Disclaimer: The Sound of Music belongs to 20th Century Fox. I hate having to say that all the time, it's so frustrating!

Author's Note: Any resemblance to any other story is purely unintentional. I hope you will enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoy writing it! Please comments are very important for me to continue writing! Good and bad as long as it is constructive, hehe! PS: Happy ending insured (even though I haven't written the rest, I just hate bad endings!!!!)

ENJOY!!!!

Maria looked tenderly over the face of her little baby girl. She slept peacefully in her mother's arms, the light pink baby cover Baroness Schrader had given her wrapped around her little form. Baroness Schrader. Maria would never have thought, not in a million years, Baroness Schrader would become friends with her. But she had. And her friendship meant a lot to Maria, especially since … she could not make herself say it.

The little girl slightly stirred, she was waking up. And suddenly, her cries filled the bedroom. "Are you hungry again sweetheart? Hush, mummy's here little darling." And Maria began to unbutton the top of her nightgown to feed her baby. "There now, is that better?" she said, slightly stroking her soft cheek with her thumb while the little girl looked up adoringly at her mother.

"Oh god, Georg, why aren't you here by my side to see your baby?!" Maria prayed silently while her eyes began to water. "You would be so proud of her!" Grace looked so much like Maria with her soft gold hair and her bright blue eyes, but concerning her character, she definitely had inherited her father's temper, Maria couldn't help but smile at the thought.

Georg had been missing for 8 months now. He wasn't even aware he had become a father for the eight's time, she thought bitterly.

He had been forced to join the Navy after the Nazis had caught them when they were trying to flee the country to go to Switzerland. He had had to rejoin the naval regiment after they had performed their singing at the Salzburg festival. It had been the last time they had been all together, as a family. She didn't even have time to say goodbye. A proper goodbye. They had all hugged one last time, and she had barely had a few seconds alone with her husband before those monsters took him away from her, from his whole family!

"Maria, Georg whispered urgently, listen to me! They can't harm you and the children, I'm too valuable for them to try anything foolish. I'll think of something to get you all out of here, I swear! Stick together with Max, he has instructions."

"Georg!" Maria chocked while clinging desperately to him.

"I love you Maria! I will get us out of this! I swear!" He took her chin in his hand to force her to look at him. "Maria, God has brought you into my life, and it is not to have you taken away from me for ever! I trust him, and we will reunite." He whipped away the tears that were falling silently from her eyes. He looked at her determined, but his eyes betrayed a seer of emotions: love, fear for his family, hurt. He kissed her passionately, willing to make her understand through this kiss all the love he held for her, wanting, needing the taste of his wife as a memory he would cherish to help him face what ever he was going to face.

A young soldier coughed lightly, indicating his presence. "Captain Von Trapp, it is time to leave now. You are being expected by dawn. I will escort Baroness Von Trapp and your children safely home".

Georg turned around looking menacingly at the young man. "If I hear anything happening to my family, I swear you will wish you never had been born!"

The young soldier could not help but shiver under his icy glare. He had met the Captain when he was the commander of the biggest Austrian war ship. Of course he had been young at the time, just a "ship boy", only good enough to clean the deck and help in the kitchens, but he had always secretly admired and feared the Captain. This sea Captain had been a model to him, a model of strength, loyalty, and now he felt sick having to tear his family apart from him.

He nodded, holding the Captain's gaze bravely. He backed a few meters away nonetheless, waiting. His wife he noticed, was very young, and looked very frail and very beautiful. So this was the famous Mrs. Von Trapp, he thought. The young nun who had stolen the stern sea Captain's heart. Her face was buried in her husband's chest. She looked up at Georg, and the young soldier thought he had never seen any women look so brave, or so beautiful for that matter. Not the ordinary beauty he was accustomed to, but a sort of glow radiated from her, making her look like an angel. He could see the trust she had for her husband, and the love, even a few meters where he stood. And suddenly, he could understand why the baron, who could have had any women he wanted, had fallen for her.

"I trust you Georg! And I love you with all my heart."

They kissed one last time before Georg ripped himself from her embrace and walked quickly out of the room, not trusting himself to look at Maria's face one last time. The young soldier looked one last time at the young women, and he felt horrible for what he was ordered to do.

