Hiii! I have missed y'all so much! I have had this done for about a day, but for some reason I haven't been able to upload it! But here we are now!
Today's song is "Chasing Pavements" by Adele! Hope you enjoy!
Chapter 11: I Know This Is Love
The rain drummed softly against the windowpanes, a mournful rhythm that mirrored Maria's dark mood. The gray light of the overcast sky seeped into her room, casting everything in dull, muted tones. She lay curled beneath her blanket, staring at the ceiling, her chest heavy with a mix of anger and sadness that had refused to dissipate.
It had been a week.
A week of silence, of no messages or unexpected meetings on the street, no familiar knock on her door. She had told herself that this was what she wanted and needed – distance from Georg, from the chaos he seemed to bring with him – but her heart had betrayed her resolve. Each passing day had been a battle between her rational mind and the ache she felt deep within.
The distance was supposed to be freeing, she thought bitterly, snuggling farther into the bed as she stared at the rain streaking down the window. It was meant to be her opportunity to reclaim herself, to step away from the tangled emotions that seemed to cling to every interaction with him. Yet, as the hours turned into days, she found herself missing their conversations, his warmth, the way he seemed to see through the layers she carefully constructed around her heart.
It was infuriating.
She had done this to herself, hadn't she? She had put up this wall to protect her own sanity, to remind herself that whatever they shared - whatever fleeting moments of connection or tension or… something - it wasn't meant to be. He was Georg von Trapp, and she was Maria Rainer. Two lives that had diverged, with no reasonable path to intertwine again.
And yet, the thought of him – his laughter, his rare moments of vulnerability, the way his gaze lingered on her just a second too long – haunted her. She missed him, she realized with a pang. Not just his presence, but him. The man who had danced with her in a grand ballroom and carried her home when she couldn't stand. The man who had challenged her, frustrated her, but also made her feel more alive than she had in years.
She clenched her jaw, her fists tightening in the fabric of her blanket. It wasn't fair. It wasn't fair that he had the power to make her feel this way. She was angry – at him, at herself, at the situation that had become so much more complicated than it ever should have been.
Outside, the rain continued to fall, steady and relentless. It was the kind of day that begged for solitude, for hiding away from the world. Maria felt a surge of guilt for her students, knowing she should be using this day to prepare for the week ahead. But she couldn't muster the energy to move.
Suddenly, the door to her room busted open, and Sasha's voice, as lively as ever despite the dreary weather, cut through the gloom. "Maria, for heaven's sake, you're still in bed?"
Maria, groaned, pulling the blanket tighter around her. "Go away, Sasha."
Sasha ignored her entirely, stepping fully into the room. She was holding an umbrella in one hand, her damp coat slung over her arm. Her deep brown eyes sparkled with amusement as well as the tiniest amount of concern. "Nope, not happening," she said firmly. "It's a Saturday, Maria. You've got no excuse to wallow in self-pity all day."
"I'm not wallowing," Maria muttered, though her voice lacked conviction.
Sasha arched a brow, planting her hands on her hips. "Right, because lying in bed in the middle of the day, in the dark, while it rains buckets outside, screams productivity."
Maria sat up slightly, her expression weary. "Sasha, please. I'm not in the mood."
"Well, too bad," Sasha declared, tossing her umbrella into a corner and shrugging off her coat. She crossed the room and yanked the curtains open, letting in the pale gray light. "You've got a date tonight."
Maria blinked at her, confused. "What are you talking about?"
Sasha grinned, her tone teasing. "Tobias, remember? He invited you to that dinner and dance tonight. You said yes, didn't you?"
Maria groaned again, collapsing back onto her pillow. "That was before."
"Before what?" Sasha pressed, her tone reprimanding. "Before reveling in your hate for Georg? Before the rain? Before you decided to crawl into a hole and never come out?"
Maria shot her a halfhearted glare but said nothing. Sasha sighed, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Look, Maria," she said gently. "I know you're upset. And I know that man has a way of getting under your skin. But you can't let him ruin your life anymore. You're stronger than this."
Maria swallowed hard, her chest tightening. "I don't feel strong," she admitted quietly.
Sasha reached out, squeezing her hand. "That's okay," she said. "But you don't have to feel strong to get out of bed and put on a beautiful dress. You don't have to feel strong to let yourself have a little fun tonight."
