
“Merritt Island traffic, this is Piper Arrow 874 Alpha Hotel, five miles to the southeast of the airport. Heading for a 45 degree entry for downwind on runway two niner, Merritt Island,” Robyn called out from the radio.
Jason smiled after hearing her radio call, and he got up from his desk with his coffee cup and walked out of his office.
He walked to the door and went outside keeping the door open while he looked to the south of the airport.
“Merritt Island traffic, Arrow 874 Alpha Hotel entering downwind around mid-field for runway two niner, Merritt Island,” Robyn called out from the radio.
After a few minutes of scanning the blue sky from his office window, he saw a Piper Arrow while it headed downwind for runway 29.
Jake stepped outside and watched while Robyn turned her Arrow on the base leg of the pattern.
He watched while she turned her Arrow on final approach for runway 29.
He watched while Robyn landed the Arrow on the runway.
A few minutes later, Robyn parked her Arrow in a spot next to Jason’s Warrior Cadet.
After she shut off the engine, Jason walked over to her airplane.
“Robyn!” he called out when she stepped out of the airplane and walked down the wing.
Robyn White was a beautiful 28-year-old brunette, and she rushed over and immediately gave Jason a hug and kiss on his cheek. “It’s so good to see you Uncle Jason,” she said.
She went over and opened the baggage door and removed a small overnight bag and set it down on the tarmac.
Jason tied down her plane while she went inside her plane and finished securing the cockpit.
Fifteen minutes later, Jason drove Robyn to his house, in Waterway Manor, which was located off Courtney Parkway.
Meanwhile, back at the Winter Haven Gilbert Airport the Spencer’s Aviation Museum was about 98 percent ready for its grand opening tomorrow. It was located on the airport property located on the main entrance from Highway 92.
The museum contained numerous vintage aircraft in the main room of the 28,000 square foot hangar. Located along the side walls were numerous smaller rooms that housed various pieces of aircraft and other World War I and II military items and uniforms.
In the Bombers Room, there were various pieces of the insides of different bombers in this 5,000 square room. There were consoles, seats, radios, bombardier equipment, etc, salvaged from World War II bombers that crashed. Each display had a board that provided information about the item and the bomber.
The various items were laid out in a maze in the room.
Cindy Grant Spencer was 53 years old and still a beautiful blonde with blue eyes and spoke with an English accent. She kept in shape by jogging and spending time at the gym.
Kimberly Brookes was Cindy’s daughter and she drove down here to spend the day her mother.
Cindy and Kimberly walked around the maze while she looked at her clipboard double-checking that the items were in place.
“You’ll have to keep working at it. Power off stalls aren’t that difficult, Kimberly,” Cindy told here while she checked off some of the items on her checklist.
“I know and having a patient instructor is helping,” Kimberly replied.
“He sounds really nice,” Cindy said while she checked off some more items on her checklist.
Kimberly took this as her opportunity. “Jason’s great and about your age and his only defect is a scar above his eye. I asked him if he wanted to meet you. I think you two would get along great.”
“Kimberly, please don’t try to fix me up,” Cindy said with a frown.
“But there’s something about him. It’s like I’ve known him all my life. Plus he was a pilot in the Air Force,” Kimberly responded hoping that would change her mother’s mind.
“Honey, I really don’t want a relationship right now. What I really want is a grandchild to keep me busy,” Cindy said to throw that out as a hint.
“I know. Rob and I will work on that after I get my pilot’s license.”
“Do it before I’m put in an old folks home and forget who I am,” Cindy jokingly replied.
“I know,” Kimberly said while she chuckled.
They walked over to a huge wooden crate with “Sweet Bird” stenciled on it located in the center of the maze.
Cindy got a little nervous when she saw the crate and worried it wouldn’t be ready by tomorrow.
Kimberly saw at the crate. “You got a new piece. Where did it come from?”
“Germany,” Cindy replied while she looked around the room. They she felt relieved when she saw Lenny and Henry, two museum workers, walk over with some crowbars in their hand.
Lenny and Henry walked over to the Sweet Bird crate and started prying it open with the crowbars.
“Let’s put some fresh flowers on dad’s grave,” Cindy told Kimberly while the workers continued to tear apart the wooden crate.
