Oh my God, I'm so sorry for the late update! I have been very busy with school this week, my weekend was practically non-existent and my internet died at least ten times in the last hour. On top of that, my muse decided to go on strike. Also, I haven't been feeling well lately and I had some real-life problems to deal with.

Please note that from now on, historical accuracy will probably diminish a bit. I try to keep it as authentic as possible, but sometimes I'll tweak it a little to fit my story.

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.

It was amazing how quickly Ella settled back into a familiar rhythm with her mother. It was as if she had never left, at least for a moment. After the first flood of emotions had ebbed, Isabel grabbed one of her daughter's bags and led her into the new family home.

"We haven't painted or decorated your room", she explained with an apologetic glance. "I thought you'd like to choose those things yourself."

Ella smiled. "It's okay, Mama", she assured. "Army accommodations aren't too colourful either."

Isabel chuckled. "I can imagine."

She opened the door and motioned for her daughter to enter. Ella looked around, jaw slack. "Wow", she made. "Is this…is this all mine?"

A pang of sadness hit the older woman because she knew why her daughter thought having a medium sized bedroom to herself was a luxury. She tried not to let it show as she nodded and answered: "Yes, charina. It's all yours."

The young girl beamed. There was a bed in the corner, a small nightstand beside it. Under the window stood a desk with a filing cabinet underneath. A wardrobe, a couple of shelves, a chair, a hamper. The furniture was new, or at least it wasn't the same as she remembered from Frederica. Her personal possessions were all there, neatly organised on the shelves and on the desk, her clothes in the wardrobe. On the desk sat a package, which she recognised as the loot she had shipped home from Berchtesgaden.

"It's fantastic, Mama", she managed, getting choked up again. She blinked rapidly and set down her luggage. "Thank you."

Isabel waved it off. "No need to thank me, charina. Now", she clapped her hands, "what do you want to do first? Unpack and get settled, eat, or change clothes and get a show around the house?"

"Hmm…" Ella grinned. "I'd like a tour first, if that's alright."

Her mother smiled. "Of course. Let's see if your clothes still fit you."

The younger Sawyer woman snickered. "I didn't put on weight, that's for sure", she quipped, placing her uniform hat onto her bed and shrugging out of the jacket.

"I'm guessing you even lost some", Isabel agreed, assessing her critically before striding over to the wardrobe. "But your muscles are more defined. You're a bit wirier now."

Ella took a glance at the contents of her wardrobe while unlacing her jump boots. "I think I'll just go with some pants and a t-shirt", she decided. She had never worried about what to wear. Fist because they couldn't afford it, then because she was in uniform around the clock.

.

Isabel pulled out a pair of blue jeans and a grey t-shirt and placed them onto the bed, chuckling as she watched her daughter slip out of her uniform with an efficiency that came from years of practice.

When the young brunette saw the clothes her mother had laid out, a wistful smile flickered across her features. "My favourites", she said softly, fingers brushing over the warm fabric of the t-shirt. She quickly changed into the civilian clothing and took a moment to get used to the feeling that came with it.

Isabel nodded approvingly. "You look like a different person", she noted. Seeing the odd look on her daughter's face, she questioned: "Are you alright?"

Ella smiled at her Mama. "It's just different, that's all", she reassured her, expression lightening again. Opening her low bun and letting down her hair, she tacked on with a small grin: "I'll get used to it." Hoffentlich, she added in her mind.

The older woman accepted it. She wouldn't pry, at least not so soon. "I dem Fall: Ready for a tour?"

.

The small medic was positively elated. The house was spacious, bright and warm. They even had a small backyard, complete with a deck and a swing chair. There was a tiled stove in the living room and a cushioned bench right beside it. Compared to her Army accommodations and the Sawyers' previous living conditions, this was paradise.

Returning to Ella's room, the two women set about unpacking the girl's bag. Dress uniforms were carefully hung into the closet, boots were placed at the bottom of the wardrobe. Laundry landed on a separate pile that would go straight into the washing machine.

While Isabel took care of putting away the clothes, Ella went through the other contents. Everything gear-related, meaning her medic kit, helmet, webbing, ODs, jump-knife, musette bag etc, was stacked up on the chair. She would pack that into a chest or cardboard box later. For her medals and insignia, she would find a pretty box. The stack of letters she had received during her time in the Army were put into a drawer of her nightstand.

