The following “letter” is part of the continuing series from the unpublished novel by James Garrett, “Benicia Letters Once More”. He does not plan to publish the book but instead is choosing to share the letters with the readers of the Benicia Herald. The letters continue the storyline of Garrett’s first novel “Benicia and Letters of Love”. Each “letter” tells of love in one of its many forms from a separate point of view. Benicia is represented prominently in the letters because of Garrett’s deep fondness for the city of Benicia. He hopes readers see themselves or others they know in the letters because the concept of “Love” is universal.

Mr. Garrett,
A long time ago there were two ex-Navy landing craft beached along the shore basically at the end of West “G” Street.
Kids explored them as kids tend to do with things like those. Some older kids did some exploring of a different type. There was at least one smoker who got his start with that habit for a lifetime by hiding out in one of the landing craft and puffing away. Good luck to him and his health.
There was at least one high school romance which started in one of the landing craft as well.
The boy was walking along the shoreline from the east and the girl from the west. They were classmates but not boyfriend/girlfriend. They walked to each other and talked for a few minutes. Then they decided to explore one of the landing craft. Each had previously been in the landing craft, but never together.
The boat was tilted so the bulkhead (wall to the uninitiated) facing Carquinez Straits provided a nice backrest for the boy and girl. They sat and talked for awhile and then she said she had to go home. Then she leaned over and quickly kissed him. Then he quickly kissed her and then they kissed each other. She pulled away and said she would walk along the shoreline the next day about the same time. The romance had begun.
They began to enjoy the company of each other every time they could.
Growth came to each and with the growth came separation.
I hope she is happy. I enjoyed the time we shared.
Jake

James Garrett is a lifelong resident of Benicia and a former teacher at Benicia High School. He is the author of the following novels: “Benicia and Letters of Love,” “The Mansion Stories,” “Chief Salt,” and “One Great Season, 9-0!” He also compiled a three-volume work titled “The Golden Era: Benicia High School Football, The 1948 through 1960 Seasons, “A” History with Comments.”
He can be contacted at jgstoriesnpoetry@aol.com.

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