New Families
Disclaimer: I don't own The Sound of Music.
Maria watched Johannes finally breathe easily as he fell asleep. Sighing in relief, she looked at her husband, and his face seemed to relax as well. Johannes's cold was gone.
"See, Maria? I told you he was too stubborn not to fight off his cold." She heard Georg's teasing voice as he came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.
Maria giggled, loving how close to him she felt again. Leaning on each other as they watched Johannes struggle and Liesl eagerly plan her marriage had bonded them again. She turned her head and pressed a warm kiss on his lips.
He pulled her closer and deepened the kiss. Maria forget everything except how wonderful he made her feel as she pressed herself against his strong, muscular body. "We should celebrate," Georg told her as he withdrew his lips. "Our son is doing well, and so are we."
Maria looked deep into his eyes and nodded. He was right. They tumbled onto the bed together, celebrated in a way they hadn't done in a long time.
OOOOOOOOOOO
But as happy as they were that night, sometimes it also felt like they were standing on separate mountains.
When Georg caught a cold, his emotions were far icier than his respiratory system. He refused to drink any of the tea she made him, he ignored the handkerchiefs she provided, and worst of all, he wouldn't look at her at all again.
Maria knew her husband was a proud man who didn't like being taken care of, but in the years since they'd been married, he usually accepted her tending. And it had always made her feel so loved that he did so. His behavior now made her feel hurt and rejected.
"Georg," she tried again. "I've made you a cup of tea with honey in it," she placed the cup next to the bed as he woke up one morning.
"I don't need that," he said, his voice raspy. Then he coughed and sneezed as he stood up.
"I'll run you a bath, then," Maria said, leaving the bedroom. "The steam should help you."
"Maria," Georg said. "This isn't helping. You are not helping. Leave me alone." He sneezed again and left the room.
"Da – ga," Johannes babbled from his crib.
"Papa is grumpy," she told the baby as she picked him up. "At least I have you to help me smile. Funny because two weeks ago he was complaining that I was giving you too much attention and him not enough. Now he won't accept any attention. I wonder how long it will take us for him to trust me with his vulnerabilities again. For us to be truly close again."
She had learned that their rough period would take time to recover from, but they'd been doing so well lately. Georg's cold was a reminder that things between them were still not as they should be. Help us find the way back to each other, Lord, Maria prayed again.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
As Georg recovered, he smiled at Maria and the rest of their family again. He continued to care for the maple trees with Louisa's help, and he assisted Liesl in making everyone new socks for the winter. * She heard Georg laughing this past Sunday with Friedrich about Dr. Miller misplacing his stethoscope again, and it warmed her heart. He even teased Maria about how many new recipes she kept finding for making beans.
So Maria knew things for their family would only keep improving, even if Liesl was still planning on leaving in another two months. A letter from Brigitta was a sign. Their family once again the close – knit group they'd always been.
"Oh, read it, Father!" Gretl said excitedly, reaching for the letter.
"Gretl – " Louisa protested with her hands on her hips.
"Girls," Georg and Maria said firmly at the same time. The girls both quieted and looked at the floor. But Maria met her husband's eyes, enjoying the fact that they were on the same wavelength again.
"Dear Family,
It's taken me a while to get settled here, especially as I'm always so busy. I am taking five classes and must devote much of my time to studying. Still, I find them very interesting, and my teachers are informative.
My roommate here is Katie, short for Katelyn. She's really funny and often makes me laugh. She's also much more social than I am and is constantly encouraging me to attend more parties, rallies, and other social gatherings. I constantly try to explain that I'm here to study, not to party. But I have attended a couple of social gatherings. I admit that it is nice to meet other people interested in education.
We talk about everything from our classes, to the food they serve in the cafeteria, to the war, and I find everyone here very informative. One of the things Katie brings up often is why the government is still rationing now that the war is over. She's heard some people are talking of going on strike in order to stop the rationing. I must admit, I think that's kind of extreme, but then the rationing is annoying, so I suppose it has some merit.
Next week the university is hosting a rally that Katie is particularly excited about, and I think I'm going to make time to attend. It's about the Equal Rights Amendment. There's even a rumor that Alice Paul herself, president of the National Women's Party, may be there! The goal of the amendment is to provide equal rights for women in all things, which is particularly valuable for someone like me, who plans on working when I graduate.
