Standing on the railroad platform, Vicki was terrified. She held tightly onto Aaron's arm, dreading what was next. Here in a small southern Pennsylvania town, she would be meeting Aaron's parents, Thomas and Edna Williams and his sister, Casey, for the first time. She who had met European elite as Robin's wife now trembled as she waited.
Aaron and she got married less than a month ago. He promised he would when the war ended and he kept his word. They waited until the end of June as the Army wanted a little more from him. He had enough points so it wasn't a problem plus it was easy to get the right papers when you knew the right people. It was a small ceremony in front of the local justice of the peace with her mother and Major Scovill as witnesses. Aaron booked passage on a small liner and they left England bound for New York City and then on to Pennsylvania. The voyage was smooth and quick with the only problem being Vicki starting each morning seasick. As the day wore on she felt better but then the next morning she awoke feeling queasy.
Aaron didn't allow her any time to be sick once they reached New York. It was a whirlwind of events. He took her to all the places including The Statue of Liberty, the top of the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Central Park. He even arraigned two tickets to see the hit Broadway show Carousel and the second night to have dinner at one of New York's hottest night clubs. As they returned to their room they were exhausted but never too tired to make love.
It was obvious to anyone who cared to see, Aaron and Vicki were deeply in love. Both were enjoying each other whether making love, walking the streets of NYC, or in the middle of a crowded nightclub. Aaron felt for the first time in his life he had focus. Vicki had found what she always wanted, real love.
"So what do you think of America?" Aaron asked Vicki as their train traveled across New Jersey and into to Pennsylvania.
"It is much more than I dreamed of," she replied. "It's bigger, brighter, and life is definitely faster. I'm a little overwhelmed."
"I'm sorry," he said putting his arm around her. "I'm afraid we did quite a lot since we arrived. Things will begin to slow down real soon, as soon as we get home. I promise. Are you feeling OK?"
"Just a little tired." Vicki stretched in her seat. "And a little nervous."
"Don't be. Everything will work out fine. You'll see."
Vicki was more than a little nervous. She hoped to make a good impression and was pretty sure she would. But what if she didn't? They hadn't seen their son in three years and now he returns with a wife, a foreigner, and an older woman. So many things could go wrong. Her stomach already unsteady gave another flip.
So here they were, stepping down from the train. The moment she dreaded was here. They looked around. "They should be here," Aaron said. "I wired them what train."
"Uncle A!" a young boy shouted running towards them.
"Hey Rocky!"
The boy threw his arms around Aaron's waist. "Am I glad to see you. How was it? Wow! A major! Did you bring back any souvenirs?"
"Hey, slow down. I want you met somebody." Aaron held the boy's hand. "Vicki, this Rocky, er Walter, my cousin. Walter this is Vicki, my wife."
"Pleased to meet, ma'am. You can call me Rocky. Everybody does." He held out his hand.
Vicki took it. "Pleased to meet you, Rocky. You may call me Vicki."
Rocky looked at Aaron. "She talks funny. Come on let's go." He began to pull Aaron along.
"Whoa, Slow down, Sport."
Together they walked rather quickly down the platform. Standing there, waiting for their son and his new wife were the Williams. Vicki grasped Aaron's arm tighter and she took a deep breath.
There was a brief moment when everyone stood and looked at each other. Then his sister Casey threw her arms around his neck. "I'm so glad you're safe!" She stepped back, embarrassed, tears running down her cheeks.
Aaron's dad was next. Vicki could see where Aaron got his looks and height. He extended his hand. "Son," he said with the look of pride. Aaron took it firmly. "Dad."
Finally there was his mother. Edna Williams was standing there, dressed in her Sunday best. She was a stout woman with her gray flecked hair pulled back in a bun, and steel rimmed glasses. Even though her eyes were filled with tears, you could see by the lines around them that she was a woman who enjoyed life. Her smile at this time said it all as she looked at her son. She was bursting with joy.
"Mother." Aaron put his arms around her and hugged. She held him tight then like her daughter, she seemed embarrassed by this public display. She let him go.
Now was the moment Vicki had gotten herself ready for. She tensed up, waiting.
"Mom, Dad, Casey," Aaron began. He had thought over just what he was going to say. "This is Vicki, my bride, my love." Turning to Vicki, he said, "Vicki, this is my family."
Vicki nodded and smiled. "Pleased to meet you. Aaron has told me so much about you. I feel I already know you."
Mom looked her over and smiled. Holding her arms wide, she said, "Welcome to the family!" With that she pulled Vicki close and gave her a big hug. That simple move seemed to break the tenseness. Everyone began talking at once, laughing, patting Aaron the back, and shaking Vicki's hand.
"Son," Dad said. "Let's go see about those bags. We'll meet them at the car."
As they walked down the platform and out of earshot, Aaron asked, "Well, what do think about her, Dad."
His father looked back over his shoulder. He could see the three women talking. "I think she'll do," he laughed, "but you know who really matters."
Aaron looked back. "What do you think Mom will think?"
"Personally, I think you have nothing to worry about. From what you wrote us about Vicki, I think she'll fit right in."
The ride home went quickly. Vicki, Aaron, and Casey squeezed into the back of the '37 Ford. Rocky sat up front between Mom and Dad but kept turning around, asking a ton of questions. Aaron let him wear his hat and the boy loved it.
"I hope you don't mind, son, but a few people are at the house," his mom said as they entered the driveway.
A few! It seemed like half the town was there. Family, friends, and more were there to greet them. "Mother, I thought I said we just wanted a quiet time,"
"Well, son," Dad said, "Its not often that we get a real hero coming home."
As the car stopped, the people gathered around the car. When Aaron stepped out, they began to pat him on the back and escort him away from the car. It seemed everyone wanted to greet him, to say welcomed back. He turned and attempted to go to the car to get Vicki but there were too many. He vanished into the crowd.
Vicki sat alone in the back seat not sure what to do. A voice calmly called her. It was Aaron's mother. "Come, my dear," she said. "I'll introduce you to everyone. You must be starved."
Mrs. Williams took Vicki by the arm and brought her around. To everyone they met, she introduced her as my new daughter-in-law. She never left Vicki's side as they walked. The more people they met, the more relaxed Vicki became. She also realized her new mother-in-law was doing all she could to make it easier for her.
She was amazed at the food that was available. There was cole slaw and potato salad; sliced turkey and smoked ham; apple and blueberry pies spread out on large wooden table. To drink there was homemade wine and potent applejack.
"Fill your plate, dear."
Vicki hadn't seen this much food in four years. She stood looking not sure where to start.
"All the food is local, from our gardens or the nearby farmers." Mom explained. "Sugar is hard to get but we get by." She put her arm around Vicki's waist. "My, you are skin and bones. We'll take care of that."
