Tlstiffl

Men vs. Women Race to 1000

90

Men vs. Women Race to 1000

93

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Marta hesitated, but eventually unattached herself from Ezra. She sat down in the chair Isiah pulled out and let him look at her arm. Just by the way her wrist bent, she knew it was broken. But Marta didn't care about that. She let her eyes rest on the mark that sat a few inches above her wrist. It was disgusting, a horrible mark that would forever live on her skin. Marta truly began to understand how Ezra felt with the same mark brandishing his chest. Marta wanted to rip her arm out from it's socket, just so she didn't have to look at it. Not being able to stand the sight anymore, she looked away.

Isiah didn't have enough supplies to properly clean her wound, so he settled with pouring water over it, which even that hurt an insane amount and then wrapped it carefully in a piece of cloth he ripped from his shirt. By that point, there was a knock at the door and Marta practically jumped out of her skin. She quickly returned to Ezra's side, fearing what was to come next. They were here to finish the job of torturing her. And they were undoubtedly going to punish Ezra. She clung to him, willing them the ability to become invisible in that moment.

As Dan and a few other men entered the room, Marta's heart beating in her chest. She didn't know what was going to happen, but so far, only words were being thrown around. No one was ripping her from Ezra's arms, or holding a piece of iron hot metal to her skin. But she still couldn't trust a single soul in the room except Ezra and Isiah. When the men began to speak about Ezra becoming their new leader, Marta looked at Ezra. He seemed to be in as much shock as her. This was not the reaction he was expecting either. He probably assumed they would drag him from this room and shot him in the head for betraying their people. But they spoke as if what he did was the right choice. Marta didn't know Jeremiah was dead, but when she heard the news, she felt her blood run cold. She was unsure how to feel about his death. Marta didn't wish death on anyone, except Hitler and Oscar, and some days she believed she wanted Jeremiah dead. But now hearing that he was, it was confusing. He did help rescue them, but somehow it shifted and he became the enemy. Marta realized in that moment, this was almost part of Hitler's plan. He wasn't going to just destroy the Jewish people himself, he was going to watch as they did it to one another.

Marta knew then that Ezra needed to stay and be these men's leader, but not in the way they were hoping. He needed to help them realize that the battle would not be won with weapons and fists, but rather with intelligence and compassion. They would always be outnumbered, and the Germans would always have the better weapon, so in order to win this, they had to fight back differently. They had to save whomever they could, create a path to freedom. Marta remembered learning once about a thing called the Underground Railroad in America. A time when people would help the African slaves escape and be free, hiding them in basements and small closets until they were safely in the northern states. This is the battle Ezra needed to create.

When Ezra encouraged her to get her arm checked, Marta hesitated. But she figured if they were going to hurt her or torture her, they would do it no matter what. So either it happened then or it happened later, so she walked over and let someone look at it. They first started by sanitizing the branding, Marta had to bite down hard on her tongue as the rubbing alcohol was poured over it. She almost passed out from the pain, but after a few moments the pain turned to a bit of relief. Next the man carefully wrapped her arms, using gauze and series of medal rods. He mumbled something about her needing to get a real cast, but by that point, Marta's focus shifted.

She heard Ezra begin to call out her name and she looked over and saw the panic in his eyes. He was becoming lost and Marta needed to go help him. She wouldn't let him lose the internal battle he was sure to face over the next few days or even weeks. The guilt would torture him, he had to come to terms with killing two men. Marta tried to pull away, but the medic wouldn't let her go until he finished with her arm. She was with horror as Ezra finally passed out. Finally being let go, she quickly ran over to Ezra's bed, kneeling down and using her good hand to run her fingers through his hair. She paid no attention to the looks the men in the room were giving her. They just couldn't understand how Ezra would choose a non-Jewish girl, but the sight before them started to make the picture become clearer.

Once they were alone, Marta got up from her knees and carefully crawled onto the bed, She lifted Ezra's head and placed it in her lap, much like the first night they met and Ezra had a panic attack. She slowly ran her fingers through his hair and hummed a song, not entirely sure of what song it was. She leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead. "Come back to me" she whispered, it being the last thing she said to him on her birthday.