But enough about me. Liesl, are you still engaged? I hope so, as Patrick is a good man, and I know you love him. I look forward to coming home for both Thanksgiving and your wedding.
Love,
Brigitta"
Maria's heart had beat faster and faster as Georg had read the letter. Brigitta had a whole new life and home now, complete with a new family in this "Katie." She talked about non – traditional ideas like the Equal Rights Amendment and only mentioned their family at the end, almost as an afterthought. Brigitta was moving away from Maria to become someone new, just like Liesl was. She held Johannes tighter.
The rest of the family, however, saw no problem with Brigitta finding a new family or a new home. Instead, they started speaking about the rationing and the threat of strikes.
"I've heard of something about strikes to stop the rationing in school," said Gretl, like nothing else mattered. "I just hope they do something soon. I'm so tired of rationing. The war has been officially over for a month and we still can't buy anything. Except beans, of course."
"No more beans," Rosemary said with Georg's scowl on her face.
"I know the rationing is annoying, but a strike is irresponsible," Georg said, shaking his head, with a hint of a scowl on his face. "Men are just starting to return to jobs. They should not refuse to work now."
Maria couldn't believe what she'd heard. None of her family cared that Brigitta had found a new family, just like Liesl. All her children were leaving. Images and voices that she'd thought she'd long forgotten swarmed in front of her. "You're just a worthless orphan," her uncle told her about a week after she arrived at his house. "You have no family," he laughed at her another time. "You'll always be alone," he told her over and over.
Her response was the same as it always had been when she heard those nasty words. She ran. As fast as she could, she ran to the mountains. Distantly, she heard Johannes fuss in her arms, but it didn't stop her, as her feet moved on their own accord.
OOOOOOOOOO
Georg had appeared soon afterwards, yelling at Maria for leaving without a coat at this time of year. "You should know better than that! And what about Johannes? He's only just recovered from a cold; he certainly doesn't need another one." His eyes shot fire and daggers at her.
"But Georg you don't understand –" Maria began, feeling her anger begin to boil inside her.
But Johannes's whimper interrupted her, and her anger disappeared as fast as it had arrived. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. You're right, Georg. I should have never brought him here. I don't know what I was thinking." Would her impulsive behavior make her baby ill again? She shuddered at the thought.
"Here," Georg handed her a blanket to wrap him in and then put his coat on Maria's shoulders. "Can we go home now?"
"Yes," she sighed. At least her husband was still there to take care of them when Maria chose to act ridiculous.
OOOOOOOOOOO
"Patrick has invited me to his house this Sunday," Liesl announced as she finished reading her latest letter, her eyes dancing with excitement.
Georg simply nodded, his expression blank. Maria reminded herself watching Liesl leave for another family was just as difficult for him as it was for her. Reaching out, her hand found his. They both held tightly.
"That sounds nice. What is his family like?" asked Louisa carefully.
Liesl shrugged. "I know his siblings are much older than he is. He's the only one still living with his parents, but they sound like nice people. His sister already married with a grown son."
"Will you have a child after you get married, Liesl?" Rosemary asked.
Of course, she will, Maria thought. Liesl will have a new family. Her uncle's voice ran through her head again. You have no family. You'll always be alone. But this time Georg's strong hand prevented her from running.
"Of course, although I don't know when he or she will arrive," Liesl replied, patting her sister's head affectionately.
OOOOOOOOOOO
"Do you have a new bean recipe tonight, Mother?" Liesl asked as Maria finished changing Johannes about an hour later.
"Be – be – be – be!" Johannes babbled in agreement as Maria buttoned his pants. She reveled in his little noises, reminding her of his health and his babyhood. At least Johannes would stay with her for a while.
"Mother?" Liesl said again, reminding Maria she had asked a question.
"Yes. I think we are going to try Italian beans tonight," said Maria. "Their pasta is becoming popular."
"Would you like me to help make the pasta?" Liesl asked, already heading for the kitchen.
Pulling the ingredients out, Maria said, "I suppose. I should enjoy your help for now. Soon you have a new home and a new family."
Liesl sighed and stared at her. "Mother, I thought we've been through this already. Didn't you already say you would try to welcome Patrick into our family?" She sounded hurt again.
