School Begins
When the family arrived home after the parade, the children began to talk about the day school would begin.
"Maria, are you as surprised as I am how excited Marta and Gretl are about going to school?"
"I am. Perhaps it's because they already know one of their classmates."
"Yes, that does help."
"The others are excited too; they've told me they really like going to a real school."
"And I'm looking forward to hearing all about their first day when I come home."
Soon Katia announced that dinner was ready. She had prepared the tomato soup everyone liked but without the ham. There were crackers to crumble for the soup; a salad rounded out the meal. And each had a couple of cookies for desert.
During family time in their living room, they talked about the fun day they had had. Maria soon took the little girls up to bed; within a few minutes the other children had followed. The other adults said their goodnights and Franz secured the home.
The married couple was never too tired for their marital activity; but it did cause them fall asleep quickly. And they woke as the sun once again shined brightly in the master suite. Georg had duty that day; he dressed first and went downstairs.
Franz had retrieved the newspaper from the front porch; he immediately showed it to Georg when he came downstairs. He read the headline.
Hitler announces his Title.
Hitler has chosen the German word Führer to be his official title. And everyone is ordered to salute him and say Heil Hitler. He claims to be the leader of all people of German descent. His goal is an empire like the Roman Empire. And he has stripped Jewish people of citizenship; he has made life miserable for them.
This is just the beginning people. The paper will continue to have articles on Hitler as he carries out his plans.
"Franz, I knew some of this. Hitler reminds me of the barbarians of the early centuries. I also believe he will take over all the countries of Western Europe. None have an army which can defeat Hitler.
The American government will try to stay out of this war, but for how long nobody knows. Let's hide the paper. I know eventually the older children will learn about Hitler. But for now I want to keep it from them."
"I'll be sure and find it every morning before they wake up."
"Thanks, Franz."
Georg also knew he had to share the news with Maria; he had told her what he thought would be happening in Europe the day he told her Elsa was a spy. It has all come true. He sighed heavily.
His children's voices got his attention. All of them were wishing today would pass quickly so they could go to school in the morning.
He responded to them. "It really pleases me you are so anxious to go to school."
"We want to see our friends, Rosemarie and Rita, Daddy. Did you know Brigitta's classmate is also named Rosemarie?"
"What a coincidence and daddy is very happy you made friends so soon. Now I need to get ready to leave."
Maria followed him. He had time to tell her about the newspaper article.
"Maria, I'm sure you remember our conversation that morning after Liesl had heard Elsa on the telephone."
"I do."
"It's all beginning to come true. Hitler has declared himself the Führer; it means a ruler who is ruthless and tyrannical. People must raise their hand and say Heil Hitler not just to him but when they meet anyone. His goal is to form a big empire of all German speaking nations. He dislikes Jewish people; he has stripped them of their citizenship. The worst is yet to come. Franz hid today's newspaper which contained this information; I'm hoping to keep it from the children as long as possible. But our older children may learn about it at school tomorrow.
"I'll be prepared if they do."
"Tell them not to worry."
"I will."
The couple shared a romantic passionate kiss; it strengthened each of them. And before Georg got in his car, he kissed her again and said to his children.
They waived until the car was out of sight. And this morning was like yesterday; bed covers were straightened and Maria and Isabel washed and dried another load of clothes.
When Maria came from the basement she heard Friedrich ask. "Has anyone found any pencils or pens?"
"Have you looked where you found the games and puzzles?"
"No, I'll look now, Mom."
He did look and spoke loudly. "Not only are there boxes of pencils, there are also several black and white hardcover books with blank pages.
His siblings came running to see what he had found. Brigitta spoke first. "We may use them for our assignments."
"You may be correct."
"Maybe if we go to the playground my friend will be there and we can ask what we need to bring on our first day."
"Good idea, Brigitta! Let's get ready to go there." Kurt exclaimed.
Maria got caught up in her children's excitement; it pleased her. And they were ready to leave the house in only a few minutes.
Once again Franz came with them. He had a comment too. "I can't believe how enthusiastic all of you are about school."
"It's exciting, Franz." Friedrich told him.
"And I see there are other children already there."
"And I see my classmate, Rosemarie."
She had seen Brigitta and they ran to each other. "Are you excited about school beginning tomorrow?"
"I am. My brother Friedrich found a pile of black and white notebooks in a closet."
"They're our assignment notebooks. You also need lined paper for your homework. The paper can be folded and placed in your notebook so it won't get torn or wrinkled."
"Thank you for telling me. I'll tell my brothers and sisters."
"Let's go swing."
The two girls ran off and Maria smiled. She was really pleased the children had made friends so easily.
After about an hour, dark clouds covered the sun. Franz rounded up the children and they quickly walked home. The rain began almost as soon as they arrived under the portico.
The children found a book to read until lunch time. After lunch they either read or put a puzzle together. Marta and Gretl colored pages in a coloring book they found in the closet.
Now Maria was anxious for Georg to come home. She knew he was learning terrible things were happening in Europe. She felt it was duty to make him forget all that and enjoy family time.