Disclaimer: As I sat and folded a whole bunch of jeans at work I realized that I don't own the Sound of Music…
Ok, so a lot of this chapter is from the movie, I'm sorry if I bore you with stuff you've already heard…
I Trust In My Heart-
-Chapter Seventeen: Love So Strong
"DAMN!" Georg said, slamming down the newspaper he had been reading. He couldn't believe it, no he wouldn't believe it. It was impossible, improbableand yet it was. His Austria, his beloved country, his home…it was no more.
"Damn, damn, damn, damn, damn!" he then proceeded on with profanity to harsh for delicate ears.
"What!" Werner, the friend Georg had been visting, said nearly running into the dinning room when he heard Georg's outburst. He was met with the sight of Georg with his head in his hands, rubbing his eyes. "What's going on?' he asked again.
"It's happened." Georg said quietly, looking at his long time friend. "The Anchluss has happened."
"Shit." Werner said, having to steady himself by grasping a chair.
"I have to leave, now." Georg said standing. "I've got to get back to the children."
"Georg." Werner stopped his friend at the dining room door. Georg looked at him, impatience on his face. "Any word about a Navy Commission, just call and the tickets will be wired to you."
Georg nodded. "Thank you old friend, you've been more help than you will ever know." with that being said, he left.
Max and the children stood in the stone auditorium that would hold the Festival that night. "Congratulations children! You've been accepted!"
The children beamed. Max looked to his left as he saw men approaching them, "Here we go." he said rolling his eyes.
"Good after noon Herr Zeller." Max said, as the Nazi approached himself and the children.
"Perhaps you've not heard, Herr Detweiler, I'm now the new Gauleiter, Heil Hitler."
"Heil Hitler." Max said, barely holding his hand up and the scratching him mustache as if he had done nothing.
"I have just come from the house of Captain Von Trapp. Incidentally, the only one in the neighborhood not flying the flag of the Third Reich since the Anschluss. But we have dealt with that situation." he paused to take a breath. "The housekeeper said I would find you here, and that's the only information she would give me." There was an edge to his voice.
"What information were you looking for, Herr Zeller?" Max asked, trying to stay calm.
"I want to know when the Captain will be returning."
"He's been on holiday, we haven't been in touch with him."
"You mean to tell me that the Captain hasn't been in touch with this children for weeks?"
"Herr Zeller, how many men do you know that communicate with their children while on holiday?"
Herr Zeller huffed. "When he does return he will be expected to fill his position in the new order."
Max laughed lightly, "Oh Naturally, naturally. And may I congratulate your, uh, people for allowing the Festival to on tonight as planned, or should I be thanking you." sarcasm dripped in his every word.
"No thanks will be necessary, nothing in Austria has changed, and allowing the festival to go on tonight will prove just that. Heil Hitler." and with that, Herr Zeller left.
"Yes…" Max said, under his breath. "Come children, time we be heading home."
"Why was he so cross?" Gretl asked.
"Everybody's cross these days."
"Maybe the flag with the black spider on it makes people nervous." Marta said
"Is Father going to be in trouble?" Liesl asked, not liking the idea of the Nazi interest in her father.
"He doesn't have to be." Max said, more to himself. "All one has to do these days is get along with everyone, and I want you all to remember that as you sing in front of everyone tonight."
"Are we really going to sing in front of a whole lot of people tonight?" Brigitta asked.
"Of course you! Here are your names, Liesl, Friedrich, Louisa, Kurt, Brigitta, Marta and Gretl."
"Why am I always last?" Gretl asked, pouting.
"Because." Max got closer and whispered. "You are the most important, but don't let anyone else know."
"OH!" Gretl said, the rest of her siblings tried to contain their laughter.
"Uncle Max, are you sure Father is going to approve of us singing tonight?" Brigitta asked as the group made their way to the car.
"Oh he'll be pleased and proud."
"Liesl do you think so." Brigitta asked, still unsure.
Liesl was about to open her mouth when Max spoke: "Don't you trust me?"
"No." Brigitta answere bluntly.
"You're a very clever girl." Brigitta giggled.
"Liesl!" someone called from the gate. Liesl turned just as she was to get into the car to see Rolf calling after her.
