“Not sure about that son. From what I’ve seen women can be very brave too. Is that right, Sally?”
Sally jumped. How had she given herself away?
“Aunt Sally you came home. I was keeping Uncle Derek company. It was all women at Mrs. Brown’s house.” Tom rolled his eyes as he stood up. “Can I go find my mates now? I have some marbles to exchange. Would you like to come Uncle Derek? Sam Walker has a pure black marble and I’m going to win it today.”
“No, thank you, son, but good luck with your game. I have some talking to do.”
“Can you come with me later? I want my mates to meet you. You are a real live hero and everything.”
“Don’t call me that. I’m no hero. I sat on my backside for the whole war while my mates and countrymen fought for freedom.”
“That’s not what Aunt Sally says. She says you were the first to volunteer to fight and you were a real hero. Said you got a medal and everything. Will you be here when I get back?”
Derek glanced at Sally as if asking permission.
“Derek is tired, young man, so he might be asleep. Make sure you come home quietly, okay?”
“Yes, ma’am. See you later Uncle Derek. Thanks for talking to me. You know, like a man, not a boy. Can I have a sandwich to take with me, Aunt Sally? I’m starving.”
“Didn’t you eat at Enid’s?”
“Yes, but not your pie. She gave us something horrible. It was made out of vegetables but they were so mushed I don’t know what it was. It was disgusting.”
Derek’s laugh prevented her from admonishing Tom for his rudeness. “Take an apple and go on with you. Be home for tea by six.”
“Will do.”
And he was gone.
“He’s a bright boy that one. Need to watch what you say around him, that’s for sure.”
“Thank you for being kind to him Derek. He is desperate for a man’s attention. You know boys need a grown-up male to look up to. Harry’s been away so long and even if he was here, he would never have answered the questions about the camp.”
“Can’t blame him. Just glad Tom accepted my answer.”
34
Sally couldn’t stop smiling. It was going to be all right now. Derek and Tom had gotten along and everyone loved Liesl. Liesl! It was definitely time to let go of Liesl and embrace Liesl. Sally had noticed even Tom now referred to his sister as Liesl. Oh my goodness, Sally thought, Liesl’s still at Enid’s.
“I best collect Liesl. I don’t think she likes being at Enid’s much, either.”
“Sally, wait a minute. I know it’s a shock to you, me coming home like this. I should have sent you a telegram but I was selfish. I thought you would run into my arms and…” Derek shrugged his shoulders as he lit a cigarette. “I’m not the same man you once knew, Sally. I’ve changed.”
“I’ve changed too Derek. Five years is a long time.” She moved nearer to him. “I am thrilled that you’re home, though. I prayed for this moment every single night.”
“You did?”
Her heart melted, as he looked at her in disbelief.
“Yes darling, I did. I love you, always you and only you.” She moved to kiss him, but he held back.
“That’s not the whole truth, though, is it?”
She didn’t know what he meant. “Derek, I swear, I haven’t looked at another man.”
“I know that. I wasn’t implying you had but you have fallen for those children. They mean everything to you, don’t they?”
Sally couldn’t lie. She bit her lip, looking at him.
“I guess I understand why. He’s a very bright boy, young Tom and the baby was so young when she came here. You said you wanted a family and you got one.”
“We got one Derek. I’ve shown the children your picture every day.”
“What happens if they find their mother?”
“Tom’s stepmother hasn’t been in contact with the Red Cross. It’s been months and they’ve heard nothing. Harry wrote to say he had toured a couple of the displacement camps but there was no record of a Trudi Beck.”
“You think she’s dead? I guess that would suit you.”
“Derek! I would never wish another person dead.” But yet, in her heart, didn’t she hope Trudi wouldn’t take Liesl and Tom away? Yes, if she was totally honest.
“If she doesn’t come back, maybe Harry will take them.”
“No, he won’t. Harry told me to keep them. He loves them but he is set on revenge. I worry about him. He’s consumed by hatred for the Nazis but in particular for one who he blames for killing his father. He writes regularly but says he won’t return until that man is dead.”
“So, the children have nowhere to go.”
‘This is their home, Derek and has been for the last six years. Why should they go anywhere?
“This is our home, Sally. Yours and mine. What about our plans?”
“Derek, I meant what I said earlier. I would love our children just as much as I love Tom and Liesl.”
Derek stood up, a look of pain and confusion on his face. She moved closer to him.
“Please Derek, don’t make any rash decisions. Give it time.”
“I can’t. I won’t raise your hopes like that. I will never accept those children, Sally.” He lit a cigarette from the one he was holding, before stubbing out the old one. He took a deep drag and exhaled. Then he said, “you will have to make a choice, Sally.”
“Don’t Derek, please. Not today.”
“Those children or us.”
Tears spilled down her face. “Derek, I’m begging you. Don’t do anything rash, please. Stay here and get to know the children. Let us have time to find our way back to one another. There’s been loads of programs
