Hi everyone, thx for the reviews!!! There might be some mistakes in this
chapter, I was doubting about a few things ... Anyway, enjoy!!!
----- ----- -----
Maria headed for Marta's and Gretl's room. The little girl had been waiting too long already. As she was walking in the hallway towards their room, she passed Chris's, who's door was standing open. When she walked by, she couldn't help but looking in. Chris was inside, quietly packing his things. Maria stopped at the sight for a minute, long enough to see him sit down on his bed with his forehead leaning on his hands. Maria really didn't mean to hurt him. After all, she considered him as one of her family too. How couldn't she? They had so many wonderful memories together. So she decided she was going to talk to him as soon she had helped the girls.
Once in their room, Marta was sitting on her bed with a comb laying next to her. Maria sat down behind Marta on the bed and started combing her long hair.
"Fraulein Maria?" Marta asked.
"Hmm." Maria responded, her head up into the clouds.
"What took you so long?"
"Oh I had a little problem. But it's taken care off now."
Gretl studied her governess closely while Maria was braiding Marta's hair. The way she did it gave a motherly glow. And another thing came to Gretl's attention.
"Why are you still in your bathing suite?"
Maria looked down. She realised that she completely had forgotten to change because of the past events.
"Well I haven't really gotten the time for it." She said quickly.
This wasn't yet a good time to tell them, because who knew, maybe Georg hadn't meant it that way. Perhaps when he was going to talk with Elsa, he would acknowledge his mistake about loving the governess. The happy feeling was disappearing as thoughts kept coming to her mind. 'Loving his governess ... maybe he doesn't he love me, but just thinks he does.' Soon she was finished with Marta's hair. Gretl looked at her sister in awe. When Maria got up to leave their room, Gretl jumped in front of her.
"Will you please do my hair too?"
"But of course."
She took the comb and then went to sit behind Gretl. Gretl enjoyed every minute of it, because Maria felt like a mother to her. And Gretl never had gotten to know her own. She was too young to remember anything of Agathe or how a mother in itself was. The only thing she could remember were those awful governesses they had gotten before Maria. All of them were snitching, ugly old ladies who were afraid of the captain and didn't actually care about the children. As long as they got paid. So when Maria came, the children were surprised about how young and pretty she was, and the most of all, how she didn't tattle on them after their pranks. Of course that evening with the thunderstorm, the others would've send the children immediately away and even punish them for entering the governess's room. But not Maria, Maria let them in her room with pleasure, while smiling warmly at them and singing the children a song to soothe them. Even though Gretl was only a young child, often she seemed very mature for her age. And when Maria was done with her hair, Gretl turned around and embraced her around her waist.
"My ..." Maria said while hugging Gretl back. "What did I do to deserve this?"
"Thank you Fraulein! Thank you that you came here!" Gretl sat up, moving her arms from Maria's waist to her neck. "Never ever leave us! I love you and you mustn't ever go away!"
Maria was utterly touched by Gretl and never wanted to leave either. As if Gretl got a brilliant idea, she pulled her head back from Maria's shoulder and said in a very enthusiastic voice:
"You can marry daddy!! Then you'll be our mother and you will never leave!"
Maria smiled at her while patting on Gretl's nose with a finger.
"Are you sure your father wouldn't mind me staying?"
"Oh no I'm sure he won't!"
She took Gretl and laid her softly down the bed. Then she pulled her blankets above the little girl.
"Alright now, it's time to go to sleep."
Maria bended over and kissed Gretl goodnight, who was almost completely asleep. 'I guess today has exhausted her ...' Gently she brushed Gretl's hair aside, while whispering I love you too. She walked over to a dreaming Marta and gave her a kiss as well. After turning off the lights, she moved outside to check if the others were already in their beds. First she checked the boys their room. When she found out that Friedrich and Kurt were still praying next to their beds. She waited till they were finished and then walked in, while watching them getting into their beds. She kept standing by the light switch. When both Friedrich and Kurt lay comfortable, Maria turned the lights off.
"Goodnight Fraulein."
"Goodnight boys." She responded in the same warm way as always.