"You kept it."

The young brunette looked up from the journal she had in her lap to see her mother smiling lightly.

She nodded. "Of course, Mama. I wrote in it every day, or rather, every chance I got." Her gaze dropped to the booklet and her fingers stroked over the scuffed leather cover. "It helped me", she confided. "A lot."

Isabel's smile grew slightly sad, but there was understanding and pride glowing in her eyes as well. "I told you before, charina", she said, brushing a few strands out of her daughter's face. "If you want to talk, if you need somebody to listen, I'll be here. But if you never want to speak about any of it, that is just fine as well."

Ella smiled up at her, even though her heart seized as she thought about some of the things that were written on those pages. "Danke, Mama", she replied, pouring as much sincerity and gratitude into her voice as she felt inside her.

.

Putting the journal aside after a long moment, the small girl went back to unpacking. After emptying her luggage and getting everything stowed, she turned to the package on her desk, opening it with nimble fingers.

"Mama", she caught Isabel's attention, "look."

Curious, Isabel turned and let out a startled gasp. "Segner char! Ella, is that-? What-?", she stammered, at a complete loss for words.

The younger brunette chuckled and asked rhetorically: "Remember how I told you about the Eagle's Nest?" Receiving a slow nod, she continued: "Well…this is from there."

"But, charina", her mother sputtered, "this has to be worth hundreds of dollars, maybe thousands. What are you going to do with it?"

Having already anticipated the question – after having asked that question herself a few months ago – Ella just grinned widely. "I thought you might like some new jewellery", she answered with an innocent shrug. "And we can sell some of it, put the money in a savings account."

Isabel stayed silent for quite a while, glancing back and forth between her daughter and the twinkling heap of gold, silver and precious stones on the desk. Eventually, she gave a soft, affectionate sigh and kissed her on the forehead. "That is a marvellous idea, charina", she enthused before ordering teasingly: "Now put your loot away and let's go to the kitchen. You must be hungry."

Ella chuckled and threw her a mock-salute, which earned her a laugh and a fond eyeroll, but happily obliged, following her mother into the kitchen. She plonked herself down into a chair and watched as Isabel pulled a glass from one cupboard, a cup from another, two plates from a third. She leant back and let the inane chatter wash over her, the familiarity of it reassuring and soothing.

.

Isabel noticed her daughter's apprehension as they ate some of the cake Pat had brought over. She was fidgeting slightly on her chair, fiddling with the dog tags around her neck and she was steadily growing quieter. Also, she pushed her food around on her plate more than she actually ate any of it.

"Was ish los, charina?", she prodded gently, already guessing what it might be about.

Ella looked up and for a split-second, Isabel could see her debating whether or not to feign innocence. Then, the younger woman deflated, shoulders slumping. "It's silly", she murmured, gaze dropping down to her plate.

Her mother set down her fork and replied: "Humour me."

Sighing heavily, she raised her head and asked: "When is James going to be here?" It wasn't the answer Isabel was waiting for, the small girl knew that. But she couldn't just blurt out what was bothering her.

"He should be here by 7", her mother answered after a glance at the clock on the windowsill. "He has a meeting at the school. But that's not what you're worried about, is it?"

The brunette couldn't stop a faint smile from flickering across her face. Her mother hadn't lost her uncanny ability to read people and see straight through any deflection. Swallowing and tussling with herself for a moment, Ella eventually voiced the worry gnawing at her mind. "What if he doesn't like me?"

Isabel opened her mouth to tell her child that she had nothing to worry about, that James would love her, that she would love him. But she realised that those words wouldn't help soothe the fear she could see swirling deep inside the dark green orbs looking at her. She reached across the table and took her daughter's hands in hers. "Then", she said calmly, "he will have to leave."

.

Ella felt her eyes widen in surprise and she sputtered: "Aber Mama…" She trailed off at the expression of conviction and love on her mother's features.

"The same goes for when you don't like him, charina", Isabel continued. "I know you will pretend to like him for my sake and I'm asking you that you don't. If you don't like him, tell me and we will work something out. And if it doesn't work, then maybe it wasn't supposed to be." She looked her daughter right in the eye, needing her to believe her. "I told him from the start that you are my priority. If he cannot accept that, our relationship doesn't have a future."

