No Engagement Ring

by Julie Sewcharan

  Emily and Derrick thought it was funny but he cherished what Hannah thought of him. He was well aware that she would never approach him with that sort of thing. There had to be a way to allow her to get to know him. He knew he had to try.

  It also disturbed him that he might never get to tell her how he felt before she might develop feelings for Luke, if she hadn't already.

  But allaying Hannah's intimidation of him was proving more difficult than he anticipated. She was determined to stay away from him and spent no time with him alone. In fact she never approached him about anything of her own volition. Therefore, it was a huge surprise when she burst into his office one day before practice.

  It was towards the end of August when the school would be opening soon and the production practice would return to the usual afternoon slots. Much practise had taken place during this time, more so than in previous years, thanks to Hannah's availability and dedication.

  He had just finished meeting with some parents and was preparing for the next meeting when Hannah burst into his office. She was furious. He had never seen her that angry. He just stared at her.

  “How could you?” she ground out.

  He wondered how she could still be in control of herself with so much fury radiating from her whole being. And look so beautiful in that moment. He shook his head. He needed to focus.

  “Hello, to you too Hannah!” he greeted pleasantly with absolute calm. But she just glared at him. “Do what?” he asked calmly.

  “How could you take Lisa off the production? At this late stage?” Her hands were curled into fists.

  He wanted to smile. For all her display of calmness and self containment, she really was hiding a lot of passion, he observed. But to point that out, would just fuel the fire.

  “Lisa broke the rule of fraternisation on school property and she needs to bear the consequences of breaking the rule. We cannot tolerate disobedience.” He was calm and cool.

  At first she just stared at him but the anger in her eyes didn't dissipate. With a cold look, she said in a very steady and calm voice, “Even God shows grace and mercy to the disobedient,” before storming out of his office.

  It took Jonathan a full five minutes to grasp what had just happened. He could not believe that the Hannah who was so fearful to stand in close proximity to him, had just spoken to him so vehemently. But he would learn that when she was fighting for someone else, she rooted out self.

  And she was correct. They had not considered speaking to Lisa about her actions and making the seventeen year old understand where these things could lead to. He had failed the youth. And it had taken a very brave teacher to point that out.

  Hannah was still fuming when she got back to the hall but kept her emotions under control while adjusting the team to replace Lisa. Fortunately, she had trained two students for the role and Lisa's replacement, Genevieve was more than adequate, maybe even better suited.

  Although the children did not pick up on Hannah's disposition, Luke did and he ensured that he didn't further irritate her.

  “Tough job, eh?” he said jestingly when they were packing away.

  “What?” Hannah asked dazed.

  “You've hardly acknowledged any of the team today,” he pointed out in a mild manner.

  “Oh, gosh, I'm sorry!” she said apologetically. “Just frustrated by school rules.” She smiled but refused to divulge what or who had upset her.

  Luke left it alone although, he pretty much suspected it had to do with Lisa being replaced.

  The next day, at practice, Hannah was surprised to see Lisa in the hall with the other children.

  “Hi, Lisa!” she greeted the youngster pleasantly. “Don't you have classes to attend?”

  “Not any more! Pastor Chandler has allowed me to participate in the production but not in the role I was supposed to. He said maybe they should have had more grace towards my indiscretion.” The girl shrugged, smiling gladly.

  Hannah was stumped. He had heard her? He had heard her, she thought ecstatically. He really was a remarkable man. And not afraid to admit his mistake, she analysed. That was really big of him. A warm glow came over her at the thought of him heeding her words and she hadn't even been nice to him about it. An apology and thank you was in order. But she never got a chance to thank him until much later that week.

  Chapter 8

  By Friday, Hannah was sure that she was doing something wrong! Genevieve was just not getting one verse of the song she was to sing in the production, correct. Although she was very tired and looking forward to going home and resting – the next day the singles group was meeting at Putt Putt for a social – Hannah stayed after all the other children left, practising Genevieve's solo with her. Luke promised to drop her off afterwards, which was a blessing as she wasn't sure she could manage a bus ride home in her exhausted state.

  Jonathan thinking that everyone was gone made a turn to the hall to see if Hannah needed help with packing away. She had been working hard and he could see that she was very tired. As he entered the hall, he was transfixed by the sweet singing he heard. Edging into the hall, he was surprised to see Genevieve and Hannah at the keyboard.

  He was even more surprised when he saw that it was Hannah who was singing as she trained Genevieve. She would sing a line or two and get Genevieve to repeat then correct the pitch or whatever was lacking. Then she would play a bit of the piece on the keyboard for Genevieve to sing to and correct as necessary. It was a beautiful sound and Jonathan had no idea that Hannah could sing like that. This woman was full of hidden talent, it seemed.

  Engrossed in the practise, the two females didn't see Jonathan come all the way to the front of the hall. They continued to practise until Hannah said, “I think that's enough for now. You are doing really well.” Hannah smiled encouragingly.

  “I really don't know why I can't get that piece,” Genevieve wailed.

  “Maybe you're just a bit shy,” Hannah said lightly.

