Waiting
Maria took all the pampering the children gave her to heart; she felt very special. Tonight her mind was focused on Friedrich. She reflected back on that day when she was introduced to the children. In her mind she called Georg, the captain.
Her memory recalled the captain inspecting his crew; as he had walked past Friedrich he stood up taller and inflated his chest. Friedrich had respectfully copied him as did Liesl; a recollection that brought a smile to Maria's face.
She continued to remember; their argument. Friedrich wants to be a man like you but you don't take time to teach him. Within minutes all that had changed. She knew Friedrich had indeed become his father's son. She also found him to be very caring; right from the beginning she remembered he always seemed to be right by her side. Her only sadness was the fact that he was growing up and soon would be leaving to pursue his goal.
That evening Friedrich and Georg were engaged in a serious game of chess. Georg only paused long enough to tell Kurt goodnight and give his girls a kiss. Maria tucked them in. Liesl went to bed as well; this was her time of the month to need a little more sleep.
Georg saw her leaving. "Are you going to bed Liesl?"
"I am father. I need my beauty sleep. Good night father; and same to you Friedrich." Her brother didn't look up. He mumbled, "Goodnight." He was concentrating on his next move.
"Georg saw Maria come back in to the room. "Friedrich, we need to put our game on hold; we can pick it up tomorrow; no one will touch it. Your mother and I need to talk to you."
"About what Father?"
"Something very good, your father and I spoke with the Headmaster today."
He looked at both of his parents to see who would tell him. "Son, he thinks you are ready for the university."
"Now?"
"I had the same reaction; he believes you are ready. You would still need to take your cumulative exams."
"I'm so surprised."
"We both thought you would be. You have a very admirable goal. He wants all of us to meet. I could ask Max to pick up your brother and sisters on Friday; we could speak with him then."
"This so exciting; does that mean I could begin the university in January?"
"I believe that is the plan. You and your mother go on up; I'll make sure the back door is locked and turn out the lights. I'll only be a few minutes darling." Mother and son walked together up the stairs.
"Try to get some sleep son."
"I will Mother." He kissed her on the cheek. "I am blessed to call you mother."
"I feel the same way about you son, goodnight."
The couple met at the door to their room. "You're right Georg. He'll find himself a wonderful woman to take as a wife one day."
At breakfast in the morning Friedrich couldn't keep the good news to himself. "You look rather perky this morning Friedrich."
"I am. I have a very good reason Brigitta."
"Are you going to share?"
"The Headmaster thinks I'm ready for the university. I will start in January after I take my exams."
"That is wonderful news. You'll be one step closer to your goal."
"That's right Liesl. Mother and Father and I meet with him on Friday."
Liesl felt her mother was too preoccupied with the baby to think about a graduation present for Friedrich. She knew it would also be the Christmas season. She felt certain she could find something appropriate for her brother.
Max drove Liesl and Maria to the church that Wednesday. As before he waited to be sure they weren't alone. Susanna was already there and the caretaker was outside sweeping the walks. Max sensed others were present that he couldn't see. He was right. James had his reasons. He had assigned two men to the church on Wednesdays; he wanted to take no chances.
Susanna was waiting for Liesl in the choir room. "Let's get started Liesl."
"I've been practicing at home."
"That's good. Always warm up your hands before you begin to play; rub them together, wiggle your fingers several times. Then begin by playing simple chords and then the scales. Do you read music Liesl?"
"I can. I'm not very good."
"I think you can read this. It's an old favorite of piano teachers. It's called The Celebrated Chop Waltz. A young girl, about your age wrote it in 1877 in England."
Maria was sitting near-by. She had never had piano lessons; she played by ear. She did know this tune but never its real name. It was Chopsticks to her. Liesl's lesson went on until the children arrived for choir practice. Susanna gave her sheet music to Bach's Minuet in G major to practice this week.
Everyone had returned to the choir except of course Paul but also Rebecca. Maria asked about her. Louisa answered. "She likes singing but she likes art better; she's taking an art class at the university on Wednesday afternoon."
