Cracks in the von Trapp Family
Welcome Home, Friedrich
Disclaimer: I don't own The Sound of Music.
This story is partially inspired by the following other fanfictions: "Amor Vincit Omnia" byMaxisback, "The Fantasy Basket"by Esme Incognito (rated M), and "Charming Who?" by myself (rated M). All of them are on my favorites or profile page, respectively. You can read them if you'd like, although only "Amor vincit omnia," is a SOM story. As indicated, the other two are also M – rated for sex scenes. (It may surprise some of you that I don't mind reading or writing M – rated material, so long as the couple is married.)
Some of you may think that Maria acts out of character in this story, but I will tell you that her behavior is inspired by the special features on The Sound of Music DVD about the real Maria von Trapp. But beyond that, I hope to write this in a way that will make sense for "our" Maria to behave this way.
On the other hand, I also know I make mistakes. So, if you have any questions or disagree with something in the story, feel free to tell me. I'll be happy to explain and/or change whatever is causing the problem.
Oh, and OOOOOOOOO is time change
XXXXXXXXXX is POV change
"A letter from Friedrich?" asked Maria excitedly. "That's wonderful!" She danced across the living room, pausing for a moment to see that baby Johannes was fine playing on the floor, before she reached her husband. Georg stood near the front door, holding Friedrich's letter like it was one of the most important documents he'd received. Which of course, it was. With the war finally over in Europe, Friedrich must be writing about his plans to return home.
"From Friedrich?" Gretl asked, appearing almost out of nowhere. The thirteen-year-old ran so quickly she almost knocked her father off his feet.
"Can I see?" Marta asked, carefully putting aside the notes she was studying for another time.
"I should be able to see first!" screamed Louisa, who had just come inside as well. "I'm the one who noticed the mailman was here."
"Enough!" commanded Georg, giving them all one of his intimidating stares. "I will read the letter when your manners improve. You are supposed to be growing up; none of you need to act like delinquents."
Louisa and Gretl stared at the floor. "Yes, Father," they said at the same time.
Maria ran her hand up and down his arm to comfort him and at the same time, attempted to peek at the letter. "Georg don't be so hard on them. They're just excited to here from Friedrich. We all are."
"Liesl," Maria called up the stairs. "Come hear Friedrich's letter!"
"Coming!" replied the young woman's cheerful voice. Soon she came down the stairs holding onto Rosemary's hand.
Georg sat firmly on the chair he considered his, the one situated in the front of the room next to the fireplace. He stared at each of them for several moments without saying anything. Maria was just about to tell Georg to end this suspense when he finally picked up Friedrich's letter and began reading.
"Dear family, May 30, 1945
I'm sure you are all aware that the war in Europe has been officially over since May 8. There's been lots of parties here ever since then, especially in France. People everywhere offer to buy us soldiers drinks and thank us for ridding the world of that tyrannical regime. I must admit; all this attention is pretty great. It kind of reminds me of my birthday.
But despite all the celebrations, Europe has been torn apart. Buildings are in ruins from the bombs, and I'm told that much of the farmland has been destroyed by the tanks. With all this destruction, I suppose it's no wonder people seem to have no money here. From what I've heard our homeland in Austria is even worse.
But by far the worst of part it is how many families are searching diligently for members they may never see again. The army and the Red Cross has set up relief organizations all over the place, but they can only do so much. Last time I was on leave, I was simply strolling down the street, and another guy almost jumped me, begging for information about his brother. He said he'd already tried the official channels, and they couldn't help him. Unfortunately, I didn't know anything either. Such incidents help me understand how lucky I am that you are all safe in America, though.
American Navy ships have diligently searched the North Sea for survivors in the last few weeks. My ship, the USS Birmingham just came back from such a rescue mission. We found two dead ships, but no survivors. Sick and wounded men are still common at the base, though.
Yet my superiors have decided my service time is over. I'm excited about seeing you all again, especially as I know most of the men aren't lucky enough to see their families again. Still, a part of me wishes I could stay here longer. These people are in desperate need of medical attention. But at the same time, I think it might be time for me come home.
