The Silver Ring

SCHOOL DAYS

After the parting with the crew, I went to Monika's house. I really felt at home there. Her mother did everything to make me feel comfortable.

Humbolt did not have dorms, students were expected to find their own places. The  university had lists of apartments and rooms available. Since I did not know the city that well, Monika was my guide. 

I was fortunate I had a scholarship and a stipend to live on, but it wasn't a  huge amount.There were some areas that were beautiful, but they were pricey too. After all, Berlin is the capital city. Capital was needed to live.

 The area with the best prices was Lichtenberg. This was in the old East Berlin. There was a studio apartment in a Stalin era apartment block. It had its own kitchen and bathroom and this was a plus. The buildings that were so drab, now were spruced up, and were quite attractive, various pastel colors covering over the drab grey. 

One of the claims to fame for Lichtenburg was it was the headquarters of the Stasi, the East German Secret Police. On the site was now a museum. It was really interesting, and feelings of the Cold War were everywhere.

Monika helped me to get the things that I needed for the flat. It really looked pretty good. I was on my own, in Berlin, with the woman I loved I couldn't be much better.

I have to admit, i got into the new student bit. I decided to grow out my hair, grow a beard, and dress the part, jeans, denim jacket, etc. It took a month or so for the full effect, and I was pretty proud of myself. Hey, this couldn't be the kid from Verdun High School.

Although I had known Monika for less than a year, I could sense vibes and I could tell she was upset about something. One day we were walking by the river Spree. I said, "Monika, is there something wrong?" She shook her head, no. But I knew there was something bothering her. She didn't say a word, but a saw her glancing at the hair and beard. Monika, is it the hair and beard? Would you like me to get a haircut and shave off the beard? But you seem to like  it so much. Yes, Monika I do, but I love you while I only like the long hair and beard. If it makes you happy, it will go to the barber today. it was the first time I had used the word "love" to Monika. You would do that for me me, she said. Yes, i would do anything for you. I will go to the barber right now. Maybe, I'll  get my head shaved and a tattoo. Lichtenberg was a headquarters for the local skin  heads. I will fit right in. I saw her looking at me in a funny way. Monika, I was only kidding. I'll come to your house tonight, the new, old Matt will return. She smiled and gave me a big kiss. it must have been unpleasant for her through the beard.

I went to the barber and had the matter taken care  of. As promised, i showed up at Monika's house, and i could see great happiness in the demeanor of all the Hoch's. The only one who really thought this was cool was Monika's little brother. Mine would probably have the same reaction.

There was a literal feast. There seemed to be an acceptance. I now was looked at more as a suitor than just a friend. I was being incorporated more into the family as a son or potential son in law rather than a guest. Katrin called me, she said how happy I had  made Monika and that I was a good man. She wanted to assure me that Monika had real feelings for  me, and that I should l should know this. An engagement ring would not be rejected.

I fumbled around, really I did not have the price of an engagement ring. Katrin said she had someting to give me. When I saw  her in person, she handed me a small wrapped box. Open it, she said. I did,and there was a beautiful engagement ring. it belonged to  my grandmother. My aunt gave it to me after the war. I  have put it away, and now I know why. I know you are serious about Monika, when you feel it is the right time, you have the ring and you have my blessings.

The time during the school year went very quickly  During the summers I was back with the team. We worked in Germany, Poland, Russia and the Ukraine. I really got to be good friends with the team. 

when we were working close enough, I would take the train back to Berlin to be with Monika. I got a lot of kidding. "You are an old married man, Carol laughed. All you need to do is ask the question.  It is so obvious that you adore the girl. The guys said, hey look you are not getting any younger, you need to start having kids. We can be sure of more people here in the field. The chief said, look if you get  married, you will concentrate more on our work. I was young too, he laughed, the hormones are very strong. I became papa,and they referred to Monika as mama. I really didn't get angry. I saw us in that way too.

Monika and I finished our degrees at the same time. Immediately following our graduation, I popped the question. she said  yes, and we were married shortly thereafter.

I had told Curt that I wanted 30 days with Monika to make babies. We only had three days, but they were the best days of my life. I never felt so much like a  man. I hoped that Monika never felt more like a woman. I felt complete like I had never felt before. My life had a real focus, and having a wife made it so much easier. 

On our wedding day Katrin gave me a gift. it was the silver ring. She welled up with tears and said, you brought my brother back to me. I want you to have this. You are part of the Hoch family now. I am sure Curt is pleased. I couldn't say anything, but I knew Curt had been pleased for a long time. 

One night shortly after our honeymoon he visited me. Well, soldaten, you did pretty well on your honeymoon. I was embarassed, but  he continued, don't be embarassed, you said you wanted Monika, and you did it the right way. I can tell you will be happy.

About a month later, I came home from work. Monika greeted me with a brandy and a kiss. This was a great way to begin an evening. Matt, I have news. I got worried, but she broke into a smile and grabbed me in a bear hug. Matt, I am pregnant. We are having a child. 

I went wild. I didn't know whether to cry, laugh. I grabbed Monika and swung her into the air twirling around. Then I worried,I might hurt the baby. 

She assured me, it was fine. Monika, do you know the sex of the baby. Yes, she replied, a boy. Monika, I would like to ask your opinion, would you agree to name the baby Curt after your great uncle. He, I believe brought us together. Agree, she laughed, when I tell Oma, she will light up Berlin with her smile.

Have you told your folks, I asked.No, she said. Let's go tell them together. We prepared to head out the door, and laughed to myself. We  had three days, but I must have been fertile because already I was going to be a Dad.

Monika's family was  overjoyed. As Monika had said, Katrin was beside herself with joy. Now, to tell my family back in the States. Here I had left for a summer program, ended up staying for four  years, and now am married and soon to be a father. I had not told them because I feared they would object. Now, I needed to tell them. 

Christmas was coming. This will be the time.