Mummy Dearest

Chapter 4

"Only one form is left!" Manuela exclaimed happily. It was the first day after the end of the school year. The couch welcomed the couple once again.

"Liebling, no need to be so excited. We're together now."

"We can't be together completely while I'm a pupil."

"A lot of couples where each or at least one is busy can't see each other as much as we do. For example, to work and live in the opposite ends of a town or a city. To study and to teach at the same school has privileges."

"It has, but still . . ." The girl was sad.

"Let's think about something better. For example, a week together last year."

"It was a wonderful time!" Manuela smiled, remembering what happened then.

"It's not all. What if this year gives us some time of freedom?"

"It would be the best." The girl smirked.

"Liebling, don't look at me like this. One year is left. Tender snogging is acceptable; because it's not too far for an underage girl. Plus, we're free. It's not like we'll never have a chance to be together, and maximum is to meet sometimes, but we wouldn't even be alone."

"Oh-oh, it's absolutely not like this."

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It was nearly August. Manuela had no hope to stay with Elisabeth even once overnight. However . . .

Several days later, Mutti Käte received a letter that informed her that she would be needed on the farm to help with this and that as she knew everything well enough. Papa Alfred needed to come too as there would be some heavy lifting, and the more men the better. The addition was that the only way for the Lieutenant-Colonel to go was if it didn't contradict with tasks from the army. The work would take about half a month.

Papa was free, and the couple could go to the farm. He didn't complain at all. It was the very same farm where he met and fell in love with Käte! So many wonderful memories.

"Manuela will stay here with me," the housekeeper said decisively.

"No way!" Mutti contradicted immediately. "I'll not let my girl be unhappy. She would better be with her school friend."

"Who knows what be when they're together?"

"Can you stop it?" Papa intervened. "My daughter needs some freedom while on holidays, not to be controlled by your watchful eye."

Again, the housekeeper was powerless.

The trio went to pack things to take for the time away from home.

To not let the daughter stay with the housekeeper alone even for one day, the parents decided to let Manuela have sixteen days of stay with a friend. Like previous time, no question was asked which friend it would be. No letter was needed. All that was required was that Manuela had to ask her friend for permission to spend all sixteen days at her family's house. Parents were sure the reply would be positive. Manuela didn't need to ask to know the answer, but she was going to pretend on the day before the event that she would go to ask the question. She would go, of course, but for slightly different reasons. To spent time with her "friend" and to inform about the best event possible.

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The girl said nothing to her dearest teacher. She wanted to keep wonderful information until the day before the event.

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"Liebling, can you imagine feeling the happiest possible?" Manuela asked nonchalantly.