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Marta’s body hurt in ways she never imagine. Her arm was throbbing and her body shaking as sobs escaped her lips. She kept begging for the man to stop, but he wouldn't listen. Marta was such a fool, why did she think she could do this? Now she was about to be killed which in turn would get Ezra killed, or he would be gone forever. Marta was the world's biggest fool. She watched as the man heated up the iron rod again, Marta tried to mentally prepare herself for the impending pain, but she didn't know how she was going to handle it.

Once it was fire hot again, the man walked over and grabbed Marta's hair and forced her head back, exposing her neck. He held the rod up and Marta tried to fight, but it was hopeless. The hot metal came inches from her neck when suddenly the man was yanked away and thrown across the room. Marta looked up and it took a minute for her to process what was happening. When she saw Ezra she cried out his name, but he was being tossed around and punched.

“Stop! Stop hurting him!” She screamed in vain. She began pulling against her ropes, the pain in one arm near impossible to handle. She felt herself becoming light headed but it didn't matter. She had to help Ezra in whatever way she could. She watched as Ezra finally took the upper hand and was strangling her torturer. Marta stopped struggling, watching in an odd sense of awe. She obviously didn't want Ezra to become a murderer for her, yet after what that man did to her, she felt no remorse.

Suddenly Isiah came bursting through the door, pulling Ezra off the dead body. By this point, Marta's vision was going blurry but she kept her eyes focused on Ezra. She needed to get to him, to tell him it was ok. She didn't care that he killed a man, to thank him for saving her life. Looking up at Isiah as he came over, she felt the ropes around her loosen. Once free, she stood up, probably faster than she should have, causing her to stumble a bit. She ran right up to Ezra, throwing herself into his arms.

“I'm so sorry Ezra, I'm sorry!” She cried between sobs. Her head buried in his neck and her good arm wrapped around him clinging to him. Her arm that she was sure was broken and also branded hung loosely by her side. She held onto Ezra as if he life depended on it, and in a weird way it did. Both stood there covered in blood, sweat dripping from their bodies.

Isiah looking very nervous walked over to them “ We need to go now” he said urgently, trying to usher them out of the room. Marta start glued to Ezra's side, following him blindly. Isiah led them expertly through the halls of the fortress, taking so many turns, Marta lost track in an instant. They reached a door that led outside of the back of the building. Isiah told them to wait and he scouted ahead to make sure the coast was clear.

Once he came back, he quickly urged them to move and soon they were inside a tiny cabin, apparently Ezra and Isiah room. He locked the door and closed the curtains. “We can't stay here long” he whispered, not daring to speak any louder for fear of being caught. “Marta let me look at your arm.”

Marta who hadn't let go of Ezra once, stayed where she was. It wasn't that she didn't trust Isiah, she just couldn't let go. Too many bad things happened when she wasn't in the arms of the man she loved.

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

It had been a week since Marta's birthday, since the last time she saw Ezra and the last time she had contact. Jeremiah hadn't returned with any letters, and Marta suspected he never would again. After the way she acted, she knew he'd punish her and Ezra and cut off all forms of communication. Marta accepted her punishment, but she felt extremely guilty. Her actions had affected Atalia, who didn't receive any letters from Isiah. Marta apologized numerous times, saying she didn't let her anger get to her, but Atalia assured her it was fine. In fact she was glad Marta did because she was scared for her best friend. She knew Ezra was almost to them, and she knew whatever Marta did brought him back. So they suffered in the heart ache together.

Mrs. H was taking her routine afternoon nap when there was a knock on the door. Marta and Atalia were sitting at the kitchen table passing time by playing cards. They looked up when they heard the knock, both panicking a little. No one had ever come to the cottage except Jeremiah and he never knocked. Marta looked around, making sure nothing gave away any of their secrets. She reached up and made sure her necklace was tucked safely in her dress. Walking over to the door, she opened it and saw a messenger boy standing there. Marta felt her defenses drop and opened the door a little wider.

"Message for Ms. Olive" he said, handing Marta the little manila parcel. Marta thanked him, quickly closing the door behind her and latching the lock. She walked over and handed Atalia the letter. She was curious, hoping Atalia would share who it was from. Marta was still nervous, who had their address? She watched as Atalia opened it, her face lighting up.

