No Engagement Ring

by Julie Sewcharan

  “Did you have a good conversation with pastor Chandler?” Hannah asked casually as they stood at her father's car.

  “I certainly did. Very enjoyable conversation indeed.. He is a wonderful young man,” Aaron marvelled.

  “So...what did you speak about?” Hannah was amazed that her tone remained casual.

  “Mostly ministry. We exchanged advise. I must admit, I thought he would be arrogant and not want to listen to an old minister but he truly is God's servant,” Aaron laughed sheepishly.

  Nodding her head absently, she acknowledged the statement before pitching, “Did my name by any chance come up in the conversation?” Hannah held her breath.

  “Sweetheart. I would never discuss my children with a stranger.” Aaron stated knowing full well what Hannah was referring to. Although understanding, he was still shocked and hurt by her question.

  “Sorry, dad! I should know better.” Hannah hugged her father.

  “That's alright sweetie. You went through a rough patch.” He hugged her back. “But he did give us his mother's number and took ours to give her. He would very much like them to take care of us tomorrow while you are busy with the production.”

  “What a thoughtful young man,” Elizabeth said with feeling. Hannah agreed that Jonathan was very thoughtful indeed.

  As they drove off she felt relieved; her mind was at rest. They should be safe with Emily and she wouldn't ask them anything personal, she knew from experience.

  Friday dawned bright. The weather was lovely and bragged of wonderful things to come. But Hannah was not feeling so bright. The butterflies had increased overnight. She had slept fitfully and her eyes showed it.

  Adrenaline, however, was pumping and Hannah was rearing to go. She wished it was already six pm. But there was a class to teach still and children to encourage. Pushing the nervousness aside as much as she could possibly do, she finished her daily routine.

  Although, Mrs Hart had given the teachers off early to go home before the production, especially for those who had children participating in the production, Hannah carried her evening wear along. She would get ready at school so that she could oversee any last minute changes if necessary which she was hoping would not be required. The school bathroom with a shower would have to do.

  Everyone at school was abuzz. Excitement permeated every classroom and concentration on lessons was minimal. Eventually the teachers gave up and allowed the children to practise their items in their classrooms.

  When the school bell rang, teachers let out a sigh of relief. Now though, the work started for everyone involved in the production. The stage was already decorated by the time Hannah got to the hall, having changed into a simple but smart, knee length, black skirt and purple silk blouse. Locks of hair were pinned into a fashionable style. She even wore make up, especially for her eyes.

  Luke was the first one on the scene and he gave her a low whistle. “You look smart,” he said with a rewarding smile.

  “Thank you,” Hannah accepted distractedly. “Anything on the wrong side?” she asked looking around.

  He understood she meant with the stage and surrounding area. “Everything is in order,” he reported like a soldier.

  “Sorry!” Hannah was more than aware that everything was in order but her nervousness was making her ask questions that were irrelevant.

  And it must have shown because Luke squeezed her hand as he pacified her. “Hey, you have every right to be nervous, it's your first big event!” He grinned.

  It was at that moment Jonathan ventured into the hall to see how Hannah was holding up. “Might as well not have bothered,” he muttered when he saw Luke holding her hand. Masking his disappointment, however, he approached them.

  Luke quickly let go of Hannah's hand at the sight of Jonathan. But Hannah was oblivious of vibes the men were sending out.

  “Is everything well?” Jonathan asked professionally.

  “It's too early to tell,” Hannah blurted out nervously.

  “I'm sure it's going to be well,” Jonathan counselled. “With God on our side, what can go wrong?”

  Luke would have liked to shake Jonathan up. Why didn't the man just take hold of her hand or something, to show that he cared about the evening and the impact it would have on her. But when he saw the look of awe on Hannah's face at Jonathan's words, he knew that she had just been touched without any physical contact. Luke was amazed but didn’t' utter a word.

  Hannah didn't have time to thank Jonathan for his reassuring words as the rest of the team entered noisily but she did appreciate the boost it gave her. He always knew what to say and he was always putting God first. She could learn from him.

  A discussion ensued about the production and Jonathan slipped away quietly. He had prayed for the production and especially for Hannah and knew that she was in good hands. He had wanted so much to tell her that she was looking gorgeous but couldn't. A remark like that would have thrown her into a frenzy. So he had opted to give her words of wisdom instead. Aargh! he groaned inwardly.

  Children started arriving early with their parents who were treated to some refreshments while waiting for the production to start. Hannah was grateful that the parents were committed to the production bringing their children early to get kitted out.

  Mrs Hart made an appearance backstage fifteen minutes before the start and touched sides with the teachers who were involved.

  “I know that tonight is going to be an awesome night because I have the best teachers in the world,” she said with sincerity. “I also want you to know that I appreciate your efforts and all your hard work. No where else have I seen a team who worked so well together.'

  The teachers murmured their thanks. At this point, Jessica pitched up with a wide smile. Ever since she got back from seeing her mother who had been diagnosed with cancer, she had not interfered with the practise. Instead, she had deliberately remained away from it with the excuse that she needed to be available for her mother. Now she simply congratulated Hannah on pulling it off and hugged her warmly.

