To a New Land
Chapter One: Making of Plans
Clamoring sounds and music filled the room. The Von Trapp family was backstage making final preparations to leave the country and escape to America. However, before entering America, they would stop in Paris, France. Once there, they planned on staying temporarily wtih Georg's former fiancee, Elsa Schraeder. Before any of this could happen, they had to escape from Austria. Georg paced the room, anxiously awaiting his friend Max Detweiler to come and inform him that it w as safe to leave the performance hall they were in.
As Georg paced back and forth, Maria watched him with concern. "Georg, do not worry. Your friend Max will come through for us. Our God will protect us."
Georg looked ack at her, wishing he could believe her. He trusted Max Detweiler, but at the present time, feelings of nervousness and fear caused him to doubt his friend, and even his wife. He wished he could share Maria's confidence.
Marta, one of seven children, looked at her father. "Will Herr Detweiler come, Father? How will he help us escape"
Georg forced a smile as he looked at his young daughter. "Herr Detweiler will come for us, Marta. I trust him, and I know he will not let us down." As he spoke, he looked at Maria. Behind the confidence he saw in her eyes, he saw a hint of fear. He reached out his hand to hers and grasped it. His eyes warmed with love as he looked at her. She was the love of his life, and without her, he would feel so incomplete.
At that moment, Max came running towards them. "All right, Von Trapps. Now is the time for you to make your escape. When we leave, we will not use your car, because it will cause too much sound. I will go with you to the train terminal, which is where we will part."
Georg nodded at Max. "We are ready and will follow you, friend."
The Von Trapp family followed Max outside to the road that lead to the train terminal.
Chapter Two
Once outside, the Von Trapps and Max began to walk along the darkened road. As Maria walked along, she began to shake with shivers that had only partly to do with the cold. An uncharacteristic fear had taken her, and would not let go. She unintentially began to drop behind the others.
Brigitta, catching up to her father, tugged on his sleeve.
Georg turned to look at her. "What is it, Brigitta" he asked as he pushed the car along.
"Mother looks like she needs help." replied Brigitta.
Georg glanced behind, and saw Maria walking slowly by herself. He dropped behind, and began walking towards her.
When she saw her husband coming, Maria silently willed him not to come closer. She called softly out to him" No, go back, Georg. See to our children. They need you more than I do."
Ignoring what she had said, he came closer, until he was right in front of her. "Maria, my love, are you all right" he asked gently.
"Yes, Georg, I am. Go back. Our children need to know you're there, Georg. Go to them; I am all right." Maria replied.
"No, my duty as a husband is to see to your welfare. I am sorry if our situation has caused me to neglect you. I will stay here, with you." Having seen Maria's shivers, Georg removed his coat, and gave it to Maria. "This shall help against the chill."
"But, Georg, will you be all right" asked Maria anxiously.
"I assure you, I have been in worse weather than this before. You need it more than I."
Maria and Georg fell silent, and the strange procession continued down the road, until the train terminal loomed into view. The Von Trapps and Max headed inside to where the ticket kiosks were.
"Nine tickets to Geneva, Switzerland, please." said Georg, handing over the correct amount of money to the ticket seller.
"Have a successful journey. Your train arrives at midnight and leaves shortly after." said the seller.
The Von Trapps were directed to a waiting area, where they said their final farewells to Max. "Thank you for everything you have done for us. We owe you our lives. Good-bye, and God bless you, Max." said Maria.
Before sitting down next to his wife, he said"I know I cannot repay you at this time, but I promise you, I will someday."
"Ah, don't worry about it, Georg. It was the least I could do. I'll be seeing you." Max grinned at his friends and left.
The Von Trapps waved half-heartedly as their friend disappeared. Now they were alone, anticipating the dangerous journey they were about to embark on. Rather than sit around waiting for the train, Georg got up and went to the nearest phone. He dialed the number of his former fiancee, Elsa Schraeder. He had to confirm the arrangements they had made for his family to stay with her once they reached Paris, France before taking a ship to America.
While her husband was talking with Elsa, Maria was kneeling in a corner, praying for a safe journey for her and her family. She whispered over and over"Father, please keep us safe wherever You decide to send us." She believed with all her heart that her Father would protect her family.