Disclaimer: Yeah, still don't own The Sound of Music…
Author's Note: It's been long enough…here's the next chapter!!!
Why-
-Chapter Twenty-Five: Perfect
What is perfect? Who is perfect? It is said that there is no such thing. But is there? The epitome of what one wants, needs? Why is there perfect? Perhaps it is something made up. Something we have termed to strive for. Or perhaps it is simply what we see. A wise man said "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". But, maybe, just maybe, the definition of perfect is what truly lies in the beholder
Dusk created a bright glow over the land, making the shadows even darker and the sky red. A light breeze blew through the air. Clouds sat in the far horizon, threatening to bring rain before sunrise the next day.
"So where are we going?" Maria asked as Georg started the car. He turned to look at her quickly, flashing a smile, before moving the car forward.
"What if I don't tell you?" he asked, his smile turning to a smirk.
Maria smirked as well, "Then I'll just have to do something unthinkable."
"Oh? And what would that be?" Georg asked, shooting her a sideways glance.
Maria's smile widened. "I don't know; I'll tell you when I think of it."
Georg laughed heartily as they rounded a corner but gave no answer; instead, he began to hum an improvised tune. Maria eyed him.
The two fell into a silence. Maria fidgeted slightly. Despite her hopes, she had known that tonight could potentially be awkward and this silence was. After all, first dates usually were, weren't they? But she couldn't let it get too awkward – she just couldn't. She had been waiting too long for this, and so had he. Tonight had to be perfect. After everything they had gone through it had to be perfect. They deserved it to be perfect.
So to break the awkward silence Maria did the only thing she could do in such times. She talked.
"Are you really not going to tell me?"
Georg opened his mouth to reply, but before a word could come out the car began to slow, despite the presence of his foot on the gas pedal. "You've got to be kidding me," he muttered under his breath as he pulled the car off to the side of the road.
"Georg?" Maria asked. "Don't tell me we're already here," she joked, looking to her right and seeing nothing but an empty field.
Georg laughed despite the uneasy feeling growing in him. "Unfortunately not. Looks like we we're lucky enough to encounter car problems tonight."
Maria's face fell, her heart sinking slightly. "Oh," she said quietly.
"Don't worry, I'll see if I can get it fixed," he said, leaning over and placing a small kiss upon her cheek before getting out of the car to check the problem.
Maria sat. Of all nights, why did it have to be this one? Days, weeks, months, years of anticipation for this night to arrive and this, this had to happen? They hadn't even reached the restaurant and already things were turning out bad? Bad, when it was supposed to be perfect.
Maria sighed. Was this some kind of sign? A bad omen? A signal that they shouldn't do this? She shook her head, knowing she was becoming overly paranoid and reading into the matter. It was just a minor set back. Cars are cars; they break down, simple as that. Yes. With a nod Maria got out of the car to stand with Georg.
"Do you know what's wrong?" she asked, peering over Georg's shoulder.
Georg sighed but didn't turn to face Maria. Of all the things to break down on all nights to do so it had to be this blasted car on this night. Georg prided himself in being a handyman. He was able to fix any problem there was at the lodge. But he had never been mechanically inclined. It wasn't a skill a baron needed to know. He had always had others to fix the problem for him. And it was easier to take the car to a mechanic to fix than it was to waste his time to learn how when he could be doing other, more important, things.
But now, standing with Maria behind him waiting so they could continue on, he wished he had taken the time. For now it felt very, very important.
"Georg?"
He turned, "I can't really tell," he said, trying not to show his lack of knowledge. "It's…" He cleared his throat. "Hard to."
Maria rose her brow at his sudden strange behavior. "Hard to?"
"Yes, hard to." Georg replied lamely, certain a slight blush was covering his face.
A small smirk played at Maria's lips. "Georg, do you know anything about cars?" she asked innocently. If there was one thing she could do it was to read Georg easier than a book.
Georg's small blush deepened, "I know some," he paused, "Just not enough," he finished lamely, feeling like an idiot.
Maria smiled at his flustered and embarrassed state. "Why Captain, if I didn't know any better I'd say you are blushing," she teased.
Georg felt his face heat before a smirk crossed his face. "Then I should be careful, I might turn into you," he said, casually.
"Me?"
"Hm? Oh yes, more often than not you're hiding behind a blush," he stated, turning the tables.
