The Wall Crossers

It is Time

Olivia's perspective

Dr. Peter's Silvesterparty (New Years Eve party) is to be a formal affair. However, I do not have an evening gown, as all the other women will of course be wearing, and it is not practical for our purposes anyway, since we go outside to meet Horst. We don't want to be casual—certainly no jeans, nor even pants. But we need to dress to stay warm.

In the end, we decide to wear our practical work clothes: front-zipped navy blue corduroy suspender A-Line strap pinafore dress with bib pockets, beige turtleneck pullover and beige leggings to help keep us warm outside in the cold night. Low-heel black Oxfords, thick black socks, knitted caps, leather gloves, and our burgundy wool coats. So we look again like "twins" and are dressed to reflect teamwork in our rescue operation.

Dr. Peters is sending someone named Edvard with a car to pick me up outside my barracks at 1945 (7:45pm), after he first collects Anja at her house. The day has been clear, but very cold, and the night will be the same. So the car is a welcome nice touch!

I decide that makeup is proper, given the formal nature, and so even though our dress is practical, the polish, foundation, blush, lipstick and light eye shadow will draw some attention to our femininity and offset our lack of being gowned.

I will carry a small black shoulder bag. Also will wear my Bullova ladies' watch, and the turquoise ring Anja gave me in October, which symbolizes protection, good fortune, and hope—characteristics we will need tonight in order to succeed in our part of the operation—collection and recovery of Horst after he jumps the Wall. Apparently, according to Anja, and according to Horst's letter to her, he has found a site where the Wall is not so high, the wire on the top is thin, and the distance to run is favorable. He must have checked it out thoroughly.

When I was awarded the Bronze Star Medal in the hot war, I promptly misplaced it. However, the record of the award in your Army records entitles you to a replacement at any time. This medal stands out in Berlin as it cannot be awarded here, but only in a combat zone, and for either meritorious service or heroism in such a place. So when I came to Berlin, on a lark I had our supply sergeant (Mogie) order me a replacement, which I keep with my special things in my secure foot locker in my barracks room.

I decide I will pin this medal on Anja tonight, so that any mettle my war experience might have accrued into that medal might be added to her already high level of verve. As I get dressed in my room, having already had dinner, I pin the Star on my dress front just where the left strap joins the bodice, directly over my heart, so it is plain to see. I will wear it and infuse it with my heart before giving it to the love of my life, who will then later in the evening be giving herself away to hers.

At 1935 (7:35) I leave my room, running into Bill as I get to the stair.

"Hey, Reary! Where ya goin'?" he says to me.

"I am going to help Anja get Horst over the Wall, Bill."

His eyes grow wide. "Want me to come with you?"

This makes me feel so affectionate toward Bill that I embrace him. Thank you, Bill. You just stay and think of us. I will be back soon, and with good news... I hope!"

"What would be the best news of all, Reary?" He takes off his garrison cap and combs his fingers through his thin sandy brown hair, blue eyes looking me with true concern for me.

"I... I guess that Anja and Horst safely unite... after all these years."

Bills puts his cap back on and puts his hands in his pockets and says, "And for you? What would be the best for you?"

I get to the first floor of the barracks still thinking of Bill's question, and what would be best for me?

On a whim, I turn right as I near the barracks entrance and walk down to the CQ station. I am carrying my coat in my right arm, cap and gloves are in the coat pockets, and my bag is over my shoulder.