Hometown Promise

by Merrillee Whren

  “Well, maybe it was, but you were in the fix.” Eric stood and motioned for Lukas to pass. “We’re ready to listen.”

  Everyone at the Trivial Pursuit table clapped and made teasing remarks as Lukas went to the stage except Juliane. She wondered why Elise and Dad had decided to include Lukas in their list of performers. Juliane had no doubt after seeing whose names had been called that they’d made a list beforehand.

  Juliane watched Elise instruct Lukas regarding the karaoke machine, then handed him a microphone. He looked a little bewildered as well as nervous. She tried to put herself in his shoes. How would she feel if she were asked to perform on the spur of the moment in front of a bunch of people she didn’t know?

  Val nudged Juliane. “Lukas is being a good sport about this, isn’t he?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I guess he figured he didn’t have a choice after the little speech your dad gave.” Eric laughed. “We Kellers can be pretty intimidating.”

  “Okay, you two, quit gabbing so we can hear.” Val put a finger to her lips.

  Juliane straightened and looked up at the stage as the prelude to the song blared from the speakers. Elise started the song with a solo. Juliane recognized the tune. “The Heart Won’t Lie.” How many times had Juliane and Elise listened to their father play the rendition of that duet by Reba McEntire and Vince Gill?

  As the song progressed and Lukas had his turn to sing, jealousy sprang back up in Juliane’s heart like a weed that wouldn’t die. Just as she’d always suspected, Elise and Lukas made beautiful music.

  All the progress Juliane had made on her promise to have only good thoughts about Elise faded like the last notes of the song as Elise and Lukas took a bow. Juliane clapped and smiled along with the rest of the crowd, but inside she was fighting a losing battle with envy. The pride on Ferd’s face was the only thing that lightened her heart and made her smile. Why was doing the right thing so hard?

  Chapter Eleven

  A dark, quiet house greeted Juliane when she came through the back door. Had Elise gone to bed as soon as Nathan brought her home from the party? Only the light over the stove shone in the otherwise darkened room. Juliane had volunteered to stay behind to help her parents clean up the fellowship hall, so everything would be ready for Sunday-morning services.

  Glad she’d had an excuse not to go home with her sister, Juliane plopped her purse on the kitchen table. She sighed and wondered when she would get rid of her troublesome feelings about Elise. Just when she thought she had them conquered, they reemerged. She closed her eyes and tried to pray, but her heart wasn’t right. She whispered into the darkness. “Lord, forgive me.”

  As Juliane stood there, she heard a baffling noise. She strained to hear. A soft, weepinglike sound slowly infiltrated the quiet. Still not certain of what she was hearing, she cocked her head and listened. Someone was crying.

  Elise was the only one here. Why would she be crying?

  Juliane crept toward the stairs that led to the second story where Elise slept. The weeping turned into sobs. Juliane’s heart sank. The sound of her sister’s sobs ripped through Juliane, leaving a hollow sensation in her chest.

  Not sure what she would say to Elise, Juliane climbed the stairs and switched on the hall light. The door to Elise’s room was closed. Juliane stared at the door and listened to the heart-wrenching cries coming from the other side.

  Elise had been so happy tonight and so glad to be home. Why would she be crying now? What had happened? Lord, You know what’s troubling Elise. I’m not the best person to talk to her, but I know You can give me the words I need to say.

  Taking a deep breath, Juliane tapped lightly on the door. The weeping stopped, but Elise didn’t answer. Juliane knocked again, this time louder. “Elise, what’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.” Elise’s muffled voice sounded through the door. “Just go away.”

  Something told Juliane that she shouldn’t do as Elise requested. “Please tell me why you’re crying.”

  “I’m fine. Go away.”

  Juliane put her hand around the doorknob. The cold metal against her fingers made her shiver. “I’m not going away. I’m coming in, and you’re going to talk to me.”

  “Don’t. There’s nothing to say, and there’s nothing you can do. Go to bed.”

  “But I’ll never sleep, knowing you’re up here crying.” Juliane turned the knob and let the door swing open.

  The light from the hallway cast a long beam into the room and illuminated the bed where Elise sat. Even in the dim light the tears on her cheeks sparkled. She wiped them away as she looked up at Juliane. “You don’t listen very well, do you?”

  “No, I never did like doing what you told me to do.” Juliane strode across the room. Sitting on the bed, she put an arm around Elise’s shoulders.

  Without hesitation, Elise turned toward Juliane and wept on her shoulder. Holding Elise close and noticing how thin and frail she felt, Juliane let her sister cry. What could be wrong? A dozen scenarios ran through Juliane’s mind. Why wouldn’t she talk?

