Six Years
After it was discovered that I had aided a Nazi POW, my parents had left the very dull and dry town of Jenkinsville, Arkansas, and moved to Wade, Tennessee. They didn't want to be too far from Memphis, else they would have probably moved to the wilds of North Dakota.
When I got out of the penitentiary, I lived with Grandpa and Grandma Fried. We thought it would be dangerous, having me attend a school in Memphis, where my trial had been held, but I was willing to take the risk, so they were, too. Memphis was such a big town, after all, and as long as I kept my big mouth shut, we would be fine.
My mother, as expected, put up a protest, but my father shut her up right quick. It surprised me at first, that he didn't want me around just to beat me. But I think he didn't want me causing any more trouble, and that was what won out.
I remember praying to God to save me from my father, and He did. I also remember asking God to make me prettier, and He did that, too. My reasons for being pretty had long vanished by the time God got around to my appearance. I knew my mother would never love me, and Anton was dead. But God answered my prayer, nonetheless, and for that I should be grateful.
Anton had once said that he knew I would have it all – beauty and brains. Personally, I think there is still room for improvement in both, but I suppose I'm satisfied. I once prayed for long, shiny hair, and it has become that. It is beautiful and wavy and has highlights like varnished copper. At least, it does in the sun. In the shade it is just red, but pretty, nonetheless.
I also have breasts now. They are not as big as I would like, but at least it is obvious that I have them. I am still skinny, too. Charlene says that I am just petite, but all of the petite girls I've seen have cute faces and soft curves. I am not that curvy, and my face is thin. Ruth says I'm like a woodland sprite, all small and skinny. "And with that almost near constant look of curiosity or mischief on yo' face, mmhm."
A/N: Summer of My German Soldier belongs to Bette Greene. And these chapters are going to get longer, I promise.