Woman Trouble: Part I

I would like to take the opportunity to thank Lizzi0307 and my dear friend BJ for all of their assistance.

Klink's staff car entered the compound after an evening in town. Almost before the car had come to a complete stop, Private Kristman jumped out. Quickly he ran around to the other side of the car and opened the left rear passenger's door. Exiting the vehicle, Klink stomped angrily up the steps to his quarters. Hogan, who had been watching for Klink's return, hurried across the compound to catch him before he disappeared into his quarters.

"Kommandant, I need a minute of your time." Hogan called out as he hurried up the steps behind Klink and just barely got inside before the door could slam in his face.

Noting the intrusion Klink gave a weary sigh, took off his hat and coat and hung them on a nearby coat rack. "What is it Hogan? It is after roll call and you are supposed to be confined to the barracks. Since I am too tired for your foolishness, hurry and get right to the point."

"Well sir, I came to discuss one of the new guards. He is being a little too physical with some of my men." Hogan said as he plopped his hat down on the coffee table and made himself at home on the sofa.

"This is a matter you could have taken up with the Sergeant of the Guards. That would be Shultz in case you've forgotten." Klink said as he entered the kitchen.

"I would but this guard is being a little too hands on, if you know what I mean. I think Shultz maybe a little intimidated by him." replied Hogan who was straining his neck to see what Klink was doing. "What are you doing in there?"

Klink poked his head out the kitchen door and frowned at Hogan. "Shultz would be intimated by a newborn kitten. As to what I'm doing, I'm making coffee if you don't mind. After the night I've had tonight, I need it." Klink's head quickly disappeared back into the kitchen.

"She smashed your monocle again sir?" Hogan said with a grin.

Coming out of the kitchen with a tray, Klink set it down on the coffee table. On the tray were set a carafe of coffee, two cups and a plate of cookies. "No but managed to I get my face slapped."

Klink sat in a nearby chair while Hogan poured the coffee. "I just don't understand women." moaned Klink.

"No man does Colonel." Hogan said as he handed a cup to Klink. "Oh there are men who have tried but they either became hermits or wind up with lifetime memberships at the funny farm."

"You do." Klink replied in a slightly accusatory tone. Pointing and shaking his finger at Hogan, Klink continued. "I've watched you. Women fall at your feet while they tell me I can kiss theirs. Some how I don't believe I'm being invited to be some new form of foreplay."

Hogan laughed. "You just need confidence Colonel; I mean you had that wild romance with Marlene Schneider. You must have been doing something right."

"Ugh, Countess Heffernick, don't remind me I can't stand the humiliation. Why is it we remember what we want about people?"

"I don't know Kommandant but it couldn't have been that bad." Hogan said as he snagged a cookie from the plate. "How did you meet her?"

"We went to Gymnasium together. I thought she was the prettiest girl in school." Klink sat back in his chair remembering his younger days.

"Surely he couldn't have been your only girlfriend back then. There has to be someone else whom you have fond memories. Hogan asked.

Klink sat in contemplation for a moment before responding. "There was Anna." he said thoughtfully while he sipped his coffee. "I haven't thought about her in years."

HHHHHHHHH

Wilhelm Klink ran into his tiny father's shop on Zollstrasse. It was a neat well ordered little shop that sold a variety of household goods. Quickly setting down his school books he put on the apron hanging on the hook. Getting behind the counter he quickly went to wait on Frau Michelson who had been quietly standing there waiting for service. She smiled at the handsome, well mannered young man.

"How can I help you today, Gnadigfrau?" Wilhelm said to his first customer of the day.

The small frail elderly woman's smile brightened. "I need for some needles for my sewing Wilhelm."

"Clothes sewing, darning or are you going to be doing some of your beautiful embroidery work?" Wilhelm asked.

"Just doing some simple mending." she answered.

Wilhelm picked a small packet from the shelf behind him. "Will there be any thing else?" he said handing the needles to her.

"No, that will be all" she replied as she searched her purse for a small coin but not finding one.

"Oh dear," she said to herself. Looking up at Wilhelm she attempted to hand him back the packet of needles. "I'm sorry but I must have forgotten to bring my money with me."

"Don't worry about it Frau Michelson. You can pay for it when you come in next time." Wilhelm said with a smile.

Reaching over she gently patted his cheek with her frail thin hand. "You are such a kind boy. If I was twenty years younger I would be chasing after you."

He leaned forward with his arms crossed on the counter. "If you were twenty years younger, I'd let you catch me because you'd be the prettiest girl around." Wilhelm said winking slyly.

Frau Michelson laughed. "Oh you're a wicked silver tongued devil my dear sweet Wilhelm. No wonder you are so popular with the girls."

Wilhelm blushed and Frau Michelson took her purchase and left the store. When he was sure she was far enough away from the store, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small coin. Walking over to the cash register he rang up her purchase. He liked Frau Michelson. She and her husband had been coming to the store since Wilhelm's family moved to Düsseldorf when he was eight. She always had a kind word for him. When things were especially bad at home he pretended the Michelson's were his real family.

She had lost her husband last year and the grief had taken its toll on her. Not only was her income severely restricted but he watched while she mentally was slowly slipping away. They never had any children and no extended family member seemed to take any interest in her welfare. He worried about what would become of her when she no longer could take care of herself.

Upon hearing the tinkling of the bell above the door, Wilhelm turned to see who had entered the store. He was surprised and a little upset to see it was his dear friend, Anna Luebke.

