The Guilty Ones

4

 I went home cheeks still red gripping Moritz book like my life depended on it. As soon as I closed the door a voice made me jump. 
"What's that." I spun around face to face with my dad. 
"It's Moritz notebook he left it at Melchior's house. I was going to return it tomorrow." He stood up from his chair walking towards me in long strides. I looked down at my boots a bad habit I had developed when talking to him. He put his hand under my chin yanking my head up to look at him. 
"You know I don't like you hanging around that Moritz. He's not a good influence." His grip tightened on my jaw ensuring bruises later on.
"I'm sorry. I-I know." I squirmed under his touch desperate to get away but it only made his grip tighten. 
"If you know why do you do it." I didn't respond. I knew that no matter what he said I wouldn't stop hanging around with Moritz. He was my best friend and I did like him after all.
"Pathetic" He shoved me away with such force that I fell to the ground. 
Landing with a thud he made sure to kick me in the stomach before leaving.

Tears filled my eyes but I wiped them away not wanting him to see me cry.  He walked away and went to his room leaving me.

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      I decided to skip school the next day not wanting anyone to see my bruises. My father could be mad at me later. So instead I stayed home and read more of Moritz journal. 

Once it was about the time that father would be home I decided to head to Moritz house and return his book. 

Once I got to Moritz house I knocked on the door to see A very angry Herr Stiefel rushing out the door taking no notice of me. 
I walked into the house and into Moritz room. 

He was Pacing with a piece of paper in his hand. 
"Moritz?" He spun around concern written over his face as soon as he his eyes landed on me. 
"Maria what happened?" He walked over caressing my cheek.  
"Oh that- that's nothing. It was I-I have your book." His face went beat red and his eyes widened. 
" Oh umm that was- that's just- uh... did... did you read it?" He took the book from my hand.
"umm...yes" Silence, no one know what to say what could we say. We stood there staring at each other until I decided to break the silence. 
"Moritz I-" He cut me off with a kiss to the lips. It was short and full of passion. Moritz pulled away staring at me with wide eyes. 
"I'm so sorry I don't know what-" I decided to cut him off with a kiss of my own. At first he was taken back but soon started to kiss back.  He moved his hands to lock behind my waist and I wrapped my hands around his neck deepening the kiss.
I was the one to pull away this time breathing heavily
"That was..."I couldn't find the words.
"Wow" He finished for me.

We stared at each other in awe for a bit before I spoke up. 
"What's that?" I asked pointing to the letter in his hand.
"Oh well you haven't been at school but we got out tests, and I uh... failed." He looked down shame filling his face. 
"Oh Moritz is this your test." I reached over and garbed his free hand. 
"No this is a letter from Frau Gabor I uhh- can you read it?" He asked hastily shoving it into my hand.
"Sure" I opened the letter and started to read it out loud.

Moritz, 

I've spent the entire day thinking about your note. Truly, it touched me, it did, that you'd think of me as a friend. Of course, I was saddened to hear that your exams came off rather less well than you'd hoped, and that you will not be promoted, come fall. And yet, I must say straightaway, that fleeing to America is hardly the solution. And even if it were, I cannot provide the money you request. You would do me wrong, Herr Stiefel, to read into my refusal any lack of affection. On the contrary, as Melchior's mother, I truly believe it to be my duty to curb this momentary loss, Should you like, I am ready to write to your parents. I will try to convince them that no one could have worked harder last semester, and also that too rigorous a condemnation of your current misfortune. Still, Herr Stiefel, one thing in your letter disturbed me. Your-what shall we call it?-veiled threat that, should escape not be possible, you would take your own life. My dear boy, the world is filled with men-businessmen, scientists, scholars even-who have done rather poorly in school, and yet gone on to brilliant careers. Consider, for example, that rare and estimable essayist ,Leopold Habebald. In any case, I assure you that your present misfortune will have no effect on my feelings for you, or on your relationship with Melchior. SO, head high, Herr Stiefel. And do let me hear from you soon. In the meantime, I am unchangingly and most fondly yours, 

-Fanny Gabor. 

I set the letter down turning to Moritz. "Moritz what-"
"Flee to America with me" He turned to me and took my hands. 
"What are you talking about I can't leave." 
"Why not what's left here for you" 
"Moritz I can't my father-"
"Your father? Since when did your father care about you." I looked down to my boots. He had a point my only friends were Moritz and Melchior and my father certainly didn't care. 
"I don't know..."
"Then let me convince you give me one day if you want to say you can." 
"Deal"