I suppose I should be grateful for the chance to become a doctor thanks to the United States Navy, though. Dr. Friedrich Trapp. Doesn't that sound wonderful?
Anyhow, I should be docking at the US naval base in Quincy, Massachusetts on June 14, if all goes well. I will send you a telegram when I arrive, and I look forward to seeing everyone. From Liesl's warm smile to Louisa's temper and from Mother's singing to the twinkles in Father's eyes.
Sincerely,
Friedrich"
Maria watched as Georg's eyes twinkled, just as Friedrich said they did, as he finished reading the letter and her smile widened to her ears. She loved to see that, as it meant her serious husband was feeling happy and a little mischievous.
"Friedrich's coming home! Friedrich's coming home!" Gretl announced, throwing her arms around Liesl.
Liesl nodded and threw her arms around Marta and Maria as well. Even Louisa joined in the group hug. Meanwhile, Rosemary not to be left out, pulled on her father's pant leg until he picked her up as well. "It will be so nice to have Friedrich home again. Permanently this time," said Maria. "And with school almost done, Brigitta will be home as well! This house will be full again, just the way it should be."
Georg stared at Maria, his eyes still twinkling as he asked. "Are you certain you want that? All that noise and arguing all the time? I think it might be better to keep them as far away as possible."
"Georg!" Maria shook her head at his teasing.
"Father!" Liesl sighed.
Everyone else laughed, including Georg.
Maria paused and looked down at the floor to make certain Johannes was still all right. Fortunately, her baby was completely healthy and happy, sucking on wooden blocks. Still, Maria picked up her baby, suddenly needing to cuddle him close again. She couldn't wait to see Friedrich, Brigitta, and maybe even Kurt. Perhaps then her heart could finally rest.
"So if Friedrich is supposed to come in on the fourteenth, my that's only three days from now. We should plan something," Liesl commented thoughtfully.
Georg nodded. "I'm going to try to get enough gas cards to see if we can drive to Quincy when he gets in. As soon as he sends us the telegram, we'll all drive over there."
"That would be wonderful, Georg!" Maria smiled, still holding Johannes as he sucked on the wooden block. She was certain Friedrich would love to see his entire family when he returned.
"Will I go, too?" Rosemary asked, nestled in her father's arms, creating an adorable picture.
"Of course, we are all going," Georg told her firmly.
Rosemary clapped her hands in delight. "It will be my first big car trip, Father!"
OOOOOOOOOOO
Maria loved how happy her family was for the rest of the night. Louisa even pulled out the violin she'd received from her grandparents and began practicing a new song to play for her brother. The rest of the family eagerly sang several tunes as well, including The Sound of Music and several new songs they had heard on the radio. Marta and Gretl also planned to show their brother some of their school compositions of which they were particularly proud.
And of course, Georg was just as delighted as the rest of them, if not more so. "This is wonderful, Maria," he whispered for the third time as they went upstairs for the night. "Our oldest son is coming home." Then he kissed her cheek, and Maria felt a surge of warmth.
"It was so nice that Friedrich was able to help defeat the Nazis, especially since I couldn't. I'm so proud of him for serving as long as the navy needed him," Georg continued as they stepped into their bedroom. "But it will be a relief to have another man to help here again. Especially as this little man gets older." Georg paused and touched little Johannes's head, who was still nestled in Maria's arms.
Maria nodded. "Definitely." She leaned over and kissed her husband, feeling love and joy flow through both of them. It was nice that Georg agreed Friedrich would help with Johannes, as well as the farm. She appreciated how much the older children helped with Johannes, but sometimes it still felt like there wasn't enough people to help. After all, the maple sugar farm required a lot of work. And Johannes seemed to need more care than Rosemary had.
Carefully, Maria placed the baby into his wooden cradle, making certain he was breathing steadily as she did so.
