The Cuckoo's Cage

Chapter Thirteen

Anna shifted uncomfortably beside Ernst. She really didn't understand why she had to be there to greet this woman; she wouldn't want her there. Yet Ernst had insisted. He seemed tense and irritable, a world away from how he had been over the past week. He had been so happy since he found out about the baby and had spent every single moment with Anna and the children, only tearing himself away to work when he absolutely had to. The children looked miserable too, Oskar staring at his shoes and Freda glaring at the gate, expectantly.

"Try to smile," Anna said to her softly.

"Why?" she said, grumpily.

"For your father's sake. He needs our support." She sighed, but forced it, Anna genuinely grinning at her. It had been hard not to be seduced by their family life. As much as she loathed Ernst, he was truly a different person around her and the children. It got easier to forget what a vile little weasel he was when it was just them. She looked up at him. His jaw was clenched, and he kept fidgeting. "Darling?" she whispered, slipping her hand into his.

"I'm fine," he muttered, squeezing her hand a little. He clearly wasn't. Anna already knew that he and his mother must have a strained relationship, but she expected him to simply be grumpy or indifferent. This is the first time that Ernst had seemed nervous. She found it fascinating. If she could play this right, she could use it to her advantage. Ilse clearly sided with her mother in law, and Anna got the feeling that Ernst wanted someone to fight this battle for him. She drew his hand to her lips and kissed it, his expression softening a little.

"We'll get through this together," she whispered. He moved his arm to cup her waist, pulling her in and kissing her head. When Anna heard the car rumble from down the road, she also pulled in Oskar and Freda, wrapping them in her arms. "Ready my darlings?" she said. Oskar nodded and Freda just sighed, tucking herself further into Anna. "Stay with me," whispered Anna just to her. "I won't let either of them upset you."

"I know you won't," she replied.

"Remember," said Ernst, "not a word about the baby. Not yet." The children nodded in response.

The car finally pulled into the drive, and Anna could already see the eyes glaring at her. Ernst took in a deep breath as it stopped, gripping Anna tighter. Freddie got out of the car, shooting Anna a quick glance. He looked worn out, which was strange for him. This woman was certainly someone to contend with. Anna watched as Ilse climbed out of the car, holding Eric. She glared up at the four of them, her mouth pressed into a thin line. Then a small, austere woman followed her out. Like Ilse, she was perfectly presented, but dressed all in black, her hair pulled into a low, tight bun. She had the same long nose and beady eyes as her son. Despite her clear older age and petite frame, she seemed entirely rigid and imposing. They walked up the steps side by side, Freddie pulling all their bags out of the boot. They stopped in front of the four of them, an awkward silence hanging over them.

"Really, Ernst?" said his mother finally. "Must you parade your shame around in front of me?" Anna's eyes widened. He was right... she went straight for the jugular.

"Mother," he said quietly. "Could you try to be civil?"

"Civil?" she scoffed. "How can I be civil when this trollop has her arms around my grandchildren?" Anna looked to Ernst quickly. He was staring at something no one else could see... like when a child is scolded. She decided to trust her instinct and protect him as she would Oskar or Freda.

"And it's very nice to meet you too, Frau Werner," she said clearly, her eyes locked on the old woman. Ernst was shocked, squeezing her in surprise.

"Do not think that you can address me, young lady," sighed Frau Werner, her stern gaze shifting to her. "And if you do insist on speaking to your betters, then at least try and be sincere."