Disclaimer: As I finished reading Eragon (I recommend reading it!) I realized that I don't own the Sound of Music…
Author's Note: I haven't said this before, but school has started and I am in the beginning stages of writing my own book so updates will be fewer. But the story will continue even if I don't update for a while! Now onward! (I can't believe this is already chapter 15!)
I Trust In My Heart-
-Chapter Fifteen: Again
Liesl and her siblings cautiously walked to the abbey, in hopes of seeing Maria. It had been exactly one week since she had left and they hadn't seen her since. Liesl thought it might be nice to visit her today, especially considering its importance. As they turned the corner Liesl's eyes caught a dress shop she had never seen before. In the small window hung a beautiful light blue material with a dress made out of the fabric next to it. The sixteen-year-old immediately fell in love with the material and dress. With a few alterations of the dress it would fit her personality perfectly. She made a mental note to tell her father that this is where she wanted her new, much needed, dress from.
They approached the gates and, like last time, Liesl rang the bell. Within seconds a smiling nun was walking towards them in a swift leisurely pace. Liels immediately recognized her as the nun who had told them last time that Maria had been in seclusion.
"Hello, if I remember correctly you are the von Trapp children."
They all nodded and smiled. The nun opened the gates to make conversation more proper, but didn't allow the children to enter just yet.
"I take it you would like to see Maria."
Liesl nodded. "Yes, will you tell her we're here, please?"
"I'm afraid I can't do that." the von Trapp's faces fell as familiar words washed over them, "for she went into town a little bit ago looking for housing of her own."
"Do you-"' Friedrich began to ask when a quiet voice spoke.
"Actually, I haven't left yet, Sister Margaretta." a timid voice from behind Sister Margaretta said as the person rounded the corner. "Hello, children." Maria said, walking forward.
The children, especially Marta and Gretl, didn't waist any time lunging themselves at Maria and hugging her tightly. "I'll leave you be." Maria heard Sister Margaretta say. She turned just in time to give the nun a smile before the older woman turned and left, smiling as well.
"How have you been?" Maria asked, she suddenly felt like crying, and she had no idea why.
"Fine."
"Ok."
There wasn't much else said. Maria looked at all of them, they were smiling happy to see her. "It's been quiet without you." Liesl said, smirking a smirk that resembled her Father's.
"Now that, I believe." everyone laughed.
"Did Sister," Brigitta said, she paused thinking of name Maria had said, "Margaretta say that you were going into town to look for a house?" she asked.
Maria nodded. "I found a nice apartment and I was just going to go and make the final arrangements to move in." her voice was quiet and uncomfortable. She felt odd telling the children she had found her own place to stay.
"Then we should probably go-" Louisa started to say.
"Nonsense! You can come with me, I'd like your opinion." everyone smiled. Liesl felt a little uneasy about going, though. Seeing Maria's own apartment when just a week ago her permanent home would be back at the house.
"Well, shall we go?" Maria said, moving her arms in a movement down the road. Everyone nodded. Maria took Marta's and Gretl's hands in her own and they were off.
"Well! Here it is!" Maria said, opening the door to her new apartment. Her voice was full of enthusiasm, though it didn't seem truthful.
The children looked inside. There wasn't a lot to it. There was one large room, it was bare for now. On the left was a door way, with no door, leading to a small kitchen, barely big enough to fit three people. To the right of the large room was a door leading to a small, yet comfortable bedroom. From there was door leading to a small bathroom just big enough to hold a shower, sink, toilet, and a hamper.
"So, what do you think?" Maria asked, her voice, surprisingly, held the need for approval. Liesl reckoned it had to do with the fact that Maria was trying to make it on her own for the first time.
"It's wonderful!" Liesl said. Sure, it was wonderful. But not something for Fraulein Maria. Maria deserved more. And how could it be that someone so full of life and love, like Maria, was forced to live in such a small contained space when Liesl and her siblings lived in the house that they did? Besides not even a mountain could not even contain Maria. Then there was the fact that Maria thrived on the outdoors. There was hardly a window in the room, the only two sat opposite the door and they weren't exactly big. Sure, it was wonderful…but not for Maria.