  Please, Lord, I know I haven’t had the best feelings toward Elise, and I’m so sorry. You’re making me see what’s important.

  As Juliane finished her prayer, Elise pulled away and wiped her tears. She sat there and stared straight ahead without speaking. Juliane was thankful that Elise wasn’t telling her to leave. Maybe just sitting here with her was enough for right now. They sat in silence for several minutes, Elise’s sniffles the only sound in the room.

  Juliane reached over and took Elise’s hand and squeezed it. “Are you ready to talk?”

  “Do I have to?”

  “Yes. I want to know what’s wrong. Are you dying or something?”

  “Sometimes I feel like I’m dying.”

  “Why do you feel that way?”

  Elise reached over to her nightstand and pulled a tissue from the holder. Wiping her nose, she stared, her eyes welling with tears. She blinked, and the tears rolled down her cheeks. She grabbed another tissue and wiped them away. She took a deep, shaky breath. “I don’t know where to start.”

  “Anywhere. Just start.”

  “I wish I had your life.”

  Dumbfounded, Juliane stared back. “You’re not serious, are you?”

  “Yes. You’ve always been the perfect one. Mom and Dad are so proud of you. Everyone looks up to you.”

  Juliane wasn’t sure she was hearing correctly. “And you’re crying about that?”

  Shaking her head, Elise covered her face with her hands. Then she looked back at Juliane. “I don’t know. I told you I didn’t know where to start.”

  Juliane knew this wasn’t the time to laugh, but laughter bubbled up, and she couldn’t contain it.

  “You think my problems are funny? I thought you were trying to help.”

  “I am, but isn’t it funny that you’re wishing you had my life, and I’m wishing I had yours?”

  “What?”

  “Yes. I’ve been jealous that you were cruising around the world singing and performing while I was stuck here in small-town, U.S.A. Let’s see which seems more exciting.” Juliane held out her left hand. “Trying to please old Mrs. Hatchett with a special dress order, smiling at customers when you’d rather scream and taking inventory of stock or…” Juliane held out her right hand. “Or singing while dressed in gorgeous, thousand-dollar costumes, visiting exotic locales around the world and eating food prepared by renowned chefs. Hmm.”

  Elise got up from the bed and began pacing. “Yeah, all that sounds glamorous, but it can get old after a few years.”

  “Do we both have the grass-is-always-greener syndrome?”

  “Seems that way.” Elise stopped pacing and smiled halfheartedly.

  “But that still doesn’t explain why you’re crying. If you wanted to get away from that life, you should be happy because you’re home now.” Juliane patted the bed beside her. “Come sit down again and tell me what’s really bothering you.”

&nbs
p; Elise shuffled to the bed and plopped down beside Juliane. They sat in silence for several minutes. Wishing she could somehow read Elise’s mind and figure out her problem, Juliane resisted the urge to push her sister into talking.

  Elise drew another shaky breath, then let it out with a sigh. “You know I set up that song with Lukas to make you jealous and prove that you’re falling for him. The heart won’t lie.”

  Juliane knit her eyebrows in a frown. “How did this discussion turn to me?”

  “So was I right?”

  “I’m not going to answer your question until you tell me what’s going on with you.”

  “Okay.” Elise appeared to be thinking, but she remained silent.

  “I’m waiting.”

  “How do I confess to Miss Perfect?”

  Guilt roiled Juliane’s stomach. Her, perfect? If only Elise knew how imperfect her sister was and how she’d been harboring jealousy all these years. “Why do you keep saying I’m perfect? That’s so wrong.”

  “That’s the way you always seemed to me.”

  “And here I was always thinking you were the perfect one—with your beautiful voice and your tall model’s figure.”

  “I told you the other night how I wished I was more voluptuous like you, not tall and gangly.” Laughing, Elise flung herself back on the bed with her arms over her head.

  “If I was so perfect, how come all the boys liked you and not me?” Juliane narrowed her gaze. “Remember Kyle Marston?”

  “Yeah, I knew you liked him, so I went after him so you couldn’t have him. You had everything else—the best grades, the student council presidency and even perfect attendance—so I wasn’t going to let you have him.” Elise sat up, a silly grin on her face. She placed a hand on Juliane’s arm. “I saved you. He was a terrible kisser.”

  Juliane burst into laughter. Although they’d had an abbreviated discussion of this sort when she’d complained to Elise about mentioning her weight issues, this laughter dispelled the remaining anger she harbored toward Elise.