Maria stared at the dough she was mixing. "I did, and I will, Liesl. But you're still going to leave home."
"Yes," Liesl said. "Patrick tells me he's looking for a house for us, and he should find one soon. We'll have our own family there. I'm looking forward to it." Her eyes sparkled again, and Maria felt her heartbreak. "But Mother, Father, and everyone else will always be my family too," Liesl said carefully, looking straight at Maria. "I've realized it's possible to have different homes and still be one family."
Maria stared back at Liesl for several minutes, not sure what to say to that. Could it really be true? Of course it could. "When did you get to be so wise? It seems like just yesterday you were telling me why you played tricks on your governesses."
Liesl hugged Maria, and she felt love from her daughter fill her. A daughter she'd just realized she would never really lose. "I think some of it comes from listening to you, Mother." Releasing her, Liesl stared at the bowl of dough. "So how do we make this pasta?"
Maria grinned. "You're supposed to roll it into long strips, like this."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
OOOOOOOOOO
Smiles never left Liesl's face for the next couple of days. Soft secret smiles when she thought of Patrick and their marriage plans. Huge grins as she watched Johannes try to move himself across the floor on his hands. Warm smiles as she helped Mother with dinner. Slow smiles that grew bigger and bigger as she listened to her parents tease each other affectionately again. Liesl was so relieved that her family was no longer tense. She particularly enjoyed watching her parents interact. Once their conflict had made Liesl wonder if marriage was worth it. Now watching them taught her there was no conflict that true love couldn't solve.
But sitting in Patrick's car on Sunday afternoon, Liesl struggled to smile. She was about to meet her future in – laws. She hoped these people would be her family as well. Part of her new family. Still, what if they didn't like her? "So, is your sister and her family going to be there, or just your parents?" Liesl asked, trying to keep the nervous tone out of her voice.
"Just my parents," Patrick said warmly with his eyes on the road. "And Liesl, there's no need to be nervous." She felt herself blush. Of course, he would notice. "My parents are reasonable people, and no one wanted to overwhelm you. You will meet everyone else at the wedding." He paused and sighed. "Well, almost everyone."
Liesl knew he was thinking about his older brother, Robert, who had died in World War I. Without thinking, she put her hand on his shoulder to comfort him.
OOOOOOOOOOOO
Eventually, Patrick pulled his car to an old, wooden apartment building. Opening the door for her, Patrick smiled at Liesl, reassuring her everything would be all right. They'll like me. Patrick says their reasonable people, she told herself. Was she dressed right? She was wearing a simple blue blouse and a navy-blue skirt, as he had told her his mother's favorite color was blue.
Patrick offered her his hand, and Liesl clutched it as they approached the building.
"Hello, Mom and Dad," he called as he opened the door to the correct apartment. "This is my fiancée, Liesl Trapp." A man, probably in his late sixties or early seventies, stood up slowly and stared at her for several moments. His eyes looked worn – out, but his face was stern. Liesl struggled to remain in the man's gaze, reminding herself Father could be much scarier.
A woman came out of the kitchen, about the same age as her husband, and looked from Liesl to Patrick several times. "So, you are my son's fiancée, I hear?" she finally asked, sounding disappointed.
Liesl struggled not to cry. This was exactly of what she had been afraid. They didn't like her. Probably thought she was a horrible person because she'd once broken up with Patrick. She clutched her fiancé's arm tighter, feeling incredibly vulnerable.
"You're also the woman who broke up with him a short while ago," his mother continued. "What makes you think he's enough for you now if he wasn't before?"
"No! It wasn't like that," Liesl said, swallowing her tears. "Patrick is more than enough for me." How could she possibly explain how complicated that break up was and how much she regretted it?
"Mom," Patrick said firmly, interrupting the argument. "We both made mistakes that caused that break up and we both agreed to forgive each other. End of discussion."
Liesl's heart soared and her tears dried up as he defended her to his mother.
"I suppose you are right, son. If you've chosen to forgive Liesl, we must do the same," his mother said finally. "Hello, my name is Joyce O'Conner but you can call me Mom," she held out her hand and Liesl shook it.