"Anna," he hissed glancing nervously over his shoulder at the storage room. "Papa is here. If he sees you he will make a loud and ugly scene."

Anna was his closest female friend. Though not romantically involved, he felt she was a kindred soul and cherished their close bond. His father had taken an instant dislike to her. During one of his black moods he had banned her from the shop.

All the kids at school called her 'die Wiesel' because of her sharp thin features and keen mind. She was a plain and physically awkward girl but her intelligence had her in the running for being valedictorian of the class. She was also one of the sweetest natured person Wilhelm had ever met.. Currently she was helping Wilhelm by tutoring him in order to get ready for the Abitur.

"Your father isn't here Willi. He left about fifteen minutes before you arrived." She replied. "I saw him from across the street. Guess he couldn't wait for you to get back from practice. He was headed for Der Alte Grossmaul."

"No, that can't be right Anna, you must be mistaken. The door was unlocked when I got here. He would have never left and let the store remain open." Wilhelm said as he looked around the store with growing alarm.

"I watched him from across the street Willi. I guess he couldn't wait for you to finish practice before leaving." she said with more than a little sympathy for his situation.

Wilhelm's head was spinning. His father left the store unattended so he could shuffle off to a bar. He had been drinking before Dolf's death but afterwards his consumption increased. He placed the blame for his problem squarely on Wilhelm shoulders, which he stoically bore without complaint. The truth was Wilhelm actually believed he was to blame.

As a result of his alcoholism, Major Klink was cashiered out of the army less than a year later. The family was left with nothing. A blessing came when Wilhelm's maternal grandfather, Herr Ludwig Schinkel, had invited his father to be a partner in the store. When Opa Schinkel's health took a turn for the worst last winter, Wilhelm had increased his hours spent at the store.

Problem was his father's drinking had been getting steadily worse. Wilhelm found himself spending more and more time working in the store. He had given up all after school activities except track and field. Now it seemed he would have to give that up too. He worried about what would happen to his family if he went to University like he wanted to.

Wilhelm realized his mind had wandered. He shook the errant thoughts from his head and refocused on Anna.

"I'm sure you are mistaken Anna. There must have been an emergency that Father was called to. You know he was a highly decorated solider before his retirement. His expertise must be needed somewhere." Wilhelm lied. He knew she knew he was lying but he couldn't bear the thought of anyone thinking ill of his father.

"Alright Willi," she said changing the subject. "When can we study? The test will be upon us before you realize it."

"I have to work. Can we study here? I don't think Father will be back for an hour at least." he reasoned.

"At least an hour," Anna replied dryly. "I'll go home and let my parents know where I am. I'll be back in a minute." She hurried out of the shop as Wilhelm hurried over to help a customer who had just come in the store.

Herr Schinkel came into the store by using the back staircase. He was a tall thin man with an almost completely bald head and thick glasses. While leaning heavily on his cane he watched his favorite grandson work. Satisfied with Wilhelm's work, he limped over to a wooden straight backed chair which sat near the far wall and the textile goods. Slowly he eased himself painfully down into the chair. After completing the sale, Wilhelm noticed his grandfather.

"Hello Opa." Wilhelm said brightly to the older man. Wilhelm adored his grandfather and happily did whatever he could to please him. Opa and Oma were the only ones in the family that seemed to have any time for him.

"Hello Willi how is business?" he inquired.

"Steady but not busy Opa." Wilhelm replied as he walked over to the other end of the counter to make a place for Anna and him to study.

"Is that necessary Willi?" his grandfather asked.

"I have to get ready for my exams or I won't be able to go to University." replied Wilhelm, not looking up from reviewing last night's study session.

"You need to stay here and take care of the family Willi. I am getting to old to run this store. I need you here." the old man said waving his hand for emphasis. "You don't need to go to University to be a merchant. I didn't go to Gymnasium and I was a very successful businessman."

"I can be a better businessman by going to University. I can then come back and apply what I learned. Then I can make this store even more successful and be able to provide a lavish lifestyle for everyone." Wilhelm brimmed with excitement at the thought.

"Bah," Herr Schinkel said. "Wolfie can go. You are needed here Willi."

As Wilhelm's resolve waivered, he internally battled with his indecision and guilt. His grandfather leaned forward with both hands on his cane and gave Wilhelm a sharp knowing look. "You know Willi if your father found out that girl was in this store he would be very upset. He does not like her here."

"I need her to help me study and besides she is my friend." Wilhelm countered.

"Why do you test him so? You should honor your family. If you would show your father more respect and abide by his wishes, he would not imbibe so much. He worries so much about all of us."

"When I graduate University then he will be proud of me Opa." Wilhelm said as his voice began to crack with emotion.

"How can you graduate University Willi when you are having so much trouble with Gymnasium?" Without another word, the old man stiffly got to his feet and went back upstairs.

Anna returned to find Wilhelm in deep contemplation. "What's wrong Willi?" she asked.

For a moment he did not answer as if he had not heard her. Finally his eyes seemed to refocus on her and he replied in a weary voice, "Do you think I am deluding myself by wanting to go to University? Perhaps I should continue to work in the store. There is nothing wrong with being a shopkeeper is there?"

"I think you should do what is best for yourself and stop trying to please everyone else. That's your problem Willi, you are so afraid of offending someone you go along with what anyone says. Be warned my dear Wilhelm," she said with a humorous tinge to her voice, "If you continue to take stock in the opinions others have of you, that is what you will become."

"That's the silliest thing I have ever heard Anna. You are what you are." Wilhelm said his former good humor restored.