Maria hesitated, her gaze flickering to the window. The rain had eased slightly, the steady downpour now a soft drizzle. "I don't know, Sasha…"
"Well, I do," Sasha said firmly, standing and pulling Maria's blanket off with a dramatic flourish. "Up. Now. You're not skipping this. And if you're not ready by six, I'm dragging you out in your pajamas."
Maria couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. "You're impossible."
"And you love me for it," Sasha quipped, already rummaging through Maria's wardrobe for the perfect dress. "Now, let's make Tobias regret ever inviting you by looking absolutely stunning."
Maria shook her head, laughing gingerly despite herself. But as Sasha tossed another dress onto the growing pile on the bed, Maria excused herself to the bathroom, hoping the steam of the hot shower might clear her muddled thoughts.
The water ran hot over her skin, loosening the knots in her shoulders as she let out a long breath. The shower way always her escape no matter where she was, a place where she could pretend, for a little while, that the rest of the world didn't exist. As she reached for the soap, she tried to focus on the simple task of readying herself – shaving her legs, smoothing her skin, rinsing her hair – each motion deliberate, as if scrubbing away the emotions that had clung to her all week.
Why had she agreed to this date? The question niggled at her mind as she stood before the fogged-up mirror, swiping a hand across the glass to reveal her flushed reflection. She thought of Tobias, his kind smile, his effortless charm, and how Sasha had gushed about him being the perfect distraction. And yet, no amount of charm could dispel the truth of why she had said yes.
It wasn't because she wanted to. Not really, if she were honest with herself.
It was to spite him.
Maria's chest tightened at the admission, and she gripped the edge of the sink, staring at herself. She thought back to the Monday after her argument with Georg – a moment that still stung, even as she tried to bury it. Tobias had asked her then, his voice hopeful, invitation genuine.
The streetlights were just beginning to flicker on as Maria rounded the corner to her apartment building, her bag slung over one shoulder and her thoughts elsewhere. The cooling air of late afternoon in March nipped at her cheeks, but she barely noticed, her mind clouded with the ache of unresolved emotions.
She reached her building's entrance and fumbled with her keys, her steps sluggish after the long day. But as she approached the stairs, a familiar voice called out from behind her.
"Maria!"
Startled, she turned to see Tobias standing at the base of the steps, his hands tucked behind the back of his neatly tailored coat. His warm, approachable smile immediately softened the tension that had gripped her moments before.
"Tobias," she said, blinking in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"I was just passing by," he replied easily, though the bouquet of wildflowers in his hand coming to his front suggested otherwise. "Thought I might catch you before you disappeared for the evening."
Her eyes flickered to the flowers, and a faint blush crept up her cheeks. "You didn't have to do that," she said, her voice quieter.
"Maybe not," Tobias confessed with a shrug. "But I wanted to."
Maria hesitated, unsure how to navigate the unexpected gesture. "Would you… like to come up for tea?" she asked awkwardly, nodding toward the steps.
He shook his head with a grin. "I appreciate the offer, but I won't take up your evening. I only wanted to ask you something."
She tilted her head, curious. "Ask me what?"
Tobias shifted his weight slightly, his gaze steady but not imposing. "I'd like to take you to dinner, Maria. Dinner and a dance. Just the two of us." He extended the bouquet toward her. "No expectations, just… good food and good company."
Maria stared at the flowers, her mind whirling. Her first instinct was to refuse – her heart was still too tangled in the mess of her argument with Georg, the sting of his words fresh in her memory. But as she looked at Tobias, his expression earnest and free of pressure, another emotion surfaced: defiance.
She thought of Georg, of his sharp tone and the way he had dismissed her feelings as though they were inconsequential. A wink of resolve lit within her.
"Yes," she conceded finally, her voice firmer than she expected. "That sounds amazing."
Tobias's smile widened, his relief evident. "Great. I'll make it something special."
As he handed her the flowers and bid her goodnight, promising to pick her up at 6pm on the next Saturday, Maria lingered on the steps. She wasn't sure if she agreed because she truly wanted to or because she need to prove – to herself and perhaps to Georg – that she could move forward. Either way, the decision felt like a step toward healing.
But as Maria's fingers reached to turn on the metal of the curling iron, she was yanked back to the present. She blinked at her reflection, her brows knitting as the full weight of her emotions settled in her chest. She should feel excited, shouldn't she? Tobias was everything a woman should want.