As last she walked into the elders their room. The 3 were already in bed, only not yet sleeping. They were cheerfully chatting about something, without even noticing their governess was standing in their room. Maria coughed lightly to show her presence. All 3 turned around at the same moment, then laid down. Again Maria turned the lights off.
"Now girls ..." she said while the lights of the hallway shined into the dark room. "Don't talk to long anymore."
"We won't."
"And try to whisper."
The 3 affirmed.
"Goodnight Fraulein."
"Goodnight girls."
After closing the door, she went straight to Chris's room.
-----
Georg knocked softly on Elsa's door.
"Come in."
Elsa wondered who it could be, it was either Max to ask her what was taking her, or Georg. But in all honesty, she couldn't find a real reason why Georg would be standing at her door. Another reason what made her acknowledge that soon it would be over. And to her surprise, it was Georg who came in.
"Hello darling." She said while pinning her hair up like usual.
Elsa was already changed into one of her dresses and her hair seemed perfectly dry. Immediately Georg thought back of those past minutes. He was holding Maria tightly while she still wasn't really dry nor changed. Unconsciously a smile formed on his lips while his mind could only think of one thing. Maria.
"Yes?"
Georg had been standing there for a couple of minutes, just staring in front of him, at what seemed to be a wall. Now Elsa knew why he was there. The moment had come. She sat down in an armchair standing against a wall.
Georg shook his head to wake up again. He had to keep his mind with him for what he was about to say. He walked over to Elsa and sat down in the chair next to her.
"Elsa, I've been thinking--"He paused, searching for the right words. "You and I ... It's no use."
He tried to be as gentle as possible. But break-ups are always hard, even for Elsa when she had seen it coming. She tried to resist to cry, still tears were forming in her tears. But she kept quiet and listened to Georg as he continued.
"I've been dishonest to both of us ... and utterly unfair to you."
Elsa looked down at her hands for a minute.
"Elsa--"
"Georg, you don't have to say another word."
She looked back up to face his eyes looking at her.
"I've been expecting this to come."
Very confused he kept looking into her eyes.
"You have?"
"Yes. Everyone knows you're in love with Maria. The only 2 who don't know are Maria herself and Chris."
"But how did y--"
"Darling, we aren't blind you know."
She took his hand.
"I've enjoyed every moment we've had together, and I do thank you for that. And as hard as it is for me to admit, you've found the right woman."
Georg stayed quiet. Apparently everyone had noticed it, except the 2 themselves. He thought Elsa was extremely generous, simply stepping aside without making a scene or trouble and he knew he always would be grateful to her for that.
"Now if you'll forgive me, I'll pack my little bags and return to Vienna, where I belong."
She patted him on his hand and stood up, ready to get her things. After Georg had stood up, she gave him a last kiss on his cheek. Then he left her room, leaving Elsa alone.
-----
Maria waited for a minute by his door. Chris was sitting exactly as before. On his bed, his elbows leaning above his knees, with his forehead against his hands. Slowly she walked in. Once there she sat down next to Chris and laid her arm around his back, softly rubbing it like if she wanted to say: cheer up ...
Chris looked at her. Maria let her head lean against his shoulder, while her arm was still around his back. None of them spoke for a while, they just kept sitting there. Maria had an idea how he felt. For a minute, she herself had felt the same thing, that was until Georg had declared his love for her.
"You know, I was already used to my life here. Standing up every morning in this room, then having breakfast downstairs. Sometimes with you, the children and their father, but mostly with Max and the baroness. And then usually I was with the children and you. I'm sure gonna miss them ..."
"I know you will. I felt the same thing."
"What do you mean?" He said while a frown took place on his face.
"Well, I couldn't stay here forever. After the vacation I had to return to the abbey. And every time I thought about leaving, it was as if a part of my life would leave too, you know?"
Chris nodded. He understood perfectly. But this was slightly different, because he had to leave his one true love. As if Maria could read his mind, she continued.
"Don't worry Chris. You'll find a girl someday. A beautiful, intelligent girl who loves you sincerely!"
"I don't know about that ..."
"Of course you will."
Maria turned to Chris. Both sat a bit sideways, so they could look each other in the eyes.
"And it will be sooner than you think!"
