It's a Friday afternoon and I'm dreading my homework load this weekend...so I've decided to procrastinate even more and write a little something...
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A/N: Since the film made the mistake of having the family escaping via the Alps, I thought I'd rectify that somehow. Also, the impetus for this fic came from jordananne. Thanks for the idea, Jordan!
Chapter 1
The night sky was an inky black as a bitter wind washed over the beautiful dark landscape of Austria. Through the deep night, a car could be seen hurrying toward some distant destination; its headlights were switched off. Within, the occupants looked grim and stony-faced, the eldest woman with a terrifying determined look at her face. This woman had her arms protectively wrapped around two young girls sitting by her, their faces uplifted toward hers, trusting and loving.
This was the family von Trapp, and they were fleeing Austria. Captain Georg von Trapp sat at the wheel, knowing full well how pivotal this night was. The fate of his family was to be decided. The train station was not far ahead now, if only they could catch the last train out, they would be safe. His family would be safe, they would be refugees in the Second World War, but they would be together, that's all that mattered. Georg felt he could deal with anything the Nazi party threw at him, if only his family could be safe, if only he had Maria there with him...
His wife sat in the back seat with their children, trying very hard not to seem frightened. She must stay strong for the children, they looked to her for emotional support and she must not let them down. Quietly, she started humming a song and smiled as the children joined in, taking care not to raise their voices. They all knew the tune well, but none of them dared sing out loudly, even though that would've calmed their nerves drastically; there may be attentive ears nearby.
Maria looked around her, at the children, at Georg, and her determined look stiffened. They simply had to get through this, the Lord wouldn't be so cruel as to give her all this joy and happiness only to take it away so soon. He was kinder than that, she was sure. Such a God who can give her more love than she'd ever dreamed would certainly be generous and kind. This was her family, her life. Gently hugging the two little ones next to her a little harder, she allowed her mind to drift back to the past few days. She and Georg had only recently returned from their glorious honeymoon, her mood lightened at the mere thought of it; they had been so happy to return to the children.
Those weeks in Paris made her realize how much she truly loved these children, how much it hurt to be without them. Then...then that telegram. The Anschluss. At that moment, she entertained for the first time the thought that her way of life would be destroyed. Georg then quickly made plans for them to leave, thank goodness they had escaped Herr Zeller and his cronies. She shuddered to think what would've happened had Georg been taken away for their navy, and an overwhelming wave of love crashed over her once more for her husband. This man had shown her a world she never thought possible. He had given her a true purpose to life, a will and a way. He had given her these wonderful children and he had given her his love and devotion. Suddenly, Maria could not believe how lucky she was, how terribly lucky and blessed.
The stars overhead shone brightly as the lone vehicle sped down the road, chasing a ticket for the last train out of Austria. A pair of bright eyes stared out of the window, reflecting the dots of light above. These belonged to Liesl. She felt apprehensive, who knows what the night would bring. A new chapter was starting in her family's life, a chapter in her own young life.
The life she had known for sixteen years was suddenly left far behind, somewhere amid the winding road and dark swaying trees. She knew she was not a child anymore, but she still felt frightened. The war would change things, she knew that. It was almost as though she were forced to grow up too quickly. Forced into adult shoes she felt she wasn't ready for. A silent tear coursed its way down her cheek and she quickly reached up and wiped it away, feeling suddenly ashamed. She was, after all, the eldest child. She had lived in a dream world, protected from all the evils of life, and now, for the first time at the tender age of sixteen, she was being thrust out into an unknown world filled with complicated situations and obstacles. Liesl smiled at her own worrying, there was nothing to be frightened of, she thought, Father would take care of everything, as he always does. And Fraulein – Mother – would comfort and care for us like no other person would. Liesl hummed along to the familiar tune and glanced sideways at Maria. Yes, she was an excellent mother, though Liesl, and I love her dearly. The young girl sighed contently and returned to her star-gazing.
At long last, the slightly brighter horizon showed the dark shape of the train station looming into view. Georg breathed a silent sigh of relief; there were no Nazi guards at the gates. He eased the car quietly into a parking spot, "Maria, children, stay here and wait for me, I'm going to ask for tickets."
The others nodded and silently bade him to be careful, which he acknowledged with a curt nod in return.
The Captain walked quickly to the only ticket booth with a light on, after all, it was very late. "Hello, may I please have nine tickets to the nearest Switzerland station? The soonest train possible."
The older man peered at Georg through the grimy glass, "Name, please? And I'll need an official ID," he added slyly.
Georg stared, hesitating. Then, wordlessly he pulled out an ID card and pushed it across to the vendor with the appropriate amount of money. "Please, I'm in a hurry."
"Captain Georg von Trapp eh? I see, here are your tickets. Have a safe journey."
"Err...thank you."
"But where are your other passengers, Captain?" the man inquired, eyes narrowed.
"Other passengers? Oh yes, they're...waiting...over there." He gestured vaguely, wishing to leave now.
The man merely nodded and smiled a little too broadly. "Goodbye, Captain."
Georg was so grateful for the quick transaction that he did not notice the gleam in the other man's eye as he watched Georg's retreating back. The man chuckled and muttered quietly to himself, "We've got you now dear Captain." He stepped quickly to the back of the booth and picked up the telephone receiver. "Hello? Yes this is Karl reporting. The captain just made it to the station and purchased tickets. Yes I made sure to give him the appropriate tickets. He's heading toward the trains right now. Good, goodbye."
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Dun dun dun...what oh what will happen next?