He was tender, charming, and attentive – a man who had gone out of his way to make her feel special. His handsome features and easy confidence surely turned heads wherever he went, and yet tonight, he had chosen her. A man like Tobias likely had no shortage of admirers, women far more experienced and worldly than she was. But, for reasons she didn't fully understand, he had sought her company. The thought should have thrilled her, but instead, it only added to the queasy feeling twisting in her stomach.
Her gaze drifted to the door, settling on the soft fabric of the dress she had chosen for the evening, waiting to be worn. It was lovely, simple but elegant, and she had felt a flicker of excitement when first put it on. Now, that spark felt dim, overshadowed by the whirlwind of thoughts she couldn't suppress.
No matter how much she willed herself to focus on Tobias, her mind betrayed her. It wasn't his face she saw in thoughts, but another's. The lines of a different jaw, the piercing clarity of different eyes, the sound of a different voice calling her name. Maria gripped the edge of the sink again as the guilt twisted sharper, cutting through her like a knife. How could she sit here, preparing for a date with a wonderful man, while her heart refused to let go of someone else entirely?
It was ridiculous, foolish even. And yet, she couldn't deny the pull. Georg. The name alone sent her emotions spiraling. She could still see the intensity in his gaze from that night at the opera, the way it seemed to strip away all her defenses, leaving her bare and vulnerable in a way no one else ever had, seeing straight through her. And then there were his words – words that haunted her every moment since: "It wasn't just you, Maria. I had feelings too."
Maria set down the brush in her hand abruptly, staring at her reflection in the mirror as though it might offer her answers. Feelings? For me? She thought, incredulous. No way. The Captain – Georg - had once harbored feelings for her? It wasn't just a silly crush she had developed over that summer? The very idea seemed impossible, and yet the sincerity in his voice that night lingered in her mind, an echo she couldn't shake.
A faint smile tugged at her lips despite herself, and for a brief, fleeting moment, she let herself feel the spark of something that had appeared randomly throughout the week after she heard his confession. Part of her, especially the version of herself that had once lived at the villa, felt giddy at the thought. The Captain liked her back!
Her fingers tightened around the iron barrel by her head, sending curls spiraling around her face as bitterness crept into her thoughts. And then, she reminded herself grimly, he had the audacity to blame me for not going back for him. The warmth she had felt a moment ago turned cold, as it usually did, leaving her with nothing but the gnawing ache of disappointment.
Obviously, she thought, her lips pressing into a thin line, he didn't like me enough. The realization settled heavily in her chest, cold and unrelenting. If he had truly felt anything for her, wouldn't he have came after her? Wouldn't he have at least tried to find her, to talk to her, to fight for whatever fleeting connection they might have had?
But he hadn't.
Instead, he'd stayed. He'd chosen someone else – Elsa – someone sophisticated, worldly, and perfectly suited to his life. He had married her, made her the children's new mother, and moved on as though Maria had been nothing more than a passing shadow. The sting of it twisted in her chest, sharp and painful, even after all this time.
Maria exhaled shakily, her hands trembling as she reached for a pin to secure the last of her hair. What kind of foolish girl am I, she thought bitterly, to be dwelling on someone who clearly didn't care enough to come for me?
The mirror reflected her turmoil back at her, her cheeks flushed with emotion and her lips pressed into a hard line. This is exactly why I need to move on, she reminded herself fiercely. Tobias is kind, attentive, and doesn't carry the baggage of a thousand complicated what-ifs. He's here, and he wants me to be here with him, too.
Maria closed her eyes for a moment, willing the throb in her chest to subside. But no matter how tightly she held onto her resolve, the questions remained, unspoken and unanswered. Why didn't you come for me, Georg? The thought echoed in her mind, unbidden and unwelcome.
She inhaled deeply, forcing herself to stand tall. It doesn't matter anymore, she told herself. It can't matter. Not tonight.
As she straightened, her reflection held more determination than the fragility she was faced with minutes ago. She reached for her small makeup case, her hands steadier now as she opened it. With practiced precision, she began powdering her face, smoothing away the evidence of her inner turmoil. She worked methodically, dabbing a touch of rogue of her cheeks, brushing a hint of color onto her eyelids, and finishing with a soft shade on her lips. Each stroke of the brush was a step toward fortifying herself, building a version of Maria who could face the evening with grace and poise.
