85This is it. The final chapter. So, I hope you enjoy this final chapter as much as I enjoyed writing this story.
Don't worry; I'll have an emotional thank you at the end! xD
EPILOUGE- Chapter Forty: Happily Ever After
The golden knocker clapped against the heavy oak door. Essie wrung her fingers together, nervous to discover her family's reaction to her appearance. It was a grand surprise; they didn't know their missed daughter or sister was coming home.
Floyd placed a reassuring hand on her back as light footsteps were heard from within. Essie took a deep breath, sending her heart to flutter. For a split second she remembered the days when she would pull a 'trick' on her parents and attempt to smuggle candy from her own house on Halloween. Now she was 20 years old, her father was dead; she had lived through a war, and was engaged.
Grace Fusillade's eyes were lifeless as they peeked through the slight crack in the door. Father's death had clearly broken her. Esther was speechless and settled for flashing her most brilliant smile. She heard Tab back up, allowing the broken mother and daughter to reunite.
"Oh my God…" she breathed, covering her trembling hand over her aged lips. Essie felt tears of pure bliss blur her vision. Home.
She outstretched her hands, "Mama." The frail woman fell to her wobbly knees, holding her hands to her eyes.
"Esther... I-I thought you were dead." Floyd rushed to her aid, easily lifting her to her feet. "W-when I didn't get any letters… and I heard on the news that the 101st ran into dire trouble in Bastonge…"
"Mama," she let out a gasp. "I'm home." Grace gestured for them to come in, and Talbert slipped off his boots. Essie gently shook her head, letting the sweet soldier know they weren't that kind of family.
Pulling themselves together, the mother and child embraced tightly, sobbing into each other's neck. Talbert shyly occupied himself, taking a fake and unusual interest in a vase.
"And, who is this fine young man?" Grace sweetly smiled her normal smile.
Esther straightened out her yellow calico sundress, her face beaming as she watched his brows furrow. "This, mama, is Floyd Talbert… my fiancée."
Floyd politely offered his right hand, "I cannot express how good it is to finally meet you, ma'am." He fumbled for words, realizing what Essie had finished the introduction with. "I should have asked your permission for her hand, since Charles had passed."
Grace pretended to be gruff and playfully lowered her voice, "You seem okay. I guess."
"Mama!" Essie giggled, seeing Tab's shocked face. He wasn't used to the family yet.
She calmly hugged him, speaking lovingly into his neck, "Thank you for protecting my daughter." The air became serious as Tab nodded, knowing that she sincerely meant what she said.
"Believe me, it was my pleasure. Though, as I'm sure you know, she is a feisty one." He noticed his bride-to-be's mouth fly open, so he winked. "But, I have to admit I love her for it."
Mama let out a hearty laugh, clapping her hands together, "I've just made lunch for Dixie and I. I'll go make some extra chowder, babes."
She turned to go to her favorite work, but a deep question pressed on Essie, "Mama, where is that baby sister of mine?"
Grace opened her mouth to reply, but her words were interrupted. "ESTHER!"
A faintly familiar voice boomed down the hall. Her once small voice had matured tremendously. The fresh teenager skidded around the wall, her golden locks flowing behind her with her speed.
She threw herself forcefully into her sister's body, making Essie go 'oomph'. She laughed as she saw Dixie head now nearly reached hers. It finally struck her that her baby sister was finally in her arms, and she now always would be. They embraced each other a little tighter until Dixie popped her mischievous head to one side.
"Is this that Talbert you always fondly wrote about?" A smile played on Dixie's young lips as she saw Esther's cheek burn red. Mother was gone and unable to scold the girl.
"Dixie!" she begged for her to be quiet through uneasily clenched teeth.
A sharp elbow met Essie's embarrassed side, "Hey, he's pretty handsome. You done good, Es!" Floyd let out a hearty laugh seeing her beet red face. His childish side emerged as he hastily grabbed Dixie and held her high in the air.