"It is from Isiah!" Marta felt her pulse quicken. Maybe Ezra had written something in the note too. She watched as Atalia's eyes scanned the party, her frown fading as she did. Marta did not like where this was going. "Ezra is in solitary confinement. He hasn't had any contact with him. He is worried that Ezra is going to lose his mind and kill himself."

Marta felt the room begin to spin. This is what she feared after being with Ezra, the torture and punishment he would face. She prayed Jeremiah would someone find a bit of good left in his heart and pity Ezra and not punish him as harshly, but Marta now realize that wasn't the case. Glancing down, Atalia had placed the letter on the table, her eyes staring off into the distance. She was undoubtedly thinking of her dear friend. When she wasn't paying attention, Marta shifted the paper slightly and was able to see the return label from the postal service. Using her photogenic memory, Marta memorized the address.

That night, after many tears were shared between the girls, Marta awoke in the middle of the night. She had devised a plan, a crazy one, but one that she felt she had to do. Quietly packing her bag, Marta made sure to bring enough clothes and supplies she could manage to carry. She let Atalia a small note, simply stating she couldn't see around and wait anymore. She knew Atalia would figure it out, she just hoped her friend would keep her secret, maybe even come up with excuses, because once Mrs. H realized she was gone, she would contact Jeremiah. Marta hoped she had enough of a head start.

It took nearly 24 hours to make the 5 hour car ride journey. Between the miles walked, and buses she had to take, Marta finally reached the town that the compound was in. She wasn't sure of exactly where it was, but she was hoping to find out. As she walked along the main street of the little rural town, she saw a group of young men walking out of a small diner. They were laughing and goofing off. Their clothes and haircuts were very similar to Ezra's and Marta had a hunch they were part of the resistance. Staying far enough away from them, Marta followed the group of boys as they began their journey north. They entered into some woods, Marta being careful not to step on any branches to make her presence known. By this point, she realized they were drunk and belligerent, which thankfully worked in her favor. As they kept walking, they soon reached a large fence, barb-wired surrounding the top. Marta's eyes widened. This wasn't a camp, this was a prison.

She watched as the men at the gate waved at a guard, who let them passed. Marta knew that wasn't an option for her. Turning to the left, she walked a little deeper into the woods until she came up to the fence farther away from the gate. Looking up, she knew there was no way she could climb it. She kept looking around, trying to figure out a way to get in. Noticing a part of the wired fence bent weirdly a few feet away, Marta walked over. There was a part of the fence bent up and Marta realized she should be able to squeeze under. Deciding to leave her bag because if she got caught they would just take it, but if she managed to free Ezra and escape they would at least still have her bag.

Once she cleared the fence, Marta kept to the shadows of the buildings and trees that surrounded the area. It looked as if they were set up for war. Tents lined in rows, with larger modular buildings around the perimeter. And in the center there was a large stone structure, what looked to appear to be some kind of fortress from at least a hundred years ago. Marta had a hunch Ezra was being held in there. So she kept low and started working her way to the fortress. When she reached the stone building, she stood against the wall, her heart pounding in her chest. She was completely in the blind and a complete fool for doing this. But too late to turn back. Walking along the building, she was hoping to find an entrance to sneak into. She finally came to a small opening with bars. She wasn't sure if she would fit, but she had to try.

It took a bit of struggling, and a lot of scraped skin, but Marta fit. She was now in a dark hallway, the only light coming through the window she just crawled in. She gave her eyes a moment to adjust before she quietly tiptoed down the hall. As she was about to turn a corner, she heard voices, so she stayed back, pressing her body fully against the wall in hopes to make herself invisible. The footsteps eventually passed and Marta let out a sigh. She glanced around the corner and saw the cost was clear. As she was about to take a step forward, she suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder.

Looking back, towering over her was Jeremiah. Her eyes widened. She didn't even hear him approach her. Without a word, he reached up and grabbed her by the hair and yanked her. Marta not expecting this, fell to the ground with a yell, trying to reach up and make him let go of her hair. When he reached a door, he threw her in, Marta landing hard on her hands and knees. She stood and turned and looked at him, hatred burning in her eyes.

