Traveling

"I'm going to try and loose them." Faster and faster they went, turning and turning through the city streets. Those in the back seat were slammed against the doors and Maria's stomach was in her throat; she thought she would loose everything she had eaten.

Suddenly the car stopped, Jon got out. The car following them turned sideways as it skidded into a tree. "Who are you?" Looking a two very young men, "get out."

Jon took the key from the car and said. "Now what are you going to do?" He walked away from them, got back in the car and drove away.

"Is everyone alright back there?"

"Yes, Jon, we're fine." Maria answered after taking a few deep breaths in relief. Gretl clung to her and Frau Schmidt held Marta close to her. Neither spoke a word; they were too scared.

"Kurt, are you alright?"

"Yes, Mother."

Jon was driving normally now, but they did not stop until they got into the countryside. A farm was their first destination.

An enclosed horse drawn carriage was waiting for them; a basket of food had been provided for them. Maria tried to eat but a small piece of bread was all she could tolerate. She tried to hide that she hardly ate but once again Frau Schmidt noticed. Jon would not be going any driver of the carriage was an undercover policeman.

The carriage ride was not kind to Maria's stomach either. She did her best to control it, by closing her eyes and trying to rest. Gretl and Marta were extremely quiet. Kurt seemed to be taking it all in; being a boy the fast car ride had probably been exciting to him.

For the next three days they would ride in every kind of vehicle imagined. They slept in boarding school dorms or empty farm houses that Captain James had prepared for them.

At one of their stops, Frau Schmidt had a few moments alone with Maria. "Maria, I know."

"I thought you would. Just tell me one thing. Is this normal?"

"Yes dear, do you know how far along you are?"

"I think about eight weeks."

"Most women do well with plain bread; tea with sugar, but no milk or cheese."

Stefan had traveled this part of Austria before; on the morning of the third day he had a good idea they were just hours away from the border. "Maria, we are very close to Switzerland."

"You really think so, Stefan?"

"Only another couple of hours."

Crossing the border into Switzerland went well; their legal papers were all in order. Maria's stomach seemed to settle almost immediately after crossing the border.

Their first stop was a small town with an Inn; Captain James had made reservations under Frau Schmidt's name for the women and Stefan's name for the men. Their beds never felt so good.

Maria didn't know that Georg was only a two hour drive away. He planned to be there at daybreak. He and Franz arrived right on time. He was so excited; he couldn't wait to hold Maria in his arms.

Maria had slept well but still she was awake at daylight. She dressed and went to the dining room to see if she could find a cup of tea. Georg's timing couldn't have been better. Maria spotted him; she had to blink several times before she would allow herself to believe it was him.

She froze; but he didn't. He didn't run but walked deliberately towards her, his smile covered his face. He teased her. "Are you looking for someone madam?"

She teased back. "No, he's right here." They flew into each others arms; he lifted her twirling her around and around, until he heard. "You better stop, Georg, my stomach…"

"Have you been sick Maria?"

"A little, but I'll be fine now that you are here." She held his face in her hands, I love you Georg. She kissed him and kissed him. He held nothing back; his kisses were just a powerful. Both were taking deep breaths, they stayed in their embrace.

"The girls are going to be so happy to see you."

"I can't wait to see them either. What did you want in the dining room?"

"Some hot tea; join me."

"I'm not letting you out of my sight."

Their quiet time together was soon interrupted. "Father, Father," the girls came running and jumping into his lap. Kurt stood and watched.

"Kurt, you've grown."

"He was a big help Georg, I'm sure he will tell you all about the car chase."

"I never knew a car could go that fast and twist and turn; but Jon lost them and then we left the two boys in the middle of nowhere."

"I'm just glad to know everyone is alright."

"We all are." Her broad smile filled Georg's heart.

Stefan, Franz and Frau Schmidt soon joined them for breakfast. "What's the plan now? Stefan asked.

"All the others have left the villa, in a couple of days everyone will be here. We just wait for them."

"Where are we going to live, Father?"

In a city that looks a lot like Salzburg. I found a home, not as big as the villa, but will fit us all comfortably. Your schools are close by; you won't have a very long walk. And Stefan, it has a good plot of land for your garden.

"That's good, I need to till some ground."