  “Or maybe just a bit scared?” Jonathan piped in.

  Startled, the two turned their heads in his direction and looked at him nervously.

  “You two are beautiful singers,” he complimented with a winning smile.

  Genevieve acknowledged his compliment with a shy smile. Hannah, on the other hand, just looked away but not before he caught a look of distress on her face.

  “Genevieve, you should pray and ask God what is causing a block in that piece,” he suggested helpfully.

  “That is a very good idea, Genevieve,” Hannah agreed.

  Now it was Jonathan's turn to look startled. He hadn't expected her to agree with him after she had not been very happy to see him there.

  “I will, pastor Chandler, Miss Wilkens,” Genevieve said with conviction. “Thanks for the advice. Goodbye.!”

  They greeted her goodbye and Hannah began to pack up, ignoring Jonathan. Uninvited, he helped her.

  “You really do have a beautiful voice,” he attempted casually.

  “Thank you,” she acknowledged disinterestedly.

  “Does it run in the family?” he asked lightly.

  She looked at him blankly before realising that he was referring to her singing. She felt bad; he was really genuinely complimenting her and she was being rude. Being thrown by his presence was no excuse to be rude. She just wished he had not heard her.

  “Singing was a requirement for the music module in the teaching diploma,” she shrugged answering indirectly. “We had to do it,” emphasising the tediousness of the task.

  “In my opinion, no one sings like that unless they're born with a voice for it,” he said zealously. “But you don't like to make it public knowledge,” he stated knowingly.

  Expecting him to tell her that she should give God the glory through her voice, like she often heard, she was thrown by his non-judgemental manner. She stood still and just looked at him, seeing for the first time, his Christ-like character.

  “Thank you,” she said humbly with feeling.

&nbs
p; “For what?” he asked taken aback. He was not expecting her to be anything but distant.

  “For not judging me,” she voiced.

  Oh, I judged you alright, when you first walked into my office, he thought but he was not going to tell her that, especially now.

  “Most people are telling me that I am not honouring God with my voice by keeping it to myself,” she continued. “But I just don't feel the pull towards singing publicly. I feel more comfortable with teaching people to sing rather than actually singing.” She was surprised she actually confessed that to someone she had not known for very long. She didn't usually air her inner thoughts and feelings.

  “Then that's probably where God is leading you,” he said thoughtfully. She looked at him puzzled. “Often we think that everything should add up. But God knows the plans He has for us and it certainly isn't what other people think it is. It is what He knows it is. And that's Whom we follow,” he explained.

  Hannah thought for a moment. It made so much more sense, even if it did sound complicated. “Gosh, that puts a lot of things in perspective,” she said amazed. “You certainly have an inspired knowledge of the word of God.”

  “Well, I didn't go to Bible School for nothing,” he grinned.

  It took Hannah a few seconds to get that he was teasing. But when she realised that he was, she couldn't help but smile.

  “I am glad that you feel better,” he said gently.

  “I do, thank you,” she smiled.

  “That's a lot of thank you's in one evening,” he said amused. “I think I am going to keep you around as my champion.”

  She laughed. “Don't know if that's a good idea,” she answered good naturedly. “But I have one more thank you.”

  “Keep it coming,” he teased.

  “I want to thank you for letting Lisa back in the production.”

  “I should thank you,” he said humbly. “You made me realise that grace and mercy abounds abundantly from God and we need to exercise that as well.”

  “Oh, no need to thank me. You would have figured that out soon,” she said lightly with a twinkle in her eye.

  Jonathan was mesmerised by those eyes. He could stare into them forever. He pulled himself up short. He wanted to spend forever with her but he didn't want to alarm her and send her running away from him. It was enough that she was in the same room as him. Should he start the ball rolling with small talk about things other than the school or the church?

  As he was contemplating his options, Luke walked in with a cheery greeting which they both returned; Hannah just as cheery, Jonathan not so cheery.

  “You still busy with packing?” Luke asked redundantly.

  “Sorry, I took longer with Genevieve than I anticipated. I'll be as quick as I can,” she apologised getting back to packing up.

  “No sweat. I have nowhere to go anyway. I'll help you pack up.”

  “Sure, that will be great,” Hannah welcomed the extra help. ”Don't want you getting home too late,” she added.

  Nonplussed, Jonathan was deep in thought as to what their plans were. Obviously, they were leaving together. But to ask would be rude. He had no right to intrude in her life, at least not yet. Staying to help though was torture for him, as the two of them conversed with each in an easy manner, so as soon as they were almost done, he excused himself. The other two didn't seem to mind which caused him more torture. Neither Luke nor Hannah were aware of how miserable he was as they wrapped up.

  Putt Putt was an interesting game for Hannah, never having played it before. It was also very enjoyable she decided. Relaxing too. Something she sorely needed right now with the stress of the production taking its toll. Afterwards the guys went off for another round while the ladies sat around the wooden table. The weather was a lot more pleasant than it had been.

  They chatted about fashion, magazines and guys. Not at all fashion conscious, Hannah barely paid attention to their conversation and only responded when a question was directed at her. She came fully awake though when they asked her about the school.