Patrick's father sighed. "Perhaps we are a little overprotective of our youngest son's happiness at times. After losing Robert," he sighed and glanced at back wall. There was a gold star. The type the military gave parents after their son died in battle. "You can call me Pop, if you like," he said, holding out his hand. Liesl shook it, and his bones creaked a little.
Pop O'Conner laughed. "Don't worry about that; I still have plenty of use, no matter what my bones say."
Liesl smiled. Maybe things would be all right between them after all.
OOOOOOOOOOO
Liesl swallowed another mouthful of beans. Mom O'Conner had been concerned at first that Liesl would expect something more impressive for dinner at first, but Liesl didn't mind. "My family is having beans tonight as well," she told the older woman.
The older woman had smiled warmly.
Everyone laughed at another of Pop O'Conner's jokes as they ate dinner. He was surprisingly humorous considering her Patrick was so serious. What was even more surprising was how well father and son interacted. This was the fifth time she'd heard Patrick laugh since the meal started.
"I don't know, Pop," said Patrick as he took another gulp of the ale his father provided. "I think you're just saying that."
"We all know you like to tell tales, Pat," agreed Mom O'Conner, her eyes dancing with mischief as she finished another spoonful of beans.
"You don't think there could have been a man walking down the street with three hands today?" Pat chuckled again. "Perhaps you're right."
Liesl smiled as her mouth filled with beans again. She loved how easy they all were with her here. After a rocky few minutes, they obviously acted exactly like they did at every dinner. Pop O'Conner told jokes and tales, and everyone else laughed at him, because that was the way he wanted it.
Was she really being accepted as one of the family? "Let me help you with the dishes," Liesl volunteered to Mom O'Conner, just as she would at home.
"That would be wonderful, dear," the older woman replied, while the men went into the next room. Liesl felt a circle of love and warmth surround her.
OOOOOOOOOOO
Washing the dishes took longer than Liesl had expected, as Mom O'Conner took the time to ask Liesl about her own family. She eagerly told the older woman about all nine of her siblings, her first and current Mother, and her father, who could be sometimes difficult to read.
"You love them all, don't you," said Mom O'Conner.
"Yes," Liesl said, as scrubbed another dish.
From the other room, she heard Patrick's voice get louder and louder. "No, Pop; don't say that," she heard as she handed a glass to Mom O'Conner.
"Yep, I know Pop," he said as Liesl's hands got wet and soapy again. She wondered if people living in the other apartments could hear him.
But Mom O'Conner didn't seem to mind. "So, your father raises maple trees for syrup?" she asked instead, ignoring the way her son's voice carried.
"Yes, they grow very well in the mountain valley in Vermont, and the syrup is wonderfully sweet," Liesl replied, trying to ignore Patrick as well.
Finished with the dishes, they smiled and made their way into the small living room. There weren't many places to sit. In fact, both men had picked up the kitchen chairs, so to save the rocker for Mom O'Conner.
As Liesl glanced around, she noticed the small clock. She hadn't realized it had been almost two and half hours since they'd finished dinner. She wondered where she should sit. Patrick grinned at her. "Hi, did I ever tell you how that blouse shows off your breasts?" Then he belched.
"Patrick!" Liesl felt her face heat up, and she looked at the floor. It was kind of nice that he noticed, considering she'd worn this blouse thinking it showed off her assets. But why would he say it out loud, much less in front of his parents? He'd always been so careful about proper courtship rules. It was one of the reasons she trusted him.
"Come here, Liesl," Patrick reached for her, a bottle of ale in the other hand. He was drunk. How had she not noticed that?
Stepping quickly in the other direction, she told him firmly, "No, Patrick." She looked to his parents for help, but they just looked back at her helplessly. What was going on?
"Leeiseelll," he slurred a bit, reaching for her.
Her heart pounded. She needed to leave. As soon as possible. But how? She had no money for a bus, and she wasn't about to let Patrick drive her home.
"Come, Liesl," Pop O'Conner said offering his hand. "I can take you home."
He sounded sober enough, and she didn't see more than one bottle of ale next to him. She accepted his hand and they left the apartment.
OOOOOOOOOOO
All that could be heard was the sound of the car's motor for a long time. Without words, Liesl pointed the correct roads that would take her home. The air was thick with tension and awkwardness that neither of them seemed to be able to break.