"I will miss her voice but you do need to follow your passion. Each of you will have decisions to make in your future. Let's warm up our voices." Their song for this Sunday was a familiar hymn; they needed little practice.
All the children's parents had arrived to take them home. "Just a minute everybody; we need to congratulate Frau Maria. She and Herr Georg are expecting their first child." Applause and well wishes filled the choir room.
"Thank you Martha and everyone; you need to know Liesl will be helping me with the choir. She'll be able to continue the choir until school is out next summer."
Friedrich was anticipating Friday's meeting with his parents and the Headmaster. He kept a running countdown. On Thursday everyone heard. "Only one more day until I begin preparing for my cumulative exams."
All day on Friday, he had a difficult time being focused on his work. A messenger spoke to his teacher. He relayed the message. "Friedrich, your presence is needed in the Headmaster's office." All eyes were on Friedrich.
The teacher hurriedly alleviated the children's curiosity. "It's all good children; Friedrich knows why he has a meeting with him. You're excused Friedrich; don't forget your bookbag."
"Thank you sir." Friedrich hurried through the school. He saw his parents waiting for him in the hall. His smile broadened as he approached them. "I take it, you're excited son."
"I am Father; I could hardly concentrate on my lessons today."
"Come on, let's go in; I'm sure he waiting for us."
The receptionist greeted them. "He'll be right with you."
"Hello everyone, I see you are smiling Friedrich. Is that an affirmative smile?"
"Yes Headmaster Adler, it is."
"Come in and have a seat."
"As I told your parents, you are goal driven; a tremendously favorable attribute to have. I thought it would be appropriate to move you one step closer. I want you continue your advanced microbiology class. I checked with your other teachers. They feel with some review you will be able to take your exams as soon as you feel you are ready."
"Your thoughts Friedrich?"
"Everything seems all arranged; I'm glad I will still attend my microbiology class. Professor Steele is very good; I understand he teaches part-time at the university. Hopefully I can take his class in January."
"And parents how to you feel; this is your second child to leave this school this year?
"Maria and I both know they must grow up. You still have three von Trapp children and the other two will be here soon."
"And Frau von…" Maria raised her hand to stop him. "Please sir, Maria is fine and yes Georg and I are expecting a baby in the spring."
"I wanted to be sure the school's grapevine was correct. Friedrich, the receptionist will have your study guides on Monday; enjoy your weekend."
"Thank you sir, I'll stop by after my microbiology class."
"Very well, good day." The family acknowledged him and left the office; the exclamations began.
"I still can't believe all this; I never thought I would be starting the university when I turned fifteen."
"It's all part of God's plan; no one ever knows its exact path. Remember mine took a lot of twists and turns."
"When your mama left us, I felt like I was at the bottom of a mountain; I had to climb to the top to find my path. It was your mother who without knowing it guided me there. We will be there to support you all the way to the top of your mountain."
"Those are wonderful thoughts. It's like what you told us after our trip to your mountain. God strengthens those who are weak and tired; if you trust in the Lord you will find yourself renewed."
"Exactly right Friedrich."
"Come on, the others are already home. We never finished our game of chess."
"Yes I know; it's a good thing Uncle Max bought another set; everyone seems to enjoy learning how to play."
They found everyone in the living room; their chess game had not been touched.
"It's about time you got back to your game. Friedrich I understand you will be starting the university in January."
"That's right Uncle Max. I think you had the next move Father."
They played until Katia called them to dinner. It was not until shortly before bedtime did Friedrich pull off a stunning victory over his father. He slyly moved the Rook into place and his father had no where to move his King; thus the King was in checkmate.
"Well done son, you've learned well. We'll have a re-matched someday. I need to play someone who is still learning."
"Someone like me darling? I barely know how to correctly move the pieces. Maybe you could help me learn."
"I'm sure I can. Come on, it's time for bed."
"Yes, it is sweetheart."
Friedrich didn't immediately stop going to school. He would study in the morning using the quiet of the school's library. He had his microbiology class after lunch.