This is what I need, she thought, her resoluteness hardening with each passing moment. I can't keep living in the past, wondering about things that will never change. Tobias deserves a chance, and I owe it to myself to give him one.
As she carefully applied mascara, she let her mind wander to all the kindness Tobias had shown her since they'd met. He'd been nothing but respectful, his charm tempered by an earnestness that made her feel at ease. He was thoughtful, secure, and steady – qualities she desperately needed in her life. Tobias wasn't a storm; he was a safe harbor.
Maria leaned back, studying her appearance as she fastened a pair of modern earrings. The woman staring back at her looked composed, polished, and ready. But beyond the makeup and carefully curled hair, there was a flicker of something more – hope. Hope that maybe, just maybe, tonight could be a step forward.
She stood with purpose, sliding into her dress, the final touch. No more lingering on what could have been, she vowed silently. If only for tonight, I'll put it all behind me. I'll focus on what's here, now – on someone who's done nothing but try to bring light into my life.
Maria took a deep breath, steeling herself one last time. She was ready to give her all to this evening, and to Tobias, the effort and attention they both deserved. Tonight, she would focus on the present and allow herself to believe in the possibility of something new.
TUWSTUWSTUWSTUWS
The hum of a saxophone filled the air as Maria and Tobias stepped into the charming diner. It wasn't grand, but it had a cozy elegance that felt inviting rather than intimidating. Warm amber lights hung from art-deco fixtures, casting a soft glow over the glossy wooden floors. Tables with white linens were scattered around the room, each adorned with a small vase holding a single red carnation. The gentle clink of glassware and the low murmur of conversation blended with the lively jazz melody floating from the small stage in the corner.
Maria's eyes swept over the room, her lips curving into a smile. "It's wonderful," she said, turning to Tobias. "How did you find this place?"
Tobias grinned, holding out her chair for her to sit. "It's a favorite among the locals," he said with a wink as she settled in. "I used to come here after rehearsals when I needed to unwind. The music, the dancing, the food – it's just… alive."
She glanced toward the dance floor, where a few couples swayed in time to the music. Their laughter and carefree movements set an infectious energy in the air. "I can see why you like it," Maria replied, her voice tender. "It feels like stepping into another world."
As they perused the small but thoughtfully crafted menu, Tobias leaned closer, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Do you trust me to order for us?"
Maria arched a brow, her tone playful. "I'm not sure. Should I?"
"I promise, no snails," he said with a laugh, his charm disarming. "Unless, of course, you'd like to try something adventurous."
"Just no snails," Maria said with a soft giggle, shaking her head. "I'll leave it to you."
Tobias signaled the waiter and ordered a selection of small plates, all sounding more delicious than the last. As they waited for their food, the music shifted to a livelier tune, and Tobias's gaze flicked toward the dance floor.
He turned back to Maria, his smile widening. "Care to dance while we wait?"
Maria paused, her eyes darting to the floor wearily. "I haven't danced like this in ages. I might embarrass myself."
"I highly doubt that," Tobias countered, standing and offering his hand. "Besides, it's not about perfection – it's about fun."
She beamed despite herself and took his outreached hand eagerly. He led her to the dance floor with an easy confidence that put her at ease. As the band struck up a swinging jazz number, Tobias guided her into the rhythm. At first, Maria was stiff, her movements cautious, but his infectious energy and warm encouragement soon melted her apprehension.
"You're a natural," Tobias teased as she spun and stumbled slightly, laughing as he steadied her.
"You're too kind," Maria replied breathlessly, her cheeks flushing with exhilaration.
They danced through the song, Maria's laughter mingling with the music as Tobias spun her playfully. For a moment, she let herself forget everything – the heaviness of the past, the confusion of her present – and simply enjoyed the moment. When the song ended, they returned to their table, their faces flushed and their smiles wide.
As the waiter brought out their dishes – perfectly seared scallops, a rich mushroom risotto, and a warm, flaky tart – Maria found herself even more at ease. Tobias, with his natural draw and wit, made every moment feel lighter. They joked about the elaborate descriptions on the menu, with Tobias exaggerating wildly.
"'Pan-seared scallops kissed by the ocean breeze and embraced by the caress of a buttery reduction,'" Tobias read dramatically, his voice full of flourish. "Honestly, I don't know whether to eat them or write them poetry."
Maria laughed, covering her mouth with her hand. "It does sound like the poor scallops have been through quite the romantic saga. I almost feel bad eating them."
