Still Miles Apart
Georg's day three
I wake early to write this. I find myself wondering if Maria has sensed my attraction to her; maybe she has had feelings she can't explain.
I think my older girls know. Liesl is very perceptive. She remembers me and Agathe. We broke rules of society. We kissed around the children. We always smiled lovingly at each other. She knew we were deeply in love. I haven't attempted to hide the times I've smiled at Maria or the times our eyes caught.
I put my pen down as I remember. First her directions at that first hut, she told me I could help start the fire. I had laughed when I told her she knew I hadn't cooked a meal in my life. And then I remember her being at my side during the hike; always cheering me up. I smile broadly as I remember the train ride when I took her hand impulsively to help her navigate the connection to the dining car.
Just heard the time announced. I don't need to hurry. I'm ready before the sub woke.
Zero six thirty: The mess is my destination. Today I'm assigned to the periscope.
Zero eight hours: The engines are restarted. The sub continues down the coast at a slow crawl.
The sub is headed for Norfolk Virginia; home of a naval port. We must turn and travel north a short distance so we can assess fully the area around this navy base.
I am told this is home to the Atlantic fleet. I can easily see the docks. The number of ships in the fleet is staggering. The navy divers took hours to complete their assessment. I report that this area is extremely vulnerable. I can also visualize the massive shipbuilding structures in the neighboring city of Newport News.
We finally begin to continue south. My map tells me we are now in the waters by the State of North Carolina. I've never seen a coastline with so many tiny pieces of land off the mainland. I shake my head. The navy is going to really need to patrol this frequently.
Zero eighteen hundred: The engines are cut. The evening is similar to the others,
Twenty three hundred hours: I'm already in my birth. My mind remains active. I am anticipating concluding the purpose for this cruise. There are only two more days. I know I must give them my full attention. I hope my thoughts put me to sleep.
Day three at the resort
Katia and Annie had made a super simple breakfast, oatmeal with dried fruit and crushed nut stirred in. They were waiting in front of the lodge by nine-thirty. Walter was a few minutes early.
"Come get on board. Sidney is waiting at the commissary."
Walter had them there quickly. The bus slowed to stop. Maria continued her gig as Captain Maria Mary. "Captain Maria Mary wants to remind her sailors to stay together or tell another where you are going."
The door opened, Sidney came on board. "This is a new commissary; it's twice as big as the old one. This base is growing. They expect about 100 new families by early next year.
Isabel spoke up. "We have lists but we want to look at everything."
"You may want to divide into groups. It will be easier to keep tract of everyone."
Maria had the little girls with her; Sidney would be with them. As soon as all the groups were formed Sidney spoke again. "You will hear a man on the loudspeaker announce the time, on the hour and the half hours. At twelve thirty we will go to the club for lunch."
Isabel's list contained some necessary items for the young women in the group. Each carried a bag with a rather large box inside. It was wrapped in brown paper. These personal items were always concealed. Everyone needed underwear and socks. Maria's charges both needed shoes.
The gardeners had gravitated to the gardening section. They really didn't need anything; they were browsing. Katia and Annie had browsed the grocery section. And Brigitta asked to have time to look at all the books.
When the group heard the time, twelve thirty, they headed to the front of the store. They made a parade as they followed Sidney to the club. Maria asked about the chapel.
"Is anyone allowed to come for services?"
"Yes, you do realize it's a non-denominational chapel."
Isabel heard him. "I know Georg wouldn't mind if we attended."
"Then I'll ask Walter to pick you up at nine-fifteen on Sunday; the service is at ten."
The club with its ocean view brought rave reviews. They ordered from a menu. Some were brave enough to try fried fish. After lunch they walked on the beach.
The children looked at the ocean. "Is Papa in the ocean, Maria?"
"Yes Gretl, he is. The ocean is a huge body of water."
Maria knew she was facing east so to her right was south; she pointed in that direction as she spoke. "Your Papa is down that way somewhere."
Maria had a dreamy moment. Thank goodness for Sidney; he broke her dreaming.
"It's time to get on the bus."
The people and their purchases were on board. Walter didn't drive fast; he let them enjoy the scenery. Katia and Annie had planned ahead. They had dinner ready by six.
The family sat in their big room and talked about the day. It had been a busy one. Most retired early including the little girls. Maria checked on them to be sure they had fallen to sleep. She wasn't ready to go to bed yet. She took a walk around the lodge and the residence.
Frank was out walking too. He saw her. He stayed in the distance and observed. He saw a funny scene. Maria curtsied to an imaginary partner then pretended to dance. She went round and round as if she was dancing a fast waltz. Then she backed away. He heard her say. "I wonder what it would feel like if he held me that close."
Then he saw her wrap her arms around her body and twirl. Frank stayed hidden as she walked to the front door of the residence. Now, I know for sure.
Maria marked off the third day. "Only three more complete days to go." She twirled again.
Day four on the sub
I woke early. I decide to shower and dress. I know I can get coffee in the mess. There was no one there to disturb my thoughts. The peace and quiet only lasted an hour.