The frank reply had stunned Ella into silence as her mind scrambled to process what she had just heard. Her mother was willing to sacrifice the future she could have with James for her? Just like that, no questions asked? Why are you so surprised?, a tiny voice inside her wondered. It had a point.

She nodded. "Thank you, Mama."

Isabel squeezed her hands and smiled. "If you don't feel ready to meet him today-", she began.

"-No", Ella interrupted hurriedly. "No, it's fine. I'm, ugh"- she ran a hand through her hair, "it's just a lot to take in."

Her mother waved off her apology. "Don't you dare apologise, charina. We'll take it one step at the time."

Relieved in a way that made her feel vaguely guilty, the young girl murmured a quiet agreement, a smile blossoming on her lips. One step at the time. Yes, she could do that.

"Izzy, I'm home!"

The door closed with a thud.

Ella managed to stifle a grimace. She had never heard anybody call her mother 'Izzy'. It made her sound like a teenage girl, not like the responsible, caring woman she was. But the young medic didn't let her thoughts show. Gib m wenigstens a Chance. Dr Mama z liab, she chided herself. The nervous butterflies of apprehension were fluttering around her stomach again. She stealthily blew out a deep breath to calm down her pounding heart.

"In the kitchen, James!", Isabel called back. Ella was behind her, helping with the dinner preparations. Keeping her hands busy soothed her nerves and the monotony and simplicity of the work calmed her mind.

Footsteps sounded against the wooden floorboards. The small brunette resolutely ignored how her shoulders tensed. She set down her knife and turned around to meet the man her mother had told her so much about.

.

James Buchanan was a handsome enough man, with dark, neatly coiffed hair and a diamond-shaped face. His build was stocky, but he looked to be in good shape.

"Hello, darling", Isabel greeted her boyfriend.

He studied her. She looked excited and happy. The smile on her features was brighter than ever before.

"Did you have a good day?", he questioned. "You look happy."

Isabel grinned. "I've had a great day. And I have a surprise for you."

"Oh?", he made, curiosity peaked.

Isabel nodded. "James", she said, stepping aside, "meet Ella, my daughter."

James' jaw nearly dropped. Behind his fiancée stood a younger version of her. Her hair was a few shades lighter than Isabel's and she was a bit thinner, but the family resemblance was striking. "Uh…" He didn't know what to say.

Ella swallowed despite her tightening throat, her green orbs scrutinising him with a sharp gaze that made him feel pinned in place. "Nice to meet you", she offered, a small smile on her lips that was so much like her mother's.

He returned the smile. "I've heard so much about you", he said. "Welcome home."

She nodded. "Thanks. It's good to be home."

.

Dinner was a quiet affair. Conversation revolved around work and everyday topics. Ella was content to listen, throwing in some comments here and there. She told some light stories of her friends and the crazy shenanigans they had gotten into, making all three of them laugh.

"…so Babe takes the bet", she recounted, "And just before Buck throws the dart, Luz asks all innocently: "Lieutenant, are you gonna shoot lefty all night?" Joe catches on and starts cursing, but Babe is still confused." The brunette fought back the laughter trying to interrupt her tale and continued: "Buck switches hands and throws a bullseye, making Babe and Joe lose a pack of smokes each."

Isabel laughed. "You told me about that", she remembered. "Didn't you say you took everybody's money in the card games?"

She shook her head and corrected: "I often fleeced Perconte, but that was just luck. I'm a shitty gambler."

Her mother chuckled, while James chided: "Language."

His comment went unnoticed as the young girl put down her cutlery and heaved a content sigh. She didn't miss the assessing, slightly worried look her mother shot her when she saw how little her daughter had actually eaten. Being used to Army food and K-rations, full, home-cooked meals were a huge difference.

"It was delicious, Mama", Ella said, smiling at her. Behind the words was another meaning: I'm okay. Don't worry. Sorry I couldn't eat more. She knew Isabel would understand.

The older Sawyer woman returned the smile. "I'm glad to hear that", she replied, her eyes expressing that she had received the underlying message.

.

Cleaning up after dinner, the small medic nearly dropped the plate she was rinsing when a thought popped up in her mind. "Oh Mist", she exclaimed, whirling around to face her mother. "Mama, wo ish dr nögste Western Union?"

