The White cottage with the Thatched Roof

They heard a Lt Meehan was their new CO. Winters had met him and said he was a decent man, Flo could relax that weight on her shoulders for the time being.

They heard that they had 2 weeks leave at Christmas of 1943, Flo immediately wrote to her parents telling them she was coming to visit and may she have some visitors with her.

Her mother soon replied saying that Annie and Joey could share the mattress in the kitchen by the hearth and she should bring as many people as she wants.

She ran out of the barrack and over to where her boys were stretching for PT. She stood on the blasted wheelbarrow and shouted: "Lads, my mum has invited all of you to ours for Christmas, you don't have to come but there is always room at the Hiltons and plenty of food, just let me know by Friday if your coming, so I can give a number to my mum" she smiled as all the boys cheered.

By Friday Flo had received 18 yeses to her invitation. When she wrote, her mum was delighted she had that many friends.

On the morning before she left, she ran over to the house Speirs was staying at and the kind women let her in and showed her to his room.

When she walked in she found him without a shirt on and found herself blushing.

"You alright there Florrie?" he said amused

"Erm, would you mind popping a shirt on?" She half laughed, half said seriously

A second later he had his white undershirt on, "Shoot then Florrie" he said sitting on the bed smiling

She smiled back as she sat next to him "Unfortunately my christmas present to you this year will be after the date, as i am bringing it from home" she paused and then said "I wish you were coming with us, I've written home so much about you, my mum is desperate to meet you, my dad as well but he is more subtle about it" she smiled.

He gave a small laugh "Funny, my mum wants to meet you too"

"Really!?"

"Yes Florrie, who wouldn't want to meet you? Anyway, I'll meet them when I'm passing back through England when the war is over" he smiled.

"Yeah" she mused "I'll give you a small Christmas present now shall I?" she teased and quickly kissed his cheek.

He kissed her cheek back and then they had a small hug before she left ready to catch her train.

People were staring at her, Flo wasn't surprised she was in uniform and was sat with a bunch of men. She ignored most of the looks, but when they walked past her, she could hear mutterings of 'must be a slut'.

Floss sighed and looked out the window. She closed her eyes and thought of the train journeys they took to Scotland when she was little. Just her and her mother used to make the 6 hour rail journey to Edinburgh where her aunt lived.

She loved Edinburgh, she had the best moments of her childhood there. She spent her 3 months of Summer up there every year except the last 2, they went running on the beaches, shopping on the royal mile, picnics and hikes up Arthurs seat and Crammond. Not a care in the world. Such a different time.

Eventually they reached the station at Polegate and got off. With 19 of them they wouldn't find a pony and trap big enough to carry them all to Alfriston. So they set off walking, Floz started to sing to cheer up the frosty air that was around them,

" Come on lads.

Dont sit under the apple tree, with anyone else but me. Till I come marching home"

She started off and soon they were all singing and laughing up the little lane. When they reached the school which was the first building, Floss started shouting across the village "Your favourite girl is home"

And suddenly the empty village came to life with people running out the shops and shouting "Florence you're alright, you're alright" and there was hugs and kisses.

Suddenly a voice was picked out of the crowd that was shaking hands with all her boys.

"Flo! Flo!" she heard a familiar voice shout

"Ahh, Libby" Flo said as she ran full pelt at her friend and Libby did the same, which resulted in the force making the girls fall over.

"Owww" Flo laughed, as she sat up and hugged her great friend.

"Libs how are you?" she exclaimed

"How am I? How are you? You seem different" Libby said studying her

Floz laughed "I'm still the same, haven't changed at all"

'Yes you have, you just haven't realised yet' thought Libby

"Where' s Licia and Jules?" she asked eagerly, and as she said it Juliette appeared and there were hugs and kisses all round but still no Alicia.

"Maybe she hasn't heard, we can go round to her house tomorrow" smiled Libby

"Florence! Florence!" she heard a familiar voice cry

"Annie!" cried Flo, as she ran to her little sister and grasped her in a hug life her life depended on it.

Flo knelt down to her sisters level "Ann how are you?"

"I lost my first tooth floence and I rode on cinammon!" Kit shouted exctidily

"Oh my gosh your so grown up!" she smiled

"Yes you are" said a voice that she had missed more than anything

"Mum!" she cried as she whipped round and hugged her mum tightly

"Florence, I can't believe how beautiful you look" her mum said admiring her.

"Your father is in town with joey, we didn't know when you would be arriving, now let's bring all your friends to the house, people have helped by giving mattresses and bedding so we can fit everyone in"

"Mum thank you" Flo smiled, "BOYS, we're going to the house now"

They all trooped down the lane that led to Flo's farm, her mum asked her to wait till everyone was settled before introducing them. Flo held Annie on her hip, who was talking 19 to the dozen about everything and anything.

When they reached the farm, the men looked around and thought how homely it was and now they could see why their Fizz was so bubbly.

"Lads we'll wait till dad is back to introduce you all, now we'll show you where your staying" Flo said

"So everyone choose a buddy they're going to sleep on the same bed as you" flo smiled

As they paired off, flo showed the ones who were sleeping in her and kit's room to the room. The 5 were Gene, Luz, Perco, Webster and Skinny.

