Paris Blues

Parisian Summer

Two months passed and it was like winter never existed as the Parisian sun scorched my skin and I brought my small umbrella closer to me to protect myself from the sun. I walked down the streets dressed in a yellow mid-length flowy summer dress paired with a pair of off white kitten heels and white gloves, Henry may have been halfway across the world but I still wanted to feel beautiful which is what I felt when I was with Hans but I had not seen him in six months and figured I would never see him again. Nikolaus had been living with me for those two months, I had a small storage space in my apartment where he would hide. The only people who knew about him where Marie and her husband, they both helped in hiding him. The Nazis were getting stricter and we knew that he had no chance of sneaking out of the country so he had to stay with me until God knows when. I slipped the package underneath my arm when it became too heavy. I quickened my steps as I reached my apartment. I stepped in as I was hit with the smell of Parisian food.

"Hello". I said as I dropped the package on the table. Marie popped out from the kitchen.

"Hey". She smiled wiping her hands on the apron she was wearing, her swollen belly protruding. I gave her a small smile in return. They had been visiting every day for the past month or so, she claimed that she missed me but I knew she just wanted to make sure that I didn't do anything to hurt myself. I had received news that Henry was missing a few weeks ago, they didn't know if he was alive or dead but they suspected the latter. He wouldn't to survive in the desert for this long without food and water, I took a few pills and downed them with wine that night I didn't know what else to do. Nikolaus found me and called Marie and I was taken to the hospital, I lied claiming that it was accidental but I knew she didn't believe me.

"How are you doing?". She asked and I smiled trying to hold back the tears brimming in my eyes.

"I will get through this". I said and she pulled me in for a tight hug though her large belly was in the way.

We had dinner as we sat around the table, the room filled with laughter and chatter, I couldn't remember the last time I had so much fun. Even though I had lost the love of my life I still had people who cared about me.

"I hate to spoil the fun but I need to go to work". Michel said as he wiped the sides of his mouth before getting up to his feet.

"I'll see you at home". He said giving Marie a peck on the lips, he hugged me and Nikolaus before leaving. Marie turned to look at us with a smile on her face.

"So dessert anyone?". She said clapping her hands together and I smiled at her.

"Who can say no to that". Nikolaus said as Marie went to the kitchen to dish up for us. Our joy was interrupted by a loud knock on the door, we froze looking at each other before Marie led Nikolaus into the kitchen to hide in the storage unit that he usually hid in.

"Who is it". I asked trying to buy some time for Nikolaus.

"SS officers, open up". I heard a voice say as Marie walked back into the living area and we gave each other a look of fear before I went to open the door. I was met with two young men dressed in the SS uniform, they looked like every other Nazi soldier. Blonde hair, blue eyes, white skin.

"We have been informed that individuals around this area are keeping Jews in their homes. Now you look like a respectable woman I would hope for your own sake that you are not one of those individuals. We have already caught five". One of the officers spoke.

"No, I would never do such a thing". I lied.

"Good so you wouldn't mind if we searched your home". He continued and I nodded opening the door further to let them in. I gasped as my eyes caught the horrific sight outside my apartment. A truck was parked Nazi soldiers guiding Jewish men, women, and children inside. Shoving them inside as if they were worthless luggage, it dawned on me that we had been caught. I was not the only one in my neighborhood who took in a Jewish run away, most of the people did. We all played our part in trying to protect those innocent souls from the horrors being inflicted upon them but it seems as if the Nazis always won. I slowly closed the door as I internally prayed for them not to find Nikolaus.

"You don't need to close the door our boss is coming to oversee this search". The same young soldier said.

"Your boss". I furrowed my brows.

"Yes". He nodded and a knock came on the door I turned around to open it my eyes widening at the sight.

"Herr Müller". I heard both soldiers say from behind me.

"Hans". I gasped at the man in front of me. He was different from his uniform to the look in his eyes, this was not the man who made love to me once upon a time.