Maria blushed and she inwardly cursed herself. "I do not!"
Georg laughed loudly. "My dear Fraulein, more often than not you're redder than a tomato."
Maria blushed even more, "I--I---but--" She couldn't think of a good enough comeback. She hated when she lost their bantering matches.
Georg patted her cheek lightly. "It's endearing."
She hit his arm playfully. "Oh hush," was all she could say. "So what do we do now?" she asked, taking all focus off of her now-red face.
Georg took in their bearings. "Well, we're about two blocks away from the restaurant. We could lock up the car and leave it hear and come back for it after dinner. Hopefully it will start up again."
Maria nodded. "That sounds like a good idea." The two began to walk. "So you and cars, huh?" Maria asked after a few steps.
"You're never going to give that up, are you?"
Maria laughed. "Why Georg, have you learned nothing about me these past years?"
"Sadly yes," Georg said straightly.
Maria smacked his arm. "I resent that," she said, making Georg break and laugh.
The two fell into a comfortable silence as they walked. They were close; Maria could feel the heat radiating off of Georg's body, yet they weren't touching. She had expected him to offer her his arm as they continued on, like he normally would have, but he did no such thing. She was becoming restless with the lack of contact. It was as if she were being teased, close but not close enough. She shot him a sideways glance.
Maria smiled. For once, this calm, collected sea captain looked nervous. In all her time spent with Georg she had never seen him look like he did now. She would have thought that if she ever caught him in such a state she would be disconcerted. But she wasn't. She was calmed, as if some of the butterflies in her stomach subsided. He was just as nervously happy about this as she was. They were in this together, why was it that she kept forgetting such a fact? A wave of calm washed over her.
Now to her current predicament.
All she had to do was take the initiative. Just slip her arm under his. It was simple. Her hand twitched as she went to do so, but it didn't move any farther. She couldn't. Maria had never been one to be so bold romantically, even if it was such a simple gesture. She sighed. She just couldn't bring herself to initiate the contact, unless of course it was an accident.
Maria's eyes lit up at the idea. Yes, an accident. It was a simple enough task. All she had to do was trip and then grab onto his arm to keep herself from falling. She smiled, determined. She just wouldn't let go. Yes, it was perfect.
With a deep breath Maria made her right foot hit the back of her left, she stumbled, grabbing hold of Georg's arm. He stopped and turned, helping to steady her. "Oops," Maria said, eyes growing wide.
Georg looked at her expression before a small graced his lips. "Subtle."
"I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about," Maria replied as they began to walk again, her arm latched with his, a smile threatening to give her away. It did.
Georg laughed. "Why my dear Fraulein, I never--"
Georg never finished his sentence as Maria tumbled to the ground, her foot hitting a rather large rock that neither had seen.
"Maria!" Georg bent down to her, "Are you alright?"
Maria laughed lightly. "Yes, I just scratched my hand and knee," she said, taking note of the pain throbbing in her right hand and left knee. She looked at both to see red, a large scratches covered in dirt.
"Tut tut," Georg said, extending his hand to help her stand, entwining their fingers once she was up right. "We'll get you cleaned up at the restaurant."
The two laughed lightly as they began to walk, hand-in-hand, Maria limping slightly. At least she had gotten what she wanted.
The couple reached the restaurant without any further injuries and were seated in a booth in the back corner of the room immediately. Georg requested bandages and a couple of damp towels to clean up Maria, which the hostess brought quickly.
Georg took one cloth and handed the other to Maria, "You clean up your knee; I'll take care of your hand." Had he been idealistic Georg would have gladly tended to Maria's knee, but alas modesty was a virtue.
"Georg, really, I can do it myself. I'll just go to the--"
Georg smiled. "Oh quit talking and accept the help," he said, placing a kiss on her cheek with a small laugh.
Maria gave in and began to tend to her knee and mutter about how she wasn't a child and needn't be treated like one, when she became acutely aware of the way Georg was rubbing and cleaning her hand. The cloth was cold, damp with water, but she could feel the heat of Georg's hand through the cloth, moving in small, soft circles as his other hand held onto her wrist keeping her hand from moving. Up, down, left, right. More pressure, now a little less. Maria began to feel her neck moving slightly in the motion of his hand. It was mesmerizing.
