The Wall Crossers

September Loves Arrive - Thursday

Anja's perspective

Thursday morning, I wake up not really sick, but decide to call Lorena, admin for Officer Baudoine, anyway and tell her I am just not feeling well.

After Niels left me in the stairwell yesterday, I had returned to my desk, no one was around. I sat down and looked at my doodling. I scratched out the names I had written before and wrote Anja Kepner. Then I scratched that out and wrote Anja Walena-Kepner, but I knew this will never work for me. Niels is a traditionalist. I am a woman thinking in the future, I do not wish to stay mired in the old ways of women trodden down. I folded the scribbled paper, put it in the inside parka pocket, packed my things and left for home feeling somewhat ill from the emotional turmoil of the day.

Today: I get another letter from Horst. Nothing really is new. I am unsettled. Livie went to the Wall yesterday, and I have not talked with her—about that. Then Niels showed up, which was a bit of a shock!

I did not call Niels last night. He is so clever... if I do not call him, that means I wait for him Friday, tomorrow, for going to dinner together. What will I wear? He said somewhat formal. Where will we go? That is if I do go at all. Probably some place Livie and I would never visit! Not spur-of-moment and relaxed, like with Livie.

I rest all morning—letting my mind clear. I go to the market shopping and return home before lunch. As I put things away, my telephone rings.

"Hallo?"

"Anja?" It's Olivia. "Are you okay? Lorena told me you are sick."

"Livie! I missed you yesterday. I was so worried about the alert... I became, well, you know how I can be with such stress!"

"Ja. I know. Are you better? Can I bring you something?"

"Nein. Ich ruhe mich nur aus... I'm just resting."

"I have CQ duty tonight through tomorrow."

"Oh, well I will work tomorrow. We have our adventure to the Park Saturday! Es wird so viel Spaß machen... It's gonna be so much fun!"

"I am excited to go," Livie says.

But as she talks, I remember what Maren had said, It's too hard to care—for Anja.

I say, "Me too. I have to put groceries away. Call me later?"

Livie is quiet for a moment, then says, "Are you sure you're okay, Anja?"

"Ja. I am glad you are safe from the alert. I was worried. Talk later? Bis später (see you later), Livie."

"Bis später, Anja."

We hang up and I immediately call Papá. Incredibly, he answers right away at his desk!

"Hallo?" he says.

"Papá!"

"Anja? How are you mein schätzchen (my darling)? Are you at work? Is everything ok?"

"Yes. Well, No, I was not feeling well, so stayed home today to rest. But I am better now. Papá, guess who showed up here yesterday."

"Niels?"

"You knew already?"

"I knew he was coming there. Ulrich called to say so."

"Papá... is there some plot in this?"

"Nein! Nein! Anja, these are old friends."

"He wants, he wanted to take me to a State function—a dinner."

"You will go then?"

"No. I have plans already. All day."

"Anja, can you not change these plans?" He seems so anxious or me to do this dinner!

"Papá, why are you so anxious about..."

"I am not. I assure you. It's just..."

"It's just what?" I feel a bit irritated.

"Anja, he is well connected and has big plans. Big future."

"What exactly are you saying?" My irritation is showing in my voice. I switch the phone to the other side as my ear is hot! "Are you match-making again, Papá?"

"No. No my dear. Not at all. I'm sorry if it seems so," he attempts a soothing voice.

"Well, we will have dinner tomorrow evening... (I raise my voice for this part) just to catch up on old times!"

He almost sings, "Ah, then... well, that is all quite excellent!"

"Papá, are you certain you are not trying to endorse someone to be my choice for marriage?"

"Anja, I may endorse many as I see fit, to assist toward your future happiness, and those may include men you bring to my attention too."

I think to myself, and how about a woman, Papá? Would you endorse such a one for me as well?

Next I call my best friend, Jelena. She is not at her desk at work, but a girl answers her phone and takes my number and in less than one half hour, she calls me back.

"Anja, is everything okay? I was concerned when you called me at work."

"Jelena, I need to talk to you. I have some... situations... I am worried... confused about. I need your advice."

"Should I come right away, dear Anja?"

"Häh? (Huh?) No! Oh no, I was thinking... could I visit you Sunday and even stay that night with you?"

"Of course, dear! I'll drive over and get you at, say, 2pm? We'll visit and go to dinner and it will be so nice to see you. Are you sure it can wait?"

"Ja. It can. I'll see you Sunday. I love you, Jelena."

"And I you, Anja."

So now things are set. I will have dinner with Niels tomorrow. Livie and I will be together Saturday in the French sector. I have my latest letter from Horst. And my friend Jelena can help me get it all sorted on Sunday!