Knocking Around Inside My Head: Weekend Write-In

Bereit 1938 (#ready)

Suzie closed her packed trunk, clicked the lock shut, and turned to look in the mirror to admire her new dress one more time. She smiled at how well it flattered her figure. Bereit.

"Komm Suzie, wir mussen gehen!" yelled her grandfather up the staircase.

A flutter of anxiety and excitement washed through her, she smiled at herself one last time in the mirror. Ein Frau.

The elegant ship bobbed gently in the evening sea. A startling sunset bathed the wood deck in glorious orange as Suzie strode gracefully to the captain's quarters, having donned another new dress for dinner.

"Fraulein," said the handsome captain with a sprightly smile. He rose from the head of the table and kissed the back of her hand. The tingle reached her shoulder. "I'm so glad you could join us for dinner," said the captain. "I promised your grandfather I would ensure you had a safe and comfortable journey." Suzie flushed and gave him a demure smile while batting her eyes. The captain introduced her to the other distinguished guests at the table, but she only noticed his hand brush her back as he pushed in her chair.

"So how is a young lady such as yourself traveling on such a long voyage to Kenya?" asked a portly gentleman to her left.

Suzie nodded and politely finished chewing before replying. "I'm engaged," she said with grin displaying the ring her mother had given her. A round of pleased murmurs arose from the diners.

"Congratulations, Fraulein," said the captain. "Your fiancee could not wish for a more beautiful bride." Suzie blushed again.

"So your fiancee has gone ahead then, to get ready for you?" asked the old woman across from Suzie.

"Oh no, he lives there. He has all his life." Suzie noticed several people look up with interest. "His parents are Viennese," she assured them hastily. The inquisitive eyes returned to their plates. "Though he has never been to Europe."

"So this is not your first trip to Africa then?" asked a Frenchman.

"Oh, no I've never been. I've never traveled farther than London," said Suzie. Silence followed but Suzie was too busy enjoying her schnitzel to notice.

"An arranged marriage then?" asked the old woman.

Suzie frowned. She hadn't thought of it that way before. She smiled politely, "He is very handsome, and owns a large plantation with many servants, beautiful gardens, and a tennis court. Our family knows his family well." The guests responded with insincere polite nods and murmurs. Suzie watched them closely, indignant and unsure what to say next. She knew she didn't look Jewish and she certainly didn't want to advertise the fact. "I needed to leave Vienna because of...you know..." All eyes fixed on her. "...my...my...situation." The old woman choked and held her napkin to her face, the rest of the guests remained stone silent. The clink of silverware seemed unbearably loud, the faint creak of the ship became audible. Bewildered Suzie glanced at the captain.

"Your grandfather told me you are a smashing tennis player. I'm sure a warm climate and your own court was a requirement for your fiancee," said the Captain. He flashed her a charming smile.

"Oh yes," replied Suzie relieved, "my mother bought me two new tennis skirts for Nairobi."