Pitschen ma en gamba - Small, but powerful [A Band of Brothers Story]

Rest, Relaxation and Replacements

Returning to Aldbourne, Ella was very excited to find that she would be staying with Mrs. Elaine Morris again. The woman had been so kind and welcoming to them when she had been billeted with her before D-Day.

Johnny had to smile at the young girl's joy. One of his wife's latest letters came to his mind.

My dearest Johnny, she had written, you have told me about Ella, the young woman in your company before and you have spoken very highly of her. You mentioned that her mother moved to Ohio some time ago? I might have met Ms Sawyer at the store last week. Such a wonderful woman and imagine this, she lives on the same street as us! I really must invite her over for tea some time, I would love to get to know her, and Ella by extension.

My dearest husband, you are the kindest man I know, and I hope you will look after Ella. She sounds like an amazing person and I admire her courage. The vultures from the newspapers are still writing the most appalling things about this poor girl. My heart breaks for her, Johnny, and for her mother, who has to read all these awful stories about her daughter.

"Ella!", he called.

Her head whipped around. "Yes?"

"Looks like I got stuck with you once more", he commented.

Her head tilted in curiosity, reminding him once again of a puppy. "Oh, you mean we're both housed with Elaine again?" Excitement glowed in her eyes, then a flicker of uncertainty crossed her young face. "Is that okay with you?"

He couldn't help but grin at her apprehensiveness. "Course it is."

She beamed happily, bouncing a little on her feet.

***

Elaine was just as thrilled to see them again. The woman engulfed both soldiers in a tight hug, tears of joy in her eyes. "Oh, I am so glad to see you are both alright!", she sniffled, "come in, come in, you must be tired after the long trip."

They couldn't deny it.

Making them sit down at the kitchen table, Elaine served them tea and excused herself to get their room ready again. "I didn't expect any guests so soon, so I haven't made the beds yet", she apologised before bustling away.

Ella stared at the steam curling up from her tea cup, a faraway look in her eyes. Johnny studied her over the rim of his own cup. The girl blinked, shaking herself out of her thoughts. "Are you going to London tomorrow?", she asked.

They had all received two new uniforms each, all their back pay and a 7-day pass. The biggest part of Easy Company would set off tomorrow morning to blow most of their pay in the city. Since they were the first soldiers to return from the victorious invasion of Europe, there would be plenty of free food and booze around, according to Malarkey and Skip.

Martin shook his head. "Nah. Gonna enjoy the peace and quiet around here for a while. What about you?"

She took a sip of her tea. "Same here. I'm sure the guys will have a great time, but I'd only end up playing chaperon for them."

He chuckled. It had happened before that the young girl was the one to ensure they didn't do anything stupid and that they got back to their billets. Johnny grinned as he remembered one time where Ella had manhandled a completely wasted Don Hoobler out of a bar and back towards base.

"What?" the young girl smiled, intrigued.

"Just thought about how you almost carried Hoobler to his bunk."