A small gasp left her lips as a sudden gust of air was being blown onto the cut. She turned slightly to see Georg blowing on the, now, wet wound. A shutter ran up her spine and she instinctively moved closer to him. It was so…so…she couldn't even formulate a word. She felt something light within her. A sudden fire, only capable of being put out by Georg's cool breath.
Her left leg jerked as she had half the mind to tell him to give the same treatment to the abrasion on her knee. Her breaths became shallow. She suddenly felt…needy. She…wanted. The fire kept building. Her heart was racing, and she was certain civilians outside would be able to hear it.
"Better?" a voice said nearby, bringing Maria back to reality. She turned to see Georg staring at her intently, only adding to the flame. It was a wild fire, spreading fast. Any longer and she was certain she wouldn't be able to put it out. He was finished, the bandage placed delicately on her palm.
She gulped and nodded, unable to do anything else, her eyes locking with him. When she had to fight herself to suppress a moan she finally looked away, a blush spreading from ear to ear. She busily turned her attention back to her knee, furiously cleaning it up. She clenched her teeth as a shot of pain ran up her leg.
"Are you alright?" Georg asked, compassionately. Maria nearly melted at the tone of his voice.
"Peachy!" She squeaked, quickly, his voice echoing through her soul.
Georg went to reply, but the waiter arrived asking what they wanted to drink. With one more curious glance at Maria, Georg turned his attention to the man.
Maria sighed in relief, placing a bandage on her knee. Thankful, for once, that waiters always had the worst timing.
After Maria got over her small case of want the two fell back into their usual ease of conversation, talking of anything that came to mind. The found amusement in a couple sitting nearby, both certain that the man was going to propose, due to his constant fidgeting and the fact that his hand would occasionally fly to his pocket.
"More wine?" Georg asked, noting Maria's almost empty glass.
"Why Georg, are you trying to get me inebriated?" she asked, holding her hand over the glass.
"And if I am?" He smiled coyly.
Maria shrugged. "Just so long as we're on the same page," she said playfully, handing over the glass to be filled.
"Your dinner," the waiter announced. "The chicken for the lady."
"Thank you," Maria smiled kindly as they dish was placed before her.
"And the fettuccini for the gentlemen."
Georg nodded his thanks as the plate was placed in front of him.
"If you need anything else just let me know." With a forced smile the man disappeared.
Georg and Maria turned to each other. "How about the right food," Georg said, rolling his eyes.
Maria laughed. "Oh, don't be so dramatic. Here." She picked up the plate before her handing it to Georg as he did the same with his plate. Both smiled as they got their respective meals.
As Georg was placing the chicken before himself he accidentally hit his wine glass, sending the contents into his lap. He jumped slightly at the sudden contact.
Maria gasped and grabbed her napkin, instinctively going to help clean the mess when it dawned on her where the wine had spilled. Sheepishly she handed him the napkin. Georg chuckled lightly, "Thank you, but I think I should probably go clean up in the rest room," he said, setting the napkin on the table. "I'll be right back." With a kiss on Maria's cheek he was gone.
Maria watched Georg disappear. Once he was out of sight she let out a breath she hadn't known she had been holding. She was positive that over the past two hours her face had become a permanent shade of red, the napkin incident cementing the color.
What was happening to her? She knew Georg had an affect on her, but this was getting ridiculous. It was like she was acting before she processed what was happening. Aware of nothing and everything at the same time. Was it the result of her feelings finally being in the open? Now she had nothing to hold back? She was finally free?
She giggled. She was even more restricted than she was before, so to speak. Hiding was easy, but self restraint was just hard. Her giggles strengthened at her own musings. She felt outlandish and giddy and ashamed and overjoyed all at the same time. She had forgotten what it was like to be in love. Sighing, she relaxed into the seat, her head resting against the top. Her eyes closed lazily. She had forgotten how it was wonderful.
"Falling asleep? Do I bore you?" Georg asked, sitting down again.
Maria opened her eyes, but didn't move. A goofy grin ran across her features.
"What?" Georg asked, amused.
Maria shrugged, sitting up. "Nothing, just happy I guess."
Georg smiled. "Me too," he said, taking her hand in his own. Warmth spread between them. "Now let's eat before the food gets too cold."
"Yes lets."
"You could have started without me, you know."