  “We haven't pulled it off yet,” Hannah laughed. “But I am trusting God for a wonderful performance by the children. After all it is their night.” She smiled wholeheartedly.

  They all agreed. Luke gave them the curtain call and in three minutes the show was on the way. Very focussed on getting the children on and off stage, Hannah wasn't aware that they were at the end of the show. When she heard the loud applause from the hall, she looked around in surprise.

  “We did it Miss Wilkens,” Genevieve said proudly and excitedly. All the other children were in agreement.

  Hannah was awed. But they had to keep quiet again as Mrs Hart for the second time that evening, spoke from the stage. She thanked all the parents for supporting their children and for the time they gave up during practise and tonight. Then she called the team of teachers up one at a time with congratulations and thanks.

  Fear permeated Hannah's being. She did not like being on stage and when Mrs Hart called her name after saying that all of it was made possible by her, Hannah was not able to move.

  When Mrs Hart called, “Hannah?” the pupils had to practically push her on stage.

  Shyly she accepted the applause and joined the other team members. Next Sarah called out the children to take a bow. The evening was over. Hannah was glad to be off stage. The pupils started leaving with their parents but not before most of them hugged and thanked Hannah.

  Touched by their gesture, she hugged them back and told them how proud she was of them. After the children left, Emily and Derrick came backstage together with her parents to congratulate her. Hannah was aware that some of the congregation would attend even if they had no children attending the school, but she had no idea that the Garricks would.

  “You are here!”she stated idiotically.

  “Off course we came. We are so proud of you, Hannah,” Emily hugged her.

  “It was a splendid production,” Derrick said heartily.

  “Thank
you but it really was God's work with the help of all the participants,” Hannah responded humbly.

  “But you did give yourself to be used,” her father said proudly. “And that goes a long way to success.”

  “Thank you, daddy!” Hannah laid her head on her father's shoulder in appreciation of what he said.

  “We are so proud of you, darling!” her mother said with tears in her eyes. “You have grown into a lovely young woman.”

  The hug her mother gave her squeezed the breath out of her but Hannah didn't mind. Her parents had always supported her and her siblings, in whatever they were doing.

  “It is getting late, so your mum and I should probably head off to the guest house. We'll see you in the morning, baby.” Aaron smiled lovingly at his daughter.

  “Yes, dad, see you in the morning, seven am sharp,” Hannah smiled back.

  “Love you sweetheart,” her mother hugged her again quickly.

  “Love you too, mum,” Hannah returned.

  They waved as they left.

  “We better get going too,” Derrick pointed out. “You need a lift home?”

  “I'm getting a lift with Luke after we wrap up here. Thank you for looking after my parents,” Hannah said gratefully.

  “No problem. They are wonderful people. I see where your wonderfulness comes from,” Emily smiled.

  Hannah blushed and all she could say was, “Thank you,” as she followed them to the front of the stage. Everyone else was gone, except Luke who was busy putting away the sound equipment.

  “Gosh, you're almost done here,” she said apologetically.

  “No sweat! You needed your spotlight moment,” he grinned. “But tomorrow you are definitely doing most of the work,” he teased.

  Hannah nodded. They were going to take down the stage décor tomorrow after her parents left. Some of the older children would be coming to help so Jonathan was okay with them doing it the day after the production.

  She helped him put away the last of the equipment. As soon as it was done, he turned to her and said, “That's it. The evening has officially come to an end.”

  “I can't believe it's over,” Hannah shook her head.

  “You did it Hannah,” Luke said proudly.

  “No we did it. Thank you Luke for being there. I couldn't have done it without you and the others off course.”

  “I enjoyed working with you, Hannah.”

  She hugged him. Jonathan coming in, saw them in that embrace and was irritated. What was the relationship between these two? He needed to find out and soon. He also needed to tell Hannah very soon how he felt about her. Looking so gorgeous, she wasn't helping his senses either. And he was so very proud of the splendid job she did in bringing the stunning production together.

  With a pleasant voice, he intruded. “That was an awesome production, Hannah!”

  They pulled apart without guilt or shame and he was even more determined to speak to Hannah.

  “Why does everyone think I was the one who pulled it off?” she asked with genuine confusion.

  “Because you made yourself available and poured your heart into the whole thing. I don't recall seeing anyone else come in early and stay late for practise. Or even encourage the children during the whole practise.” Jonathan was diplomatic.

  Jonathan was looking at her with sincerity and honesty which made it difficult for Hannah to refute his words. “Thank you!” she accepted shyly.

  An urge to take her in his arms suddenly came over him and the fight to resist that urge caused every muscle in his body to become sore. Rather pain to himself than to completely lose her, he kept telling himself.

  A short pause ensued before Jonathan cleared his throat and said, “Shouldn't you be getting home? You don't want to be sleepy when meeting with your parents.”

  “Yes, I should be. And also let Luke get back to his girlfriend,” she answered lowering her gaze.

  “Luke has a girlfriend?” Jonathan asked totally surprised.

