Forbidden love for a Barkley
Part Forty Nine:
"Ave Maria, pt. 3: Newbie is a _"
The trio of Heath, Violet, and Julissa were still battling the fire, Daphne's burns turned out to be minor while her feelings for Eugene were still major, and Chiara's foal was finally born. As Dr. Merar treated Daphne's burns, he told her that he highly recommended that she go home and rest for obvious reasons, but the Austrian girl was very worried for her cousin Dieter and wanted to head back to fire in order to: A) put it out and B) look around until either her, Eugene or the others found Dieter. Eugene told the doctor that it was easy for him to tell Daphne to go home and rest, because it wasn't his (Dr. Merar's) cousin who was not only losing his livelihood, but possibly losing his life due to the fire. Dr. Merar understood where Eugene was coming from and sympathized with Daphne, but pointed out that if she were to go back to the fire, she would do more harm than good to her wounds and if she were sick from an infection, she would be of no use whatsoever. Reluctantly, Daphne and Eugene agreed with the doctor and headed home, but not before the youngest Barkley child would promise his Austrian former girlfriend that while she was at the ranch resting, he would go back to the fire himself, help Heath and the other two women put it out, and stop at nothing until Dieter was found to which Daphne voiced her thanks and Eugene told her "You're welcome" in her language which impressed her. Back at the fire, as the trio was still in the process in putting the inferno out, they voiced how much they hoped help would be on the way soon, because the three of them could not continue the fight against the fire by themselves. Julissa stated that if her brother Valery was there, he would be helping which led to Violet stating the same about her brother Nunzio and Jarrod, her voice breaking after mentioning her boss & possible love interest's name. Heath would reassure her that they would find Valery, Nunzio, Jarrod, and Dieter before pulling her out of the way of flames that blew towards her. After a few minutes, Heath would ask Violet when she became Jarrod's secretary and whatever came of Esther which led the latter to start telling him by first stating that she was Esther's assistant and the previous secretary retired for some reason that has yet to be revealed, because Violet would stop mid sentence and start coughing. Meanwhile, at the Mangano household, after more and more howling and growling was heard plus bucking, kicking a broken leg, and being frightened, Chiara's foal was finally born. Well, that and the fact that it looked like one Carmine Mangano was finally starting to like Nick and possibly respect him. What made that obvious was the fact that when Nick volunteered to go outside and find the source of the howling and growling which led the Mangano patriarch to tell him that he wouldn't be going without Stefania and him, clearly showing concern for his safety. This surprised Nick considering that he and the Mangano patriarch didn't have a good rapport at first. As of now, once Eugene left, Daphne was heard saying that she still loved him, Audra locked eyes with her, and Nick was about to tell whether or not the foal was a filly or colt. The questions that remain are as follows: Did Chiara have a colt or filly?, Did the foal survive being a breech?, Will violet or someone reveal more about Esther?, Will Jarrod, Dieter, Nunzio, and Valery be found?, Will Audra and Daphne have a conversation since the former heard the latter admit her love for Eugene?, What will come of Daphne and Eugene?, Are there sparks between Julissa and Heath?, What will be the source of the howling and growling?, and most importantly, will the prisoners/hostages be freed? Stay tuned and find out!
Author's Note: I do NOT own The Big Valley or its characters. I ONLY own this fic and the characters of: Stefania Mangano, Carmine Mangano Sr, Carmine's friends, Paulie Mangano, Italia Mangano, Emilio Mangano, Serafina Mangano, Santo Mangano, Francesca Mangano, Cara & Mariah Mangano, Chet and the men Heath rounded up, Jess and Mavis Chaney, the Animal Team, Leonard Barkley, Seth & his gang, Violet Pascucci, Julissa Kurilenko, Daphne Gubenheimer, Simonetta Mangano, Father Margolis, Caleb (the little boy in the church), the Masked Men, Dakota the Mourning Dove, the Python that is attacking Carl, Nadine Clearwater, the Clearwater family, Dieter Gubenheimer, Valery, Nunzio Pascucci, Georgi Kurilenko, Chiara the Mangano family horse, Chiara's foal, and the Mangano family. As I stated in previous chapters, I'm modeling the relationship between Jarrod and Violet after the one of James Bond/007 and Miss Moneypenny & Marshal Matt Dillon and Kitty Russell which by the way, those characters, the James Bond franchise, and Gunsmoke rightfully belong to their owners. Ooh! One more thing, I'm modeling Nadine Clearwater after Lucy Lawless's character Xena in the show "Xena: Warrior Princess" and Sonny Landham's character Billy Sole in the film "Predator" (1987) [You will see why in another chapter or so] with her last name paying homage to the band Creedence Clearwater Revival a.k.a. CCR which happens to be one of my favorite bands. All of those (Xena, Billy Sole, "Xena: Warrior Princess", "Predator" (1987) and Creedence Clearwater Revival) belong to their rightful owners. Before I forget, as you can see, this is the third part of another multi-parter chapter saga & I modeled the title of this chapter after the song of the same name. The song belongs to Franz Schubert. That being said and without further ado, happy reading! :D
Warning: There will be a raging fire, a possible death, and prison talk/slang to a degree in this chapter. If any of it makes you uncomfortable or bothers you, please feel free to skip this chapter.
