Disclaimer: As I watched The Sound of Music and wrote this chapter this morning I was once again struck with the movies greatness and realized that I sadly don't own it…
I Trust In My Heart-
-Chapter Twenty-Seven: At Last
The wreath of Edelweiss fell in front of Maria's eyes and she pushed it away to see. By the time she and Georg had gotten down the hill the sun had fulsy risen and the town had burst into life. There seemed to be on long main road that all the shapes sat on, leading to a town square. Small side roads led to people's houses. The entire village together was small, humble, and inviting.
As Maria and Georg walked, Maria noticed that they were receiving some rather odd stares. Whether it was because they were strangers or of their appearance she didn't know. Perhaps, it was both. Who could blame them? After all, here were two strangers, one with a cast on her arm, a cut on her face, and a small limp, covered with smudges of dirt all over her clothes and body. Her companion had mud along his arms and faces with small scratches along his arms. The only thing that looked remotely welcoming about the two were the wreath of Edelweiss that she wore on her head, and the basket that he carried.
Maria laughed quietly. She supposed she would have given herself the same looks these people were. Suddenly, there was a tug on her arm and she looked back to see that Georg had stopped walking.
He was standing outside a small shop. Maria couldn't tell what it was. "I think this will be a good place to ask about a bus and or directions." Georg said. Maria nodded and they entered.
Inside they came across a shop filled with all different sorts of odds and ends. Was it a thrift store? Or an antique shop? Perhaps just a place to get anything and everything you needed. Behind a small counter in the back stood a man.
He had a cheery voice, "Hello can I-" he stopped when he actually looked at the couple. "Help you?" he sounded unsure.
"Yes we were wondering if there was any type of transportation that came through here, like a bus or train that could take us to St. Gallen." Georg said.
As Georg spoke the man didn't seem to be listening, instead he was taking in their appearances. His eyes landed on their picnic basket. "Have a good-er-picnic?" he asked, not answering Georg's question.
"An eventful one, you could say." Georg replied, not at all bothered by the man's questions. Maria stifled a laugh at Georg's reply.
The man didn't press the subject further. "Sorry, you were saying something about a bus?"
"Yes we were wondering if there was some bus that came through here that could take us to St. Gallen." Maria replied.
"You're just in luck. There is. Comes 'round every Tuesday at 2:30." the man said, smiling and showing a toothy grin.
"And today would be?" Maria asked, blushing at not knowing what day of the week it is.
"Must have been a really eventful picnic if you don't know what day it is." the man said, smiling in a funny way.
Georg smirked. "Let's just say it was a very long picnic."
"Righto. The date. Well, let's see. Just so happens that today is Tuesday the third." he replied.
Maria smiled and took a quick glance at Georg's watch. It was only 9:00 in the morning. They had plenty of time to make the bus. There would be no waiting around. No walking. Just a bus to catch and a cabin to get to.
"Is there any place we can get tickets from?" Georg asked.
"Yep. The shop two places down. Run by a man who goes by the name of Andreas."
"Wonderful." Maria replied.
"Yes, eh-" Georg paused as he spoke. "Before we go over there, is there any place you know of that we can go a freshen up a bit?" Georg asked, a little unsurely.
"You can use my washroom. 'Fraid it doesn't have a shower in it, but there's a sink that should serve you just fine." he replied.
"Thank you-?"
"Baldric's the name."
"Baldric."
"Right, the washroom's just down the hall." Baldric said, pointing to their left.
"You go ahead and clean up first." Georg said, to Maria.
Usually the selfless person, Maria would have argued that he go first, but in situations like these Maria gladly took the offer.
Maria looked into the mirror and began to laugh. She looked a mess. There was dirt everywhere, and pieces of grass through her hair. Little scratches from trees and bushes completed her mess of looking like she had climbed a tree, scraped her knee, and then jumped into a pile of dirt and mud.
She turned the cold water on and held her hands under it. It was so nice, refreshing. After her hands were cleaned she splashed water onto her arms and scrubbed the dirt off. She then proceeded to splash the water in her face, getting the top of her dress wet in the process which caused her to laugh once more.
She didn't know what it was, but she was extremely giddy. She kept laughing, and she kept smiling. Things will soon be getting back to normal, she thought. Once Maria was satisfied with cleaning herself up Maria went back into the main room of the shop and waited for Georg.
She was looking around the shop, as Baldric helped moved some things around at the counter. Maria was looking at a beautiful necklace when she heard a small gasp.
