(Finally, it's been a month. Sorry folks, my schedule nowadays are quite tight and I still have assignments pending, though I'm taking time to write this chapter because I thought that I'm abandoning you guys and Fassy here. Ehehehe ;) So here it is! Enjoy =) )
Chp 9
The Basterds, Archie, Heidi, Lillian, Shosanna and Marcel sat at Heidi's bakery, eating supper with the blinds drawn as the cinema burned. People were busy fetching waters while they were busy eating. "When do you think they'll finish yapping?", asked Hirschberg. "Until they put out the fire", said Aldo. "Do you think that people would think you die in there?", asked Wicki. Shosanna shrugged and said, "Perhaps, who knows? Marcel and I are free to do whatever we want".
They finished their food and put them in the basin to wash tomorrow. Everyone went to bed with Shosanna and Marcel sleeping at Lillian's room on the floor using a spare mattress that Heidi kept. Heidi, on the other hand, snuggled against Archie for a little warmth and comfort. People were still busy putting out the fire. "The mission is over. The Germans and Hitler are dead", said Heidi. "I know", he said and kissed her forehead. "You'll be going home, won't you?", she said.
Archie didn't answer her for a while. Would he go home now? What about her? "Do you want me to go home?", he asked her. "I don't know. Do you want to go?", she said. He grasped her chin and brought her face to his so they could meet each other's gaze. He closed in and kissed her. "I love you Heidi", he said. She smiled and said, "I love you too. Now, shut up and kiss me". They made love that night and forgot all the things happened and whatsoever problem they had today.
(The next morning)
Heidi woke up all alone. She scanned her room and Archie's clothes were not even there. She put on her robes and went downstairs. Mrs. Delacroix was busy making breakfast for The Basterds, Lillian, Shosanna and Marcel as they were happily eating. "Ah, Heidi! Vous êtes éveillé. Pouvez-vous me donner un coup de main à la cuisine s'il vous plaît? (Ah, Heidi! You're awake. Can you give me a hand at the kitchen please?)", asked Mrs. Delacroix and she followed her to the kitchen.
Once in the kitchen, Mrs. Delacroix closed the door. "Lt. Hicox laissé pour vous quand je suis arrivé ce matin (Lt. Hicox left this for you when I came in this morning)", said Mrs. Delacroix as she handed Heidi a folded letter. Heidi took it and sat down at a chair nearby. She unfolded the letter and began reading them – "To my dearest Heidi, I've come to tell you regrettably that I must leave. The war is over and a British soldier with plain clothes has come with a telegram that my mother has fallen ill and that I must return to report back to my superiors. I don't know how long I will have to be there, but as soon as I'm done, I will return to you immediately. Surely my mother will adore you, knowing that not many women had made her son that smitten. Until we meet again. I love you. Archie".
Heidi sobbed. Archie had left and she all alone now. "Je suis sûr qu'il va revenir. Il vous aime, Heidi. Il reviendra pour vous. (I'm sure he'll return. He loves you, Heidi. He'll come back for you.)", said Mrs. Delacroix. Heidi nodded, but she felt like this was the last time she'll heard of him. She went upstairs, tears streaming from her face. Lillian and Shosanna saw the tears and ran after her. Heidi locked herself in the bathroom. "Heidi, quel est le problème? (Heidi, what's wrong?)", asked Shosanna as she knocked on the bathroom door, but Heidi ignored them as she cried on her own. Lillian ran down and asked Mrs. Delacroix what had happened. The elder woman didn't give any answer, but merely showed the letter at the table that Heidi left. Lillian took the letter and sat outside with The Basterds, Shosanna and Marcel. Thanks to Donny and Heidi, her English was getting better and she was able to speak and write better.
"Dieser idiot (That idiot)", Hugo mumbled. "He could've told her at least if he plans to leave", said Donny. Aldo sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "I'm sure Hicox will come back for her. I mean, the way that they're always together? He'll come back. I know he will", said Aldo.