Amish Fugitive, page 10
“Hi.” Looking suddenly shy, she said, “May I walk with you?”
Ah. She was ready to leave but didn’t feel safe walking by herself. He’d learned enough in life to realize that it wasn’t just people behind bars who enjoyed preying on anyone weaker than them. “Of course. Is there a special way you like to walk home?”
“Oh, I don’t want to go home yet.”
“No?”
Hope shown in her eyes. “I thought that we could perhaps go to the park for a spell. What do you think? It’s not far. Plus, I doubt we’ll be seeing anyone we know there.”
Though he didn’t have a problem not seeing her parents, it still felt a bit like a slap in the face. She was keeping him a secret. She still didn’t want her family to know that she’d been talking to him.
But what could he expect? “Jah, sure.”
It was fine, too. However, he couldn’t resist wishing that their friendship had gotten to the point where they could be open about it.
Abraham had been right. He had been acting like a fugitive, always lurking in the outskirts of the community instead of making a real effort to reach out to folks. The lunch today had been a good example of that. As soon as he’d made the first step, the other men had warmed up a bit. Of course, not a lot and not every man, but it was a good start.
But perhaps, like the storm that was approaching, it was useless to fuss and stress about it. Some things simply couldn’t be helped.
Letting Lela guide the way, he walked slowly next to her. Every once in a while, he had to stop and pause for a moment so she could keep up. He realized that once again, he was carrying baggage from his time in prison. He’d been surrounded by men there and had become used to walking with a purpose. Strolling along an empty road with a petite woman was very different.
The second time that happened, Lela apologized.
“I’m sorry I’m not walking faster.”
“There’s no reason for you to be sorry. I’m much taller than you. I’ve got a longer stride. Plus, we’re not in a hurry. I should’ve been more considerate of you.” He needed to remember his manners.
“I wish I was taller.”
Daniel thought she was perfect the way she was. “There’s nothing you can do about your height, Lela. The Lord made you the way He saw fit, jah?”
“I suppose so, but it doesn’t stop me from wishing it, though.”
“I know the feeling. Trust me, all that wishing doesn’t usually make anything happen.”
“I used to pray every night that the Lord would give me another two inches. When my sister Ruth overheard, she said that was a rather selfish prayer.”
Daniel shrugged. “I don’t know about that. I reckon a lot of prayers could be thought of as selfish. Everyone wants something. It’s just some of the wants are more important than others, ain’t so?”
“You’re right. There are wants and needs.”
“Indeed. And some people at death’s door do get better. Miracles do happen.” Such as the college students taking on convicted felons’ cases and actually overturning everything.
She smiled up at him. “This is why I like talking with you, Daniel. You are so levelheaded.”
He almost rolled his eyes, since he usually felt as if a handful of battles were constantly being waged in his head. “I don’t know if anyone has ever said that about me before.”
“No? What about your parents or your brother?”
“Definitely not them.”
Some of the light that had been shining in Lela’s eyes faded. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. They’re justified. I went through a long spurt of bad decisions. None of the things I did during that time could be classified as sensible.” Hoping to encourage a smile, he added, “Now, you, on the other hand, likely make good, sensible decisions all the time.”
“Me? Nee.” Looking pensive, she added, “Especially not lately. I’ve been thinking about doing something outlandish.”
“What is that?”
“Well, it’s probably not very outlandish to you.”
“Try me. What have you been planning?”
“My sister Ruth came over the other day and surprised me with an offer.” After checking to see that she still had his attention, she added, “She suggested that I move in with her and her husband.”
“Why? Are your parents in poor health?”
“Nee. They are strict and rather unforgiving. They seem to have gotten worse as they’ve grown older, too. Now there are so many rules to follow that it’s a wonder I’m not always in trouble.”
“What do your parents think about you moving?”
“They don’t know.”
They’d reached the park. It was small and empty, but rather pretty. It was obvious workers came often to plant flowers and mow and trim hedges. In the back of the space was an old metal swing set with three swings. There was also a worn-looking picnic table. “Where do you want to sit?”
“Would you mind if we sat on the swings? I’d rather move a little bit. Church was long.”
“The swings work for me.” After they sat on the rubber seats, he returned to their main conversation. “So, you think your parents would be against you moving?”
“I do. Very much so.”
“Maybe they’d get used to it. Where does Ruth live?”
“Berlin.”
“That’s pretty far.” He struggled to keep his expression blank. Inside, though, he was reeling. He didn’t want to think about Lela being so far away. He’d never see her.
“Jah.” She shrugged. “I mean, it’s not that far if you are my Uncle Nate and drive a truck. But it sure is if you have only a bicycle, two feet or a horse and buggy.”
“Does she need to know what you want to do soon?”
Lela darted a look at him. “Kind of.”
There was something she wasn’t telling him. “Why is that? What is she worried about?”
She swallowed. “You.”
“Me? I don’t even know her.”
