In the Midst of War

Epologue

Two Years Later

I sat in the rocking chair of our baby's nursery, watching Vladek put together the crib. My hands caressed my seven and a half months stomach, smiling as I felt it kick. We had been married for two years and finally blessed with a baby. It would be due the summer of 1947.

Our wedding ceremony was unconventional and slightly confusing. Vladek insisted on having a Rabbi and I insisted on having a priest. We got married outside of our home in Vermont. Emily was our witness and my maid of honor. Captain Mason-- I mean Frank-- walked me down the isle and was the best man. The wedding, I loved it. My parents, they would have been happy to know I would be taken care of by a wonderful man. And he really was a wonderful man.

Vladek straightened from his position on the floor and marveled at his masterpiece, satisfied that the crib wouldn't fall apart. He turned towards me and smiled. Vladek, Emily and I had eventually gained back the weight and were healthy once again. Vladek's dirty blonde hair had grown out once again, and it started to curl uncontrollably. Emily kept her hair in a cute bob, since Frank liked so much.

Emily and Frank.

I saw it coming the moment he brought me home to my family. They were captivated by each other, and it made my heart swell. They were married only a few months after Vladek and I, and had beautiful twin boys nine months after that. They moved up north as well, Emily couldn't adjust to the warm climate of Tennessee. Neither could Vladek and I. Vermont's weather seemed so close to home, we moved there as soon as we could.

If you are wondering what happened to me, I shall tell you, I filled out and let my grow out. The only thing that changed was my dreams. I was haunted by my times in the camps, sometimes I would wake in a cold sweat and sometimes, I wouldn't be able to sleep at all. Vladek had similar dreams as I, and he would comfort me.

Vladek walked over and knelt in front of me, curving his hands around mine. He was happy about the baby, and kept telling me that it would have my dark curls and his blue eyes. He was so adamant on having a baby, it took me a while to persuade him to wait. He pressed his soft lips against the fabric of my dress, making the baby stir.

"Did you sleep well, my love?" He asked. I shook my head softly, looking at my belly.

"I had another nightmare. But this one was not bad. I'll take a nap later." I said softly. "Let's go down stairs, Vlad. Emily and Frank will be here with he boys any minute. And Frank is hell-bent on teaching you how to... Bar-B-Que." I giggled.

Frank was hell-bent on Americanizing the two of us. He already sold Emily on the idea with the big house and white picket fence and three children. Vladek and I were still adapting to America and the food, the life style, the work ethics, everything. Vladek already worked ten to twelve hour shifts at the bank on top of working weekends at the grocery store. We were tight on money since I had stopped working. We were even trying to speak more English than we were comfortable with.

Vladek smiled and helped me up, wrapping his arm around my waist as we walked down stairs. Fank's Volvo rolled into the drive as Vladek helped lower me onto the sofa. Without hesitation my boisterous brother-in-law burst through the front door with his first born-- Thomas-- in his arms and his second born-- Matthew-- clutching his leg. Emily entered the house behind her boys, her tiny belly barely showing. My sister was pregnant, again, with their third child. And she was hoping it would be a baby girl. Vladek shook his head with an amused sigh as he turned to our family, picking Matthew off of the ground.

"Hello, my boys!" He exclaimed, tossing the toddler into the air and catching him before he fell. My nephew started giggling uncontrollably, clinging to my husband for dear life. I laughed as I pushed myself off of the couch, waddling over to my family. Frank put Thomas down and grabbed my petit body, lifting me up in a hug.

"Little Elyza!" He said happliy, kissing my cheeks. I squeaked and pressed my hands to his chest, practically begging to be put down. He happily obliged, letting his wife hug me next. Our bellies knocked against each other as we went for hugs from the front. I laughed and pulled back, going over to my husband.

Everything was perfect.

I had no reason to look back at what happened three years ago. I was once told that everything happens for a reason. I don't believe everything happens for a reason. I think that people make things happen, just like Vladek rescued Emily and I and took us in like lost puppies. And we were put into the cans, and we were tortured, and we were rescued. We made it happen.

And I don't regret any of it.

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Hello my lovelies!

I just want to say thank you for joining me on this wonderful journey. I appreciate every vote, comment and reader. I am still contemplating on doing a part 2, but I'm not sure. Sadly, we have reached the end of Elyza and Vladek's journey.

My next Historical Fiction is Cain. I will be starting it soon, probably sometime this week since I have winter break.

Love,

DoctorWho