Just wanted to say that this is the longest chapter I have ever posted to fanfiction. I hope that you guys are excited about there being an extra long chapter and I hope you enjoy! ;-) Don't forget to review.
Chapter 19
"Es tut mir leid für das Erwachen Sie in dieser Stunde, Gretel. Seit Sie sagten, Sie half den Basterds, erkannte ich, wer Sie redeten und ich konnte nicht helfen, aber frage mich, ob vielleicht sie ihn rekrutiert. Bitte seien Sie nicht böse auf mich." (I'm so sorry for waking you at this hour Gretel. Ever since you said you helped the Basterds, I recognized who you were talking about and I couldn't help but wonder if maybe they recruited him. Please don't be angry with me,) she said crying.
"Nein, überhaupt nicht, Iris! Das ist spannend und etwas, das wert, um mich aufzuwecken für sich." (No not at all, Iris! This is exciting and something that is worthy to wake me up for.) Gretel was embarrassed for being so happy when the situation seemed so grave, "Es tut mir leid. Was geschah zwischen euch?" (I'm sorry. What happened between you guys?)
Er verwenden, um ein Nazi zu sein, ein S.S Offizier. Er entschied sich dann, dass die Nazi-Weg war einfach nicht richtig. Er wollte nicht sagen, jemand gerade noch, aber dann, als obdachloser Mädchen, fand eine Nazis mich. Sie haben schreckliche Dinge zu mir, Gretel, schreckliche Dinge. Das waren Männer, die Hugo wusste, und als er entdeckt, dass sie taten, unaussprechliche Dinge einem armen Mädchen, tat er etwas dagegen tun. Während einer der Männer wurde belästigen mich, rettete er mich. Es war ein Gestapo-Offizier, und er erwürgt ihn zu Tode. Der Anblick war erschreckend, aber ich war auch sehr dankbar. Er ging dann nach den anderen Männern und tötete sie im Schlaf. Er nahm mich auf und wir verliebten sich und heirateten. Nazis schließlich gefangen ihn für das, was er getan hatte, und schickte ihn ins Gefängnis. Als die Nazis ihm kam, sagte er mir, zu fliehen. Nach so viel Streit und Frustration, ich tat, was er mir gesagt, zu tun. Ich wusste, dass ich nicht gewinnen konnte. So lief ich weg, und eines Tages, auf den Straßen, fand dein Vater mich. So bin ich hier. Ich habe deine Magd für etwa 10 Jahre." (He use to be a Nazi; an S.S officer. He then decided that the Nazi way just wasn't right. He didn't tell anybody just yet, but then, as a homeless girl, a Nazis found me. They did horrible things to me, Gretel, horrible things. These were men that Hugo knew and when he discovered that they were doing unspeakable things to a poor girl, he did something about it. While one of the men was harrassing me, he rescued me. It was a Gestapo officer and he strangled him to death. The sight of it was frightening but I was also very thankful. He then went after the other men and killed them in their sleep. He took me in and we fell in love and got married. Nazis finally captured him for what he had done and sent him away to prison. When the Nazis came for him, he told me to run away. After so much arguing and frustration, I just did what he told me to do. I knew that I couldn't win. So I ran away and one day, on the streets, your father found me. So here I am. I've been your maid for about 10 years.)
That was one of the most romantic story Gretel had ever heard. The latter part of it was familiar. She knew where her father had found Iris, but it was always a mystery as to where Iris had come from. This was all very weird. "Das ist so traurig und romantisch. Aber warum sollten Sie werden, so die Annahme eines Nazi-Einladung?" (That is so sad and romantic. But why would you be so accepting of a Nazi's invitation?) she asked, her tone changing for the last part.
"Oh, Gretel, ich war so verzweifelt nach einem Platz zum Leben und auch ich hatte gehofft, dass vielleicht, wenn ich in der Gesellschaft von einem Nazi war, dass ich irgendwie sehen mein Mann wieder" (Oh, Gretel, I was so desperate for a place to live and also I was hoping that maybe if I was in the company of a Nazi that I could somehow see my husband again,) she said through tears.
Gretel led her to the bed to sit and rubbed her back, "Ich nehme an, Sie möchten ihn wieder zu sehen?" (I assume you would like to see him again?) she asked smiling.
Iris looked down, saddly, "Hes wahrscheinlich alle über mich vergessen." (Hes probably forgotten all about me.)
""Das ist komplett keine Sinn. Es scheint, dass, seit ich ihn kennenlernte, hes so traurig gewesen. Ich weiß, dass er dich vermisst teuer, Iris. Möchten Sie es, wenn ich ihn wissen, dass du hier bist zu lassen?" (That is complete none sense. It seems that since I first met him, hes been so sad. I know that he misses you dearly, Iris. Would you like it if I let him know that you're here?)
