It was difficult to concept that five years had passed. Five years since the Villa Von Trapp had been occupied by the rambunctious family of nine. Each child was now five years older and five more years of memories had developed in Switzerland since their escape from Austria.

Georg Ritter von Trapp carefully walked up the narrow staircase to the second floor of the family's current dwellings. No, he could not call it home, simply their residence. He could not wait for the day when they could return to the Villa. None of them could and he knew the time would be coming soon.

The house was rather small or at least compared to where they had come from. There were two floors and three bedrooms and after two years the boys had proudly constructed a barn, where Kurt and Friedrich slept in the loft. There was no question that there life was much different.

Passing his daughter's rooms, he stopped at the sight of one of them. For a moment he paused in the hall and gazed at the fifteen year old. How much older she looked.

"Father?"

Brigitta's voice snapped him out of the trance and she gave a slight laugh. "What is it?"

"Nothing," he answered as she set her book down and he leaned against the doorframe. She shook her head at him. "Where are your sisters?"

"Well, lets see . . . Liesl and Louisa went to market like you asked and Gretl and Marta can't stop doting over that bunny that Kurt and Friedrich found the other day," Brigitta told her father.

"And what about you?"

"I've finally found some quiet to finish the books that Friedrich brought me home," she smiled.

Georg gave a soft smirk. She was five years older but still the girl he had always known. Unfortunately her words reminded him of more serious matters. "Speaking of Friedrich, has he uh . . . Mentioned anything to you lately?"

Brigitta's light mood shadowed slightly. "He's just convinced that he can make decisions for himself. He'll join the army whether you like it or not," she told him gravely. "Anyway, he may not have a choice. With all these bombings they may just start recruiting-"

"I don't think it will come to that," Georg told her. "I'll just have to talk to him before he really does something unreasonable."

"I just can't wait until we can get out of Schaffhausen. I want to go home," Brigitta confessed.

Brigitta and Georg shared the same love for Austria. While other members of the Von Trapps found adventure and excitement in their occupation in Switzerland, he was counting down the days until he could return to the Villa. "We'll be home soon. Probably sooner than you think."

"I sure hope so father," Brigitta sighed before picking up her book and returning to her reading.

Georg gave a small nod of his head and slowly turned from the room. He quietly ambled down the hall and wandered toward his bedroom. Actually it was not his; it was his and Maria's and as he peeked his head inside the cracked door he quickly remembered the fact.

His grey-blue eyes focused gently on the figure lying peacefully on the bed. Quietly pushing open the door he slowly strode across the room and softly sat down on the mattress. Maria von Trapp slept contently, looking more beautiful than Georg had thought possible. He silently watched her and gave a small smile. This woman was his wife and in their five years of marriage, he had not regretted a single day with her.

After awhile he carefully brought out a hand and gently stroked a lock of her golden hair back. He saw her soft lips curve into a discreet smile. "Georg?" she mumbled quietly.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to wake you," he apologized as she slowly stretched open her bright blue eyes.

"You didn't," Maria assured him with a soft smile as she rolled from her side and onto her back for a better look at her husband. "I'm sorry for falling asleep for so long-"

"There's no need to apologize. You need your rest," Georg said. He slowly placed a soft hand on her abdomen and grinned. "After all if you're going to have a healthy boy-"

"Boy?" Maria asked with a smile. "Who says that it will be a boy?"

"I'm just guessing is all," Georg answered teasingly. "Besides, don't we have enough females around this place?"

"Georg!" Maria exclaimed giving him a playful hit. "You can't really mean that."

"You're right, I don't," Georg replied tilting his head to the side. "I'm just excited for this little girl or boy."

"Well, he or she will be here soon enough," Maria told him placing a hand of her own on her swollen abdomen.

"It will be strange having a baby around again. I mean not since Gretl have I even held an infant."

"Then I guess this child will be a refresher course, Captain, won't it?" Maria laughed.

"I imagine it will," Georg smiled back, slowly bending to kiss her. Before their lips could touch a loud commotion was heard below them. The children's voices were followed by a loud crash and another uproar of shouts.

"Kurt, what did you break?!"

The couple could hear Brigitta yell before fleeting down the stairs to join her siblings. Georg gave a sigh. "There is a lack of quiet in this house you know."

"Well, that's just the way I like it," Maria replied as she slowly sat up, using her husband's arm for help. "Besides, I believe that it is time for lunch anyway."

Twenty-one year old Liesl von Trapp wandered the crowded market street, a basket at her arm. Every once in a while she would stop and find the item she needed, glancing at her list from time to time.

"You never told me what you thought about that boy," nagged the eighteen year old at her side. Louisa was now a tall and elegant young lady, with gold locks of hair and blue eyes much like her sisters. She happily skipped along with Liesl down the pathway, keeping herself busy with gossip and now boys.

"Which boy?" Liesl asked with a sigh.

"The one who takes bike rides by the house every night. Rupert-"

"Not particularly my type," Liesl replied. "What do you care anyway?"

