What Anni-Frid would like you to know

Chapter 10 - Min Soldat (The discovery)

You can read this chapter (although it is not a German song, Nocturne, by Chopin) 🎶

Spring hung over the frozen Stockholm, flowers blown down by the wind on the floor, assembling a variety of colors that was surprising, this was the sight of Frida sitting in the yard, drinking a huge cup of strong coffee the way she liked, reading a few sentences  basic in German, that every time she forgot the pronunciation or what it meant.
She took a deep breath, adjusted her pearls, and wiped her sweaty, nervous hands, which completely wet the paper she held, trembling.
"Everything ready, my dear?"  It's been exactly two hours since you're out there repeating all this like a ritual, "Benny said, pulling the car keys out of his pocket as he took Frida's icy hands when he saw Benny,  almost humorous.
- A German ritual!  What do they eat in Germany?  What do they do there?  Would I just be a weirdo who does not deserve this title of descent?  What if my dad does not like me?  And if by chance, he is not my father, but an interest?  Benny, this absolutely can not happen, I, I ... I do not know!  Oh, why is it so hard?  We're planning this for weeks, months!  I am a practically middle-aged woman who is jumping with joy because she will finally see her unknown father, who does not speak his native language!  Do not you think that, like a fairy tale?  That's why I'm scared!  said Frida breathlessly, pacing back and forth, shaking the paper in her hands and gesticulating endlessly, her heels echoing on the sidewalk all the time.
"Frid!  Your father will love you, you can be sure.  And you know, even though you do not speak German, I'll be there ... And by the way, I'll finally meet my father-in-law, see how nervous I am too.  said Benny, showing a completely soaked handkerchief in his hands.  "I'll be there Frid, if you like, I play his favorite song if I have the piano where we're going."  he said, clasping his large hands in hers, which never ceased to tremble for an instant, even though she felt completely comforted by the words of her beloved.
The way was short, the day seemed favorable, the flowers made everything nicer, Frida's hair flew along with the wind, and her soul was light, while Benny drove rather quickly, she felt like a teenager again, watching  all with great beauty and splendor outside, great pines, more flowers and the rays of sun hiding in the sky.  She could swear that it all seemed more than perfect.

***

Benny helped her out of the car by opening the door and holding her by the waist to climb the stairs, Anni's legs were shaking and her heart could come out of her mouth at any moment.  The bistro was something like it only existed in movies, it was something nice, with nice white lace towels under the table, solid wooden chairs with a comfortable seat, various works of art scattered around the room, some flowers and a smell perfectly to the point  cinnamon biscuits and the taste of cappucino that hung in the air, in the background, they could find a large white grand piano, coincidentally of a German mark.

Benny smiled to himself, completely as planned.
Frida jumped up and smiled at Benny and gave a shriek of joy, waving her hands, sitting at the table that was premeditated to be reserved for the three, while looking to the sides looking for who she would like.
"Oh Benny, I think he gave up on me ...?"  she said, putting one hand on her chin.  "Well, I think he must be in traffic just yet, right?"  But this time in Stockholm is so calm ... "said Frida, checking her watch every two minutes.
"My coconut candy, I literally will not be able to let you drink so much coffee like that anymore, calm down, I promise it will be all right.  The scheduled time is 15:00.  I assure you, he feels the same way you do.  said Benny, running a finger on Frida's face, sliding down to her hands.
- Excuse?  Benny Andersson, the pianist I talked to on the phone?  Alfred (in German) suddenly said, trying to locate himself in a nice suit, the shirt inside his pants and a specific scent of woody scent and pipe.
"Hey, Mr. Alfred, it's really nice to meet you.  Benny tensed, getting up quickly to greet his father-in-law with a long handshake, really surprised.  "This is who you were looking for, Anni-Frid Lyngstad.  Benny held out his hands to Frida, who was looking down at the moment, her breath so deep, rising timidly, looking slowly at her father, who was looking at her admiringly.
- Anni-Frid Synni Lyngstad?  My daughter.  This is my daughter.  Alfred said with certainty, reaching out his arms to her, tears in his eyes, giving a sincere laugh with relief.  "How beautiful you are, how talented ... My daughter, forgive me.  he said, removing a handkerchief from his suit, wiping his eyes from under his glasses. "Forgive me for absolutely everything, your doubts, about what people said about you ... You did not deserve this, my dear.  he said in the tight embrace, squeezing almost every bone in Frida's lean body.
"Why, for 31 years, you did not even come to me?"  That hurts ... It hurts to see that you are so much like me in appearance, but I do not know if we are the same soul and feelings, Alfred.  said Frida, wiping away her tears, sitting down again, looking closely at her father and keeping every detail in her memory, speaking in a rather icy manner.
Benny had to be very quick to translate everything Frida said and what Alfred said, they had the controversy of not understanding, just by the look they could talk, but this question, it left the climate somewhat strange and tense.
"I did not have Anni-Frid time, I swear I did not.  The war issue affected my image a lot, but I knew of its existence, of course I knew it.  I waited my whole life to find you, as soon as I saw you on television and you resembled my daughter, I contacted you as soon as possible.  I did not abandon you!  I just did not know where you were!  said Alfred, putting his hands under Frida's, which was still far from her unknown father.
"You did not abandon me?"  Are you sure about that?  My grandmother who created me, she was like a mother to me!  For me, you were practically dead, I only had photos ... I never had news of you, I raised my children by myself, I did everything very young, I lost my childhood and I fought to be here today, and all this, I did not need to  You to be present, I got it all by myself.  Frida said in a rude, unpredictable way, frustrated with her father's self-centeredness, waiting impatiently for Benny to tell him everything in German.
"Anni-Frid, despite the time lost, although I do not show up earlier, I want to be here today as your father, and I want to get your forgiveness, meine liebe.  My grandchildren must be wonderful because they were raised by someone as strong as my daughter.  said Alfred, bowing his head, taking a sip of regret (bitter coffee).
"Thank you, Alfred ... Thank you so much.  It's hard for me to call you father, but honestly ... I really forgive you, understand the circumstances, life is like this.  Frida shrugged, a shy smile between her lips, staring at her father, who grinned.
Benny asked him which song he would like to hear on the piano, and he replied, Für Elise promptly the request was answered, and Benny contributed to give a tone to that quiet space, where only people were listened to with their thoughts and the cups doing  Noise on the tables.
- Great Benny!  I'm a fan of your husband, he's really very good.  You make a great couple, daughter.  said Alfred, with a rusty Englishman with a strong accent, which made it difficult even to say a few words to her.
- Danke, Alfred!  Frida smiled at him, applauding Benny's small presentation at the bistro, which made everyone more cheerful with their coffee and a piece of cake.

