A/N: Hey everyone! I currently started on my second story called "Iceberg, Right Ahead!" It has multiple viewpoints from first and third class passengers of the Titanic. I promise that I won't neglect this story.
Helga let out a heavy sigh as the truck left the doors of Auschwitz. She rubbed her head to prevent the headache that formed from spreading. It was a stressful day, and she wanted to forget it.
"Are you okay?" Curly asked his blonde companion. "You look tense."
"Just a long day," explained Helga. "I never want to go to that wretched place again."
Curly patted her hand. "You couldn't expect for all of this to happen. How could we have possibly planned on Himmler being there? Or that Eugene was-"
"Don't you dare finish that sentence!" Helga barked. "We are not discussing it."
"I just have to say I'm surprised to see the way you acted. I've never seen a woman so aggressive before. Thank goodness the SS were wearing brown pants or there would have been some stains." He laughed maniacally at his joke.
"It's been years since I've acted like that," she stated thoughtfully. "I was a hellion as a child. Brash, offensive, blunt." She chuckled softly. "Years of being brainwashed by the League must have mellowed me out over time. I didn't know I had that kind of fire in me still."
"I think you always had that passion. It just exploded with events."
"I guess," Helga replied, returning to a melancholy state. "Are you sure they're okay back there?"
"They'll be fine. Although I'm sure they're still scared because they don't know what's going on."
"Arnold knows. But considering my past with the others, I'm sure it will be difficult for them to trust me."
"I'm sure they will once they see we don't kill them," Curly reassured. "We'll take them to my place, get them shower and fed, give them the new clothes, and take them to Sid's. I'm certain once Harold sees Sid, they will all realize they're safe."
"I hope you're right."
"I am. Just have some faith."
Easier said than done, Helga thought.
They continued driving until they reached a small house just outside of Krakow. It was secluded, which was perfect to hide everyone for now. Curly turned the truck off and both stepped out, with Helga carrying the suitcase full of new clothes. They headed towards the trunk and opened the back door.
The current occupants of the trunk looked at Helga and Curly with fear in their eyes. That is, everyone's except Arnold's. He looked at his two saviors with hope that the worst is finally behind them.
"Helga, where are we?" asked Arnold.
Helga looked at Curly for assurance, who nodded at her. Helga looked around to make sure they were alone before responding in a hushed tone. "This man is not Dr. Bliss. His name is Curly Gammelthorpe. We are at his home just outside of Krakow. We're here to get you guys cleaned and fed before going into the city. I have a change of clothes for all of you, though they may not fit properly. Once we finish up here, we will go to our permanent residence in the city. We have a friend who has graciously offered refuge in his house. He has a small apartment where we will live. My friend Phoebe and I have been there for about a week now and have made the place look nice for everyone. So, I suggest we go inside so you all can get cleaned up."
Arnold was the first to move. He jumped out of the trunk and looked back at the others. They haven't moved from their positions.
"How can we trust her?" Harold asked. "She's German! And her dad works at the camp!"
"That doesn't mean I'm a Nazi, Pink Boy!" Helga argued.
"Don't call me Pink Boy, Madam Fortress Mommy!"
"Enough!" Arnold shouted. The two fighters looked at him. "Fighting isn't going to help us. Harold, let's do what she says, alright? I mean, she did get us out of there."
"Only to torture us even more," he muttered.
"Helga, who is this friend who owns the house?" Arnold asked, ignoring Harold's remark.
"His name's Sid Gifaldi. He is part of the black market. He has informants all over Poland."
"Wait," Harold said. "You know Sid?"
"Yeah," Helga replied. "Stinky gave me his information before I left Berlin. In fact, Sid was the one who suggested I come to Auschwitz and see if you were in there."
"I knew I could count on him. We all grew up in the same neighborhood. We got into some crazy shenanigans as kids. We made a promise to look after one another. So, if he trusts you, then I trust you." He got out of the truck and stood next to Arnold. "Patty, are you coming out?"
Patty sat still where she was. She hadn't moved the entire time since leaving Auschwitz. Curly went in to examine her. "She's in shock," he confirmed. "It must have been a lot what you went through. She just needs some time for recovery. Can someone carry her? She needs someone she can trust."
Harold went back in and carried her out. They all then turned around to head into the house. Helga brought up the rear. She rubbed her eyes from exhaustion. Just then, she felt a pair of arms wrapped around her. "Thank you, Helga," a male voice said.
She opened her eyes and smiled. "You're welcome, Eugene."
"It isn't much," Curly said. "I don't use this place that often, but it has all we need right now." The group of six entered the house. It was plain with very little furniture. The kitchen was stocked with food. She began to cook while the men each washed off and changed into the new clothes. By the time the men were finished, Helga had the food ready.
They each took a bowl, with the exception of Patty. She remained motionless on a chair. Helga sat next to her and put a spoon to her face. Slowly, her mouth formed over the spoon and she swallowed the contents. They continued to do this until she ate all the food. Helga stood up from her seat and walked towards the men in the living room.