Isabel frowned in confusion, but replied: "Down the road, third street on the right, why?"

Ella was already out of the kitchen and rummaging through her wardrobe for a pair of shoes and a jacket. "I totally forgot!", she called. "I promised Bill and Joe to send a telegram when I get home!"

Her mother shook her head fondly, put away the towel and stepped into the hallway. "If you wait for two minutes, I'll come with you", she said, humour colouring her tone. "I don't want you to get lost on your first day back."

The younger woman snorted with laughter. "Your confidence in my sense of direction is heart-warming", she deadpanned, leaning around the corner to grin cheekily at her mother.

Isabel simply laughed and turned to tell James where they were going. "We'll be back in no time", she assured him.

He sighed and looked up from the newspaper. "Can't this wait until tomorrow?", he questioned.

"No", Ella answered from where she was propped against the door jamb. "I promised." There was an air of finality in her voice that left no room for debate.

"We won't be long, James", Isabel reasoned, grabbing a scarf.

Ella could see the disapproval on the man's face and bit back a snarky comment that would have made her brothers proud. He heaved another sigh and made a gesture that looked both shooing and dismissive. "Alright then", he said. "But make it quick."

The young girl was once again glad to have good self-control. She caught herself before her eyebrows attempted to leap into her hairline and just barely managed to clamp down on the retort that was at the tip of her tongue. Instead, she zipped up her jacket and shoved her wallet into a pocket, waiting patiently as her mother put on her shoes and grabbed her purse.

.

Outside, the two women strolled leisurely down the road, enjoying the cool evening air. "Hesh du nid kalt, charina?", Isabel asked, glancing at her daughter's light jacket and the lacking scarf.

Ella shook her head, her ponytail swinging back and forth. "Nei, eigli nid."

Her mother hummed in acceptance and adjusted the strap of her purse.

They walked in silence for a while, both lost in their own thoughts. Eventually, Ella broke the quiet. "I'm pretty sure Bill is going to drop by in the foreseeable future, probably unannounced", she said, smiling at the thought. He would probably drag Joe with him or some of the other Philly boys, like Babe or Spina.

Isabel chuckled. "That's just fine", she replied. "I don't mind."

The younger brunette peered up at her, a shrewd expression on her features. "And James?", she wanted to know, cutting right to the chase.

She met her gaze. "James has to learn how to be spontaneous. Those men are your family and they are always welcome."

Ella's forehead creased slightly and she spoke: "It's difficult again between you and him." It wasn't exactly a question. She had eyes and ears and her people-reading skills were good enough to recognise when there were frictions.

"Yes", Isabel answered outright. Beating about the bush was no use and she would never even consider lying to her daughter. "He has changed, especially since he was promoted", she elaborated. "He loves me, but he doesn't like my independence. He likes things to be how they were, but now that you are back, things are going to be different."

The small medic ducked her head. "Sorry", she mumbled.

Isabel wrapped an arm around her shoulder and shook her head. "Don't apologise, charina. This is not your fault. Some days, James is himself, the man I love. And then there are moments where I wonder who this person is. But don't worry about it, sweetheart. It will sort itself out."

.

They put their conversation on hold as they entered the Western Union office.

"Good evening, Isabel", the lady behind the counter greeted with a bright smile.

"Hello Marjorie", Isabel responded in kind before gesturing to Ella. "This is my daughter, Ella. She came home today."

Marjorie's eyes grew wide as saucers. "Oh", she gushed, "welcome home! It's so great to meet you. Just wait until I tell Sarah and Louise about this! They're not gonna believe this!"

Ella blushed and shuffled her feet, having not expected such an enthusiastic reaction. "Uhm…thanks?"

"Oh, silly me, making you all uncomfortable", Marjorie tsked. "I'm sorry, dear, I assume you didn't come here to listen to me fawning over you."

That made her grin. "It's alright", she waved off the apology. "But you're right. I'd like to sent two telegrams, please."

Marjorie was happy to help and the telegrams were off in a matter of minutes. After paying, they stayed for a moment, chatting with the friendly lady. Eventually, they excused themselves and wishing Marjorie a good evening, the two Sawyer women headed back home again.

"Wow", Ella made as the door to the office closed behind them. "Wow."

