Rammvier Against One

Chapter 10: Kartoffel

FLAKE'S POV

-Ring...Ring...

"Hallo? Es ist Schneider," says Christoph with a bit of hesitation.

"I need to ask you something," I reply with haste.

"Uh...sure. What do you need?" questions Schneider.

"If you have company, please go to a different room where they cannot hear you," I firmly demand.

"Um, alright Flake," replies Christoph a bit hesitantly.

There is silence from the other end if the line. Paul has not turned to look or react. I do not blame him for being speechless. Just then a voice could be heard.

"Okay. What's this for, Lorenz?" He questions as I hear a door slowly close.

"Do not even think about lying. Be honest with me. Is Till there?" I pop the anxiety-inducing question.

Christoph let's out a long sigh before responding with, "If he is here, what then?"

"What then? What do you mean what then?" At this point I am a bit frustrated and upset. Deep down, I'm sure he knows why I decided to call him. "Schneider, I just want to know. I don't want to waste my time looking everywhere only to find that he's just staying with you."

"Fine. Ja. He's here. Don't come over though or else I'll get in trouble. I wasn't supposed to say anything." He rapidly admits before sighing once again.

"Christoph, this is Till we are talking about. He's awake after weeks of being in a coma. How can you expect us not to go see him?" I desperately say.

"Look, Flake. I made a promise to him. I plan on keeping it." He sternly reaffirms.

"Fine. Just...take care of him, please?" I request with a saddened tone to my voice.

"I will, okay? Tschüß." Christoph says before hanging up on me.

Paul gives me a half smile. "There's hope after all then." he states.

I can not force a smile on myself. Something about this situation bothers me deeply. Why is he over at Schneider's place anyway? I thought he trusted us the most. I guess I am mistaken.

"Lorenz, don't. At least he's alive." Paul abruptly cuts in, interrupting my thoughts.

I turn over to look at Paul. How'd he know something was wrong? I give him a confused facial expression.

"I'm still surprised that you think I don't know you. How long have I known you? Oh ja. Over zwanzig Jahren." He laughs as he glances over at me.

I just smile at that comment. He is not wrong. We have been friends for a really long time.

"What now?" I hopelessly ask Landers. Somewhere in me, I know he will not have an answer. I guess I ask him to reassure myself that it's okay to not always know what to do.

"Dunno. Let's go home for now," suggests Paul as he turns on the car and starts to drive. Foolish, Landers. He does not wait for the car to even heat up!

"Should we tell the others?" I hesitantly bring up.

"Nein. That's too risky. Knowing Reesh, he'll probably want to go over there and skin Till alive!" replies Paul as he begins to chuckle.

That is true. Richard is rather dramatic. Both of us agree to go back home. I still wonder though. Why is he staying at Christoph's place if he (Doom) never cared for Till's suffering? I remain quiet as I attempt to find the answer to this question.