Liesel was so deep in thought she did not realize a figure leaning against the door.

"Saumensch, what are you lazy doing."

Rosa Hubermann tone was not as demanding as it normally was.

For once, Rosa Hubermann was content with life. Upon her husband's return from war, she realised she had everything she needed. Although, they didn't have plenty of money she had what was more important. A roof over her head, enough food to keep her demeaning to everyone, and her family. Her beloved saukerl and her child. People would be surprised that this woman had a heart. She had a bigger heart than people would think. There was a lot in it, stored high in the miles of hidden shelving. She called everyone saukerl and saumensch, but especially to the people she loved.

Rosa eyed the girl before her. The girl was brought to her five years ago. A sad, little, dirty blonde, malnourished kid. Taken away from her mama, and having just lost her brother to death. And Rosa having lost the money she would have gotten if the boy lived. So nobody was happy.

Somehow, the girl found her way into Rosa heart. Rosa could see something in her. Like a blazing fire lit in a cold empty street for the homeless. Needless to say, this girl filled an empty space in her. The girl is no longer a malnourished kid. Somehow the girl has gained some meat on her bones. Despite, the fact that there was not much food in the house. She's taller, had grown a pair of breast, and she was beautiful. Although the girl didn't try. It was only the matter of time until little saukerls would line up for her daughter. That little yellow haired saukerl better act fast or else another boy would take a liking for her daughter but actually have the balls to act on it.

Rosa knew in her heart- yes already- if Death has a heart, then I guess Rosa has one too. Secretly apart of Rosa loved the idea of her daughter and the Steiner kid. But they were much too young, but they were fourteen now, and perhaps that would be okay.

"Liesel. Liesel."

"Ja. Mama"

"Look at you."

"What mama."

"You're hair is so long now, ja? Perhaps we should cut it...Or perhaps you should let it down. It's always in this ponytail." Rosa pulled slightly on a lighter streak of Liesel hair.

"Why mama? The wind will just blow it to my face."

"Because I said so saumensch. It will make you look prettier."

"Why should I care if I will look prettier?"

"Because saumensch you are a young lady now. Sooner or later you will care what boys will think. Do you have a boyfriend."

"Nein mama! Besides, I'm not aloud, remember?.

"Well, Liesel, maybe you should get one."

Liesel was stunned for a second. "Whaaat?," confusion laced with her words. Did she just hear mama correctly. Surely not.

Rosa pressed both hands onto Liesel chest. "You're bra is too small, huh?"

Liesel's mama still checked if she took regular baths and sometimes she would help scrub. Rosa still checked the girls ears, teeth, and fingernails. So this was nothing.

"Yes ma, they keep growing."

"Well saumensch, it's natural, we will go to town tomorrow after you deliver and pick up the washing money. Sound good?"

Liesel was then left once more to her thoughts. Mama said I'd look prettier with my hair down. I wonder if Rudy would think so too. Mama said it was natural for girls to grow in that upper region, so what should I be ashamed of? And Mizzi had big boobs and boys like her. Maybe bra shopping with mama won't be so bad. All her one's were ugly and worn, and bloody tight, Liesel thought. What does Mizzi have that I don't. She can't play soccer. I bet she spends all day in front of the mirror. With her shinny unnatural ruby lips, and her lightly blushed checks. Maybe I should put more time on presenting myself. Maybe then Rudy would look at me more.

Liesel didn't know it but this was the start of her change.


Sorry, there isn't any Rudy in this one but I'll try to incorporate him in the next chapter.