Since then, Maria had had no real news of her husband and certainly no contact with him. But Charlie, dear Charlie, the young soldier that had taken all of them home after the festival, had helped her to trace Georg's movements.

Charlie had taken immediately to her and the kids. He was not a bad man; he simply had no choice but to join the Nazis if he wanted his family to be safe. He had his mother and sister to take care of, and he could not allow his ideologies to put them in any danger. He had been assigned to take care, or should we say keep a close watch, to the Von Trapp family. But soon, a close friendship had formed between the two young people. On top of that, Charlie's sister, Eleanor, was 22, exactly the same age as Maria. As soon as the two had met, they had simply known they would become the best of friends.

Eleanor was a sweet girl, with dark curly brown hair and big brown eyes, physically the exact opposite of Maria. She was also very shy and calm, but when she was with Maria, she couldn't help but join in the laughter. Maria was such a joyful woman usually, and the young women couldn't help but admire Maria's strength and the way she handled the children so well. They all seem to simply adore her.

They just spent most of their days at the villa, Eleanor coming almost every day, often accompanied by her mother who had taken to Maria quite strongly, and now considered her like her own daughter. They played in the garden with the children, went picnicking in the mountains… Maria had decided that they would go on just as before; she was determined to preserve the harmony that had filled their home before Georg had had to go. Well, at least to try under these awful circumstances. She and the children had also started to teach Eleanor how to sing. Quite a difficult task for the family since the young women was so shy: she had taken some time to agree to it.

"Eleanor you must try! You will love it I assure you. Singing is essential for all of us now. No one can ever take that away from us!"

"I know Maria, but I can't sing, really I can't! I would just ruin it all" she pleaded.

"Come now Eleanor I heard you sing the other day, when you were cooking in the kitchen" Liesl answered mocking her with good humor.

"You did?!"

"Sure I did, and let me tell you it was quite beautiful!"

"Aha! See!" Maria exclaimed triumphal.

"But I just can't sing well! I would only feel embarrassed!" she answered stubbornly.

Maria looked discreetly at Gretl, giving her an unspoken message which the little girl understood straight away.

"Please Eleanor! I want to hear you sing!" Gretl pouted in a way only a five year old could.

"Ohhhh. All right!" she sighted. She could never say no to Gretl, she was just too cute, and Maria knew it. "But Maria, you are devious, using an innocent child to achieve your schemes!" she laughed.

Maria could not help but laugh too. "Thank you sweetie, we do make a good team don't we?" she said, hugging Gretl tightly.

"We sure do mummy!" she said proudly and the other children all joined in the laughter.

They had taught Eleanor all the songs they were used to singing from "Do-Re-MI" to "The lonely gathered", sometimes accompanied wit h the piano by Eleanor's mother, Ella, or by Maria with her guitar. But when it came to "Edelweiss", by the end of the song, Maria had not been able to help herself, and she had started weeping silently, excusing herself to run as quickly as possible to her bedroom. The children had looked so sad, Gretl and Marta clinging to Liesl for comfort.

"I miss Father!" Marta moaned. "Liesl, when is he coming home?"

Liesl sighted. This question was always on the tip of all their thongs. "I don't know Marta, I wish I could tell you but I can't." she answered gently, stroking the back of Marta's hand with her thumb.

"Marta, Gretl, how would you like us to make mother a cup of tea, and bring her one of the buns you made this afternoon?" Brigitta asked them with a small smile.

"All right. But I want to give mummy the cake!" Gretl said.

"How about you bring mother her tea Marta?" Eleanor said while smiling in thanks at Brigitta.

"All right! I want to make the tea for mother!"

"Come on then!" And Brigitta took both girls by the hand and lead them to the kitchen.

"Liesl, I'll just check on your mother for a minute if that's all right with you."

"Thank you Eleanor".

Eleanor climbed the stairs and knocked quietly on the master bedroom door before opening it slowly. Maria was on the balcony, staring at the lake, the last sun rays giving the water a reddish color. She was trembling slightly, and Eleanor could see she was still crying.

