Joe arrived early. Naomi had answered and suggested a café she knew Joe would find with little difficulty. As he waited, memories flooded in and out. The present seemed unreal. Was he really going to meet Naomi again – see her and talk with her without other people all around?
The present became real as she walked toward the table. He rose. How to greet her?
She took the initiative as she squeezed his hand firmly.
“Nae, you look great!” He spoke automatically.
“So do you, Joe,” she answered.
As he looked into her face – still a beautiful face – he could not but notice how thin and drawn it had become. And the big purple eyes – where had the light gone?
Short, polite conversation followed; Naomi’s work, Joe’s family.
Suddenly, Joe spoke out. “Sorry Nae – if I don’t talk now I may not be able to later. I want you to hear from me – I’ve joined the army as a chaplain – will be going to Vietnam shortly.”
Taken aback, Naomi answered, “Joe, why? It could be dangerous!” Then gaining control, she added quietly, “If that’s your decision I hope it will be…” She stopped as though seeking the right word. Then added, “I hope you will be safe and that it will be a fulfilling decision.”
Further discussion was interrupted as the waiter took their order.
Silence followed until Joe enquired, “How’s school going, Nae?”
“Great,” she smiled back. He was aware of a hesitation – is there something she is going to tell me – before she continued, “It is a great school and we’re making plans for the future.”
“Great!” he answered, then became aware of the repetition.
Their coffee was served. They drank in silence.
Eventually Joe could stand it no longer. He reached across the table and took her hand.
She flinched.
“Nae, don’t worry. I just want to talk to you. Life without you in the last couple of years has been…” he hesitated, “hell – yes, hell – especially in the early days. I longed for you. Over time that has eased. But I still love you – even more if that’s possible. I’m no longer desperate but I do love you very deeply. In case I don’t return from Vietnam, I needed to see you again. Just to see you and wish you happiness.”
She was now holding his hand in both of hers. Her eyes were misty.
“Joe,” she whispered. “It has been the same for me. Part of me had hoped it was all over for you and you were not hurting as I was. But part of me was hoping you returned my love. Thank you for today.” Tears were now falling.
They squeezed hands across the table and laughed through tears. Once again there is light in her eyes, Joe noticed. Once again there is joy in his smile, Naomi noticed.
“Let’s get out of here,” Joe whispered as he stood and took her arm.
Arm in arm, they walked through the park, with so much to say, so little time left in which to say it. Now and then they stopped to look at each other – looks that relayed everything.
Eventually, Joe whispered, “Nae – I’ll have to catch a taxi – my plane leaves in little over an hour. But,” he added, “we are going to keep in touch. Today has given me new hope in life. When I get back, we are going to work something out – at least days like today to be together. The Church cannot deny us that.”
“No, it can’t,” she agreed. “Thank you for everything, Joe. You have no idea how today has given me new life. I do love you.”
He pulled her to him. She pressed close as they kissed passionately.
A taxi pulled up. As he jumped in he turned to her, “Au revoir, my darling Nae. Will see you soon. God bless you. Love you.”
“Love you too. God bless and keep you safe,” she whispered as the taxi sped into the distance.
Should I have told him, she asked herself. No, she decided. These few hours were ours to be happy, not to dwell on the pain of the future. Naomi had received the news a month previously – she had terminal cervical cancer. She had decided to remain in her school position for the couple of months remaining that year. Next year, she had been warned, would be her last. How the disease would affect her was unknown, but life would fade sometime in the near future. Nothing could give her hope for the future. But today had given her joy – wonderful joy in knowing that the man she so deeply loved returned her deep love. She knew now that she would keep in constant contact with him. When the time came – well, she hoped she’d know when the time came – she would tell him. For now, she told herself, he really does love me.