"I'm going to get her washed up," she informed them.
"Do you need any help getting her to the bathroom?" asked Arnold.
"No, I'm going to try and get her to walk. If I need assistance, I'll let you know."
She grabbed the clothes and walked up to Patty. "I'm going to take you to the bathroom and get you washed up." Patty didn't budge an inch. "I'm going to try and lift you up so we can walk over. Just try and help me as much as you can. I know you can do it."
Helga wrapped her arms around Patty and hoisted her up. Patty managed to put some weight on her legs as the two walked into the bathroom. Patty had some difficulty walking, but she was able to put on more weight with each step. When Helga got inside, she approached a small dilemma: getting Patty's clothes off. She didn't have the strength to stand on her own. She dropped the clothes on the floor and looked over at Patty.
"I'm going to try and get this off, okay." Patty didn't move. Slowly, Helga started lifting the bottom of her uniform up, not taking her eyes off of Patty's face. "Now, I'm going to place you in the tub, then get the rest of this off." She did as she said and placed Patty into the shallow-filled tub. Helga removed the rest of the uniform, but not before seeing that there was a difference between Patty's uniform from Harold's and Eugene's. She had the yellow triangle, but there was also a black triangle over it. It was inverted and black, with a hole in the center. She placed it to the side.
Helga grabbed a sponge and soaked in the water. She took Patty's frail arm and began to wash it. Helga looked over Patty's body. She was incredibly thin, almost a skeleton. There was no hair anywhere. Helga could count all of her ribs. She looked at Patty's arm and saw her number tattooed in blue ink. 26514. Helga felt sick but kept it together for Patty. She knew she must stay strong for her.
When she finished washing Patty, Helga got her out of the tub and wiped her off with a towel. She then put on Patty's new dress. It was a little large, but it looked nice on her. As a finishing touch, Helga grabbed a small kerchief and wrapped it around Patty's head. "You can wear this as long as you need to. Don't worry, your hair will grow back."
Patty still did not move. Helga sighed and walked her back out to the others. Harold stood up and took Patty to a seat. "How did it go?" he asked.
"Fine," Helga replied, leaning over a chair.
"Are you okay, Helga?" Eugene asked.
Helga nodded. "Just tired."
Curly stood up. "May I suggest we head to Sid's then? It's starting to get dark and I'm sure they are wondering where we are."
"Let's go."
"Helga, you're back!" Phoebe wrapped tightly around her friend. "I was starting to worry when it took so long. I thought you would have been back sooner."
"It's a long story, Pheebs. We ran into a few hiccups along the way, but we're all here and safe."
"I'm so glad to hear that! Is everyone okay?"
"Not exactly. Patty is in shock."
"Oh, dear," mumbled Phoebe. "Well, we will do what we can to make her, along with everyone, as comfortable as possible. Where are they?"
"Upstairs in the living room with Sid, Curly, and Gerald." The two girls went up to see the new tenants. "Hey, everyone, this is Phoebe Heyerdahl. Phoebe, this is Arnold, Harold, Eugene, and Patty."
"Nice to meet everyone."
"Is she Japanese?" Eugene asked.
"I am, but like Helga, I am against the fighting. My father is a Japanese ambassador while my mother lives in America, in a place called Kentucky. It was unsafe for me to be with either parent, so I was sent to live Helga and her family."
"Why aren't you with them?" Arnold asked.
"Part of the plan was me saying I was a nurse. To make it believable, we had to leave my parents' home. It was a blessing, to be honest. My parents aren't the best, so getting out of there was the best thing that could have happened. Also, I couldn't bear being so close to Auschwitz after knowing what was happening there."
"Well, we are all so grateful for you, Helga," Eugene said. "I owe you my life."
"Don't mention it. Please don't."
"What is he talking about, Helga?"
"It's nothing, Pheebs. Anyways, I'm sure they are all exhausted and can use some rest."
"Of course, Helga." Phoebe knew when not to push Helga, and this was one of those times. "Why don't I show you all to the rooms we will be living?"
Harold and Eugene followed Phoebe with Harold holding onto Patty. Arnold stayed behind with Helga.
"What is it, Football Head?" Helga asked.
Arnold chuckled at the name. "Why do you not want to tell Phoebe what happened?"
"Now's not the time," he said.
"Why not?" Arnold pushed.
"Because I almost gotten all of us killed! I showed a weakness in front of Heinrich Himmler. That can cost us if he finds out the truth."
"He's not going to, Helga. You just need to be positive."
Helga scoffed. "Must you always look on the bright side?"
Arnold shrugged. "Somebody has to." He stood up. "I'm going to go to bed. I suggest you do the same."
"Yeah, I'll be down soon."
Arnold wrapped around her tightly. "You did well, Helga. You saved us. We're safe because of you. Thank you."
Helga felt her arms embrace Arnold. He was thinner from his last hug to her, but it had the same warmth. He kept his arm around her as they descended the staircase into the sanctity of their new home. For the first time since arriving to Poland, Helga had a peaceful sleep.