Resistance- ON HOLD

Walking and Talking and More Silent Walking

With wide eyes, Adeline peered up at the tall man called Dutch Kaiser. His grey uniform made his piercing icy blue eyes stand out even more against his wavy brown hair and fair skin. A tattoo crept from the collar of his shirt and another peeked from his rolled up sleeve.

Helga smiled, said hello, and elbowed her shy friend hard in the side. Adeline gasped and choked out a quiet greeting. Her eyes flitted nervously towards Esther, who with one hand was holding a small pot of blooms and with the other was clutching her Star of David necklace.

Dutch Kaiser had not missed one detail of the meeting- the nervous Jewish girl, the excited Jungmadel member, and the increasingly pale-faced beauty he had come to see.

"Fraulein Sommer? Your cousin Klaus asked me to talk to you as soon as possible," He held out his arm expectantly, smirking when the Muller girl shoved Adeline towards him. She stumbled, but he gracefully nabbed her elbow and tucked her arm in his.

They started to walk away. Adeline waved anxiously at the stricken Esther and the pleased but slightly jealous Helga. Silently weaving through the crowds of shoppers, it didn't take long for Adeline to realize what this was about- Esther. Just a month ago, Klaus had tried to convince Adeline to join the Jungmadel. He didn't think it was safe for her to remain friends with a Jew. She'd obviously refused, confused at the prospect of losing Esther's friendship. Seems like he had asked a more intimidating friend to persuade her.

A few more moments of silent strolling passed by until Adeline cleared her throat. "I know why you're here, Herr Kaiser, and I appreciate Klaus's concern, but what he asks is out of the question in these current circumstances." She smiled politely at him, and moved to take her arm from his.

The officer's jaw flexed before he chuckled softly, tightening his grip on her arm. "Klaus was right; you are a stubborn girl, häschen. I admire that, but not in this instance. I'm just warning you. Things will not be safe for your friend, and therefore they will not be safe for you if you continue this relationship."

          Adeline frowned. Then she cleared her throat. "With all due respect, officer, I don't believe friendship is a crime. Hatred for no reason should be one instead. Don't you think, Herr Kaiser?"

            He chuckled softly then scowled. Maybe, Adeline thought, she'd hit a nerve in this stoic man. Maybe he was not so keen on Herr Hitler's views.

               With hopeful eyes she stared up at him, but Dutch Kaiser only clucked his tongue and shook his head ruefully. They finished walking the next street in silence before he handed the strange girl back to her Jungmadel enthusiast friend.