(Flashback to part 48)
"I don't know, but I feel a disturbance in the air." Stefania replied before sporting a troubled look on her face.
"A disturbance in the air?" Nick asked.
"Yes. I just feel a great disturbance all of a sudden." Stefania nodded.
"Well, with what all has happened, I can see why. I mean masked men terrorize your mother and sister, chase your sister and Nadine, destroy the church, torment Audra, shoot a priest, and kidnap your nieces & Nadine's siblings, so I can see where you sense the disturbance." Nick told her.
"Well, that's part of it, but the other part is something that is going on right now, Nick." Stefania still had her troubled look.
"The wolf lurking about probably adds to it. Well, that and Chiara's breech." Nick nodded.
"That, too but there's more." Stefania looked at nothing in particular.
"With everything that has already happened, what more could come?" Nick asked.
*Back at the fire*
Heath, Violet, and Julissa were still battling the flames with no help from anyone else as of yet.
"You would think somebody would come now!" Violet said as she returned with another bucket of water and threw it on more flames.
"You would, but people must be scared of fire." Julissa shrugged.
"Boy howdy! Every time we put out some flames, more seem to be popping up!" Heath wiped sweat off of his forehead.
"I hope tat (that) Daphne and Eugene are alright." Julissa sighed.
"I'm sure they are, Julissa. I mean Eugene has the Barkley stubbornness, so odds are, he'll return to help us fight this fire. Daphne is most likely resting and recuperating." Heath threw water on more flames before walking out to get more.
"Yeah, but Eugene won't cut it in regards to help. More people better start showing up. We can't continue this fight alone." Violet shook her head.
"If Valery was here, he'd help us in this situation." Julissa went outside to refill her bucket.
"Same with Nunzio and...Jarrod." Violet's voice began to break.
"Don't worry, we'll find them. I know we will." Heath said in a comforting voice.
Flames blew towards Violet.
"Watch out!" Heath pulled her away from the flames and took a few deep breaths before looking at her, "You alright?"
"Yes, Heath. A little frazzled, but fine." Violet nodded.
"Violet, if I may ask, when did you become Jarrod's secretary? My family and I knew he had one named Esther." Heath asked.
"A few months ago. I was Esther's assistant prior to all of it." Violet started.
"Do you know what happened to Esther?" Heath was curious.
"She retired after finding out that-" Violet paused after she started coughing due to the thick smoke filling the air.
*Back at Barkley Ranch*
Daphne and Eugene had since arrived back at the ranch and were in the living room.
"Daph, let's get you to the couch." Eugene said as he and Daphne walked over to the couch.
"Eugene, ve (we) have to find my cousin! Ve (We) need to return to zhat (that) fire!" Daphne insisted.
"Daph, you heard the doctor and we already agreed that you would rest while I headed back which I am going to do after you get settled." Eugene gently reminded her.
"I know, but I'm shcared (scared)!" Daphne looked into his eyes, "Not only of losing Dieter, but losing you too!"
"Daph, I'm the son of Victoria and the late Tom Barkley. I have the Barkley stubbornness and toughness within me. I'll be alright, but I appreciate your concern." Eugene smiled.
Daphne smiled back at him and rubbed his right cheek with her hand.
"I'll make it back safely, I promise and I won't stop until I find Dieter." Eugene told her.