"Hello?" Maria asked, startled by the sound. There was the patter of foot steps and Maria turned around to see a girl, no older than five, run behind the counter.
"Ah, I see you've found my daughter: Maria." Baldric said, pointing to the little girl who was peeking out from hiding behind her father.
Maria bent down a little. "Hello, Maria. My name is Maria too." she said, to the little girl.
"Really!" the little Maria asked, no longer frightened of the stranger in her father's shop.
"Really." Maria replied, smiling.
"Ah! Do you want to see the fort I made?" the little girl asked.
"That would be wonderful."
"Come on!" the girl said, excited as she grabbed Maria's hand and led her to the far right corner of the room.
Georg walked into the main room, refreshed and ready to go. When he came into the room he saw that no one was there, nor Baldric and or even Maria. The only thing that suggested someone was in the room, besides himself, was the soft melody coming from the right corner. Georg smiled, of course.
Georg approached the corner to see Baldric sitting in an old rocking chair, listening intently to the melody. Next to him stood, what looked like a small lean-tomb, with to people inside, one unmistakable as Maria, who was singing.
"Bless thy homeland forever" she finished, and earned a small applause from the little girl sitting next to her and Baldric.
"That was really pretty!" the girl exclaimed.
"Thank you." Maria replied. She looked over to see Georg standing with his arms across his chest and smirking. "Oh, Georg there you are!" she exclaimed, moving slightly and stepping out from their hiding spot. She was followed by the little girl. "This is Baldric's daughter, Maria."
"Maria? Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Maria." Georg said, looking at the small girl.
"It's a pleasure to meet you too sir." she said, curtsying. The three adults smiled.
"We, better get going." Georg said to Maria, who nodded.
"You have to leave?" little Maria asked.
"I'm afraid so."
"Oh," the girl looked a little down trodden. "Will you come and visit us again?" she asked.
"Perhaps, someday." Maria said, "but until then, you just keep practicing your singing."
The little Maria seemed to become more happy. "I will." she said, determinedly.
After their goodbyes and thanks yous Maria and Georg were once again walking down the main street, but this time not getting as many odd stares.
"So tell me, does every child you meet fall in love with you the instant they see you?" Georg teased, putting his arm around Maria.
Maria blushed and laughed a little. "I don't know, I haven't met many children in a while."
"Well, it's no matter, because the minute you start singing you win anybody's affection." Maria blushed a deeper red, any more and one would confuse her with a tomato. "Why were you singing, anyway?"
"She saw the wreath of Edelweiss on my head and asked me what it was. After I told her, I said there was a song about it too and she insisted I sing it." Maria replied, the red in her face going away slightly. "Oh, look, here we are." she said, changing the subject and walking into the shop Baldric had told them about.
"Hello. Can I help you?" a man asked, walking towards the two.
"We were told you could help us get two tickets for the next bus to St. Gallen." Georg replied.
"That, I can."
They spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon walking around the town. The people were just what was expected, warm and welcoming. They must get travelers often, because they were very kind to strangers.
The tickets had cost a little less than expected so the two had just enough money to get a slice of chocolate cake to share. Something both had instantly agreed on upon seeing the bakery. They sat in a table in the bakery, eating the slice slowly, savoring the taste of something other than fruit. It was delicious.
"Good morning, Berdy." Maria heard the baker say as a wizened old man came into through the door.
"Is it?" the old man asked.
"Anything wrong Berdy?"
"Woke up early this morning to find two hooligans stealing fruit from my trees." Berdy said grumpily.
When she heard her response Maria choked on the cake that was in her mouth, whether it was from shock or the small amount of laughter building she didn't know. She looked over at Georg to see that his fork had frozen in the midst of it's way to his mouth. His lips pursed together and he too tried to stifle a laugh. Had it been any other situation Maria would have felt guilty, and she did, mind you, but she was just too happy to let anything truly bother her and the laughter began to form. The quickly ate the rest of the cake and Georg grabbed Maria's hand and the two quickly left the bakery. Maria was still in the process of chewing the last bite of cake when she tripped on something and yelped causing her to choke again.
"You alright, deary?" the baker asked.
"Yes, just-ah-rheumatism!" Maria exclaimed, saying the first thing she could think of.
As they left Maria heard the old man Berdy say, "Funny I didn't know rheumatism made someone choke." which made Maria finally break into laughter.
The bus was small, but hardly had anyone on it. "We should probably get some sleep while during the ride." Georg said, as they made their way towards the middle of the bus.
