The eCho of Nazi Footsteps

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OK, i know it doesn't seem like it now (at all) but this is a story about world war 2. 2

Chapter One 3

“Your dad is gonna kill us! I can’t believe I let you talk me into this. Why did I let you talk me into this?” Jayden groaned again. 4

“Calm down, Jay, I doubt that he even knows. How would he? Any ways, it’s no big deal.”5

Jayden seemed not to hear his friend and rambled on. 6

“You always do this Christoph. You convince me to do some crazy rebellious thing that I would normally never do. And I do it! Why do I do it? You always change everything. It’s not stealing Mr. Adams apples, its borrowing! It’s doing miss jean a favor to relieve her of one of her puppies without asking. It’s okay to tie five fireworks to Miss. Ambrose’s cat, its saving mice. You have me doing so much stupid stuff, and now skipping school too. Why do I do it Christoph, Why?”7

Christoph just rolled his eyes and said, “You know you enjoyed yourself.”8

The two boys could not have been more different in behavior and appearance. While Christoph was tall and strong, Jayden was short and chubby. Christoph had dark black hair that hung in front of his face and dark eyes to match. Jayden had light brown hair and hazel eyes. Christoph was rebellious and cocky and Jayden was obedient and shy. The only thing the two boys had in common was they lived in the same apartment building, even the same apartment. Jayden had a little brother who was nine years old and two little sisters, 11 yrs and 3 yrs. He was the oldest. Christoph had only his one little sister, Emma but everyone called her Emmy. And as much as Christoph lover her, he was always annoyed by her constant talking and many questions.9

The rounded the last corner and their apartment building came into view, sitting at the back of the alley. The Cotsford and the Nash were like one big family. It was funny how it worked out. Jayden’s Dad was of fighting in the war as a pilot, like many fathers in London were, so he saw Christoph’s dad as a father. Christoph’s mother had died giving birth to Emmy and Jayden’s cheerful and energetic mom was like a mother to him. 10

After climbing the three flights of stairs the boys stood outside of their door and when Christoph was about to open it Jayden’s hand jumped quickly to stop him.11

“Wait.” He whispered.12

“What?” Christoph asked, annoyed. But when he turned to face his friend he saw in his face that Jayden was truly uncomfortable and nervous, he wasn’t the rebellious type and Christoph felt a little bad about forcing him to go at Mr. Carters pond to swim instead of school. 13

“It will be alright Jay.” He reassured his friend. “If they know, then I’ll tell them how you didn’t wanna go, but I made you. They’ll punish me, not you. So cheer up a little bit Jay.” Christoph turned the door and walked in, expecting to smell the chicken soup Jayden’s mom always had ready for them on the stove that sat at the corner of the room. But the only smell in the air was of the dusty mattresses and candle burning on the table. 14

“Afternoon Miss. Nash, Hey dad.” Christoph said cheerfully. He was answered with silent stares from everyone in the room. Emmy was on the bed with her face hidden, Jayden’s sisters were next to her, their eyes red and puffy and their lips stuck out like they had been crying. Jayden’s brother, Oliver, was sitting at the table with the two adults, his face was emotionless and he stared straight ahead, not seeing anything. It was obvious that something was wrong. 15

“Jayden. Christoph. We need to talk with you. Sit down.” Christoph’s dad said in his strong steady voice, nodding his head towards two empty chairs between him and Oliver. 16

There was something different about his dad, but Christoph couldn’t tell exactly what it was. Mr. Cotsford was well respected and well known. He was very handsome and very wise. He was quiet sometimes and talkative sometimes. He always knew when to be serious and when to make jokes. But what was different about him now was that the shine and life that was always in his eyes was not there. It was replaced by a sadness Christoph had only seen the day his mother had died. 17