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After the hostilities, I became sort of an assistant to Col Meiers and was
assigned, among other things, to chauffeuring his 17 year old daughter -
and acting as a chaperone (of course, the Colonel didn't know that I was
really the same age as his daughter!). During a trip to
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a deluxe resort in the Bavarian Alps, the
following took place:
That
evening was one of these evenings you wish for but seldom see. We had had
a great day - full but not exhausting - and just finished a relaxed, most
satisfying dinner. They had served wine with the dinners and we were
feeling very content.
 There was a large patio outside the dining room with iron patio furniture.
Doesn't sound like that would be comfortable but they were completely
cushioned and were, indeed, very comfortable. We all went out and found
seats. After about twenty minutes, Mrs. Meiers excused herself and went
inside saying something about it getting cool (it was really rather
balmy). About 30 seconds later, Rebecca moved to one of the wider chairs
(love seat?) and about 20 seconds later said, "Rudi, why don't you join me
so we don't have to talk so loudly."
Careful, boy. I didn't move, - didn't answer. There was a strained
silence. Then she said, "I'm not going to bite you."
I got up, joined her sitting up against the arm of the chair; there wasn't
a lot of room the way she was sitting. We sat there like that for several
minutes, both silent. Then she dropped her next bomb: "Why don't you ever
ask me on a date? We've known each other for a year and a half; are you
afraid of me?"
"Rebecca, you are both very attractive to look at and to be with. We even
enjoy the same kind of music and we've never even had a hint of an
argument. Please don't think for a moment that you are not very tempting.
But you know I have a girl waiting for me at home. She writes me a letter
every day and I want to feel good when I return and will be able to look
her in the eye."
It seemed as though even all the insects were silent. Then she put her
hand softly on my knee and said, "Yes, Daddy told us about Erica. Back in
Nordenham he even said that he knew he didn't have to worry about you
making improper advances. I wish I could have a boy friend like you. All
the boys I know want to kiss you before they even ask you on a date."
"Rebecca, can't we be like brother and sister and just enjoy each other's
company? I have felt for sometime like I am part of your family."
"The folks wanted to have a boy and a girl but Mom can't have any more
children. I would very much like to have a brother - if he were nice to
me. And you have always been nice. You are always very thoughtful. Your
mother really taught you good manners."
I don't think I have ever felt so overwhelmed, - or tempted. But I said
that, if her Dad approved, I would take her to one of the dances when we
get back to Bamberg.
"He'd better not mind if he knows what's good for him. Just the other day
Mom asked me if you had ever kissed me. When I said, no, she said that
maybe there was something wrong with you."
"She really said that?"
"Please don't tell her I told you; she'll be very provoked."
"I won't but, really, you are really making it very difficult for me."
Then with that beautiful smile she said, "Good. I enjoyed it. But I
promise that I will be good. You can tell Erica that you have just been a
very good brother. We'll all miss you deeply when you go home."
Home! I have come to feel that this is home.
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