"You're so good with him, Maria," Georg told her, wrapping both of his arms around her waist from behind. "It's because of you that he's done so well for the past month." Delightful tingling filled her as he covered her neck with kisses.
"Mmmmm," Maria hummed in contentment.
Before long, he pulled her onto the bed, unbuttoning her dress at the same time. Maria reached over to his firm chest, when she thought she heard a noise. Was it Johannes? Could her son be in trouble again? Faster than water poured, she was off the bed to check on her son. Gently placing her finger near his face, Maria sighed in relief. Johannes was still breathing normally.
Then she turned back to her husband, who understandably, appeared quite frustrated. "I'm sorry, Georg. I know you wanted to have our own celebration tonight, with Friedrich coming home."
"I did," he replied, trying his best to sound understanding. But he sighed in disappointment.
"I just can't seem to stop worrying about Johannes," Maria sighed as she returned to the bed, still facing her baby.
"I know, Maria. The night he struggled to breath was terrifying for all of us, *" Georg wrapped his arm around her from behind. "I hate to think about it. But don't you think there could be a little time for us at some point? Johannes is fine now."
Maria sighed. "I'm sure I'll be able to focus on us eventually, Georg. But it's not going to happen tonight."
Georg sighed again.
Maria turned around briefly and kissed his cheek. "I love you, you know. Thank you for trying to be patient with me. It means a lot." With that, she turned around to face her baby again, making sure she could still she his chest rise.
"I love you, too, Maria." Georg whispered to her back.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
OOOOOOOOO
The voices of Liesl and her siblings, and of course, Mother, singing "My Favorite Things," could probably be heard for miles. Fortunately, none of the other motorists seemed to mind. Then, why would anyone complain about listening to Mother sing?
Three days after they received Friedrich's letter, they had indeed received a telegram saying he had arrived in Quincy, Massachusetts. Father had managed to obtain the gas rationing cards, so they had all immeadiately piled into the family automobile. Even Brigitta, who had just finished high school in Montpelier, was with them.
Liesl could barely remember the last time her family had been so happy. She knew the only thing that would make them happier was if Kurt was in the automobile as well. But they couldn't let Kurt's missing voice distract them from their joy that Friedrich was finally coming home.
"Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings!" sang Gretl, who sat right next to Liesl.
"These are a few of my favorite things," echoed everyone together.
OOOOOOOOOOO
Everyone's excitement grew as they finally approached the naval base. "I see it!" Brigitta announced, pointing towards a large docked ship in the distance.
"I saw it first," Louisa protested.
"No, you didn't," Gretl shook her head, her blond hair brushing against Liesl.
"I don't need to hear this," Father told them all, in his most stern voice.
"That's right," Mother added. "What's important is that we'll see Friedrich very soon."
Liesl felt her heart beat increase even more, although she realized a part of her was also disappointed. She loved her brother and was really looking forward to seeing him again. As the two oldest von Trapps, she and Friedrich had always been very close, especially in those awful years after their first Mother died. Still, a part of her couldn't help but wish Patrick was in Quincy right now, too.
Patrick was a young man Liesl had been writing to for two and a half years now. When they'd begun writing, they agreed they were only friends, but now Liesl wasn't certain that's all they were anymore. Or if that's the way she wished it to stay. Over the past two years, she'd told Patrick things she'd never told another soul, not even Mother. And he did the same with her, Liesl knew. Somehow it was easy to discuss all their secrets since they were communicating through letters. It was a wonderful, deep friendship, but they never discussed another relationship. **
Right now, Liesl knew one thing. As wonderful as it was to see Friedrich very soon, she was desperate for Patrick to come home. She wished to set her eyes on that red – haired army lieutenant again.
Still, she forced herself to smile as widely as she could. There was no reason to ruin the rest of her family's delight with her slight disappointment.
OOOOOOOOOOOOO
Louisa, Gretl, Brigitta and even Marta ran to a tall, blond young man dressed in a white sailor's uniform and hat. "Friedrich!" Gretl screamed. The sea breezes blew her blonde hair everywhere.
