A/N Please review and tell us what you think :) We do not own The Sound of Music etc

Maria sat on her windowsill in her bedroom and sighed, listening to the faint sound of the clattering of cutlery and plates downstairs whilst looking out across the lake.

Her father, Vern Rainer, was a naval officer, and he was hosting a party to celebrate the end of the war.

Maria had graduated from school last June, she was studying to become a teacher, and whilst her father was obviously proud, like all fathers would be, he would of preferred it if she didn't go to work. His little Maria was so precious to him, he loved her more than anything in the world and his late wife, Cara Rainer, never worked. Maria resembled her mother in so many ways, her bright blue eyes and strawberry blonde hair, her love for music, and of course her gentleness and lovingness towards life and nature. Maria reminded Vern of his wife in everything that she did, and he wanted to wrap her up and protect her from the harsh world, but he also knew that nothing could ever stop Maria from doing what she wanted, and he loved that about her, always chasing her dreams.

Still in her room, Maria had enough of waiting around and decided that she would go downstairs, just to ask her father if she might possibly be allowed to join the party, only for a little while. As she made her way gracefully down the grand staircase everybody in the room turned their heads towards her and the sailors made whistling noises at her, all except one that is. That one was a young man by the name of Georg VonTrapp. Georg walked slowly to the bottom of the stairs and bowed down to greet her like a proper gentleman, never letting his eyes leave hers, he had always thought she was the most beautiful girl in the world, but he had only ever seen photos of his boss' daughter, and she was even prettier in person. Maria just watched in awe as this handsome sailer bent down at her feet and kissed her hand. Georg looked up at her face again and their eyes met, Maria felt like the world had stopped spinning for a second and it was only the two of them in the room, Maria had never been treated this way by a man before, and she had no idea what to make of it.

Just then Vern cleared his throat bringing both their attention back to the room which was full of people. Maria looked up and quickly snatched her hand away, embarrassed, pretending like nothing had happened she ran over to her father.

"Father, could I please stay for the party, I won't be any trouble I promise."

"Now Maria, we talked about this..."

"Please father, just for an hour." She interrupted.

"No Maria, please go back to your room."

Vern hated denying his daughter, but he knew that it was the best thing for her, she didn't need to be surrounded by a group of loud sailors.

Maria nodded and sighed "Yes father." She said As she began making her way out towards the garden for a walk.

Just as she got out of the door she heard the volume of noise rise again as everyone continued with their conversations.

Georg was still mesmerised by the beautiful girl he had just met and was standing in a daze in the middle of the ballroom.

Vern walked up to Georg and swatted him playfully on the shoulder.

"You okay there buddy?"

Georg was snapped out of his daydream "Um yes sir, if you'll excuse me I need to go to the head...uh I mean bathroom." And with that Georg excused himself.

He walked out into the corridor and in the direction of the garden, needing some air.

To Georg's surprise, the girl that he couldn't get out of his mind was sitting right there in the garden on the steps looking out across the lake whilst humming a little tune.

'Even her voice is perfect.' he thought to himself.

He slowly made his way towards her, carefully so that he didn't startle her, he spoke gently, trying not to sound nervous.

"Tell me, what's a pretty girl like you doing sitting out here alone in the cold?" He asked with a cheeky smile.

Maria looked up at him and blushed, then she looked down towards the floor, her fingers fidgeting in her lap.

"You must be cold, here." And with that Georg sat down beside her on the steps and put his jacket over her shoulders. Maria was blushing furiously by now and Georg decided to change the subject, to make her feel a little less awkward.

"That was a beautiful little tune you were humming. What song is it?"

"Well...it's a song that my mother used to sing to me when I was a little girl, whenever I was sad or scared she would sing it to me and I would feel better instantly." Maria said in a quiet voice with a small smile.

"Well it was lovely, you have an amazing voice, I could listen to it all day."

"Th-thank you." Maria stammered, blushing again.

"You're welcome, I hope we get to meet again...um.." He paused, not remembering her name.

"Maria." She reminded him.

"Maria, thats it. A very pretty name, it suits you."

Maria giggled "Why thank you..."

"Georg, Georg VonTrapp."

"Thank you Georg VonTrapp, it was a pleasure meeting you also."

Georg bent down again so he was eye level with her and took her hand in his, giving it a feather light kiss, just like the one earlier at the bottom of the stairs.

"Goodnight Maria." And with that he left her, sitting on the steps with his jacket still draped around her shoulders. She pulled it closer around her and smelt his cologne which lingered in the air, as she closed her eyes and smiled to herself with a sigh.