"Maria." She approached the young women carefully. "Are you all right?" She was now standing beside her, staring at the beautiful scenery of the sun setting down behind the mountains.

Maria whipped her eyes angrily with her hands, still staring at the lake. " Oh god, I hate myself for being like this! How can I act in such a selfish way in front of the children?! What kind of mother am I?!"

"Maria, you are not selfish, and you are the best mother I have ever seen!"

Maria turned slowly to face Eleanor, her eyes shiny with tears. "I miss him Eleanor. I miss him terribly. It's like a part of me has been ripped away", she choked. "I love him!" she cried.

She clasped into Eleanor's arms, holding on to her for dear life.

"Sush Maria. Sometimes, crying is good for you. God will not abandon you. Everything will be fine. And the children all love you, they are here with you." Her soothing words seemed to calm the young women who had stopped crying.

"Now there. Gretl and Marta are coming to bring you some tea. You don't want them to see you like this, do you?" Eleanor smiled.

"You're right. I must look a mess, Maria smiled apolitically.

"I'll go down to see what the others are doing."

"Eleanor?!"

"Yes?"

"Thank you!"

"That's what friends are for" she smiled.

Maria looked one more time at the scenery, her gaze bringing her dangerously to the gazebo at the end of the garden. Then she went to the bathroom to splash some cold water over her face.

She was going to make it up to them. All of her children.

They were all eating at the dinner table, Maria, the children, Eleanor and Ella, when Charlie bursted in.

"Hello everyone!"

"Hi Charlie!!" came a chorus of replies.

"Charlie, why don't you sit down and have dinner with us? I will ask Frau Smith to add a plate for you."

"Thanks Maria, but I need to speak to you in private."

Maria looked up frightened and hastily sat up. All the children were looking worried.

"Please start without us." She smiled reassuringly to them before exiting the room, followed closely by Charlie.

They went to Georg's study, a place which Maria had started to use very often. She opened the door and let Charlie enter, and shut it gently behind them.

"Well?" Maria's voice quivered. "Georg.." but her trough was too tight to enable her to continue her sentence.

"Maria!" Charlie took her hand in his. "Georg is fine!"

"Oh!" Maria could suddenly breathe again. Her eyes were filled with hope. "Where is he? How is he? What is he doing?" a thousand questions were running through her head and she needed the answers.

"I received some news of him by a friend of mine who is under the command of Herr Geoth. Herr Goeth has been positioned on the same naval base as the baron."

"Oh Charlie! How is he?" Maria cried, not being able to wait any longer.

"He's fine Maria! He's fine!" Charlie smiled.

"Thank God!" Maria closed her eyes for a few seconds uttering a few words of thanks for her husband's safety. "And where is he?"

"They are in Germany, in…?????." But he is being watched very closely Maria. We couldn't even bring you a letter from him, it was too risky. Herr Zeller seems to think it is some kind of punishment not letting him contact you."

Maria's eyes filled with tears. "That dreadful man! How can anyone be so cruel?!"

"I know! But even though he is dreaded, Herr Zeller is not respected and loved, even amongst the true Nazi soldiers. I was able to give some news of you to my friend who will try to transfer them to the Captain as soon as he has the opportunity."

"Oh Charlie, what would I do without you? But is he in any danger? "

"Yes." Maria shivered. "And no, he added quickly." "You see Maria; Captain Von Trapp is much respected amongst his cruse, and the Nazis are not stupid. They know what he is worth. I have heard him describe as one of the best sea Captain the third Reich as ever had. He has a lot of experience and knowledge. As long as he is needed, you, him and the children are safe."

"How can I ever thank your friend?"

"Don't worry, he is like a lot of men who are forced to act against their believes to protect their families. Anything he can do to work against the Nazis is fine by him. He was glad to help out, and he also admires your husband a great deal."

Maria smiled sadly. "Charlie, are you going to be in contact with him again any time soon?"

"Well, not so soon. You see, we prefer not to be in contact too often. It might look suspicious, as they all know that I am supposed to watch all of you, and that he is working so close to the Captain."

"Oh!" Charlie could see she looked disappointed, and he couldn't stand it.

"What did you have in mind Maria?"

