After stopping for lunch, they arrived in Columbus around four Sunday afternoon. Driving up to their apartment building, a young woman with disheveled hair, a very short skirt, and a skimpy blouse showing expansive cleavage skipped out of Kyle’s apartment. She turned and blew him a kiss. “Call me soon.”

“Sure thing!” Kyle yelled back as he stepped out his door. He turned and saw the girls. Three sets of eyes stared at him. Jorden could see a deep flush rise up from his neck to his face.

Obviously furious, Emma Lynn bolted out of the car. “Who was that? Your sister?”

The young woman leaned over to open her car door. When she heard Emma Lynn’s voice, she stopped in her tracks, turned around and simply simpered, “Honey—you can be sure I ain’t his sister!” The woman chuckled. She slid into her car, tossed her head back and revved the engine.

Emma Lynn stormed up to the front landing. “How dare you! I’m gone just two nights and you’re out with whatever comes along. I hate you!”

“Emma Lynn!” Kyle reached for her. “Settle down please. I can explain.”

“I bet you can. Don’t touch me!” Emma Lynn shook with tears running down her face. After a moment she allowed Kyle to lead her into his apartment. Jorden didn’t see Emma Lynn until the next morning.

Things changed after Sunday night. At first, Emma Lynn and Kyle seemed reconciled. He still came to the apartment each night for the next week—then suddenly he disappeared. Jorden couldn’t believe her eyes when she watched Kyle move his things out of the apartment below them, and another young soldier moved in. Emma Lynn was off doing errands when Kyle departed.

Emma Lynn was crushed when she heard Kyle had left. If Jorden hadn’t known her so well, she might not have noticed the huge difference. Emma Lynn maintained appearances and never was late for work. If anything, she put more time into teaching and school activities. But, underneath Jorden could tell her emotions were raw with sorrow. Darby and Jorden did their best to help her. Over time, Jorden knew Emma Lynn would bounce back.

Chapter 51: March 1970

Chapter 51

March 1970

“What are these rumors I’m hearing? Chip said Kyle moved out. Is it true?” Matt looked out the window. “I see Kyle’s car isn’t here. What’s going on?”

“It’s true. Kyle moved out; Emma Lynn’s devastated. He gave her no warning—kinda like you did to me after Christmas.” Jorden raised her eyebrows at Matt.

“What are you talking about? You’re the one who’s going to desert me. I’m going off to war, and you’re ditching your escort.”

“You’re awful! You know perfectly well I’m getting married. You will be gone before then and will have forgotten me.”