Six Months Later
Sophie was getting ready to meet with her friends out at the local jazz club. With the German officers in town and especially with her boyfriend being a Captain in the Nazi Army, she had special privileges that would allow her into exclusive clubs all around Paris. Every time she went into a venue, she had run into that charming colonel from the café. He had charmed his way into her thoughts and had charmed his way among her friends. The two had gotten to know each other and in her loneliness, she had become smitten. Every time he would go dance, chat, or even go home with another woman, Sophie would fill with jealousy and she would often go days without speaking to him.
Amon Goeth had left for his assignment in Poland; the pair still exchanged letters. Goeth was just as cold in his letters as he was in person. The only time he showed anything was when he had mailed her an engagement ring and insisted that she marry him. The ring was heavy around her finger, creating a distraction and a burden all at once.
As she continued to fasten her evening dress to herself, her mind could not stop wandering into thoughts of being with Hans Landa. His eyes were intriguing; they just lingered on her as if she were an exotic work of art. The way he spoke was gentle and polite. His lips…oh, those lips as they transformed themselves into a dashing smile. What about this colonel created such wants and desires? In truth, he was the perfect gentleman. His uniform, crisp and clean; his dark, blonde hair was neatly combed to one side. Sophie could not get him out of her mind. She was securing her earring as her mother screamed for her.
"SOPHIE! YOUR CAR IS HERE!"
There was muffled dialogue down in her foyer as she shuffled in her bedroom, trying to get ready. Curious to see who was waiting for her, the young blonde rushed down her large staircase only to see an officer standing in the foyer, chatting with her mother. It was him! It was Landa! Excitement, curiosity, and intrigue seemed to have combined themselves in her chest. Was she dreaming? Her thoughts had caught up with her as she missed the final step and stumbled. Hans rushed over to catch her. As her thin frame fell into his arms, their eyes met once again.
Hans smiled at her before straightening them both up.
"Hello Sophie"
"…Hallo…Colonel Landa."
Sophie was still in his arms before her mother interrupted them.
"The car…it's waiting. Sophie, go get your coat!"
Landa loosened his embrace and watched as Sophie disappeared into another room of her house. Madame Dubois took a step closer towards the officer and whispered,
"I hope tonight works in your favor. I would love to be rid of that cold hearted Captain."
The colonel nodded and grinned at Madame Dubois "As do I…this is the exact reason why I sent him to Poland. Your daughter is very fine and far too fair to be wasted on a man who climbed the ranks."
Sophie returned to find her mother and apparent escort whispering and giggling. She suddenly grew jealous.
"Would you two like to go out instead?"
The colonel cleared his throat and offered the lady his arm. Sophie trudged past her mother, and took Hans's arm. Looking back at her mother, she smiled.
"Don't wait for me, Mere."
As the two exited and approached the car, Hans took a moment to stop and study the young woman next to him. Sophie, just as curious as ever, studied him back.
"What is it?"
"Your ring. Let me see it. I heard about the great news." His voice grew stern.
Sophie's left hand was shaking as she showed him her new, emerald engagement ring from Amon Goeth. Hans studied it and let out a soft chuckle.
"Let me guess…green—like your eyes."
Sophie blushed and nodded. To her shock, Landa slid the ring off of her finger and put it in his pocket. She tried to protest, but he clicked his tongue and shook his head. He led her to the car, opened the door, and waited for her to enter. As he shut the door behind her, he took the ring out of his pocket and threw it onto the street.
