How I got back home? The Adventures of Julia Gray

6

Cologne, Germany isn't a fantastic place. I'm saying that for the least. Its in shambles, and there is not a bright or happy figure in sight. Nevertheless, if my town got destroyed by the Axis powers I wouldn't be a pile of rainbows either.

When I got from the train station, I made sure that we got water before anything else. In James' journal he said: The rule of three: three minutes without oxygen, three hours without shelter, three days without water, and three weeks without food.

 I take anything James writes to my heart. He is the key to my survival at this moment.

Mary is someone who doesn't think before a lot of things. I mean I'm surprised she survived this long with Officer Ravonn. She panics way too easily, and she doesn't have a single clue of the keys to survival. I know its about time before I have to get some sort of work for us to do in order to get shelter, and more than apples for nutrition.

 Needless to say, yes an apple a day keeps the doctor away like my father used to say, but you need more than just apples. I once read in a biology book in my father's library that the human body needs to survive with the four bio-molecules: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

I check in an inn (a rather odd looking inn) to get our shelter. After, I get whatever money I have to refresh Mary and I. After going in a hopeful general store with a help wanted sign, I got us jobs to tide us over for rent and some food.

I got to see and meet so many new people. Everyone around me keeps whispering around me, talking about the war. Unlike Scarlet O'Hara, I was interested in "War War War". The thing that worries me is that I don't even know the date.

I ask a fellow bus boy. Dashing I might add. "What is today's date?" "Its April 16, uh...." he said. "Julia. My name is Julia."

 "Oh my name is Evan. I've been here for a year now, you know working. Might I add: Are you new?" he said. "Yeah I've had a rough time this past two weeks. Here and there, well everywhere." I added.

 The manager comes up. "Can you two go work in the storage and take inventory? I'll give you a raise in two dollars if you do" "Deal," we both said at the same time. We both laughed.

In the storage room we got to work. I asked him "How does everyone speak English so well here?" "Haven't you ever heard of a lingua franca?" he continues, "English is our lingua franca here in Germany. Its easy to learn and you get better opportunities in Europe. Its used to make deals with other countries by our government. Right now however Hitler wants to do away with it most likely." "Well I wonder why?" I asked him.

 "Hitler is an ass" he whispered quietly.

Evan was whispering because if the wrong person walks by he can get arrested for talking crap about the president. "He is." I added, "They burned my father's library in London. I love to learn new things. Books are my life. After the invasion in England, my mum and I were devastated. One night after the French got crushed. A Jew gave us a knock on the door." "You're kidding?" he said.

 "I'm not. Then they shot my mother trying to get him. I was in the attic with James, and he gave me this knapsack of survival tools and books. I never leave it out of my sight. He was a smart, and kind individual."

Evan paced the floor counting the sacks of rice and potatoes. "Wow. They never tell these stories. What happened after they killed him?" "Well, I ran downstairs to find them hovering over me. They put chloroform on my face. I didn't wake up until the day after. I was so out of it at first. I got to this Officer's house in Berlin, Germany." I said.

 "Oh no" he gasped. "Oh yes, and it took me a little time to finally figure out that he was a human trafficker hiding several girls in his basement. That's how I found Mary. We both need to get back to London, so I can see, my dear brother Luke hopefully."

Evan finally brightened his eyes like he suddenly had an idea while counting the rare but so delicious eggplants. "Officer Ravonn?" "Yes Officer Ravonn that was him" I said. He gave me a box to hold for him while he told the many stories of the unknown lost women of the UK. He said no one turns him in for the fear of a cruel punishment or even death.

My story seemed to intrigue him. Like it got him thinking he then asked me how long it will be until I go back on my journey. "Maybe a few weeks until I get enough money for another pair of train tickets. He's looking for me so I must be careful. He did something terrible. He killed an old woman that was letting us room and board. So I must be very discreet if you don't mind. " I told him.

"Not a thing to worry about Miss Julia. Your secret is safe with me. I do have a slight favor to ask of you?" Evan said as he looks down at my list I have been making of food. He blushes like a beautiful pink carnation on a spring day. "Yes" I responded as I too blush. 

"Can you take me with you on your journey I do hope to drop by Wales. My mother wants me to join the military of the Axis powers. Do you believe that? I don't want to, so I told her I was going to make money for her to keep her safe. I need to leave this God-forbidden place. It's not healthy. And besides you sure seem to know what you are doing. Maybe we can go on a picnic and go to a safe place to read a bit of your books."

I looked down trying to hide my face like a dork with cheeks aflame as a candle. "I would love that"