Cindy and Kimberly turned around and walked toward the exit.
Back over in Merritt Island, Jason and Robyn jogged south down the sidewalk along Courtney Parkway.
“I wish Jerry and Patty could have come along.”
He couldn’t get away from work since he has this court case on Monday and Patty had a birthday party to attend on Saturday. But they both wanted to wish you a happy birthday,” Robyn replied.
“That’s too bad he had to work,” he said.
“How’s the business going?”
“Great. My female student yesterday freaked out and took her hands off the controls during a power off stall,” he told her.
“I remember getting us into some pretty scary moments when you taught me,” Robyn added.
“Well, the real scary moment came when she asked me to meet her mother.”
Robyn’s eyes lit up after hearing about him potentially meeting another woman. “Are you going to take her out for a date?’
“I politely declined, my dear.”
Robyn looked disappointed. “I don’t understand you.”
“Strange thing is that I have this weird feeling I’ve know Kimberly all my life, and I don’t know why.”
“You know, I’ve never seen you in a relationship with a woman. I’ve seen you date lots of woman, but you soon dumped then when it got serious. Are you secretly hiding the fact you’re gay?” she jokingly said.
Jason playfully stuck his tongue out at her. “I was too busy raising you to bother with women!”
“And you did a fine job, Uncle Jason. And I can imagine that mom and dad agree up in heaven,” she said while she looked up at the sky. “But now you have all the time in the world for a nice relationship,” she added.
“How’s the plans on expanding your business?”
“I got turned down for another business loan and the airport authority denied my restaurant request,” he said.
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“I’m afraid my dreams of owning my own business is spinning to the ground,” he said and looked a little depressed.
Robyn looked like she was scheming a little. “Come on Uncle Jason, don’t give up now. Maybe you can move to another airport and expand your business.”
“Naw,” he said while they turned around on the sidewalk and jogged back in the direction of his home.
Cindy, with a potted plant in hand, and Kimberly walked through a Cemetery in Plant City.
They stopped and looked down at a headstone.
“Peter Spencer. Born May 20, 1921. Died November 2, 1970,” the headstone stated.
Cindy knelt down and placed the potted plant by the headstone.
“I’m curious, was dad your first and only love?” Kimberly asked while she looked at Cindy.
Cindy fiddled with the potted plant while she debated in her mind on how to answer that question. “I lost my first love during the war,” she answered while she stood up.
Kimberly looked surprised with Cindy’s response.
“I was devastated by the loss of him. But I’ve been thinking about him the past couple of years,” Cindy told Kimberly with sadness in her eyes.
“What about dad? Did he know?”
“Your father knew about him but never met him.”
“This is exciting, as I never knew of your first love. What’s his name?”
Cindy fidgeted, as she really wanted to put that part of her life out of her mind.
“His name is not important. But why don’t you come back to the museum before you drive back to Merritt Island. I’ll show you a picture,” Cindy replied.
“I would love that,” Kimberly curiously replied.
Cindy and Kimberly walked arm in arm, and headed back to the parking lot.
Back in Merritt Island, Robyn and Jason got cleaned up from their jog then headed out for an early dinner down at a Mexican restaurant south of Rockledge.
Back at Winter Haven, Cindy and Kimberly went back into her museum and went over to the Bombers Room.
Cindy and Kimberly walked through the bomber room and got to the display for the Sweet Bird, which was half of the smashed nose section of a B-17 bomber.
Kimberly then noticed the faded scratched nose art of a sexy female blonde cartoon under the “Sweet Bird” words.
“Cindy, we’re ready to finish with the display board. Do you have that picture ready?” Lenny one of her workers asked.
“I’ll bring it down in a second, Lenny,” Cindy told him.
Lenny walked away to the Sweet Bird display.
Cindy and Kimberly walked away and headed out of the Bombers Room.
A few minutes later, Cindy walked Kimberly into her office and walked up to her desk. Cindy sat down and opened up the middle drawer and removed an old black and white photo taken during World War II in England.
“Here’s Jay Jay,” Cindy told her while she got up from her desk, walked over and handed Kimberly the photo.
Kimberly looked at the old photo that showed Jay Jay, in his Army uniform with his arm around Cindy, who was in her late teens. They stood under the nose of the brand new Sweet Bird B-17, with nose art of a sexy blonde, at an Army Air Corp field in England.