Mother gently handed Johannes to Father and then rand to Friedrich herself.
When he finally reached them, Friedrich smiled and hugged all of them.
"I'm so happy you're finally home and safe," said Mother, in a tearful voice.
"Ah, Mother, you worry too much," said Friedrich, as he finally pulled from her arms.
Mother immediately picked up Johannes again, so Father could greet Friedrich as well. Instead of hugging, he and Father saluted each other in greeting. But Liesl could see the fierce pride in their Father's eyes, which she suspected meant more to Friedrich than any hug could. "Hello, Father," Friedrich said.
"Hello, son," Father replied. "So, the Nazis are finally defeated, I hear?" He held out his hand for Friedrich to shake.
"Really and truly, Father," said Friedrich, as he took Father's hand. "We got them all!"
"What is a Nazi?" asked Rosemary, holding tightly to Liesl's hand. "You never tell me what it is." The rest of the family stayed silent for a moment, wishing the innocent little girl didn't ask that as often as she did in the last couple of years. How did they explain that?
"Not anything you have to worry about anymore," Father said in a dark voice.
"Ever," Friedrich agreed, firmly. "Hello, Rosemary," he greeted their youngest sister, swatting to her height. "I'm your oldest brother. You've gotten a lot bigger than you were when I saw you last."
Rosemary studied Friedrich for several minutes, like she was trying to decide whether she should accept him. Finally, she nodded and shook his hand, much like their father had just done. "Hello, Friedrich."
Then he stood up and turned to Liesl. "It's so nice to see, you, too." With that, he enveloped her into a great big hug.
OOOOOOOOOOOO
On the way home, everyone shared what they had done here while Friedrich had been away. Father went on and on about how well the maple trees seemed to be doing this year. "The trees are behaving better than the rest of our brood," he commented dryly, with that twinkle in his eyes. Louisa was quick to talk about her experiences working in the factory. Gretl and Marta mentioned the bottle cap drives they'd participated in at their school. "And did you know I'll be graduating high school next weekend?" Brigitta suddenly asked, apparently wanting to save the best for last. "You will be able to see my commencement!"
"That's great, Brigitta," Friedrich replied.
"She's even graduating with honors," Father added, pride in his voice, as he turned a corner with the automobile.
"I can believe it," Friedrich nodded, looking over to where their sister was sitting. "You were always so smart."
"I've even received a scholarship to the University of Vermont for next year," said Brigitta, sounding even more excited. "I'm going to be a teacher."
"I'm certain you'll make a great teacher," said Friedrich with a smile.
OOOOOOOOOOO
Mother quickly changed Johannes and then began cooking dinner when they arrived home, while Father settled in to read the newspaper.
"Have you removed all your things from the car, Friedrich?" Louisa asked their brother.
"Yes, I have everything," Friedrich replied, picking up two duffle bags. "Liesl, will you help me put my things away?"
Liesl nodded and followed him without a word, while the rest of her siblings scattered around the house.
Friedrich looked around the modest room he'd shared with Kurt. Two beds, two small dressers, and a bookshelf full of medical textbooks, navy manuals, and signaling codes. "It's so strange to be here without him," Friedrich sighed, as he stared at their brother's empty bed. "I never thought I'd return home before he did." He fingered the green blanket Mother had made for Kurt. "I'm the older brother, you know?"
Liesl nodded, understanding exactly what Friedrich meant. How could their little, mischievous brother still be risking his life out in the Pacific while the two of them were safe? ***
"I keep expecting him to crawl out from under the bed and start laughing that he fooled us again," Friedrich continued, stills staring at Kurt's bed.
Liesl laughed at that, remembering how Kurt had always excelled at hiding. He'd always won every game of hide and seek.
Friedrich sighed and placed his bags on his own bed. "But, Liesl what have you been doing? I know something is bothering you." His blue eyes stared right into hers, showing how serious he really was. "You're the only one who didn't tell me anything on the ride home."