"I'll be right back Uncle Max." she said, before running over to Rolf.
"Oh Rolf, it's so good to-"
"Good afternoon" he was brisk, not anything like he used to be. "Please take this telegram and give it to your father."
"But he's been on holiday-"
"I know that."
"But how-"
'We make it out business to know everything about everybody."
"We? Rolf, don't you want to come over later and deliver it yourself?"
Rolf sighed, getting irritated. "I am now occupied with more important matters. And you're Father better be too if he knows what's good for him." with out another word Rolf was gone.
"Oh Rolf." Liesl whispered.
Maria walked the lengths of the streets. Even the air seemed to change. Though there was a breeze moving through the summer trees the air hung still, unwilling to move. It was almost colder. A chill ran down her spine.
She was just about to cross a street when a Nazi regiment marched in her way. She looked at them and retreated a little, in fear of being to close. She looked at their faces, frozen in concentration. Cold and unfeeling. The sounds of the sync boots hitting the ground filled the still air.
They passed and Maria let out a breath she hadn't known she was holding. She quickened her pace towards the abbey, her destination, and quickly rang the bell.
"Maria, what brings you here?" Sister Sophia asked as she went to open the gates.
"I was wondering if the Randal was here." she said, referring to the caretaker.
"Yes, he is." Sister Sophia said, smiling. "He's in the courtyard planting some new flowers." she said, opening the gates and allowing Maria to enter.
Maria walked towards the young caretaker, he wasn't more the twenty-five years old. "Hello Randal." she said, as she came up to his hunched over figure.
"Maria!" he exclaimed, jumping up. "What can I do you for?" he asked.
"I was wondering if you still had your old car. I would like it if you haven't sold it yet."
Georg ripped the Nazi flag off of his front entrance way. He would kill Max with his own bare hands if he found out that he put it up. A sound of a car filled the air, and Georg turned to see Max and the children coming up.
There was a flurry of movement as the children jumped out of the car. Georg slipped over to were Max was briefly and showed him the flag he had rolled into a ball.
"I had nothing to do with that." Max said.
"I came back as soon as I could." Georg whispered back, just as the children's excitement reached it's full potential.
"Why didn't you telephone us?" Friedrich asked.
"Well," Georg said, laughing. "I tried, but I couldn't get through."
"I missed you Father!" Gretl said.
Georg laughed, bent down, and picked her up. "And I you. Kissing you good night, and all the noise you make in the morning telling each other to be quiet!" everyone laughed. "But mostly, I missed your singing." he said, making his children beam at the compliment.
"You came back just in time, Father!" Brigitta said, "Look, we're going to sing in the Festival tonight!"
"What?" he asked, setting Gretl down and taking the program Brigitta had shown him. He looked at Max, his face cross.
"Surprise, surprise." Max smiled, Georg did so in annoyance.
Georg looked at the children. "I got a few surprises for you out on the terrace." the children jumped in joy and ran towards the back of the house. "We'll talk about this inside."
"Georg, I would have told you but there wasn't much time, I had to make a last minute decision." Max said, following Georg inside.
Liesl followed her brothers and sisters towards the back of the house, but her mind was else where. She could only remember a time when she had felt worse than she did right now, and that was when her mother died.
She couldn't believe Rolf. He was so different, almost cold….distant. He didn't want to see her anymore, he had his job to do. I am now occupied with more important matters his words rang through her ears. She wasn't important anymore?
Liesl sighed. She needed someone to talk to, anyone. But who? Maria looked around. There was no one but her six siblings, all happily looking at the gifts they had gotten. She suddenly felt older than them by years, it was an odd feeling. Oh God, she needed advice.
With another sigh Liesl quickly walked inside.
"Georg, the committee was enchanted!" Liesl heard Uncle Max exclaimed as she walked into the entrance hall.
"No Max. Now, if you'll excuse me." Georg briskly walked into his study.
Max grunted in frustration. Liesl laughed slightly, despite how she was feeling.
"You don't think he'll change his mind, do you?" Max as Liesl.
"No, Uncle Max, I don't think he will."