"I'm sorry about that," Pop O'Conner told her, suddenly breaking the silence about half way back to Stow. "I've always said, 'there nothing that a little ale won't fix,' but I'm not sure that's true anymore. Ever since he returned from the war, Patrick's been drinking more and more ale when he's at home."
Liesl stayed silent. What did that mean? Was she engaged to an alcoholic? How come she'd never seen him have such a problem before? He'd never said anything that indicated he had a problem with alcohol. In fact, when Liesl met Patrick, he was always advising the other men not to drink too much, because it wasn't "appropriate behavior." What had changed?
More importantly, was this something she was ready to handle in her marriage? She desperately wanted to marry Patrick, but should she? Father Pelletier had said St. Paul wrote, When I am weak I am strong,* but Liesl didn't know if she was strong enough to be married to an alcoholic, or if it was smart to try.
But could she really break Patrick's heart, and hers, again? She had been accepted as a member of his family. They told her to call them "Mom and Pop." How could she break that wonderful circle of love?
Perhaps Liesl was misinterpreting things, anyway. Maybe he'd only had too much to drink a couple of times. After all, Patrick had never acted like an alcoholic. Yes, she was overreacting.
OOOOOOOOOOOO
Two days later, Liesl received a letter that explained the truth.
Dear Liesl,
I am not certain what happened the night before last, but I know enough that I behaved inappropriately. I never thought I could do such a thing to any respectable young woman, much less the woman I love. I do hope you will accept my apology for that.
But more than my behavior towards you, I must apologize for something more complicated. For something I know I don't deserve your forgiveness. I drank too much ale that night, which I know my father told you I have been doing a lot since I returned from Europe. Too much. When I first came home, as eager as I was to return to work and see you, I didn't know what else to do. Everything was different and the same. My parents looked several years older than they had when I left, and yet Pop told the same jokes and Mom still made dinner every night. The auto – shop looked the same, but there were all new people working there. Most of all, there were so many men that couldn't come home. Why did they all have to die, Liesl? I didn't know how to handle it, but I remembered what my father always said. "There's nothing a little ale won't fix," so I tried it. And again. And again. Pretty soon I knew I was drinking more than "a little ale." And my parents kept getting them for me. I suppose they were willing to do anything to help after they lost Robert.
I shouldn't blame them though. They didn't decide to drink; I did. I know I shouldn't. I'm ashamed of myself, Liesl. I never thought I'd be one to drink this much. You know how I always lectured the officers about too much alcohol at parties?
I suppose this is one of the reasons why I haven't invited you to our house yet. I didn't want you to know about this. I knew you wouldn't love me anymore if you knew. But I couldn't put it off forever. I really thought I wouldn't drink like that this time, Liesl. I thought your face would remind me what was important. But as soon as I tasted the ale, it was all over. I can't believe I was angry at you a couple of weeks ago for "choosing your family over me." I did something worse. I chose liquor over you.
I don't want to become an alcoholic, Liesl. I want to be a husband you can depend on and a father that our children can be proud of. I suppose that dream is gone now, but I thought you should know.
I love you,
Patrick.
Tears filled Liesl's eyes as she finished the letter. Just as he had done in the war, Patrick poured his soul out to her. Only this time it concerned a far more personal problem than how many men he lost in the latest raid or why Private Jones was sneaking out at night. He'd become vulnerable with her, sharing his deepest fears.
"Of course I forgive you, Patrick," Liesl whispered as a single tear landed on the letter. "And that dream is not gone. You'll need me if you want to stop drinking."
*2 Cor 12:10
80 – 90% of men who returned from WWII had varying degrees of alcohol problems, and this was something I wanted to address in this story. On the other hand, I didn't want Liesl to be stuck married to a full – blown alcoholic who wouldn't admit his problem, either. So, I tried to create a balance, by making Patrick leaning toward alcoholism, but not quite there yet.
As far as why Liesl hadn't noticed this yet, I will remind you that despite being 24, she's rather sheltered, still living in a small town with her parents. And Patrick, being a perfectionist, has been good at hiding his problem until now. (That's also why he's so certain Liesl won't take him back.)
I hope this makes sense, but feel free to tell me otherwise.
