Disclaimer: I ownith nothing….ith
Chapter Seven
A month had passed since school had started. But Maria didn't mind, sure she was a little disappointed Everyday, when she wasn't busy or had a teachers meeting, Maria went back to the villa with the children. While the children did their homework, Maria and the Captain (when they weren't helping the children) would talk, a bond between them grew stronger with every passing day. And everyday their love for the other would grow, unbeknownst to the other.
After the children finished their homework everyone would go outside and play some game or sing, or both, or what ever they felt like doing. Then they would eat dinner. After dinner they would gather in the sitting room and sing or read or enjoy each other's company until it was time for the children had to go to bed. Then Georg would drive Maria home.
The weekends were spent in town or on the mountains. The nine people were inseparable, and if you didn't know who they were you could of sworn that they were an actual family.
Maria sat at her desk during lunch beaming, which was something she did a lot now that she had her beloved family back. There was a knock on her door. "Come in." She wondered who it could be. The children didn't spend lunch time with her anymore, after much convincing on her part that they needed to be with their friends. Maria's smile as she remembered that day.
"But we don't want to leave you alone Fraulein Rainer!" Gretl exclaimed.
"I'll be all right, Gretl. Besides you'll see plenty of me after school! You should be playing with your friends!"
After a few more minutes of convincing the children finally agreed and happily left the room to be with their friends.
"Hello Fraulein Rainer."
"Hello Frau Schimt."
"I just came to tell you that the meeting after school today was canceled." At those words Frau Schimdt noted how Maria's face grew even brighter.
"Oh, well, thank you for informing me."
"It was no problem at all my dear. Have a nice day." the older woman said as she gave a smile and left the room.
"You too."
"Have a good afternoon everyone!" Maria said as her class filed out of the room as the last bell of the day rang.
"Good bye Fraulein Rainer!" the small kids said in unison.
No sooner did they last child leave did the rest of the von Trapp children join Gretl and Maria.
"Fraulein Maria, will you becoming home with us today?" Marta asked.
"Of course I will!" Maria replied while giving Marta a hug.
After gathering their things the group of eight left school, all talking excitedly.
"Fraulein Maria I'll make sure everyone's homework gets done, you go take a break from school for once." Leisl said as the rest of her siblings made their way upstairs.
Maria gave Leisl a warm, thankful smile, "Thank you Leisl."
"You're welcome."
Turning Maria spotted Franz, "Excuse me, Franz."
"Yes, Fraulein." he sounded almost impatient.
"I was wondering if you could tell me where the Captain is." she said hesitantly, she never really like talking to the old butler, even if for a short minute.
"He is in his study doing some paper work. He should be done shortly." with that he left.
"Thank you." Maria quietly said to his retreating form.
Not wanting to disturb the Captain, Maria sat staring at the lake from the bench by the villa's gazebo. Of all the places in the villa, this was Maria's favorite. It was so beautiful and peaceful. You had a perfect view of the lake, with the sun shimmering off it. The trees moved around and the birds sang creating a soft form of music made you easily get lost in your thoughts.
In her wildest dreams Maria never thought that she would be sitting in this spot ever again. But that didn't matter anymore, what mattered was that she was and that made her the happiest person in the world.
She loved talking to the Captain everyday, getting to know him and his family even more. Yet, talking to him everyday brought a little sadness to Maria as she lay in her bed every night, trying to sleep. He told her things that most people probably never knew (and she him) he seemed to trust her with all his soul, but she wanted more. She knew it was being selfish, but she couldn't help it. She was so close, yet so far. If only…..she shook her head. God, how she hated being selfish.
Spying a small blue flower on the ground Maria picked it up, twirled it in her fingers as she took a small whiff of it's scent and put it behind her ear. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply.
A small chuckle sounded behind her, "I thought I just might find you here." the Captain spoke, still laughing slightly.
