The Cuckoo's Cage

Chapter Seven

"Ernst," said Anna quietly, trying to get him to turn around. He did, his stance suddenly even cockier. Anna stood up, remaining close to Ernst.

"Yes?" he said, almost lazily. Ilse walked towards them, Anna tightening her grip on Ernst. He glanced down, seeing no fear, but a strange anger. A possessive anger. He liked it a lot.

"So," said Ilse, "you're not even going to try to hide it?"

"Why should we?" Anna answered. It was strange how sweet it felt to see her in pain. It wasn't a good way to be, Anna knew that. But she couldn't help it. This woman infuriated her. Any pity she had felt for her had completely dissipated.

"Think of the children," Ilse pleaded with Ernst.

"What? Like you do?" Ernst sneered. "They adore Anna, especially Freda."

"This is my home!" she shrieked suddenly. "As if Maria wasn't enough, now you have her too?!"

"Maria is a thing of the past," he said, "as are you. You were going to find out about Anna and I eventually."

"It's indecent!"

"Speak for yourself," scoffed Anna. Ilse glared at her.

"Then I'll take the children to your mother's," she threatened.

"You're not taking MY children anywhere," he boomed. "You can go if you wish, but the children remain here." She turned and fled, tears brimming in her eyes. They listened as she stormed upstairs, and a faraway door slammed shut. Then they heard Eric start to cry. They both went out as Freda rounded the corner, carrying the screaming toddler in her arms.

"What was that all about?" she asked in a raised voice, Oskar appearing beside her with his fingers in his ears.

"Nothing to worry about," assured Ernst, taking Eric from her. Anna watched as he soothed him, Eric's face turning straight back to his normal happy grin. Ernst checked his watch. "He needs to be put to bed," he sighed. "Has he even been fed?"

"Yes," said Freda. "I fed him."

"Will you put him down to sleep before dinner, sweetheart?" he asked.

"But I wanted to read!" she whined.

"Freda, you are a young woman now and that comes with certain responsibilities," he said gently. "He's already in his nightwear..."

"It's all right," said Anna. "Give Freda her break, I can do it." She held her arms out to him, Ernst smiling. He passed him over, watching as Anna cooed over him.

"Don't be too long," said Ernst as she carried Eric up the stairs and away. Anna hadn't spent any real time with Eric. He'd changed a lot in the time that she'd known him; he was just passed two years old and was becoming more independent. But Ilse held onto him fiercely. It didn't seem to be out of any sentiment. More that he was the last of her children that she had control over. Anna set Eric down in his cot and closed the curtains as he stood and watched her. She came and sat in the chair beside him, leaning over the cot so that their faces were quite close together. He grinned at her, his big chubby cheeks lifting as he looked at her. She smiled back, captivated by him. He had Ilse's features, his pale curly hair making him cherub like and beautiful. He reached out and took her face in his hands, pulling her skin so that she made funny faces. He gave a delighted giggle, stamping his feet excitedly. Then he yawned. Clearly, he was fighting sleep.

"It's time to sleep," she whispered.

"No," he said, shaking his head. He didn't often speak, but when he did, he was concise. She lay him down, letting him tuck his thumb in his mouth. She hummed softly, her hand placed on his back. She rubbed in circles, watching as he nestled into his blanket. She used to do this to Elli when she put her down for a nap. His eyes grew heavy in the same way, his breathing deep and peaceful. Anna's heart began to pine. She wanted to do this with Elli now. She wanted to know that she was safe and snuggled in a warm bed. At least she'd be with Freddie by now. She knew he'd be gentle with her and check that she was all right. Anna just wanted to do it herself.