"Please, Eugene. You see, Dieter iz (is) all I have left for family. After my moder (mother) and fader (father) died, Dieter's fader (father) my uncle Heinrich and his moder (mother) my aunt Magdalena took care of me. Zhen (Then) vhen (when) zhey (they) died, Dieter took care of me until I vas (was) 18. Dieter has alvays (always) been like a big broder (brother) to me. He vas (was) alvays (always) zhere (there) vhen (when) nobody else vas (was). He means zhe (the) vorld (world) to me, Eugene. He use to call me "Butterblume" vhich iz (which is) German for "Buttercup" and I use to call him "großer Bruder", "Papi", and "Wächter" vhich are German for "big brother", "dad or daddy", and "guardian" vhich he vas all of zhe above for me while I vas growing up." Daphne explained.
"He was to you what Jarrod is to my siblings and me." Eugene nodded.
"Vhat do you mean?" Daphne asked.
"Since he is the eldest and for some of us he stepped into the role after father died, my siblings and I call Jarrod "Pappy". It is similiar to "papi" just different spelling of course." Eugene told her.
"I recall you and Nick calling him "pappy" at times." Daphne recognized the term and got a smile on her face.
"Jarrod is the best pappy. He always knows what to say, when to say it, how to say it, and just all of that stuff. He's always had that authority-like figure aura about him. He always stepped in to help mother and take care of us when father was away hence why he fit right into the role after father died. Even when father was alive, he saw Jarrod's pappy side in action and was so proud that he knew whenever he had to leave, while mother was the boss of the house, Jarrod was "pappy" to the rest of the Barkley children as they needed that figure and mother needed help." Eugene's smile grew wider as he fondly remembered those days.
"So, in other vords, your fader knew everyzhing vas in good hands vhen he left, right?" Daphne asked.
"Exactly, Daph." Eugene nodded.
"Zhat vas zhe same vith (with) Dieter. Vhenever uncle Heinrich vould leave, Dieter filled his shoes and was basically his shecond (second) in command or man of zhe houshe (house). It vas zhat vay in Austrian housheholds (households). Dieter vas man of zhe houshe (house) and disciplinarian, too vhen uncle Heinrich vasn't around. Aunt Magdalena and I respected zhat. Well, she did more so zhan (than) I did at times, but zhat's a shtory (story) for another time." Daphne chuckled a little.
"Oh my word! That was Jarrod's position, too and that makes three of us. Like you with Dieter, there were times Nick and I didn't always do as Jarrod asked. There were times he had to discipline us. To this day, Jarrod still has his hands full with Nick." Eugene started to laugh, "That's if mother doesn't at times and if father didn't when he was alive."
"Oh, Nick! He shtill (still) hasn't changed, has he?" Daphne shook her head.
"Nope. Still as hot headed as ever and still falling for girls as always. As of now, it looks like he is going steady with a lovely lady named Stefania." Eugene replied.
"Shtefania (Stefania)? I thought he vas vith Fatima." Daphne raised an eyebrow.
"Nope. He and Fatima went their separate ways as did he and Hester plus many other girls to follow." Eugene told her, "However, Stefania is not like Fatima, Hester, or any of the other girls he got sweet on. She's a lovely lady."
"Iz (Is) Stefania zhe daughter of that short tempered man we encountered earlier?" Daphne asked.
"Do you mean Carmine Mangano?" Eugene asked.
"Ja (Yes)." Daphne nodded.
"Oh yes. Carmine is very protective of her and I don't know if he still feels this way, but for a while, he didn't think Nick was worthy of his daughter." Eugene explained.
"I hope Stefania isn't like her fader." Daphne said.
"Oh no. She and her father from what I have heard and seen to a degree, are like night and day in the personality department." Eugene told her.
"Zhat's good. Vell, I hope to meet Stefania soon." Daphne replied.
"Oh you will, Daph. You will and like Julissa and Violet, she may also become another good friend to you. However, as of right now, you best be resting while I go back to the bakery, help put out that fire, and find Dieter." Eugene patted her shoulder before standing up.
"As much as I don't vant you to leave, because I vas having fun catching up on a lot since we parted vays, Dieter's shafety (safety) comes first and I hope you find him. I really do. I can't lose him or you!" Daphne held onto Eugene's hand very tightly.
"Don't think about that, Daph. I'm not going anywhere and neither will Dieter. I know I'll find him safe and sound. I just know it." Eugene told her.