Maria knew it was time to see a doctor. She knew it wouldn't be Dr. Keller he only cared for people in the hospital. She decided to ask her "mothers" to come to lunch at the villa. Maria not only needed a doctor, she needed information about childbirth itself. She knew very little.
After lunch they went to the living room to talk. Audrey began the conversation. "Maria do you know anything about the birth process?"
"I've seen animals being born. I do know human birth is similar. The animals seem to make noises as if they are in pain."
"That's right Maria, we are similar to animals. Childbirth is uncomfortable. That's why some women are giving birth in a hospital where the doctor can give them medicine to relieve their pain. But their husbands can't be with them."
"I don't like that idea at all. But I don't want to do what my mother did."
"Tells us Maria."
"My mother gave birth to me on a train. The conductor helped bring me into the world. Luckily he has witnessed the birth of all his children. I want Georg to be with me. I know he was present for all but one of the children's births."
"You need to find a doctor who will come to the villa; I know Dr. Greenburg does."
"Maria, Georg knows him. He had to use him a few times."
"What happened, Isabel?"
"First the rack fell out of the oven and Katia got a bad burn. Then it was for the children, Gretl tried to make friends with a pregnant cat and got a nasty scratch and Kurt fell out of a tree; he hurt his arm. But thankfully it wasn't broken."
"I know I want to have this baby right here. I'll talk to Georg tonight."
Maria thanked her lady friends. She told them she felt very lucky to have them as friends; friends that didn't mind answering all her questions.
Maria could hardly wait for their time alone in their room. "How did lunch with your lady friends go today?"
"We had a good time. I had several of my questions answered about childbirth."
"Like what Maria?"
"First, it is true that we give birth like the animals do. Most important, I want to be right here; in this very room. I can't believe women would go to the hospital and be all alone. I want you right beside me just like you were for the others."
"I was hoping you would choose that way; sometimes modern medicine isn't always best."
"Isabel told me you know Dr. Greenburg."
"She told you the reasons."
"Oh yes, Katia's burn, Gretl's cat scratch and Kurt's sprained wrist. I also told them my father wasn't with my mother when I was born; but that was by accident. Mother gave birth on a train.
"Father had come home early; she had stayed with her parents awhile longer. The train's conductor assisted her; he was well trained. He had witnessed the birth of his own children. Sister Berthe used to tease me. She would say, "That's why you are always in a hurry to get everywhere."
"I'm glad you are not in a hurry at night; I enjoy how you have learned to lengthen our loving time together."
"So do I."
The next morning Maria sat in Georg's study while he called Dr. Greenburg. Maria only heard Georg's responses to the conversation. After the usual greetings she heard. "That's right an appointment for my wife. Appreciate the congratulations. She's pregnant, about four months along." Georg wrote on his paper, Tuesday 10 AM. "Thank you."
"It's all arranged darling."
"I'm excited. I was told he will be able to hear its heart beat."
"Now if they could only discover a way to tell its sex."
"That would be nice. It would stop the bickering between Kurt and Gretl. You know she does it on purpose."
"I know it's an odd way to show it but Kurt has always taken care of Gretl; he helped her learn how to walk. Sometimes he would rock her to sleep. I think some of her occasional nightmares all date back to when Agathe died. She was so very young."
"I love hearing things like that about the children; it helps me to understand them better."
"You wait; when Barbara's born he'll love her just as much."
"I think so too."
Maria was anticipating her doctor's visit. Although she was like most women, she really didn't like being examined. She was clutching Georg's hand as they sat in the waiting room.
"Are you nervous darling?"
"A little; he's going to feel my belly. Are you coming in the room?"
Georg didn't have time to answer. The door opened. "Georg, it's been a long time. Your family hasn't needed me. And this lovely woman is your bride. Your picture was beautiful but you are an exceptional beauty."
"Doctor, don't make me blush."
"Come to my office; let's talk."
"May I address you as Maria?"
"Please do doctor."
