The Constant Heart is the story of Nancy Miller. Follow this attractive; popular; bright effervescent young lady as she experiences love in the strict social mores of the 40's and 50's. Endure the pressures imposed on her; revel in her successes in overcoming adversities; share her joys in trusting God in all things and feel her satisfaction in making prudent decisions.

The Constant Heart

Through the years the human heart remains receptive to love By M. Aline Bethke

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2012 M. Aline Bethke
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4772-4007-6

Chapter One

"Love looks not with the eyes, but with the heart" author unknown

It all began in high school biology class. She noticed a cute boy sitting two rows behind her. She would smile making direct eye contact when papers were passed back or forth. He always replied to her attention with a most enticing wink. Such simple gestures seemed to convey mutual feelings of attraction After a week of such flirting, he came up behind her as they were leaving class and asked," May I walk with you to your next class, Nancy?" Those words were to set her life on a new, uncharted course.

As he reached to take the textbooks she carried he said, "You're going to Latin in 105." It was more a statement than a question.

"Yes, I am. How did you know, Joe?"

"I've been tailing you all week to see where you go."

"I'm very flattered. You're a real gentleman for carrying my books. Thanks." Add this to his being handsome and charming," she thought." I see you on the soccer field while I'm at field hockey practice."

"I've noticed you playing center half—back. You're all over the field. You're a really good hockey player."

"Thanks for the compliment. I like the position because you play both offense and defense," she replied.

"Now that I know you're watching me at soccer practice, I'll play harder to impress both you and the coach. Several guys from my neighborhood are on the team. We've played together for four years and get along well."

"We're at my class already. Mrs. Peterson frowns on her students "lolly-gagging" in the hallway. She expects us to be in our seats reviewing the translation for the day. Joe, where's your fourth period class?"

"I have mechanical drawing with Mr. Davis. See you tomorrow." He handed her the books and was gone in a rush.

Knowing the traffic pattern in the hallways and the class location, she knew he'd likely be tardy. She mentioned this the next day. "I feel badly that you risk a tardy so you can walk with me."

"Don't worry. You are worth it." His sweet reply touched her.

Nancy did a mental calculation of why she was attracted to Joe. He was very handsome with blonde curly hair, vivid blue eyes, a winsome smile, and a flirting wink. He had good manners and was soft spoken. He listened very attentively. This new relationship was looking especially nice with real possibilities of continuing on a steady basis.

Nancy and Joe continued meeting in the hallway following third period class and enjoying a short five minute time together. He asked for her phone number and started calling her at seven o'clock every evening. It became an anticipated time of exchanging events of the day, special thoughts, family news and plans for the upcoming weekend. This telephone time was limited to ten minutes. Nancy's Dad was a mortician and the line had to be available for business calls. Since Joe was calling from his job at a gas station, conversations were sometimes cut short when a customer drove in. The attendant was expected to give full service, which included more than merely pumping gas for the patron. Service included washing the windshield, checking the tire pressure and raising the hood to look at the oil level in the oil pan and the water level in the radiator.

It was on a Friday morning as Joe was walking her to class that he leaned close to her and asked, "Will you be at the canteen tomorrow night?"

Nancy had never seen Joe there and figured it must be his first time. "Will you be coming?"

"Yes. I'll be waiting for you in the tunnel leading into the gym."

The Saturday night canteen was a popular place. The darkened gym allowed the guys and girls to dance closely and to hold hands between dances without the watchful eyes of teachers and proctors. There was recorded music with slow and jitterbug numbers. This Saturday she would have someone as a steady partner. She knew Joe would be a great dancer and she'd be the envy of all the wallflowers.

Preparation for Saturday evening began at six o'clock when she got home from working as a salesgirl at Sears, Roebuck and Company. After shampooing her hair, she would sit under the 150 watt bulb of the floor lamp so the warmth could dry her hair. This gave time for consideration of what she would wear. Her green sweater with short sleeves would go well with her full, plaid skirt. flat shoes with leather soles for dancing would complete her outfit. The anticipation of the best canteen ever with a great guy had her "walking on air."

There he was as promised standing at the entrance to the gym tunnel wearing a wide grin. His blue eyes sparkled with his greeting of "Hi beautiful." That special greeting would be his salutation each time they met and would one day be a treasured memory. He fell in step along side her, lacing his fingers through hers. "I've been looking forward to this evening with you."

"The hands on the clock never seemed to move. I thought quitting time would never come," she replied adding her radiant smile.

Joe was light on his feet and led her smoothly across the dance floor. Before long they were dancing cheek to cheek enjoying the closeness of their bodies as they moved in rhythm with the music. The slow dances went well and she wondered how the jitterbugging would work. Not to worry. He put such excellent moves into the dance that in a few minutes time, the other kids had formed a circle around them watching them move perfectly to the music. Any fears she had of following his lead vanished with the pure joy of the dancing experience.