"Well, I know it is too risky to send a letter, but I was thinking of sending him my golden cross through your friend."

"But that's a brilliant idea Maria! I can go and bring it to his mother who sends him letters very often, and she can pretend she is sending it to him. I'm sure I can think of a plan for him to get your cross!"

"Oh, that would be wonderful! Georg knows I cherish this cross, and it would be my message to say we are all fine! Maria exclaimed all excited. "Thank you so much Charlie! You are the sweetest!' and she ran to hug him.

Charlie couldn't help but feel joyful at the sight of Maria so happy. But he wasn't so sure being this close to her was such a good idea. He had started to really feel close to this family. But certain feelings towards the baroness had unfortunately begun to form; feelings he knew he was not allowed to have. But how could he help them? She was so brave, so beautiful and sweet. He challenged any men to get to know Maria and not be smitten with her straight away. Nevertheless, even though he couldn't help his feelings, he had made up his mind to help the Von Trapp family in the best of his abilities, even if he could never call Maria his. Anyway, he had rarely seen a woman so much in love with her husband. He sighted, and gently rubbed her back.

"Come now, you should announce the good news to the children. They mussed be worried."

"Yes, Maria smiled. Let's go!"

And this was a happy night for the Von Trapps, everyone couldn't help but feel a little hopeful. They all knew that Georg was still under the Nazis command, but at least he was fine. And that was a comfort to them all.

Max visited the family as often as he could. But lately, he had been busy arranging all the plans he and Georg had formed in case anything should happen and that he had to take the family out of Austria. He had managed to transfer a good deal of money to two Swiss banks with the help of one of his good friends who had decided to flee to Switzerland as soon as he had heard of the possibility of an Anshluss between Austria and Germany. Georg had always hoped that such an act would not take place. He had been too optimist Max thought bitterly. But Georg had loved and trusted his country too much to want to give up on them too soon. Max had also wanted to believe it.

He entered the house and followed the sound of laughter coming from the garden. The children and Maria were playing a ball game in the garden. He couldn't help but smile at the sight of all of them. Dear Maria. She barely looked older than Liesl, and yet, she had to carry a big weigh on her shoulders, one involving seven children. Max was determined she would not have to carry it alone, but he still thought she was handling it tremendously well. How she did it was beyond him.

"Hello Elsa." He kissed Baroness Schrader's hand. She was sitting at the table, on the terrace, sipping a glass of pink lemonade.

"Ah, Max! And what have you been up to lately, mm? I haven't seen much of you around."

"Ah well, you know me, searching the world for knew talents for my new singing act!" he joked.

"Is everything settled? she asked in a more serious tone.

"Yes. If I hear of anything nasty going on, the family will be safely out of Austria in less than an hour."

"Good." There was a small silence between the two. Elsa just gazed at Maria and the children. The young woman was tickling Marta who was laughing so hard she was nearly crying. Fredrick and Kurt were chasing Louisa and the three other girls were throwing each other a ball in circle.

"You know Max, now I understand what Georg meant when he said we must help it."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that innocence, freedom and respect are values we must fight to keep. Those children are our future. And what we had, we must try to give it to them too. A free country. Free of all this Nazi hatred."

"Why Elsa! If I had ever thought I would one day hear you say such words! I am speechless."

"Stop making fun of me Max! You know I never shared their ideas."

"I know Elsa, I'm sorry. It's just that I think we have all changed lately. And I am glad to say for the best."

They smiled at each other. "Talking of changes Max… What is it with you and Eleanor, mmmh?" She looked up pointedly at him, a small smile appearing on her pink painted lips.

"I'm afraid I don't know what you mean! Eleanor is a very talented young woman. And my interests in her are purely professional!" he defended himself.

"Talking of the wolf and here he comes!" she laughed. Charlie and his sister had just walked in the terrace.

"Hello Max, Baroness!"

"Hello Eleanor, hello Charlie! Why don't you sit with us and have some lemonade?"

Max drew a chair for Eleanor who smiled back sweetly at him. Elsa stared back at Max with her "I know that I'm right" look.

She poured them some lemonade. "Here you go. Not too sweet, not too sour!"

"Just too pink!"