***

He timidly handed her a present, a box containing some literature books, a bath essence, and a set of silver rings.
"I think this is one of the most creative things I've ever done, when you do not know what to give, why not all three?"  - said Frida smelling the essence, smiling at Benny, who felt better after the stressful weather pass.  Glancing at Alfred, he felt better knowing that his daughter had enjoyed the present.

Their conversation seemed like a different connection, they had the same way of talking and even the same mania, Frida laughed and Alfred was amused to observe the expressive way and fuze that Frida had by itself, they did not see the time to pass and  nor did they tell how many cafes they drank or how many German songs Alfred challenged Benny to play, it was almost unreal.
"How about dancing with me, meine liebe?"  said Alfred with his rusty English, rising, taking the last sip of his coffee with milk, holding out his hands to Frida.
"Certainly, sir, it is quite an honor."  said Frida, greeting her with a huge smile as they danced to the music Benny played on the piano in the middle of the hall, not afraid of being watched or not.
- Oh Frid, do not step on my foot ... Now my fingers will be completely injured by my own daughter, what a big disappointment.  said Alfred, spinning her around the room, resting her hands on her waist again, making a little joke that reminded her of Frida's amusement.
"You're going to leave me again, are not you?"  Frida said shyly, closing her smile, looking down.
"I'm not going ... Germany is not that far from here, Frid ... I promise.  said Alfred, looking deep into her eyes, holding his hands tightly, giving a small kiss to her forehead.
- Keep your promise, please.  Thank you for being here today and for solving my doubts, although it is so difficult for us to communicate, I swear I will try to study German.  Frida gave a yellow smile, putting her gift back into the package, and taking out her purse that was wrapped in the chair.
- Good luck in Australia, meine liebe.  I will be watching from afar, but I will see with great affection.  Take good care of my grandchildren and may Benny be courteous to you and treat you well.  said Alfred, kissing his face and slapping Benny's shoulders, making a joke and giving the same amused laugh, saying good-bye, lighting a pipe outside the bistro.  Frida watched him until he left the car, until he disappeared down the road, toward the orange sunset.
"There would be no translation, no music, if it were not for you, honestly.  said Frida, leaning on Benny's shoulders, with a few tears in her eyes, because somehow she could understand, that maybe ... It was a farewell, or an arrival of someone special in her life, but something bothered her  and did not want to be deceived.
"He really reminds me of you, but in male version and with a strong accent.  Benny smiled, giving Frida a kiss, starting the car, making a little noise.

Frida thought about all this as she stared at the ceiling, breathing deeply, her eyes closed, ready to fall asleep, the adrenaline still on her body, making her smile once more, with a waterfall in her eyes that made her sob  , she did not know if it was sadness, joy or relief.  How about a little of both?  Let Australia call you in a special way, finally.