"I know, but I don't think I'll be able to sleep, I'm too excited." Maria replied as they sat down. However, as soon as Maria felt her body make contact with the soft, comfortable cushion she felt fatigue wash over her. These chairs were not dirt, after all. "Well, maybe, if I just close my eyes." she said, falling asleep almost instantly.
Maria woke as someone shook her slightly. "We're here." she heard Georg whisper. She immediately sat up from her position of lying her head on Georg's shoulder.
"Already?"
Georg nodded.
"What time is it?" she asked.
"Ten o'clock."
"Really? Goodness, I slept a long time."
"So did, I just woke up a few minutes ago." Georg stood. "I think it's time to find some children." he said, walking up the isle of the bus.
"I quite agree." Maria replied, as they stepped onto the street.
An hour later they were walking through the country side. Rolling hills and trees were everywhere. Birds were singing. Maria's stomach was in knots of anticipation. She hadn't seen the children in so long. And if she hadn't gone to the festival, or hadn't helped Georg that night, she was sure that she would not be here right now. And who knows when she would have seen them again. Perhaps never. But that didn't matter now. She was back were she belonged. At last.
"That's it." Georg sad, pointing to a cabin on a small hill in front of them. His voice was filled with relief and excitement. Maria could only imagine what emotions were running through Georg at the moment. These were his children. Oh sure, Maria liked to think of the children as hers, she certainly considered them that. But they weren't. But perhaps, someday they would be…someday.
They quickened their pace. Maria was sure that if she didn't have a hurt ankle they would be running up the hill. When they got to the door Maria went to go inside, but Georg had once again stopped, pulling on her arm that he was holding, again.
"Georg? Darling?" Maria asked, puzzled. He wasn't looking at her. He was just staring at the doorknob. "What's wrong?"
He took in a deep breath. "What if-what if they aren't there." he paused. "What if they did, left. What if they got tired of waiting, or thought I-we wouldn't come? Or-" he paused and his voice got quieter. "What if they never made it here in the first place?" he asked.
Maria felt her heart break. "Georg, I'm sure they made it. I'm sure their waiting inside, hoping for your return. Now they'll finally have it." she said, kissing his cheek. He smiled at her, took her hand in his and turned the door knob, it was open.
They stepped cautiously into the house. It was silent and Maria felt her insides tighten. Silence does not accompany a cabin housing seven children and Max Detweiller.
"Hello?" Georg called.
"Children?" Maria asked.
"Max?" Georg yelled.
No answer. They walked up the stairs. And looked into the three rooms. In one there were four beds, crammed into the small space. Maria guessed it was the girls' room. The beds were messy, but there was no evidence they were there. The next room held two beds': the boys' room. Still nothing. The last room, Maria guessed was Max's but there was still no sign of anyone.
They searched the entire house. There was nothing. If they had gotten here they children and Max hid their suitcases well, and cleaned up after themselves. "Anyone here?" Maria called. Nothing.
Georg sighed deeply, angered and worried and walked to the front door, standing the door way, looking out over the hills. Maria watched him for a moment before approaching him. She lightly touched his shoulder and she felt his muscles loose a bit of tension.
"I knew it." was all he said.
"We'll find them, Georg." she said, trying to sooth his thoughts. "We will. I'm sure there's someone in town who noticed a cluster of seven children running about." she tried lightening the mood.
Georg sighed and laughed a little. "You're right." he said, kissing her lightly on the lips.
"THAT WILL BRING US BACK TO DO!" all seven children exclaimed as they began to walk up the hill.
"I'm starving!" Kurt exclaimed as he, the rest of his siblings, and Max made their way back towards the cottage.
"Kurt, we just had breakfast." Liesl laughed.
"Oh, that was hours ago." the boy replied, causing everyone to laugh.
"I like how you think, Kurt." Max said. "Smart boy." he added as Louisa ruffled Kurt's hair in mock affection.
"Can we make the sandwiches once we get inside?" Friedrich asked.
"I'm hungry too." Gretl added.
"See, I'm not the only one." Kurt said to Liesl. They laughed again.
"Um-Uncle Max?"
"Yes, Brigitta?" Max asked, looking up at the girl who had stopped walking.
"There's someone in the doorway." she said, implying the fact that the person was at their cottage.
"There's what?" Max asked, stepping up to stand by Brigitta.
"There's not just one person, but two." Louisa added as she and the rest of the children stood by their sister and Uncle. Sure enough, standing in the door way to their cottage stood two people, standing very close.