The room grew silent again. Both not really knowing what to say next. Chris kept looking at Maria. Something had happened afterwards. Because he had seen her running to her room with tears in her eyes, not much later the captain followed.
"So ..." He wanted to know if it was true what he thought, but feared he might ask her in a rude way. "What about you and the captain?"
He really had tried to question her this in the most appropriate way. Once again a red blush filled her cheeks. Maria wasn't the kind of person who could talk about something like that without feeling uncomfortable.
"Well w-we ..."
She didn't get much further, therefore Chris's thoughts had been confirmed.
"It's alright, duckie. I know you don't like to talk about those things. Remember, I always used to tease you when Tim or Johannes or Hanz asked you on a date, or whenever someone whistled at you."
Maria's cheeks reddened every minute.
"Hey, that reminds me, why didn't you ever accept one of those dates?"
"I don't know ... I guess because those boys were jerks and I was having a great time hanging out with my best friend. I didn't really need a boyfriend ..."
"I'm really happy for you." He said after another silence. Both bended over to embrace each other.
"Thank you." Maria said while her head was leaning on his shoulder. "That really means a lot to me."
They parted, Chris's hands still resting on Maria's arms. Both smiled, just happy they didn't loose a good friend.
"Now get changed! It's been an hour since we left the water and you're still in you bathing suite and towel!"
Maria glanced down at her almost dry towel.
"Oh lord, I've completely forgotten it!"
She stood up and made her way to the door, but before leaving the room, she turned around at Chris, not smiling anymore. Her look was quite filled with confusion and despair.
"You aren't leaving tonight, are you?"
"Yes I was planning to take a train t--"
"Stay here tonight."
"Oh no, I really can't do that."
"Please. We'll be coming with you, that way I can say a proper goodbye. Please" Maria pleaded.
Chris just couldn't refuse her. And another night in his room couldn't hurt him.
"Alright."
Maria smiled at him.
"Maria?"
"Hmm?"
"Could you please close the door when you leave?"
"Of course. Goodnight Chris."
"Goodnight duckie."
Then she finally left the room. Once in the hallway, she saw Georg coming towards her. She was walking rather slowly to her own room, wondering if Georg would stop her or that he really was still together with Elsa, because being in love with the governess isn't right ...
When Georg had almost reached her, he noticed too that Maria still hadn't changed. He chuckled silently to himself. As he was now right behind her, he laid his arms around his waist and let his head rest on her shoulder, against her cheek.
"Darling, aren't you cold?"
"Well not anymore." She replied while relief was coming over her. It really was happening. Georg loved her.
"I'll escort you to your room where you can get changed."
"Oh how very nice of you."
As a real gentleman Georg opened the door for her and before walking in, Maria turned at him and gave him a little kiss on his mouth.
"Where will you be when I'm all changed?" She asked through kisses.
"I'll be waiting in the nursery."
After the speaking, Georg pulled her closer for a passionate kiss. Maria felt his arms in her back. Both soon pulled back, afraid someone might have seen them. It wasn't the time yet for announcing they were together. Maria disappeared in her room. Georg, as said, waited in the nursery. While he was sitting there, he had found one of his books between the children's study books. 'The children must have lent it ...' He frowned as he was looking at the cover. Then his attention was drown by something else. On the desks lay some sheets with dictations on them. All the children had made one, and very good too. He was so intensely studying their works that he hadn't heard Maria come in. Of course she took advantage of it. Silently she walked further. Once behind him, she slid her arms under his and then rested underneath his chest. Georg enjoyed these kind of touches very much. It made his heartbeat fasten. He put the papers down and turned himself around. The first thing he did was giving her a hello-kiss, even though the last one they had shared had only happened 10 minutes ago.
"Shall we go?"
"Where to?" Maria asked.
"Somewhere away from here. Somewhere where we can be alone."
Maria gave him a serious look, which he understood immediately.
"I assure you, my dear Fraulein, that it will be a nice place, like my study."
Before she could say anything, he placed his lips again on hers. These kisses made Maria forget everything she was thinking of. She just loved the way he made her feel.