"Sie würden das tun?" (You'd do that?)
"Natürlich würde ich." (Of course I would.)
"Ich möchte, dass," (I would like that,) said Iris as she smiled and nodded.
Gretel was sitting in her dining room eating her breakfast when she heard the doorbell ring. Iris wasn't around, so Gretel decided to answer the door herself. Once she opened the door, she found a much beloved cousin of hers. "Frederick!" she said embracing Frederick Zoller who was her mother's nephew.
"Wie geht es dir, mein lieber Cousin?" (How are you, my dear cousin?) he asked embracing her.
She pulled away from him and gestured for him to come into the house. She shut the door, "Wie geht es dir, mein lieber Cousin?" (What brings you here?)
"Ich hörte von Ihrem Engagement, und ich konnte nicht warten, um Ihnen zu gratulieren," (I heard of your engagement and I couldn't wait to congratulate you,) he said.
Gretel's smile immediately turned into a frown. She looked to the ground and sighed.
"Bist du in Ordnung, Gretel? " (Are you alright, Gretel?) he asked.
"Ich will nicht, ihn zu heiraten" (I don't want to marry him,) she said walking back to the dining room.
Frederick followed, "Gretel, ich bin mir sicher, dass er einen großen Mann und Dieter machen und dein Vater wollen beide was ist am besten für Sie. Sie würden nicht auf dich heiraten Dieter bestanden haben, wenn sie es nicht tat." (Gretel, I'm sure that he would make a great husband and Dieter and your father both want whats best for you. They would not have insisted upon you marrying Dieter if they didn't.)
"Aber ich liebe ihn nicht! Ist es nicht besser, jemand, den Sie lieben, heiraten und arm, dann jemand, den Sie nicht lieben, und haben Reichtum heiraten?" (But I do not love him! Isn't it better to marry someone you love and be poor then to marry someone you don't love and have wealth?) She said raising her voice a little.
"Gretel, gibt es eine andere?" (Gretel, is there another?) Frederick asked a little concerned.
Gretel looked to the floor realizing that she was going to far and had to stop before going any further. "Nein," (No,) she lied.
Frederick got very close to her face, "Sind Sie sicher?" (Are you sure?) he asked very seriously.
"Ja," (Yes,) she said trying to sound convincing.
Frederick sighed, "Gretel, weiß ich nicht will, dass du unglücklich sein. Wenn Sie wirklich nicht lieben ihn, würde ich Sie ermutigen, zu ihm und Ihrem möglicherweise Ihr Vater sprechen. Ich bin sicher, sie würden verstehen," (Gretel, I don't want you to be unhappy. If you really do not love him, I would encourage you to speak to him and your possibly your father. I'm sure they would understand,) he said trying to sound hopeful.
Gretel already knew it was no use. There was no way Dieter would ever let her do that. She could never even propose it. Moments alone with him were terrifying and she felt she had to be ever so careful what words came out of her mouth. "Es ist nicht so einfach," (It's not that simple,) she said gritting her teeth holding onto the table.
"Man kann nicht leben den Rest deines Lebens unglücklich, Gretel" (You can not live the rest of your life unhappy, Gretel,) said Frederich being firm with her.
She couldn't explain the situation to Frederich. She had to say something to cover it all up, "Frederick, müssen Sie verstehen. Mein Vater wird immer älter, und ich brauche jemanden, der sich um mich kümmern. Dieter konnte genau das zu tun. Außerdem, wer immer sonst möchte mich. Ich bin glücklich, sogar Dieter wünschen mir. Ich bin nichts als ein kleines Mädchen. Warum sollte ein Mann will wie ein kleines Mädchen?" (Frederich, you must understand. My father is getting older and I need someone to take care of me. Dieter could do just that. Besides, who ever else would want me. I am fortunate to even have Dieter desire me. I am nothing but a little girl. Why would a man want such a little girl?) She said looking down with a sad face.
Frederick picked her chin up with his index finger, "Ein ganz besonderer Mensch," (A very special man,) he whispered trying to sound comforting.
She could not help but blush at him for saying that. "Ich denke, Donny ist, dass besonderer Mensch dann," (I guess Donny is that special man then,) she said looking back up at Frederich with a hopeful look on her face.
"Nun, ich muss ausgeschaltet werden. Sind Sie und Ihr Vater kommt heute zum Mittagessen?" (Well, I must be off. Are you and your father coming for lunch today?) he asked in his normal tone again.