Maria shrugged as she took her first bite. "It's alright. Besides, I guess I got sidetracked."
Georg laughed. "Oh? How?"
"Thinking."
"Of?" Georg asked before taking a bite of chicken, some sauce staying on his chin.
Maria reached over and wiped away the sauce with her napkin before smirking. "Wouldn't you like to know."
Georg raised an eyebrow and picked up his empty glass in mock toast. "Cheeky."
With dinner settling in their stomachs Maria and Georg sat in a comfortable silence, hands entwined. Georg drew lazy circles on the top of Maria's hand and over her knuckles. Music began to fill the still air as a small band began to play, couples making their way to the dance floor.
Georg tilted his head towards the floor. "Do you think we'd be able to finally finish a dance?"
Maria smiled and laughed. "I think we could give it a try."
The two walked hand in hand, easily moving together with the music. The first song was slow. They swayed together, Maria resting her head gingerly on Georg's shoulder. She could feel his heart beating against her chest. His pulse flowed through her, the final void being filled. She closed her eyes, having never felt this content in such a long time. It amazed her how the simple act of dancing with this man could make her so at ease. Had it been this comforting the first couple of times? Had she never noticed before? Or had she simply chosen to ignore it? It didn't matter now or ever. Now it was wonderful and it always would be.
"Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?" Georg's deep voice whispered in her ear.
Maria smiled into his shoulder. "Thank you," she whispered, not even sure if he was able to hear her.
Before she knew it and much to her dismay, Maria was being pulled back as the music began to pick up. She laughed as they did a fast step of sorts, Georg twirling her around every opportunity he got.
"You're going to make me dizzy," she said, trying to decide if it was easier to laugh or breathe.
"You know it's fun," he said, twirling her again.
When she came back in Maria found herself flush against Georg, her hands and forearms resting on his chest. They were close, and she was certain that any sudden movement would cause their noses to touch. She could feel his breath hitting her lips, sending a chill down her spine.
"Well, maybe just a little," she replied in a breath.
She was oblivious to the world around them, only able to focus on his eyes, only faintly aware of the couples dancing wildly and dangerously close to them. It wasn't until she felt Georg's body being thrust into her did she realize what had happened.
Georg stumbled forward as the couple caught him off guard and ran into him, sending his entire weight towards Maria. He tried to catch his balance and keep Maria steady at the same time, but it didn't work. Maria slipped from his grasp, tumbling backwards and landing on the ground with a loud "Oomph" right in front of a waitress making her way to a table. The woman halted, just barely keeping herself from tripping over Maria, but the cake on her tray continued, sending it tumbling forward. Maria closed her eyes as she felt the restaurants finest chocolaty desert land on her chest then tumble down to her stomach.
The entire place froze; all eyes were on Maria on the ground, who had her eyes tightly shut. Georg quickly bent down, grabbing her hand. "Maria, are you alright?" he asked, voice laced with concern.
Maria opened her eyes, a small smile playing on her lips. "I don't think we're ever going to be able to finish that dance."
Minutes later Maria emerged from the bathroom. The large quantity of the cake was removed, but the entire front of her yellow dress was covered in a dark chocolate stain. Georg bit his bottom lip to keep from laughing as they made their way outside. Both had agreed that it was time to go home after the final cake incident.
Maria eyed him as they stepped into the night air. The clouds that had been in the distance when they left earlier were now hovering above the town, making the air cooler. "Go ahead, laugh, I can tell you want to," she said in a mock bitter tone.
Georg let out a chuckle. "Look at it this way," he said, his laughing coming stronger with each word. "At least it can't get any worse."
The minute the words were out of his mouth a loud clash of thunder rang through the sky, silencing his laughter, as rain began to fall.
Maria took in a deep, steadying breath, and turned towards Georg, narrowing her brow. "Of all things you could have said, it had to be that."
The two quickly walked the couple of blocks back to the parked car in the rain, both thanking the heavens that it wasn't pouring; they could handle the light sprinkle. They got to the vehicle and Georg opened the door for Maria, ushering her inside before quickly making way to the driver's seat.
Silence filled the air after Georg closed his door; both sat staring at the steering wheel.
"Do you think it will start?" Maria whispered as if scared the car could hear her.
"I hope so," Georg replied before sticking the key in the ignition and turning.
