Disclaimer: As I lay on my couch today home sick, watching The Sound of Music, and writing I came to the conclusion that I don't own The Sound of Music…
Author's Note: Well, here's the second chapter! Hope you like it!
PLEASE READ: I made a slight change to the first chapter. It's nothing major and doesn't effect anything really. It's just the ending, when it goes back to the present in the Gazebo scene. So if you'd like, please go back and see the change…now on with the story!
I Trust In My Heart-
-Chapter Two: A Sudden Change
Maria sat on the terrace that evening staring at the spot where she and the Captain had fought just that afternoon. Though it had been hours ago it was running through her mind like a non-stop movie picture.
She remember seeing him, standing there with the Baroness. He had looked, almost humored, almost. But then he opened his mouth. Maria had never see someone so angry, well she had, but that was a different story. When she heard the Captain yelling at the children to get out of the water the tiny amount of respect she had for him washed away into the lake. Then, he pulled out that blasted whistle. Maria knew that she had never before been filled with so much rage.
And then they fought. He had pushed her to the edge, trying to push her even farther, but she fought back. If he was going to be difficult, then so was she. He had needed to know what he was doing wrong, and it was now or never.
He had fired her, she should have known it was going to happen. With the way she was acting she supposed she would have even fired herself. But he had needed to know, and now he did. But then the children began to sing, their voices carrying out into the back. Their singing couldn't have been more impeccable . And in that simple, single moment everything changed.
Maria remembered standing on the staircase as she and the Captain apologized to each other. She could distinctly recall the look on his face, and in his eyes. Full od realization, sorrow, and gratitude. He looked so, so, she wasn't sure what. Perhaps it was weak.
She would never forget it.
The sound of the doors to the house being opened snapped Maria from her thoughts. She turned to see who it was only to be met with the sight of..
"Oh, Fraulein. I'm sorry for disturbing you. I didn't think anyone else would be out here."
"It's quite alright, Captain." Maria said, standing. "No need to apologize."
The Captain smiled. "Please sit down." Maria smiled as she did so. "Uh, may I?" he asked, pointing to the chair closest to Maria.
"Of course, Captain."
The Captain sat, and the two caught each other's gaze. They stared at the other for a moment, until realization dawned on Maria and she turned her gaze to the lake, blushing.
"I must thank you for letting me put the to bed tonight, Fraulein."
Maria gave a small giggle before looking back at the Captain and replying. "IT was no problem, Captain. You have every right to, being their father." she smiled.
The Captain gave a small laugh. "Yes." was all he said.
Silence passed over them until, once again, the Captain broke it.
"I don't know why I did it." he voice was just above a whisper, and far off. Maria looked at him, he was staring at the lake that same dreamy look in his eye that was there the night they had watched the storm. He didn't say what he was referring to, but he didn't have to for Maria already knew.
"I thought about it after dinner tonight, about why I did it, that is. And the only thing I could come up with is that I thought it would be better for them. I thought it would be."
Maria stared at the Captain. She couldn't believe that this strong, composed man could be so vulnerable. It was almost daunting.
"I know Captain. I know you only wanted nothing but the best for the children, and you still do." she said kindly. The Captain looked at her and gave her a smile. "I could see it in your actins." she wanted to add 'and the way you looked at them.' but for some reason she couldn't. She thought that it might have been improper, after all that's not exactly something one says to their employer. "Like on my first night here." she said, instead.
"Oh, your first night here? That I find hard to believe. I was quite sour that night. You must explain." he said, smiling.
Maria laughed. "Yes, well I had just pout the children to bed and was making my way to my room. I was just about to go down the stairs when I saw you locking the doors. Not long after I learned, from Liesl, that the doors had been locked earlier than usual." she finished with a sly smile.
The Captain gave a full, hearty laugh.
"You knew exactly where Liesl was after dinner, didn't you Captain.'
"Yes, yes I did. If she was going to sneak out after dinner then she would learn the hard way not to."
Maria laughed. "Very clever sir."
"And if I remember correctly you gave me a rather good lie when I question her in her room. After I found the eight of you jumping around like monkeys."
Once again the two shared a laugh. After their laughter subsided Maria looked at the lake and spoke.
"I really must thank you Captain."
"Oh? For what, Fraulein? It is I who should be thanking you."
Maria blushed. "For allowing me to stay. I truly do appreciate it."
"Yes, well after seeing the children sing I knew I couldn't let you go." he said, looking her in the eyes. Maria blushed. "And besides if I didn't ask you to stay the children would have had my head on a platter before you got to the front door." he joked.
Maria laughed.
"I've never seen them take to anyone as quickly as they took to you."
"Well, they didn't exactly try before."
"Very true." Georg laughed a little. "But they still did. You seem to have put a spell over this house."
"Maria laughed. "Well, then I'm very sorry, Captain."
The Captain looked at Maria. The twinkle of joy in his eye remained as his voice became just the slightest bit more serious as he spoke...
"I'm not."
"I love you." The Captain said, holding her face in his hands while looking into her eyes.
"Oh, how can this be happening to me?" Maria whispered as his lips briskly left a kiss on her forehead.
Author's Note: Well, there you have it, chapter two! I know, really short. But that's all I wanted in it.
I luv Julie Andrews: Thanks for the review!
edelwyn: Glad to see you're reading another of my stories! I'm happy to know the characters weren't OOC! Thanks for reviewing!
MaryAnne: Glad you're happy to see a new story! Thank you for reviewing!
I'm so happy you three like the story thus far!
Well, I might be updating again today, since I'm home sick and have nothing else to do! In fact, I think I will. Cause I really want to get this story moving. I got really good ideas yesterday and want to share em!
More to come soon!
The Lonely Goatherd