"OH yes, great!"
"Perfect!" everyone else agreed.
"It isn't exactly Buckingham Palace." Maria said, shrugging, "but still it will do." she paused. "Once I get some plants and some different drapes on those windows, I think it will do quite nicely."
"When do you move in, Fraulein Maria?" Friedrich asked.
"Not for a couple of days. The landlord informed me that some work is being done about the plumbing on the entire floor and he doesn't want me moving in until its done. Says it will make things less complicated."
"Would you like us to help you move in?" Friedrich asked.
"That's very thoughtful of you Friedrich," everyone smiled at the thought of getting to help Maria move in, "however, with my job I will only be able to move in late in the evening. When you all should be home." their faces fell. "But you can come and visit as often as you'd like once I'm settled in."
Timid smiles spread across the children's faces. "Well, why don't we all go and get something to eat!" Maria said, wanting to spend as much time with the beloved children as possible.
"Fraulein Maria?"
"Yes, Gretl."
"Will you come to our house and have dinner tonight?" Gretl asked as the group of eight walked back towards the abbey.
Everyone stopped and looked at Maria, hoping that she would. Maria frowned slightly, before bending before the girl. "I don't think it would be a good idea Gretl," she said, not exactly sure how to talk about the amount of tension that would be in the room to a six year old.
"Why not?"
"Maria was about to open her mouth when Liesl saved her, "Gretl, I think it's time we head home." she said, reluctantly. Maria smiled at the girl and nodded.
"Fraulein Maria?" Louisa asked, as Maria stood.
"Yes?"
"Can we go on picnic sometime this week?"
Maria thought about it and sighed. "I'm sorry darlings, but I'm afraid I won't be able to. I have to work and then I'll be moving." their faces fell, "but as soon as I can, I'll let you know. Ok?" they seemed to brighten slightly.
"Now, you should be getting home." she gave them each a hug and watched as they began to walk away. "Oh, Liesl!" Maria grabbed the oldest by her arm and pulled her back slightly.
"Yes, Fraulein?"
"Will you tell your Father I hope he's doing well." Maria said, blushing.
Maria walked into Ida's Dresses. "Morning deary!" Ida said, walking out from behind the counter.
"Good morning, Ida."
"Morning Maria!" the other employee, Joni said.
"Good Morning, Joni."
"Maria."
"Yes, Ida?" Maria said, turning towards the older woman.
"Those children I saw you with yesterday, were they?"
Maria nodded, a small smile playing across her lips. Maria remembered when she had told her boss and fellow employee about the von Trapps. The three had been sitting, having tea after the shop had closed.
"Maria, might I ask you something?"
"Of course, Ida."
"I was wondering, how exactly you came to live at Nonnberg Abbey."
Maria blushed. She knew that Ida had always wondered why Maria had had a wedding dress when she first arrived for the job. She knew Ida knew that the dress was not made for 'some friend'
Maria sighed, she supposed it was time her employer, and friend, knew. "I used to be a postulant there."
"NO!" Joni exclaimed, in complete shock.
Maria laughed a little. "I know. That's why the Reverend Mother sent me to be a governess…" and Maria's story of the past few months was quickly told.
"You saw us?"
Ida laughed, "How could a miss a mass of eight people walking by the store, singing?"
The three laughed. "Well, girls. I have an announcement to make." Ida said.
"Yes?"
"My husband and I will be going to Innsbruck for a couple of weeks."
"That's wonderful!" Joni said, Maria nodded as she pulled her coat off.
"Yes, well. We'll be leaving tomorrow morning. Maria, I'm placing you in command." Ida said, smiling widely.
Maria let her last sentence soak into her. Those words seemed so familiar. "Me! Oh Ida, I don't think…"
"Nonsense Maria," Joni said, "You'll be wonderful. And besides it's not like Ida could place me in charge." she said, making the three laugh.