His words laughed up at her dangling face, "Now you listen to me, sis… no teasing your older sister- that's her job!" He winked up at her, making the sassy girl blush.
"Give her back, I missed the girl!" Dixie squealing as Tab swung her light frame back and forth once more. Essie could see in his blue eyes he wanted to be a father.
"Soup's on!" Grace sweetly called into the lobby, the smell of her famous Nebraskan cornbread wafting into each of their noses. Dixie pattered away excitedly as Essie looped her arm into Tab's.
"One thing you'll learn about us is we are excellent cooks," she patted his sleeve. "Of course, I wasn't able to express this gift in the middle of World War Two…"
The kitchen was as bright and lively as she remembered. The cream sink was filled with suds, a pile of used matched neighboring their trusty stove. The refrigerator had many family pictures, and her father's obituary. Her eyes wide with glee, she only hoped she could have a home as lovely as this one.
Floyd politely pulled out a seat for Grace as she sat down the steaming pot of broccoli. Once he saw she was safely seated, he went over to help Essie. He kissed her cheek as she sat down into the worn wooden chair.
"Ew!" Dixie playfully shielded her eyes, so Esther stuck her tongue out.
Ma smirked, "Now, girls!" Tab let out a hearty laugh, searching for a place to sit. They all looked up at him, and only Grace understood his situation.
"You may sit in Charles' seat, Floyd dear."
He proudly smiled, pulled the seat by the backing, "An honor, I'm sure."
The family all sat in silence, remembering the man that had made Essie the fighter she was. It was for her proud father that she joined the Airborne, he had always taught her to love and fight for her country. A deep breath swept across them all, and they folded their hands to say grace.
Dixie's small voice sweetly cooed spoke, "Lord, thank you so much for bringing my brave sister home, alive. Thank you for bringing Floyd Talbert into our family, and please help us remember our beloved father and husband. We thank you for this food. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen."
"Amen," they quietly whispered, opening their eyes. Esther was now overcome with emotions and grabbed Dixie's small and delicate hands.
"Your prayers have improved, Dix! Compared to 'Lord, give me a pony!'." Esther winked at her, and she let out a giggle.
Dixie wriggled in her seat, "Esther, your hands are so rough now."
Inside she felt like she could cry, but attempted to make a joke, "Still want to join the Army? 'Cause this is the result, baby sis."
She spooned a boiled cube of sweet potato into her mouth, "No, not at all."
B.o.B.
"You know, most brides are nervous on their wedding day," Taletta teased, fastening one of many covered white buttons along Esther's small back. Her rust stained fingers worked tenderly at the ivory bow tied in the small of her back. As she puffed out the long and snow white train, Essie adjusted the high lace collar that danced up her scarred throat. She shoved yet another bobby pin into her unruly hair, letting the curls frame her face.
"What have I got to be nervous about, Tal? I'm marrying the sweetest man, I'm with my best friends and family, and I'm… home." She couldn't get used to how good 'home' tasted on her tongue now that she was there.
The grand church doors swung open, revealing Essie's flustered mother. She took her thin hands, "Esther, the ceremony is about to start!" She ran her hand carefully along each seam, looking her daughter over once more. "Are you ready?"
She sucked in a fresh breath of air, "I've never been so ready for something in my life, mama." The woman proudly nodded, knowing her daughter had waited for this day throughout the entire war.
Richard Winters tapped her shoulder, making her spin her lively face around to meet his. His icy blue eyes laughed with joy, his red hair combed neatly to one side. He beamed down at her, honor coursing through his every vein.
Dixie nervously tapped her Mary Jane shoe, holding the handle of the wicker basket in her small hand. Petals of Poppy flowers rest in the white basket to be tossed on the aisle floor.
