In turn, Eric was different from what Anna had expected. She had thought he would be like some of the American boys who visited Innsbruck, more into looking for a “good time” than anything else. She had found most American males self-centered and a little dense. Instead, she found Eric to be very thoughtful and considerate. He often went out of his way to be nice and friendly to people they met. He was quiet, but she could sense the intellect behind those brown eyes. The dancing cinched it. Americans had their rock and roll, but this guy knew how to really dance. Eric had a style and sophistication that appealed to her and she could tell he liked her. That was confirmed when she placed her head on his shoulder when they danced. His heart was racing just holding her. She only regretted they only had one more day together before he had to leave.
By 10 pm the young couple had tired of the club and Anna suggested they walk through the town square. It was a beautiful night and there were young people seemingly everywhere. Eric took her hand and they walked slowly under the trees. She pointed out a few landmarks as they walked along. As the chill set in, Eric took off his jacket and placed it over her shoulders. Leading her to a park bench, they sat down together.
Anna sighed. “I wish this would never end,” she said quietly.
Eric placed his fingers on her cheek and drew her in for a long kiss. He felt her arm wrap around his neck and they pulled each other closer. After a short time, they separated but remained close. “I hope this means you feel the same way I feel,” he said into her ear. He felt her nod. As he drew back and looked into her eyes, he could see tears.
“Could I hear you say it?” she asked.
Eric smiled. “I love you Anna Dietz. And despite the miles which may separate us, I hope to make you my wife.”
This time, the kiss was even more passionate. “I know it is what you call a gamble, but let’s try,” she said.
“We have one more day,” he said. “We’ll make it just for the two of us. Then I promise I will come back after graduation. With all the company’s efforts in Europe, we’ll have lots of time to be together,” he said assuring her.
She smiled at him. “Just so you know I want to make it on my own first. I want to know I can do it. That will give us time to make sure of how we feel. It shouldn’t take too long. Then we will start a family all our own. Let’s not ruin it by going too fast. I already know I love you Eric. Let’s let it grow a bit.”
It was one of the most sensible things he had heard. Now he knew she loved him and nothing else really mattered. The fact she wanted to start out on her own made him respect her even more. He hugged her hard. “Oh, I am going to enjoy having kids with you,” he said with a twinkle in his eye.
Anna laughed loudly, backed away wiggling her finger at him. “No, no, no, not tonight,” she said with a wide grin. Both laughed.
Eric sat back and looked skyward. “Oh, the sacrifices we all make…”
She poked him in the arm. “A sacrifice, huh? You’ll survive,” she said.
He grinned at her. “Maybe we need to walk this off,” he joked. He was enjoying his being able to joke with her on this very personal matter.
“Maybe we should, or you won’t sleep tonight,” she kidded.
Eric stood and pulled her to her feet. “Oh, I’ll sleep. I plan on dreaming of you,” he said warmly. He placed his arm around her waist and they walked down the path towards the other end of the square.
Only fifteen of the men from Dresner’s group showed up the next night. They were all pleased to see the American Major again. Within a few minutes they were all talking and laughing as they had in the old days. The men were also pleased to see Eric. All of them remembered the photograph of the four year old Anderson had carried around with him. Now he was a grown man much like his father. He was immediately accepted in the group.
Eric was a little surprised at how well everyone got along. In America, people still told stories about the “nasty Germans” they had fought in the war. But his father had never been one of those and these guys were really nice. They were sharing war stories that sounded just like some of the ones he heard from veterans at home. Equally impressive was the respect they showed both for his father and Major Dresner.
Dresner had been the first to greet Eric. He seemed very warm and friendly, but Eric sensed something else. There had almost been a look of pain when they had first met. It was a very quick look on his face that vanished almost immediately. Eric could tell he and his father were very close, almost closer than anyone else at home. When he talked about his studies and his plans, Dresner had hung on every word.
The man named Betz brought along his own son. He was 16 and still in high school, but a very cheerful young man.
“Have you come to these things often?” Eric asked.
Christopher Betz laughed. “You will have to get used to the beer halls,” he said. “Around here families often come in and have fun. The adults have the beer and we all have soft drinks. My father has brought me a few times. These guys are like family,” Chris said.
“Something I could get used to,” said Eric. “Dad told me about these guys as I grew up, but I didn’t think I would ever actually meet them,” he said.
Chris nodded. “I grew up with them, especially Uncle Rolf. He and my father have been friends a long time.”
“Does Herr Dresner have family around here?”
Chris moved a little closer. “My father said his whole family was killed during the war and we are not to speak of it. He has always been there for me and my family. So I believe you could say we are his family,” Chris said with a little pride in his voice.
Eric nodded in understanding. “I know my father still thinks highly of him.”
“I remember once when I had a little skiing accident. He came with my father to take me to the hospital and stayed with me almost the whole time. He even got a tutor for me so I wouldn’t get behind in my lessons. The next Christmas he gave me a new pair of skis and said it was time to get back up on them.” Chris chuckled. “He was right too. If I have a problem, I know I can go to him,” he said.
Erick looked back at the group and saw Dresner laughing with two of the men. There was definitely something special about a man who inspires trust in people, especially young people. He and Chris talked a while longer before the rest of the men snatched them both up again like one of their comrades.
The beer flowed, but the men didn’t seem to be getting drunk. They were just having a great time. One of the men sat down beside him. “So, you like being here in Austria?” he asked.
“Yes sir,” Eric said. “I like the place and the people. I even like the beer,” he said enthusiastically.
The man laughed and slapped him on the back. “You should come to Germany and Bavaria.” He leaned in closer, “the beer is much better,” he said as he laughed loudly. “I live in Munich and run a market there. In October we have what we call an Oktoberfest. It’s a whole month of celebration. We took your father there in 1945. We liked showing him all the castles,” he said.
“I’d like that,” Eric said. “This whole place seems so peaceful and full of life. “It’s had to believe there was ever a war here.”
The man nodded. “Well, those were different times. When Hitler came to power at first everyone was happy because we finally had jobs and a little prosperity. But then it changed,” he said sadly.
Eric nodded. “It’s hard for people like us to understand all that went on. It’s American culture, I guess. We’re just a little different.”
The man smiled again. “No so different. Everyone wants to be a part of a great thing. With us, Hitler was making us great and we went along. When we realized different it was too late. Most of us had already been conscripted and had to fight. We were lucky. Our Major was one of those good men who knew his duty, but who was also a good leader. We all did our duty, just like your men did. When it was over, the Major felt his duty was to us,” he said as he tilted his head. “We all did well as a result. Your father impressed the Major. By the time we separated, you would have thought we were Americans instead of Germans,” he laughed.