"You made the wrong choice showing up here sweetheart" Jeremiah said, his voice snarling and his eyes darkened with rage. Marta just stood tall, not letting him see the fear that was pulsating through her body. Without another word he slammed the door, hearing the lock latch, and Marta left standing alone. There was a single light bulb in the room and oddly enough a mirror. Marta looked at her reflection for a moment, not recognizing herself, before looking away. Now what was she going to do? She got herself trapped, she would never be able to help Ezra now.

An hour passed, then another, before finally the door opened and in walked a large man. He was twice the height of Ezra, and his hair jet black and dark brown eyes. He walked in, carrying a large sack with him. Marta stood, having given in and sat since she was stuck there. He dropped the bag to the ground, and let out a chuckle, but it wasn't a funny chuckle. It was deep and menacing. Marta suddenly feared for her life.

The man walked over to her, pinning her against the wall. Marta felt him push his knee between her legs and grabbed her wrists and brought them slamming up above her head. Marta had turned her head, closed her eyes and just began to prayer. She felt him sniffing her hair, his hands large enough that one held both her wrists, while the other began groping down her body, touching her in ways that only Ezra was allowed. Marta squirmed, trying to free herself, but it was useless. He was three times as strong as her.

While all of this was occurring, Jeremiah was standing in the adjacent room, looking through the glass. It was a two way mirror. Sitting next to him, tied to a chair and gagged was Ezra. "Look at what happens when you go soft boy. You wanted to protect her, but now it is too late."

Back in the other room, the man thankfully stopped groping Marta and dropped her wrists. Marta felt relieved, but it didn't last long. Next thing she knew, she was being slammed to the ground, landing hard on her wrist and feeling a distinct cracking sound. White hot pain spread up her arm, but she didn't have time to register it because she was being pulled up by her hair again and thrown onto a chair. Her ankles and arms bond against the chair, Marta was trapped. Sweat was dripping down her body and her entire core was shaking. She was going to die.

The man went over to the bag and pulled out what appeared to be torch. Pulling a lighter out of his bag, he lit the torch on fire before placing it in a sconce on the wall. He then pulled out a long piece of metal pointer, similar to the ones that always stood by the fireplaces in her parents house. On the end, Marta noticed right away that the metal was welded into the shape of a swastika. Her eyes widened, she suddenly put two and two together and she started fighting against the ropes. The man held the pointer over the flame until it became bright red with heat. He walked over, a look of enjoyment on his face. He lifted the sleeve of Marta's dress up, feeling the skin of her forearm. Marta knew what was about to happen and fought with all of her might, but moments later there was a fire burning pain on her arm. The man forced the pointer onto her skinning, smoke forming as Marta's skin began to burn. She let out a piercing scream, the pain ripping through her body.

When he was done, the man stepped back and looked at his handy work. Marta had tears streaming from her face, her body gone limp. If she wasn't tied to the chair, she would have fallen to the ground. The man noticing this, reached up and back handed her so hard Marta's head whipped to the side and blood came splattering out of her mouth. She was more alert again and watched the man walk back over to the fire.

"Please .. no not again!" she cried out, begging for mercy.

Men vs. Women Race to 1000

94

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Marta let Ezra's touch and words soothed her. She believed him, that his days of being just a pawn were over. Marta feared what it meant for him though, how much he would be punished or what the other men may do to him. She did her best not to think on it too much, lest she drive herself crazy. As they finished the walk back up to the cottage, Marta saw Jeremiah glaring at them. She just stared at him stone-faced, not letting him know how she felt or anything going on in her mind. But inside Marta was feeling so many emotions.

Dinner was quick and awkward, since only the ladies and Jeremiah ate. Marta barely touched her food, not wanting to make it harder for Ezra. She couldn't even understand why fasting was necessary, if anything, they should be eating as much as possible to build up their strength. It just added another item to her list of reasons for hating Jeremiah now. As they finished dinner, Jeremiah stood, "Say your goodbyes boys, we are leaving in five."