"I hope so, Eugene." Daphne said before kissing his hand.
Eugene got a surprised look on his face and started to blush, clearly taken aback by Daphne kissing his hand.
"Go now, Eugene. Heaven help you." Daphne told him.
Eugene nodded then left.
"I love you." Daphne said, not realizing Eugene just shut the door behind him.
Audra, who was coming downstairs to get another cloth for Nadine, stopped in her tracks when she recognized Daphne and heard her utter those three magic words.
"I shtill do." Daphne whispered to herself before turning around and gasping when she and Audra locked eyes.
*Back at the Mangano household*
"Nick, don't say that, because you never know!" Carmine warned.
"That's true and I don't want to jinx anything." Nick nodded in agreement.
Chiara started snorting and moved her head up and down.
"Do you have her foal?" Stefania asked.
"Yes and a lot of blood. In fact, the foal is almost out as I've said before." Nick told her before looking down, "Hey! I have two of the legs so far!"
"Definitely a breech." Carmine said before looking into Chiara's eyes and petting her head, "Our poor bambina."
"Yes sir, this baby may be entering the world backwards, but he or she will have a lovely life to look forward to from here on out." Nick gently pulled out the two legs, "Okay, the two legs are out. Now, for the whole baby."
Chiara neighed and snorted before pawing the ground.
"We know, baby. We know. We know it hurts, but you'll be relieved soon enough. We promise." Stefania petted Chiara some more.
"That's right, Chiara. Your baby is almost here." Nick nodded as he continued to pull the foal out as gently as he could.
Chiara snorted for the third time and bucked once more.
"Easy, Chiara. Easy, honey." Carmine told her.
"Whoa, Chiara. Whoa! Whoa, girl! Stay still. I now have the back half of your foal out and need you to stay still so the rest of him or her can enter the world." Nick was now holding the back end of Chiara's foal.
"You do?" Stefania's voice started to break.
"I sure do and I'll have the rest of him or her out if Chiara stays still." Nick smiled and nodded.
"Chiara, honey, stay incredibly still. Your foal is almost here. You're almost a mama." Carmine said before turning to Nick, "I hope this won't be like her last breech."
"I hope not either, but we shall see what happens." Nick told him.
Pretty soon, Chiara looked as if she was starting to relaxed which indicated that the pain of foaling was over. This was confirmed when Nick pulled out a blood and slime covered figure out of her, falling onto his behind in the process and panting. Seeing the relaxed look in Chiara's eyes and sensing she was at ease, Carmine looked over her neck.
"Nick, Chiara looks like she is at ease. Is the foal-" Carmine was cut off.
"Y-Yes. Yes, they are here. The foal...is officially...here." Nick was still trying to get his breath.
"Is it a filly or a colt?" Carmine asked.
(Now)
"It's...It's..." Nick had a weird look on his face.
"It's what? What is it?" Stefania asked.
"It's..." Nick said.
"Nick, what's wrong? Is there something wrong? Why am I sensing something is wrong?" Carmine was concerned.
"The foal...it's..." Nick clearly couldn't bring himself to say whatever it was that needed to be said.
"Nick, what is wrong?" Stefania asked before getting a good look at the foal and gasping.
"Nick, Stefania, cosa c'è che non va con il puledro? I miei sensi sono in subbuglio e non mi piace. (Nick, Stefania, what's wrong with the foal? My senses are tingling and I'm not liking that.)" Carmine asked.
"Papà, il puledro è...il puledro-(Dad, the foal is...the foal-)" Stefania was cut off.
"Il puledro è...(The foal is...)" Nick sighed sadly and put his head down, "Morto. (Dead.)"
"Morto? (Dead?)" Carmine asked before walking over to Nick and Stefania & placing his hand on the lifeless form.
"Mi...mi dispiace tanto. Mi dispiace tanto...molto! Mi dispiace davvero. (I'm...I'm so sorry. I'm so...very sorry! I really am.)" Nick hung his head low.
*Back at the fire, a few minutes later*
Heath, Violet, and Julissa were still battling the raging fire which was now starting to become a threat to the building next door when Eugene arrived. Stepping off the buggy, he grabbed a bucket, filled it, and threw it on the flames that were now starting to come outside of the bakery.
"Eugene, is Daphne okay?" Heath came out of the bakery and filled his bucket.
