As chapter 9 was really short, I decided to post chapter 10 too which ends the "Back to life arc".
I hope you will like it since it is answering to some of your numerous questions. If you wanna know, read and review! ^_^
Thanks to Elizabeth and Franziska who gave me a lots of ideas to describe the evolution of the character's feelings.
Usual disclaimers here...
Salzburg, Von Trapp's villa, July 3rd, afternoon
"God, that was close," Maria whispered, remembering her heated argument with the Captain. She was laying on her bed, thinking about the events of the day. When he had ordered her to get her stuff and go back to the Abbey, it was as if all her endeavours to give the children the love they deserved so much, to help this shattered family to unite again had been useless. She was so furious and desperate at the same time when he had pronounced the fateful words in that horribly cold tone that she had not been able not to swear in Czech between her clenched teeth while going back to the villa : "You arrogant monster." Had he understood? Was her tone clear enough? She did not know. Nonetheless, he had turned to face her again, madder at her this time, if it was even possible: "I beg your pardon, Fräulein?" They had stood for a few seconds staring at each other furiously, ready to lurch at each other's throat... Hopefuly, the children had begun to sing the welcome song they had learnt to the Baroness, offering a much-needed diversion. Then the miracle she wanted so bad had happened. He finally had decided to break the wall he had built between his children and him. When she had seen that, she had felt happier than ever. She was relieved that she had been able to reunite this shattered family at last even if she had not been able to help the Captain as much as she wished. Maria was about to go up the stairs to her room when she heard him apologizing and asking her to stay with them. At that moment, his stare had been so kind and intense that she could not have refused anything to him. Moreover, some irrational joy nearly had submerged her when she had heard his gentle words: "I want you to stay... I ask you to stay..." The words still were resounding in her mind and heart. She was going to stay with the children she loved so much! She was going to stay with him!
In the meantime, Georg lovingly was watching his children singing all the beautiful songs Fräulein Maria had taught them. How on earth could have he been so wrong, so egoistic? Trying desperately to run away from his own problems, he had made his own flesh and blood suffer beyond possible, he had made his own pain get worse and worse... Now, listening to his children's happy voices, he could not help to wonder why he had chosen such a cruel path. Deep inside him, he knew that things would not have gone that way if he had been able to keep little Maria with him. However, another angel fortunately had come to open his eyes. Why on earth had he been so willing to get rid of her? It was such a difficult question to answer... Maybe was it because she had shown him he was wrong since the first day, which he was too proud to recognize then? Maybe was it because of that desire she had awaken in him in spite of her horrible dress? He felt himself flushing a little at the remembrance of the dream he had a few days ago. Fortunately, Elsa was too involved in a cheerful talk with Max to notice anything. Maybe was it because she was so much like her, reminding him the way he was so many years ago, making old wishes, hopes and desires come to the surface again? That certainly was the best answer, yet the more painful...
Maria was still laying on her bed, enjoying the children's happy singing, while she was staring at her precious photography once again... She was watching it with all her might as if it contained the key to a deep mystery... His gaze had been so soft and kind when he had apologized humbly, when he had asked her to stay at the villa! Just like the way he had smiled at her timidly the day of his departure for Vienna... It looked like Mani's one so much. However, that could not be possible. There was nothing in common between the bohemian young officer with ruffled hair and beard and the always aristocratic, neatly shaved and dressed Captain Von Trapp. Nothing at all.
Suddenly, Georg noticed that Fräulein Maria had not come down from her room yet. Worriedly, he wondered if she was still mad at him, which was possible thinking of the way he had behaved moments ago. He still could hear her angry tone when she whispered, thinking he would not understand: "You arrogant monster!" Unfortunately, he knew a bit of Czech thanks to Karel and, above all, Maria's lessons... Then, it hit him. She had spoke in Czech? It could not be possible. Trying to hide the sudden turmoil which was troubling him, he managed to call for his eldest daughter: "Liesl? Could you go and see if your governess is alright? I just noticed she had not come down yet..." There was no way he could say the name Maria at the moment... He needed to be sure, now. He did not hear Liesl answering happily : "Alright, Father. I'm going at once!"... He was so lost in his confusion he did not notice that Max had been watching him with a thoughtful look for a long moment.
A few minutes later, Liesl came back to the foyer, Fräulein Maria walking behind her. Georg got up to welcome her, anxious to verify his troubling suppositions. However, the young postulant stopped suddenly at the gate, unable to move, unable to speak, sheer utter surprise showing on her face. Georg began to walk towards her, oblivious of his surroundings. Why was she staring at Max that way? It was not possible.
Max had noticed that something was not quite right with his friend. He had managed to break the horrible wall he had built up between his children and he at last. So, why was he looking so thoughtful? Of course, Elsa had not seen anything yet... Then, Liesl came back with her governess. Curious to meet the young woman responsible for such a miracle, he stood up to welcome her. Nonetheless, before he could utter a word, the postulant stopped at the gate, staring intently at him, as if she recognized him.
That could not be! The same moustache, the same cheerful attitude... Max? Of course he was much older, but, still... If the guest was Mani's great friend indeed, so the Captain was...? That could not be! Joy mixed with apprehension filled her heart and soul. She could not believe it. It was not possible. She felt like as she was about to faint...
Georg was watching Maria, not knowing what to do. Was it his imagination or did she really recognize Max? He did not hear Elsa inquiring about the governess' condition at all. Oblivious of his surprised and worried children's stare, he closed the distance between Maria and him, smiling softly. Then, instinctively doing an old gesture again, he put his hand on the young woman's head, ruffling slightly her hair. "Hey, ship-girl, it's been a long time, hasn't it?" he whispered kindly in Czech. Maria looked up at him suddenly, her eyes filling with tears. "Mani..." was all she was able to utter.