"I'm having an absolutely wonderful time, Joe. Hands down you're the best dancer in the whole school. You've spoiled me now that I've danced with you. No other partner could measure up to you."

"Thanks for the compliments. You always have nice things to say. You're a great dancer yourself. It's fun to have you as my partner."

They enjoyed every dance together and all too soon "Good Night Sweetheart "was playing, signaling the end of the canteen. Looking directly into her eyes he asked, "May I walk you home?"

Returning his gaze she replied, "I'd be very disappointed if you didn't"

They held hands as they walked the three blocks to her house finding that conversation came easily. "This was the best canteen ever. I've had a great time with you. Let's do this again next Saturday, Nancy."

"I'd love to, Joe."

By the time they reached her front door, the bus was already approaching just a couple of blocks away. A quick peck on the cheek and a squeeze of her hand was all he could manage before dashing across the street to catch his ride home. This was the first leg of the bus ride across town. He'd have to make a connection in the center of Trenton. If he missed the last bus at eleven o'clock he would have a long walk of at least sixteen blocks. This night the connection worked ending an evening of memories on a high note.

Nancy's face glowed with a radiance that indicated to her Mother she'd had an exceptional time at the canteen. "Obviously something special happened tonight."

"Oh, Mom I had the most glorious time! A guy named Joe from my biology class met me at the canteen, we danced every number together and he walked me home."

"Why didn't he come in to meet your Father and me? You know we want to meet your friends."

"His bus was coming and he had to make a connection at State and Broad."

Without hesitation her Mother did a mental calculation. "This means he lives on the east side of the township where all the factories are." Her Mother had a fault in being very class conscious. They lived on South Broad Street where their neighbors were all professional people mostly doctors and lawyers. This was a hint that her Mother would disapprove of Joe based on the socio-economic status of his family.

Ignoring her Mother's comment, Nancy continued, "Joe's really very nice. I had a great time dancing with him. You ought to see him jitterbug!"

"I don't like you dating just one boy, especially one from east Trenton. You should continue to see lots of boys and have lots of dating experiences."

"Let's see how this friendship progresses. I like him a lot, he's easy to talk to, and I enjoy his company. He has a way of making me feel very special. I want you to trust my judgment, Mom."

Nancy was the youngest of three siblings. Her brother Charles was three years older than she. It was exceedingly obvious to Nancy and her sister Betty from an early age that Charles was the favored child. For example, when he turned seven a new two wheel bicycle was purchased for him at the Good Year store. As he outgrew his bike he was taken to the same store to select a new one. Betty and Nancy assumed they would get new bikes, too. That never happened. The bikes they had to ride were his old ones complete with the cross bar. There was no use in fretting over this situation because the parents would never change.

Betty was two years older than Nancy. She was chubby and shy. She preferred to be a follower and let others take the lead, while Nancy was straight forward and bold. Betty displayed the behavior of a young lady, while Nancy was an outrageous "Tom boy." Betty would say, "I'm going to tell Mom" if Nancy did something she thought was out of line for a girl. For example Nancy had no fear in taking a raft the neighborhood boys had made out into the pond. It was a haphazard arrangement of saplings tethered together with twine. Betty felt certain the raft would sink. Nancy considered it "fun ...

Nancy and Joe fell into the pattern of meeting at the canteen every Saturday night. They enjoyed each other's company dancing every dance together. Conversation was relaxed and easy. They looked forward to sharing experiences and talking on all kinds of subjects. The dancing was wonderful and they became fast friends. She turned down all other requests for dates. Word spread quickly around school that they were spending time together to the exclusion of everyone else. Joe became her confidant. She could open her heart and mind to him. She could share feelings and thoughts knowing he would keep her confidences. Nancy was happy and excited to have Joe as her boyfriend. In the vernacular of the 1950's, Joe was "cool." Charming, attentive and "cool"—what a dynamic combination to cause a sixteen year old girl to fall in love!

It was the first week of April and the girls were all hoping to be asked to the Spring Prom. It was on her birthday, April seventh, that Joe posed the question she was hoping to hear.

"Will you go to the Spring Prom with me?"

There was no hesitation in her joyful acceptance, "Yes, yes, yes!!!" She threw her arms around his neck with such exuberance he was nearly thrown off balance.

"I should be the one jumping for joy. I'll be taking the nicest, most beautiful girl in the whole school to the prom."

Nancy was regarded as the most popular girl in the sophomore class. She had been voted by her classmates as "class queen" on Sophomore Day. She had been elected class secretary-treasurer. This was the only office open to a female. The offices of class president and vice-president could only be held by males. This was sexual discrimination in its highest form, but an accepted condition in the year 1949.

Some girls were popular with the boys because "they would go all the way" giving their bodies freely in the height of passion. This was not so with Nancy. She was known as a "nice girl." She intended to keep her reputation clean and unblemished. There was a fine line between showing emotion and giving in to heightened passion. She was determined to keep her body pure and undefiled for her wedding night. She had a nice body, well-proportioned with curves in all the right places.