Maria smiled at Joni. She was nineteen, and reminded Maria much of herself.
"Maria, you've been able to take charge of seven children, a dress shop should be no problem." Ida said, smiling softly.
"Yes, but those were children! I'd never be able to run a shop!"
"You'll do fine my dear."
Maria woke in the abbey, a week after seeing the children. This was the last morning she would wake in the abbey, she was officially moving in to her apartment that night. Her stuff was already there, and unpacked, but the plumbing that was being done was finished and she could move in.
Her heart heavy, heavier than it would have been. She couldn't figure out why, but as sleep left her she knew. She had left the villa two weeks ago toady. Today would have been her wedding day.
Maria sighed, and she felt a wave of tears over come her.
Georg groaned. How could today be possible? He would supposed to be getting ready right now. Getting ready to marry the woman he loved more than anything. And yet, here he was, sitting outside staring into the depths of the crystal clear lake. How that lake reminded him of the clearness of Maria's eyes.
Liesl approached her father timidly. She knew what today was. And she hated to bother him, but she needed a dress…very badly.
"Father, can we go get my dress today? You've said we would for the past two weeks, and I really do need it."
Georg nodded. "I'll go place the order for it today, when I go into town as I have some things to do." he paused. "Liesl, you'll be able to watch your brothers and sisters while I'm gone?" he asked, knowing that Liesl would probably like to be doing something else on her summer holiday than watching her brothers and sisters.
"Of course, Father."
Georg looked at the watch. "I should be going."
"Oh, Father." Liesl said, as her father headed towards the front door.
"Yes?"
"There's a new dress shop that I saw, it's rather small. Would you get my dress from there, I really like the material in the front window."
"What's the name of the shop?"
Liesl smiled, "Ida's Dresses."
Georg walked into the small shop, a bell ringing as he did. He looked around. It was small and crowded, but had some of the best dresses her had ever seen. Simple yet full of life. They're maker was very talented. For some reason though, the dresses had an air of familiarity.
"Hello!" a young brown haired woman said, from behind a counter at the back of the shop.
"Good Morning."
"Are you here to pick up a dress for someone?"
"Uh, no. I'm here to enquire about a new dress for my daughter." Georg said.
The lady nodded. "Let me go get the person who's in charge. She's the one to see about a new dresses." Georg nodded as the woman disappeared behind a curtain.
"There's some one here about a new dress." he heard the woman say.
"Thank you, Joni" another replied. Georg couldn't place it, but the muffled voice sounded strangely familiar. He looked up when the curtain to the back moved.
Maria picked up a small clipboard that was used when new dresses were put to order. "Thank you Joni." Maria said, walking through the curtain. Her eyes were transfixed on the board, she was looking for a new paper for the order.
"Hi, how may I-" Maria stopped dead sentence as she looked up from the clipboard. There standing before her, in her shocked stupor, was an equally shocked Georg. "Oh."
The room was in an unearthly silence. They stared at each other, dead in the eyes and yet somehow not meeting the others gaze. Maria felt tears begin to well in her. How could it be possible, that today of all days she was meant to see this man again? Why?
She wouldn't cry. No, not now. She needed to ask professional. She opened her mouth to say something, but no words came out, she closed her mouth.
"Maria?" The Captain asked, in complete shock not exactly sure if she was real. He took a step closer, and Maria unconsciously took a step back.
Maria snapped out of her shock, and with as much pride and confidence as she could opened her mouth the speak. "Can I help you?" she asked. She somehow felt that acting as if she had never seen him before would help ease the pain she felt.
"Maria." he knew what she was doing. How she hated that he could read her like a book.
"I understand you would like to place an order for a dress."
Georg sighed, knowing she wasn't going to let down her defenses. "Yes." he said, tiredly.
Maria nodded. "Let me just find the proper paper work." she said. She stepped up to the counter and once again rummaged through the papers on her board.