Nothing.
Georg tried again, only the receive the same result. Maria hit the dashboard. The minute her hand left it, the rain began to fall in sheets. Both sighed, exasperated in their respective seats.
"We have three options," Georg spoke. Maria slowly turned her head towards him. "One, we can run back to the hotel and call someone to get us. Two, we can make a quick run back to your house and go from there. And three, we can sit in here and wait for the storm to pass."
Maria sighed. "Let's go back to my house," she stated, blushing immediately. "We can get Rupert's car and I'll drive you home," she added hastily. Georg looked to her and offered a comforting smile. "I don't want to have to worry Liesl or Rupert to come and get us and we can't just wait here, the storm could last all night."
Georg laughed. "Sure you won't mind getting a little wet?"
"A little? Georg, we're going to get soaked."
"And you don't mind?"
Maria shrugged. "It might be fun. When was the last time you took a stroll in the rain? Besides, maybe the rain will help this lovely stain," she said, motioning to her front.
Georg could only respond with laughter.
The two were walking in a comfortable silence, though neither were in the mood to talk. Things kept going from bad to worse. It felt like if they spoke, something else would happen and Maria wasn't certain she could take any more.
A gust of wind picked up and she huddled close to Georg, clinging to his arm, seeking warmth. Her light summer dress was proving to be a very bad idea to have worn.
"Cold?" he asked, looking down at her.
Maria only nodded in response.
"Here," Georg said stepping away from her slightly. "Take my coat."
Maria laughed loudly. "Georg, your coat is as soaked as I am."
Georg waved her off. "Just take it, it might help," he said, placing it around her shoulders, before slipping his arm around her shoulders and holding her close.
Maria would have protested again, but once the jacket was around her she did feel warmth engulf her, though she wasn't sure it was from the actual jacket itself. She was suddenly hit was the smell of cedar wood and burning embers. She smiled, the jacket smelled of Georg. Her senses relaxed as the aroma filled her. The warm feeling started in her stomach and spread, branching all the way to her fingers. She sighed and leaned into Georg, closing her eyes and letting him guide her.
Five minutes later they stood outside the Madison household, facing each other, both keenly aware of what they needed to do next, but neither moving.
"Why don't you go up and change before you drive me back. Can't have you get sick," Georg said, placing his hands on her arms and rubbing them.
Maria smiled appreciatively and nodded. "You can wait in the entry, can't have you getting sick, either."
Their eyes locked and neither could look away. Maria could hear a pounding. Was it her heart or the rain? Both perhaps? Neither? The look she saw in Georg's eyes was enough to make her melt. And she was certain that she was.
The rain began to fall harder, causing Maria to shudder again, and make her realize that they were still standing in the rain. She turned to open the door but was stopped when Georg's hand reached for it.
"Wait," he whispered, pulling her close and lightly pressing his lips to her.
Yes, she had to be melting. Her legs gave way and she quickly threw her arms around his neck to keep from falling. His hands went to her waist, protectively holding her to him. Maria was certain that each time he held her they became closer and closer together. She wasn't sure where his body ended and hers began. It seemed like the rain was falling even faster, but Maria wasn't sure if it was true or not. She could feel the water trying to pry itself between their two bodies as they melded, the kiss becoming more passionate with each movement.
The wind picked up, pushing against her back, forcing her to move closer. Then the direction shifted and it tried to pull her away, but she wouldn't move. She only tightened her grip, running her fingers through this short hair.
The storm was trying to win and she was going to make sure it wouldn't.
After a moment they pulled apart, gasping for air, resting their foreheads against each others. "Oh how horribly cliché of us," Maria whispered, the words coming out in short breaths.
Georg laughed, but was quickly silenced as Maria reconnected their lips.
Maria took a shaky breath as she opened her bedroom door, Georg waiting for her at the foot of the stairs. Her entire body was shaking, and she knew it wasn't from being cold. She felt hot, her face red, but her skin tingling with cold.
She carefully made her way into the room, automatically going straight to Petra 's crib. The girl was sleeping, her blanket tangled at her feet, one hand holding onto her stuffed toy duck. Maria smiled and immediately felt her body calming. Carefully, as to not wake her daughter or get her wet, Maria pulled the blanket up higher, covering her little body.
