"Darlings! Thank goodness you made it!" a tall, slender woman shouted from the Stockholm docks. Her raven hair blew in the wind. Next to her was another tall woman. She was slightly shorter than the first girl, but she was curvier and had red hair. They both waved to the nine refugees that departed from the ship.
"Hey Rhonda. Hey Lila," Helga replied. She and Phoebe hugged their friends. "It's been too long."
"Ever so long," Lila agreed. "But I feel that we are being ever so rude to everyone else."
Helga looked back to see the other seven looking on. Most of them appeared a little nervous. Curly, on the other hand, was love struck as he looked upon the raven beauty that has stolen his heart.
"Right, forgive me," Helga apologized. "Here we have Sid Gifaldi, Gerald Johanssen, Thaddeus 'Curly' Gammelthorpe, Patty Smith, Harold Berman, and Eugene Horowitz. And this," she wrapped her good arm around her beloved, "is my boyfriend, Arnold Shortman. Everyone, this is Lila Sawyer," she motioned to the redhead. "And this is Princess, or more formally known as Lady Rhonda Wellington Lloyd."
"We know she's a lady," said Harold. "Why do you have to say it before her name?"
"It's my title," Rhonda explained. "My father is the Earl of Carnarvon in Wales. He is also the ambassador of Wales."
"So you're royalty?" Eugene asked.
"No, we're only nobles. But I have met with the royals plenty of times. The princesses are just adorable!"
"Um, Rhonda?" Lila asked. "Do you think we should take them to the house? I'm oh so certain that they must be tired."
"Of course, how silly of me. I'll have the drivers take your luggage to the cars and we will head off to the house."
The group split up and went into the cars. Helga rode with Arnold, Rhonda, Sid, and Eugene. The remaining six were in the other car. Rhonda dominated most of the conversation, discussing the war in England and how her mom sent her and Lila to Stockholm for safety. Soon, she switched her topic to Helga's near death experience.
"Nadine kept me in touch about everything that happened. I can't believe you were arrested, Helga!"
"It was more like a kidnapping, if you ask me," Helga muttered. She hadn't really talked about what happened to anyone, and she wasn't sure if she ready to discuss it.
"Well, I think it's horrible what happened. And did I head correctly that it was Wolfgang who took you?" Helga nodded. "Wasn't he the one who was pursuing you in Berlin?"
"Yes, Princess," Helga gritted.
"Unbelievable," Rhonda scoffed. "He acted like he cared about you, and then he hits you and almost kills you! Who does that?"
Helga sunk down in her seat and held her wounded arm close to her body. It suddenly dawned on her what almost happened. Someone who claimed to like her was willing to shoot her in a heartbeat. She looked at Arnold, who was sitting next to her. His focus was on Sid and Eugene. He motioned his head over to Rhonda.
"So, Rhonda," Sid spoke up, "when will I get to meet Nadine?"
"She will be at the house later tonight. You can meet her then." Rhonda continued on about how shocked she was that her best friend decided to join the black market even though Rhonda offered Nadine a position to work in the house. Helga was half listening to the conversation when she felt Arnold's arm pull her closer to him. She rested her head on his shoulder, looking up at him.
"I just want to say this one thing, and then I won't say any more about it until you're ready," he whispered. "But if he really cared about you, he wouldn't have done any of that. He would have protected you by any means, even if that meant risking his life and career."
"Like you?" she asked, smiling softly.
"Exactly," he answered, then kissed her on the forehead. She internally swooned. He was right. Wolfgang never really liked her. He just liked the image of her. Helga was the physical image of the true Aryan woman, but she was the exact opposite of one in terms of values. While Wolfgang was unable to accept this about her, it was Arnold who respected and even shared her beliefs.
"Here we are!" Rhonda cried out. "Welcome to Wellington Manor." The cars pulled up to one of the largest houses that any of the newcomers have ever seen. It was made out of stone with gardens all around the grounds. All jaws dropped, with the exception of Rhonda and Lila. "It's much smaller than the castle back at home, of course, but everyone has their own room!"
Everyone poured out of the cars while the servants took their luggage to their respective rooms. Inside, the house was more ornate than the house Helga and Phoebe briefly stayed in with Helga's parents in Oswiecim. Paintings covered the walls and the floors were decorated with marble.
"Feel free to look about the place," Rhonda instructed. "Your rooms are ready if you want to rest or freshen up. You can walk through the gardens. There's a ballroom down the hall. I believe the cook is preparing food right now if you want to eat."
"All right, food!" Harold shouted as he ran through the house. Rhonda watched the display in disgust while Lila was shocked. The rest weren't even fazed.
"I guess we should have mentioned to be careful with the word 'food' around him," Gerald replied. "We won't see him until later."
The group split up and did their separate thing. Some took naps while others explored around the house. Nadine came by and she and Sid went to discussing their business ventures together. Helga was sitting on a bench in one of the gardens. In the distance, she could see Phoebe walking with Gerald among the roses. He picked one and gave her it to her. Helga could see friend giggling.
"Won't those two finally get together?" Helga heard a voice beside her. Helga jumped from the voice. She looked up to see Patty starting to sit next to her.
"What about you and Harold?" challenged Helga. "You two have been awfully close lately."
"We've talked about it and we think that we need to work on ourselves a bit more before being in a committed relationship," Patty explained.