  “Are you enjoying teaching at the school, Hannah?” Chloe asked conversationally. Chloe was the doll like beauty. Hannah remembered she was dating one of the guys in the group, named Cole. He was as handsome as she was pretty.

  “I'm loving it,” she answered with passion.

  “You were quite fortunate to get into the school,” Chloe said with a smile that her eyes didn't reflect. Hannah was bewildered. “From what I know they only hire married teachers who are older than twenty six.”

  Hannah tried to comprehend what Chloe was saying and why she was being offhand, but the next statement completely shifted her thought pattern.

  “You must get to see Jonathan daily,” Angela, another pretty girl said dreamily.

  “Er...no.” Hannah was starting to feel uncomfortable with the way the conversation was going. She was already put off by the familiar use of Jonathan's name.

  “You are so lucky to be near him so often,” Jade said with glazed eyes. “He's so dreamy. I envy the woman who is going to marry him.”

  “Hannah's at school all day, working, so I doubt she would get to see him often,” Chloe said smilingly but Hannah saw the look of disapproval and dislike in her eyes. Hannah shivered. She had suddenly become the victim of their malice and she didn't even think of Jonathan in a romantic way. Did she?

  “Girls, I don't think you should be talking about our pastor in that manner,” Meredith said firmly.

  Relieved that Meredith had come to her rescue, Hannah sent her a grateful look. But the others gave Meredith a narrowed look. They were vultures, Hannah thought, sadly. And Chloe seemed to be the worst one among them, even though she was dating someone.

  That night, still upset about the treatment from the other girls, Hannah played their conversation over in her mind, while she made herself a sandwich. Admittedly, Jonathan was very good looking; tall and broad shouldered – a woman could lean on him with trust – perfectly chiselled, clean shaven features, a strong forehead and square chin, hair as black as ebony, straight, short and neat. She had seen women turn their heads admiringly in his direction, when he walked into the room. But to attack her for being in the school just because he was in the church more often than not, was a bit far fetched. They saw her as a threat and she couldn't understand why.

  If only they knew that her relationship with Jonathan Chandler was strictly professional and she was absolutely certain he would not look at her in a romantic way. Especially with so many more beautiful women surrounding him. She laughed aloud at the ridiculousness of their musings. But a small voice asked, “Is it ridiculous?”

  Hannah stood still! Why would that question be asked? She and Jonathan hardly spoke to each other and she could not bear to be close to him. Didn't that indicate just how intimidated she was?

  Intimidated or afraid that you would lose your heart to him? The small voice asked.

  Hannah reeled! Was she afraid not of him but of herself? She didn't want to think about it and shoved the thoughts aside. She had other more pressing things to think about right now. But the niggling feeling remained.

  September marked the beginning of the last term of the year, the last month of practice, the matric farewell party and warm weather. Fortunately there was another committee to handle the matric farewell, leaving Hannah to just pitch up and chaperone. So she could put that event out of her mind until the farewell date.

  With just one month before the production, every one was nervous. And as with every event, anything that could go wrong went wrong.

  Lydia the costume designer, was in a frenzy over the required material not arriving as planned. The company she'd ordered it from had only just informed her that they did not have stock.

  “What am I to do?” she wailed to the group who sympathised with her. They were meeting to discuss the final stages before they started practise.

  It was Hannah who calmed her down by saying, “Lydia, don't fret so. God will make a way for
us. Everyone, let's make a few calls to friends and families to see if anyone knows of fabric shops that could possibly stock it.”

  Lydia was a little relieved if not completely satisfied that her world wasn't going to fall apart. Hannah immediately called her mother and asked for her help. This off course forced Hannah to invite her parents to the production as they were excited that she was co-ordinating it; her first big one.

  It didn't take her mother long to get back to her with the number of the fabric shop back home. They had what Lydia was looking for. Handing the number to Lydia, Hannah felt wonderful! She had trusted God and He came through for her and Lydia.

  She hummed as she was packing away that evening. Luke had gone off early.

  “I thought there was a bird in the hall!” Jonathan teased.

  Hannah froze. She was not aware that there was anyone left on the grounds except the caretaker. She blushed as Jonathan looked at her.

  “Please, don't feel embarrassed,” he said gently. “We're meant to be joyful, even when everything is going absolutely wrong.”

  She looked at him, taking in what he said. Then realised that he would know all about being joyful in both the good and bad times. He saw revelation dawn on her face, but her eyes said she wished someone had told her that a long time ago. However, she didn't voice anything and he didn't press for information.

  “Any particular reason you are joyful?” he asked lightly, not really wanting to hear the answer, afraid that Luke might be the reason.

  “Not really,” she answered before turning back to her task.

  That didn't help him at all, Jonathan sulked. He wanted to know what her relationship with Luke was. Sure they only knew each other for a short time but that didn't mean a thing as far as relationships go. After all, he only knew her for a short space of time too and already he was head over heels in love with her.

  He helped her pack away, hiding his sulking. “How are things coming along with the production?”