Zero six thirty: The sub was awake. The galley crew had breakfast ready.
Zero seven thirty: The sub continued south. She was quickly opposite the coast of South Carolina.
Through my periscope I was able to see a port. My map told me this was the Port of Charleston; a commercial port. It is an important port. It receives supplies for many different military installations in the area.
Zero twelve hundred hours: While I was eating the sub traveled to another port. This one was in the state of Georgia, the city of Savannah. The ship paused so the divers could inspect the area. They reported that the jagged coast line could be good hiding place for mini German submarines.
This kind of coastline continued past a smaller port in Brunswick Georgia. The sub proceeded south to the State of Florida. The history of this state is unknown to me. I was told it holds several of the first settlements of the New World.
My information details tell me that this coastal area in northern Florida had been a port at one time; it was lost during a terrible fire. It had only begun to recover. I'm sure it could attract German subs because it is so sparsely populated. Georg recoded his assessment.
Zero eighteen hundred hours: She parked near another large barrier island. It would be explored in the morning.
That evening a movie was shown in the mess hall. It was a silent film with subtitles. Its name was 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. The men were spellbound by its reality made possible with its innovative use of special effects, location photography, large sets, exotic costumes, sailing ships, and what appeared to be a real submarine.
We were treated to large quantities of popcorn and our fill of Coca-Cola. That drink brought back memories of my first taste and memories of her.
Zero twenty three hundred hours. I'm excited. Tomorrow is the fifth day. I'm anticipating completing the assessment by twelve hundred hours.
Maria's day four
When Maria woke that morning, she had no idea what she and the others could do to pass the time. She had already decided that there was no school for the girls.
After breakfast they were in for a surprise. The cottage guys had plans. Willie asked.
"Captain Maria Mary, may I speak?"
Maria kept up the pretending. "Permission granted."
"Today you will have fun on the lake; the rowboats and canoes are waiting for you. Is that permissible Captain Maria Mary?"
"Carry on, sailor."
"Katia and Annie have packed the picnic baskets. We're making a day of it. I'm sure each will want to experience both a rowboat and a canoe ride. Now Maria Mary, what important rule did Georg tell you?"
"He didn't tell only me."
"I thought for sure he was looking straight at you."
"Now Willie, you know that was meant for all of us." She gave him a devilish smile. He gave her a quick wink. Oh no, she thought, even he knows.
"Okay, okay, everyone does need to obey that no standing up in the boat rule. Are you sailors ready?"
"Ready, mate Willie."
This large group had the best time. Even Isabel was coerced to ride in a canoe. No one fell overboard. Maria was glad. She was sure Georg would ask.
Again Katia had planned something quick to prepare for dinner. Everyone retired early that night; fresh air and constant activity had tired everyone.
Maria's thoughts put her sleep.
Day five on the submarine
Zero five hundred hours: Georg was awake. He wrote.
I'm excited. This is our last day before we turn around and head home. Again I went to the mess for coffee.
Zero six thirty: The crew served breakfast. Everyone is talking about the end of their trip nearing.
Zero seven thirty: The divers went overboard to explore this large barrier island. They reported back that it was deserted. It did show evidence that campers used the land. It was noted that boats left behind could make easy access to the mainland by the Germans.
The barrier island ended. The true coastline is exposed. The observation is duly noted. Our assignment is complete. The sub makes a U-turn and heads for home.
Zero twelve hundred hours: I ate early. I'm steering the sub for the remainder of the day. I continue at about eighteen knots. The sub has already past the deserted island.
Eighteen hundred hours: I hand off the sub to the evening crew. They are even more aggressive. They let her fly at almost top speed.
Twenty three hundred hours: After an evening of games, it was lights out. I checked our location; we are almost off the coast of North Carolina. The night crew will maintain her speed.
Maria's day five
Maria woke at six thirty. She was really looking forward to attending church. Yes, it would be different but it wasn't the first time she had worshiped in a non-Catholic Church.
The ladies had breakfast ready around eight. Maria had had enough of her captain gig. She made a general comment. "Everyone looks so nice."
"I hope what we're wearing is acceptable."
"Liesl, something tells me people on base don't get all fancy."
At nine-fifteen they heard the toot, toot of the bus horn. "Walter's here. We better hurry. We don't want to be late."
They wasted no time boarding. Frank had shut the front door and hopped aboard as Walter pulled away. He made excellent time.
Frank was the first one off the bus. He went ahead and held the church door open for the others.
Maria had the first look at this small but beautiful church. The oak colored pews were polished to a shine. All the other wood in the sanctuary was the same color. A nave with three small windows was the focal point in the front. Two candles with a polished gold cross were on a table there.
As she looked around organ music began to fill the little church. They hurried to take their seats. Maria knew they would be noticed; they took up three full pews. She looked behind her and saw that others had taken seats there.
For Maria the service satisfied her need to worship and give thanks. It had familiar hymns to sing; the scripture readings were some of her favorites. The minister's message had been about forgiveness. As soon he gave the benediction from the back of the church, the people began to talk.
