Christmas Day
It was early Christmas morning and Stefan had come down to plug in the tree's lights. He knew how much the family enjoyed them. Katia was in the kitchen preparing breakfast. She had prepared two platters, one with pastries and the other with the decorated Christmas cookies.
Katia had placed the platter full of the cookies on the dining room table when the family arrived and began to take their seats. Georg couldn't help but notice them; the platter was in clear view. Without hesitation he exclaimed.
"Cookies for breakfast, Katia?"
Her answer wasn't what he had expected. "Georg, the cookies don't have any more sugar in them than the pastries do. Besides, they look nice on our table."
This exchange brought on a roar of laughter from the entire family. And as the platters were passed around the table, Katia noticed that everyone took at least one cookie; and Georg tried to take his with a slight of hand.
When they had finished eating, Katia commented. "I see both platters are empty. Everyone must have liked having cookies for breakfast, including the person who questioned their presence on the table."
Maria joined in the teasing. "She caught you, Georg. I saw you try to take your cookie without being noticed."
Georg didn't speak; he simple shook his head and smiled. Katia did.
"I'm glad everyone enjoyed them. I hope you are full. Our Christmas Day meal won't be served until about two o'clock."
All the children ran off to the family room. Chris was awake. Liesl spread the blanket over the rug. Maria spoke to Chris.
"Your brothers and sisters want to play with you."
He smiled at her. "I think your smile means you want to play with them too."
The children laughed as she placed him on the blanket. Everyone was on the floor with him. Each child hovered their face over him. He responded first with a stare and then would return their smile. He made all those cute baby sounds; first the oohs and aahs they had heard before. Then they heard different distinguishable sounds.
Maria saw their surprised looks. She told them. "Audrey told me he's beginning to learn how to talk. If you listen carefully, those cooing and gurgling sounds are actually vowel sounds."
"I never knew that Maria. But it makes perfect sense."
"Georg, Audrey also told me our son is advanced for his age. Maybe everyone would like to see how well he can hold up his head. Let me turn him on his tummy and he'll show you."
It took him a few seconds; he bobbed his head up and down and then held it steady for a few seconds. He rested and did again but this time his forearms held his shoulders and a tiny bit of his chest off the floor.
"Is he learning how to do push-ups?"
Maria laughed. "I don't know about push-ups, Kurt. I do know it helps strengthen his arms and back so he can eventually crawl."
Gretl was lying on the floor with him so she could see his face. "You're getting strong, Chris. You'll be a big boy soon. Mommy, he gave me a big, big smile."
"He likes to hear your voice Gretl. Let me turn him over before he hits his nose on the floor. He wouldn't like it sweetie."
"There you go Chris. I see you're still smiling, you like all this attention. I saw that yawn, are you getting sleepy?"
His answer was to close his eyes. "All this activity has worn Chris out; he needs a nap."
Maria lifted the almost asleep baby from the floor and placed him his cradle.
Meanwhile, Phillip and Stefan were out front clearing the walkway and front steps from the inch of snow which had fallen during the night from. They knew Georg had told James they were welcome to come any time that day. As they finished, the Lewis' car came down the road and parked.
"Welcome everyone, go on in the family is waiting for you."
Stefan watched James and Michael retrieve several large colorfully wrapped boxes from the trunk. He couldn't imagine what they had brought. And neither could Maria.
"Carol, what have you done?"
"Maria, it's been a long time since I shopped for a baby."
They remained engaged in conversation. But Maria did notice Liesl and Michael were off by themselves talking. She thought. I think they like each other. That was followed by another thought. Control your imagination, they're only talking.
Their late morning time of arrival couldn't have been more perfect. Chris had woke from his nap. Maria changed him and dressed him in his new outfit.
Kurt met her coming down the stairs with him. "Mom, thanks for dressing Chris in his new outfit. Now he looks like a baby boy. I was getting tired of those white sacs."
Maria smiled at her son. "I think he likes it too. Let's go join everyone."
Maria sat in one of the chairs which faced the one Carol had taken. Chris was on her lap. There were enough chairs for all the adults; the children sat on the floor. They were eager to see all that Carol had bought for Chris.
Carol opened the big box. "Chris may not be able to wear some these clothes now but he will very soon. I bought outfits in several sizes."
She began to show all she had bought. Everything had blue in it. One outfit looked like coveralls. It also had coverings for his feet. It was worn with a white long-sleeved shirt. Another looked like a suit; it was in a larger size.
Gretl remarked. "He can wear his new shoes and socks with it."
Carol smiled at Gretl as she continued to pull clothes from the box. She had bought fifteen items. "Maria, you'll be surprised how soon he will be able to wear some of these. You'll never wake up one day and realize he has nothing to fit him. Babies seem to grow over-night sometimes."
"I do thank you. I'm already beginning to see how fast he's growing."
"I know you said to buy only for Chris but I have gifts for all the children. I remembered how much they enjoyed the library at your home in Austria. You'll probably never have as many books as you had there, but every child needs a few books to call their own."