"Whatever you say," Helga said nonchalantly. She understood where they were coming from. However, from what Helga had seen, she knew they will get together eventually. "So, what do you think about Sweden so far?"
"I'm sitting outside in the afternoon without the fear of being shot. How do you think I'm feeling?"
Helga laughed. "Yeah, I kind of know what you mean."
"When we were in the car, Lila mentioned that there a lot of Jewish refugees from Norway. Also, Jews from Denmark will soon be heading here because from what they heard, Danish Jews will soon be sent to camps."
"At least they will be safe here," Helga said.
"There's a big Jewish community in Stockholm. Lila suggested that Harold, Eugene, and I visit the synagogue and tell them our stories. I think it was a good idea."
"It definitely sounds like it," Helga agreed. "I think it could be good for you to tell your story. Not just for everyone to know what goes on in the camps, but for you. Maybe it can help to let it go."
"Perhaps," said Patty. "But I know I'll never be able to forget. That kind of stuff just stays with you forever."
"That's for sure," Helga said, subconsciously clutching her wounded arm.
"Helga?"
"Yeah?"
"I just wanted to thank you for everything that you've done for us. It means the world to us that you risked so much to save us. I can't even imagine what would have happened to me if you didn't come when you did."
"Don't think about it," Helga said, "because you never have to worry about it. And I just did what I thought was right. That's all."
"Well, we are grateful for it. Please know that." Patty hugged Helga.
"I know. I'm just glad you are safe."
"Same with you," Patty replied. "We're glad you made it with us."
"Mommy, I don't feel good!" Harold's voice screeched through the land. Patty sighed.
"I better go help him," Patty said as she stood up. "Thanks again, Helga."
Helga watched Patty leave the gardens. She stood up herself and walked through the garden. Soon, she met up with Curly.
"Hey Curly," Helga greeted.
"Hey Helga," he responded. "Isn't this place amazing?"
"It sure is," she replied. "I'm sure you're happy you came with us."
"And miss seeing Rhonda? I don't think so," he chuckled. "I hope you didn't forget about our agreement."
"Not at all. I was actually going to talk to her about you in the car, but then she started going on about my… experience, and it made me feel uncomfortable."
Curly nodded. "I guess you're not ready to talk about it?"
Helga shook her head. "It's too fresh. And having to see my shoulder like this is a constant reminder of what happened. It's hard."
"It's understandable. I can't begin to comprehend what you went through. I know you need time to get through this, which I will let you have, but I was serious about what I told you when we first met. I need to make sure you keep up on your part of the deal."
"Curly," Helga said sternly, "you and I have become close over the months we have known each other. Criminy, you saved my life! I wouldn't betray you like that."
Curly grinned. "I'm glad to hear that. And I do consider you a good friend. So in that case, I won't pester you like I was planning to."
"If you did, I would have brought out Ol' Betsy!"
The two laughed as they left the garden and back into the house. It was dinner time, so everyone gathered around the gigantic table. Rhonda's chef had prepared a massive feast for the group. They devoured into the meal and exchanged pleasantries. Then Rhonda brought up Helga's injury once more.
"Helga, darling, is it difficult to do much with only one arm?"
Helga internally groaned. She knew that Rhonda won't let it go until she gets an answer of some sort. She glanced over at Curly, who gave her a sympathetic smile. Maybe there was a way to get Rhonda off her back and live up her end of the deal with Curly.
"It's difficult at times, but I'm grateful that I at least have an arm. If it wasn't for Curly's medical experience, I may have died or lost my arm. He has done so much for me and has become a good friend. I don't know where any of us would be without him and his help."
"Is that right?" Rhonda asked Curly. Curly looked at Helga and mouthed 'thank you' to her. He turned his attention back to Rhonda and turned up the charm.
"It is, my dear," he said smoothly. "But I didn't do it for any fame. These people have become family to me, and I can't imagine my life without them."
Rhonda took the bait and was enchanted by his words. Helga chuckled to herself at the sight. Soon, there was a clinking of a glass.
"Ahem," Gerald coughed as he stood up. "If I could have everyone's attention, please. When I first had taken part of this whole ordeal, the last thing I expected was to meet anyone of importance. While I have grown to like everyone here, including Helga," Helga stuck out her tongue at him, "there is one in particular that has stolen my heart. I guess what I'm trying to say is Phoebe and I decided to be together as boyfriend and girlfriend."
The group hooted and hollered at the new couple. "About time!" Sid shouted. He raised his glass. "To Gerald and Phoebe!" Everyone cheered and had their drinks. It had been a long time coming for the two, and everyone was thrilled to know they finally decided to get together.
They spent the rest of the night drinking and laughing about their new freedom. They all soon grew tired and went to bed. Helga and Arnold stumbled upstairs and kissed each other goodnight. Helga went to Phoebe's room and knocked on the door.
"Come in," Phoebe said. Helga cracked the door open.
"Hey Pheebs. I just wanted to congratulate you on your relationship with Gerald."
"Thanks, Helga," Phoebe smiled. "I'm glad you approve."
"Of course I do. But when he proposes, I better be the first to know."
Phoebe blushed lightly. "Will do, but I expect the same when Arnold proposes to you."
"Deal. Night Pheebs."
"Night Helga."
Helga crawled into her bed, which was the most comfortable bed she's ever been in. She pulled the covers over her and slowly drifted into a deep slumber. She smiled knowing they were finally able to sleep without any problems.
"Mommy!"
Well, mostly everyone.