"Almost?" Tobias teased, quirking an eyebrow as she took a bite.
Maria pretended to savor the morsel with exaggerated delight. "Mmm, definitely worth their tragic demise."
They feel into easy conversation, Maria finding herself laughing more freely as Tobias regaled her with stories from his rehearsals, including an unfortunate incident involving a misplaced sheet of music and a very temperamental cellist.
"It's never boring in the music world," he concluded, grinning as he leaned back in his chair."
Maria shook her head, smile wide. "You're lucky, you know. To do what you love every day."
"Well," Tobias said with a modest shrug, "it has its moments. But I wouldn't trade it for anything."
Maria hesitated for a brief moment, her fingers tracing the rim of her glass before she spoke. "I'd still love to see one of your performances."
Tobias's eyes lit up, the surprise and delight evident in his expression. "Really? You'd sit through hours of classical music without secretly wishing you were elsewhere?"
Maria laughed softly, shaking her head. "I wouldn't have said it if I didn't mean it. I think it would be… wonderful. Seeing you in your element."
Tobias tilted his head, studying her as if seeing her in a new light. "I think you'd love it, Maria," he said sincerely. "The energy, the precision, the way it all comes together – it's something else. I'll make sure to save you the best seat in the house."
"Good," Maria replied with a faint smile, her cheeks warming under his gaze. "Just don't make me sit near the temperamental cellist."
Tobias laughed, his hand briefly brushing hers on the table as he gestured. "Deal. Though, fair warning – she is everywhere."
The warmth of their exchange lingered, Maria feeling a flicker of hope that she might find something steady, something solid with Tobias. He was so attentive and present in a way that left no room for doubts. And perhaps, she thought, that was exactly what she needed.
Their banter continued, each playful comment bringing her closer to forgetting the heaviness that had plagued her throughout the week. It was easy, almost natural, to be here with Tobias, and she couldn't deny the comfort of that.
But then, as Tobias launched into another anecdote, Maria felt it – the prickle at the back of her neck. An odd sensation, like being watched. She stilled momentarily, her smile faltering as her gaze flickered across the room.
She told herself she was imagining it, but the feeling didn't fade. In fact, it grew stronger, more insistent. Her hands fidgeted with the edge of her napkin as she glanced over Tobias's shoulder toward the bar, searching for the source of her unease.
And there he was.
Georg.
Sitting at the bar, his posture rigid, his sharp gaze fixed squarely on her. His expression was unreadable, but there was a tension in his features that sent a shiver down her spine. His eyes held hers for a long, unnerving moment, a mixture of emotions swirling there – frustration, disbelief, and something else she couldn't quite name.
Maria's breath caught, her stomach flipping. The laughter in her throat died instantly, replaced by a wave of anxiety. She tore her gaze away, turning back to Tobias and forcing a smile that felt brittle.
"Everything alright?" Tobias asked, his tone warm but laced with curiosity.
"Fine," Maria said too quickly, her voice higher than usual. She picked up her glass of wine, sipping it to steady herself, but her hand trembled slightly.
Tobias's brow furrowed, but he let it drop, resuming his story. Maria tried to focus on his words, on the comfort of his voice, but she couldn't shake the weight of Georg's stare. It pressed against her like a tangible force, suffocating and intrusive. No matter how she tried to immerse herself in Tobias's charm, her composure began to crack under the intensity of Georg's presence.
Finally, she set her utensils down, her movements sharp and deliberate. "Excuse me," she said softly, her voice tight as she forced a smile. "I just need to… powder my nose."
Tobias glanced up, his brow furrowing slightly again, but he nodded without question. "Of course," he assured, his tone easy. "Take your time."
Maria stood quickly, smoothing her dress as she stepped away from the table. Her pace quickened as she made her way toward the back of the diner, her heart pounding in her chest. The bustling warmth of the room gave way to the cool, damp air as she stepped outside into the narrow alleyway behind the building.
It was raining again.
The drops fell lightly at first, misting her hair and cooling her flushed skin, but they grew steadier within no time. Maria inhaled deeply, letting the damp air fill her lungs. The rain, though unwelcome, brought a moment of clarity – a moment away from the weight of Georg's gaze and the turmoil that stirred within her.
But the reprieve was short-lived.
The sound of footsteps behind her made her heart clench. She didn't need to turn to know who it was.