Marta frowned. It was too soon, she wanted more time with Ezra. She wanted to hold him, and talk to him. She wanted to kiss him, touch his skin, repeat what they did in the forest. But they couldn't and the worst part was not knowing when it would happen again. She watched as Isiah and Atalia went outside to spend their time together alone. Marta turned to Ezra and tried to give him a smile, but her lips trembled as a few tears escaped her eyes. She leaned over in her chair and wrapped her arms around his neck, the position being awkward, Marta simply just moved all the way over and climbed onto his lap, straddling his legs, her knees bent and tucked under herself. She buried her head in his neck, inhaling his scent and clinging to his shirt. She didn't care who was watching. Pulling back, she leaned in for a kiss filling it with all the love she could muster. She wanted Ezra to not forget what it felt like to kiss her, she wanted him to leave with the ghost of lips on his for the rest of the day, even the week.

Jeremiah cleared his throat, but Marta continued the kiss, not caring what the older man wanted. Finally, she pulled back, mainly for the fact her lungs needed oxygen, but also because she thought of something. She stood from Ezra's lap, "Wait here." She then turned and ran over and climbed the ladder to her loft. She wanted to get Ezra something. Reaching under her mattress she pulled out a book, the book of Shakespeare Sonnets she and Ezra would read together. She had taken it with her the night they had to flee the Baer's house. The page with the sonnet they first read together, Sonnet 18-Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day, was tagged. Marta read the sonnet to herself every night. Inside the book she also carefully tucked the picture of Ezra with his parents. She never got a chance to give it to him after she had taken it.

Not wanting Jeremiah to confiscate the book, Marta grabbed one of Ezra's sweaters that had ended up in her bag. Marta has worn it to bed every night, letting her mind pretend it was Ezra's arms around her. She carefully folded the sweater, the book hiding inside and climbed down the stairs. She walked over and handed it to Ezra, "I thought you might need this." She looked into his eyes as she handed him the sweater in a way that would let him feel the book, but understanding to not let it be known he felt it. Together they walked out hand-in-hand and got ready to say goodbye again.

Marta saw Isiah and Atalia hugging and sharing a kiss before Isiah got into the car. Marta faced Ezra, she did her best to be brave. She pulled him down for another swift kiss, pulling back a little and whispered against his lips, "Come back to me."

She then watched as Ezra got into the car, Jeremiah barely giving him any time to shut the door before speeding off. Atalia walked over and Marta reached over and clung onto her hand. Both of them watching the loves of their lives leaving again.

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Marta laid there, the blue sky above her, her body feeling tingly. She couldn't explain the feelings she was having, but whatever they were, she hoped they never ended. Her body ached, but in such a good way that it left Marta feeling satisfied. She hadn't know what to expect, but it definitely exceeded anything she ever imagined. When they were together, Marta felt such a connection to Ezra, and their love growing deeper. When Ezra popped up onto his elbow and began tracing her skin, Marta's skin was scattered with goosebumps. His touch was amazing. She wished it didn't have to end.

When Ezra made the birthday comment, Marta laughed lightly, "Definitely the best one yet."

She watched as Ezra began to dress, wishing he didn't because she was enjoying the view. The new toned Ezra was definitely fun to look at. Marta loved running her fingers over the grooves of his muscles. She smirked to herself when he sat up and she saw scratches down his back from her nails. They definitely got more intense than Marta ever imagined. Growing up, Marta always imagined her first time to be this innocent, gentle moment, but her and Ezra let their primal instincts kick it. They did what felt right. Just thinking about it made Marta almost reach up and pull Ezra down for another go, but she knew they couldn't right then.

Letting out a sign, Marta finally sat up, suddenly feeling a bit of a chill. There was a cool breeze and as it passed over her naked body, she was suddenly very aware of her nudity. She watched Ezra go relieve himself behind a tree, while Marta put back on her undergarments and pants. She was buttoning up her shirt when Ezra came back over. When he spoke, saying he hoped he was good, Marta smiled. She walked over, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulled him into another kiss. She pulled back, "Ezra it was perfect. I couldn't imagine it any better. You made me feel so... alive." Her eyes shown as she looked into his. She knew that once they left their little secluded area, reality would come flooding back in and she wished they could avoid it for a bit longer.

But suddenly she heard Isiah calling out, saying they needed to return. Sighing, Amelia checked her clothes once more, and reached up to adjust her hair. She agreed with Ezra that keeping this a secret was important. It would be tempting to talk to Atalia about it, but she knew she couldn't say anything. They left their little hidden spot, hand in hand, and made their way back to their friends. As they approached, Atalia raised her eyebrows. She sensed right away there was a change in both her friends, Ezra more so.

