Of The Dark

Chapter 9

The next morning, Oskar decided to take the girls to Berlin and, for some reason, he wanted me to go with them. Only, Matron was not as keen on the idea.

"What if she runs?" She snarled. "I wouldn't put it past her."

"She won't. Her sister is still here." Oskar confirmed. "Someone has to carry our bags."

"So take another one. That one there is dangerous." I gasped.

Me? Dangerous? Dear god, I once cried after accidentally killing a ladybird!

A disgruntled Adalina stuck her head out of the car window. "If you don't hurry up, I am going to be as old and wrinkly as Oskar by the time we leave."

With that, Oskar entered the car, pulling me in with him. A sheet of snow blanketed the hood of the car, standing out against the black. The chilly air bit at my skin, causing me to shiver. Whilst everyone was cocooned in their coats and hats, I simply had my dress to offer me warmth as well as the coziness of the car with Oskar by my side.

When we reached Berlin, an uneasy feeling settled in my stomach as I peered out of the window.

My home.

It felt like it was hanging just beyond my fingertips, too far to reach but I could feel it lingering around my touch. I wanted to grasp it and cling onto the feeling of home, but it was lost from me and even if I tried to repossess it, the act would leave me for nothing but dead.

A river of Aryan children, parents and soldiers formed the bustling crowds of the Berlin streets. The area was formed of poised and affluent looking Berliners, the kind you would never see where I grew up. Luxury stores were lined up on either side of the street, increasing in exclusiveness as we progressed through. Newspaper stalls were propped equal increments apart, each headlining the latest progresses in war and each swarmed by their curious readers, eager to get their daily dosage of dinnertime conversation worthy news.

"Stop here." Oskar told the driver, who parked in front of a grand, palatial boutique.

"We're here! We're here! We're here!" Elsa sang, springing out of the door before the driver could have opened it for her. "Come on, then! Let's go inside!"

Ada and Carolina followed her and then Oskar, with me behind him. I stood in awe of the boutique; a glowing gem amidst a sea of other jewels. The mirrors inside glistened with the light reflected off from the outside snow. Dresses hung by either wall and two rows down the centre with cushioned seating elegantly placed around. An elderly woman crouched in a corner looked very preoccupied with her sewing machine and the unkempt bundles of fabric swamping her.

The girls went around selecting fabrics and shoes and matching jewellery for almost an hour. Oskar sat uncomfortably on a sofa as one of the sales clerks kept trying to force a conversation with him, in a creepily flirtatious tone. I helped the girls with zips, buttons, corsets and fittings, silently admiring the beauty and the breadth of their options that Lola and I never had.

"I will be back in a bit." Oskar informed, prying the eager salesgirl's hand off his shoulder. "Carolina, you're in charge."

"Why is she in charge?" Adalina looked horrified. "I'm the oldest!"

"No, I am. I make the rules." He asserted. "Carolina, are you okay with that?"

She nodded.

"Come on." He gestured towards me. I raised an eyebrow, sure that I was better here with the girls but followed him out of the store anyways.

"Where are we going?" I asked as we descended down the steps of the store.

"I need to get something."