Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page. It is also available as plain text as well as XML.

SEC. B—PAGE 12—The Newberry Sun, Newberry, S. C. Dec. 26th, 1968 i^S%. Siyaggi By Lucy Kaye Ramona Jimenez trudged wearily up to Apartment 3-C. It had been a hard day at the store. She was tired. She hadn’t stopped to eat, even though she knew the cupboard was bare. She didn’t care. Maybe, later, if she felt rested, she would go out to the little restaurant on the corner. She doubted she would feel up to it. Ramona had been unhappy since Carlos shipped out to Vietnam. Unhappy, actually, some weeks before he sailed, since the day it happened. It had been over nothing, really. Romona had worked late at the store, stopped off for a cup of coffee with Peter Leeds, the assistant manager. Nothing more to it than that, except that Carlos had come into town on a surprise leave and caught them together, sit ting there in the drugstore. He hadn’t said anything, he just stood there looking for a mo ment or two and then he turn ed and walked away. NO WORD She waited to hear from him and, when word never came, she tried to contact him. Sorry, she was told, Carlos Hernandez was no longer assigned to this post. She learned later from a mutual friend that he had gone to Vietnam. Often, she had wondered what really had happened. She and Carlos had gone together for three years. They planned to be married. They trusted one another. Carlos was no more, no less jealous than any other man. So, why did he not ask for an explanation? Why had he read more into seeing her and Peter together than there actually was? It didn’t add up. Without bothering to remove her cape, Ramona stretched out on the sofa and stared at the ceiling. Soon, she was sleeping. It was spring again. She and Carlos were together. Walking the narrow path around the lake, listening to the singing of the birds, tossing pebbles into the water, enjoying the fragrant outdoor air. Then, resting quietly on a grassy knoll, studying the shapes and forms of the clouds in the sky, laughing, but most of all, just being together. And then it was winter again. They were walking hand-in-hand through a snow storm, building a snowman in the park. She was waiting near the door on New Year’s Eve, knowing he would soon appear, a dozen red roses in his hand. Always, on spec ial occasions, he came bringing the reddist roses he could find. Each time the chrd bore the same message, "No rose ever growed could match the color and the beauty of your lovely face." It was intentionally-poor English, but it was a message that had never failed to delight her. Ramona stirred. Was it the doorbell, or her imagination? Surely, her imagination, for no one would be calling at this hour. It was late, and it was New Year’s Eve. But, it was the door chimes. Ramona arose with effort. Someone looking for someone else, most likely. She opened the door. There stood Peter Leeds, a huge bou quet of red roses in his arms. "Peter, what. . .” "There is a message. And he sang, in a gentle baritone: "No rose ever growed could match the color and beauty of your lovely face.” Peter walked into the room, tossing his overcoat on a chair. "They’re from Carlos. I wrote 4. to him, telling him what has happened and, particularly, what had happened to you since he went away. He understands everything. Here, he sent mt this letter to give to you. I’m sure you will received a dozen more direct with the next mail. Carlos and I thought the roses would be the best way for him to offer an apology. Now, how about a cup of coffee, lovely face?” THE MESSIAH The Messiah oratorio, a Christmas tradition, was composed by George Fred erick Handel in only twenty five dajrs, according to world book encyclopedia. It was first performed in 1742 in Dublin. A year later King George II set the custom of standing during the ora torio’s "Halleulujah Chorus''. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS For those of you who get new appliances as Christ mas presents, remember the old railroad signs: "Stop, Wait, Listen!" Follow this advice before rushing to try out your new aquisition. Even the simplest gadget has directions for proper care and operation. So after unpacking, "Stop, Wait—and Read." IPs also a good idea to keep the warranty or sales slip, or both. THE HERALD ANGELS SING Charles Wesley, brother of John Wesley, wrote the words to "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” in 1739. In his first version the carol began "Hark, how all the welkin rings,” ac cording to legend. It’s Christmas ... season of peace and joy. May its many blessings be yours to share, always. THE HAT BOX Myrtle M. Long, 1109 Caldwell St. Newberry, S. C. Wc hope this Christmas, marks the close of a memorable year for you . . . one filled with good friends and good days. We hope that tomorrow . . . and the years after tomorrow will continue to be filled with the best of everything for you. Newberry Lumber Co. 913 Cline Street Newberry, S. C. A We will be closed for Christmas Holidays Tuesday, December 24th, Wednesday, December 25th and Thursday, December 26th. Also New Year's Day, January 1st, 1969.