Marie pushed her finger into the top edge of the cake and gripped it with her thumb, pulling away the cardboard outer layer which had been covered in icing and cream. Then she took away the top layer of sponge cake to reveal several bottles of medication. Mostly pain relief and antiseptics. Items she had managed to procure from the hospital supplies. ‘Max said you need to top up your medical kit.’
‘Thank you,’ said Clara, feeling guilty at taking the precious supplies with the full knowledge she would never use them. She hoped they would find their way back to Marie or to Max once she was gone. It was getting more and more difficult to get medical supplies without people asking questions. She’d stopped going into the chemist on her street when she had bought eucalyptus oil and Herr Keller had remarked on Friedrich having yet another cold.
Once the supplies were put away, Clara made them both a coffee and they had a slice of sponge each. ‘It would be shameful to let it go to waste,’ remarked Marie. ‘Have to get our pleasures where we can.’
They finished their treat in silence. Clara watched her friend and a feeling of sadness washed over her. She was going to miss Marie. She hoped Marie would forgive her for slipping away without telling her. But Clara knew it was for the best. At least if Marie was questioned, she would genuinely have no knowledge of Clara’s whereabouts.
‘You’re looking very thoughtful,’ said Marie once she had finished her cake.
Clara gave a small smile. ‘I was just thinking what a good friend you have been to me and how brave you have been to get involved with what I’ve been doing.’
Marie gave a shrug. ‘I wouldn’t call it brave. Foolish, maybe.’ She looked at Clara. ‘Is everything all right? Apart from the obvious and yesterday’s visit.’
‘The police visiting has unsettled me, I must admit. But I’ve been to report to the police station this morning and everything was fine.’
‘Hmm,’ replied Marie, looking unconvinced. ‘There’s something else.’
‘There’s nothing.’
‘Are you going to tell me, or do I drag it out of you?’ Marie raised her eyebrows in question.
Clara looked back at her friend. Had she guessed what Clara was planning? It wasn’t possible, surely. Friedrich would never have allowed anyone to know what he was preparing. And even so, how would Marie know?
‘There really is nothing to tell you,’ said Clara, shoring up her previous response.
Marie gave a laugh and reached over touching Clara’s hand. ‘I can see it in your face. You can’t fool me. I’ve seen it before and so have you.’
‘What?’ Clara was confused now.
Marie’s smile was broad. ‘You’re pregnant, aren’t you?’
It was Clara’s turn to laugh out loud as relief swamped her. She realised Marie was waiting for a reply. ‘Yes. Yes, I’m pregnant.’
‘I knew it. I could tell by your face. You have that soft roundness and a glow to you.’ Marie looked very pleased with herself. ‘Congratulations, my friend.’ She got up and went around to Clara, hugging her. ‘Have you told Friedrich? What did he say? I bet he was excited.’
‘Yes. He was delighted,’ said Clara, forcing herself to smile. It was true, her husband was delighted, but their happiness was clouded, no make that smothered, by sadness.
‘So, tell me, how far along are you?’
Clara forced herself to focus on Marie and engage in excited pregnancy news. For a few minutes she could pretend her circumstances were normal, just like any other woman who was happy to be pregnant. At least this way, Marie hadn’t guessed Clara’s secret. Another pang of guilt and sadness struck her. She would leave Berlin not being able to say goodbye to her friend. Not being able to explain herself.
‘Hey, don’t look sad. This is a happy thing,’ said Marie.
Clara realised tears had gathered in her eyes. ‘I’m just a little overwhelmed,’ she answered truthfully. ‘Marie, thank you.’
Marie looked confused. ‘For what?’
‘For being my friend,’ said Clara. ‘For standing by me. For helping me. For helping me help others. Please don’t ever underestimate how much that has meant to me.’
‘Of course, I won’t, but you don’t have to thank me,’ said Marie. ‘I am doing this because I want to. The same way I am your friend because I want to be your friend.’ She smiled. ‘Oh, Clara, your pregnancy is already making you emotional,meine liebe.’
‘Meine liebe?’ said Clara. ‘Now you sound like Matron telling the new mothers off for being too emotional.’
Marie laughed along with Clara.
The moment was cut short though by a knock at the door. Clara jumped at the sound but then immediately recognised the pattern. ‘Oh, God,’ she said springing to her feet. ‘That’s Paul.’ She rushed down the hall and without thinking flung open the door to be greeted by a rather dishevelled-looking young man. ‘Paul! Oh, my word. Come in.’ Clara practically dragged him in. ‘Are you all right? Where have you been? Everyone has been looking for you.’ She tried to coax him through to the kitchen, but he remained in the hallway.
‘I was questioned but they released me,’ he said.