"Lest we forget," she eyed the flowers; Hoob's smiling face flashing in her thoughts. She felt Dick's eyes down on her, understanding the confusion she was feeling. Her father was dead, her best friend was dead, and she had just come home to be married. It was scary time to be without the people she needed most. Richard was asked back in Haguenau to take Charles Fusillade's place during her wedding. He was tremendously honored by the request.
'Here Comes the Bride' began playing loudly from the grand Church organ, making Essie's organs get into a fist fight. She squeezed Winters' arm tight, making him smirk.
"Sir, now that my mother is gone… I'd just thought I should tell you I am sorry if I vomit on you. 'Cause I feel like I am about to right now."
He practically chuckled, placing a soothing hand atop hers that rest in the bend of his elbow. The door loudly swung open and Dixie began gracefully taking the bright red petals from the basket. Gasping with the loud noise of people standing, Essie felt her head spin.
"Hang tough, trooper! You can't quit on me now- we're not even in a war!" He laughed, smiling at the lines of familiar people in the pews.
Essie secretly wore her combat boots under the thick lace of her dress. Due to wearing them for so long, her feet wouldn't tolerate anything but. She dug her fingernails into the stems of the yellow and white roses as her Grandparents glanced over at her. What? She bitterly asked, I'm doing the womanly thing! They never had approved of her taking a man's place and going to war. Not wanting to spoil the memorable day, she slapped on a sickeningly sweet smile on her painted ruby lips.
Her heart and tense shoulders relaxed as she spotted the only thing that mattered in this life. The men and woman that made her who she was. Dixie shyly took her spot beside Taletta who wrapped her arm around the shoulders of the small girl. Essie smiled softly, knowing that Tala would be a fine mother. Buck Compton, Frank Perconte, Bull Randleman, David Webster, Babe Heffron, Carwood Lipton all smiled as they stood on the steps of the chapel. Along with the beaming men named Doc Roe, Donald Malarkey, Johnny Martin and George Luz. Joe Toye and Bill Guarnere leaned loyally against each other, now both missing a leg. Her heart fluttered, knowing it must have been difficult to travel to Iowa for the ceremony. Shifty Powers , Joe Liebgott, and even Ronald Speirs and Lewis Nixon all broadly beamed at 'their girl."
Winters reassuringly squeezed her arm as they neared the altar. Floyd Talbert. The man took her breath away every time she laid eyes on him. He smiled a nervously toothy grin, eyes wide as he admired his gorgeous bride. His brand new Staff Sergeant chevrons were sewed proudly on his shoulder for all to see. Essie, being stubborn and ignoring her mother's begging, had hand sewed a Screaming Eagle patch on her shoulder. The smooth silk yellow letters arched around the top, making her heart soar as high as it did her first fateful day in Toccoa. The United States Airborne- it was the reason she had all these men at her side. Her shiny pair of Jump Wings were fastened onto the front of her dress.
Winters thumbed through the ancient Bible, searching for the proper verses, "Well, it seems as though Talbert couldn't make up his mind…" He playfully gestured to the long line of soldiers, and they all chuckled shortly, bringing the attention back to Esther.
Talbert's hand shook drastically as he took her thin hands. The lining around her short fingernails were forever stained crimson… as were his. Their hands told the same stories. Both of their palms calloused where they had aimed their firearm in the heat of a battle. Their hands had held in the blood of a man begging for his mother, held each other in dire moments, had betrayed and loved. Their tales were the same, bounding their love forever.
Winters turned to Esther's veiled bright face, "Esther, you have taken Floyd Talbert to be your husband. Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, to be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"
Her voice sweetly sang with the angels, "I do."
He tilted to Talbert's gazing face, "Floyd, you have taken Esther Fusillade to be your wife. Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, to be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?"
"I do, I do, I do!" Excitement echoed through his words. Malarkey prompted slapped his back.
Winters smirked, his eyes scanning the page. He lifted his glowing face, addressing the small congregation, "If anybody in the congregation is opposed to this union of man and woman, speak now or forever hold your peace." Essie guiltily had expected Lewis Nixon to protest… but she was pleasantly surprised. He knew she loved Tab, and there was no denying that.
