Chapter 9

Sunday has come, which meant that we ought to go to church. Grandma took out a bright blue dress for me that once belonged to Mateusz's mother which fit me perfectly. Lucky that Mateusz did not claim his mother's clothes, otherwise I would have nothing to wear. I also put on her coat and warm boots.

I carefully combed my blonde hair and braided it into a braid that fell loosely over my back.

The Sunday mass flew  quickly, as always. There were various rumors about me in the choir where Grandma Pola was singing. Pepole gossiped that probably I am out of wedlock or maybe Mateusz's new girlfriend. One Sunday Grandma made it clear that I was her charge and she is taking care of me. Then all theories about me died down.

German soldiers in uniforms identical to Alex's were huddled around the church door. I learned from Mateusz that "our" German goes on night watches and patrols, so that is why he is rarely seen during the day. That would also explain why he slept during the day, when I came to him with cake, and why he would go out after sunset, when I was cleaning the staircase. But why didn't he tell me straight that he was going on a patrol or on guard duty? Maybe he didn't know how to say it in English or he forgot? Nevermind, I already knew what he was doing.

Leaving the church, Mateusz accosted a girl, maybe a year older than us. She was  really beautiful. Black hair was carefully combed and pinned up, hazel eyes underlined with a black pencil, and lips painted red lipstick. She was dressed in brown, possibly bear fur. They talked for a while as another boy joined them. He was taller than Mateusz, but not so much. The boy had milk chocolate brown hair and blue eyes hidden behind round glasses. He looked serious and amused at the same time. He was hard to read.

Finally, Grandma got impatient and called Mateusz to come back home with us. He reluctantly said goodbye to his companions and did what he was asked to do.

"Are you talking to her again?" Grandma asked harshly as soon as he joined us.

"I wanted to ask her something." he replied coldly.

"Leave her alone. This is not a girl for you. Besides, this is not the time for amory..."

"You are so old-fashioned, Grandma." Mateusz snapped at her.

"Who was that  anyway?" I joined the conversation and the soldiers passed us by.

"Monika and her brother Arek ." The boy answered my question more politely.

"Mateusz has been chasing this girl like a dog for some time, with that tongue hanging out on his chin." Grandma muttered.

"I'm not chasing her at all!"

Later, until we got home, Grandma Pola and Mateusz did not speak to each other. It was obvious  that Grandma did not support this "relationship", but Mateusz somehow insisted on this girl. Once, when I entered his room to call him for breakfast, I noticed an unfinished letter on the desk, which began with the words " Dear Monika...". I didn't even dare to read any further, because it's actually none of my business.

However, while making dinner, I found out why Grandma does not tolerate Monika so much. It turned out that the girl takes an active part in the conspiracy and Grandma does not want Mateusz to fall into the hands of the soldiers if something goes wrong. He was her only family and hope in these difficult times. She didn't want to lose him, but he didn't understand that in the same way as she did. He thought she didn't like her because Monika could seduce him and use him in the conspiracy ...