Page 11

R OSA LOOKED OVER AT A NTHONY as they headed toward the greenhouse in his vehicle the following morning.

She should have apologized sooner, but after they’d arrived home from church yesterday afternoon, he’d gone straight to her room and taken a nap, while Rosa sat in the living room visiting with her mother and Tena.

Susan had been invited to join them but declined the offer, saying she was going to take a walk.

Meanwhile, Dad snoozed in his recliner, and Alvin went out back to play fetch with his dog.

By suppertime, when the whole family gathered in the kitchen for a light meal, Rosa wasn’t about to bring up the topic of Anthony’s experience at church.

If she had asked how he felt about the service, it would have probably embarrassed him, because she felt sure that he hadn’t enjoyed one moment of the three-hour service, or the simple fellowship meal that had followed.

Rosa couldn’t blame him. It had to have come as quite a shock for him to have witnessed the way the Amish people worshipped compared to most Protestant churches.

Rosa would have discussed it with him on the drive home from church, but he’d said he had a headache and didn’t feel like conversing.

Now was the time, though, so Rosa plunged ahead.

“I’m really sorry about yesterday; I should have given you some advance warning about what to expect during our church service and the simple meal that was served afterward.”

“Yeah. Why didn’t you prepare me for all of that?” Anthony’s sharp tone and deep frown let Rosa know he was none too happy about what had occurred.

“I was afraid if you knew how long you’d be expected to sit on a hard bench with no back for three hours, you’d either refuse to go with me or head straight back to New York and call our whole charade off.”

He nodded. “I might have done either, but it wasn’t just the length of time I had to spend on that unyielding bench that bothered me so much.

It was the strange-sounding singing that I couldn’t understand, along with two messages that were spoken in a foreign language, and on top of that—the curious stares sent in my direction throughout the day. ”

“I received plenty of stares too,” she acknowledged. “But at least I could understand the German words being said during the service. I’m sure as an outsider, it must have all seemed pretty strange to you.”

“You got that right.”

Anthony remained quiet for several minutes, and then he spoke again. “There were a lot of things I didn’t understand about the service, but one thing in particular puzzled me the most.”

“What was it?”

“How come the men and women sit on different sides of the building?”

“It’s my understanding that separating men and women helps to ensure that everyone’s attention remains on the service and to avoid distractions.”

Anthony gave a shake of his head. “I wouldn’t be too sure about that. From where I was sitting, I could see the women’s section perfectly, and I’m sure that all the other men could too.”

Rosa rolled her tongue around in her mouth before responding. “You do have a good point. Even so, that’s just the way it is, and as far as I know, it’s always been so. I seriously doubt that things will ever change in that regard,” she added.

“I see.” He glanced at her quickly then back at the road. “Remind me—why are we on our way to a greenhouse? Are you planning to buy some flowers or plants for a family member or someone you know?”

“Nope. I just need to go see one of my friends. In fact, she was my best friend until I left home and ventured out on my own.”

“Did you keep in touch with her while you were gone?”

“No, and I owe her an apology for that. Hopefully, she will accept it when I tell her my reasons.”

When Rosa entered the greenhouse, she spotted Ada, bent over a golden-yellow mum. Rosa swallowed hard as she watched her friend pick up the pot. She missed their carefree days, when the biggest problem they’d faced was deciding whose team they should be on when playing volleyball or baseball.

Rosa glanced over her shoulder and saw Anthony watching her from where he stood several feet behind. She figured he probably wondered why she was just standing there, unmoving.

Gathering her courage, Rosa stepped up to Ada and gently tapped her shoulder.

Ada set the pot down and whirled around as though she’d been stung by a bee. Her mouth opened slightly, and she stared at Rosa with eyes wide. “Rosa?”

“Yes, it’s me—although I do look a bit different than the last time you saw me.” Rosa gestured to her dark-colored jeans and olive-green sweatshirt. “Did your mother tell you that I spoke to her after church yesterday?”

“No, for whatever reason, she did not say a word about it.” Ada breathed in and out as though struggling to find her breath. “Where have you been all this time, Rosa? When no one heard from you, we all thought you might be …”

“Dead?”

“Jah.” Tears sprang to Ada’s eyes and quickly rolled down her cheeks; then she grabbed Rosa and hugged her tightly.