Max sighed. "I've got to convince him. Why if you children don't sing tonight it will be a reflex on Austria." he paused. "And it wouldn't do me any harm either." Liesl giggled as she watched Max walk away saying something along the lines of 'I'll talk to him later.'
Liesl turned her attention to her Father's study door and knocked. "Come in." was the reply.
She stepped in quietly and closed the door. "Father, I was wondering if I could talk to you."
"Of course, darling. What did you need."
"I-I"
Liesl looked at her father and opened her mouth the speak, but no words came out. What was she doing? Asking her Father for advice in such matters? True he was her Father, but she had a feeling he wouldn't handle the subject the best of ways. This was, after all, her love life. She suddenly felt odd…she didn't feel comfortable talking about it. It dawned on her was that she didn't need her Father's advice but her Mother's….and that she couldn't get, but-
"I was wondering if I could go to Fraulein Maria's."
Georg looked at his daughter and raised an eyebrow. "By yourself?"
"Yes."
"May I enquire as to why?" he asked.
Liesl's cheeks turned red. "Well, uh, when-when she was here she and I used to talk all the time…but-er-now that she's gone I only see her with everybody else." she said, referring to her siblings. "And I just wanted to have a talk with her again…that's all."
Georg sighed. Any other time would have let Liesl go, but now things had changed, times were different. "Liesl, I'm sorry, but I don't think it's safe for you to go over there."
Liesl looked confused. "Not safe to go to Fraulein Maria's?" then she fully understood what her father was saying. "Oh."
There was silence. "What if you or Franz drive me?"
Georg shook his head, "I'm afraid I have some things that need tending to and Franz is already in town at the moment. I'm sorry Liesl, but perhaps some other time."
Liesl sighed, "But Father I need to speak to her."
"Another time."
"What if I take Friedrich with me?"
"No, I don't want the two of you out. It's getting late"
Liesl was beginning to get frustrated. "But Father!"
"No."
"Can't I just-"
"No Liesl."
"But-"
"NO" he didn't yell, but his voice held no room for argument. Liesl sighed in frustration.
"Alright." she said, defeated. She turned to leave when she remembered the telegram. "This is for you." she said, giving it to him.
"Thank you, darling."
Liesl nodded and left the study.
She quickly ran upstairs and grabbed her coat before sneaking towards the front doors of the villa. She didn't like disobeying her Father, but she needed to speak to Fraulein Maria. She had a feeling Fraulein Maria would understand. And besides, she wasn't a child anymore, she could take care of herself in the outside world. With that thought, Liesl slipped through the doors, closing them lightly behind her.
There was a knock on Maria's door. Who in the world? she asked herself, standing and walking over her to it. Her insides tensed at the thought of a Nazi meeting her gaze when she opened the door, but that was impossible, right? Taking in a deep breath Maria opened the door.
"Liesl?" Maria asked, letting out her breath immediately.
"Hello Fraulien." Maria smiled and quickly ushered the girl inside, away from the outside world.
"Where are your bothers and sisters?" Maria asked, as she led Liesl to the couch.
"At home."
"Your Father let you come here all by yourself?" Maria asked, shocked that the Captain would let his daughter roam the streets with the many Nazis walking around.
Liesl nodded and a familiar looked filled her face. Maria knew that look, it was the same one Liesl had that night she snuck into her bedroom. "Liesl, your Father doesn't know you're here, does he?"
Liesl looked down at her shoes. "No, but I really needed to talk to you Fraulein Maria."
Maria looked at Liesl and could see something was bothering her. "Well. Alright, but lets make it quick, I don't want your Father worrying." Liesl beamed and nodded. "I'll go get another cup of tea."
Maria quickly returned to the couch and sat down, handing Liesl a cup of tea. "Now, what's the matter?"
Liesl looked at her tea, set it down on a near by table and looked at Maria. "Fraulein Maria. How-how do you know when you love someone. Well, when you stop loving someone." he paused and looked at her hands. "When he stops loving you."
There was silence and Liesl looked up to see that Maria's face had changed from holding concern to holding nothing but pain. All to suddenly Liesl felt stupid, how could she be so dumb as to ask Fraulein Maria it, she was prying into something that her Fraulein had experienced all to well. "Oh Fraulein! I'm so sorry, I shouldn't ha-"
Maria held up her hand. "It's alright Liels, I'm glad you asked."