"Do you have to insist on ruining everything in my life?" Maria snapped, her voice sharp as she spun to face Georg. The rain plastered her hair to her face, but she didn't bother to brush it away.
Georg stopped a few feet from her, his expression caught between guilt and frustration. "Maria," he began, his voice low but steady.
"No," she interrupted, holding up a hand. "You don't get to do this. You don't get to follow me out here, to stare at me like that, to –"
"To what?" he cut in, his voice rising slightly. "To care about you? Is that what you're angry about?"
"Care about me?" Maria repeated, her laugh bitter and short. "You have a wife, Georg. A wife! How is it fair that you get to prance around with her, and yet every time I try to enjoy myself, you look at me like I committed murder? How is that fair to me? You've got everything – Elsa, a family, a life I could never be a part of. And yet here you are, ruining mine."
Georg's lips parted, and for a moment, no sound escaped. Finally, he spoke, his voice rising above the rain. "Ruining your life? That's what you think I'm doing?"
"Yes!" Maria jeered, throwing her arms out in exasperation. "You couldn't leave me alone! Not at the villa, not here! You show up, and suddenly, everything that I have worked so hard to bury, to move past, comes rushing back. And for what? To satisfy some… some twisted sense of guilt?"
Georg stepped closer, his boots splashing in the growing puddles around them. "It's not guilt," he bit out, his tone severe, but beneath it, there was something raw, unguarded. "And you know it's not."
Maria's chest heaved as she glared at him. "Then what is it, Georg? Because I have no idea why you keep chasing me down. I don't owe you anything. Not after you –" Her voice caught, breaking for just a moment. She shook her head, the words bitter as they escaped her lips. "You didn't even care enough to come after me when it actually mattered."
Georg froze at her words, his expression shifting from anger to something more vulnerable, far more exposed than she was used to. "You think I didn't care?" he asked, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous tone. "You think I wasn't tearing myself apart after you left? I cared, Maria. More than I should have. More than I knew how to handle."
Maria laughed, the sound sharp and humorless. "If you cared, you had a strange way of showing it. You married someone else! You built a life, a life that never included me."
"What was I supposed to do?" Georg fired back, his frustration spilling over. "You left. You didn't give me a chance to-"
"You didn't need a chance," Maria interrupted, stepping closer, her finger jabbing toward his chest. "If you had cared as much as you claim, you would have found a way. But no, you stayed, and you married her."
"I thought I was doing what was right!" Georg roared, his voice echoing against the narrow walls of the alley. "I thought I was protecting my family, my children."
Maria crossed her arms tightly, her chest heaving as the rain soaked through her coat, chilling her to the bone. "You're impossible, Georg," she said, her voice raw with frustration. "Why are you even here? What is it you want from me?"
"I don't know," Georg admitted, his voice breaking through the downpour, low but firm. "I just know that every time I think I've figured it out, you're there – staring back at me, proving me wrong."
Maria shook her head, a long, angered sigh escaping her nose. "You make no sense," she said, though her voice wavered. "You have always been the one who has everything figured out, haven't you? The perfect captain. The perfect husband. The perfect-"
"Stop it," Georg interrupted keenly, stepping closer, his eyes burning into hers. "I've never been perfect. And I sure as hell wasn't perfect with you."
She opened her mouth to retort, but the words caught in her throat. The intensity in his gaze rendered her speechless, her breath hitching in her chest.
"I messed up, Maria," Georg said, his voice quieter now but no less forceful. "I've made so many mistakes, and the biggest one was letting you believe that you were anything less than-" He stopped himself, running a hand through his wet hair, his frustration evident. "I can't keep pretending I don't care."
Maria's heart pounded in her chest as the words hit her like a tidal wave. Her lips parted, but she couldn't form a reply. The air between them was heavy, charged with emotions she didn't even know how to name.
Georg took another step closer, his hand reaching out as though he meant to touch her but stopping just short. "Say something," he whispered, his voice pleading and vulnerable.
Maria looked up at him, her blue eyes narrowing as her anger replaced her surprise again. "Why do you have to do this, Georg?" she demanded, her voice trembling with restrained emotion. "Why can't you just leave me alone? Every time I try to move on, you're there. Watching. Judging."
"I'm not judging you," Georg retorted, stepping closer, his tone sharp once again. "But I can't stand by and pretend it doesn't affect me, seeing you with someone else."