"Nobody say a fucking thing! I have waited too damn long!" Luz playfully warned the family, making Essie cover her laughing lips.
Malarkey fished around inside his pocket, his freckles face in mock nervousness. Finally, he pulled out the black box, holding in it a ring. Talbert slipped the gold band with a olive green stone in the center over Essie's knuckles. It fit perfectly.
She followed the script, pulling out a simple gold band from her dog tags that hung around her neck. She slipped it from the balled chain, her lips curved. On the inside of the ring was engraved, "We Stand Alone Together."
The following words caught in Winters throat, "I now pronounce you man and wife." He gently shut the bible and held it firmly at his side, "You may now kiss your brave bride, my guardian angel."
Tears of pure joy rose in her small hazel eyes that had seen so much horror and pain. Now, they saw the loving face of Floyd Talbert who slowly lifted the lace veil that cascaded over her cheekbones. His lips slowly neared hers, taking in the beautiful scent of the wildflowers scattered in her hair. He gently held her face, kissing her with more love than he had ever before.
Her heart jumped as his warm and lively lips crashed into hers. Easy Company politely clapped, but the joy over took them and they cheered and whooped.
"CURRAHEE!" Liebgott bellowed, making the confused elders wrinkle their faces. No one, no one, would understand how important that simple word meant to each of them.
Their swollen lips snapped as they pulled away. Esther turned to face the people standing in the pews, her face burning red. Her mother was sobbing, while her grandparents rolled their eyes, "Young people…"
Every surviving man of Easy flooded her with hugs and kisses on the cheeks. They congratulated Tab by firmly shaking his hand. Some men softened and caved in, throwing their strong arms around the new husband.
"Bill!" Essie gasped, watching as the man hopped over to her. She dashed over to him, her white dress flowing behind her.
"Essie, baby!" He began to sob into her hair; something she would have never expected. She reluctantly pulled away, her eyes burning.
"Goddamn it, Bill! You're gonna make me cry…" she wiped her damp cheekbones with her narrow lace sleeves, letting out loud sobs.
Joe Toye followed behind, his raspy voice softening, "Damn you two saps, weddings are supposed to be happy!"
"C'mere, you!" Essie catapulted her body into his crutched arms, making him groan. She quickly apologized.
He hugged her tighter, "No, don't be sorry! I've been having a hankering for a good hug from you." He winked, and then Bull butted in.
"Look who's the sap now!"
A familiar arm wrapped around her corseted waist, "Hey, fellas! Let me love up on my bride! You've had your chances!" They all playfully stuck out their tongues, childishly gagging as Talbert began to kiss her knowing it would ward them away.
He rested his head against her forehead, wiping away her joyful tears, "Now, for the honeymoon…" Floyd placed two large hangs on her protruding hips, pressing her up firmly against his hips. "How does Austria sound?"
B.o.B.
"And that is all you need to know, young one. The rest isn't for your ears to hear," Ma thread yet another needle, rocking calmly in her chair.
"Aw, c'mon, Ma! I wanna hear all about yours and daddy's love!" I pleaded, playfully folding my hands together.
"No, Normandy… just be glad I've told you this much!" My beautiful mother winked down at me, her stubbornness still strong in her soul. I sat with my legs crossed, my favorite dolls surrounding me as I sat, listening, on the floor. Mom had altered each one for my interests. There was a black haired girl, and she was the Medic. I had an auburn haired one as well, her name was Winny. There was my naughty dollie ('cause no dollhouse is complete without one) and her name was Lewie. Momma had helped me name each one, as if it was important to her.
I had many other, each ruggedly beautiful… much like mother. I quietly looked up to her, the afternoon sun illuminating the developing wrinkles on her fair face. She hummed some song she always did, and when I asked her to sing it she 'edited' the words. It went something like, "We pull upon the risers, we fall upon the grass… we never land upon our feet-" Then, she would stop, mid song. I knew she loved the song though, because she would always hum it.