Georg took her hand and then walked into the hallway. The 2 walked over to the other wing. When there, he leaded her into his study. Maybe not the most romantic place to be, but it would give them some privacy. He sat down on the sofa in front of his desk, still holding Maria's hand. Then he pulled her close to him and gave her a little kiss on her mouth. He leant against the side leaning while laying the rest of his body onto the couch. Maria sat down, her back facing Georg. She lay down on him, her head against his chin. He wrapped his arms around her, like he had done in Maria's dream. Maria placed her arms on top of his, not believing what all had happened the past few hours. Finally she was laying in the arms of the man she loved, knowing he loved her back. Both said nothing, just enjoying each others presence, with all their worries having disappeared.
"Maria ..."
"Hmm." Se responded, loving the way he held her. She closed her eyes of pure enjoyment.
"There's 1 little problem."
"That is?"
"Now that you're in my arms, I won't be able to let you go. Ever."
A smile appeared on her face.
"Marry me." He whispered to her.
It took her some seconds to realise what he had asked her. Her eyes opened as did her mouth, being simply shocked. She sat up and turned around to face Georg.
"Will you marry me?" He said once again. Meanwhile he had taken the ring out of his pocket, showing it to her so she could see he was absolutely serious.
Tears started forming in her eyes.
"Yes ..."
Again she whispered, not being able to talk properly while emotions overwhelming her. He placed the ring gently on her ring finger.
"Yes!" Now a bit louder since her voice allowed her to again.
He took Maria's face between his 2 hands, softly wiping of the fallen tears with his thumbs, while pulling her closer to kiss her lovingly, as she had just made Georg the most happiest man on the earth.
"The ring ... you had a ring."
Maria said confused after they had parted.
"Yes I had. I bought it today while I was out with Max."
She thought back, even more confused.
"Today? But that was before we even--"
"This morning in the tree house, with you sleeping closely to me, I had gathered all my courage. I decided I would ask you to marry me the next time we had a moment like that."
New tears filled her eyes.
"That was another reason when it was hard to breath for me when I saw you and Chris kissing."
She had almost lost him, yet everything had turned out to be perfect! She placed one hand on his cheek, as if she wanted to comfort him. And once again they bended their heads to end up in a passionate, loving kiss.
----- ----- -----
Maria headed for Marta's and Gretl's room. The little girl had been waiting too long already. As she was walking in the hallway towards their room, she passed Chris's, who's door was standing open. When she walked by, she couldn't help but looking in. Chris was inside, quietly packing his things. Maria stopped at the sight for a minute, long enough to see him sit down on his bed with his forehead leaning on his hands. Maria really didn't mean to hurt him. After all, she considered him as one of her family too. How couldn't she? They had so many wonderful memories together. So she decided she was going to talk to him as soon she had helped the girls.
Once in their room, Marta was sitting on her bed with a comb laying next to her. Maria sat down behind Marta on the bed and started combing her long hair.
"Fraulein Maria?" Marta asked.
"Hmm." Maria responded, her head up into the clouds.
"What took you so long?"
"Oh I had a little problem. But it's taken care off now."
Gretl studied her governess closely while Maria was braiding Marta's hair. The way she did it gave a motherly glow. And another thing came to Gretl's attention.
"Why are you still in your bathing suite?"
Maria looked down. She realised that she completely had forgotten to change because of the past events.
"Well I haven't really gotten the time for it." She said quickly.
This wasn't yet a good time to tell them, because who knew, maybe Georg hadn't meant it that way. Perhaps when he was going to talk with Elsa, he would acknowledge his mistake about loving the governess. The happy feeling was disappearing as thoughts kept coming to her mind. 'Loving his governess ... maybe he doesn't he love me, but just thinks he does.' Soon she was finished with Marta's hair. Gretl looked at her sister in awe. When Maria got up to leave their room, Gretl jumped in front of her.
"Will you please do my hair too?"
"But of course."
