Flight, a Sound of Music fanfic
by BroadwayStarlet
Disclaimer: I don't own The Sound of Music. It belongs to Twentieth Century Fox and the Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization.
Summary: Georg gets his orders to join the Nazis immediately after the party, and right after Maria leaves. He realizes he has to leave Austria with his family, but he can't stop thinking of who he would miss if they left…
Author's Note: Heavy on the Georg/Maria romance, but it doesn't follow the movie, obviously...since I cut the entire second half of the movie. I *think* it's still basically true to character. There are hints of sexual tension later but nothing too explicit. I'm pretty unsure of the story - I think it's pretty outrageous later. But please read and review. Constructive criticism is always welcome. And I'm not sure about the title, either. Please help with that? Thanks!
Chapter 1
Georg missed her more than he thought he would. It was too soon, too unexpected. At least if she had stayed her full term, they would have been able to prepare for her departure. Then again, he always tried not to think of the fact that Fräulein Maria was not always going to be a permanent member of his family. It felt like she belonged there, like she had always been there.
And yet, she had left, and there had been no warning. It had taken an emotional toll on all of them, especially they children, who knew her best, and loved her more than he ever thought they could. For the sake of them, he had to hide just how unhappy he was now that she was gone.
Elsa, on the other hand, seemed more relaxed, but Georg understood. Elsa had not known Fräulein Maria as they had. Still, you'd think she'd be more compassionate about their loss.
Since the night of the party, and the night that Maria left, Elsa had been talking constantly about marriage and engagement. Georg remembered muttering a reply without a definite yes or no, but somehow Elsa took it as a yes. So they were engaged. Georg really wasn't in the mood to tell her anything otherwise. After all, Elsa was a fine woman, and he'd originally had the intention of marrying her. But now, when he thought of marriage, it wasn't Elsa he pictured at his side. It was…
He always shoved these thoughts from his mind, no matter how pleasant they were…
Holding her, stroking her soft porcelain skin, running his hands through her short golden hair, kissing her soft pink lips.
No, it simply wasn't right, he told himself. She was a postulant. She'd given her heart to God. He felt guilty thinking about her so tenderly, so intimately. Even though it felt so right. Something must be wrong with me, he insisted, as he thought of that pretty, young governess instead of his elegant, refined fiancée.
He wasn't even sure why Maria had left that night. Was it because of the way they had often stared at each other? He thought of their dance together. How graceful and sweet she was when they danced. It felt like they were floating. Then he'd gotten lost in her deep crystal blue eyes.
Did she know how he felt? She must – she looked shocked after staring into his eyes – like she'd seen all of his thoughts and feelings. Oh, how he hoped she didn't know that he… oh, how could he put it?
He hoped she couldn't see that he…loved…her.
Georg sat in his office, deep in thought about just this, when Franz entered. "Telegram, sir," he said, and handed the Captain the folded paper.
"Thank you, Franz," he replied and began unfolding the telegram. Franz made his exit.
Georg's blood ran cold and all the color drained from his face as he read the words on the paper. It was simple, unavoidable, and for the first time in his life, made him terrified. He was being requested – no, ordered – to join the naval forces of the Third Reich. He had to report to Berlin within the week if he accepted, which of course he had to, if he had any intention of living. To refuse would be fatal for him and his entire family. But he couldn't join them. Unthinkable. The only option was to leave Austria.
He was surprised how quickly he came up with a plan. He informed Max and Elsa that they'd be leaving. Elsa was less than supportive.
"Elsa, we have to go. I can't join them," he said.
"Georg, my place is here – my friends, my home, my possessions, and my money – all here. I have no loyalties to the Nazis, but I have no connection to them either. Go with your family." She gave him a weak smile, trying to be strong. "I guess this is goodbye."
He shouldn't be surprised that Elsa wasn't going. She wouldn't want to leave her luxurious life. I guess we aren't getting married after all, he thought. It was for the best, he guessed. Elsa really wasn't for him, and he knew it.
That's when he thought of her. She was at the abbey and she would be safe there, but Georg couldn't imagine leaving Austria - possibly forever – without knowing where she was, knowing she was safe, and without having her in his life. In their lives.
He found Liesl and Friedrich in the backyard with the rest of the children. He told them to pack their things and get their siblings ready.
"Father, what's wrong?" Liesl sensed Georg's worry.
He couldn't lie to them; they were old enough to know. "We're leaving Austria," he told her. "Get your brothers and sisters. We're going on a picnic in the morning and catching a train to Switzerland in the afternoon. Max is arranging the train tickets. Don't say anything that might worry your siblings."
"Yes, Father," they both said.
George parked his car near the abbey. He was sure he was losing his mind as he went up to the gate and rang the bell. A young nun walked toward him. "How may I help you, sir?" she asked.
"May I speak with Maria Rainer? She left three days ago. I must speak with her. It's urgent."
The nun shook her head. "I'm sorry, but she is in seclusion. She can't see anyone."
"Then let me speak to the Mother Abbess."
The nun nodded and led him to Reverend Mother's office. He'd spoken to the woman once over the phone, when he was requesting a governess, but he'd never met her. The nun knocked on her door, and there was a voice from within.
"I'm Captain Von Trapp," he began.
"Ah, yes," the elderly woman rose to shake his hand. "What can I do for you?"
"I must speak with Maria. It's not about her leaving – I'm not angry. But I must speak with her."
The Mother Abbess sensed his urgency, that he really meant it, and led him out of her office, down the corridor, and to Maria's room. She knocked on the door, and then opened it. Maria was at her desk reading her Bible.
"C-Captain?" she gasped.
"The Captain is here to speak with you."
Maria gave the Reverend Mother a panicked stare, but the elderly nun just smiled and left her alone with the Captain.