CHAPTER FIVE

For two days I had to work out at the soldier camps in the mountains. When I finally returned to Gorizia, I was eager to see Catherine. However, I had to get a good night's sleep before going to visit her.

The following evening, I went to the British hospital. I asked the receptionist to call Catherine for me. As I waited in the hall, I looked around the room and noticed it was decorated with sculptures and paintings. I could not help thinking how boring the art was compared with other towns in Italy.

Eventually, Catherine came to meet me. She looked beautiful. We went out together to the garden, avoiding the eyes of the receptionist who was sitting behind the table.

"It's been a long time since we've seen each other," Catherine complained.

"I was up in the mountains for two days," I explained.

"You could have written me and let me know where you were."

We soon found ourselves among a group of trees. I stopped walking and pulled her to me. We kissed for a moment and then I asked, "Is there a more private place for us to be together?"

"I'm afraid not. This is as far as I can go." She looked at me for a moment. "Say, 'I love you, Catherine.'"

"I love you, Catherine." I had to say it even if I did not mean it.

"Oh, I love you too, dear Henry. Don't leave me anymore!"

"I'll never leave you again."

I did not really love Catherine, but being with her was better than being with the girls in the sex house. I could tell that she was a little crazy, but I felt I could handle it. It was like a game to me.

We sat down in the grass and I tried to hold her, but she would not let me. I really wanted to have her right then and there, but there were too many people around.

"Do you feel sleepy?" she asked.

"Not really."

Her eyes dropped to the ground.

"This is stupid. I don't want to play games."

"Games?"

"Look, you are a friendly guy, and I like you, but I've already had enough of our lying to each other."

"Why do you think this way? I love you, Catherine."

She laughed suddenly. She seemed to be able to read my mind.

"You can still come to see me. Will you?"

"Yes, I will."

"Alright, then. Good night. I need to go back now."

I wanted to give her a kiss, but she refused. I walked her back to the building, and watched her until she disappeared down the hallway.

I went back to my room. It was very hot. I could see from the lights flashing up in the mountains that there was a lot of fighting tonight. Rinaldi came in and noticed I was feeling sad.

"It doesn't seem like things are going well with Miss Barkley now. I'm glad that I decided to stay with Italian women."

(end of section)