"Maria I feel like I already know you. Your accident a year ago this summer was discussed at a medical meeting at the hospital. Dr. Keller used your case to describe how he cared for you. The treatments he ordered so you did not get pneumonia and also using a feeding tube to feed you. You're a very lucky lady."
"I feel God provided him; He had something more for me to do."
"I think your strong faith also had a lot to do with your recovery. Now, I understand you are pregnant. Do you remember the date of your last cycle?"
"Funny you should ask; neither of us realized I had missed a month. I can't remember the exact date but it was the end of June."
"That's good enough. When do you think you are due?"
"I thought in the first few days of spring."
"Georg, you count well; probably near the end of March or the beginning of April. Dates only give me an idea of when this baby may be born; by the beginning March you should be all prepared. Isabel Schmidt will help you gather what you need for me. Now Maria, you need to go with my nurse. She'll help you get ready so I can listen to that baby and measure your belly."
Maria went with her. "Maria I know this is the part no one likes. Dr. Greenburg only needs to see your belly. You'll need to pull your dress up and your undergarments down to just under your belly; no further."
"That's a relief."
A knock, knock was heard; the door opened slowly. "Are you ready for us?"
"All ready sir."
"Georg you can stand by your wife."
As Dr. Greenburg washed his hands with soap and water he talked. "I do this Maria to wash off any bacteria on my hands."
"We know all about bacteria sir. Our oldest son received a microscope for Christmas last year. His microbiology teacher is always giving him specimens to look at. He drops chemicals on them and watches them squirm. He would like one day to find a cure for scarlet fever."
"A very admirable goal; until a cure is found the best we can do is keep our hands as clean as possible. When I deliver your baby I will wear gloves which have been cleaned with a solution that kills bacteria."
Dr. Greenburg felt Maria's bulge. "Seems to be the right size for about four months. Now let me listen to its heart." He put on the device her lady friends had described to her. He applied firm but gentle pressure. "There it is." He pushed his stop watch as he began to count the heartbeats; he counted for only fifteen seconds. "I counted thirty-five beats; multiplied by four is 140. It's good and strong too Maria."
"Is it a girl or boy doctor?"
"Now you both know I can't tell. It's a fifty-fifty guess."
"I know the children are going to ask me. I wanted to be able to be truthful."
"I suppose Georg, the boys want another boy. What about your girls?"
"I don't think they care, except Gretl. She has her heart set on a girl. By my track record I don't expect a boy. If it is a girl her name will be Barbara, the Patron Saint of the Navy and Marie for her mother."
"Give me your hand Maria; I'll help you sit up. After you straighten your clothes come back to the office. Come with me Georg; we'll go wait for her."
"Maria, are you having any problems?"
"Only that coffee doesn't like me."
"Not surprised; be sure and eat well-balanced meals; plenty of fruits and vegetables; also cheese and milk are good for a growing baby."
"Is there anything she shouldn't do?"
"Come this winter, no ice skating and only cross country skiing for a short distance; you'll need to enjoy building snowmen with the children."
"Thank you doctor, I feel so much better."
"Make an appointment for about a month from today; and remember to call if you have any problems or questions."
"Thank you again."
"You know Maria we have time to visit Hazel. Do you think she knows?"
"Oh I'm sure she does. It seems everyone knows."
Maria was right. Hazel welcomed them this way. "I was wondering when you would come see me. Look at you; a picture of extraordinary beauty. What have you been wearing?"
"I've let the seams out of a couple of my dresses."
"You can do that for awhile but before you know it even those are too tight. A lot of women wear this empire waist style dress. But some like this new style with a drop waistline; it's good until your sixth or seventh month."
"That is different. What do think darling?"
"Maria, you will look lovely in anything. I do like that dark rose dress; it reminds me of your suit I like."
"This is your size; no need to try it on. You can take it today; I'll have a couple of the empire waist dresses made in your favorite colors. They'll be ready next week."
"Thanks Hazel, it's so nice to have someone who knows me so well."