“His name was Jay Jay?” Kimberly curiously asked.
“Jason Jay Jay Jenkins,” Cindy replied while her eyes looked sad with the memory of her love.
Then Kimberly’s eyes widened, as this sounded too familiar. “My flight instructor is named Jason Jenkins,” she told Cindy.
“That’s nice. I can imagine there’s thousands Jason Jenkins in America. My Jay Jay died while in a German Stalag. The Nazis captured him after his B-17 was shot down. This is part of the remains of the plane,” Cindy told her.
“You could be right. I’ve never heard my instructor being called Jay Jay and don’t know if he was in the Second World War,” Kimberly replied then handed the picture back to Cindy. Then Kimberly looked at her watch. “I better hit the road,” she said then leaned over and gave Cindy a kiss on her cheek.
Cindy walked Kimberly out of her office.
Cindy then walked Kimberly to the front door of the museum where they gave each other kisses on the cheek.
Kimberly went out of the museum while Cindy walked to the Bombers Room with that old photo in her hand.
Later that night, Jason and Robyn relaxed in his house while she prepared for a little cross-country flight tomorrow morning.
Cindy relaxed in her home while she double-checked her checklist to ensure everything was ready for tomorrow’s grand opening.
Chapter 3 – Broken Heart
It was Saturday morning and the start of another beautiful sunny day across Florida.
Jason and Robyn got up early and she made his breakfast to start off his birthday.
“Happy birthday Uncle Jason,” she said while she placed a plate of her famous French toast in front of Jason then she kissed his cheek.
“Thank you baby,” he said then took a bite of his French toast.
After breakfast, Jason drove Robyn to the Merritt Island Airport.
Jason helped her pre-flight her Piper Arrow and they were soon inside ready for a short trip.
Robyn started up the Arrow and taxied over to runway 11.
After her ground check was performed, Robyn taxied her plane to the hold-short line.
“Merritt Island traffic, Piper Arrow 874 Alpha Hotel departing runway 11, Merritt Island,” she said into the radio then taxied her plane onto the runway and lined up with the center line.
After a few more checks, Robyn gave it full throttle and she rolled her Arrow down the runway.
She was soon airborne and then made a right crosswind departure out of the traffic pattern.
Robyn banked her Arrow and headed southwest.
In Winter Haven, Cindy woke up and after her breakfast, she left her nice house on Lake Hartridge and headed to the airport.
Up in the sky inside Robyn’s Arrow, she was straight and level at 6,500 feet.
Jason glanced over at her and looked the console over. “You haven’t forgot what I taught you.”
“How could I with your nagging voice seared in my brain.”
They both chuckled.
“Where are you taking me for my birthday?” he asked while he looked at the compass heading and the ground down below.
“It’s a little surprise,” she said while she scanned her console gauges.
Jason looked curious as to his birthday surprise while he glanced out the window and enjoyed the scenery.
In Winter Haven, Cindy arrived at her museum and conducted a short meeting with all her employees and volunteers. They all indicated they were ready to work the grand opening that was about to start in 30 minutes.
Back up in the sky at 2,500 feet, Robyn started her descent to the Winter Haven Gilbert Field.
The clouds were starting to build up and she could see a thunderstorm off about 10 miles to the southeast.
Jason saw the airport up head and he knew where she was landing. “Why are you taking me to Winter Haven?” he curiously asked.
“I wanted to take you this new aviation museum that’s having their grand opening today,” she told him while she monitored her descent, which was now at 2,300 feet.
“Robyn, I really don’t want to see some aviation museum. Can’t we go to Disney instead?”
“I thought you would love this place since they have some World War two planes and other items,” she replied.
“I don’t know, Robyn,” he said and didn’t look thrilled with seeing old World War two stuff.
“When I saw the ad in the Flying magazine, I had this good feeling about this place,” she replied with a gleam in her eye.
“Turn us around and we’ll go grab my car and drive down to Disney,” he replied.
“Gilbert Field traffic, Piper Arrow 874 Alpha Hotel, five miles to the southeast of the airport. Heading for a 45 degree entry for downwind on runway five, Gilbert field,” she talked into the radio.