Whether she was gardening, cooking and baking, or hemming my tattered dress, Momma always sang that song. She said it made her happy.
My small green-blue eyes scanned our peaceful farmhouse, looking up at our families smiling portraits. There was Virginia, named after momma and papa's favorite sniper, Shifty Powers from Virginia. There was my second oldest sister, who was named Dixie after my aunt and God Mother. She had her green eyes and silky blonde hair that I envied so much. My brother Eugene William, named after a courageous Medic and a fine man named Bill Guarnere looked handsome on the wall. My next brother, who I had the most fun with was named Floyd Talbert Jr. after my father. He had daddy's big, blue eyes and his portrait made me yearn for my father.
I had one more brother. His name is Donald Brenton. It's hard for me to explain this to you, because every time my parents talk about who Don was named after, they begin to cry. What I've gathered is there was this man named Hoobler, and he loved my mom very much. Esther loved Talbert instead. Hoobler was killed by an accidental shot of a German pistol. Aunt Dixie has told me his death was the hardest and most painful for mother.
Taletta was my next older sister, was called after my momma's best friend and Tala's God Mother. Mother always spoke so fondly of Tala and her husband Chuck. She said Taletta was there during the terrible times of the war, and was also the best nurse in the world. I was sorrowful to not be alive when Taletta was, but Virginia said she was the funniest and liveliest woman you could meet. I knew momma missed her every time she called for her daughter.
And then there's me. I'm the youngest child, (mom and dad had a lot of kids… seven in case you lost count). I love my name- it's Normandy. Sorry, I like to brag about my name because the tales behind it are amazing. Normandy, France is where the brave men and woman of East Company, 101st Airborne jumped into on June 6th, 1944. Oddly enough, I was born on June 6th, 1968… so my name is even more special. D-Day is the day where thousands of selfless and heroic men invaded Nazi occupied Europe. Many brave lived were lost, but their sacrifices helped the Allied forces win World War Two. My best friend is Charlotte Grant, which is Taletta and Chuck's third child. Dixie is best friends with Renee Grant, who was their first child names after a loving nurse back in Bastonge.
I am proud of my mother, my father and the men of Easy Company. Some came to visit my mom and daddy often, so they feel like brothers and fathers to me. My Grandfather died when my mom was in Bastonge, so she told me about how Major Winters walked her down the aisle in his place. I love Dick, and after my father passed away, I feel like he is my second father. I am able to live a free and beautiful life because of the people who sacrificed everything. Momma reminds me of this daily.
This was my mother's story as she told me. She always humbly adds at the end of each storytelling that she was just one little part in a big war. She has also told me she is proud to be a part, but sometimes it makes her cry and that one must never be ashamed of their tears.
I looked over at my mother once more. Sun smuggled its way through the thin window glass that lined our home. She was smiling, her bright red lips curved. I noticed as she rocked a damp trail down her cheek. At this young age, I couldn't understand it. How these emotions war gave you affected you. My brows furrowed, I grasped the round faced doll named 'Hoob' and held it tightly and securely to my chest.
Well, how was that for an ending?!
Listening to 'Amazing Grace' while I wrote this probably isn't helping these never ending tears…
This story means so much to me, that I can't even express how happy it made me. So, I made Normandy do the talking.
Thank you to each and every one of you for reading! Thank you to everybody for their amazing continued support- you know who you are! :D You guys have stuck with me for a little over three months, and I cannot even begin to thank you enough.
I cried a lot more during the last chapter, and I think I know why… this one was about a happy ending. Esther finally is home, in that farmhouse with her babies that she dreamed of in her paradise. This makes me so happy, that with this FanFiction I am able to give somebody a happy ending… as it always should be.
I love you. Oh. So. Much.
Never Forget.