by Becca Fisher
Abi was quick to deflect. "You were wrong about something though."
"Oh really?"
"It's not just faith and family that's important. There's one other essential key to life," Abi corrected.
"And what's that?"
"Romantic love."
"You're right," Isaac admitted. "Who could live without that kind of love?"
***
"It's amazing to think what a difference a change of perspective makes," Abigail ruminated.
Isaac and Abigail had spent their entire date upright. But suddenly they found themselves on their backs looking up at the breathtaking sky. The moon was full and a feast for the senses. And seeing such a blanket of stars got the mind wandering.
"The view is pretty spectacular, isn't it?" Isaac replied.
"I meant in my life," Abigail corrected. "I grew up with my father blocking my view of the truth. He tried desperately to convince me that the outside world would bring nothing but trouble. But I've found such peace with you."
"Life is all about perspective. If you seek out trouble, you will have no trouble finding it. But if it's your wish to enrich your soul, God will light your way whether you are in Amish country or Philadelphia."
"You know, I've been told that life is what you make of it many times before, but it has found new meaning in the last couple of weeks," Abigail insisted.
"The Bible is that way as well. The passages are timeless. The words never change, but how they change you is endless. Depending on where you are in your life, different verses grab you when you need them most."
"You seem to have no shortage of wisdom yourself," Abigail joked.
"My father had his beliefs as well. He used to always say that the tools for both success and failure are available to us all. But it's up to us to pick the right ones."
"The question is, which are the right ones?" Abigail asked.
"When in doubt, turn to the Bible."
"I don't know. God's blessings seem to be at work quite well right here," Abigail remarked, giving Isaac a big smile.
***
"You sure know how to show a girl a good time," Abigail remarked, returning to her doorstep. She had seen a lot of sights on her date. But the sight Abi was most impressed with was Isaac.
The man had an effervescence to him. An infectious verve that couldn't help but bring a smile to her face. And Abigail hadn't stopped smiling all day.
"I think you have Philadelphia to thank for that," Isaac replied. "The city has no shortage of attractions."
"I can attest to that," Abigail said, not able to take her eyes off of Isaac.
"Although my favorite attraction right now is you," Isaac admitted.
"Those are some pretty strong words," Abigail insisted.
"My feelings for you are becoming quite strong as well," Isaac replied. "I find myself wondering where you've been all my life."
Abigail immediately became silent. She was trapped in her thoughts. Although Isaac was unclear as to what those thoughts were.
"I'm sorry. I knew I should have kept those thoughts to myself," Isaac added.
Finally Abigail revealed her emotions. "I find myself wondering if God had sent me to Philadelphia so that I could make your acquaintance. And if he didn't, this is a most blessed twist of fate indeed."
Abigail and Isaac both felt a wild rush. Their feelings had been confirmed. And with those feelings came urges.
"Anyway, I should probably go in," Abigail suggested.
Although that was the furthest thing from the truth. Abigail wanted to stay with Isaac all night. To talk until the sun rose. To be in his arms. To taste his lips. The temptation was undeniable. Which is why Abi felt the need to dart inside.
"Can I take you out again?" Isaac asked.
"I would love that," Abigail replied.
But Isaac wasn't done. "I know your Amish traditions are strict, but I was wondering if it would not be too rude of me to ask for a goodnight kiss."
Abigail wanted nothing more. But she wasn't sure if she should indulge in her temptation. The Amish code was strict about lip kisses before marriage. Isaac's lips looked so soft and tender though. Like they couldn't hurt a soul. It was those old order traditions that had always perplexed Abigail. What harm would just one kiss do? Before Abigail could talk herself out of it, her cravings got the better of her.
Abigail moved in close to Isaac, looked deep into his eyes, and gave him a show stopping kiss. It was exquisite. A phenomenal rush. And Abigail knew her life would never be the same.
***
The next few months went by in a blur. More kisses followed, and yet the world did not end. But more than the lip locking, Abigail was struck by how quickly she was falling for Isaac. Love seemed quick to bloom. And Abi couldn't help but think how different her life would have been had she stayed in Lancaster.
According to her fathers plan, Abigail would be married to a dullard with a sense of entitlement by that point. And while she would have a sense of security, her heart would be just going through the motions. Her father would tell her that in time the feelings would come. But Abigail knew they wouldn't.
Even if Abigail did not marry Nathan, her life would still be lacking. Despite her families long history of quilting, Abigail never found herself enthralled by needle work. In a community as rigid as the Amish, Abigail's life was like clay yet to be molded.
In Philadelphia, Abigail had found her purpose though. She started giving her time to the needy, helping out those less fortunate. It was the kind of work that brought a smile to Abigail's face. That made her feel like she was honoring the Lord. All in all, it appeared that life couldn't get better for Abi. Fate had interesting plans for Abi though.
***
"You want me to meet your parents?" Abigail said.
Those were substantial words for Abi, no matter how much Isaac downplayed them.
"You've already met them," Isaac replied.
"Not as your girlfriend," Abi explained.
It was a huge deal. You did not invite someone you weren't serious about to meet your parents as an official couple. Dinner with dad and mom was the first step to what hopefully a very bright future together.
