Chapter 1: Until Tomorrow
She had written her note of farewell and placed it securely on the table next to the Captain's study. With the sound of the small orchestra playing in the background, Maria headed to the elegant entrance, or in this case exit, to The Von Trapp Villa.
After the conversation she had just completed with the Baroness, she was certain she could no longer stay. For one, there was no way she was in LOVE with the Captain! I mean, sure, when they danced, she had felt something she knew she had never experienced before, and she did see something in his eyes, oh those beautiful blue eyes!
'What on earth am I thinking?!' She scolded herself under her breath. These were definitely thoughts a soon to be nun ought never to have. Although, the more she considered herself as a nun, the more foreign the whole idea sounded. It probably was mostly due to the children and the knowledge that life in the abbey meant there was no hope of ever having any of her own.
Oh, the children! She did love them, and absolutely hated what she was doing to them. She wished she could say goodbye but there wasn't any time and, quite honestly she wasn't sure she could handle it.
Guitar and bag in hand, she close the door behind her and began to walk towards the gate. About three quarters of the way there she heard the door open and close again and she braved a backward glance. There on the steps stood dear old Max Detweiler, preparing to light his cigarette.
'Maria? What are you doing out here?' he exclaimed before seeing the luggage she was carrying. 'Oh no, you cannot be leaving! I know seven children and maybe even a sea captain who would be absolutely crushed if that were the case.'
'Herr Detweiler, I...'
'Max,' he corrected her.
'Yes, well, Max, I mustn't stay here. You have to understand, there's no way...'
'No! Maria. Have you got any idea what that will do to those children? They will be utterly devastated! You see, anyone could tell that they all love you. You were the first mother figure they've had in four years, and really the only one Marta and Gretl have ever had. No. You can't leave, especially without saying goodbye.'
Maria lowered her head in remorse, he was right. She couldn't do that to them. She loved them to much to hurt them like that.
'Maria, I know I don't really act like it, but I care deeply for this family and would be acting a fool if I didn't at least try to stop you from making this mistake. I can't force you to stay, but I beg you, please, stay tonight, clear your head of whatever it is that's bothering you, and if you still want to leave, you can give the children a proper goodbye and go after breakfast.'
'You're right, it would be immensely selfish for me to leave like this. I will stay until tomorrow, but Max, I will not be attending tonight's activities.' she told him with a pointed look.
'Yes, yes, of course. I'm only glad you're staying. Can I help you with your bags?'
'No, thank you, Max, I'll manage.'
'Very well, I shall see you in the morning!' he told her with his own pointed gaze as they made their way back towards the villa.