There was another silence. "Well." Liesl asked just above a whisper, not wanting to sound to pushy.
"Well," Maria sighed, trying to clear her thoughts. "You cry a little and wait for the sun to come out." she paused. "It usually does."
Liesl sighed. "There are so many things I know, but I don't I really don't."
Maria laughed a little. "How can you?"
"Sometimes it's as the world is coming to end-"
"And then its just beginning?"
Liesl laughed. "Yes."
"It-" she paused. "It was that way for me too, Liesl. And I'm sure it will be for you, if not better."
"Do you really think so?" Liesl was already beginning to feel better.
"But darling, you're merely sixteen. Why not wait a year or two."
Liesl thought about it. "I think I will Fraulein." she smiled. "Thank you for talking to me."
Maria beamed. "I'm glad you could feel that you could come to me with any problem." she took a sip of tea. "Now, let's get you home before your Father realizes that you're gone." she said, standing and holding her hand out for Liesl to help her up. "I'll drive you home."
"Drive?" Liesl asked. "You got a car?"
"Yup, just today."
Georg looked at the telegram in his hand. They had to leave. They had to leave tonight, or never. "MAX!" he yelled, hoping his friend would hear him. Almost immediately Max walked into his study.
"Something the matter?"
Georg threw him the telegram. "Damn." Max said, after he finished reading it.
"I have to call Werner, would you get Liesl and help get the rest of the children ready?"
"Of course." he went to leave and turned around. "When I'm done I want to hear your plan."
Georg nodded and waved his hand as he picked up the phone.
"It's not that it strains my back, but it breaks my heart to think of a certain singing group that will not appear in the festival." Max said as he Georg and Kurt pushed the car towards the iron gates.
"By the time the announcement is made we will be long gone."
"Hope you realize the sacrifice I'm making."
"You have no choice."
"I know, that's why I'm making it."
The Captain heard the faint whispering of his daughters who were following them, fear etched in their every words.
"Because he doesn't want anyone to hear us!" he heard Kurt yell at a whisper.
"SH!"
They would have to move quickly. Speeding whenever possible and stopping for no one. They reached the road and quickly moved to turn the car on, but the bright lights of something unknown stopped them.
"Something matter with your car, Captain?" the all to familiar voice of Herr Zeller asked. Georg cursed, and felt anger build in him.
"Yes." he said, trying to remain calm. "We couldn't get it started."
"Karl" Herr Zeller said talking to a young man. "Fix Captain von Trapp's car so it will start."
Karl walked over to the car and turned the keys making the ignition roar into life. Georg patted his back as the young man walked away. "Would you look at that." he said.
Herr Zeller smiled a nasty grin. "I have not asked you where you are going nor have you asked me why I am here."
"It appears that we're both suffering from a lack of deplorable curiosity." Georg said, laughing, the only way to keep his anger down.
Herr Zeller ignored the comment. "You were sent a telegram-"
Georg didn't even let him finish, "I was under the impression the contents of telegrams in Austria are private!" he pause briefly. "At least the Austria I know."
"My orders are simple, Captain, and that's to take you to fulfill your commission."
Damn, he had to think fast. Anything. "I'm afraid that will be quite impossible." he searched his mind for anything. "You see, we, all of us, are singing in the festival tonight." even though he couldn't see them he was sure that his children and Max were looking at him astounded.
"You expect me to believe that you will be singing in a folk festival?"
"Believe me, it will be a performance beyond any." Max said, backing up his friend.
"Ah, Herr Detweiller I didn't see you there." Herr Zeller said. "You disappointed many people tonight by saying you couldn't be the host of the festival last minute. May I inquire as to why?" he asked, hoping to get a confession.
"Of course." Max said, inclining his head. "I'm afraid I've picked up a slight cold." he said, lying through his teeth. "And I didn't think the attendees would want me sneezing in between each act."
"Funny you don't sound sick."
"Oh, you know me Herr Zeller, quite good at acting well when I'm not." Max said, nonchalantly.