Liesl sighed. She should have known Friedrich would notice that. Her mind flashed back to the times he'd sneak into her bedroom to discuss the memories of their birthmother back when Father had forbidden the household to discuss anything about her. Each of them had always known when the other needed to talk.
Carefully, she sat on the other end of Friedrich's bed. "How soon do you think the army men will be home?" She'd been trying to keep her feelings about Patrick private until she understood them better, but perhaps Friedrich knew something.
Friedrich shrugged both of his shoulders once. "I don't know, Liesl. I understand they have a lot to do, between rebuilding the roads and putting electric and phone lines back. Not to mention how many people they must organize. Like I'd said in my letter, people everywhere are still looking for each other. And sometimes there's riots, too."
Liesl's heart skipped a beat as she realized her Patrick could still be in danger even after the war was over. His noble face and fire – red hair flashed in her mind. Why couldn't he have come home along with Friedrich?
"Why do you want to know, anyway?" Friedrich asked, suspiciously.
"I've been writing to an army lieutenant for the last couple of years," Liesl replied, trying her best for her voice to sound causal.
Friedrich sighed. "I was worried it was something like that. I wish you hadn't gotten involved with an army man, Liesl. But I suppose I can wait until he comes home to decide if he's good enough for you." He stood up and pulled some of his clothing out of one of his duffle bags.
"Oh, goodness, Friedrich, Patrick and I are just friends!" Liesl shook her head. She'd forgotten how protective her brother could be, even if he was younger than she. He was almost as bad as Father.
"Patrick, huh?" Friedrich said suspiciously, looking at her straight into her eyes again. "We shall see, I suppose." He put his clothes back into his dresser.
At this moment, Liesl wished her brother didn't know her as well as he did. Was he always this perceptive with everyone?
"Oh, Liesl look at this!" said Friedrich suddenly, his voice changing completely from wariness to excitement. He pulled a folder out of his duffle bag and retrieved a piece of paper. "It's my proof that I served in the United States Navy."
Indeed, the document clearly stated that Friedrich James Trapp had served in the United States Navy from 1942 – 1945 and was honorably discharged from service.
"I can use this to become a full United States citizen. They say I'll be able do everything on this coming Fourth of July, in Montpelier." His eyes shone with pride as he spoke of the plan.
Liesl stared at her brother, shocked. She knew he'd been planning on becoming a United States citizen when he joined the United States Navy. But she thought it was for practical reasons. She never expected him to be so excited about it. As irrational as it was, a part of her heart rebelled at the plan. Father had always encouraged them to be loyal to Austria forever. "I see," she said, finally, not certain what else there was to say.
Friedrich sighed. "Liesl, believe me, I never expected becoming an American would be so important to me. But I spent three years with so many other Americans. Living with them, joking with them, treating them for injuries and illnesses, giving everything they had to defeat the Nazis for America. I know it's funny, because I spent most of the time in Europe. But after serving in the American Navy for so long, I feel like an American. I want to make it official."
Liesl nodded. She supposed fighting for a common cause like that did make those men feel like Americans when nothing else did. Hadn't Patrick mentioned something about that, too? How he'd always been treated like an Irish – American until he'd joined the army? And now he felt accepted like a "regular" American? "That makes sense."
"I'm glad it does, Liesl." Friedrich looked at her in the eyes again and then at his official document. "I just hope it makes sense to Father, too."
*See my story, "A Mother's Greatest Fear," for more information on this.
** See "Liesl's Older Sister," for how Liesl meets and befriends Patrick.
***See "Kurt's American Dream," for more information on Kurt joining the US Navy, with the intention of participating in the Pacific front.
I'd like to thank those that answered my question on the Writer's Anonymous Forum on what kind of paperwork Friedrich would have when he left the US Navy. It may not be 100% accurate for this time period and situation, but it's certainly more accurate than what I had before I asked.
This story will always be updated on Fridays, although I'm going to have to go with my once – a – month posting schedule, rather than every week or every two weeks, especially as summer is beginning.
Reviews are great, just don't forget to keep them honest.