Without a word, they made their way back up to the cottage. As they approached, Marta saw Jeremiah standing on the porch speaking with Mrs. H. And just like that, her perfect moment was shattered. She unintentionally slowed her walk, she knew once they were back, Ezra would be leaving her again. She wasn't ready, she couldn't let Ezra leave, not now, not after what they just shared. Isiah and Atalia continued ahead, but Marta's feet stopped moving. When Ezra turned to her, she looked up, tears welling up in her eyes. "I...what's going to happen?" she asked, her voice shaking.

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Marta's breathing began to calm and her pulse went back to normal, but she still felt adrenaline pumping through her body. She stood there waiting for Ezra's reaction, she wasn't sure what he would do. Did she push him far enough that he would hit her back? Marta would take it if he did, she was asking for it, but she knew deep down, no matter how far gone and lost Ezra was, he would never physically harm her. When Ezra finally moved and pulled her into him, she felt a wave of relief course through her body. Her arms reached up and clung to the front of his shirt, feeling his muscle underneath. When he kissed her, Marta returned it, turning her anger into love and passion. She put as much intensity in the kiss as she did when she punched him. Marta wanted Ezra to feel her power and her love in that kiss. Her hands reached up, running her fingers through his short locks, and held onto his neck to keep him close.

As they lowered to their knees, their bodies pressed firmly against one another, Marta felt the ache in her body, the need to feel even closer to Ezra. But the heat of the kiss, and all the emotions of her yelling at him, finally made Ezra crumble. Marta stayed there, keeping close and running her hands over his back as he began to cry. He cried for everything. Marta didn't enjoy having to make him fall to pieces, but he was losing himself, and she couldn't let that happen. Jeremiah probably said crying was weak, but it isn't, it is empowering. It refreshes the soul and helps one remind themselves of what they truly believed and needed. When he sat back up, Marta wrapped her arms around him and held him close, listening to his words. She didn't interrupt for fear if she did, he would stop. But he needed to get all of these words out, to remind himself how he got to be where he was. When he finished, Marta reached up and began wiping away his tears.

"You are not a failure Ezra. You are a strong, compassionate man who is willing to go to the moon and back for the people he cares about. But you have lost sight of how to do that, you are becoming the person Oscar wants you to be. You are fueling Hitler's fire, proving to the people of Germany that Jewish people are monsters. But you are't Ezra, you are the most caring person I know. You can't keep being an icon for these men in the way you have been. Violence is never the answer, you need to show them, teach them, how to be compassionate. And if they don't want to agree, then they don't care about you."

She stood, encouraging Ezra to as well. She pulled him into a hug, Marta said her part about the resistance and the war, but now she needed to make him understand her love. Glancing over at Atalia she gave her friend a look and Atalia discreetly nodded back. Marta then took Ezra's hand led him down the path a little father, before turning and taking a less traveled trail. She came to a big willow tree, and she parted the branches and walked through, pulling Ezra along with her. Once they passed the tree, they were suddenly in a small clearing. It was a small field, about the size of the cottage, and it was completely surrounded by trees from every angle. Marta walked to the middle of the flowers and grass and opened her bag and pulled out a blanket she had brought. She laid the blanket on the ground, before kneeling down, pulling Ezra down with her. She looked into his eyes for a moment before leaning in and kissing him gentle. The intensity was gone, but the love was still pulsing through the kisses. Marta kept them sweet and gentle, kissing along Ezra's face, his cheeks, jaw, nose, everywhere. She ran her hands along his chest, and through his hair, and then slowly she reached down and grabbed the bottom of his shirt and lifted it and removing it from his body. She ran her hands along his skin, letting them graze over all the new muscles he had formed.

As she continued to shower him with kisses, she reached over and began to unbutton her own shirt and discarded it to the side. Both of them now topless, Marta pulled Ezra close and carefully began to lay down onto her back, Ezra laying on top of her. She broke from the kiss and looked into his eyes, "I love you Ezra Baer." And then once again pulled him into a kiss, this time the desire building. There was no need for words anymore, words only made things worse, they became fuddled and could be interpreted differently. Marta was ready to show Ezra how much she loved him in a new way, with her body. She hoped Ezra understood and wanted the same thing.

