CHAPTER 13

On Saturday morning Lars braided Beatrix’s hair. Hans pressed her dress, although it was now terribly worn-out.

As soon as Beatrix had dressed and finished her breakfast, Hans held out her winter coat while she slipped it on, and then he plopped a bright red tam on her head. He had found it in the market, and Mrs. Vos had knitted her matching red mittens. Then Hans and Lars watched her skip down the road to Lieve’s house.

Beatrix waved to Mr. Van Engle, who lived at number 3. The man scoffed and turned his back. She waved to Mrs. Jensen-Smit at number 6. Mrs. Jensen-Smit took hold of her son Pieter’s hand and pulled him into the house. At the last possible second, just before the door closed, Pieter waved at Beatrix. And then he was gone.

“You’re here!” Lieve flung open the door and gave Beatrix a big hug. “I have a surprise for you in the parlor and a treat in the kitchen. Which do you want first?”

Beatrix giggled, but she didn’t have to choose because she looked over Lieve’s shoulder and saw the most beautiful dress in the world spread out on the sofa. The neck was high and made of lace. It had slightly padded shoulders and a beautiful, swirly skirt with a sash!

“Is it for me?” Beatrix tiptoed toward it as if making a loud noise would shatter the dream.

“I used to make clothes for myself and my sisters. Do you see this neckline? It’s called a bobbit kraagje. And see the shoulders? They are slightly padded so that it will look as though you have a very tiny waist—which you already have! My sisters loved fashion. Do you want to try it on?” asked Lieve.

Beatrix nodded her head so fast her braids jumped up and down. She hung up her coat on a special hook that was just the right height, and then peeled off her old dress. She stood in her bloomers and undershirt in the middle of the room.

“Hands up.” Lieve pulled the dress over Beatrix’s head. “Oh dear, it’s too big in the waist and it’s too long. But that is easily fixed. And I think I can take it in on the sides too. You are skin and bones, child,” Lieve said. “The sash is silk. I dyed it blue. It’s from my wedding dress.”

“Your wedding dress?” Beatrix put her hand to her mouth.

“I think it’s wonderful that my old dress can be turned into something new and pretty. Look, I’ll tuck the silk flower to the sash. See? Now, I’ll just pin up the waist and that will make the skirt flare out even more. You look like a princess!”

“It’s the most beautiful dress in the world!” Beatrix twirled around and around. She stopped. There were tears in Lieve’s eyes. “What’s the matter?” Beatrix held her breath. When Mamma cried bad things happened.

“Nothing. I was just thinking about my little sister. You remind me of her.” Lieve took a handkerchief from her sleeve and dabbed her eyes.

“Where is she now?” asked Beatrix.

“Both my sisters were killed at the beginning of the war.” Lieve paused for a moment as if trying to compose herself.

“What were your sisters’ names?” asked Beatrix.

“Margot and Lize,” said Lieve.

“You miss them like I miss Mamma.” Beatrix leaned her head on Lieve’s shoulder.

“Yes, every day.” Lieve kissed the top of Beatrix’s head. “Let’s not be sad. Why don’t I help you out of the dress? You might get stuck by a pin. Then you can see what your treat is.” Lieve stood and squared her shoulders.

“Please, can I keep it on for just a little longer? I’ll be careful.”

“Of course. It’s yours now, or it soon will be once I make the alterations.”

Beatrix threw her arms around Lieve’s waist. “I am sorry about your sisters. I love you,” she whispered.

“My dear girl, I love you too. Come, come get your treat. I used up all my sugar rations to make this.” Lieve led the way to the kitchen.

There it was, on the kitchen table, just sitting there. A cake! And not just any cake but kersttulband.

“It’s called a Christmas ring cake.” Lieve clapped her hands and laughed.

Beatrix nodded. “Mamma used to make it for Papa,” she whispered. “Your papa?” Lieve’s smile dropped away. She stood still and stared at Beatrix.

“Papa was Christian,” said Beatrix. She’d hardly known what the word meant, back when she was little and they were all together, but she did know that Papa celebrated Saint Nicholas Day, which was the best day in the whole year because everyone got presents.

“Christian!” Lieve could hardly get the word out.

Beatrix’s head bobbed up and down. She could not take her eyes off the cake. It was round with a hole in the middle and sprinkled with white sugar. Oh, how she wanted a slice of the cake.

“Beatrix, what happened to your papa?” she asked gently.

“I don’t remember, but Mamma said the Nazis took him. Then Mamma got a letter that said he was never coming home. They said he was a compitist.”

“A Communist?”

“Yes.” Beatrix nodded. “Mamma said that he was a good man who loved his country. But now it’s hard to remember him.”

“Have you told Uncle Lars or Uncle Hans about this?” Lieve’s voice kept catching.

“Mamma said that I must not talk to anyone about our past. I promised.”

“Beatrix, you have to trust me. What about your grandparents? Where do they live? If they are Christian, perhaps they can help you.” Still shocked, Lieve thumped down in a chair and pulled Beatrix close.

Beatrix shook her head, slowly at first and then faster and faster. Tears rimmed her eyes.

Lieve spoke softly. “Hush, try to tell me. What do you remember?”

Beatrix covered her ears. The joy of her new dress, of seeing the cake, flew away.

Lieve gently pulled Beatrix’s hands down and held them in her own. “Tell me, please.”

“We went to Opa’s and Oma’s house. It was dark. My legs were tired. I saw the house. I had been there before, but with Papa.

“Mamma went to Opa’s back door and knocked. A dog barked and we got scared. I wanted him to open the door. I kept thinking, Opa, open the door. Opa, open the door. And then, there he was. I was so happy, but Opa was not happy. He looked like a dragon with fire in his nose. Then he shouted, but not so loud that anyone could hear. He said, ‘Go away. You put us all in danger. Go away.’

“I hid behind Mamma. I could see Oma was standing behind Opa. She was crying and pulling at his clothes. She said, ‘Johannes, no. Let them in.’

“Mamma was crying. She went down on her knees. I tried to pull her up. I told her that she would get all dirty. Mamma said, ‘Just take Beatrix. I will go. Keep her safe. She is your granddaughter.’ I tried to tell Mamma that I didn’t want to stay with a dragon. I kept saying, ‘Get up, Mamma, get up.’ Then the door closed.” Beatrix buried her head in Lieve’s shoulder. “They did not want me.”

Lieve hugged her tight. “I want you. Uncle Hans and Uncle Lars want you. And Mrs. Vos too. We love you, Beatrix. We all love you.”