10

It had been a few days, since the book incident and the teasing about the Italian pirate. It seemed that things had finally returned to their routine. For the first few days everyone somehow kept their a distance, except of course Maria and the children. Even Max was different, his jokes were more measured and obviously avoiding George as a target, but Maria felt he scrutinized her more.

And the Captain, well that was different story. Everything about him was up and down, a real rollercoaster of changeable moods and his temper. Maria concluded it must be the lack of sleep by the black circles under his eyes. That's why he looked weary and of course there was a constant grumbling. And when he was not moody, then he would be brooding.

For the first days he would bark at everyone, wearing that stoic mask and frowning, so everyone avoided him as much as possible. The children, and even Max and Elsa, left the villa as often as possible with excuses. Maria left often too, but her reason was different, she still felt ashamed.

But she felt most sorry for the children because they didn't understood why was he acting like that and that didn't suit her very well. And that slowly boiled in her and was stronger and more important then her embarrassment about the book.

The children were already outside, and she was on her way to join them from her room. They had been waiting for her outside for a long time, so she hurried to join them before the chorus of misunderstanding could begin. To save time she quickly approached the banister and grabbed it with her hand, and set out to raise her leg, then froze.

"What exactly are you doing, Fraulein!" came a stern and austere voice.

The captain stood there with an unmistakably stiff and strict posture. She rolled her eyes, not trying to hide her opinion or her posture or intention. Yes, she felt anger all over her.

"The children are waiting for me, so this is much faster and it's more fun. Maybe you should try it sometime!" she answered with cheeky grin while cocking her head, trying to hide her annoyance. She knew she was on thin ice, but she could hardly bear the children's solemn faces any more.

"What's that supposed to mean?" he asked with curiously, with a raised eyebrow and an intense piercing look, while slowly approaching her. His voice lost its strictness. Maria instantly forgot how to breathe, again feeling like frozen chicken.

"Well sir, the children miss your presence!" she said sincerely, hands fidgeted, looking directly in his eyes, not wanting to challenge him. She only wanted to point out the welfare of the children. And she finally let go of the breath she was holding.

At that moment he admitted defeat, he could not be angry with her or the children, she was right again. And he noticed that the children no longer looked him in the eyes, or wanted to be near him, but kept to the side. He promised himself that he would never neglect them again.

"Only the children, Fraulein?" he asked playfully, making her instantly flush as he took another step. He felt the male proud in him rise to the highest. No, he had not lost his touch, he concluded smugly.

"Yes, no! I mean the children missed you, when you are just their father!" she added bluntly, then quickly composed herself after the slip of the tongue, oh, she missed him too, much more than she would admit.

"Oh, ho, ho now I am curious," he felt familiar tickling in his lower stomach, delighted with her original statement. No, he hadn't lost it, he was still in the game, he concluded smugly, now standing closely in front of her.

"Now tell me!" he coaxed her gently, with smirk. Oh he missed her, she was the beginning and the end of his troubling thoughts. She was a joyful spirit, and she was like a sunshine-filled day.

"Well sir, as you know we were practicing marching through the gardens, breathing deeply of course, with discipline and decorum, but from time to time, we needed someone who knows how to blow that silly whistle!" There was that mischievous smile, and the sparkle in her eyes.

As much as he enjoyed teasing her, he very much enjoyed her subterfuge, mischief, defensiveness and teasing back. It was very stimulating indeed and he was wondering how long he would be able to control himself before grabbing her to seek revenge for all the suffering. But for now he had to be patient and let her lead the way.

"Oh, ho, is that so? I am glad I can be of some kind help Fraulein, shall we go!" They both left to go outside and join the children. No more brooding, he would embrace life and enjoy the day with his children, he decided.

The day was simply divine, beautifully sunny, with a light breeze caressing the leaves and bringing the scent of flowers, along with the contented chirping of birds.

The children were delighted with the presence of the father and they all competed for his attention. Maria couldn't have imagined a nicer picture than that, and Captain seemed to enjoy it too because he was constantly smiling, emphasizing his dimples. It made him look so youthful and carefree and even more handsome than ever, Maria mused.

After finally reaching an agreement on what type of game to play with the ball, the older children and captain separated into teams. Maria went with the younger children and sat in the shade under a big oak tree where they spread out a big blanket and painted. She felt so peaceful and content, everything was just as it should be and the children were delighted. They got under her skin so much that their grief was hers as much as their happiness. There was nothing she would not do for them.