Robyn flew her Arrow at 1,000 feet and entered the downwind traffic pattern for Winter Haven Gilbert Field. “I’m the pilot in command, so you just settle back and trust me for once,” she replied with a tone of authority. “Besides, there’s a storm to the southeast so we might as well wait it out in the museum,” she added.
Jason watched while she flew her Arrow in the downwind leg for runway 5. He decided to go ahead and go to the museum since Robyn had her heart on taking him there for his birthday.
A few minutes later, Robyn taxied her Arrow over to the area for airplanes visiting the Museum. She shut down the engine then secured the cockpit.
After they tied the Arrow down, Jason and Robyn walked over to the museum where the thunder of the approaching storm was heard.
Jason held open the museum door for Robyn then he entered.
The grand opening was a success so far, as there were approximately 100 folks inside the large building.
Big band music entertained the guests from the numerous speakers located through out the building. At the moment, Glenn Miller’s In the Mood song played over the speakers.
Robyn walked over and paid the $5 entrance fee for the museum for Jason.
After they got their tickets, they looked the area over and saw numerous vintage airplanes on display in the center of the room.
On the other walls were entrances to other rooms with different displays. One room included a souvenir shop where you could by hats, tee shirts and numerous aviation books.
“Are those planes bringing back old memories?” she asked him.
“A few,” he replied while he looked at some of the nearby planes.
“Great. Maybe I’ll finally hear about your experiences over in England,” she responded then placed her arm around his arm.
“Like I’ve told you before, I flew, the Germans shot at me, I came home. The end,” he told her.
“There has to be more to it than that, Uncle Jason,” she replied disappointed.
“That pretty much sums it up,” Jason replied while he looked over at the airplanes.
Robyn looked determined while she placed her arm and walked Jason over to the first airplane, which was a PT-17 Stearman Kaydet.
“I love the Stearman,” Robyn said while they walked around and admired the plane that was painted to its 1941 Navy color scheme.
“I learned how to fly in a Stearman during my Army flight training,” Jason said while he peeked into the rear cockpit. “I would sit in the back with the instructor in the front. He would talk to me using a rubber tube, called a gosport, connected to my helmet’s earflap. But that wasn’t a good way to communicate, so our instructors would use hand signals,” he said while he walked around the plane. “There’s nothing like flying in an open cockpit,” he added with a smile remembering those early Army Air Corp days.
Robyn smiled over him telling that bit of information.
“There, that didn’t hurt, did it? I had no idea you flew in a Stearman during your training.”
They walked around and admired the Stearman a few more times then Robyn walked Jason over to a P47 Thunderbolt.
Jason smiled while he walked around and admired the P47.
“The P47s would escort our B-17 bombers to Germany. They saved my butt numerous times from the German Messerschmitt’s,” he told her while he looked at the engine of the P47.
Robyn kissed Jason’s cheek. “You’re on a good roll,” she said with a warm smile.
“That’s about all there is, except for all the destruction our bombs did. But that’s nothing to brag about.”
Robyn walked Jason over to an Army L-4 Piper Cub.
They walked around and admired the olive green drab painted Cub.
“These were also called Grasshoppers and were used for observations or transporting supplies. And as you can tell, it’s just like the civilian J-3 Cub,” he told Robyn while they peeked inside the cockpit.
Robyn looked happy that Jason was finally opening up about World War two items. Then her eyes scanned the room and she saw the Bombers Room sign on the wall nearby. Then a curious feeling overcame Robyn when he glanced at the Bombers Room sign. “Let’s check out that Bombers Room,” she told Jason and grabbed his arm and walked him away from the L-4 plane.
Jason looked disinterested while Robyn escorted him over to the Bombers Room.
Robyn and Jason entered the Bombers Room and saw it was filled with various pieces of the insides of different bombers. There were consoles, seats, radios, bombardier equipment, etc, salvaged from World War II bombers.
Duke Ellington’s Take The A Train song started to play over the loud speakers.
Jason listed to that song and it brought back some happier memories of his time in World War II.
Robyn and Jason walked around and saw a display of 10 Norden bombsights salvaged from some B-17, B-24, and B-25 bombers.
They read the display board that provided information on which airplane the bombsights were installed, the names of the Bombardier’s, and when the plane crashed.