Looking miserable, Lela spoke again. “Ruth asked me if I was interested in anyone, and I said I might be.”
“You were thinking of me?”
Blushing slightly, she nodded. “I know that was forward of me to think, and even more bold to admit such a thing face-to-face. I can’t help how I feel, though.”
“You honor me,” he said. “Don’t apologize for that.”
“I don’t think even my sister would be against us seeing each other. But she was right about my parents. They would be very mad.”
He had known that, but hearing her state her parents’ feelings so openly was disappointing.
Maybe if Abraham hadn’t given him the pep talk just an hour ago he would’ve accepted Lela’s choice to continue hiding their friendship. But the lunch with the men had changed things. Or, maybe he liked Lela so much that he was willing to fight for her. He wanted to be able to court her at her house. He wanted to be able to talk to her after a church service.
He really didn’t want to only get to spend time with her in deserted parks. He’d been through too much to be okay with that.
Deciding to be completely honest, since he had nothing to lose, he got off the swing and stood in front of her.
“Lela, I’m going to be honest with you. I hope that’s all right.”
Her pretty brown eyes widened. “Of course it is.”
He took a deep breath, said a quick prayer for strength and then spoke. “I like you.”
Smiling, she stood up. After two steps, they were standing just inches apart. So close that he could smell the floral scent of her shampoo. Close enough to notice that she had a very faint spray of freckles on her nose.
Close enough to notice that her lips were parted, they looked soft, and she wouldn’t be upset if he leaned down and kissed her softly.
It would be so easy to kiss her.
“Daniel, I like you, too. But that’s been obvious, right?”
“It is. And I’m honored by your regard. But... I don’t want to sneak around to see you.”
“But I don’t have a choice.”
She looked crushed, but he couldn’t back down. He had to stand up for himself, even when his heart was involved.
Maybe especially when his heart was involved.
“Nee, I think you do.”
“What are you saying?”
“I’m saying that I’ve been through too much to continue to sneak around like a criminal, Lela. A friend reminded me today that I can’t be accepted into the fold if I keep holding myself apart from it. And that’s what I would be doing if we didn’t come clean with your parents.”
“They’ll be mad. They’ll make me stay in the house for weeks.”
“I’ll come with you and talk to them, too.”
She shook her head. “My parents won’t listen to a word you say. I’m sorry, but you don’t understand what you’re asking me to do.”
“I’m sorry, but I feel the same way.” When she gaped at him, he added, “I’ve already been locked up. People have already ignored me when I spoke the truth. Fighting for myself...and fighting to survive behind bars was difficult. If I can do that, then I think you can be honest with your parents.”
Tears filled her eyes. “Daniel.”
“Lela, do you really think that no one is going to ever see us together? Do you actually imagine that waiting for me behind shadows after church can go on for very long?”
“I... I don’t know.” A teardrop slid down her cheek and broke his heart. But he couldn’t back down. He wanted to be with her, but he wanted to be with her for real. As her boyfriend. As her fiancé. As her husband.
Even if the Lord decided that they were destined to break up and marry other people, Daniel knew that the way they were going couldn’t continue. No matter what, he didn’t want to be someone’s dirty secret. He didn’t know a lot, but he knew that he deserved more than that.
She hiccupped. “Daniel, I don’t know what to do.”
“Let’s take it one step at a time, then.” He reached for her hand. It was chilly and he hated that. “Would you like me to come over this evening and tell them the news with you?”
“You want to have this conversation tonight?”
“Of course tonight.” He rubbed her palm, trying to warm it a bit. “I’m not going to let you fret and worry for days. You’ll get an ulcer or some such.”
A hint of a smile returned. “I don’t think I’m in danger of ulcers.”
He certainly hoped not, but he cared so much about her, he didn’t even want her to lose a minute of sleep worrying. “What do you say?”
“I guess I don’t have a choice, do I?”
“Of course you do. You can do anything you want. We can wait as long as you want until you feel comfortable.”
“I want to feel comfortable now.”
She was so earnest, he decided to push her just a little bit. Taking a deep breath, he plunged in. “Lela, you are in charge. Your happiness matters to me. It matters a lot.”
“Your opinion matters to me, too.”
“Okay. If you’re being honest, then I have to tell ya that I don’t want to sneak around or hide. We’ll tell your parents we want to be together, and I’ll stay by your side so you don’t have to be afraid.”
She sighed. “All right. Let’s do this tomorrow night, then.”
He couldn’t believe it. “All right? Really?”
Smiling, she nodded. “Really. But if I’m locked in my room for days and weeks, it’s going to be all your fault.”
“If you’re locked in your room, I’ll find a way to rescue you and take you to your sister’s house.”
She swiped her cheek with her free hand. “You’d really do that, wouldn’t you?”
“Of course.” Leaning down, he kissed her on the cheek. “I really like you, Lela. Now, let’s get you headed home. I’ll come over at six tonight.”
