THE LIST

CHAPTER SIX

 Before Nora knew it, it was Saturday – meaning, she had been with Easy Company for one entire week. During those seven days, Nora found herself settling into a routine. Training went fine for Nora now and she only showed some signs of struggling during lectures. So, to help Nora better understand lectures, Winters gave her extra homework. He wasn't being cruel; Winters wanted to help Nora and give her the best opportunities to learn more. Nora had asked Winters about going to the pub that night and he'd let her go, providing Nora finished the homework she had started after lunch. The bedroom was kept quiet, as Nora hunched over a book at the desk, and took notes about weapons and field manoeuvres. Winters sat on his bed, quietly writing a letter to DeEtta. Nora worked hard to ensure she didn't fall behind and Winters appreciated how hard she worked. Nora didn't know it, but Winters was always going to let the girl go to the pub with the enlisted because she worked so hard, and Nora deserved to have fun...

"Oh, it's getting late...". Winters mentioned.

Nora drew out a tiny sigh. She wasn't quite finished. "It is, Lieutenant Winters?"

"It'll be supper soon". He said, "Do the men plan on having supper at the Blue Boar?"

"I think so, sir". She confirmed. Nora heard Winters's bed creak as he got up. His footsteps soon sounded as Winters moved toward her. Nora took in a breath, looked over her shoulder and sent Winters a slightly anxious stare. "I don't think I'll be done before supper, sir".

Standing at her side, Winters stared down at Nora's notes. Despite having not quite finished the exercise, she had written down a lot of good notes. Winters casually told her, "Well, you could always finish tomorrow, huh?"

Nora stared up at Winters and a smile tugged on her mouth. "I could, sir".

Winters looked down at Nora and smiled. "Don't be too late, okay?"

"I won't, sir". Nora promised.

"Have someone walk you back here".

"I will, sir". Nora once again, promised the Lieutenant.

Winters placed a hand on Nora's shoulder. "Don't feel pressured to drink, okay? And if you do drink, please be careful. The legal age for drinking is eighteen here but I'll make an exception providing you don't drink a lot". Winters told her once more, "Just be careful, alright?"

"Yes, sir". Nora sent him a small smile. She said, "Thank you, sir".

Winters squeezed her shoulder before letting go. "Wear your Class A's, please. You're an Officer and you have to make a good impression...".

...Dressed in her Class A uniform, Nora stepped into the Blue Boar with Joe by her side. They found the old pub to be filled with mainly Paratroopers, only a few locals and a handful of young women were in the mix of Americans. Young British women liked being around the Paratroopers because the Americans were paid more than the British Paratroopers. And it came as no shock to Nora, that a lot of women inside the pub had their eyes on Joe Lesniewski. He was a handsome man, who resembled a movie star back in the States.

Nora was pushed to the side while Joe was soon the centre of attention. Taking a step back, she almost bumped into an occupied table. Thankfully, Luz was sitting at the table. Rising to his feet, Luz rounded the table and stood next to Nora. After casting her a smile, Luz took notice of Joe and all the women around him...

"Christ". Luz let out a whistle. "He's 'gonna be a busy fella tonight, huh?"

Nora said, "If you befriended Joe, he could give you tips".