"This is a very big deal," Abi insisted.
"Do you really think it's a big deal, or do you just want it to be?" Isaac asked.
"I think the real question is, do you really not think it's a big deal? Are my emotions truly that oversized compared to yours?" Abigail asked.
"No. My emotions for you are undeniable. I want this to be the biggest of deals," Isaac admitted.
"Then why have you been downplaying meeting your parents?" Abi asked.
"Because the only people I love are you and my parents, and I desperately want you to like each other," Isaac admitted.
"Wait a minute. You love me?" Abigail replied.
Isaac didn't skip a beat in answering. "I do."
It was the happiest moment of Abigail's life. She was in absolute heaven. She'd never been loved by a man before. And for that man to be Isaac brought an endless smile to her face.
"You don't know how happy I am to hear that," Abigail replied.
"Let's just hope my parents share that happiness."
***
Meeting Isaac's parents, it was clear where Isaac got his charisma from. Paul was the kind of spark plug that could light up a room. It was no wonder that he was a pastor and that his congregation was packed every Sunday.
Paul's mother was pretty remarkable in her own right. Carole had started her own foundation. She worked tirelessly for those less fortunate than her. It was the kind of life Abi was envisioning for herself and Isaac. But first Abigail had to impress Isaac's parents.
"So Isaac tells me you're Amish," Paul said.
"Don't hold that against me," Abi joked.
"Jesus Christ is the lord and savior of us all, Amish included," Paul replied.
"True. I just find that everyone reacts to my faith differently," Abigail explained.
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"People can react how they choose, but the most important part is that you have faith," Paul said.
"I have to say, I have not met two more hospitable people than you since I arrived in town," Abigail admitted.
"Have you found it to be a rough transition?" Carole asked.
"I certainly had my stumbles at first," Abigail answered. "But since I met Isaac, I have found much to like about the outside world."
"Well, I know our son certainly thinks the world of you," Carole said.
"And I of him," Abigail replied.
"I think it's fair to say that Paul and I are delighted to see a woman bring such joy to our sons heart," Carole remarked. But Carole was not without her reservations. "I do wonder though where you're planning on building your life together."
"You mean do I intend to spend the rest of my life in Philadelphia?" Abi clarified.
"Or will you return to Amish country one day with Isaac's heart in tow?" Carole asked.
Abigail didn't know how to answer. She was so caught up by the joy of the present that she didn't realize the decision of a lifetime was looming. And sooner rather than later it demanded an answer.
***
"Well, you did it," Isaac explained. "My parents are quite taken by you."
But Abigail found herself wrestling with her emotions.
"Abi, don't you realize what an accomplishment that is? What's the matter?"
"My heart feels at home in two places," Abigail admitted.
There were decisions that could be delayed. Then there were decisions that begged to be made. That burrowed into a persons brain. That demanded attention. That influenced every future decision. Abigail knew that predicament was upon her. And Isaac sensed the gravity weighing down Abi's thoughts.
"Are you favoring one?" Isaac asked.
"That's the problem. I'm not sure that my heart will ever feel completely at home in either place anymore. My family will always call Lancaster home, but my curiosity has taken me beyond aprons and bonnets," Abi explained.
"Wasn't your plan to return to Lancaster once your curiosity was satiated though?"
"I made a point not to plan. I wanted to experience the outside world with fresh eyes, and in turn my eyes have been opened wider than ever."
"Abi, you have seen the sights of Philadelphia already. So I have to ask, is the reason you have not returned home yet because of me?" Isaac asked.
Abigail's hesitation was the only answer Isaac needed.
"I don't want to be the reason you're not with your family," Isaac added.
"You aren't...entirely...for the most part," Abi stammered. "Look, I couldn't ask you to give up everything you've ever known to live plainly."
"You may have trouble asking, but I have no difficulty answering."
"Surely you wouldn't really become Amish--"
"If that's the only way I could be with you," Isaac answered. "If that brought peace to your heart. Abigail, it's you I love. And if your heart belongs to Lancaster, then that's where I will be."
Abi was floored. That was quite a gesture being bandied about. To give up a life of plenty for a life of plain was not to be taken lightly. And yet Isaac was confident in his statement.
"That's so very flattering. But it's also such a big decision," Abigail remarked.
"Abi, if I'm to one day make you my wife I'll need to meet your parents," Isaac remarked. "Why don't we take a trip to Lancaster and see what your heart tells you?"
***
Lancaster looked different than when Abigail left it. The buildings were all the same, but her feelings were not. She had hoped for instant nostalgia. To feel completely at home again. At peace. Like she couldn't possibly think of going back to Philadelphia.
Abigail felt none of those things. Instead she felt like she was touring a museum. Taking in relics from the past. Like she was nothing more than a tourist caught in a bygone era.
"You're really quiet over there," Isaac remarked, driving through the village that Abigail had called home for so long.
"True. But my mind is anything but," Abigail insisted.
Hoping for a soft landing, Abigail and Isaac made their first stop the Kaufman quilt shop. Abigail could not have received a warmer welcome home. With school out for the day, Miriam had joined the rest of the Kaufman women at the front counter.