She took the comb and then went to sit behind Gretl. Gretl enjoyed every minute of it, because Maria felt like a mother to her. And Gretl never had gotten to know her own. She was too young to remember anything of Agathe or how a mother in itself was. The only thing she could remember were those awful governesses they had gotten before Maria. All of them were snitching, ugly old ladies who were afraid of the captain and didn't actually care about the children. As long as they got paid. So when Maria came, the children were surprised about how young and pretty she was, and the most of all, how she didn't tattle on them after their pranks. Of course that evening with the thunderstorm, the others would've send the children immediately away and even punish them for entering the governess's room. But not Maria, Maria let them in her room with pleasure, while smiling warmly at them and singing the children a song to soothe them. Even though Gretl was only a young child, often she seemed very mature for her age. And when Maria was done with her hair, Gretl turned around and embraced her around her waist.
"My ..." Maria said while hugging Gretl back. "What did I do to deserve this?"
"Thank you Fraulein! Thank you that you came here!" Gretl sat up, moving her arms from Maria's waist to her neck. "Never ever leave us! I love you and you mustn't ever go away!"
Maria was utterly touched by Gretl and never wanted to leave either. As if Gretl got a brilliant idea, she pulled her head back from Maria's shoulder and said in a very enthusiastic voice:
"You can marry daddy!! Then you'll be our mother and you will never leave!"
Maria smiled at her while patting on Gretl's nose with a finger.
"Are you sure your father wouldn't mind me staying?"
"Oh no I'm sure he won't!"
She took Gretl and laid her softly down the bed. Then she pulled her blankets above the little girl.
"Alright now, it's time to go to sleep."
Maria bended over and kissed Gretl goodnight, who was almost completely asleep. 'I guess today has exhausted her ...' Gently she brushed Gretl's hair aside, while whispering I love you too. She walked over to a dreaming Marta and gave her a kiss as well. After turning off the lights, she moved outside to check if the others were already in their beds. First she checked the boys their room. When she found out that Friedrich and Kurt were still praying next to their beds. She waited till they were finished and then walked in, while watching them getting into their beds. She kept standing by the light switch. When both Friedrich and Kurt lay comfortable, Maria turned the lights off.
"Goodnight Fraulein."
"Goodnight boys." She responded in the same warm way as always.
As last she walked into the elders their room. The 3 were already in bed, only not yet sleeping. They were cheerfully chatting about something, without even noticing their governess was standing in their room. Maria coughed lightly to show her presence. All 3 turned around at the same moment, then laid down. Again Maria turned the lights off.
"Now girls ..." she said while the lights of the hallway shined into the dark room. "Don't talk to long anymore."
"We won't."
"And try to whisper."
The 3 affirmed.
"Goodnight Fraulein."
"Goodnight girls."
After closing the door, she went straight to Chris's room.
-----
Georg knocked softly on Elsa's door.
"Come in."
Elsa wondered who it could be, it was either Max to ask her what was taking her, or Georg. But in all honesty, she couldn't find a real reason why Georg would be standing at her door. Another reason what made her acknowledge that soon it would be over. And to her surprise, it was Georg who came in.
"Hello darling." She said while pinning her hair up like usual.
Elsa was already changed into one of her dresses and her hair seemed perfectly dry. Immediately Georg thought back of those past minutes. He was holding Maria tightly while she still wasn't really dry nor changed. Unconsciously a smile formed on his lips while his mind could only think of one thing. Maria.
"Yes?"
Georg had been standing there for a couple of minutes, just staring in front of him, at what seemed to be a wall. Now Elsa knew why he was there. The moment had come. She sat down in an armchair standing against a wall.
Georg shook his head to wake up again. He had to keep his mind with him for what he was about to say. He walked over to Elsa and sat down in the chair next to her.
"Elsa, I've been thinking--"He paused, searching for the right words. "You and I ... It's no use."
He tried to be as gentle as possible. But break-ups are always hard, even for Elsa when she had seen it coming. She tried to resist to cry, still tears were forming in her tears. But she kept quiet and listened to Georg as he continued.
"I've been dishonest to both of us ... and utterly unfair to you."
Elsa looked down at her hands for a minute.
"Elsa--"
"Georg, you don't have to say another word."
She looked back up to face his eyes looking at her.
"I've been expecting this to come."
Very confused he kept looking into her eyes.
"You have?"
"Yes. Everyone knows you're in love with Maria. The only 2 who don't know are Maria herself and Chris."
"But how did y--"
"Darling, we aren't blind you know."