Carol preceded to hand each child a wrapped gift. She started with Friedrich. He exclaimed after he had removed the paper.
"Aunt Carol this is perfect. I learned about the Great Influenza Epidemic recently. Now I can read all the scientific writings about how it happened and what is being done to prevent it from happening again, thank you."
"You're very welcome."
Carol continued her distribution. Louisa received the book, Clara Barton and the American Red Cross. She too had a comment.
"I've heard of her, but I don't know much about the Red Cross. Now I can learn, thank you."
And Kurt was a happy as Friedrich with his book, The Great Architectural Wonders of the World. Brigitta politely took the gift Aunt Carol had handed her. Carol spoke before she began to tear the paper off.
"I know you are an avid reader. And your dad has always said you are wise beyond your years. I also know you love to write, reports, reviews of books to name a couple. Go ahead and unwrap your gift and I'll tell you more."
Now Brigitta and her mom and dad were very curious. Brigitta held not one but three books in her hands. None of them had a lot of pages. She read the title of the first one. "Nellie Bly: Daredevil, Reporter, Feminist."
Her aunt immediately spoke. "It's is a biography about a young who had big dreams. She was born during a time when it was said, a woman's place is in the home. The other two are fun books. I bought, The Wizard of Oz. I know you saw the movie on the ship. And the book, Mary Poppins, is written by a new author. It's about a most unusual nanny."
"Thank you for all of them. I'm going to read the book about Nellie Bly first."
Georg didn't share his thoughts. She's going to be just like that woman.
Carol continued. "And Marta and Gretl, I have a book for each of you. You can open them together."
"They're big books, Aunt Carol."
"Yes, I know; they each have several short stories."
Marta starred at hers. Her mouth moved as she read the title silently, Family From One End Street. She suddenly spoke out-loud.
"I know this book. Mommy, it's the one we found in the library on the ship. You read it to us."
"And mine is about their new adventures."
"Maria, are the girls correct?"
"They are Carol. It's about a family with seven children. Their mother is a washerwoman at a laundry; lots of funny things happen there."
"What a coincidence, I'm glad you girls like them."
"We do Aunt Carol, thank you."
"You're welcome, girls. I even have a very small book for Chris. I couldn't resist it because of the furry bunny on the cover. It's titled Pat the Bunny."
"I'll keep it for him. When he gets bigger maybe I can sit with him and we can read it together."
"Gretl, you're a true big sister." She giggled.
Carol turned to look at Liesl. "I didn't forget you. First let me tell you the little I know about our government's plans. All the yeomen in the navy and those men in the other military branches who perform similar duties will soon be replaced by civilians. It's now all hands on deck to defeat these enemies.
"My assistant is leaving me. Her husband is being transferred to another base. I need an assistant. I heard you and Michael talking about your interest in my work. I have an opportunity for you. I want you to be my assistant."
"Aunt Carol, do you really want me? Who's going to help mom with Chris?"
"Liesl dear, Chris and I will be fine. I knew this day would come. It's no different than you going off to the university."
"And I'm sure I can find a housekeeper to help your mom. You should accept this opportunity."
Liesl spoke with confidence. "Aunt Carol, I accept your offer."
"Thank you, Liesl. Your book is all about Diplomatic Etiquette. Now you know you will be living with us in DC."
"Yes, when do you want me to start?"
"After the first of the year is soon enough to begin."
Katia appeared. "Dinner is almost ready. Louisa I could use your help." Liesl was on cloud nine. She was still trying to comprehend what she would be doing.
Martha had also stood. "I can help too, Katia."
The other children were reading the first pages of their new book. The adults were talking together. And Liesl and Michael had stepped into a far corner to talk. They didn't see the others leave the room.
"It's going to be nice having you live with my mom and dad. We'll have an opportunity to see each other more often. Liesl, I really like you."
"I like you too."
The couple's conversation was cut short by Michael's mom. "Can you two break away and come to dinner?"
"Yes, Mom, we'll be right there."
"I guess our friendship is not a secret."
"They better get used to it."
Their smiles spoke volumes. They controlled them as they found their seats at the dinner table. They were surprised to see that the only empty chairs were next to each other. Liesl surmised that Katia had directed the others where to sit. She didn't comment.
The family enjoyed many of the same foods served on Thanksgiving but not enough to stuff them. That was good because it had begun to snow again. They couldn't take a walk this time.
Instead, they ended the day with the children's devotion. The Lewis family was very complementary of Louisa's guitar playing as they ended the devotion with Silent Night. Goodbyes were said; hugs abounded. The family watched the car drive away from the window in the family room.
"Children, everyone, I think our first Christmas in America was a wonderful celebration. Stefan, do you think the tree will last a few more days?"
"It should, Georg. I added more water this morning and I'll do the same tomorrow."
Katia had prepared turkey noodle soup for the evening meal. After they ate, they sat around the tree and reminisced about the day. It was late when Georg spoke.
"Sadly, we navy men need to report for duty in the morning."
The children interpreted their dad's words to mean they needed to go to bed. They willingly said their good-nights and hugged each parent before going to their rooms. Only Liesl stayed and talked a few more minutes with her parents.
