No Engagement Ring

by Julie Sewcharan

  “No!” Hannah said firmly. “That is a bygone. Come to think of it, it's like it never happened. I just guess I feel like it's a dream; not real. I could never have imagined me finding a man like Jonathan. He is everything I have dreamt a husband should be. And most times those dreams don't happen. That's why it seems surreal.”

  “Wow, Hannah! That sounds real to me. God wants you to have your heart's desire and now it's coming to pass. You need to accept that God wants to give you this marriage.” Deb sounded convincing and absolutely certain.

  “You sound just like Jonathan,” Hannah laughed.

  “Ooh, I can't wait to meet him then. And if he is anything like his mother then I am sure he is wonderful. Emily simply adores you and I am guessing so does Jonathan.”

  “You'll definitely like him,” Hannah said enthusiastically.

  “If he can capture my little sister's heart in such a short space of time, then I know I will.” Deb hugged Hannah in a loving grip. “I know that you were not really in love with Simon.” Deb said the last as a by-the-way.

  “How did you know that? I never said anything to you.” Hannah was perplexed.

  “I could read between the lines. I am ever so glad you did not got through with that relationship.” Deb let out a sigh of relief.

  Hannah refused to comment on that statement and said instead, “I am so glad you're here!” her eyes glazed with wonder.

  “Me too, sis.”

  They chatted well into the night until Hannah yawned. “Sorry, sis! I forgot you still have to work,” Deb apologised.

  “That's alright,” Hannah replied sleepily. “I don't often get to see my sister. Anyway, I will be on holiday soon. Can catch up with sleep then,” she yawned. That night she slept content.

  Chapter 22

  During the day, Deb planned to go shopping while Hannah was at school. She needed some things for the wedding still. Even though Hannah didn't want to be away from her sister, she knew she had no choice. That evening, Hannah rushed home to spend time with Deb. All her other activities, she put on hold for the rest of the week, except the course. The two of them decided to have supper outside since it was quite warm.

  Dressed in shorts and sleeveless t-shirts, they sat at the round stone table on the half moon seats. With supper out of the way, they were relaxing and catching up. It was still bright at six in the evening.

  Absorbed in their conversation they did not see Jonathan come up to them. “Is this a private party or can I join?” he asked bemused.

  “Jonathan!” Hannah squealed jumping up excitedly. “I didn't know you were coming over.”

  “I wasn't but I thought it was too long since I saw you.” He kissed the top of her head.

  “This charmer must be Jonathan,” Deb said with a wide smile.

  “Sorry!” Hannah moved out of Jonathan's embrace. “Yes, this is Jonathan. This is my sister Deborah.” Hannah made the introductions.

  Jonathan wanted to shake Deb's hand but was pleasantly surprised when she pulled him into a warm hug and said, “I am very pleased to meet you.” She mouthed to Hannah, 'He's gorgeous!' as she released Jonathan. Hannah's smile was acknowledging.

  “Same here!” Jonathan said warmly thinking she definitely did not feel shy to give hugs. “I thought you were not going to make it home for the wedding,” he added confused.

  “I wasn't but I traded with my boss. Christmas for your wedding,” Deb added at Jonathan's questioning expression.

  “That's very big of you,” he said with heartfelt gratitude thinking she was very forthcoming with information. Very unlike her sister.

  “Thanks. I couldn't miss my little sister's big day,” Deb smiled.

  “Did you have supper yet?” Hannah cut in.

  “I am actually having supper with mum and Derrick,” he announced.

  “She didn't mention that you would be dining with them,” Hannah said puzzled.

  “Neither did I. She invited me just now.”

  Hannah nodded acceptance.

  “Come join us until it's time for supper,” Deb invited unabashed.

  “I don't want to disturb your catching up,” he said graciously.

  “Nonsense!” Deb reprimanded good naturedly. “You did come to see Hannah after all and I don't want you to be disappointed.” Deb grinned mischievously.