Isabel laughed. "I should have warned you", she said. "The ladies around here adore you. You're their hero."

The young girl gave a non-committal hum and shrugged. "I just did my job, that's all." Because she wanted the pleasant mood to last, she navigated the conversation back into safer territories. Her mother, bless her heart, sensed her intention and easily followed her lead.

.

Ella went to bed early. The day had taken a toll on her and since her last good night's sleep had been a few days ago, probably longer, she was wiped out. Showering quickly, she dressed in her sleep clothes, which consisted of Army-issue boxers and a t-shirt. Bidding good night to James and her mother, she dropped onto her bed and closed her eyes, falling asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

When she and James headed to bed a few hours later, Isabel peeked into her daughter's room and smiled softly. The small girl was snuggled into her blanket, slumbering peacefully. Her face was relaxed, no sign of nightmares or distress. She looked young and innocent in her sleep, the moonlight filtering through the shutters casting a gentle glow onto her delicate features. "Buna notg, mia figlia", Isabel whispered, closing the door silently.

As Saturday dawned, a drowsy brunette padded into the kitchen, rubbing her eyes and yawning.

"Morga", she mumbled, slumping down at the table and brushing a mop of unruly locks out of her face.

"Bun di", her mother replied, smiling as she watched her daughter crawl the last few inches towards wakefulness.

A cup of hot chocolate appeared before her. Huh? Ella blinked blearily at the beverage before her brain decided to urge her hands to wrap themselves around the warm mug. She took a sip and felt her sleep-muddled spirits stirring. Taking another sip, she was surprised to see a plate filled with breakfast in front of her.

"Not a morning person?", a voice asked from behind her, making the girl jump. Her momentary panic subsided as she recognised the owner. Right. James.

"Give her a few minutes", Isabel replied with a fond smile, "then she'll be up for simple communication."

James chuckled. "You could try coffee", he suggested. "That always wakes me up."

A shake of the head was the reply, followed by a jaw-cracking yawn that was quickly hidden behind a slim hand. "Ha glaub z fest gschlofa", Ella speculated, nibbling on a heavenly piece of toast.

Isabel snickered as she translated for her boyfriend who only spoke English. He barked a laugh, then sat down and filled his plate with scrambled eggs. "So, what are the plans for today?", he inquired.

"I was thinking of showing Ella around the neighbourhood", Isabel answered with a questioning glance towards her daughter, who nodded, chewing happily.

James agreed. "That's good. I have some exams to mark, so I'll be busy for a while. Why don't we meet up at Luino's for lunch?"

His suggestion was met with approval and they finished breakfast talking about whatever came to mind, Ella now awake enough to participate in the conversation.

.

After getting ready, the two women set out to explore Columbus. They chatted animatedly as they walked through the streets, Isabel pointing out various shops and stores and mentioning who lived where.

"Over there is a theatre and that building there is the dance academy. Every Sunday afternoon, they have open house and free lessons. Oh, and if you continue down Chester Avenue, you get to the riverside", she said.

Her enthusiasm was infectious and Ella smiled back, overjoyed to see her mother so happy and carefree. Otherwise, she listened silently, taking it all in. The noise and bustle of the city was a stark contrast to the quiet, rural town of Frederica. I'll get used to it, she figured. Eis nochm andra.

She didn't know it yet, but that simple phrase would become her mantra as she learned how to be a civilian again. Eis nochm andra. One step at a time.

Again, I'm so sorry for the late update and I really hope that the next chapter will be longer...

Have a great next week, guys! As a dear friend of mine would say: Peace and happiness to you all!

See you soon :)

Translations:

charina: sweetheart, darling
hoffentlich: hopefully
I dem Fall: in that case; well then
Danke: Thanks
Segner char: Good Lord; Dear God
Was ish los?: What's the matter?; What is it?; What's going on?
Aber: But
Gib m wenigstens a Chance: At least give him a chance
Dr Mama z liab: For Mama's sake
Oh Mist: Oh crap
Wo ish dr nögste Western Union?: Where's the nearest Western Union office?
Hesh du nid kalt?: Aren't you cold?
Nei, eigli nid: No, not really; No, actually not
Buna notg: Good night
Mia figlia: my daughter
Morga: Morning (also as a greeting)
Bun di: Good morning
Ha glaub z fest gschlofa: I think I slept too hard