Because she was a soldier too, her mum had allowed her to sleep in her regular bed. When she entered her room she thought how girly it looked. It was white walls and the white furniture that was chipped, it had Flo's dressing table, a wardrobe the 2 girls shared, a chest of draws, next to her bed was a shelf stacked with books, a window seat with pink and yellow cushions, her bed had a pink and white flower patterned duvet and a small yellow clock on the bedside table. The boys thought how cozy it was and they enjoyed admiring her trinkets that were around the room.

"Right boys, one of you can have my bed, Gene cause your my favourite you can have kit's bed" with that she laughed at the boys faces when she said Gene was her favourite "I'm joking, anyway, choose whose having my bed and kit's bed and i will sleep downstairs with kit and joey downstairs if you feel awkward.

They all looked at her and Perc said" Fizz, you have invited us into your home, you are sleeping on your bed", they wouldn't take no for an answer so she gave up.

Web and Skinny, Perc and Georgey chose their double mattress they were sharing.

As Web laid down on the bed he looked under Floss's, "Hey Fizz, you read all those books you've got under there?"

"Yeah, why? You can borrow one if you want Web"

"Really?" he asked, the excitement evident in his voice.

"Yeah, tell you what read this" and she pulled out The murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie.

"I don't really read murders Fizz" he said hesitantly

"Trust me, you'll read this one" she smiled and shrugging he started reading on the comfy mattress.

***

On Christmas eve they were all relaxing in the living room before going Carol singing. Flo looked round and her heart was full. Bill, Malark, Joe, Skip, Penk and Hoobs were playing hide and seek with Annie while Chuck and Gene were taking turns aeroplaning Joey with their legs.

Her mum was laughing at Luz, Perco and Shiftys stories while saying "What you boys get up to, no wonder Florence doesn't write home about your adventures much".

Her dad was speaking over a whiskey in the back garden with Nix and Lip while Winters and Bull were helping her dad by gathering wood for the bonfire they were having later that evening.

Web was reading his book with a smile on his face next to the fire and Lieb was sat with her having thumb wars.

"1,2,3,4 I declare a thumb war" Flo said and started manoeuvring her thumb to win but it ended in Lieb overpowering her.

"Aww, how come you always win" she moaned as he smiled. There was a knock on the door and Flo answered it to Libby and Juliet holding 2 flasks of heaven knows what.

"Floz I think we need a bit of girl time. Grab your coat and gloves and we'll go to the church earlier than the other carolers" Jules said with a wicked smile, Flo matched her smile and grabbed her things "Mum I'm going early with the girls, I'll see you in an hour".

With that she shut the door and climbed over the stile and took the shortcut over the snowy field. They were taking turns sipping the flask which discovered had whiskey in it. She took a gulp and made a face "Libs did you steal this from your dad?"

"Yeah of course I did"

"Won't he murder us, you know how he loves his whiskey"

"Whatever, I need you to tell us what it's been like?"

"Honestly, it's been rough but I love it" she smiled. Juliet had a knowing look on her face "Your glowing, which one are you in love with?", Flo laughed "I'm not in love with any of the boys in Easy their like my brothers, it's another commander".

"Ahh Flo Flo, I thought we would never see the day!" Libby started jumping around. Juliet restrained her from jumping when they reached the church though. "Yeah well, we're in the middle of a war nothing can happen" Flos shrugged.

"Yet" Juliet added on. "Go on then, tell me all your news, which boys do you like? How has it been in the WI (Women's institute)?" Flo asked smiling, the whiskey was kicking in.

"Flo, you've got to tell me is Chuck involved with anyone in America?" Libby said slightly shyly which was odd for her and sign she really liked someone.

"Not as far as I'm aware of Libs, I'll keep you updated" she smiled an winked, "Jules anyone?".

"The quiet one who reads a lot" Juliette said confidently and Flo said "David, he's a sweetheart, I thought you would like him, your both book heads" she laughed.

"As far as the WI goes, we're doing our best you know doing the bomb shelters, helping the evacuees, keeping spirits up" Libby added.

Flo nodded "Imagine if I had stayed here and been part of WI or been in the nurse corps, it would have been such a different life" she said quietly staring up at the stained glass window.

"I don't think you would swap it for anything though would you Flo" Juliette replied.

"No, I wouldn't"

***

The boys enjoyed the Carol singing in the blacksmiths where they got a lot of attention from the villagers who always came. Verity noticed her daughter was slightly merry and took her home 10 minutes before everyone else so she wouldn't embaress herself.

Flo woke up on Christmas morning with a slight headache but smiling all the same. She decided as it was a beautiful frosty morning she would go for a quick walk around her beloved village. She tiptoed out of the cottage and into the frosty air and started down the path towards the village square. She usually hated walking down this road which held terrible memories by herself but since all the combat training she had, Flo felt confident enough to batter anyone who tried it on with her.

For the first time in a while Flo felt at peace with herself. She was not angry, worried, sad but she was just happy with her life and the path she was taking. 'I don't know whether I'll be happy in a year though' she thought to herself.