As she looked down at the papers Georg stepped forward, resting his right elbow on the counter. "How have you been?" he asked, not allowing her to get away with the façade she had so easily put on. He needed to talk to her, to hear her voice.
Maria sighed, knowing he wasn't going to give up. "Fine. And yourself?" she said.
"I've been better." Maria almost snorted at his answer.
"Here we go." she picked out a blank form. "I take it the dress isn't for yourself." she said, despite herself. She couldn't help but feel like she was back at the villa even for the smallest second.
Georg laughed, and Maria felt herself shudder slightly. "It's for Liesl." she nodded. "I have her measurements, right here." he said, pulling out a piece of paper from his pocket.
Maria waved her hand at the paper. "I remember." she said quietly marking down the numbers. Georg nodded and put the paper back. "Did she tell you what kind of material she wanted?"
"Yes, I believe it's this one." Georg began walking towards the window, causing Maria to follow him.
Maria smiled. "I should have known."
"Is this your shop?" Georg asked, as Maria began to look for the material amongst the crowded shelves. "That other woman, she said you were in charge."
Maria shook her head. "I'm in charge while the owner is away with her family." she said.
Georg nodded. Maria shrugged. "There it is." she reached for a role of the material, but found it slightly out of reach. Georg stepped up behind her and, reaching over her head, grabbed the material, holding it in front of her.
Maria felt his chest against her back. She inhaled. His scent was strong and comforting. She had forgotten how much she had loved her. Suddenly the fabric was in front of her. "Thank you." she grabbed the material and walked back to the counter. She began to fill out the rest of the paper.
"The children tell me you have an apartment."
She nodded, not looking up. "Yes, tonight will be my first night there."
"You seem to be doing fine for yourself." he said, pained to hear the words. He had wanted to be the one providing for her.
"I suppose so." she was quiet for a moment. "Well, everything's all set. The dress should be ready in two days."
Georg nodded. The two stood in an awkward silence for a minute. Neither looking at the other. "Well, I should be going. Er-have a good day." Georg said.
"You too." The gave each other soft smiles. "Captain!" Maria nearly yelled as Georg reached the door.
"Yes?"
"Um. The children asked me when I saw them the other day if they would like to go on a picnic, and I said I couldn't because I was busy." she said in one breath, talking slightly faster than normal. "But my day freed up tomorrow, so tell them if they would like to go on a picnic we can." she paused and her talking went back to normal. "That is if it's ok with you."
"It's never a problem, Maria." she smiled slightly. "Besides," he laughed. "Even if I told them they couldn't I think they would go berry picking…for blue strawberries, I would think." Maria laughed slightly and Georg smiled. "Good bye, Maria."
"Good bye Captain."
As Georg stepped into the street he looked at his watch and sighed. Maria would be walking down the church isle at this moment, and yet here he was walking away from her in a dress shop.
"Maria?" Jodi said, poking her head around the curtain from the back.
"Yes?"Maria's voice was far off.
"Was that Him?" she asked, having overheard some of their conversation.
"Yes, Joni. That was him."
Maria walked in to her apartment that night. She looked around and loneliness enveloped her. She was truly alone now. There was no Georg, there were no children, and there was no one from the abbey. She was alone, by herself. And on today of all days, on her supposed wedding day.
Maria finally let the tears that she had been holding ever sense seeing the Captain fall.
Sometime later she lay awake in bed. She couldn't fall asleep. Whether it was because she couldn't or wouldn't she didn't know. But she knew that if she did she would be plagued by thoughts of what-would-have-been.
She sighed and looked at the clock. She would have been in Paris right now…
Author's Note: There you have it. I've taken forever to write this, so I hope you like it!
I usually thank everyone, but I have a lot to do. So:
Thank you to everyone who reviewed…you all are amazing, Thank you so much,….I really appreciate it!
Until next chapter!
Your humble author,
The Lonely Goatherd