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14

Noah

The line of buggies down the fence row was the most I’d ever seen. There were a lot of families from neighboring communities in attendance at the benefit, and I smiled thinking about the money our church would be pulling in for the schoolhouse.

The day was overcast but warm, and I undid my top button now that Mother was too busy with the other ladies in the kitchen to notice. As I watched three English teenage boys walk up the hill together wearing their comfortable jeans and T-shirts, I felt a bit of envy seep in. I loved my way of life, but I wasn’t fond of wearing the clothing, restricted to button-up shirts, sturdy trousers, and suspenders.

Seeing the curious stares of the boys as they passed by me, I turned away angrily. I hated being gawked at, and lately I’d noticed it more than usual.

“Why the sour face?”

Timothy looked worried. With all the craziness in my life nowadays, I understood his hesitation.

“Ah, it’s nothing—just the usual staring eyes of the outsiders.”

“Yeah, I hate that.” With a sudden burst of energy, Timothy exclaimed, “Did you see the black Saddlebred buggy horse that the Yoders donated to the sale? She’s a beautiful mare and Joshua says completely road trained.”

I smiled, picturing the horse. Throughout the day, I’d found myself back in front of her tie stall several times to admire her.

“I’m planning to bid on her. I need a new buggy horse more than anyone in the community at the moment. I hope the others will keep the price down for me to get her.”

“Will your father help out if she goes higher?”

“He said he would—but not a large amount.” Seeing Suzanna and Miranda approach, I teased, “Here comes trouble.”

Timothy’s smile made me think about my feelings for Rose and how I’d love to see her walking up to me. Unfortunately, we’d have to wait awhile longer for such a display. I purposely hadn’t mentioned the dinner and auction to her. It would be difficult to deal with my emotions in front of everyone in the community if she was nearby—especially the Schwartzes. I shivered at the thought of Rose and Constance coming face-to-face.

“Hello there. What are you boys up to?” Suzanna said as she stopped a couple of feet away from us. She was careful not to touch her boyfriend or say anything that could be overheard as being inappropriate. As usual, Miranda stood quietly staring at the ground. Even when Matthew, her own boyfriend, was beside her, she rarely spoke.

“We’re just talking. Judging by your wicked smile, I’m almost afraid to ask what you’re thinking,” Timothy said with a tight face.

Suzanna’s grin turned into a full-blown smile as she looked at me. “You don’t have to worry about a thing, Timmy. It’s Noah we came to talk to.”

“What now?” I asked with a sense of dread.

“Rose is here.”

My heart skipped, and I caught my breath. I was both elated and terrified at the same time.

“Where is she?”

“She’s eating dinner with her younger brother at the tables. She’ll meet you in her truck when darkness falls.” She pointed to the area where the cars were. “It’s parked in the back.”

I didn’t want to be rude, given her obvious excitement at having helped arrange a meeting between me and Rose, and I smiled back and said, “That’s wonderful news. Thank you.”

But inside I was reeling.