She really tried to pay attention to Marta and Gretl, but it was extremely difficult watching the captain running, only in his unbuttoned shirt and rolled sleeves. She was surprised how fit and agile he was with the ball. He definitely did not fit into her image of an aristocratic.

After a while, the captain apologized and lay down on the blanket next to her to rest. It was obvious that he was tired because he was still panting, as if he wanted to prove something by trying to be the best of them all. Although he was sweaty and in a disorderly state, for Maria he was never more handsome and alluring with messy hair falling on all sides and a wide smile. Maria was transfixed with his appearance and especially with his muscles under a sweaty shirt.

At one point, Georg thought he was going to have a heart attack, from the great effort to prove to himself, but more importantly to that urchin girl, that he was capable of many things. And when he noticed that she was clumsily trying to hide how she was watching his every step, his male pride only grew bigger. It intrigued him that the little nun was not immune to men and a muscular physique at all, judging by her pink face.

He was wondering how far it would go. Was she only curious or did she feel something stronger? He would have to find out. With a smug smile he approached the blanket and lay down near her, closer than was appropriate. Aware that he had long ago crossed many boundaries of behaviour between employer and employee, he still didn't care at all. It was just that he always felt himself being pulled by some irresistable force to be as close to her as possible. With the excuse that he wanted to get some rest, he lay down and closed his eyes, but still from time to time he watched her under his lashes.

Maria was paralyzed by his proximity, clumsily trying to ignore him, but that was simply impossible. And it got even worse when the girls left her to finish the drawing and went to pick flowers, leaving a pleasant silence behind, which was even more relaxing with the light sound of the wind moving through the leaves. It was just perfect and both felt the same contentment.

After contentedly concluding that Maria had carefully examined every part of his body and face, the insomnia of the last few days overwhelmed him and he fell asleep.

Her gaze was glued to his body while his chest muscles moving as he breathed, and his proud and distinguished face. To be honest he was really a beautiful specimen of a man. Yes, he really should be on the gates of the Abbey and be the ultimate judge of the temptation, deciding who will become nun. It was not fair that only she had to be confronted with this hard tribulation.

As time went on, she managed to gather herself a little and was already nearing the end of finishing the pictures started by the girls. While she was painting the fence in the picture, a part of a dandelion floating under Captain's nose caught her eye. She was sorry to wake him up from a deep sleep and quickly with thumb removed the piece of dandelion, trying not to wake him.

Maria knew she was sometimes clumsy and reckless but this was the topped it and she would always remember what happened next, as long as she lived.

Georg was in a deep sleep. In the distance he heard the children's happy and cheerful voices. He was lying down near Maria talking and laughing together of the silly shapes of the clouds. Everything was just perfect. Suddenly she slumped on her elbow. Her face was serious and betrayed the dilemma between who she was and what she thinks she wanted, while she gathering courage. He quietly prayed to God, to give it to her. Suddenly, gathering her courage, her soft lips pressed quickly to his. It was the most clumsy, most innocent, most beautiful and erotic kiss he had ever experienced. He literally melted, it was divine. Lost in that feeling he became aroused immediately, but then , he suddenly awoke from his sleep, realising where he was and with whom. That thought instantly brought him back to the reality. He jumped up trying to hide his groin.

Still dazed from sleep, feeling little embarrassed, hiding his bulge, he didn't understand what was going on. The children came and stood still with a questioning look in their eyes. Maria was saying something but he didn't understand. Then Frau Schmidt came and also stopped frozen, as a tray of cakes and lemonade fell out of her hands. Oh, God they had probably seen his bulge. In that moment he thought there was no bigger embarrassment.

Suddenly, Max came into his sight, approached him with a smug smile on his face. He slowly raised his right hand in Nazi style and greeted him: "Heil Georg!" then emphasizing his greetings by adding a very dramatic snap of his shoes together. Max's great amusement, followed the giggling of the children and of course Maria.

Why was he not surprised by that? Only Frau Schmidt still stood frozen and speechless.

Still confused about what was going on, an idea had already begun to form in his head. He bent down and picked up a tray to check his face and was immediately shocked. He was not mistaken. Considering his attitude about the Nazis and his patriotic beliefs, this was far more embarrassing than anything, he thought.

For God sake he was wearing a Hitler mustache!

He immediately felt a rush of great anger and rage. He saw red, he was so pissed off. His groin problem was already forgotten. Although he was overwhelmed by anger, his sharp mind was feverishly working quickly and suddenly all the clues pointed to one person.