"Sie werden zu uns?" (You will be joining us?) she asked with a hopeful tone.
"Natürlich" (Of course,) he said.
Gretel knew that having Frederick there would ease the tension. She now almost couldn't wait for this lunch.
"Nun, ich denke, ich werde euch dort zu sehen," (Well I guess I will see you there,) he said walking back to the front door.
Gretel followed him to the door, "Vielen Dank für Ihren Besuch," (Thank you for stopping by,) she said.
Frederick opened the door and turned to have one last look at Gretel, "Natürlich. Es war sehr schön zu sehen dich auch. Ich werde sehen Sie heute spät am Mittag," (Of course. It was very nice seeing you too. I will see you late today at lunch,) he said. He closed the door part of the way so that only his body was visible. "Hey, folge deinem Herzen und Glück zu finden," (Hey, follow your heart and find happiness,) and with that, he left.
After Frederick left the house, Gretel went back to what she was doing with a content smile on her face. It felt good having a blood relative who she could be friends with.
Later that day, Gretel and Hans arrived at the restaurant. "ich hoffe, das wird nicht inconvenicene Sie, aber Frederick und Goebbels beitreten werden uns an diesem Nachmittag." (Darling, I hope this won't inconvenience you but Goebbels and Frederick will be joining us this afternoon.)
"Nein, das ist in Ordnung. Es sollte groß sein." (No. Thats fine. It should be great.) In her opinion Goebbels was okay. She felt bad for his mistress only because she had to serve him. Gretel looked into the room that was reserved for them and saw Goebbels, his mistress, Frederick and another woman who she did not recognize all sitting at a round table.
After Gretel and her father walked into the room, Dieter and Frederick noticed Hans and immediately stood up from where they sat, clicked their heels, and saluted him. Whenever a higher ranking officer came into the room, a lower ranking officer had to show him respect in this way.
Goebbels was excited to see Hans and Gretel come in and he immediately introduced us to the new woman. It wasn't until Gretel got a good look at her face that she recognized who she was; it was her dear friend, Shoshanna. Gretel had to fight back the look of joy that she wanted to display on her face. It had been so long since she had seen her friend. She didn't recognize her at first because Shoshanna had changed some things about her. She dyed her hair blonde when it use to be dark brown which Gretel assumed was so Shoshanna could hide her identity. Gretel's desire to radiate pure joy dissipated after she noticed the horror and hate in Shoshanna's eyes. Hans had killed her parents and she was more then shocked to see him.
They had been talking about the premiere for Nation's Pride which was coming up now. Hans was going to be the security during the event. Frederick was starring in this movie and Gretel couldn't wait to see him in it. Whenever she thought of him being a in a movie, she couldn't help but smile because of how adorable he would look. But then again it was about him killing Americans which she wasn't too thrilled about.
Frederick got up and greeted his cousin. They had their hands on each others elbows and gave each other a kiss on each cheek.
Dieter then came up behind her.
She turned around and gasped at his presence. "Dieter, dich erschreckt mich." (Dieter, you frightened me.) She said laughing and of course his very presence always frightened her.
"Verzeihen Sie mir, mein Liebling" (Do forgive me, my darling.) He said slowly kissing her hand.
It felt like nothing more than a gentle caress but then again, there was nothing gentle about this killer.
Hans captured everyone's attention by hitting a fork against a wine glass. "Hans erfasst alle Blicke auf sich, indem Sie auf eine Gabel vor einem Glas Wein. "Jeder meiner habe ich um Ihre Aufmerksamkeit bitten. Dieter Helstrum möchten, um eine Durchsage zu machen." (Everyone my I have your attention please. Dieter Helstrum would like to make an announcement)
"Danke, Colonial" (Thank you, Colonial.) He then put him arm around Gretel.
She had a feeling that she knew what was going to happen next and it frightened her. "Diese junge Dame hier, Gretel Landa, kann ich nicht umhin zu sagen, dass ich verzweifelt bin in der Liebe mit ihr und wir haben seit einiger Zeit verlobt jetzt und jetzt, dass sie alt ist wird es eine Hochzeit sehr bald" (This young lady here, Gretel Landa, I can't help but saying that I am desperately in love with her and we have been betrothed for some time now and now that she is of age there will be a wedding very soon.) He said in a caressful tone of voice, looking into her eyes.
Everyone in the room applauded.
When they all sat down, Frederick stood and gave a toast to his beloved cousin, to the man who he was honored to have as his new cousin and that their children would grow up in the Nazi pride.
Gretel of course found this toast hideous but thanked him anyway and kissed Frederick on the cheek once more.