She turned her head and paid no attention as the flower in her hair fell to the ground. She was well aware, though, that her cheeks had turned a deep crimson.
She slowly stood. "W-w-was there something you wanted." she stumbled, embarrassed that she had been caught in the state she was in.
Georg smiled as their eyes met. He felt guilty for interrupting her moment of solitude. She had looked so peaceful, calm, and absolutely stunning. The shimmer of the sun of the water illuminated her face. Showing off all its seemingly perfect features.
Walking forward he picked up the small flower, and twirled it like Maria had done. He know stood in front of her, their eyes never breaking. Without thinking he placed the flower back in its spot behind Maria's ear. If it was possible her faced reddened even more.
"Hhm, oh no. Please sit." she did. "Uh, may I?" she nodded.
A silence overtook the two, both lost in their own thoughts. Finally the Captain decided to break the silence. "You know, I've been thinking, well wondering something. Two things actually." he knew that it was now or never to ask the question that had been plaguing his thoughts.
She made no response, but stared at him, urging him on. "Why, did you run away to the abbey during the summer and why did you decide to leave it and become a teacher?"
"Well, I felt the abbey wasn't my place and decided to use my knowledge to teach." she said in a quiet voice, deliberately avoiding his first question. How could she tell, when she knew that the result would only be pain for herself.
"Ah, I see. But why did you leave in the first place?" he was staring at her, telling himself that if he did he might just read why, but she refused to look at him. She gave no answer but her breathing became uneven and she shuddered. She looked as if she were going to cry. He gently took hold of her chin and turned her head to face him.. He was right, tears were forming in her amazing blue eyes. He wanted to hold her in his arms and tell her everything would be alright, but he couldn't…not now. He had to control himself.
"Maria?" he questioned, not even taking notice to the fact that he had addressed her without the term Fraulein. But that didn't matter right now, he had to know what was causing her reaction to a simple question.
Reluctantly she looked into his eyes. All she saw was compassion and something else. Something she wasn't familiar with, yet it seemed so familiar. As she stared she knew that she couldn't deny him an answer. Oh, she wanted to, but that look in her eyes had some hold over her and she wanted to tell him everything.
"Well, I..I…."
"Yes." He had yet to let go of her chin.
She saw another emotion in his eyes. Apprehension? He looked so calm on the outside, but on this inside she could see that he was some how being torn apart by something.
"I was, y-y-ou s..see, I was sc-"
"Fraulein Maria, Father!" they both jumped and turned their heads towards the terrace were they could see Brigitta standing. "We're all done!" she called.
Standing Maria turned her back to the Captain to wipe her eyes. Slowly Georg followed suit. "We'll be right in Brigitta!" He called, it was funny, mere months ago he would have scolded his children for yelling. Yet here he was now, doing just that and it was all thanks to the women who had now turned back around; free of tears but red eyed all the same. A smile came to his face.
"Shall we?" he asked, gesturing towards the house and stepping to the side as she gave him a small smile and began to walk.
The Captain let out a small sigh, they would have to continue that talk some other time. He looked ahead at Her. All she had to do was walk and he became entranced. He was about to go up to her and take her hand in his when he stopped himself. How was it that she had such an affect on him? It was something he would , perhaps, never understand. But he knew that he would have it no other way. His smile grew.
Author's Note: Sorry this wasn't up sooner. Been kinda busy, what with my brother's birthday and such. Anyways, I've also been trying to play out the rest of the story in my mind and come up with a rough outline. I think I have it, but yeah. I guess we'll have to see….
megandkatherine: Thank you for the review. I really appreciate the compliment. So gald that you like the story and the way I write. It really means a lot to hear it! Thanks so much!
jessica97: I'm glad you think the story is original, I was hoping it would be. Thanks for the review.
jennalynn: S'all good that you didn't review last chapter, I hope you're feeling better! I've always wondered what would happen if Maria and sung with the Captain that night….sigh guess we'll never know. Thanks for the review.