She stood for a while just watching her sleeping child until she noted that her fingers were beginning to tremble and turn blue. Leaning over the side of the crib, she placed a light kiss on Petra 's forehead and went to change.
Maria pulled a new dress out of the closet. She shrugged Georg's coat off, laying it over the chair that sat in the corner of the room. She wished she had another shirt to give him to change into. She would have gone to ask Rupert to lend a shirt to Georg, but not only would that have been more embarrassing than anything that happened previously that night, combined, she didn't want to disturb them. There was no doubt in her mind that Rupert and Della were either sleeping, or relaxing and reading in bed. She needn't disturb them at all.
She sighed as she changed, relieved when the warm, dry dress made contact with her skin. If only she had something she could lend Georg. It wasn't as if she just had men's clothing hanging in her closet.
Maria froze as she finished buttoning up her dress and slowly turned back to the closet, as if scared of it. Tentatively she walked forward and opened the door all the way. She bent and pulled out an old tattered box that had been sitting in the back corner. After wiping the dust off she slowly opened the container.
Her hand ran softly over the fabric of some of Charlie's old items of clothing she hadn't had the heart to get rid of before. Carefully she pulled out the shirt that sat on top. It was white, his favorite. He had had more white shirts than Maria would have cared for. She always gave him a hard time about how boring they made him look and he would quickly respond that that's what he had her for; to distract people from his obviously bland taste. She never knew if she should have taken it as a compliment or not.
She smiled and hugged the material to her chest. It was easy. All she had to do was let Georg borrow the shirt for tonight. Simple. But was it? It was odd giving your dead husband's old shirt to the man you were currently in love with. Hardly something any normal person would do. But, Maria knew, she was anything but normal.
She had finally accepted it hadn't she? Finally let herself succumb to her feelings for Georg? Finally acknowledging her life without Charlie. This would merely be the last step to…to…to what? Recovery? Handing over this shirt would make it that much more real, for as she thought about it, tonight did feel like a dream. Letting Georg simply borrow this shirt would be that finally step to letting go.
But as she sat on her bed, cradling Charlie's shirt to her chest, Maria wasn't sure if she would ever be ready.
"Maria? Are you alright?" Georg asked, rushing to her side as she approached. She held her head down, staring at her feet. She nodded.
"Yes," she paused. Georg put his on her shoulder and rubbed, feeling her relax instantly. She looked up, her eyes instantly meeting his. Georg looked at her in shock. It looked as if she were fighting herself over some matter. He could see conflict behind her bright blue eyes, but wasn't sure what, exactly. Maria took in his loving gaze and felt herself gain a little bit of confidence.
"Here," she said, holding up Charlie's shirt, which Georg took notice to for the first time. "It was Charlie's; I figure you might want to change into it so you didn't get cold."
Realization hit Georg and rendered him speechless. That explained it all. "Maria…I--I--you don't have to. I'm fine, really."
She shook her head. "No, I want you to put it on. I'll wait for you."
Georg didn't move, he just kept his eyes trained on Maria.
"Please?" she almost begged, her eyes searching his. Asking him to take the shirt.
He nodded. "Ok, I'll be right back." Placing a kiss on her soft blonde hair, he grabbed the shirt and went to the bathroom to change.
Maria turned her back to him as he walked away, fighting the tears to stay inside. She refused to let herself cry. She couldn't. Not tonight. It would be unfair to Georg to get herself all worked up over this matter again. She wouldn't do it. She couldn't.
Quicker than she thought she felt his presence behind her again, knowing he was near without looking. The tears slowly began to fall, despite her efforts, when he carefully placed a hand on her shoulder. Her body shook. She was only slightly aware of being turned around and pulled into an embrace, her head buried in his chest as the tears fell.
"I'm so proud of you," Georg whispered into her ear. She nodded into his chest. He pulled her back so he could look her in the eyes, wiping away her tears with his thumb. "I love you," he said, making sure she understood just how much he did so.
Maria smiled through her tears. "I love you too," she whispered, placing her hand on his cheek and rubbing her thumb over his soft skin. "We should probably get you home," she hiccupped after a moment, her tears slowly subsiding.
Georg only nodded. Maria stepped back to open the door when she took in his full appearance and suddenly doubled over, the tears falling faster. Georg was at her side in an instant. "Maria?" he questioned rubbing her back. Her face was beet red and her tears were coming in stronger waves and she was – laughing?