No answer.
"Eugene? Eugene? Eugene?" Heath called his name three times.
"Huh? Oh yeah. Fine...Fine." Eugene snapped out of his thoughts and nodded.
"You sure?" Heath asked.
"Positive." Eugene nodded before refilling his bucket.
Heath shrugged before rushing back into the bakery.
"Eugene, are you going to trow (throw) tat (that) bucket on the fire or stand tere (there)?" Julissa came out of the bakery.
Eugene stammered in response before throwing the water on more flames, refilling his bucket, and ran into the bakery.
Julissa looked at Eugene, muttered something in Russian, smirked, and shook her head before refilling her bucket.
*Inside the bakery*
"Eugene, what's with you? You're all pale." Heath noticed.
"Pale? I'm not pale." Eugene shook his head.
"Eugene, you're ty bledna ot shei do ruk, a shcheki tvoi rozovo-krasnyye." Julissa pointed out, saying the rest of it in Russian.
"Yeah, Eugene, you're-Pardon me, Julissa. What was the rest of that?" Heath turned to her.
"Ty bledna ot shei do ruk, a shcheki tvoi rozovo-krasnyye. That's Russian for pale from your neck to your hands and your cheeks are rose red which is te (the) case for Eugene." Julissa explained before throwing water on more flames.
"Right. Well, I must say that your language is mighty pretty. Your accent, too." Heath nodded.
"Tank (Thank) you, Heath or in Russian, Spasibo." Julissa gave Heath a side glance with a smirk as she went back outside.
"Spasibo." Heath whispered to himself before smirking.
"Awwww, you're smirking." Violet said.
"Huh? Who's smirking, Violet?" Heath's smirk quickly disappeared.
"Heath, do not deny it. You were smirking just like how Eugene is pale, blushing, and still standing like a statue." Violet pointed at Eugene.
"Yeah, he looks very lost, but I did not smirk." Heath continued his denial.
"You did too." Violet chuckled.
"No, I just...find her beau-her accent and language beautiful. Yes, her accent and language are very beautiful." Heath kept up his denial.
Violet, clearly not believing him, but not wanting to start a debate of sorts, shook her head and went back outside.
Heath, seeing that Violet was gone and Julissa was coming back in, breathed a sigh of relief.
As Julissa walked over to part of the flames and threw more water on them before grabbing another broom and beating on the fire, Heath couldn't help, but watch her. There was something about her that either already had or was in the process of catching his eye.
*Heath's POV*
'Boy howdy, Julissa is a very pretty girl. Very pretty indeed and I really like her accent.'
I get a weird look on my face.
'What in the Sam Hill? Am I taking a liking to her already? I can't be. I really can't be liking her already. We barely met.'
I then think about Nick and Stefania plus the women before her.
'Then again, the same goes for Nick. I mean he and Stefania barely met & already are in a slow growing relationship, so it's possible for me to feel something for Julissa, I guess. Plus too, Nick has always been the one to fall fast for ladies whether it be Stefania or the others before her.'
I nod only to remember the women I have been with in the past.
'Well, while Nick and I are very different when it comes to falling for ladies, I too have had my fair share of lady loves. Oh yes. I have had my fair share alright.'
I think about Sally, Allie Kay, Maria, Dilly, and Bridget among others.
'I remember those ladies as if I were with them yesterday. Allie Kay and Dilly not so much, but Bridget, Sally, and Maria, oh yes. I believe the only two I really really felt strongly for were Sally and Maria. It was hard to let them go.'
I start to remember saying that heartbreaking "Goodbye" to those two and having to just let them go. I shake my head.
'Never gets easy to say goodbye, especially to someone you know you'll never ever see again in your life and most notably, if you had or were starting to have feelings for them. No sir, it never gets easy. In fact, after more failed relationships, I figured on giving up for a spell.'
I look back at Julissa and feel a smile spreading across my face.
'So much for that spell, because if I had completely given up, why do I feel myself smiling whenever I have looked at Julissa so far? Why?'
I shrug.
'Maybe those feelings I thought had disappeared when I started giving up for a spell are starting to return? Who knows?'
I then think about how lonely it has been for me despite my vow of giving up for a spell & how it would be nice if those feelings are returning.