Maria laughed bitterly, shaking her head. "That is just so rich coming from you," she said her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Need I remind you yet again that you have a wife. A wife, Georg! And yet, you feel entitled to be affected by my life?"
He flinched but didn't back down. "It's not entitlement, Maria It's-" He cut himself off, a sort of growl escaping him. "I don't know what it is. But seeing you with him…"
"With Tobias," Maria interjected, her voice firm. "Say his name. A kind, wonderful man who actually knows how to treat someone with respect."
Georg's jaw tightened, his fury palpable. "Does he know you, Maria? Truly know you? Or does he just see the surface, the smile you give the world?"
"And what do you know about me, Georg?" she shot back, stepping closer now, the rain plastering her hair to her face even more now. "You think you understand me because we shared a few moments at the villa? Because you saw me as someone who could fix your broken family?"
"That's not fair," Georg said, his voice unwavering, but his anger was bubbling just beneath the surface. "You were more than that."
"Was I?" Maria challenged, her voice rising. "Because all I have ever felt since I left was nothing more than a passing fancy to you. Something to admire from a distance but something never worth fighting for."
Georg's composure cracked. "Do you really think that?" he interrogated, his tone violent. "Do you have any idea how hard it's been to watch you walk away time and time again?"
Maria blinked, startled by the intensity in his voice, but her resolve hardened. "And what about you?" she countered, her voice wobbling. "You stood there, Georg. You let me leave. You didn't stop me, not once. Settled with forgetting me like I never even existed. Do you know how that felt?"
The accusation hung in the air, sharper than the cold rain around them. Georg went to say something, but no words came out. He swallowed hard, trying to gain some resemblance of composure.
"You didn't write. You didn't call. Nothing," Maria pressed, her voice continuing to rise. "You held Elsa close instead, clung to her through the nights, paraded around with her while I was still trying to convince myself that I hadn't imagined everything between us!"
Georg went still at her words, staring at her but still not formulating a response. Maria's expression stared back at him, a storm of pain and fury, her eyes glistening with unshed tears that she refused to let fall.
"And do you know what the worst part is?" she continued, her voice shaking. "I let myself believe it was all in my head. That I was foolish, naïve, to think you could have ever felt the same," Her chest heaved with the weight of her words. "And all the while, you just… let me go."
Georg's jaw clenched, his hands balling into fists at his sides. "Maria," he started, his voice rough with emotion, "you don't understand-"
"I don't understand?" she interrupted, her tone incredulous. "You're right, Georg, I don't. Because if I meant anything to you, anything at all, you wouldn't have let me just walk away. You wouldn't have chosen her."
Her words snapped something within him. The guilt and regret that had been simmering under the surface finally boiling over. "Do you think it was easy for me?" he shot back, his voice rising to match hers. "Do you think I didn't want to chase after you? To stop you? I thought-"
"What?" Maria demanded, her eyes blazing. "That it was easier to let me go? That I wasn't worth the effort?"
Her words struck like lightning, piercing and unyielding. The rain pelted them harder now, mingling with the heat of their fury, soaking them to the bone. The space between them felt charged, too electric, a crackling tension that threatened to explode.
"Maria, you have no idea what it was like!" Georg yelled, his voice rough and raw. "How could you think it was easy for me to let you go? Do you think-"
"Then why didn't you do something? Anything?" she shouted back, her voice rising above the rain. Her hands balled into fists as a sob almost forced its way through. "Why didn't you fight for me? For us?"
"I didn't know how, Maria!" he bellowed, his words echoing in the narrow alley. His gaze locked onto hers, the pain in his eyes unmistakable. "I didn't know if you even wanted me to."
For a moment, the air between them hung heavy with unspoken words, their hot breaths a stark contrast between the cold air. Maria's reared to argue back yet again, but no words came. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, her heart pounding against her ribs.
And then, as if propelled by forces neither of them could control, Georg closed the distance between them in one decisive step. "I'm sorry, Maria. You have to understand," he said, his voice barely above a whisper, raw and unfiltered. His hands reached out, shaking slightly as they cupped her face, his thumbs brushing against her rain-slicked cheeks.
Maria froze, her breath catching in her throat. Her hands, almost of their own accord, reached up and tangled into the damp strands of his hair. There was a beat of silence, the world around them fading into the background, the rain falling unnoticed.