  Trapped Jonathan joined them, sitting next to Hannah. He had to admit, he was intrigued by these two sisters. The one he loved dearly and the other he liked already even though he'd just met her.

  “So how did you meet?” Deb fired away and was soon laughing at the story Jonathan was telling.

  “Just like my sister not to divulge any information. Does she also frustrate you with having to prompt her for information?” Deb teased.

  “It's not frustrating but she does keep a lot of things to herself,” Jonathan teased also.

  “Like the fact that she can play most musical instruments, some of which she taught herself or that she has a masters in music or that she won the school talent show at age eight?” Deb inquired slyly.

  “No she did not tell me any of that,” Jonathan said with mock disappointment, ignoring the look of agitation on Hannah's face. He was really enjoying Deb's company.

  “Up against others from age eleven to eighteen, she played keyboard and sang, 'Greatest love of all'.” Deb stated this fact proudly.

  “Wow!” Jonathan was impressed. “I did say to her that a voice like hers can only be one you are born with.” He winked at Hannah who was quite red already.

  “For sure. Everyone was so impressed and the judges didn't have too much trouble deciding a winner. Off course, she wouldn't go up to collect the prize without my parents so we all ended up on stage.”

  “I didn't want the prize,” Hannah protested.

  “That's true, she didn't,” Deb agreed addressing Jonathan. “In fact, she didn't want to enter the talent show either so we entered for her - actually I did. And I paid dearly for that. No one had ever seen Hannah so furious as that day and has not since either.” Deb laughed at the memory.

  “Really?” Jonathan smiled not surprised, remembering the day she had stormed into his office over Lisa.

  “Oh and her favourite superhero is Superman,” Deb continued.

  “I kind of got that one.” Jonathan laughed.

  “Hey, I'm still here,” Hannah protested.

  “Sorry, honey!” Jonathan said not at all sorry.

  “Do you know that she will never wear her hair loose or why?” Deb raised her eyebrow. Jonathan shook his head, baffled. Before Hannah could protest again, Deb rushed on. Hannah buried her head in the palm of her hands. “Our school used to have this cancer fund raising day when everyone was allowed to spray their hair with colours for a small fee which allowed us girls to wear our hair down. When Hannah was twelve, she and her friends were waiting to have their hair sprayed when a boy, one grade higher than Hannah, came up to her and stroked her hair and said in awe, ‘Such beautiful, soft locks!’ Off course the others girls teased her mercilessly for months! The worst part was that Hannah thought of boys as revolting,” Deb finished off laughingly mischief written all over her face.

  “Deb!"” Hannah groaned. Deb was really enjoying revealing all of her life in one evening and it was embarrassing for Hannah. As Deb said, she never liked to talk about herself. She wanted to run and hide but Jonathan pulled her into a comforting embrace. Hannah was grateful to be able to bury her face in his shoulder.

  “Sorry, sis!” Deb said with a mischievous smile. But she did stop telling stories about her sister. "Do you guys have your dance song?" she asked instead.

  “We don't need...” Hannah began but Deb cut her off.

  “Off course you need one,” Deb said decidedly. “Everyone must have a song.”

  “We're having the reception in a restaurant,” Jonathan stated matter-of-factly. “Neither of us thought of a dance.”

  “Did you discuss your favourite song?” Deb continued as if he h
adn't interrupted.

  Neither of them said anything. “Off course Hannah didn't tell you what her favourite song is,” Deb laughed knowingly. “Her favourite song is I will be here for you by Michael W Smith. Has been ever since it was released,” Deb proudly announced.

  Jonathan was captured by her choice of song. “Then that's our song!” he said decisively. Hannah gave him a look as if to say 'Just like that?' but he ignored it.

  “Good!” Deb also ignored Hannah's look. “I will make sure they play that.”

  “Can we please talk about something other than me?” Hannah pouted.

  “I am quite enjoying the conversation,” Deb said laughing but she didn't pursue the subject. Instead she started to ask Jonathan some personal questions.

  He was able to handle her inquisitiveness. These two sisters were so different, he observed. Good different though. And they had a very strong, loving relationship. For which he was thankful.