He walked Robyn and they walked over to part of a vertical stabilizer for a B-24 bomber called Hitler’s Worst Nightmare.
They walked down the maze and saw pieces of B-25 wings, B-17 landing gears, B-25 pilot and co-pilot’s seats, the console to a B-24 and numerous machines guns.
Robyn walked to the center of the maze where part of the Sweet Bird nose section was on display.
Robyn saw the faded and scratched nose art of a sexy female blonde cartoon under the “Sweet Bird” words.
“Sweet Bird, that’s a cute name, she said while Jason was nearby looking at some machines guns from a B-17.
Jason’s ears perked up when her heard Robyn.
“What did you say?” he curiously asked while he walked over to Robyn.
“I said, Sweet Bird is a cute name for a B-17,” she replied.
Jason looked and his jaw dropped in shock the second he saw the Sweet Bird display. “I don’t believe it! How can this be possible?” he said in disbelief while he hurriedly rushed around the piece of the nose section of the Sweet Bird.
Robyn looked a little puzzled with Jason’s behavior so she ran after him.
She followed Jason then he suddenly stopped at the display board where she almost slammed into his backside.
He looked stunned while he stared at the display board.
“What’s the matter?” she asked and looked concerned with his stunned look.
She looked at the display board and saw information about the B-17 called the Sweet Bird. Then her eyes widened in shock when she saw “1st Lt. Jason “Jay Jay” Jenkins listed as the Commander of the Sweet Bird.
“It’s you!” she cried out in excitement when she read his name again.
Jason just stared at the display board then he started to look upset.
Robyn saw him staring at another section of the board and she looked and her eyes widened when she saw the black and white photo of Jason and Cindy under the nose section of the Sweet Bird.
Robyn’s eyes lit up with joy at the sight of that picture. “Oh my God! It’s about you, Uncle Jason!” she cried out. Then she looked at the Sweet Bird display. “And that’s part of your B-17!” she added.
Jason shook his head in agreement while he glanced at the piece of the Sweet Bird.
Robyn touched his scar above his eye. “Did you get that scar from the crash?”
“That happened somewhere else,” he replied and started to get more and more upset.
While Jason stared at the nose section of the Sweet Bird, a few people nearby inched closer hoping to hear a real life war experience.
“I’m ready to go,” Jason said then he walked away upset.
Robyn stopped Jason by a bench close to the Sweet Bird display.
“What’s wrong?” Robyn asked with concern in her eyes.
“I only wanted to forget about that part of my life forever.”
While Robyn looked back at the old photo, more people inched closer in hopes of hearing a story.
“Damn it!” Jason said a little loud.
“Who’s the girl?” Robyn curiously asked.
Jason hesitated for a few seconds. “Someone I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. Then someone I’ve blocked out of my mind.”
“You were in love? I don’t believe it!”
“I’ve seen enough! Let’s go home,” he said.
Robyn pulled on his arm and sat him down on the bench.
“I had my heart broken once, then I met Jerry. You would have found another love,” she replied.
“Not after what this woman did,” he responded and looked madder.
On the overhead speakers, the Take The A Train song finished. Then Glenn Miller’s Moonlight Serenade song started.
That song caught Jason’s attention, and he stared back at the nose section of the Sweet Bird.
“Tell me what happened, please,” Robyn pleaded with Jason.
He looked back at the picture then back at Robyn’s pleading eyes.
Loud thunder was heard outside the museum while the storm approached the airfield.
“It’s thundering outside, so we’ll have to wait out the storm anyway,” Robyn told Jason.
Six people inched closer to Robyn and Jason hoping he would tell his story.
Jason looked back at Robyn’s pleading eyes and nodded in agreement. “I guess it all started back in October 1942. After I graduated from college, I decided to serve my country. So I enlisted in the Army Air Corp in hopes of becoming a pilot,” Jason started to tell his story.
There were now eight people that gathered near Robyn and Jason to listen to his story.
Chapter 4 – Broken Heart
Jason’s story about his World War II experience…
It was 1942, and Jason was a handsome 22-year-old and didn’t have his scar above his left eye. He lived in Glen Burnie, Maryland with his parents Wilma, 54 years old, Hank, 59 years old and sister Wendy, 16 years old in a row home. He just recently graduated from the University of Maryland in the spring of 1942 with a business degree.
