Free Blossoms of Love by Juanita Jane Foshee Page A

Someone to not show their feelings? I’m so sorry Monty. I just love you so much I can’t help from showing it.” Lamont took a long, deep breath, “I’m just not ready to be serious. If I’ve hurt you, it’s better this way than to lead you on and then tell you.” Almost in tears she said, “Yes, I’m hurt. Go ahead Monty, lead me on. I still want you.” Lamont suggested, “I think we better go.”
    Just as he said those words, it began to shower. Lamont grabbed the basket and Natalie the blanket and they ran to the car.
    They were silent on their way back. When the car was parked in the carport, Lamont looked over at Natalie, “Friends?” She answered, “I can’t be your friend. A lover yes.” Tears were in her eyes, “I just can’t be only a friend.” She got out of the car and ran into the house.
    David drove Lamont to the airport. Lamont didn’t see Natalie before he left. Natalie felt her life wasn’t worth living since Lamont had rejected her. He was gone a week and she still wouldn’t come out of her room. David decided he had to talk to her and tell her how childish she was acting. He tapped on her door. She said, “Come in.” When she saw David, “What do you want?” He sat down on the pink satin chair near the window, “I’m going to talk to you rather you want me to or not.” Her eyes were swollen from crying so much. She replied, “I don’t want to hear it.” Her hair wasn’t combed and she was still wearing her gown and negligee. David said, “You’re going to listen to me. I’m real disappointed in you Nat. You’re acting like a child.” She lit a cigarette, “Frankly Dave. I don’t give a damn.” David said angrily, “You are just a spoiled child. When you can’t have something you want you act like a baby.” You’re a grown woman. Act like one.” Natalie got angry, “How can you give me advice? You’ve never loved and lost. You have no idea so stop trying to tell me what to do.” David said, “I tried to tell you. Anyway, you never had Monty. You can’t loose something you never had. Look sis, you’re only hurting yourself. Monty didn’t lead you on. I’ll say this for him, he was honest with you. He’s used to women falling in love with him. When we were together in the Navy, they made fools of themselves over him. The guy’s just too damn good looking.” Natalie said softly, “I didn’t just fall in love with his looks. The way I love him is a deep, lasting love that only Monty can give to me. I’m not mad at him but Dave, I do love him so much.” David said, “I wish I could help you.” He hugged his sister to him and she cried. David said, “You can’t go on like this Nat.” She dried the tears from her eyes, “I know. I think I’ll get a job.” David looked surprised then he said, “You know sis, that will do you good. I think that’s a good idea.”
    When the family learned Natalie had a job as a bookkeeper for a trucking company, Mrs. Agar grumbled, “Surely you’re not going to work in an office where all kinds of truck drivers are going and coming? Natalie answered, “Mother I’ve got the job and I’m going to keep it.” Dora said, “Don’t let her Mother.” She looked at her sister, “With our standard of living, it’s a disgrace. What will our friends say?” Natalie asked, “Why should they say anything?” Mr. Agar said, “Let her alone. If she wants the job, then she should take it.” Mrs. Agar said, “You always did spoil her.” Natalie said, “If it’s such a disgrace, I’ll move out.” Mr. Agar said, “No you won’t move out and you keep the job.” That ended the talk about Natalie’s job.
    Natalie was on her job just about a week when she knew she was going to like it. The job was already helping her to stop thinking of Lamont so much. It was true, a lot of men came by the office. Natalie gave them their orders every morning. On payday, she gave out the checks. Most of the men were married and in