London 1930

It was a beautiful autumn morning in London. The birds were chirping and the people enjoyed the last warm sunbeams. The first golden leaves gave the city something elegant and friendly. At the park near Cherry Tree Lane, Bert knelt and drew chalk pictures on the pavement. He happily whistled a tune and enjoyed the beautiful weather. He was so absorbed in his work that he didn't realized he had a small audience for quite some time.

"That's nice."

Bert looked up and saw a little girl, about 6 years old, pointing to a picture of Big Ben.

"Thank you!"

A hearty smile crept to her lips and Bert was sure that he had never seen a cuter child.

Her eyes were blue as a sapphire, her hair dark auburn, her skin pleasantly pale with light freckles and rosy cheeks. He looked around: she was alone. Only one boy, about two to three years older than her, stood a few feet, with her back to them, behind them. He seemed nervous, as he kept pacing back and forth, kneading his hands behind his back.

"Where are your parents?"

„I don't 'ave parents…" she mumbled, examining her feet.

"Oh ..." Then he realized that she is probably from the nearby orphanage. He knew the children because they were in the park sometimes. But he can't remember seeing her.

The artist took a closer look at the boy in the background: it was Matthew, actually an orphan. Matthew was 9 years old and was always one of the first when Bert made music again. Again Bert looked around, but saw no one who belonged to the orphanage. Normally the children were never alone, especially when they were so young! Just as he was about to voice his question, a hysterical cry was heard:

"Elizabeth! Matthew! "

The girl was shocked while the boy whirled around and glared at her: "I told you we get in trouble, Liz!"

A chubby lady in her early 40s came towards them and you could already feel their anger. Her blaming words passed Bert. The reaction of the children distracted him. Matthew was visibly ashamed and showed regret. Elizabeth, as the girl was apparently called, was defiant. He now listened more closely:

„No! I want to get out! I want to play! ", Bert had to smile as he noticed the slight cockney accent. 'Pretty tough for her age'

"No discussion, young lady! You must follow the rules! Now apologize to the man for disturbing him! "

"Oh no, miss. She didn't bother me. Everything's alright, "he smiled pleasantly at the little one and you could see how she visibly relaxed.

"Alright ... goodbye," the lady took both by the hand and led them back to the orphanage.

Bert tapped his cap and nodded, "Goodbye."

A few meters away, Elizabeth cast a look over her shoulder before pulling on the lady's skirt. "May I go back for a moment?", the older woman barely nodded and Elizabeth ran back to Bert.

"Can I come back and watch you draw?"

"Yes of course!"

"Thank you Mr. ..."

"Call me Bert"

"Elizabeth!", the woman shouted.

"I have to go ... Bye Mr. Bert," with these words she disappeared.

In the evening, Bert was sitting in his apartment, working on his latest oil painting. It was a portrait of none other than Mary Poppins. Mary ... He hadn't seen her in years. They wrote letters from time to time, but they simply couldn't get a job in London. He was sure that she simply avoided all jobs in this city. The last family she worked with was the Millers in 1922.

The Millers were a poor family consisting of the parents Henry and Emma, the twins Peter and Colin and a little boy. The twins were always teased, which made them very sick. The boys were very shy and the father was an alcoholic. Mary came after a silent call for help from their mother. Emma Miller was overwhelmed with the whole situation, especially as she had to take care of her youngest son. Bert saw him earlier this day: Matthew. Mary came to them when the children were 10 and 1 years old. Of course Mary Poppins could help them and the Millers were happy again. Until a fateful day:

At Christmas 1923, a fire broke out in the house where they lived and only the two-year-old Matthew could be saved. When Bert heard this, his heart broke. This family didn't deserve such a fate! They were buried in January 1924 - this was the last time he saw Mary. He remembers that day as if it were yesterday. Mary was with a family in Scotland at the time, but came to the funeral. She acted strange, really strange. Mary looked at Bert with a look as if she were ashamed-just why? He was sure that the Nanny reproached that she could not save the four dead. She avoided him. Only a good year later, at Christmas 1924, the first letter came from her. Bert went to his desk and took the letter from the drawer. He ran his fingers over the beautiful letters and began to read:

Bert,

I know that I have not reported for an eternity. But I'm very busy and it looks like I will not be going back to London in the foreseeable future.

Nevertheless, I wanted to wish you a nice party.

Even if we have not seen each other for a long time, you are still an important part of my life. I hope you do not spend Christmas alone and celebrate this day with friends and have fun. Such a special and gentle person as you should not be alone.

You mentioned some time ago that you need a new sweater. Of course I did not forget that and I knitted you one. I hope you like it.

Merry Christmas and take care of yourself

Mary

Bert was playing with the sleeve of the sweater he was wearing. Coincidentally, it was exactly that he had gotten from her back then. He just loved this sweater. Not just because it kept him warm - no, mostly because he was from Mary. He went back to his picture, gave it the final touch and examined it.

"Where are you Mary? When are you coming back?"

Finally, I've written the first chapter in the story, which has been in my head for half an eternity. Since I've already planned everything from start to finish, I can tell you that the story (if I really continue it haha) will be very long.

The story is mainly about Mary and Bert but also Elizabeth and Matthew will have a role :)

(Oh, a little more info: In my story, Bert has something magical and therefore does not age (like Mary), but more on that in the upcoming chapters)

By the way, Mary is coming soon ;D

And sorry for my bad english! If anyone wants to be a beta reader and help me with grammar (and especially the cockney accent): Thank you! Haha I REALLY need help