"Who in the-" Max was about to ask when the taller of the two people let out a deep laugh.
Everyone gasped. "That sounds a lot like-" Brigitta said, not able to completely her sentence out of pure shock.
"It-it is." Liesl replied.
"FATHER!" Gretl called out, running up the rest of the hill followed closely by her siblings.
"FATHER!" Georg and Maria both snapped their heads to the hill at the sound of a small voice.
"Is that?" Maria asked, squinting.
"Yes, it is."
Running up the hill were seven figures, coming their way at full speed. "Father!"
"Father you're ok!"
"You're here!"
There was a gasp. "FRAULEIN MARIA!"
"I think we've been discovered." Georg joked, stepping forward a few steps, but coming in contact with Gretl instantly, who leapt for a hug. He grabbed his younger child and held her tightly.
As her father was busy hugging Gretl, Marta ran towards Maria, throwing her tiny arms around Maria's waist. Maria let out an "Oof." As Marta clung to her, and she felt a small pain shoot through her ribs, but that pain didn't matter at the moment.
It was chaotic. The children were all talking, and Maria couldn't tell about what. One voice melded with the other and that one with the next, until it was just a wave of sound. The movement going around was even worse than the noise. Everyone was hugging everyone, Maria was sure she hugged each of the children three times, it was a blur, she didn't know.
"Thank God, you're all ok!" Georg said, finally.
"Thank God, we're ok? What about yourself?" a voice said just a ways away. "Ah, Fraulein Maria, a please to see you as always. And a pleasant surprise."
"Hello to you too Max." Maria, said as Max walked the rest of the way up the hill to the family.
"Fraulein Maria?" Gretl asked.
"Yes?"
"What's this?" she asked, pointing to Maria's cast.
"It's a cast. It helps to heal broken bones."
"What happened?" the Louisa asked, looking at Maria's cut on her face.
"It's a long story," Georg said. "Which we have plenty of time for, but at the moment I'm afraid the idea of that food you're all holding is much to tempting. Why don't we go inside, get some lunch and then start with the stories."
Everyone agreed.
"Did you really fall into the creek, Father!" Kurt asked, laughing.
Georg laughed. "Yes, I did."
"I don't think they're going to let you forget that anytime soon." Maria whispered to him. Georg laughed harder. "I'm going to get some more water." she said, louder for everyone to hear. They were all in the living room of the cabin, having just finished lunch. Maria took the pitcher that they had been using with her to the kitchen. She and Georg had been successful in drinking most of the water, and this was the fourth time someone had gone to get more.
When she entered the kitchen Maria was startled to see Liesl looking out of the window. "Darling, what are you doing in here?" she asked, walking towards the sink.
"Thinking." Liesl replied. Her voice was far off, as if she were dreaming.
"About what?" Maria pressed the matter, knowing that something was troubling Liesl.
"Everything I suppose." Her voice was quiet. Maria set down the pitcher and walked to stand next to the younger girl.
"Darling, you know you can tell me anything."
If Maria wanted to here her problems, then Liesl would waste no time telling them. She needed to tell someone, after all. "I was so scared Fraulein, we all were. All I could remember for a long time was Father telling Max to take us and Max assuring me that everything would be alright. Then we heard nothing from him for nearly a month." she paused and took a deep calming breath. "Everyday Gretl would ask me where he was. And everyday my reply was 'Where ever he is, I'm sure he's fine.' Uncle Max would always be in town, trying to find a way to contact Father, searching as best he could, so I looked after everyone." she paused and laughed a little. "I'll never understand how we didn't make you crazy." Maria laughed. "Then one day, Father's here and with you. And you're in this condition." she said, pointing to Maria's face and arm. "What really happened Fraulein Maria."
In telling the children of their story, Maria and Georg had left out certain details about how Maria had gotten hurt, after all they were children. Maria sighed and looked at Liesl. She had been right in telling Georg all those months ago that Liesl wasn't a child anymore, but blossoming into a woman. These past few weeks of keeping her brothers and sisters inline thrust Liesl into the world of adulthood sooner than one could wish for, Maria could tell. The last traces of baby fat that had accompanied the girl when Maria had first met her was gone. She stood taller, she acted and talked with maturity, and there was now something in her eyes. Something that came as one grows older. Maria knew she couldn't keep the truth from Liesl, and more than anything the girl had earned the right to know.
"Well, like we said there were two men-" Maria quickly retold the story, for Liesl's ears only, only leaving out a few of the things the men had said. "so that's how I came to look like the mess I do." she finished with a joke.