Jason’s girlfriend was Peggy Moore, also 22 years old, and they had been dating since they were in 10th grade in high school.
They were inseparable during the summer of 1942 and spent numerous weekends at the shore at Ocean City, Maryland. They even started talking about plans on getting married the next year. Peggy even got Jason a job at her father’s plant called Moore’s Industries during the summer. This was the same plant that Jason’s father, Hank, had worked for the past 25 years, and she wanted Jason to spend his career at the same plant. Moore’s Industries assembled refrigerator and some other kitchen appliances, but there were rumors the plant might be assembling military equipment for the war effort.
But after the summer months passed, Jason was restless and bored and wanted some adventure. So Jason went down to the Army recruiting office and enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He had dreams of becoming a pilot, and the Army offered him that opportunity.
Of course Peggy hated the idea of him joining the service and going to war, but realized it was his civic duty.
Jason’s mom, Wilma was upset but Hank was proud that his son was going to serve his country. Wendy was upset but also proud of Jason for joining the Army.
Then in September 1942, Hank, Wilma, Wendy and Peggy took Jason to the Mount Royal train station in Baltimore.
After Hank, Wilma and Wendy said their good-byes to Jason, they walked away so Peggy and Jason could spend a few minutes alone.
Peggy’s eyes welled up while she placed her arm around Jason’s arm. “I’m going to miss you terribly,” she said while she wiped away some tears that ran down her cheek.
“I know, but this war will be over eventually and then we can move on with our lives,” Jason replied while he wiped away some of her tears.
“All aboard!” the conductor yelled from the train.
Peggy hugged Jason so tight that he wondered if he was going to have to take her with him.
“I have to go,” he said then pulled away from her grip.
She planted one last kiss on his lips then watched while Jason boarded on the train.
Inside the train, Jason sat by a window and watched while Wilma, Hank, Wendy and Peggy waved while the train pulled away from the station.
Jason completed his classification training and made it as a pilot.
He then went on to his pre-flight training at Maxwell Field in Alabama. This training taught him aeronautics, deflection shooting and how to think in three dimensions.
His next step was primary pilot training where he was taught basic flight in a PT-17 Stearman Kaydet.
After that, he went onto basic pilot training where Jason was taught how to fly in formation, flying by instruments, aerial navigation, flying at night then flying for long distances.
Jason’s next step was advanced pilot training where he received multi-engine training in the Cessna AT-17 Bobcat.
After completion of his advanced pilot training, Jason attended transition training for the B-17 bomber.
Meanwhile, Peggy went off to Nursing School in Baltimore while Jason was off playing Army.
Jason was now a 2nd Lieutenant, also humorously known as butter bars, in the Army Air Corps and was a changed man. During all this training, he got a taste of the party life and loved his time away from Glen Burnie. He even earned the nickname Jay Jay, as what all his Army buddies called him.
During the 38 weeks of training, Peggy wrote at least four letters a week where Jason initially wrote one a week then it drifted off to a letter once every two weeks.
It was now the middle of May 1943 and Jason took the train back to the Mount Royal station in Baltimore for some leave at home before heading off to England.
Wilma, and Wendy watched while the train pulled into the station that morning.
Jason stepped off the train in his Army Air Corp tunic uniform and duffel bag in hand.
He saw his mom, and sister on the platform and waved at them.
Wendy ran over to Jason and immediately hugged him. “I missed my big brother,” she said while she hugged him tight then kissed his cheek.
Wilma walked up to Jason.
Wilma’s eyes welled so happy to see her son again. “Welcome home son,” she said then hugged him. “Peggy’s back from nursing school and is going crazy waiting to see you. She’ll be over later this afternoon,” she added.
Jason looked disinterested at the thought of seeing Peggy again while they walk away from the train.
Wendy noticed and looked concerned while they walked out of the station and headed to the parking lot.
Later that afternoon, Jason sat on the front porch of his parent’s home. It was a nice row home but in dire need of a coat of paint.
The living room window was open and the radio played the Big Band song On The Sunny Side Of The Street. Wendy sat on the couch and did her homework while she listened to the music.