She walked back to the cottage and when she opened the door her mum was putting the turkey in the range and people were chatting, drinking and giving presents. Her mum and dad had got all the boys smokes and lighters with From the Hiltons, Christmas Day 1943 engraved on them and for their daughter (whom they hoped didn't smoke) they had given her grandmother's ring on a silver chain that joined the daisy already around her neck.

The boys had given her a pocket knife that they had had engraved and it read To our Fizz, from Easy Company. She had given each of them a hug and kiss on the cheek.

They had the roast dinner Flo had been dreaming about since she left England and they played a massive game of charades. Everyone went to bed happily and knew they would always remember this perfect day.

***

"I trust that Winters leading you into battle Florence, he knows what he's doing"

She smiled at that and nodded.

"I trust all those men with you, they seem to treat you like a little sister"

"They do, mind you they're a bit protective sometimes" she laughed.

"I'm sure they are darling, but that makes me feel a whole lot better" he said and kissed her head.

***

A few days before they were due to leave Floz was helping her mum wash the dishes, while watching the men play in the snow with Annie and Joey.

Her mum joined her and they saw joey throw a snowball right in Malarks open mouth which made him cough and splutter,

"He's a case that Donald" her mum laughed

"That he is" Floss agreed, "Have you heard from James at all" she whispered

"No sweetie, but the red Cross lists informed us that he is still in a prisoner of war camp"

"Okay, at least he can't be killed" Jackie thought aloud

"I don't know, I don't trust the jerries" her mum said with a grim face which suddenly lightened, "Anywho, sweetheart I've noticed that in your letters you write about Lt Speirs a lot"

This made Flo smile "Yes and?"

"I was hoping to meet him during this trip, is there a reason he's not here?"

"Yes, we're in different company's and it would have been odd if he'd have come, anyway he and his men had planned a trip up to Edinburgh"

"Ahh, is he a good friend?" Verity said coyly.

Flo started moving in slow motion "Why do you ask it in that way mum?"

"Florence, don't play with me. I know you care for him in a more than a friend way"

Flo slammed down the tea towel she was holding, "Mum there is no point in asking these questions. I think it's pretty clear that nothing can happen. This is war, I'm not living in some fairytale. I'm sure my superiors wouldn't take too kindly to any romantic relationship in their battalion. So mum please, let me get over the man I love but can never have in peace" Floss said as she slowly walked out and into the snow and started throwing snowballs around.

Verity stayed inside watching her 19 year old little girl thinking how much she had changed in that year and a half when Winters walked in.

"Hi Mrs Hilton"

"Verity please Dick" she smiled

"Quite a daughter you have there"

Dick smiled thinking of her at camp Toccoa.

"Yes she's always been headstrong".

They were both quiet for a minute before Winters said "I heard your conversation, I'm sorry bu"

"No need to be sorry, I completely understand, we were talking loudly"

"I've seen them spend time together, I would stake every man's life in the war that he is as much in love with her as she is him"

"I'm sure he is, but she's right, I don't want her becoming distracted and putting herself in danger"

Winters nodded "Every man in Easy would die to make sure she gets home safely"

"That's my problem, I know she would do the same for every man in Easy"

"I'll keep her as safe as I can Verity. I promise"

"Thank you Dick, but don't make promises you can't keep".

***

A few nights later, they were all at the pub.

Flo had introduced Chuck and Libby who were getting along rather well, as were Webster and Juliet discussing books to their hearts content.

"Hey missy, what ya drinking?" Shifty came up to her at the bar.

"I'll have a Sherry flip, thank you very much" she smiled

"Coming up" Shifty smiled

She went back to watching the darts, "Come on Bill, I know Bull's intimidating but you can do better than a 78" Flo laughed

"Way to pile the pressure on Fizz" Bill mumbled while the other lads were laughing their heads off

***

Flo celebrated her 20th birthday on the 3rd January 1944. Her parents and the village had scraped together a cake.

The only thing missing was Alicia, but she wasn't home. A few days before flo arrived home she had enlisted in the Nurse corps without telling anyone, 'odd behaviour for Alicia' flo had thought.

But there wasn't anything she could do, except pray for her.

On 4th January their leave came to an end. Floss hugged her parents and siblings one last time and turned before she got emotional.

They piled back onto the train. Tab and Skinny were playing a card game, Nix was drinking while talking to Lip and Dick, Luz was entertaining the little group of 6 Jackie liked to call the 'Spitfires' which consisted of Malark, Bill, Joe, Skippy, Penk and Hoobler. Web and Chuck were talking about Libby and Juliette with soft looks in their eyes. Bull, Lieb and Perco were practicing hand signals and talking about their best memories from Toccoa. And Gene and Shifty were quietly playing chess. All Floss wanted to do was rest, it had been a busy few days. She opted to sit next to Gene and rested her head on his shoulder.

A time spent in the company of a loving family and having fun was what all the men had needed. The thought of the White cottage with the Thatched roof would remain with the men throughout the war and remind them that there is good in the world.

Just as Florence's daisy necklace reminded her.