"I was just curious is all," Louisa answered. "I just can't wait to go back home, where all the real eligible bachelors are-"

"Is that all you ever think about?" Liesl asked.

Louisa shrugged her shoulders. "And do you ever think about it? I mean, one of these days you ought to be married-"

"Yes, one of these days," Liesl muttered as they stopped at one of the fruit and vegetable stands.

"One-"

"Louisa we need lettuce," Liesl advised, cutting her sister off. Louisa gave a slight roll of her eyes before wandering off into the crowd. Liesl shook her head and gave a huff as she began filling the basket with apples. Before she could finish the task, someone leaned against the side of the stand and Liesl recognized the face.

"Not you again," she sighed.

The man gave a small smirk and sighed, "I have a name you know."

"I try to forget the things you say to me-"

"Well, then I will re-introduce myself. The name is Roman Ivanov. Commander Roman Ivanov-"

"Oh yes, now I remember. The obnoxious Russian who can't seem to leave innocent people alone."

"So you do remember me," Roman remarked in a pleased manner. He grabbed an apple off the stand and took a large bite.

"Shouldn't you be with your army Commander?"

"I've told you before. I am an escaped prisoner of war in neutral territory. I cannot leave here without permission," Roman sighed.

"I'd be happy to pull a few strings for you," Liesl quipped, quickly striding away. Roman was fast to chase after her.

"What have I done to make you dislike me?" Roman asked.

"Nothing at all."

"Nothing at all?"

"I'm just not interested, that's all," Liesl explained as she turned to face him.

"We've met four times now and every time you have rejected-"

"I was hoping you would take a hint."

"You will find that I am very motivated," Roman said.

"And why is that?"

"Because you are one intriguing young woman," Roman answered.

"Intriguing?" Liesl asked.

"Mysterious. I haven't even come to know your name-"

"Yes, it is one thing you'll have to wait to find out," Liesl smirked at him, her blue eyes flashing into his dark brown ones.

"Wait? That would call for another meeting, wouldn't it?"

"Maybe," Liesl answered before joining the pair was Louisa.

"Who's this?" she asked her sister.

"Commander Roman Ivanov," Liesl answered. "He's very motivated."

"Charming," Louisa grinned at him as they shook hands.

"I am only fortunate enough to be in the presence of such beautiful young ladies-"

"You are sly Ivanov," Liesl said. "But my sister's judgment is terrible. You are not charming-"

"Maybe it is just your judgment that is not up to par," Roman grinned.

Liesl rolled her eyes and handed Louisa the basket of groceries. "We need bread."

"But-"

Liesl simply shoved Louisa back into the crowd and narrowed her focus on Roman. "What is it that you want?"

"I simply want to meet with you," Roman answered truthfully as the two started on a slow walk through the market place.

Liesl tried to ignore his words. He was handsome, there was no denying that. Dark hair and eyes that were as striking as the night. He was strong and broad like the soldier he claimed he was, and the few times she saw him he was in the attractive attire of his uniform.

"What don't you like about me?" Roman asked in desperation.

"There are just too many things you wouldn't understand. Besides, I barely even know you-"

"But you could know me if you gave me the time-"

"What if I don't want to?"

"What harm can a new acquaintance bring?"

"Unfortunately too many things these days," Liesl answered.

"Ah, so it is a trust issue, is it?"

"Trust is the base for any relation."

"Well, what don't you trust about me? I have no gun. I'm stuck here in Switzerland until this war is over and I am obviously no Nazi-"

"So you presume that makes you a good person?"

"How can I prove that I am?" Roman asked raising his eyebrows.

Liesl sighed and shook her head, "I don't know," she whispered in defeat.

The kitchen of the Von Trapp residence was bustling with noise and movement as Georg and Maria entered. Kurt was sheepishly sweeping up glass from the floor, while Gretl and Marta rifled through the cupboards. Friedrich and Brigitta were busy preparing sandwiches and Maria joined them without hesitation. Georg on the other hand turned his attention to the youngsters who had busied themselves with a mysterious task.

"Girls, what are you doing?" he asked, slightly amused, but with a good amount of authority in his voice.

"We're looking for something to feed the bunny," answered the small ten year old with golden locks of hair. She turned and tilted her head upward to look at her father, who couldn't help but smile down at her.

"For the bunny rabbit, huh?" Georg repeated. "And what do you plan on feeding it?"

"Maybe Friedrich could fix her a sandwich," Gretl answered confidently. Friedrich gave a slight laugh and simply continued to prepare lunch with his mother and sister.

"Don't be silly Gretl," Marta told her as she re-entered the kitchen. "I found some carrots."

"That bunny is going to get so large it won't be able to walk," Kurt remarked as he finished his sweeping. Marta and Gretl simply gave the sixteen year old a sharp glare. Georg rolled his eyes at his son, while Marta grabbed her younger sister.

"Come on-"

"Wait," Gretl insisted before nearly running over to Maria. "Mother?"

"What is it darling?" Maria asked Gretl as the young girl stopped at her side.