"You're so kind. Did you know they will be setting up the Christkindle marketplace next week?"
"So soon; it seems to be earlier every year."
"The calendar tells me Advent is the last Sunday in November."
"That's right it is. Max will have us down here as soon as they open; he loves the music and the sweets."
"Come on Maria, I thought we would stop at the Bristol Café and have some of the chef's wonderful soup."
"Yes, the baby needs to be fed."
They had the car; they stayed in town and waited for school to be out.
"Mother, did you see the doctor?"
"I did Kurt."
"Is it a girl or boy?"
"You know very well he can't tell; he can't see inside me."
"Yes, I do know; I thought he might have an idea about which it was."
"Oh he had an idea; a fifty-fifty guess."
"He did tell us; the baby is growing right on schedule and its heartbeat is strong; all good news.
"Where else did you go? I see you have a package."
"We stopped at the dress shop; I bought a baby-hiding dress. I think you will like it Louisa."
"Hazel reminded us that the Christkindle Marketplace will begin to be set up next week."
"So soon?"
"Advent begins early this year; the last Sunday in November."
"Uncle Max will like that. Can we go there this year father?"
"No problem; we will need to stay together; no one can run off."
Both the ladies and Liesl were waiting in the kitchen. "How's the baby?"
"The baby is fine; Dr. Greenburg said I'm the right size for having it in early spring; and the heart beat was steady and strong."
"Any food restrictions?"
"None Katia; I know I can't fill up on cookies; I do need to eat healthy. He wants me to eat lots of fruit and vegetables."
"No problem Maria; I canned a lot of fruit last summer; there's an abundance of apples and Phillip has a lot of greens still in the garden."
After dinner everyone was in the family room except Kurt. "Anyone know where Kurt is?"
"He's up in his building room. He said he needed to do an experiment."
"I think I'll see if he can join us soon; he needs family time too."
Maria climbed the two flights of stairs to the third floor. The door to his room was open; he didn't hear his mother come in. He was concentrating. She heard him exclaim, "Good it works."
"What works Kurt?"
"Oh hi Mother, my fulcrum experiment."
"Are you coming down now?"
"Before we go down, can I talk to you?"
"Of course you can."
Kurt wasn't sure how to begin. Maria noticed. "Did your brother and sisters ask you to talk to me?"
"All but Gretl and Marta."
She thought she would make it easy for him. "Does this have anything to do with Christmas?"
"Yes, how did you know?"
"My memory from last year and my newly found mother's intuition; you can tell me."
"We don't want to upset you; but none of us believe in Father Christmas."
"How did you come to that conclusion?"
"Father Christmas is a spirit; he doesn't write letters. We knew Father would read our letters and we believed he would give us our wish; and he did. All of us promise not to tell Marta and Gretl and just think next year another baby will begin to believe in Father Christmas."
"That's true Kurt. I'm not upset; only sad. It means you are all growing up. You are correct; this baby will be taught about Father Christmas and the true meaning of Jesus' birth. I'll meet you downstairs; don't take too long to come down."
Maria's disappearance hadn't gone unnoticed by her husband. She whispered to him. "We'll talk later."
The family went back to the dining room to play The Landlord's Game; a game about collecting houses to rent. It used fake money and silly game pieces which were move by the toss of the dice. They played a simple version so Gretl and Marta could play. The game never ended; it was stopped because it was time for bed.
After the nightly rituals, the couple retired to their room. "I know you talked to Kurt. What did he tell you?"
"Do you have a guess?"
"I think I do; it's about Christmas."
"We both know them well; my guess exactly. Kurt was elected to tell me no one except Marta and Gretl believe in Father Christmas. But he was so sweet. He told me this baby will believe and it will all start over again."
"Does it make you sad sweetheart?"
"A little but that's the cycle of life; things change. Look at me, I went from postulant to a married woman and now I'm expecting our child."
"When this baby is born; we will have other changes; all for the better. Now may I have a kiss or two or three?"
"My, we are greedy tonight."
"I think you like my greediness."
"Hummmn."