She took his hand.
"I've enjoyed every moment we've had together, and I do thank you for that. And as hard as it is for me to admit, you've found the right woman."
Georg stayed quiet. Apparently everyone had noticed it, except the 2 themselves. He thought Elsa was extremely generous, simply stepping aside without making a scene or trouble and he knew he always would be grateful to her for that.
"Now if you'll forgive me, I'll pack my little bags and return to Vienna, where I belong."
She patted him on his hand and stood up, ready to get her things. After Georg had stood up, she gave him a last kiss on his cheek. Then he left her room, leaving Elsa alone.
-----
Maria waited for a minute by his door. Chris was sitting exactly as before. On his bed, his elbows leaning above his knees, with his forehead against his hands. Slowly she walked in. Once there she sat down next to Chris and laid her arm around his back, softly rubbing it like if she wanted to say: cheer up ...
Chris looked at her. Maria let her head lean against his shoulder, while her arm was still around his back. None of them spoke for a while, they just kept sitting there. Maria had an idea how he felt. For a minute, she herself had felt the same thing, that was until Georg had declared his love for her.
"You know, I was already used to my life here. Standing up every morning in this room, then having breakfast downstairs. Sometimes with you, the children and their father, but mostly with Max and the baroness. And then usually I was with the children and you. I'm sure gonna miss them ..."
"I know you will. I felt the same thing."
"What do you mean?" He said while a frown took place on his face.
"Well, I couldn't stay here forever. After the vacation I had to return to the abbey. And every time I thought about leaving, it was as if a part of my life would leave too, you know?"
Chris nodded. He understood perfectly. But this was slightly different, because he had to leave his one true love. As if Maria could read his mind, she continued.
"Don't worry Chris. You'll find a girl someday. A beautiful, intelligent girl who loves you sincerely!"
"I don't know about that ..."
"Of course you will."
Maria turned to Chris. Both sat a bit sideways, so they could look each other in the eyes.
"And it will be sooner than you think!"
The room grew silent again. Both not really knowing what to say next. Chris kept looking at Maria. Something had happened afterwards. Because he had seen her running to her room with tears in her eyes, not much later the captain followed.
"So ..." He wanted to know if it was true what he thought, but feared he might ask her in a rude way. "What about you and the captain?"
He really had tried to question her this in the most appropriate way. Once again a red blush filled her cheeks. Maria wasn't the kind of person who could talk about something like that without feeling uncomfortable.
"Well w-we ..."
She didn't get much further, therefore Chris's thoughts had been confirmed.
"It's alright, duckie. I know you don't like to talk about those things. Remember, I always used to tease you when Tim or Johannes or Hanz asked you on a date, or whenever someone whistled at you."
Maria's cheeks reddened every minute.
"Hey, that reminds me, why didn't you ever accept one of those dates?"
"I don't know ... I guess because those boys were jerks and I was having a great time hanging out with my best friend. I didn't really need a boyfriend ..."
"I'm really happy for you." He said after another silence. Both bended over to embrace each other.
"Thank you." Maria said while her head was leaning on his shoulder. "That really means a lot to me."
They parted, Chris's hands still resting on Maria's arms. Both smiled, just happy they didn't loose a good friend.
"Now get changed! It's been an hour since we left the water and you're still in you bathing suite and towel!"
Maria glanced down at her almost dry towel.
"Oh lord, I've completely forgotten it!"
She stood up and made her way to the door, but before leaving the room, she turned around at Chris, not smiling anymore. Her look was quite filled with confusion and despair.
"You aren't leaving tonight, are you?"
"Yes I was planning to take a train t--"
"Stay here tonight."
"Oh no, I really can't do that."
"Please. We'll be coming with you, that way I can say a proper goodbye. Please" Maria pleaded.
Chris just couldn't refuse her. And another night in his room couldn't hurt him.
"Alright."
Maria smiled at him.
"Maria?"
"Hmm?"
"Could you please close the door when you leave?"
"Of course. Goodnight Chris."
"Goodnight duckie."
Then she finally left the room. Once in the hallway, she saw Georg coming towards her. She was walking rather slowly to her own room, wondering if Georg would stop her or that he really was still together with Elsa, because being in love with the governess isn't right ...