"I thank both of you for being so supportive. This really is an opportunity of a lifetime. I can't believe I will meet dignitaries."
"We're both proud of you. You know, we'll need to inspect all your dresses. I know you will need more. I'm not sure we can buy ones which will be appropriate. I'm sure Carol can take you shopping."
"I'll look at them in the morning. I hope I can fall asleep."
"Saying your prayers may help."
Liesl kissed each goodnight. She floated away; she was still on cloud nine.
"Maria, you better go feed Chris. He's rooting for his food source."
"Yes, it's been over three hours since he ate last. I'll go up to our room."
"And I'll secure the house."
Georg didn't have much to check. The tree lights were already unplugged and the front and back doors were locked. He entered the master suite to find Chris almost asleep. The couple now enjoyed some quality time together.
The snow had stopped during the night. Sidney and Erwin went out early the next morning to help Stefan and Phillip clear the steps and the walkway. Sidney looked at the accumulation in the street.
"There's only about three inches of snow covering the street, I don't think it will take us much longer than usual to get to DC."
"At least there won't be much traffic; we're leaving earlier and there's no school today."
They returned to have breakfast with Georg and Maria. Her parting words after the couple's usual goodbye were to Erwin. "Please drive carefully."
"I plan to, Maria."
She waited until they pulled away before briskly walking inside. She checked on Chris before going to the kitchen for another cup of coffee. Katia grabbed a cup as well; they sat near the cradle which was also near one of the heaters. They didn't sit long before Kurt appeared.
"Mom, I'm going sit with you and read my book. I read a little last night. Now I'm reading about the building of the Empire State building in New York City."
"I'm glad Aunt Carol brought you the perfect book."
It wasn't long before Friedrich came down and buried his nose in the scientific reports. And then the girls arrived with their book. Each one found a soft spot to curl up and read.
Maria smiled. The teacher in her was proud.
Meanwhile the navy men were slowly making their way to the city. Georg stared at a construction site he had noticed before. "Sidney, do you see that construction site?"
"I do. Whatever they're building is rather large."
"We have time. Do you want to take a look?"
"Good idea Erwin, I'm rather curious."
It wasn't difficult for Erwin to drive close this site. "This isn't a large building; it's enormous." Georg exclaimed.
"I'll drive close to that sign ahead."
Erwin read it, "The Future Home for the Defense Department."
"I wonder who makes up the Defense Department. It seems like an awful big building for the three branches of the military.
"True Sidney, maybe we will be told soon."
The men had arrived at the War Building and didn't even have time to say good morning when they heard the Admiral. "Leave your coats on. We're going for a ride. Walter is here with the bus."
The three men may have separately wondered. Is the Admiral taking us to see that new construction?
He didn't make them wait. "Some of you already know about the construction of the new quarters for the Department of Defense in Virginia. Today we're taking a visit. We will occupy the navy portion after the first of the year. They're still adding the fifth floor over the other parts of it."
They arrived in front of the wing of the building which was already complete. What Georg and the others had seen was the construction of the fifth floor over the remainder of the building.
"Men, our new quarters have the name, Pentagon. That's right, it has five equal sides. Let's get in and have a good look around."
Each of their minds was in a whirl. Inside this concrete monstrosity was a beautifully decorated interior. Their first stop was the engineer's room.
"I want to introduce you to the engineer who designed our portion. Please meet, Samuel Mueller. Our government found him in England and invited him to come to America. He and his sister left immediately; they were already tired of the bomb shelter."
Georg heard the name but thought it was only a coincidence. He didn't believe he could be Helena's brother Samuel. When he went to shake his hand, Samuel read his name tag.
"Your name sir, belongs to old Austria. Are you the decorated submarine commander?"
"I am. And you're Helena's brother." Their handshake was long and firm.
"Maria is going to be very happy to know you are in the states. Don't tell Helena, but Maria and I are married. We already have a son."
"It seems you two know each other."
"Yes Admiral, his sister and Maria are friends. She taught my children for a while. Maria will be very happy to know they are here."
"Admiral, let me show everyone around; this place is amazing."
Samuel took the group on a tour. One would have never known they were inside a concrete structure. The walls were painted a light shade of yellow. There was wood everywhere. And some of the walls looked like an art gallery because there were so many framed paintings hanging on them.
Georg remarked. "My children thought I could get lost in the war building. I can't imagine what they would say about this building. And Samuel, my son Kurt would be very interested in it. He wants to be a civil engineer."
This group only toured the navy wing. They were told each branch of the service had designed their space to fit their needs. There was more than one auditorium where larger combined groups could meet. And there were several cafeterias.
When their toured ended, the admiral spoke. "We do need to return to DC. There I will share what I know."
Before leaving, Samuel and Georg traded office telephone numbers. Georg responded by saying. "I hope you and Helena can come to my home soon. I want to surprise Maria. I don't know how long I can keep a secret, Maria knows me too well."
"Helena's going to be anxious too. We'll talk tonight."