Rosa sniffed deeply, and tears followed. “I’m so sorry, Ada. I should have contacted you.”

“Why didn’t you? Surely you must have realized I’d be worried sick about you. Ephraim was too, and he kept asking if I’d heard anything from you.” Ada blinked rapidly. “Speaking of Ephraim, there’s something you need to know. The two of us—”

“Yes, I heard. You’re planning to marry him next week.”

Ada moved her head slowly up and down. “I’d like to explain how this all came about.”

“You’re not obligated to give me the details. When I took off, I gave up my relationship with Ephraim.” Rosa shrugged. “Besides, the night of the young people’s gathering, we had a big argument, and we ended things.”

“So you don’t still have feelings for him?”

“No, not at all. Besides, I’m a married woman now.” Rosa motioned for Anthony to join them, and when he did, she introduced him to Ada.

Anthony shook Ada’s hand and said it was nice to meet her, and she reciprocated, adding, “Congratulations. How long have you two been married?”

Rosa looked at Anthony, hoping he would respond, but he just stood there with his hands in his jacket pockets. She figured she’d better come up with an answer quickly, so Ada didn’t catch on to the fact that this was only a pretend marriage.

“We’ve been married almost a year, and we’re expecting our first child.” Rosa glanced at Anthony again. “Isn’t that right, honey?”

She felt relief when he gave a nod.

“A baby on the way? Oh, how wonderful!” Ada beamed. “You two must be so happy.”

“Couldn’t be more joyous.” Anthony’s tone was subdued, and Rosa hoped Ada didn’t catch on to the fact that he was faking it.

Rosa hated bold-faced lying to her friend, but this was the lie she’d told her parents, so she had to tell Ada the same story.

“Are you in Belleville just to visit your folks, or do you plan to stay here permanently?”

Her friend’s question caused Rosa to pause and think of the best way to answer. Even though she did plan to stay and raise her baby, in a couple of weeks, Anthony would be returning to his home and job in New York. She didn’t dare reveal that part, however.

“I think we’re planning to stay here in Mifflin County.” Rosa slipped her hand in the crook of her pretend husband’s arm.

Ada gave Rosa another welcoming hug. “That’s wonderful.

It will give us plenty of time to catch up with each other.

I’m eager to hear how the two of you met and learn where you have been all this time.

” She looked in the direction of the checkout counter.

“Right now, though, I need to get back to work.”

“Oh, of course. We can talk more some other time.” Rosa was about to walk away when Ada spoke again.

“Ephraim’s and my wedding is next Tuesday. I would be pleased if you and your husband could be there, Rosa.”

The invitation took Rosa by surprise, but after Anthony gave a nod, she offered Ada a smile and said, “We’d be honored to attend your wedding.”

“Great! The service begins at 9:00 a.m., and it will be held in the shop at my parents’ house. You’re invited to the meal afterward too,” Ada quickly added.

“All right. We’ll see you then. Oh, and if I don’t see you before, I hope you have a nice Thanksgiving.”

“You as well.”

When Rosa and Anthony left the greenhouse and approached his vehicle, she looked up at him and said, “I was surprised you agreed to attend my friend’s wedding, since you don’t even know Ada or her future husband.”

He shrugged his broad shoulders. “I figured it would help us keep up the appearance of being a happily married couple. And since weddings are usually quite festive, it will no doubt be kind of fun.”

Rosa grimaced. “Umm … there are a few things I think you should know about Amish weddings.”

Anthony tipped his head. “Such as?”

“I’ll tell you all about it on our drive back to my folks’ house.”

Ada stood watching as Rosa and her husband left the building.

Seeing her friend show up out of the blue had raised strong emotions.

If Rosa left home of her own accord, then why hadn’t she made any contact with me?

Ada pondered this question a few minutes.

Maybe we weren’t as close as I thought. Sure wish I’d been free to talk with her longer so I could ask a few more questions.

I’d like to know where she’s been all this time and how she met Anthony.

A lump formed in Ada’s throat. Wouldn’t Rosa have wanted me to be at her wedding?

It had also been a shock for Ada to see her friend dressed in English clothes and wearing her hair shorter than it had ever been before. If she hadn’t recognized Rosa’s pretty face, she wouldn’t have known who she was.