Liesl told her. "I knew it would be different. I know God is everywhere and we can always pray. There's something special about being in a church."
"I couldn't agree more. Let's move to the back of the church."
Since they had sat in the front pews, they were among the last to greet the minister. Frank was speaking to him. He was answering a question.
"Yes, we came with Georg von Trapp from London."
"I suppose you know what's happening there now."
"Yes, sadly we do."
The minister had a greeting for everyone. He wasn't inquisitive. To Isabel he said. "I hope you will come again."
"I believe we will pastor."
She was the last to board the bus. Walter would drive them to the club for lunch. Sidney was waiting for them.
Gretl immediately asked a question. "Uncle Sidney, when is my papa coming home?"
"Gretl, I have good news. He's on his way home as we speak. He'll be here the day after tomorrow."
"Good, I've missed him."
"It's good to see you Sidney. She's asked every day."
"Did I notice a special glint in your eyes Maria?"
"Have you seen glints in ladies eyes before?"
"As a matter of fact I have. I had many honeymoon couples visit my lodge. Need I say more?"
"No."
"Don't worry you're secret is safe with me. By the way Georg's eyes had a special sparkle too."
Maria didn't speak. Her smile confirmed Sidney's knowledge.
"Come on, lunch is waiting."
After they ate, they had a special treat. The sailing club was practicing for a coming race. They sat on the club's back porch and watched.
"Uncle Sidney, I never knew sailboats could go so fast."
"It's rather daring and it takes lots of practice, Friedrich."
The group returned home knowing Georg would be home in one day.
Georg's day six
Zero five hundred hours: My mind woke me; my thoughts convinced me my approach will work. I'm so glad I need to type our observation report. Since I'm so slow it should take a large part of the day. The sub made excellent progress north during the night.
Zero Twelve hundred hours: Had lunch. I'm still typing. The sub is traveling solely on the surface. She's making excellent time.
Zero eighteen hundred hours: The chatter in the mess tells me everyone is excited to be going home; none more than me.
Twenty three hundred hours: The crew is having a Backgammon championship. I decided to give someone else a chance to win. I'm wondering if I will get much sleep.
Maria's day six.
Maria was awake at five o'clock too. She lay in bed trying to think what they could do today to pass the time. She decided to get dressed and take a walk. She thought it might help her think. After circling the lodge and the residence once, she sat on the lodge's steps,
Her feet rested on the step below. It brought her knees close; she rested her elbows there with her head sitting on her hands. She was staring at nothing.
Annie had come out the front door of the residence. She came to wait for the egg delivery. She saw her. She approached quietly. Maria still heard footsteps; she wasn't startled by her voice.
"Are you looking at something or simply staring off into space?"
"The latter, Annie."
"Maria, you and I have been friends a long time; we're like sisters. You can talk to me. You're very attracted to Georg. Am I correct?"
"You are."
"It's mutual Maria."
Maria perked up. "Do you really think so?" Her voice was full of optimism.
"I do and I think he's been attracted to you almost since the day he met you. You surprised him because you cared so much."
"It was so natural; I knew he was worried. I'm sure at times he wondered if he would ever see his children again. I was only trying to keep up his spirits."
"That meant a lot to him. I saw him looking at you when you didn't notice. His eyes were bluer than blue; they almost danced. He would smile and turn away quickly."
"I have feelings I've never had before; like a flutter in my stomach."
"Some people attribute a phrase to that feeling; they say it feels like butterflies. Either way it's sign you like him a lot. You remember Peter."
"Did your stomach get butterflies too?"
"Only when he held my hand."
"Was he your first boyfriend?"
"Maybe, we were so young. I do remember being very sad when he moved away."
"Sometimes our eyes have caught – I was almost mesmerized, Annie. And then Sidney made a comment yesterday. He said we looked like honeymoon couples who came to his lodge."
"Maria, I think others know too."
"Yes I suspect the older girls do."
"I'm sure when he comes home he will seek you out. Don't be afraid."
"I won't be afraid. Maybe he's been thinking about me." Maria got the giggles. Annie put her arm around her shoulders and gave her an understanding hug.
"Now what can we do today to pass the time."
"Don't worry Maria. Someone will think of something."
"I see your egg truck is coming."
They both heard little people voices. "I told you she would be out here Gretl."
"Maria, can we go on a picnic today?"
"Do you know what you want in your picnic basket?"
"Annie could boil some eggs in their shells."
"Yes she could. The egg man brought her a big supply. Let's go tell her. Come on Marta and Brigitta, you can come too."
Gretl's idea filled the day. It ended with another campfire with gooey marshmallows and chocolate with Graham Crackers.
Maria had made it through another day. She crossed it off her chart.
A/N: My story may be fiction but the threat of German submarines is a true fact. Unless you are a student of WWII history you may not know that the Germans brought the war to the east coast of the United States. Just recently a German sub was found off the coast of Massachusetts.
I also hope you enjoyed the story of Captain Maria Mary Kool. The scene was inspired by another Julie Andrew's movie. I'm wondering if any of my readers know which movie. I'd been interested in knowing. Please leave me a comment.