“I’ll be ready.”
Her voice was strained. She sounded like she was going into battle. But maybe she was. “Gut,” he said simply. There was really nothing else to say.
They left the park and walked together until they reached a cross street. “Keep your faith, Lela. We can do this.”
“I sure hope so. I’m going to start praying now.”
“I will, too.” After they parted, Daniel decided to make one more stop before he went to his garage apartment at Abraham’s. He was going to pay a call on the bishop. If the man was available, Daniel was going to ask him to join the conversation. At the very least, it would help make sure Lela’s parents wouldn’t kick him out of the house the moment he arrived.
Chapter Fourteen
The waiting was horrible. No, wondering if Daniel was actually coming over was horrible. Lela wouldn’t have been surprised if he’d changed his mind, but she knew she’d be disappointed if he had. It felt as if she’d been waiting for someone to believe in for her entire life. Now the Lord had given her Daniel.
At least, she’d hoped that was the case.
But still, time passed too slowly.
All day long, she’d stayed near the house and helped her mother cook and mop the wood floors. Then she’d decided that, if Daniel was actually going to come over, the living room tables needed to be polished and the area rug shaken out.
When she still had too much time on her hands, she made pumpkin bars. Maybe Daniel would get to stay long enough to eat a treat before her parents threw him out.
It was a blessing that her father had been out in the fields most of the day and her mother was in the basement organizing some fabric and all the canning supplies. Otherwise, she would have asked Lela far too many questions that she would be reluctant to answer.
All too soon, it was time to start preparing supper, which was a simple meal of scrambled eggs with vegetables, bacon and fresh biscuits.
As the three of them ate the meal in near silence, Lela watched the clock. When it turned a quarter after five, she knew she’d get sick if she ate another bite.
Her father noticed. “What’s wrong, Lela? Why aren’t you eating?”
“Nothing’s wrong. I’m simply not too hungry.”
“Why not?”
“I don’t know.”
“It’s not right for you to waste the food. Eat some more.”
She moved the food around her plate and only took the smallest bite.
Her mother glanced at her curiously before picking up the cloth-covered basket of biscuits. “Would you like another biscuit, Elam?”
“Nee, Charity.”
She lifted the platter of bacon. “A piece of bacon, perhaps?”
“Nee. I have had enough.” He pushed back his chair and walked outside.
Lela sighed in relief. No doubt her father was going to go to the barn and check on the animals.
Unbelievably, another fifteen minutes had passed. Her stomach churned. Why in the world had she given in to Daniel? She did want everything out in the open, but the waiting was awful.
Feeling the weight of her mother’s steady gaze, Lela stood up and grabbed her plate. “I think I’ll get started on the dishes.”
“Just a moment, Lela.”
She turned back to the table. “Yes? May I get you something?”
One eyebrow rose. “Beyond what is on this table? Nee. I’d much rather you tell me what has gotten you in such a state.”
“Ah, I’m not sure what you mean.” She glanced at the clock again.
“Lela, why are you continually looking at the clock this evening? Why did you make pumpkin bars? Why did you polish all the furniture in the living room?”
And...now she felt like sinking to the floor. “I didn’t think you noticed.”
“I noticed.” Mamm folded her arms across her chest. “Lela, stop procrastinating and just tell me what is going on.”
“Fine. A man is coming over tonight.” Unable to help herself, she glanced at the clock again. “At six.”
“You have a caller?” Her mother turned to look up at the clock. “And he’s coming in twenty minutes?”
“Jah.”
Twin spots of color bloomed on her cheeks. “Oh, my word.” She got to her feet. “Why didn’t you tell me? We could’ve eaten earlier!” Picking up her dish and the platter of eggs, her mother hurried into the kitchen. “Go get the other dishes. I’ll start washing.”
Lela did as her mother bid, but she felt as if there was a ticking time bomb in the house. Just waiting for the right moment to explode.
Buoyed by years of experience doing the dishes together, she and her mother worked in unison. Lela brought in dishes, cleared the plates and handed each to her mother. Mamm, in turn, washed each piece and set it on the rack on the counter to dry. The effort took only ten minutes.
Now there was only ten minutes to go.
Lela needed a break. “I’m going to go to my room.”
“Hold on, now. Should I put on kaffi?”
“I don’t know.”
Mamm nibbled her bottom lip. “It’s been a few years since one of your sisters had a beau over. I seem to be a little rusty.” After a pause, she said, “You know what? I think I am going to make a fresh pot of coffee. It’s chilly out, ain’t so?”
Before Lela could fit in a word, she continued. “Even if your beau doesn’t want anything warm to drink, your father will like that.” She smiled. “He’s going to need some sustenance when he realizes that his youngest might soon be leaving the nest.”
Leaving the nest? This was getting worse and worse. “I really need to go down the hall.”
“Hold on.” Rinsing out the percolator, she said, “I just realized that you never said who your caller was. Who is it?”