'I must admit that there are times where I do get lonely. I never say anything of course, but I do get very very lonely. I would be a liar if I said otherwise and if I denied the fact that I do sometimes yearn to come home from a cattle drive or wherever and be greeted by a loving woman at the front door. I don't mind Mother, Jarrod, or the others greeting me, but it isn't the same as having a girlfriend or well special little lady greet me, if that makes sense.'
I nod then think about Julissa's brother Valery and how his safety is a top priority.
'Discipline, Heath. First thing's first, we must find Julissa's brother Valery then talk about feelings and such. Must remember that.'
*Outside of Heath's mind*
Remembering and internally reminding himself that Valery's safety was the top priority among the other ones, Heath snapped out of his thoughts and went outside to refill his bucket.
As he came back in, Julissa was walking out to refill her own bucket. However, she stopped in her tracks and watched Heath.
*Julissa's POV*
'Heath is a good looking man. Very good in the looks. Such beautiful blonde hair, ravishing features, and a soft gentle voice to match.'
I get bug eyed for a moment.
'What am I saying? I barely know him and already feel tis (this) way?'
I shake my head.
'No. No, it can't be. It...It just can't be possible. It can't.'
I then think about my beloved Georgi and how long it has been since he...well, you know.
'Oh, Georgi. My darling. My darling dearest Georgi. How I miss him so. It has been so long since I lost him. So long.'
I remember what he said to me in his final hours and sigh.
'I can still hear his words. I can still hear him telling me tat (that) it was okay to find love again and that I was too beautiful to grow old all by myself. I can still hear tose (those) words. His final words before he went to sleep and never woke up again.'
I wipe either a tear or streak of sweat away from my eye. Most likely a tear.
'I miss my Georgi and Valery was always tere (there) for me afterwards. Ten (Then) he vanishes. It is not fair!'
I shake my head.
'Nyet (No). It is not fair!'
I look back at Heath and start to smile again.
'Ten (Then), moments ago, I met one Heath Barkley. I met him and already I am finding him to be good looking. I still don't know how tat (that) can be possible, but apparently, it is.'
I hear Georgi's words echo again in my head and think about how long it has been since I found a man to be good looking.
'I can hear Georgi's words yet again. Louder tis (this) time. I know he was right, because I do get lonely and I do want to have someone as devoted and loving as he was, but it is hard to find tat (that) person. I rejected a lot of men who only wanted me for te (the) wrong reasons and men who were old enough to be either my father or grandfather. I do hope if I find another man, he would be a gentleman. As of right now, Georgi was and always will be te (the) one for me.'
I look at Heath once more.
'Or maybe tat (that) might be changing? Hmmmmm.'
*Outside of Julissa's mind*
Snapping out of her thoughts, Julissa shook her head and went outside to get some more water.
Eugene continued to stand there like a statue, somewhat pale now yet still blushing.
*Back at Barkley Ranch*
"Daphne? Daphne Gubenheimer? Is it you?" Audra came downstairs and walked over to her.
"It better be me or somebody else haz (has) been doing a good job masquerading as me." Daphne chuckled.
"How have you been?" Audra sat down next to her.
"I have been good. However, not to be rude, I have a feeling you have heard Eugene and me talking." Daphne knew Audra was not just down there for a simple "howdy do". After all, she could've sworn Audra heard her say that she did indeed still love Eugene.
"Well, yes. I did hear you and Eugene talking. I heard about Dieter's bakery as well and I'm awfully sorry that, that has happened to him. I know Eugene will find him. I just know it." Audra told her.
"I hope so, because Dieter is basically all I have left for family. He took care of me vhen uncle Heinrich and aunt Magdalena died. He vas alvays like a big broder (brother) to me. You shay (say) fader (father) figure." Daphne sighed and looked at the floor.
"Dieter was to you what Jarrod is to my brothers and me." Audra said.
"Ja. Eugene told me you all call him "Pappy". I remember vhen ve (we) vere (were) together romantically and I heard each of you call Jarrod zhat." Daphne nodded.
"Oh yeah. I had forgotten about that. Speaking of which, I heard you say that you still loved Gene. If you don't mind me asking, is it true?" Audra asked, looking her in the eyes.
"You vant zhe honest truth?" Daphne asked.
Audra nodded in response.
"Zhe answer iz..." Daphne stood up and turned her back to Audra, "Ja. Ja, I shtill (still) love him. I shtill do, Audra."