  Before he left, he whispered to Hannah, “Are you doing alright after Sunday?”

  Hannah's heart filled with love. That's why he came to see her. He was concerned. She nodded unable to speak. He kissed her on the forehead before saying goodbye to the sisters.

  “You know you can kiss him in front of me,” Deb said teasingly as soon as he was out of sight.

  “I know but he won't,” Hannah said secretively.

  “Why not?” Deb's mouth dropped.

  “I made him promise not to kiss me until we're married,” Hannah shrugged.

  “And he made that promise?” Hannah nodded. “And he's kept it?” Deb was incredulous. Again Hannah nodded. “Wow, he has a lot of self control.” Deb whistled.

  Hannah was mildly surprised. “What do you mean?”

  “Oh, Hannah you are so naïve! A man around the woman he is going to marry, must want to kiss her to show her how he feels.”

  “Yeah and does it really tell a woman that? I would rather not feel anything that I would have to relinquish if for some reason we do not get married,” Hannah said tightly.

  “You know he's not Simon right?” Deb said with more kindness.

  “Off course I know. Haven't I said that Simon is history?”

  “Then why are you still holding on to those fears?” Deb asked wisely.

  Hannah didn't say anything as she pondered what her sister was saying. It made sense but Hannah was not prepared to go there. She also knew that Jonathan would not break his promise. But now she did feel horrible about making him take that promise. It was too late to whine about it now, though!

  Since Wednesday was the last course date, Deb decided that she would spend the evening and the next day with a friend and return on the Thursday evening. Hannah was fine with that. Knowing her sister was not alone during the day made her feel better. Deb left mid-morning on Wednesday.

  Hannah didn't have time to miss her sister when she got home that evening for she had just put down her bag when Emily walked into the cottage. “Got the keys, let's go,” she announced.

  “Go where?” Hannah asked taken aback. She didn't remember having an appointment with Emily.

  “To see the home you are going to call yours in three days,” Emily stated as if Hannah should know this.

  “Oh!” Hannah had not thought of moving even though it was inevitable in marriage. And since Jonathan was the one with a house, she knew she would be living there. But saying it out loud was a bit daunting. “Won't that delay me for the course?” she asked hoping it would be an excuse not to go.

  “It won't take more than twenty minutes so there's plenty of time. You'll be back long before Jonathan gets here.” Emily was a little impatient to get going. Rather than argue with her, Hannah followed the older woman out.

  The house was five minutes from the church in the opposite direction to Emily's. While Emily chatted away, Hannah sat quietly contemplating the next few days. They were so close to the wedding but still Hannah wondered if it wasn't a dream.

  Emily pulled up at an estate where she used the entrance token to get in. The houses were lovely in the estate and each one was a stand alone house. Beautiful, spacious double storeys lined the entrance boulevard.

  As they drove further in, Hannah could see the estate housed a lot of buildings. They soon came to single storey houses that looked delightful. Emily parked at a light brown one with a neat garden and a double garage.

  Suddenly it hit Hannah that she would be living here. Heart beating fast, she followed Emily into the house. It was very neat and cared for; it looked lived in. It was a two-bedroom house. One of the bedrooms was converted into a study. The lounge cum dining room was the centre of the house with the bedrooms to the right and the kitchen and guest bathroom to the left.

  The main bedroom had an en-suite bathroom. It was not a large house but spacious enough. The kitchen was small but more than adequate.

  The lounge had French windows that led to a big garden, which they explored last. When they got back inside the house, Hannah sat heavily on the sofa, looking straight ahead.

  “Are you okay, Hannah?” Emily asked concerned.

  “This is really happening!” Hannah exclaimed overwhelmed.

  Emily remained quiet for a bit then asked, “Are you having second thoughts?” Although not accusing, her voice was strained.

  “Am I going to be a good wife?” Hannah asked with a quiver in her voice not answering Emily directly.