  “Sort of. We aren't in a serious relationship yet; just dating, but I am hoping it would be,” Luke said shyly.

  “And she has been very kind to allow him to spend his evenings with a group of rowdy children instead of her,” Hannah said with awe.

  “Yes, that is very kind. She sounds wonderful,” Jonathan said distractedly. He was thinking that it was the best news he'd heard. The news meant that Hannah had no romantic notions about Luke and neither did Luke towards Hannah.

  “Better get going,” Hannah said nudging Luke who was her lift home. “Good night!” she greeted Jonathan not waiting for a reply.

  “Goodnight!' he called after them. He shook his head. Now that Luke was not a threat to him, he had the dilemma of working out a way of connecting with her.

  Chapter 12

  At precisely seven am, her parents collected her from her cottage and drove to the nearest restaurant where they were having breakfast. After which, her parents would drive back home. Right now, Hannah didn't want to think about them leaving.

  Having them for the weekend, even for a short while, made her realise how much she missed her family. And according to her parents, they missed her. But when she would see them all together again, was not a question she could answer just yet. Even the holidays were not something she could think about and she had been grateful that she had to work during the last holidays.

  The restaurant was not very busy so they could catch up with each other. With orders out of the way, they were able to bring each other up to speed with their lives.

  “You seem happy here, darling,” her father commented as soon as the waiter disappeared with their order.

  “I am, daddy. I feel as if I belong here. And everyone has been so nice to me. I also believe God wants me here.” Hannah sounded content.

  “I'm glad honey,” her mother covered her hand with hers. “It's been a rough year for you.”

  Hannah nodded a lump in her throat. She never dwelt on what was and neither did her parents, respecting her wish to not speak about it.

  “Your pastor is a very good man,” Aaron said steering the conversation away.

  “Yes, he is,” Hannah agreed readily. “He speaks only the word of God and never attempts to advise from within himself. He is always aligned with the word of God.”

  “That is amazing especially for someone so young,” Aaron said admiringly.

  “I thought so too but I guess we should never judge by the outward appearance. For God sees the heart of man not our outside,” Hannah smiled.

  “You have blossomed, darling,” her mother said proudly.

  “Thank you mum!” Hannah accepted humbly.

  “And brave for having handled such a large cast of people in the school annual play,” her father laughed. “Or maybe you were always brave...” he added thoughtfully.

  “Oh, dad!” Hannah laughed lightly, her eyes dancing.

  They talked about her siblings, and what was going on in the community and time passed quickly. Soon she had to say goodbye to her parents.

  “I wish you could stay,” Hannah groaned.

  “We too, baby,” her mother said sadly. “But you will come visit?”

  Hannah didn't reply. She didn't want to think about the holidays and was hoping something would come up to excuse her from going back home even though she badly wanted to spend time with her family. They would not be able to come visit her here in the city, she knew. Maybe she shouldn't be selfish...

  “There is still time before you have to make a decision,” her father said wisely, cutting into her thoughts. “You are always in our thoughts and prayers, Hannah.”

  “Thank you dad, mum! I know that is a fact. I love you guys.”

  “We love you too,” her mother answered her eyes moist.

  All three pairs of eyes were moist as Aaron dropped Hannah off at her place before leaving for home.

  Sadly, Hannah watched as they drove off. Emily came outside just as the car disappeared.

  “Oh, did I
miss your parents?” Emily asked disappointed.

  “Sorry! I didn't know you were in. I should have asked them to say goodbye,” Hannah answered apologetically.

  “No worries! I am sure we will see each other again.”

  Emily was positive but Hannah couldn't see that happening. With her father never wanting to leave the church especially during the holidays, it would be a long while before they did come this way. But she didn't say anything.

  Luke fetched her not long after to finish the job at the church. It was early so they were sure to have it done before too long. Maybe they could still catch the meeting with the young people, Hannah suggested to Luke as they drove.

  He did not answer, just smiled. To her surprise, the group that had met at the movies were there already helping. Overwhelmed with gratitude, she could not even say thank you properly.

  “How did they...?” she asked with a lump in her throat.

  “Luke figured you could do with some help and it was a great way to have our weekly get together,” Meredith smiled.

  Hannah hugged the woman and didn't mind at all that they were meeting like this. It was the best get together ever. Even the pupils who came to help – a lot less than the number who initially volunteered – made the whole thing superb.

  It took far less time and they could all enjoy pizzas afterwards. Glad that they had pitched to help, the pupils thoroughly enjoyed the pizza.

  The next morning at service, no one could tell there had been a performance that Friday. Hannah was glad. She enjoyed the service and was glad that Jonathan was preaching. He seemed to be distracted though or was she just imagining it?

  With no more practices to go through, Hannah was at a loss what to do with herself so she started penning more lyrics and music. It seemed to be much easier now.

  Monday, at school, brought much praise for the team who pulled off the production and Mrs Hart was particularly proud of Hannah who showed she was tougher than she looked. All the compliments were making Hannah dizzy. She just wanted to run and hide.