The Wall Crossers

Late November - Anja's and Olivia's perspectives

Anja's perspective

It is a Thursday in late November. What the Americans call Thanksgiving. It is not a holiday here and Livie and I both are working. At lunch I go to our normal meeting spot, Der Grille, on the first floor of the building. Livie is already there. I walk up to her and say, "Hi Livie! I cannot have lunch together as Officer Baudoine needs me through lunch. I must get back right away."

"Okay, I understand, Anja."

"But... I want to tell you, if you can please come to visit me after work. There is... there are some things we need to discuss. Some important things."

Livie's expression has gone from relaxed to fear in just a second of time. I smile to reassure her, so she will be able to work this afternoon.

"What things, Anja," Livie says with evident nerves.

"Just things I want to talk about. Can you come round at 8, after having dinner in your mess hall?"

"Yes. I can."

"Okay," I smile again, but it is a weak smile. "I'll see you then."

Olivia's perspective

Anja walks away after telling me to come to her flat this evening at eight as she wants to discuss... Some important things. This strikes fear in my heart. Now I cannot eat my lunch.

This means... we are over. What we have, whatever it is... it is done. Anja, no doubt, tried, but just cannot forgive me for the Leida incident—in which I was an innocent victim! She has probably discussed this with Jelena, who wants me gone for sure... but why? Some other option she has in mind for Anja?

I walk back to my work desk in a slump and worry the rest of the day away.

Anja's perspective

Livie knocks on the door at eight and comes in, wearing what I would wear to work: A-Line pinafore tweed button-down dress, and under the dress a white cotton long-sleeved pull-over collared blouse. No leg coverings. Low cut, light brown zip-up boots. Plus her burgundy coat, which she removes to hang on my rack. She has no makeup on—probably forgot in her worry about our pending conversation. I'm sorry, Livie, to cause you this worry. But this... talk together... it must be done.

"Hi Livie!" I smile.

Olivia's perspective

As I walk into Anja's flat, she greets me and looks happy. That is good. She is wearing a pretty paisley print blouse and bell bottom jeans, with boots like mine. A brown belt with black buckle. Coral studs in her ears, as usual. Auburn hair cascading around her shoulders and making her look elegant. Eyes showing a hint of worry and creases in the corners—maybe she did not sleep well?

"Hi Anja!" I pretend joy, although I am nervous. Of course, I am always joyful to see Anja.

I am still very worried about this ominous-sounding meeting.

Sometimes Anja greets me with am embrace. Sometimes not. Today... not. In my canvas bag, I do have a present for her. I hope it helps me to... to not lose her.

Anja's perspective

"Livie, have a seat in your chair. Would you like a bier, or Coke, or kaffee?"

"Whatever you choose for us, Anja."

"Okay, I will get us Cokes this time."

Olivia's perspective

She goes to the kitchen and opens the fridge door. I hear the cabinet open. Two glasses. Ice clinks. Two tops pop off bottles. I hear the pouring fizz from my chair. She returns, hands me my Coke, goes to the love seat, sits on one of her legs folded under her, stretches the other out across the seat. Sips the Coke, looking out the front window. Eyes green as spruce tree tops in the morning. Dimples not showing right now. Thin, light-ginger-colored eyebrows arched and pretty. Coral on her nails, adorning her ears... on her right ring finger. Lovely, soft, just-right-plump lips parted. Face and nose not thin, but perfectly shaped—strong and oh so kissable!