And then their lips met in a rush of heat and urgency, fueled by the tempest of emotions swirling between them. Anger, longing, regret – it all melted into a desperate need that neither of them could deny. It was fierce and relentless, a collision of all the emotions they had desperately been trying to hold back. The world seemed to tilt as they gave in to the storm between them, the rain pouring down like a witness to their unspoken truths.
Maria's hands slipped to grip his wet coat, holding onto him as though he were the only thing anchoring her in the chaos. Georg's touch was both firm and trembling, his fingers tangling in her rain-dampened hair as he deepened the kiss. Their tongues clashed in a battle that mirrored the one they were both fighting in real life. One where neither of them could lay their egos down and concede.
The alleyway around them blurred, the rain muffling everything but the pounding of their hearts. It wasn't gentle, wasn't careful – it was consuming, a culmination of every unspoken word and every bottled-up feeling.
When they finally broke apart, their breaths mingled in the cold air, their faces inches apart. Maria's hands slowly loosened their grip on his coat, quivering as she stepped back.
"This doesn't change anything," she whispered, her voice cracking. Tears continued to make their way down her face without stop.
"Maria-" Georg began, his voice softer now, laced with something that sounded dangerously close to begging. But before he could say another word, the back door swung open with a loud creak, cutting through the tension like a knife.
Tobias stepped out, his expression immediately clouding with concern as he took in the scene before him – Maria, soaked to the bone and visibly shaken, violently wiping at her face, and Georg standing far too close, his face a storm of conflicting emotions.
"Maria," Tobias said, his tone gentle but firm. "Are you alright? Is this man bothering you?"
Maria's head snapped toward Tobias, her face flushing as though she'd been caught doing something she shouldn't. She scrambled back a step further, away from Georg, and quickly shook her head. "No, no, it's nothing," she said hurriedly, her voice trembling as she gestured vaguely towards Tobias. "Let's just… let's just go back inside."
Her words tumbled out in a rush, her thoughts completely scrambled. She clutched Tobias's arm, as if grounding herself, and began pulling him toward the door. Her gaze flickered back to Georg as they moved, her expression unreadable but filled with a mix of guilt and confusion.
Georg stood frozen, his hands fisted at his sides. All Maria could see was the pain written clearly on his face as he watched her retreat, clinging to Tobias like a lifeline.
Tobias, his arm now protectively wrapped around Maria's shoulders, cast a wary glance over his shoulder at Georg before focusing on back her. "Are you sure you're alright, Maria?" he asked quietly, his voice full of concern.
Maria nodded quickly, though the motion was jerky and unconvincing. "I just need to go home," she said softly, her voice barely audible over the rain.
Tobias's brows knitted together, but he didn't press further. "Of course," he said, his tone gentle as he guided her toward the warmth of the diner. "Everything's already paid for."
As they walked away, Maria couldn't help but glance back one last time. Georg was still standing there, a solitary figure in the rain, his shoulders slumped and his expression torn between anger and despair.
By the time Maria and Tobias stepped inside, the noise and comfort of the diner felt jarring, almost surreal. Tobias leaned in close, his voice soothing as he spoke to her, but she barely registered his words. Her mind was a whirlwind, the kiss and the argument replaying in an endless loop.
When they finally left the diner and began walking toward her apartment, Tobias's presence at her side felt grounding, though her thoughts were far from settled. The rain had eased into a light drizzle, but Maria barely noticed. Every step felt heavier than the last, her emotions threatening to overwhelm her.
As Tobias guided her up the steps to her building, he paused, his expression tinged with worry. "Maria, if you need anything—"
"Thank you, Tobias, tonight was absolutely wonderful," she interrupted softly, her gaze averted as she unlocked the door. "I… I just need to rest."
Tobias nodded, sensing her need for space. He offered a small, reassuring smile. "Goodnight, Maria."
"Goodnight," she whispered, slipping inside and closing the door behind her. She leaned against it, her head resting against the cool wood as she tried to steady her breathing.
Alone at last, the events of the night crashed over her like a tidal wave. Her fingers trembled as they brushed her lips, the memory of Georg's kiss still burning like an ember she couldn't extinguish.
Hehe...
Next chapter we will finally get to see Georg and Elsa's confrontation, I know y'all have been waiting for that one! I am finally allll settled back in my little apartment, so hopefully updates will be coming in quicker again. But I also have school now which might take some of my time sadly ugh.
Buttt as always thank you for the support! And I own nothing from the Sound of Music!