Julie Meets Howard

“Till There Was You”

Listen to Chapter 13, “Julie Meets Howard”

Julie was not sure how she was going to live without Bill for weeks and months at a time. She knew she had to come home to Riverdale the last weekend before Bill was to leave for Basic Training, even if it meant violating home leave regulations. She would just deal with any consequences when she came back to the dorm on Sunday night. For now, she had to be with Bill and spend one last “marvelous” night with him in the hay pit before the U.S. Army would ship him off to parts unknown.

Their lovemaking that night was unusually fervent and prolonged, each clinging to the other as if they could never let go. Being late fall, it was cooler than the summer nights they had spent here, and Bill had brought extra blankets. He was especially gentle with her, caressing her soft skin and snuggling close together, warming her body in ways that only he knew how to do.

It was not until she was back in the dorm on Sunday night, and Bill was well on his way to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, that Julie really broke down and sobbed. Sandra tried to comfort her.

Julie cried for what seemed like hours, then knew she had to pull herself together. She had to trust the love that she and Bill shared would carry them both through this. Two years seemed like such a long time! So much could happen.

In less than one year, Sandra and Bob would get married, right after their college graduation next June. So, between wedding plans and senior year activities and graduation plans, Sandra and Bob kept really busy. Julie kept very busy writing letters to Bill and waiting for his occasional phone calls.

Their Christmas together—Bill’s first home leave—was very special. It was much too cold now for a visit to the hay pit, but Bill’s turquoise ‘57 Chevy was warm, and found its way to safe and private spots on obscure country roads. Of course, there was much more to talk about now as Bill shared his experiences as a soldier. Julie cherished every precious moment that they could spend together.

It was shortly after Christmas when Bill heard about Howard Davidson, a classmate of Julie’s and fellow music major. Although Howard had transferred to La Paloma College the year before, Julie had never mentioned his name in her letters to Bill.

Howard Davidson was an exceptionally talented young organist and was in most of Julie’s music classes. They had become instant friends, even last school year, enjoyed the same music, laughed at the same corny jokes from their professors. As keyboard students forced to take the same “other instrument” class, they had both squeaked through Dr. Walters’ string instrument class together. Now Howard was finalizing plans to play the organ for Sandra and Bob’s wedding this summer—in June 1966.

Even Sandra had noticed Julie’s increasing time spent with Howard on campus. “Hey, what’s with Howard, anyway?” she asked Julie.

“Oh, Sandra,” Julie answered. “He is such a good friend! He’s so smart—it really helps to study counterpoint with him.”

“Hmm,” Sandra queried, “are you sure that’s all you’re studying with him?”

Julie started to speak, then frowned. “Oh, kid, I don’t know what it is! I know I love Bill dearly—enough to marry him if he ever asks me. But there’s just something about Howard, something I can’t explain, that draws us together. It’s like a—a kindred spirit of sorts.” She ended almost as if it were a question.

“Maybe it’s that brother-sister thing,” Sandra offered. “You know, like you and Bob, or you and Darlene.”

But Julie shook her head. “I know that neither Howard nor I have siblings,” she agreed, “but it’s more than that. It’s almost like—now don’t take this wrong—like Howard is my best girlfriend!”

Sandra didn’t know what to say, other than clearing her throat teasingly. “Well,” she grunted in mock haughtiness, “if you must!”

Julie chuckled, not yet realizing the full impact of her words, and went back to work on her counterpoint assignment.

Howard was a serious music student who spent many hours practicing organ, working at the college radio station, programming the classical music segments, or doing intense research in the college library. Julie had never seen him dating any girls—other than the time he spent with her, studying together, going to symphony concerts, and playing piano and organ duets together. They even joined a program team and visited churches in the area to perform in their worship services.

After Bill completed his Medical Specialist Training in the spring of 1966, he came home to Riverdale for a temporary leave. But if he had had any jealous fears about Howard Davidson, they were all dissolved away in Julie’s warm hugs and kisses.

“I wish you didn’t have to go back,” she said over and over.

“I know, baby,” he whispered, always caressing her face and kissing her neck. “But you know why I had to leave home. I just wish it didn’t mean leaving you, too.”

Julie well knew all the reasons, and she understood perfectly, though she didn’t like it. Can our love possibly survive another year and a half of living apart? We are not teeny boppers any more. I love Bill so much. I will wait for him for an eternity if I have to!

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