Maria gasped loudly and grabbed Georg's shoulder for support. She turned her head, saw his shocked expression, and her laughter doubled.
"Wha--what's so…er--funny?" Georg asked, bemused.
Maria gasped and tried to speak, moving her arm in a circle before herself, trying to pull the words out over her giggles and tears. After a minute she calmed, standing up straighter. Georg's expression had changed and he now looked highly amused. "Well?" he asked.
Maria smiled brightly and wiped her face dry. "It's just, the shirt. It's too--too-small!" she said, laughing once more.
Georg looked down. She was right. The shirt was long enough except in the sleeves that barely made their way to Georg's wrist. And though he never had known Charlie, Georg was certain that he was bigger than the man for his chest was causing the buttons of the shirt to strain ever so slightly.
Maria continued to laugh as she grabbed his arms and rolled the sleeves to his elbows. When she finished she placed her hands on his chest. "Much better," she said smiling. Georg could only look back and smirk.
The rain had stopped by the time Maria and Georg pulled up in front of the lodge. A light mist filled the night air, making it cool and calm.
"Do you--uh---want me to walk with you to the door?" Maria asked awkwardly, giving a nervous laugh at the absurdity of her statement.
Georg laughed, and grabbed her hand. "If you really want to, then yes."
Maria turned to him, a mischievous smile gracing her features. "I think I will. I never get to and you're always insisting upon. I'd like to see what all the fuss is about," she teased.
Georg laughed. "Alright, but I still get to open your door for you."
Before she could reply Georg was out of car and at her door. He opened it for her as she playfully rolled her eyes.
They began to walk along the path to the back entrance, hand-in-hand. "So, what do you think?" Georg asked.
Maria swung their arms slightly and shrugged. "Not so bad. I mean, it's just walking, isn't it?" They reached the door. "Yes, just walking. Honestly Georg I don't see what all the--"
She was silence mid-sentence as Georg pulled her in for yet another quick, but passionate kiss. "--Fuss is about," she finished when she felt him pull back, keeping her eyes closed.
Georg laughed and kissed her nose.
Maria opened her eyes and grabbed both of his hands in her own. "I had a really wonderful time tonight, Georg."
Georg laughed lightly. "You did? Despite what all happened?"
Maria closed her eyes, letting the events of the night fill her. She smiled wistfully. "Yes, despite that fact that the heavens were against us. I had a wonderful time."
Georg smiled and caressed her cheek. "Good, so I'm not the only one?"
"Definitely not."
"We'll have to do this again," Georg said. "Soon," he added, wanting to make his intentions clear.
Maria's smile widened. "Soon. I'll see you tomorrow?"
Georg nodded. "I'll be over with the children at the usual time."
"Della says to come hungry. She apparently bought more than enough ingredients the recipe calls for, so she intends to use all of it."
"Of course. I'm sure the boys will gladly eat more than their share."
"Oh, of that I've no doubt."
The two laughed at their own joke.
"Well, goodbye, Georg."
"Goodbye, darling," Georg replied, placing a chaste kiss on her lips.
Maria's smile widened even more at the term of endearment. Slowly she turned and made her way back to the car, pausing when she rounded the corner of the lodge to wave at Georg. He returned the wave, his smile the last thing she saw as she rounded the corner.
Maria flopped onto her bed, not bothering to change as she climbed under the covers. Finally home, she felt the events of the night catch up to her. A giddy smile adorned her face as she stared at the ceiling. It was funny really. For the most part tonight had been absolutely horrible. More than horrible. But Maria knew she wouldn't have had it any other way. To her there was only one word that could describe the night. It played itself over and over in her mind as she finally let sleep take hold of her and she slipped into darkness: Perfect.
Author's Note: And there it is! Rather long, 10 pages, almost 11, but I hope you enjoyed it. I don't know when I'll be updating again…I have to think this next part out…cause I have no idea what to do. So it may be awhile.
Thanks to Elizagoth for helping with this chapter and letting me use the jacket and shirt idea!!!!! And Dragoneye for once again spending her time on a long chapter beta-ing :D
Thanks to everyone who reviewed! You know it means a lot to me! Can't thank you enough!
Until next time,
Your humble author,
The Lonely Goatherd