Her snowy reputation, her sparkling brown eyes flecked with green, her captivating smile, her ability on the hockey field and basketball court, and her gregarious personality contributed to her popularity. Her friends, her teachers and her family knew she was destined for success.

Nancy and her Mom were cleaning up the kitchen after supper. This gave them a chance to talk privately. "I got a wonderful birthday present today. Joe asked me to be his date for the Spring Prom." Her joy overflowed in her beaming smile. In fact she found herself unable to stop smiling.

Her Mother dampened her joy with the question, "What will you wear?"

"I was thinking you and I could sew a gown on the Singer. Can we look at fabric on our lunch break, Saturday?" Nancy and her Mother both worked as salesladies in Sears.

Nancy was on the "flying squad" working wherever the store needed her, while her Mother sold" intimate apparel" for women. In other words, she sold bras, girdles, panties, slips and nightgowns.

"Nevius-Voorhees store carries a nice selection of materials for prom gowns. We'll go there," her Mother decided. Nancy was elated to be shopping in the finest store in town. Her Mother was making a special exception and stretching the budget to shop there.

Nancy had a wise and trusted friend in Mrs. Papparella, the friendly Italian lady who lived next door. They frequently had mutually enjoyable chats over the fence. They had felt an instant connection when Nancy volunteered to plant and tend a flower bed for this neighbor. Nancy had made the garden come alive with vibrant colors of red, gold, and pink from the plantings of zinnias, marigolds, and sweet williams. While Nancy tended to the garden, "Mrs. Pappy," as she was affectionately called, sat on the porch steps. They had animated conversations about what was happening with Nancy at school, in sports, and even with boyfriends. The topic of the Spring Prom came up and Nancy shared the plan to sew a gown. This affable friend had a daughter named Helen away at college. She attended an upscale finishing school and needed fancy dresses for the many social events.

"There are several gowns in Helen's closet that would fit you. Let's have you try on some of them."

It was difficult to decide on one from the many pretty gowns. Nancy was especially entranced by a white organdy gown with beautifully embroidered layers. A wide band of pink ribbon encircled the waist. She felt like a princess wearing such a magnificent creation. The bodice hugged her trim midriff. Puffed sleeves and a sweetheart cut neckline accented her lovely shoulders. The layers of embroidered organdy cascaded over a full skirt. No princess had ever looked more beautiful! "I'd so appreciate borrowing it. I'll be very careful with it," Nancy assured her friend.

"There's no borrowing involved. It's yours as a gift."

"Really?" Nancy was overwhelmed by her generosity and love "Thank you, thank you," she bubbled as she drew Mrs. Pappy into a warm hug.

With her feet barely touching the ground, she bounded home with this, the most wonderful of gifts. "Mom, look at what Mrs. Pappy gave me!"

"It's very pretty, but I'm not sure your Father will allow you to keep it."

"Why would Dad object?

"He'd feel like you were accepting charity when he should be buying you a prom gown."

Much to Mom's chagrin, Dad was happy for Nancy and added, "You'll be the prettiest girl at the dance." Nancy knew her Mom well and noted that she often deferred decisions to Dad, so he'd be the "fall guy."

The gown was hung over the closet door so it wouldn't get crushed in the small bedroom closet. There she could admire it and dream of the prom.

She was sitting by the phone waiting for Joe's call. The joy of the occasion was enhanced by being able to share news of this gift with him. "Oh Joe, the most wonderful thing has happened" and the words tumbled out in one elongated breath.

"I'm really happy for you, beautiful. You'll look magnificent in that dress with your pretty dark hair. What kind of corsage shall I get to go with your gown?"

"Pink and white carnations with a bit of baby's breath would look real nice." She could have suggested roses, but she knew they would be more expensive." I'd really like it as a wrist corsage so the flowers won't get crushed when we slow dance close together. "Oh Joe, I can't wait to go to the prom with you."

"I have never been this excited about a dance before. It must be because Nancy Miller, the prettiest and most popular girl in the school, will be my date and she will be dancing in my arms."

"Thank you Joe. You always know the right thing to say to flatter a girl. I can't wait to be in your arms."

"I would like to bring you to my house before the dance so my folks can meet you and see how lovely you are both on the inside and outside."

"That's a wonderful idea. I would enjoy meeting them."

After what seemed like eons of time in anticipation, the first Saturday in May finally arrived. Nancy opened the door to Joe's exclamation of "Wow! You're even more beautiful, beautiful!"

"You look very handsome in your white jacket and black slacks." The dress attire hung well on his athletic body. She planted a soft kiss on his cheek in admiration. Thus began an evening to be remembered.

They double dated with Roy, a friend from Joe's neighborhood and his girl Lois because Joe would not get his driver's license for a couple of months. Riding in the back seat gave them a chance for privacy to exchange a few tender kisses and warm hugs.

(Continues...)

Excerpted from The Constant Heartby M. Aline Bethke Copyright © 2012 by M. Aline Bethke. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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