He turned angrily, with a tense body, clenched fists with a look that was enough to freeze anyone, except her of course. She bravely stood in front of him with those blue eyes wide open and an expression on her face that barely concealed her amusement. In that moment he got even angrier, if that was possible.

"Fraulein!" he screamed, feeling anger all over the body. He knew somehow that she was the culprit. He tried to wipe the paint off the face.

For moment Maria was paralysed by his serious attitude and the funny moustache. She couldn't understand why he couldn't see the funny side of the situation. Oh it was so hilarious. She already had a hard time covering her amusement. But when he raised his voice she shuddered and realised that she had made another huge mistake. She had woken up a very angry bull.

"Heil Sir!" she said with huge grin and greeted him in clumsy way with her right hand, exposing her painted fingers.

Oh, silly, silly Maria!

That was the last thought that crossed her mind as he approached her with his raised arms to strangle her.

xxx

What happened next would was legendary and never forgotten. Because for years it would be narrated in the Von Trapp household.

As Georg approached, Maria quickly instinctively stepped back. Soon she started running with a chuckle that made him even angrier, so he started running after her, shouting at her to stop.

Everyone watched in amazement, following the two adults who were behaving like schoolchildren. The silly situation became ridiculous to everyone except of course the raging bull. Georg was so angry that everyone was a little scared for Maria and tried to be close, to support her. Although everyone knew that Maria was very fast, they were surprised by how soon he caught her.

He scooped her up off the ground in one angry motion as if she were a feather and slung her over her shoulder as she screaming, waving her legs and demanded that he let her go.

Then he slapped her lightly on the bottom with one swing to stabilized her, then strode to the end of the terrace and threw her into the lake.

None of the audience needed to be a genius to conclude that he was extremely pleased with himself. His smug expression showed his male pride as he waited for Maria to emerge from the water.

Maria was furious, he had slapped her bottom, thrown her into the lake!

How dare he!

She emerged from cool lake water with murderous look. She wanted to erase his smug smile and shatter his attitude of having the "upper hand." Oh, he was so annoying. She wondered how much prayer would be enough penance if an employee strangled her employer.

She emerged from water, her hair glued to her head and her dress shrivelled like a little mouse. Meanwhile he couldn't contain his roar of laughter, his rage already forgotten. But when he saw how her wet clothes emphasized every feminine curve and hardened her nipple's from cold water, he gulped. He was sure she would be death to him.

Climbing the stairs with at least a little dignity, she glared at him. At first she thought about completely ignoring him but that was impossible especially with that smug smile, which annoyed her even more.

"You, you are not gentleman at all!" she said feigning indifference and instantly flushed aware of the direction of his eyes direction and quickly cover her chest feeling embarrassed by his leering look. That scoundrel, he didn't even try to hide that knowing look. But he quickly gathered himself and put on an illegible mask accompanied by an inevitably mocking smile.

"Oh really?! I don't think your behaviour is exactly ladylike either, climbing trees and sliding down the banister. Erm, maybe if you improve your jumping technique in the lake he said in low patronizing and teasing voice.

She rolled her eyes and huffed, leaving him grinning, walking slowly so that the sound of slapping with her wet shoes could be heard as little as possible. The children who were quietly watching the funny exchange followed her to house worried for her wellbeing.

He stared after her, still standing in wonder how a mountain girl could awaken every nerve in him. He felt like a youngster again and very much alive in every possible way.

"Tut, tut you are playing with fire my old man!" said Max who had watched the thing with an amused smile. He was glad to see that his friend was finally genuinely smiling.

"I don't know what you talking about," Georg said briskly, avoiding his stare.

"Oh, yes you do, all that leering, oh you rascal!" Max said looked him with knowingly.

"I am sure Elsa wouldn't be pleased with your behaviour," he pressed.

"Max don't you dare to say anything to her!" Georg warned in a low voice.

"Of course, I wouldn't, but you are forgetting yourself. I only ever saw you behave like this once in your life. Pull yourself together or someone will get hurt!" he said honestly.

They had been friends for so many years and Max was glad that his longtime friend was coming to his senses after all his years of suffering. But he was also becoming attached to Maria and he felt protective of both the women in Georg's life. One who craved to be with him and the other who was too naïve to figure on her own what was so obvious. He concluded that his presence would be much needed at 53 Aigen than in Salzburg.

And to be honest it was far more entertaining.

xxx

Hello, I hope you liked this chapter and little revenge by Georg, what you think is Max wrong?