Through Blood

Chapter 9: War

"France," Uli mumbled in surprise.
"I kind of figured that it would be France. Think about it, Schulz said that, when we reached our final destination, the British would come. I figured then, we were either flying to England or France," Ben said.
"I know, I just... I was sure we would be flying to England, not France. We're going to bomb France," Uli said in disbelief.
"Are you okay?" Ben frowned.

They were walking out of the briefing on the morning of the attack. Mechanics were checking the aircraft. The sky was a dark navy blue, but in the east, a slight glimmer of purple could be seen. The sun would soon rise at the airfield and with it, a thousand planes. Uli looked around to ensure he wouldn't be overheard.

"Look, Ivy's grandmother is in Paris. Ivy would be devastated if something happened to her, and she has no idea this is about to happen," he whispered cautiously. Comprehension settled in Ben's expression. "There is no time to call her, and even if there was, the conversation would be heard."
"What do I do?" Uli asked.
"There is nothing you can do, she'll be fine. Knowing the French, they'll surrender before we even make it to Paris," Ben patted him on the back.

"Pilots, board your planes, start your engines. Let's go, let's go!" someone shouted.

"I hope you're right," Uli said to Ben. They gave each other a nod and walked to their planes.

                                                                                                          ~

As their driver carried the suitcase down the stairs and Ivy followed after him, Simone came in through the front door with the twins and carrying a brown bag of fresh groceries.

"Ivy, you weren't serious about leaving, were you?" she asked.
"Mother, I have to go see Oma. I miss her, and I need to know that she'll be alright. I think the girls should come with me," Ivy replied.
"I told you, she'll be fine. Paris is safe. But leave the girls here, it's such a long drive..."
"Come with us?"
"No darling, I miss my Mutti, I do, but I have no desire to go there," Simone sternly replied.

"You just don't want to go because of your brother, but I'm going. We can't get through to her by telephone and a letter will take too long to reach her. I'll be back Sunday evening, just in time for the dinner on Monday," Ivy said.

Simone nodded. "Please, leave the girls here. I'll be all alone this weekend if you take them," she said.
"Just what will you do when they go off to school in a few months?" Ivy asked. "Ugh, I'll spend all day missing them," Simone smiled.

Ivy looked at Heidi and Trudi. They were both wearing identical light yellow dresses and holding a small children's book with the Führer on the cover. "Do you want to stay here?" she asked them.

"Where are you going?" Heidi asked.
"France," Ivy replied.
"France? Isn't that a bad country? The Führer says that's a bad country," she frowned.

"Alright then," Ivy laughed, " You two can stay here.

The driver was ready, waiting outside the car. "Auf Wiedersehen, I love you," Ivy hugged Simone and then gave the twins a kiss on the forehead. "I love you, darling," Simone said.
"Ivy, when are you coming back?" Trudi asked.
"In two days, I'll be back before you know it. You girls be good to Simone, okay?"
They nodded. They are so mature and intelligent for their age, it never ceases to amaze me, Ivy thought.

                                                                                               ~