"I have a question," Gretl prolonged.

"Yes . . ."

"Where do babies come from?" she asked shyly.

Maria's eyes widened slightly and Georg's mouth dropped. Like immature teenagers, Friedrich, Kurt, and Brigitta all gave slight snickers while Gretl kept a steady and curious face on her mother.

"Well . . ." Maria started. "When a man and a woman love each other-"

"Darling . . ." Georg began nervously.

"Gretl, don't you want to go and play with the bunny?" Brigitta asked hopefully. Maria gave her a daughter a thankful look but her efforts were not effective.

"No, I want to know where babies come from," Gretl repeated.

"Well . . . I . . . I," Maria paused. "I think I need some more time to come up with the right answer."

Gretl stared at her for a moment and then slowly nodded her head. "Okay," she finally approved, before turning and skipping out the door to join her sister and their pet. Georg gave a sigh of relief.

"What, Georg? She's apt to be curious," Maria nearly laughed at her husband.

"Yes and I don't think I like it," Georg replied with a shake of his head.

"Oh don't have an aneurism father. Isn't she going to find out eventually?" Brigitta asked.

"Why does eventually have to be right now?" Georg asked. "She's still young-"

"She's ten years old," Kurt replied as he grabbed a sandwich and quickly began to wolf it down.

"Yes, thank you for the reminder Kurt," Georg said.

"Well, what would you like me to tell her?" Maria asked him.

"We'll talk about it later," Georg answered as his eyes settled onto his eldest son. "Right now, I want to talk to Friedrich."

"About what?" the nineteen year old boy asked in a deep voice, folding his arms across a broad chest. He had grown tall and strong in the past five years, almost larger than the captain. His eyes were a fierce blue and his hair a striking gold color.

"I think you know what," Georg answered and Kurt, Brigitta, and Maria became slightly uncomfortable. "It seems as though you're convinced to go and join the army-"

"It's my choice to make," Friedrich told him, walking around the table and heading for the door.

"I'm not finished speaking with you," Georg snapped at him and Friedrich stopped at the door. Slowly he turned and faced the man he had looked up to for so many years and nearly glared. "I won't allow you to do this. You want to ruin your life, don't do it while you are still under my rules-"

"I'm nineteen years old and joining the Swiss army isn't going to ruin my life-"

"You're too young. I've been a soldier Friedrich and I don't wish that upon you-"

"Being a soldier is honorable. You used to speak of courage and respect. It's hypocritical of you to deny me the chance to have the same-"

"I want what is best for you!"

"You can't decide anymore!" Friedrich shouted before swinging open the door and striding out.

Georg's eyes narrowed and he quickly followed, with Maria behind him. "Georg, please don't-"

"Friedrich!" Georg yelled. The boy stopped his stride toward the barn, where Gretl and Marta were already feeding their rabbit. "Do you even realize how important the decision you are trying to make is?"

"Yes." Friedrich answered as the two men started to move closer, lessening the distance between them.

"Then you really are naïve," Georg replied causing Friedrich's eyes to narrow. "You want to go and play soldier go ahead. Are you ready to live life by orders and-"

"We did with you for plenty of years. I don't see much of a difference-"

Georg's face turned red from anger and his voice boomed. "Don't you ever speak to me like that!"

"Don't tell me what to do!" Friedrich countered. "And don't try to deny it! If it wasn't for mother we'd be still marching in line!"

"I thought I taught you more respect than this you ungrateful little-"

"Boys! Please stop!" Maria yelled in desperation, attempting to push them apart as their noses inched closer together. The men's shouts at each other were becoming louder and Maria's attempts were ineffective.

Suddenly before anything could escalade further, their voices were drown out by a loud screaming noise coming from the sky. The whistle of plane engines roared above and it felt as though the ground was starting to shake. And then it truly began.

The first bomb fell and for a short moment it was like a calm before a storm. Yet when it landed on a building only blocks away and its bricks and foundation crashed to the ground, everything changed. The fatal weapons slammed all around Schaffhausen, destroying property and taking lives in a matter of seconds.

The noises of the chaos above were so loud that Georg could barely hear the voices of Gretl and Marta in the barn screaming his name. He sprinted toward the unstable structure, and grabbed each girl by an arm and forced them to the ground, where they covered their ears and heads with their hands, while Georg sheltered them with his own body.

Friedrich quickly took his mother as close to the house as he could, before a large shake of the ground caused them to become unbalanced, ungracefully sending them to the ground. Both mother and son covered their heads and kept still and huddled close on the grassy ground.

Inside through the open door they could see Kurt and Brigitta who took cover under the kitchen table, trying to yell above the noise to the rest of the family. Their questions were obvious and predictable but there was no chance to answer.

Schaffhausen was under attack.

Hope you enjoyed the first chapter. The Schaffhausen bombings really did take place and I realize that Schaffhausen is kind of out of the way from where the Von Trapps came from, but I wanted to put them in the middle of the action. I realize people don't like nail bitters so I will try to update soon, but remember that reviews are very motivating !