"Oh, Daphne." Audra also stood up and walked over to her, standing at Daphne's right, "Is that why you came back from Austria?"
"Ja. Vell, zhat and I vanted to help Dieter vith (with) his bakery. He losht (lost) his beloved vife (wife) Francine." Daphne told her.
"I remember when that happened. Poor Dieter was in pieces. Francine's funeral was hard to get through. Mother had to deliver her eulogy and it was no picnic." Audra sighed sadly as she started to remember when Francine passed away and her funeral.
"Verdammt (Darn). I vould've come shooner (sooner), but I figured Dieter needed shpace (space), sho (so) I vaited until now to come. Zhat being shaid (said), I alsho (also) vanted to come back for Eugene." Daphne replied before sighing and shaking her head, "I have regretted it."
"Regretted coming back for Eugene?" Audra raised an eyebrow.
"Nein (No). I regretted leaving him." Daphne started to cry.
"Oh, Daphne." Audra placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"I have regretted it ever shince (since) I boarded zhat train on zhat awful day." Daphne sniffed.
"Daphne, times were different when that happened. Intolerance was at an all time high. It still is around now, but not as aggressively this go round. You and Gene did what you both felt needed to be done at the time for the sake of your well-being and his." Audra tried to reassure her.
"I know, but zhat iz no excushe (excuse) to run off on your one true love. Zhat iz no excushe (excuse)." Daphne shook her head, "How can I ever fully make it up to him? He means zhe vorld to me beshides (besides) Dieter."
"Daphne, when the time comes, you'll find the right words. The time may not be until Dieter is safe and those masked men are stopped, but that time will come. You'll know it and so will Eugene. Plus too, it wouldn't hurt for you to show him how much he still means to you now as he did then. You know, spend time with him, catch up, the likes. I have to do the same with Carl. Who knows? You and Gene may get back together." Audra told her.
"Zhat shounds (sounds) wunderbar (wonderful), but Eugene may be too mad at me to even zhink (think) of shomezhing (something) like zhat." Daphne wiped some tears away.
"Daphne, if he was mad at you, he wouldn't have spent all of that time with you before he left nor would be have let you kiss his hands. He adores you too much to hold a grudge." Audra looked her in the eye.
"You really zhink sho (so)?" Daphne asked.
"I know so. Just wait and you'll see." Audra smiled.
"I hope you're right, Audra. I hope I can rekindle it vith (with) Eugene. Shlowly (Slowly), of course." Daphne smiled back, "I vish (wish) you luck vith Carl."
"I believe you will, Daph and thank you. I hope so, too." Audra hugged her.
"Autsch! (Ouch!)" Daphne yelped.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Daphne." Audra pulled back.
"It's alright, Audra. I should've told you zhat Eugene brought me here after Dr. Merar treated burns on my back. My bad." Daphne took a few deep breaths.
"Burns on your-" Audra paused and gasped.
"Vhat? Vhat's zhe matter?" Daphne asked.
"You're the one who suffered the burns! In Nadine's vision, you were the one she saw suffer the burns from a burning beam, right?" Audra started putting two and two together.
"Ja. I vas putting out part of zhe flames vhen a burning beam crashed on me. Eugene got it off just in time. Zhanks (Thanks) be to God." Daphne nodded.
"I'm sorry that happened, Daphne, but thank God Eugene got it off before it could do serious damage." Audra replied, "Well, let me go get some fresh salve and apply it onto your back."
"Zhank you, Audra, but you don't have to-" Daphne was cut off.
"No, no, I insist, Daphne. I'm happy to help." Audra told her before getting up from the couch and going off to get the salve.
"Zhank you." Daphne nodded before looking at the stairs and gasping when she saw Carl standing there.
"I'm sorry, ma'am. I didn't mean to frighten you any." Carl greeted before coming down the stairs and walking over to her.
"Hallo (Hello). You musht (must) be Carl, right?" Daphne asked.
"Yes, ma'am. Carl Wheeler's the name." Carl extended his hand, "What is your name?"
"Daphne Gubenheimer. How do you do?" Daphne shook his hand.
"I'm good. Better now that I am somewhat reunited with Audra." Carl replied.
"I feel zhe shame (same) vay vith Eugene. I regret ending our relationship back in zhe pasht (past) and going back to Austria." Daphne told him, "I take it zhat you and Audra didn't vork out and now you're back, because you regret it not vorking out, ja?"