  “Oh, darling!” Emily sat down next to Hannah and put her arms around the girl's shoulders. “A good wife is determined by how her husband treats her. Just as a good husband is determined by how his wife treats him. You can't judge by any other standards. And I know that Jonathan will take good care of you. To him you are the world.”

  Daunted, Hannah thought about that for a bit. Would she be able to uphold that? But she didn't ask that question. Instead she asked, “Then you think I can do this?”

  “With God by your side, you can. I am not saying that everything will be great; there may be moments when you may feel overwhelmed but when you focus on Jesus, you are sure to overcome that feeling. Besides, you will have lots of help from your mother, myself and any other matrons of marriage.”

  “Thank you.” Hannah squeezed Emily's hand then got up and looked around her. “This is a lovely home,” she declared.

  Emily squeezed her shoulder lightly. “Now let's get going before you are late for your last session. You know how Jonathan does not like being late for anything.”

  “He doesn't?” Hannah asked lightly, smiling, knowing too well that he didn't.

  Emily laughed but they were back home a good while before Hannah had to leave again.

  Hannah handed Jonathan the keys as soon as she got into the car. “Your house keys,” she said redundantly.

  “Oh?”

  “Your mum showed me your house,” she explained as they set off.

  “Our house,” he corrected. “And what do you think?” he asked patiently.

  “It's beautiful!” she said simply.

  “You know that you can make any changes you would like,” he stated.

  “Thank you,” she said appreciatively.

  “What's the matter?” he asked knowingly.

  “I..don't know,” she confessed with a sigh. “I just feel...I have no idea what I feel.”

  Covering her hands with his, he said, “You are allowed to be unsure.”

  “About marrying you I am quite sure. I just don't know if I am ready,” she said.

  There was a slight hesitation before he asked, “Would you like to postpone?”

  Although his voice was even, she had seen the muscle in his jaw twitch. “Oh, no I don't want to postpone,” she quickly reassured. “Must be just nervousness. Let's not worry about it. Deb will talk some good sense into me.”

  They laughed at that thought. Throughout the evening, though, Hannah was aware that Jonathan was quiet. Instinctively, she knew what she said in the car was affecting him more than he cared to admit. Vagueness cl
ouded the last session of the course because her mind wandered throughout the entire evening but finally the course came to an end. With the course completed they were handed a certificate of attendance to present to the officiating minister.

  Before releasing them, the facilitating couple prayed for each attending couple earnestly, expressively and purposefully. Hannah took their words to heart and pondered on it many times after that. It was a beautiful prayer and she appreciated it more at that time than they would ever know.

  The drive back was quiet and Hannah regretted saying what she did on the drive to the course. As she prepared to get out of the car, Jonathan laid a gentle hand on her arm.

  “Hannah,” he said her name gently, “you will tell me if you decide not to go through with the wedding, won't you?”

  “I promise that I will tell you if anything is amiss,” she said with conviction, kissing his cheek lingeringly.

  Chapter 23

  That night she slept fitfully. Why had she voiced something she should have discussed with Deb first? And how could she make it right? When Deb returned maybe she could shed some light on it. Prayer did not bring an answer or perhaps her mind was too restless to hear it. But she knew God had her back and He definitely wanted her to get married to Jonathan. But she had just cast doubts in Jonathan's mind.

  It was a bleak morning when she got up. School was a blur. Reports completed for the pupils to be handed out the next day, the teachers had not much more to do except prepare for the holidays. They still had to keep the pupils occupied though and that was easier said than done. They were glad when the school day was over. There was, however, a staff meeting after school.

  Sarah discussed next year's planning and informed the staff that Hannah would be teaching music next year. Everyone was very enthusiastic and encouraging. Hannah felt overwhelmed. She had not expected to receive such positive, encouraging feedback.

  A new grade R teacher had already been identified whom they would only meet in the new year as she was currently serving out her notice.

  Results for the matriculants would only be coming out in the second week of December but Sarah was positive that there would be a hundred percent pass rate and she believed every pupil did very well. The teachers were glad when the meeting was over and they could get home.