What If Anne Frank Survived?

Chapter 16: Dusk

Peter's POV

"All of those things about the States being warmer sure aren't true," Anne said shivering.

I wrapped my arm around her and pulled her closer to me as we sat on the bench in the courtyard. It was becoming quite chilly in New York. 

"It is nice though," I said.

"What? Me freezing to death?"

"No," I chucked, "the calmness."

"I miss mother and Margot."

"At least you've got your father. I miss my parents."

She looked up at me with her deep chestnut eyes.

"I'm sorry Peter, I didn't mean-."

"It's okay. I know." I kissed her forehead. 

It had been only a few months since we took refuge here.

"We should go inside. I'm starting to get hungry and my ears feel like they're going to freeze off," I said.

She nodded, and we walked to the dining hall. 

Stew and bread. Perfect for a cold day. 

"Peter! Anne! Over here!" I heard Mr. Frank call.

I was hesitant at first as I recalled my last encounter with him. Anne looked at me with an encouraging half smile. She walked over. I walked over too.

"Cold day isn't it?" He said taking a spoonful of stew.

I nodded. An awkward silence filled the atmosphere.

"Peter, I would like to apologize for my accusations the other day."

I looked up, surprised.

"I was wrong to make quick judgments. I'm very grateful you were there with my daughter that evening. There isn't an excuse for my behavior at all."

I smiled and reached out to give him a handshake.

"It's all right, Mr. Frank. I understand these times are bit stressful," I said. 

Anne smiled at the both of us. 

Suddenly, the door opened.

It was mother and father.

"Oh good heavens! You're all here!" Mother cooed.

"Mother! Father!" I gasp as I stood up to greet them both.

"Peter! My boy you've gotten older," my father laughed as he clasped my face with my rough hands.

I laughed and embraced him.

"Father, it's only been a month."

"A month too long!"

Mr. Frank stood and hugged my mother and father.

"So glad you two made it. Come, come. Come and eat. You both must be starving," he said motioning them to sit down.

Father and mother told us about how they managed to reach a Canadian safe point and eventually an evacuation aircraft taking them to the States.

"From what we heard, the plane we were on was the last to evacuate from the Netherlands," Father said. 

Sadness streaked across both Mr. Frank and Anne from this news.

"...so. You have no news of mother and Margot?" Anne said clenching her fist. I placed my hand on hers.

"I'm sorry dear, but we haven't seen them since all of us were together," Mother said.

Mr. Frank remained silent.

"Well, how have you all been adjusting to the 'land of the free'?" My father attempted at changing the subject.

"It's been all right. New York is quite the city actually. The food is so different," I said.

The conversation took a lighter turn from there and we discussed how America compared to home.

"We're going to turn in for the night. It's been quite a long day," Father said.

"I second that," Mr. Frank said.

"I'm going to walk around a bit," Anne said.

"Be careful dear," Mr. Frank said.

"I'll go with her," I said rather a bit too quickly.

Mother looked at me with a raised eyebrow. She looked at Anne and then to me and back at her. She grinned and nudged my father off to their room before anyone else noticed what she did. 

Was it that obvious?

Mr. Frank nodded once in a farewell and left as well. 

Anne and I walked out to the courtyard. The sun was setting.

We sat on a bench. She put her head on my shoulder as we watched the sun go down.

I couldn't imagine how much she was worrying about her mother and sister. I thought she might wanted to talk about it more, but I also knew talking about it would worry her even more. So we sat in silence as dusk shrouded us and the city.