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Marta heard someone come into the shed, but she didn't need to look up to know it wasn't Ezra. The man sitting inside that cottage was not the man she loved, it was a puppet doing Jeremiah's bidding. Marta hoped that the man she did loved was still in there, he had to be, because that man was the one who wrote of his love for her in his letters. Marta heard whoever came in sit down next to her, but Marta kept her face buried. She listened as Isiah began to speak, but the more he spoke, the more angry she got. If this was his attempt to console her, he was doing a miserable job. She did feel a pain her heart when he mentioned Edith's passing. Ezra obviously never mentioned that to her, and she would find time later to get more information about it, but not at that moment.

Marta didn't respond to Isiah, she was too far lost in her own feelings and thoughts. All the anger Marta must have been suppressing over the past few months was slowly creeping up. She felt angry at Oscar for being a coward and picking a defenseless boy to attack on the street, outnumbering him 3 to 1. Marta felt anger for her parents kicking her out when all she ever did was fall in love. She felt anger for Ezra's parents leaving him at such a critical time. She felt anger for the gestapo who came into their house and stole Atalia away. She felt anger at Atalia for posing as her. She felt anger for having to be separated from Ezra. She felt hatred, full blow hatred for Hitler and the world he has created. But the most anger she felt at that moment was at Jeremiah. The things he has done, while at first seemed to make him out to be a saint, but now Marta was questioning all of his intentions.

Standing up, not responding to any of Isiah's comments, she simply said, "Tell Atalia we are going to the pond." Then Marta left the shed and went back into the cottage. She ignored Ezra and Jeremiah for the moment, the two men sitting on the couch and talking in hushed tones. Marta climbed the ladder to the loft and got her knapsack and filled it with some things and then made her way back down to the sitting area. She walked over to the couch and took Ezra's hand and made him stand up. She turned and looked at Jeremiah, fire in her eyes, "Don't worry oh grand puppet master, your prodigy will be returned to you."

Without another word, she walked out of the house, pulling Ezra along with her. Looking at Atalia and Isiah, she nodded her head in the direction of the woods that were about 200 yards from the house and began to walk in that direction. No one spoke, no one made a sound. All that could be heard was the grass crunching under their shoes. As they entered the forest, Marta followed the trail that lead to a small pond. Atalia and Marta would walk through the woods together, just wanting to explore and talk together without Mrs. H always hovering. The discovered the pond a few weeks after arriving, and it became their little spot. As they neared the pond, Marta finally dropped Ezra's hand and put her bag down. Atalia and Isiah, who were still holding hands, stayed back a few feet.

Marta turned and looked at Ezra; it was like looking at a statue. His physical shape had improved ten fold, and he looked like a soldier. But his eyes showed nothing, they were hallow and emotionless. It fueled Marta's anger and what she was about to do next. She walked over to Ezra, and then suddenly reached up and slapped him across the face. She heard Atalia gasp and Isiah take a step forward, but Marta turned and gave them a look to kill. Isiah hesitated, but he stepped back and allowed Marta to continue.

Her focus back on Ezra, she gave him a hard stare before reaching up and slapping him again, this time a little harder. "Is that how I should do it?" she asked, shoving Ezra, "Is this what I need to do to toughen up? Come on Ezra, toughen me up, teach me how to fight." With another hearty shove, "Show me what I need to do in order to send three men to the hospital. Teach me how not to feel, how to protect myself."

This time Marta reached up, her hand in a fist and she punched Ezra square on the jaw. She felt the pain in her hand double from when she punched the wall, but she ignored it. She now got up into Ezra's face, her voice heated and loud, "Come on Ezra, fucking teach me! I want to protect myself because I am NOT going to have you protecting me anymore. I REFUSE to be the reason you die. So be a man and teach me!"

Her voice echoed in the woods and she stood there, her body stiff and her eyes burning holes into Ezra's eyes. The anger was practically radiating off her body, her chest heaving from all the yelling she did. She had no clue what Ezra's reaction would be, but Marta has had enough.