Max and Elsa shared a small laugh. Eleanor and Charlie just looked at them puzzled.

Suddenly, a cry was heard. They all froze. Brigitta was running towards them, looking very worried. "Mother! It's mother! She's unwell! Come quickly!"

Charlie was the first to run towards the garden, quickly followed by the rest of them.

Maria was lying on the grass, her face contorted in pain. Liesl was holding her head on her knees.

"Eleanor! Bring the children inside!"

"Come on darlings. Let's wait inside."

"No!" Gretl shouted. I want to stay with my mummy!"

"Gretl sweetheart, mummy needs you to be a good girl. You wouldn't want to make her unhappy?"

The little girl shook her head and took Eleanor's extended hand, and with one last worried look at Maria, followed the rest of her siblings inside.

"I called the doctor! He'll be here in fifteen minutes" the baroness said, panting from having run so quickly.

"She's unconscious. I'll carry her inside." And Charlie took Maria's unconscious body in his arms. He was astonished at how light she felt, and was worried about how white she looked. "Liesl, run ahead and ask Frau Schmidt to boil some water for the doctor."

Liesl didn't need him to repeat it twice and ran inside, her mind repeating the same thing over and over again "Please God, let mother be fine."

"Well Baroness, when have you started to have dizzy spells?" the doctor asked gently, while putting his medical instruments back in his bag.

Maria was in her bed, still pale looking, but feeling considerably better.

"Well, for about a week now, I think."

"And have you suffered from any other troubles?"

Maria thought for a moment and then shook her head. "No doctor, not that I recall."

"Any lack of appetite? Do you feel a little tired? I mean more than usually? Because taking care of seven children must be tiring!" he chuckled.

"Well yes, a bit, but I do feel fine doctor. I mean I don't feel ill or anything. It's just I don't have much of an appetite lately."

"But you are not ill my child."

"Good! Because now would not be the time for it!" Maria sighted.

"No, but there is still something."

"What is it?" she asked curiously.

"Baroness Von Trapp, you are expecting."

"What!" she put her hand to her mouth in astonishment. Tears started to form in her eyes, a big flow of tears.

"My dear, this is good news I should think. Mothers are always worried when it is their first child. But a baby is a miracle." The wise doctor took her hand and patted it gently.

"Oh doctor! This can not be!"

"I assure you my dear; there is no mistake about it, trust me. You are nearly two months pregnant. Now don't worry about it. You should celebrate! The Captain would if he was here, he added gently. Now you should rest! I will call Frau Schmidt to see me out. I will be back in a week to check on you; or should I say on both of you." he winked.

"Thank you doctor." Maria gave him a small smile which he returned just before shutting the door quietly, leaving a very astonished Maria.

A baby! Georg's baby! The thought seemed incredible to her, and unbelievably wonderful. She knew this baby came at a much unexpected time, but she felt a rush of love for this unborn child that was so strong she couldn't help but feel surprised.

"Georg! Oh Georg! How I need you." she whispered to an empty bedroom.

At that very moment, Georg was lying on his bed in his private cabin, a privilege for all sea captains that he was very grateful for. He was holding Maria's small cross tightly in his hand, and was kissing it gently, thinking of her and the children. How many more nights was he likely to spend without them, without his wife by his side, in his bed, as she should be? He kept making him believe that they were fine, that Max was taking care of them, but how could he not worry? How was Maria? How were the children? Could she manage all of them? Had he been selfish to drag her in this nightmare by marrying her in these troubled times? But how could he have lived without her? He needed her! The only reason he could continue to do what these monsters had forced him to do was thanks to her and her only. The memories of her smile, her laugh, her eyes, her mouth were essential to keep him going, to make him go out of bed to face another day.

He didn't know why, but tonight, he could feel her presence around him. Was he getting crazy? He couldn't explain it; it was like a feeling, a feeling of love that was so strong it warmed his entire body and soul, feeding him with hope for their future. He closed his eyes, images of Maria and the children filling his mind. He uttered a quick prayer of thanks to god and begged him to keep his family safe, before drifting slowly to sleep, the only few hours he was going to get before another long and dangerous day in the uncertain waters of the ocean.

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