“Take it with you.” His father dismissed them with his hand, encouraging them to get moving.
Not one of them rose from their chairs.
Ash scowled at him. “It’s not our fault breakfast was late this morning.”
“You should have awoken Joseph sooner.” Their father insisted, sipping on his coffee.
His brothers huffed. “We were out doing the chores!” Dan frowned.
“Enough. Geh! Head on out now.”
Their chairs screeched across the floor loudly as each one of them moved toward the door.
“Have fun playing with your pony today, Joseph.” Simeon taunted, purposely bumping his shoulder. Hard.
“Ow!” Joseph rubbed his shoulder.
“Boppli.” His brother chuckled as he walked out the door.
Joseph exhaled and shook his head, but he was glad to finally have some peace and quiet.
“Why are they always so mean to you, Joey?”
He reached over to his younger brother, Benji, and tousled his hair. “Ach, I just ignore them. Don’t worry about it.”
“But I like you. I think you’re nice.” The nine-year-old said.
“Denki.”
“Can I go with you today?”
“It’s ‘may I’ and no you may not. You have school.”
“I don’t like school much. I’d rather be out workin’ with the animals or in the field with you.”
“It’ll go by fast and you’ll be done before you know it. You only have five more years. You just do your best so you can finish on time.”
Young Benjamin sighed. “I’ll try.”
“I’ll tell you what. If Dat says it’s okay, I’ll give you a ride to school in my new buggy. You can be the first one to ride in it.” He glanced at his father, who dipped his head slightly and winked.
“Really, Joey?”
He smiled and nodded.
“Denki. You’re the best brother ever.”
“I think you are.” Joseph winked at his brother. “We’d better hurry up if you’re to be at school on time.”
“Hey, wait a minute. I can’t ride in your courtin’ buggy. I’m not a maedel.”
Joseph smiled. “It’s not just for courting, bruder.”
“You’re for sure and certain?”
“Jah.”
“Okay, then. If you’re sure.” His steady blue eyes watched his brother.
“I am.”
“Okay, but just don’t make me ride with no maedel!”
“Why not? Don’t you like girls?”
“Nee.”
Joseph chuckled. “I promise not to pick up any maed along the way.” Not that he would.
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An Amish Deception Page 15