"Herr Zeller, this night air is not good for the children's voices, so if you'll excuse us." Georg said.
"Of course, allow us to escort you to the Festival, Captain."
"No escort will be necessary."
"On the contrary Captain, we wouldn't want you to get lost in the crowds."
"It will work." Max said, to Georg as he and the family made their way on stage to perform. "Just make sure the children get to me right after the performance. We'll just catch the train."
"I hope you're right." Georg said.
"Good luck."
Maria sat in the audience in shock. She was looking at the program, looking to see who the final act was. 'The Trapp Family Singers'. She thought her eyes deceived her. There was no way the Captain would have allowed it. But there their names were. So this was what Max was up to. She should have known.
Maria looked up just as they walked on. Liesl first, the Friedrich, Louisa, Kurt, Brigitta, Marta, little Gretl, and then the Captain. Maria nearly choked when she saw him walk on stage. Was he really going to sing? She looked at his face and could see that his eyes held something deeper than the thought of singing. She immediately knew that something was going on and that something was not right.
The children stood in the order Maria had taught them. Then Liesl stepped up to the microphone. "Good evening. I'm Liesl von Trapp, and these are my brothers and sisters. The first song we are going to sing is a song that our governess taught us." with that being said she stepped back to her spot and nodded to her siblings.
Maria felt tears well in her eyes as she heard them singing a rendition of the song she had used to teach them how to sing. She couldn't stop smiling. She looked over to where the Captain stood, just a few feet away from the children smiling at them as much as she was.
The song finished and the auditorium filled with more clapping than it had all night. Then the Captain stepped up to the microphone a guitar in his hand. "My fellow Austrians. I shall not be seeing you again for a long time." suddenly Maria knew, that's why he looked so worried. His plan had gone wrong. "I would like to sing for you know, a love song."
Maria watched and listened as the familiar strains of Edelweiss filled the air. Suddenly Maria was back at the villa, it was summer and she and the children had just performed their puppet show. She let the Captain's voice fill her as she felt more tears well in her eyes. All too soon though the Captain stopped singing, he was over come with emotion, that she could see. She could see the love and loss he held in his eyes and she felt her heart swell.
Liesl's voice filled the air, continuing on the song. The Captain looked at his eldest daughter gratefully and put his arm around her. Slowly all of the children joined in. Maria didn't know what it was that possessed her to do it, but she started singing as well. Then the person on either side of her did and soon the auditorium was filled with hundreds of people singing Edelweiss, sharing a moment that couldn't be captured.
The family bowed and walked off the stage. Maria saw a Nazi slip out of his seat and follow. Her heart sunk. The feeling of something-terrible-about-to-happen filled her. She had to get to them, she needed to be assured that nothing would happen, that this feeling was just nerves. Without thinking she stood from her seat as the host started speaking.
"Excuse me." she whispered, hunching over as to not block anyone's view. She quickly made her way towards the end of the row, skipping over everyone's feet as fast as she could. She tripped on the last persons foot. "Sorry!" she nearly yelled as she ran from the auditorium.
Author's Note: Tah dah! Chapter seventeen! Whoot! Wow, it turned out to be a lot longer than I thought. Sorry if I bored you with scenes from the movie. I tried to changed em a little to not make them so routine…let me know what you thought!
Jennalyn: Ugh, I've got finals coming up too…it makes me happy to know that my story will help you through them! Thank you for the compliments and reviews!…oh, and please update your story…I adore it!
Cremated affection: lol…thanks for the review!
JeNNifeR07: Glad you like it! Thanks bunches!
Myfairlady: Ubel is pretty much out of the story…I just wanted to give a little bit of closer on his character. Thanks for reviewing!
Meslife: Glad you like my portrayal of the Captain! Glad you like it, too! Thanks bunches!
The Marauders3: NO! You can't die on me! Not you! No! I hope what I have in mind is up to par! Thanks muchly for reviewing!
Millicent Yorro: Yes, it could be a sign….but you'll see…tee hee! Thanks for reviewing!
Well, I don't know when I'll update next. Probably not tomorrow….it's the last day before out finals. But the rest of the week I have half days….so maybe Wednesday!
Until next time!
Your humble author,
The Lonely Goatherd