"That's horrible, Fraulein!" Liesl exclaimed.
Maria nodded, "But I'm alright now. Don't worry."
"Fraulein Maria?"
"Yes, Liesl?"
"What you two said about you and Father is true? I mean, you've fixed things? You aren't going to leave ever again, are you? " Liesl asked, making it quite clear that she didn't want Maria to leave.
Maria smiled and laughed a little, "Yes, Liesl, it's very true. And of course I'm here to stay! You couldn't pay me to keep away."
Later that night after Maria and Georg had each taken a shower and changed clothes, Maria into one of Liesl's dresses and Georg into a pair of Max's clothes, the ten occupants of the house sat in the living area. It was like Maria and Georg had never crossed half of Austria and the Swiss border. It was like Maria and Georg had never broken their engagement in the first place, it had almost never existed. They sat, joking, laughing, playing card games, reading, talking, singing…all as a family.
As far as any were concerned, the children had no bed time tonight. It was a night for celebration. Which explained while all seven children (and Max) were sprawled across the chairs, couch and floor beginning to dream. Maria and Georg were the only two who were still awake, sitting close and their arms and hands entwined.
"We finally, actually, truly made it." Maria said, yawning.
Georg laughed. "Yes, we finally, actually, and truly did." Maria laughed.
"Were you planning on leaving this cottage, or were you planning on just staying here?" Maria asked, closing her eyes, and lying her head against Georg's shoulder.
"I never truly got to that part of the plan. But let's not worry about it now, I'm tired of traveling." Georg replied, and they both laughed.
"I don't think I could be any happier than I am at this moment." Maria said, eyes still closed.
"Really?" Georg sounded amused.
"Yes."
"You know, I think I can."
"Oh? How so?"
"Well," Georg moved so that Maria's head fell onto the couch cushion. She sat up and looked at him funny, he was now facing her. "Over these past weeks I've been reminded of why I fell in love with you in the first place." he said, making Maria blush. "I know we agreed to just be a couple, back on that mountain, but I-can't" Maria smiled, as Georg at their entwined hands. "Maria, would you do me the honor of being my wife?" he asked
Maria smiled, and looked at their hands as well. She remembered when Georg had asked about rekindling their relationship up on the mountain. She had thought he was talking about getting engaged, and she remembered being terrified of the thought of getting hurt again. But she wasn't anymore, not now. She was finally complete, and Georg was right she could be even happier than she was a few minutes ago.
She nodded, "Yes, but I suggest we ask the children for permission first." she said, smiling brightly. Georg laughed a little, but beamed broadly as he leaned forward to capture Maria's lips in a kiss.
"The answer's yes." the voice of Liesl filled the air and Georg and Maria broke apart to see the young woman throw the book that was lying on her face onto the floor and turn on her side to go to sleep.
Maria and Georg stared at Liesl's back stunned. Maria blushed deeply and looked away, Georg chuckled. "I think that's a blessing." Georg said, kissing Maria again.
"I'll agree to that one." she replied, kissing him back.
And it happened. There was no worrying about tomorrow, nor was there regret of yesterday. There was now. Completeness, hope, compassion, passion, love, trust. She had trusted herself and instinct , and it led her on a journey more unimaginable than any. It had been filled with loss and hope, sad and happy; and yet, she wouldn't have had it any other way. Maria didn't know what the future had in store for her, but she knew that come what may she would always trust in her heart.
Fin
Author's Note:
1. The reunion part about the house being empty was and idea given to me by the great The Marauders3. Thank you again for letting me use the wonderful idea!
2. Thanks to anyone who has ever reviewed! I would name all of you, but my computer is being lame and I'm having problems…but thank you so much! I appreciate your reviews more than you could possibly know! You are all so wonderful! Thank you again.
My Final Regards: I've been writing this story since December and I'm really sad to see it end. I think it's become one of my favorites, if not my favorite that I've written. I've had my ups and downs and nothing has brought me more joy than writing for you all and I suppose I just want to say thanks again!
As for another story, I don't know. A sequel to this one? Maybe. I'm usually not one for sequels, but there's a first time for everything. But I still don't know. I was thinking about a Wicked one…and then there's my own original story that I have brewing. So I don't know how long it will be before I write another SOM fic or any other for that matter…we'll just have to see
Thank you all again!
Until we meet again!
Your humble author,
The Lonely Goatherd
"So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye!"
"So if you care to find me, look to the western sky!"