All through the inquisition she nervously rubbed her sweaty palms against her dress and tried not to look in Böhm’s direction, because his first encouraging smile had done nothing to ease her anxiety. On the contrary, her stomach hat fluttered violently.
“Fräulein Kupfer, would you please elaborate on your vision for a new Berlin?” Herr Böhm asked.
She couldn’t avoid looking at him and the way his eyes intensely closed in on hers, turned her knees to jelly and an army of butterflies fluttering in her stomach. Quickly turning to Professor Klein, she found strength in his stern, wrinkled face and somehow managed to say, “I wish for a peaceful co-existence of the Germans with the Allies. And I should hope that with time Berliners will regain ownership over our administration and we can live in a truly democratic and lawful state.”
“Very well said, Fräulein Kupfer,” Böhm beamed with enthusiasm and stood up. His physical presence was overpowering, and she wished at the same time to flee from the room and have him trap her in his embrace.
Naturally, neither of the two things happened. Instead he stepped out from behind his desk, taking two steps toward her and starting a speech about the Soviet intention to building a democratic German state, the necessity of political parties and the freedom of speech, the principles of democracy, the foundation of a state in a constitution and a proper jurisdiction.
Marlene felt his need to express the good intentions of the Soviets and she was mesmerized by the passion with which he declaimed the arguments – until he praised the Red Army for their crucial part in liberating Berlin from the Nazi evil.
It was then that she tore her gaze away from him and found Professor Klein’s eyes that mirrored her own disdain for the Russian soldiers. But neither of them uttered a word of protest.
Böhm’s speech came to a glorious end praising Berlin’s paradisiac conditions in a not so distant future under the beneficial rule of socialism. Then he looked at Professor Klein and said, “I’m sure you’ll agree with me, that this bright young lady here is accepted into the university.”
“Certainly,” Professor Klein said. He must be well aware of the hierarchy in the room. If the Soviet installed chairman of the culture and education department deemed a student worthy to be enrolled at the law faculty, a law professor had no further say in the matter. “Classes begin next month. Frau Busch will give you the details.”
Later that day Marlene met with her friends Zara and Bruni, giddy to bring them the good news.
“So, tell us the juicy news,” Bruni greeted her with a huge grin.
“How do you know there’s news?” Marlene stuttered, but she knew she couldn’t deceive her friends. Shy Zara would never open a conversation like this, but of course Bruni cut right to the chase.
“Isn’t it true that you’ve been pining for Werner Böhm, since the university inauguration?” Bruni laughed.
“And I hear, he’s crazy about you,” Zara added.
“Who told you this?” Marlene eyed the two of them with a suspicious glance.
“Georg’s cousin of course. Herr Böhm talks about nothing but you when he’s alone with Georg,” Zara answered.
Good gracious. Just what Marlene needed. Even before she joined the university, she already was the center of the gossip.
“And… is it true? Are you and Böhm a thing?” Bruni asked.
“Don’t rush her, you know she’ll tell us in time,” Zara, the voice of reason in their trio, said. Her amazing waist-length hair astounded everyone with its ebony shimmer that contrasted perfectly with her porcelain skin and her red lips, making her look like a real-life version of Snow White.
“I have decided that Böhm isn’t for me, but…,” Marlene found pleasure in keeping her friends on tenterhooks. She took a measured sip from the wine glass Bruni handed her. The full aroma attacked her senses and she inhaled deeply to smell more of the heavy, fruity scent. With an evil smile toward Bruni, she said, “That wine is delicious. Truly special.”
“Enough prevarication. I have to leave soon,” Bruni couldn’t hide the fact that she was dying to hear Marlene’s news.
“If you insist… I’ve been accepted into law school today.”
Zara threw her arms around Marlene, hugging her tight. “That’s such great news. When will you start?”
“Next month already,” Marlene beamed with pride, completely forgetting how reluctant she’s been to apply at the university.
“I’m happy to see you optimistic like this.” Zara smiled. “Joining the university is a great move. A law degree will ensure a comfortable future.”
“It’s all well and good to plan for the future,” Bruni said with pursed lips, putting a damper on Marlene’s elation. “But what about the present? Who will provide for you and pay your bills? Certainly not your parents.”
“I’ve been thinking about this myself… I could still work with Dr. Ebert between classes the way Georg does.”
“That’s what I mean,” Bruni replied. “You’ll be spreading yourself thin, working at that place and studying at the same time. How long do you think you’ll last under such pressure?”
Marlene sighed. “I don’t know.”
“It won’t be forever. As soon as Marlene is settled, she can go looking for a job in the legal field. Maybe even at the university, something where she can combine work and study. Aren’t you happy for her? Remember it was you who encouraged her to pursue this opportunity?” Zara said.
“Oh no, don’t put this on me.” Bruni raised an eyebrow in an effort to look offended. “My advice was to take advantage of Böhm’s attention and start her studies with the comfortable knowledge that he will provide for her. Now that silly woman has bitten the hand that wants to feed her. How will she put food on the table and clothes on her back?”
Zara and Bruni were arguing back and forth on her behalf, until Marlene had had enough and stomped her foot on the floor. “Hey! I’m still here.”
A perplexed Bruni broke out into a giggle. “Yes, sweetie, you are. And you know that I’ll always support you, but my support includes some tough love. Zara here might be too chicken to tell you, but someone’s gotta spring the truth on you. You’re missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by not entertaining Böhm’s attraction.”
“I know. But unlike you I actually value love, and he simply isn’t the man for me.” Marlene sighed and her eyes became dreamy at the memory of his intense gaze and the electric tension she always felt in his presence. If he were any other man but a leading communist party official. No, she simply could not allow herself to have feelings for him.
“What’s not to love about him?” Bruni was about to start another lecture in how to deal with men, but closed her mouth when Zara interrupted her with a warning glare. “Have I told you about my new job as a kitchen aide in the French casern?”
Marlene jumped on the new topic like a drowning person on a lifeline and said, “That’s wonderful. Tell us all about it. Is the French cuisine as delicious as they say?”
Food was a predominant topic among the Berliners, especially the shortage of it. Talking about French delicacies was almost as good as actually eating them, and it eased the tension between the three friends.
When they finally parted, they hugged each other tightly. Despite their different outlooks on life, their friendship was deep and strong, and Marlene knew she could always count on Bruni and Zara.
Chapter 16
The moment Werner entered the lecture hall where the student board met, he felt a wave of hostility directed toward him. Looking into the discontented faces of the members he realized the mood was about to boil over.