On the front porch, Peggy cuddled with Jason, still in his uniform, on the porch swing and listened to the radio. Jason sipped a bottle of Arrow beer while Peggy rested her head on his shoulder. “But Jason my darling, I’ve been waiting for our wedding since I was 16 years old. After all, you proposed and I remembered how your mom had tears of joy,” she said with sadness in her eyes.
From inside the living room, Wendy looked up from her homework, as their conservation was more interesting than geometry.
Jason felt a little bad while the swung on the porch. “I know Peggy, but since I’ll be in combat, I thought we should wait,” he replied but deep down inside, he had second thoughts.
Jason took a swig of beer while Peggy pouted with her arms crossed.
“Why would anybody want to fly an airplane? And your aviation business idea is also stupid,” she said with pouty lips.
From inside the living room, Wendy rolled her eyes, as she really didn’t care very much for Peggy.
“Are you kidding? There’s nothing like soaring in the sky like a bird,” he replied and sipped on his beer.
“Okay, but no more flying after we’re married,” she said with serious eyes.
Jason felt trapped while he took another swig of beer. Peggy snatched the beer out of his hand and placed it down on porch. “I don’t want you becoming a drunk like Uncle Harvey.”
Jason looked irritated with Peggy controlling his life.
“Anyway, I have good news. Dad wants me to be the plant nurse, but I’ve decided that while you’re flapping your wings in England, I’m going to be in Army Nurses Corps.”
Jason looked surprised with her news then he smiled.
“I think it’s great you’re serving our country.”
Peggy got a smirk, as she had something up her sleeve.
Hank Jenkins walked up the walkway to their house with his lunch pale that swung with the rhythm to his legs. He was dressed in dirty work coveralls and looked exhausted from hard day’s work at the plant. He walked down to the bus stop every morning and took the bus to work since he couldn’t afford a car.
Hank walked up on the porch and his eyes lit up with joy the second he saw Jason on the porch swing. He immediately snapped to attention and saluted Jason to show he was proud. “Welcome home, son!”
Jason got off the swing, walked over to Hank and they hugged.
Hank saw Peggy on the swing. “How’s my future daughter in-law?”
“Fine, Mister Jenkins. How was work at the plant?” she replied while she got up off the swing.
“We’re busy making more engine parts made for the airplanes that our brave pilots fly,” he responded while he patted Jason on his shoulder.
Peggy walked over to them. “I better get home.”
Peggy gave Jason a kiss on his cheek. “I love you,” she said to him.
Peggy and Hank waited for a response.
“I love you,” he replied with a little reluctance.
Peggy smiled then she walked off the porch.
Hank and Jason watched while Peggy walked down their walkway and headed to the sidewalk.
Hank cringed in pain and placed a hand on his back for support.
Jason noticed and looked concerned. “Get some rest, dad.”
“I can’t. I’m working the grave yard shift,” he replied.
“Slow down. You’re killing yourself,” Jason responded and looked concerned.
“I can’t. I still have to pay back that loan for your college tuition,” he responded.
Jason looked guilty for his dad working so hard for his college. He placed an arm around his shoulder and walked him to the front screen door.
“Besides, mom wants to eat out at a restaurant to celebrate you coming home,” Hank responded while he opened the screen door.
Jason felt even guiltier while they went inside the living room.
Later that night, Jason walked arm in arm with Wendy while Hank and Wilma walked behind them.
They walked down a sidewalk and headed home from a nice dinner at the local diner.
“Dad, you didn’t have to spend your hard earned money at the diner on my account,” Jason said.
“Don’t worry about it. I saved some of the money you’ve been sending us. So in reality, dinner’s on you,” Hank replied with a warm smile.
They walked by a nice Victorian home with a wrap around porch. A “For Sale” sign was out front and Jason’s mom eyes lit up when she saw it. “The Whitson home is for sale,” Wilma said while she drooled over the thought of owning that home.
“Oh, before I forget Jason, Mister Moore wants to see you tomorrow,” Hank told Jason while they walked down the sidewalk.
Jason frowned at that thought of seeing Peggy’s father and Wendy noticed.
They walked farther down the sidewalk with Wilma taking an occasional glance back at the Victorian home.
It was later that night and Jason’s neighborhood was quiet.
Jason sat on the front porch swing and he was in deep thought while he sipped on his a beer.