"That's right, ma'am. Audra and I didn't work out before, so we decided to part ways. I immediately regretted it as did she I am assuming and after writing her for two months, I didn't hear back. I grew worried to the point of deciding to come back to Stockton and here I am." Carl explained.
"I believe she did, because like vith Eugene and me, she plans to do zhe shame (same) zhing vith you. Show how much you mean to her, shpend (spend) time vith each other, zhe likes." Daphne told him.
"Well, I do hope to rekindle my relationship with Audra. I really do. I wish you luck with Eugene. Also too, while I am at it, I am sorry about what happened to your cousin Dieter's bakery." Carl replied.
"Zhank you. I'm wery (very) vorried (worried) about him. I'm shcared (scared) he may have...you know." Daphne sighed.
"Oh, don't think that way, Daphne. Your cousin Dieter will be fine. I'm sure of it. After all, the Barkleys stop at nothing until they find who or what they are looking for during situations like this one or basically, in general. Eugene won't give up until he finds Dieter and I have a feeling he will find him safe and sound." Carl tried to cheer her up.
"I hope sho (so), because Dieter means zhe vorld to me. He's all I have left for family." Daphne told him.
"I understand. Well, all we can do is hope and pray." Carl smiled.
Audra, who was returning with the salve, stopped and listened to Carl and Daphne's conversation. She couldn't help, but smile and be touched by Carl's compassion. If it was one thing she really liked about him, it was his gentle compassionate side. Sure, he was a brawler like her brother Nick at times, but when he showed his gentle compassionate side, she not only liked it, she also felt safe and secure plus she knew everything would be alright.
'Maybe I should do with Carl what I told Daphne to do with Eugene. Who knows? Maybe he and I will rekindle our relationship. I can only hope.' Audra thought before walking into the room.
"Zhank you, Carl." Daphne told him before turning to Audra, "Hallo, Audra."
"Hey, Audra. We were just talking about you." Carl turned to Audra and smiled.
"I know, Carl." Audra smiled back him, "By the way, how is Nadine doing?"
"Her baby is still taking their time coming into this world. I came down here to see whether or not you got a fresh cloth." Carl stood up from the couch.
"No, I haven't yet. I'm sorry." Audra sighed.
"It iz my fault." Daphne added.
"No, no. It's nobody's fault. It's good to talk and catch up. In fact, you two lovely ladies keep talking while I grab the fresh cloth, okay?" Carl suggested.
"Okay. If you do not mind." Audra said.
"If I minded, I wouldn't have said it." Carl replied.
"True." Audra nodded.
"I'll get it. Talk to you two later." Carl walked off to go get the cloth.
Audra watched Carl walk off and her smile got brighter.
"You really like him, don't you?" Daphne asked.
"I really do, Daphne. I really really do and I have regretted that we didn't work in the past." Audra sat down next to her.
"I undershtand (understand). Like I shaid (said), I vish you two luck." Daphne said before turning around and exposing her back to Audra, "Please, be gentle."
"I will. I promise." Audra said as she opened the jar of salve and started to apply it to Daphne's back.
*Back at the place where the prisoners/hostages are being kept*
The people were still crowded around the new prisoner/hostage in the form of a circle and still murmuring. It was quite obvious that this prisoner/hostage was no ordinary one.
"He looks familiar." whispered one prisoner/hostage.
"Wonder who he is." muttered another.
"Looks like this fish is going need some p.c. in here." said another.
"This fish looks like he comes from the filthy rich side of the valley." said a fourth one.
"Wait a second! He looks familiar. He really does!" a fifth prisoner/hostage got wide eyed.
"That's, because this newbie is a..." the sixth prisoner/hostage said as he entered the room and walked right up to the said "newbie", "Barkley."
To Be Continued...
Carmine: Nick, are you sure the foal is...well, you know.
Julissa: I wish people would come and help us. Tis (This) fire is starting to get overwhelming!
Heath: Somebody will come along. They just have to.
Daphne: I promise I vill do my besht (best) to show Eugene how much he means to me and how much I shtill (still) love him. I promise.
Victoria: What's happening and where's that cloth for Nadine?
Stefania: We must wait until the next chapter.
Jarrod: R&R, everybody. R&R.