Hans eventually wanted to be alone with Shoshanna and Gretel. Dieter and Frederick didn't like this at all and there was even some discussion about it. But, in the end, Hans got his way and everyone but he, Shoshanna and Gretel left.
Before, Goebbels and his mistress left, Goebbels shook Hans' hand, kissed Gretel's hand congratulating her on her engagement and reminded them about the premiere of Nation's Pride and how exciting it was.
Gretel was about to sit next to Shoshanna.
"Sehr geehrter Herr, würden Sie nicht gerne hier statt sitzen?" (Dear, wouldn't you like to sit here instead?) Hans gestured towards the chair next to him.
Of course Gretel sat where she was told to sit, but she was very uncomfortable about her father sitting next to Shoshanna.
Hans sat in the seat that Gretel had just been sitting in and wiped the table after he sat down.
A waiter came by and asked if they wanted anything.
Hans ordered three strudels and a glass of milk for Shoshanna.
Gretel felt even more trepidation; there was no way Hans did not recognize Shoshanna after ordering her a glass of milk. After a few moments, the waiter returned with what Hans ordered but sent the waiter back for whipped cream.
Shoshanna started to eat her strudel.
Gretel tried to motion to her to stop because she knew what her father would do but she didn't do it in time."Attendez que la crème fouettée.." (Wait for the whipped cream.) Said Hans smiling.
Shoshanna let her fork fall to her plate in a frustrated manner.
The waiter came back with a bowl of whipped cream. He placed some on each of their strudels.
"Après vous, Mesdames." (After you, ladies.) Said Hans after the waiter left.
Gretel and Shoshanna could only eat a little bit. They were too nervous to eat. Hans was the only person at the table who comfortably ate their strudel.
Hans asked Shoshanna about the cinema. He asked her if a negro worked there in which Shoshanna responded saying that he was the projectionist.
Gretel closed her eyes and scoffed at how blunt he was being.
He asked how the negro was with the projectors.
She said that he was the best.
Gretel's anger was boiling at the sound of her father calling Shoshanna's friend a negro.
Shoshanna of course responded with a yes.
There was a lot more of Hans asking Shoshanna stupid questions until he got out a sigarette. He offered one to Shoshanna and she took one. He then stuck his lighter up so that Shoshanna could get fire from it. After they were smoking for a couple of minutes, Hans told Shoshanna that she looked familiar.
Gretel was terrified. If he recognized her, how was Gretel ever going to protect her friend? Gretel's heart was pounding at his moment. Tears actually came to her eyes. Would her father tell her that he knew her? Would this be the day that her identity would be revealed?All she could do was pray that he wouldn't go any further with this.
Shoshanna felt the same trepidation that Gretel felt. She took the sigarette out of her mouth and made eye contact with Hans, who was staring into her eyes, waiting for something to happen.
He then said that he forgot what he was going to say.
Relief went over Gretel and Shoshanna.
"Nous devons y aller maintenant." (We must be going now.) Hans put his sigarette into his strudel. "C'était agréable de vous rencontrer, Emanuelle. Jusqu'à ce soir." (It was nice meeting you, Emanuelle. Till tonight.) He kissed her hand and was about to leave until Gretel stopped him.
"Père, je pense que je vais rester pendant un certain temps et faire connaissance avec Emanuelle mieux. Ce serait vraiment pas de mal à en savoir plus sur le propriétaire du cinéma où la première aura lieu. Je pense qu'il pourrait faire à l'occasion plus agréable si nous devions avoir une relation plus personnelle avec son" (Father, I think I'm going to stay for a while and get to know Emanuelle better. It really wouldn't hurt to know more about the owner of the cinema where the premiere will be. I think it might make the occasion more enjoyable if we were to have a more personal relationship with her,) said Gretel making words come out of her mouth that she knew where not true.
"Très bien alors. Vous deux dames passer un bon moment et je vais faire venir quelqu'un et vous obtenez plus tard, Gretel," (Very well then. You two ladies have a good time and I will have someone come and get you later, Gretel,) said Hans.
"Ce ne sera pas nécessaire, le père" (That won't be necessary, father,) said Gretel.
"Eh bien, si vous en tout changez d'avis, faites le moi savoir," (Well, if you at all change your mind, just let me know,) said Hans. He kissed his daughter on both cheeks, kissed Shoshanna by the hand, and left.
Gretel and Shoshanna turned to make sure that Hans was out of sight and once he was, Shoshanna broke out into tears.
Gretel couldn't help but do the same and sat there holding her friend in her arms and doing what was probably the most comforting thing for her; simply being there for her.