And while Allison and Emma both gave Abi big smiles, Miriam rushed Abi with a big hug, treating her like she'd been gone for years instead of months.
"I missed you so much," Miriam declared.
"I told you I'd be back," Abigail replied.
"Please don't ever go again," Miriam continued.
"Miriam. Just know that I love you, alright?" Abigail replied.
But as welcoming as everyone was for Abigail's return, Emma and Allison both focused on Isaac.
"Who's that gentleman over there?" Emma asked, with curiosity.
"My name is Isaac, Mrs. Kaufman. And it's a great pleasure to meet you."
"Isaac is my boyfriend," Abigail explained.
"You've given your heart to an outsider?" Allison accused.
"Allison, where are your manners?" Emma scolded.
"That's ok," Abigail remarked. "I can see that some things never change."
Allison shot Abigail a glare.
"Allison, why don't you run the front while I have a talk with Abigail and her new friend?" Emma suggested.
"But mom--" Allison argued.
"This time I'm not asking," Emma added.
***
"It is so great to see your face again," Emma admitted, sitting with Abigail and Isaac out back behind the shop.
"I've missed you too mother," Abigail replied.
"So how have your travels been?" Emma asked.
"Very eye opening," Abigail admitted.
Emma immediately turned to Isaac. "And just how much have you opened my daughters eyes?" she asked.
"Mother. I'm a lady," Abigail insisted.
"You were when you left. I just wanted to make sure you still are on your return," Emma answered.
"Mrs. Kaufman, I assure you that nothing inappropriate has occurred," Isaac explained.
"Nothing quite as inappropriate as an Amish woman picking up and leaving her community you mean," Emma replied.
"Mother, can we not discuss how I left? I have returned," Abi explained.
"Yes, but for how long?" Emma asked.
"That is still yet to be determined," Abi answered.
"You surely wouldn't depart again, would you?" Emma said. "Because if that were the case, you would be better suited leaving now. That way your father wouldn't have to have his heart broken a second time."
"Isaac is going to be a very important part of my life, and I wanted you to meet him," Abi responded.
"And just how important of a part?" Emma was quick to ask.
"I hope to one day have your daughters hand in marriage," Isaac explained.
Emma was not the only one caught off guard by that admission. Abi knew that Isaac loved her, but she didn't know just how much. But to admit the intensity of his affection while in the process of meeting Emma was quite telling.
In turn, Abi never had a man want to marry her before. At least not because of the love in his heart. It was an overwhelming sensation. One that Abigail wouldn't soon forget.
"That is quite another matter entirely. I guess the question is, will it be an Amish wedding?" Emma asked.
"Mother, I've been home all of ten minutes," Abi said. "Can we not just commiserate?"
"Abigail, if you think I'm being too blunt, you'll find your father to be far too much to handle."
***
"I can't believe you think you can just come back," Samuel barked.
"And I don't understand what you want from me. You were livid when I left, but you're equally disdainful now that I've returned," Abigail insisted.
"Do you have any idea what you've done to this family?" Samuel asked.
"You mean you. I've spoken wi
th the rest of the family and they are happy to see me."
"Are you implying that this is my fault? That my feelings aren't important?"
"Of course not. The reason I came back was to mend the fracture."
"Are you prepared to beg for forgiveness then?" Samuel asked.
"I've done nothing that requires forgiveness," Abigail replied.
"If you weren't ashamed, then why did you have the Englisher wait outside?" Samuel remarked.
"Because I didn't want his first impression of you to be abject disdain," Abi insisted.
"Or maybe it's because you have your flesh be overcome with temptation."
"I have done no such thing," Abi replied, losing her patience. "I'll have you know that Isaac was prepared to come and speak to you in private, but I assured him that the quarrel was only between you and I."
"And God," Samuel added. "I'm not the only one you should be apologizing too."
"Do you know what the outside world has taught me above all?" Abi asked.
"A lack of respect for your father," Samuel suggested.
"No. I've learned that there are devout, God fearing people all over the world. That you don't have to live an Amish life to be righteous. And that the outside world is full of more than just distractions," Abi insisted.
"Was leaving our community not insult enough? Must you insist on tearing down my beliefs as well?" Samuel asked.
"Father, there's no need to take such offense," Abi insisted.
"Even when what you say is offensive?"
"Is there nothing I can say that you won't take offense to?" Abi asked.
"Yes. You can come to me with contrition in your heart. An apology in your soul. And a willingness to accept whatever penance is necessary to get you right within the Lord's eyes once again."
"I can't believe the words that have come out of your mouth. I'm your daughter, not some heathen. And I want nothing more than for us to reconcile. But if you are not willing to take me as I am, then I'm afraid there's nothing else I can do."
"You can do the right thing," Samuel suggested.
"I am. You're just yet to notice," Abigail insisted.
***
"Daddy, why isn't Abigail eating with us?" Miriam asked, at the dinner table.
The rest of the table was silent. An awkwardness pervaded as Allison, Samuel, and Emma all tried to avoid answering the question. Finally Samuel spoke up.