Star Crossed Journey *NOW PUBLISHED*

Chapter 3

Mark stood in front of the kitchen staring at the blank wall. He knew he needed to eat but he couldn't get himself to make anything. The house was a reflection of himself, quiet and empty. He was given a few days of paperwork to do at home from his work. He knew his temper was making everyone around him uneasy. He scoffed at the thought.....other Nazis being uneasy from his harsh disposition lately. He hated what he was and there was nothing he could do about it. Leaving the Nazi Regime was out of the question.

Mark slammed his fist against the countertop. The bang echoed in the house. His anger was the product of many things. He was angry about who he was, infuriated with the uniform he wore, enraged with Angelina to this day, and devastated over the love he was sure he lost. All of which was his fault. The telephone ringing in the study pulled him from his bitter thoughts. He quickly answered the phone hoping it was headquarters asking for him to come back in. As much as he hated being a Nazi, he hated being at home doing nothing. Especially how turbulent his life has been the past few weeks.

"Yes," Mark answered smugly.

"Mark?" asked Mrs. Muller on the other line.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Muller, I assumed it was someone at headquarters," apologized Mark quickly feeling the anger fade away with every word.

"What can I do for you?" he continued with a smile.

"I hate to ask a favor if you are busy."

"I'm not busy at all," said Mark as he sat down on the leather chair. He was feeling much more at ease hearing Mrs. Muller's motherly voice.

"The fencing in the east side of the pasture came down from the winds today. It is only a few boards that need to be replaced. They are the oldest on the property and I'm sure dry rotted. I have some new wood already in the barn. Would you mind putting them up for me?"

"Not a problem. I will get to it now."

"You're an Angel. Make sure to come see me when you are done. I will feed you for payment since you have been looking far too thin lately."

"Yes, ma'am."

Mark hung up and practically jumped to his feet with excitement. Yes, he was willing to do anything for Mrs. Muller. But, he would do anything for any excuse to catch a glimpse of Hazel or be within twenty feet of her. He ran to the front door and grabbed his jacket before springing out to the porch. As he swiftly walked to Mrs. Muller's house, he looked through the trees for any sight of Hazel. He saw her this morning with Gunnar. It was torture not approaching her in a sprint but he made a promise to her. He needed to patiently wait. And, he felt that this separation was fair after what he did to her.

It made his skin crawl just thinking how cruel he was to her and he deserved a lifetime of sorrow for it. To put his love aside and become the barbaric monster he could be to save them both went against his better judgement at the time. Before he could dwell on the past too much, his heart leapt to his throat seeing Hazel in the far side of the pasture. She was dragging planks of wood to the fence and seemed to be hastily trying to repair it. He could tell, even at a distance, she was struggling. Mark decided to speak to Mrs. Muller before approaching her. He knocked on the front door and heard Mrs. Muller unlock it from the other side.

"Please, come in," said Mrs. Muller as she opened the front door to greet him.

Mark walked through the doorway and shut the door behind him. As he turned around, he found Mrs. Muller was standing at the window.

"Mark, she is so depressed. I don't know what to do."

Mark's heart sunk. Before he could respond, Mrs. Muller turned to face him. She added in a quiet voice, "I know it's been a struggle for you too."

Mark nodded still unable to find any words.

"I know she wants time but she's not the same. She's not thinking straight with what is haunting her. She can only think about survival instead of thanking the stars she's alive."

"But, I kept her alive by being brutal to her," whispered Mark.

"I know. I was angry with you too. But, I know that was the only way. Both of you would have died that day if you didn't think on your feet. Yes, your stupid decision led you both there. But, you need to figure this out. I feel like I'm watching the two of you waste away in front of my eyes."

"I haven't forgiven myself. So, I know Hazel isn't even close to accepting me. I'm not sure if she ever will."

"I think she will never be ready to move on past this sorrow without help. I have done everything I can but she needs a push. Go ahead and start working on that fence. I'll make you something to eat in the meantime."

Mark looked over Mrs. Muller's head out the window to see Hazel still attempting to fix the fence.

"But, Hazel is out there right now."

"That's fine," said Mrs. Muller as she walked to the kitchen.

Mark stood rooted to the spot for only a moment before exiting the home. As much as he wanted to give Hazel space, he didn't have to be told twice to take this opportunity to see her.