This is my very first Sound of Music fanfiction. In this story... Well, you'll see.
Maria listened to the sound of her feet meeting the rocks and dirt as she walked. Marta's fingers were wrapped tightly around her hand and she kept one hand on the girls back to keep her from falling. She glanced upward toward the front of the line, counting the children for the millionth time to ensure that they were all there. She smiled with pride as she watched Fredrick hoist Gretl onto his back. He was really stepping up to the plate. They all were.
It was silent, aside from the chirping of birds. Maria glanced at clouds in the distance, grey and luminous, threatening. She tried not to allow her mind to wonder back into that old cathedral, where she reckoned her husband may be lying dead. She had no evidence of this assumption, but the throbbing pain in the pit of her stomach told her that something awful had happened.
"Maria, the children."
She shook her head, willing the memory to go away. She had more important things to think about then her broken heart, seven more important things that really needed her support in this particular moment. She didn't even know for sure where she was going. They were now climbing down. Fredrick and Liesl had rotated positions, Brigitta was now falling slightly behind.
"Maria, if this doesn't work-"
She shook her head, not willing to accept the idea. She fingers shook nervously as she packed her suitcase. She felt his hands wrap around her waist, and blushed. His touch still gave her butterflies.
"If something were to happen to me-"
"It won't." She stated firmly, turning to face him. He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear.
"Yes Maria, I know."
Her eyes fluttered shut as his kissed her, his hands running down her back sending shivers up her spine.
"But I want you to make sure the children get out of Austria." He whispered onto her lips. "If something happens to me, carry out the plans as if I am there."
This time she closed the gap between them. They melted together, in a moment that could only be described as pure perfection.
"Mother."
Maria wasn't sure who had called her name. She glanced around searching for the owner of the voice. Seven faces blurred together as tears glazed over her eyes. "What?" She muttered into the glob of children.
"Mother, you're going to smash me if you keep leaning on me like that."
Maria suddenly became aware of the fact that she was placing all of her weight on Marta, nearly pushing the girl straight into the floor. "Oh dear, I am so sorry." She lengthened her spine, gazing again at the dark clouds ahead.
"You don't have to help me." Marta said softly. "I'm alright."
Maria lifted her hands off Marta's shoulders, her balance faltering. She counted the children again. There were still seven of them, eight if she included herself. Only eight.
"Maria, do you know how to drive?" Georg whispered to her as the family stood huddled in a corner of the Abbey.
"A little." Maria replied, clutching his hand tightly.
"Good." He brushed her hand aside.
As her hand fell limply, she turned towards him, trying unsuccessfully to make eye contact. "Georg…" She trailed off when she noticed his body stiffen.
Reverend mother dashed over to them, unlocking the door to the cemetery. "This way, quickly."
They were climbing down the slope now. The children began singing softly.
"The hills are alive with the sound of music, with songs they have sung for a thousand years."
The notes rang in Maria's ears. She remembered that these mountains were her home, a place where she could never be lost or uncertain. It had been that way before she had met the Von Trapps and it could be that way now. No matter how much her life changed certain things would always remain the same. The mountains would always be there for her. They wouldn't make rash decisions and disappear from her life.
Maria let out an angry sigh and joined the children in singing. They sang through every song she had taught them. Their voices carried them down the mountain, and half way up the next one.
Marias throat felt dry by the end. "That was a lovely way to raise our spirits." She said, her voice slightly raspy.
"We forgot one." Gretl cried excitedly from the front. She was no longer being carried but skipping alongside Marta who had run to the front of the cluster.
"What one?" Maria asked, honestly confused. She had almost forgotten the circumstances of the situation. It was as if the eight of them were merely going on another adventure.
"Edelweiss." Kurt chirped.
The color drained from Maria's face.
"Why don't you start it mother?"
They were beginning to melt together again. She felt dizzy, nauseous almost. "I don't know the words."
She wasn't she who it was, but someone started humming the tune to Edelweiss softly, and pretty soon everyone joined in. She stared at her own feet, watching her feet as if she was no longer in control of their movement. Every time she stepped over a rock, she though it was a miracle she hadn't tripped.
"Mother."
Maria glanced up at the sound of Liesl's voice. "Yes, darling?"
Liesl took ahold of Maria's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Is everything alright?"
"Yes, of course." She heard her own voice quiver.
"Please don't lie to me." Liesl begged.
Maria said nothing. Noticing tears peeking out around Liesl's eyelids, she put her arm around her. They walked like that for a bit.
The rest of the children hummed softly as the jumped, skipped and ran ahead, enjoying the sun and fresh air. Maria knew that it was only a matter of time before those distant dark clouds rolled over them, bringing a storm.
Finally Liesl spoke again. "Is father going to be alright?" She asked.
Maria felt a fat raindrop splash onto her arm. "I don't know."
This is my favorite musical of all time and I hope I did it justice. Please review, but only if you have good things to say. JUST KIDDING. Dear lord, I promise that was a joke. Criticism is welcome.