When Georg had almost reached her, he noticed too that Maria still hadn't changed. He chuckled silently to himself. As he was now right behind her, he laid his arms around his waist and let his head rest on her shoulder, against her cheek.
"Darling, aren't you cold?"
"Well not anymore." She replied while relief was coming over her. It really was happening. Georg loved her.
"I'll escort you to your room where you can get changed."
"Oh how very nice of you."
As a real gentleman Georg opened the door for her and before walking in, Maria turned at him and gave him a little kiss on his mouth.
"Where will you be when I'm all changed?" She asked through kisses.
"I'll be waiting in the nursery."
After the speaking, Georg pulled her closer for a passionate kiss. Maria felt his arms in her back. Both soon pulled back, afraid someone might have seen them. It wasn't the time yet for announcing they were together. Maria disappeared in her room. Georg, as said, waited in the nursery. While he was sitting there, he had found one of his books between the children's study books. 'The children must have lent it ...' He frowned as he was looking at the cover. Then his attention was drown by something else. On the desks lay some sheets with dictations on them. All the children had made one, and very good too. He was so intensely studying their works that he hadn't heard Maria come in. Of course she took advantage of it. Silently she walked further. Once behind him, she slid her arms under his and then rested underneath his chest. Georg enjoyed these kind of touches very much. It made his heartbeat fasten. He put the papers down and turned himself around. The first thing he did was giving her a hello-kiss, even though the last one they had shared had only happened 10 minutes ago.
"Shall we go?"
"Where to?" Maria asked.
"Somewhere away from here. Somewhere where we can be alone."
Maria gave him a serious look, which he understood immediately.
"I assure you, my dear Fraulein, that it will be a nice place, like my study."
Before she could say anything, he placed his lips again on hers. These kisses made Maria forget everything she was thinking of. She just loved the way he made her feel.
Georg took her hand and then walked into the hallway. The 2 walked over to the other wing. When there, he leaded her into his study. Maybe not the most romantic place to be, but it would give them some privacy. He sat down on the sofa in front of his desk, still holding Maria's hand. Then he pulled her close to him and gave her a little kiss on her mouth. He leant against the side leaning while laying the rest of his body onto the couch. Maria sat down, her back facing Georg. She lay down on him, her head against his chin. He wrapped his arms around her, like he had done in Maria's dream. Maria placed her arms on top of his, not believing what all had happened the past few hours. Finally she was laying in the arms of the man she loved, knowing he loved her back. Both said nothing, just enjoying each others presence, with all their worries having disappeared.
"Maria ..."
"Hmm." Se responded, loving the way he held her. She closed her eyes of pure enjoyment.
"There's 1 little problem."
"That is?"
"Now that you're in my arms, I won't be able to let you go. Ever."
A smile appeared on her face.
"Marry me." He whispered to her.
It took her some seconds to realise what he had asked her. Her eyes opened as did her mouth, being simply shocked. She sat up and turned around to face Georg.
"Will you marry me?" He said once again. Meanwhile he had taken the ring out of his pocket, showing it to her so she could see he was absolutely serious.
Tears started forming in her eyes.
"Yes ..."
Again she whispered, not being able to talk properly while emotions overwhelming her. He placed the ring gently on her ring finger.
"Yes!" Now a bit louder since her voice allowed her to again.
He took Maria's face between his 2 hands, softly wiping of the fallen tears with his thumbs, while pulling her closer to kiss her lovingly, as she had just made Georg the most happiest man on the earth.
"The ring ... you had a ring."
Maria said confused after they had parted.
"Yes I had. I bought it today while I was out with Max."
She thought back, even more confused.
"Today? But that was before we even--"
"This morning in the tree house, with you sleeping closely to me, I had gathered all my courage. I decided I would ask you to marry me the next time we had a moment like that."
New tears filled her eyes.
"That was another reason when it was hard to breath for me when I saw you and Chris kissing."
She had almost lost him, yet everything had turned out to be perfect! She placed one hand on his cheek, as if she wanted to comfort him. And once again they bended their heads to end up in a passionate, loving kiss.