  After the laughter ceased, Juliane studied Elise. “Okay. Now that we’ve both confessed about our high school years, how about telling me what’s really going on here? You seem to have an excellent way of turning the discussion.”

  “I know.” Elise smiled wryly.

  “What’s making you sad tonight?”

  Elise released a harsh breath. “Okay. Promise you won’t judge me.”

  “Promise.” As the word passed over Juliane’s lips, she knew this was a test of her resolve to get along with Elise—to forgive any past wrongs.

  Elise bowed her head as if she was praying before she started. Then she raised her head and looked Juliane in the eye. “I know I told you how glad I was to be home, but tonight I realized that more than ever.”

  “I know. I could tell by the way you sang that song.”

  “You could?”

  “Absolutely.”

  Elise placed a hand over her heart. “I am glad, but I’ve also realized how far away from God I’ve strayed.” Elise lowered her head again. “It brings me to tears. I want to get right with God again.”

  “I’m so sorry, but I’m here to help.” Touching Elise’s arm, Juliane recognized her own guilt before God. “Though I’m not exactly the greatest example.”

  “You are to me. I always wanted to be as good as my big sister.”

  Juliane shook her head. “Oh, Elise, don’t put me on a pedestal.”

  “Too late.”

  “Well, I’m climbing down because I’m sure to fall off.”

  “See? You’re even humble.”

  Using both hands, Juliane playfully swatted at Elise. “Quit. Turn your eyes on Jesus.”

  “Like the old hymn says.”

  “Yes. Put your trust in God, not me.” Juliane put her arm around Elise’s shoulders again. “Now tell me about Seth.”

  “Why are you bringing him up?”

  “Because I think he’s all mixed up in this, too.”

  Pressing her lips together, Elise looked pointedly at Juliane. “You are too perceptive, but I’m only going to say this about him. He broke my heart. He made me realize I needed to come home. Because of him, I’m through with men forever.”

  “Well, I’m not glad that he broke your heart, but I’m glad you’re home.” Hugging Elise, Juliane meant every word. As she ended the hug, she eyed Elise. “Something tells me you’re not going to stick with that last statement.”

  “Oh, yes, I am. Men are beasts—uncivilized monsters.” Her head lowered, Elise picked at a loose thread on the quilt. “Okay, Jules, it’s your turn. What’s going on with Lukas?”

  “Why are you pushing Lukas at me when you think men are uncivilized monsters?”

  “Well, maybe not all men, but I’ve had enough heartache to last a lifetime. I don’t want any more.” Elise looked up. “So what gives with you two?”

  Her heart thudding, Juliane wondered how she was going to answer. She wasn’t sure herself, so how could she explain anything to Elise? “I don’t know—maybe nothing.”

  “What kind of an answer is that?”

  Juliane shrugged. “About the only one I can give.”

  “But you do admit that you were a little jealous when we were singing together, right?”

  “Okay, I was.”

  “I knew it!” Elise slapped her hands together. “So what are you going to do about it?”

  Juliane frowned. “Nothing.”

  “Come on. You can’t do nothing.”

  “Yes, I can.”

  “I’m not getting this. You’re—”

  “Elise, Lukas is a handsome man. I admit that I’m attracted to him, but there’s a very good reason why I’m not going to act on that attraction. You proved your point, so let’s not discuss it anymore.”

  “You can’t throw out a statement like that and leave me hanging.”

  “Sure I can. I didn’t press you for details about Seth, so let’s call it even.”

  Her shoulders slumping, Elise sighed, then smiled. “Okay, you win.”

  “Good.” Juliane hopped up from the bed. “You going to be all right now?”

  “Yeah.” Elise stood and gave Juliane another hug. “Thanks, Jules. You’re the best.”

  “I don’t know about being the best, but I’m tired. I’m headed to bed.”

  As Juliane turned to go, Elise reached out and touched her arm. “Wait. Before you go, I want to ask you about Dad.”

  Juliane turned back. “What about him?”

  “I know you said he’s not been drinking for months. Do you think he’s stopped for good?”

  “I don’t know, Elise. I can only pray that’s the case.” Juliane couldn’t help thinking about Lukas. He’d said the temptation never ends, but he was relying on God for his strength to overcome it. Had their dad given his drinking over to God and not told anyone? She couldn’t be sure.

  “I’ll pray, too.”

  Juliane gave Elise another hug. “Thanks. Have a good night. I love you.”

  “I love you, too, Jules.”

  Descending the stairs, Juliane thought about all the emotional ups and downs of the day and realized she’d come out on the upside. Getting along with Elise was falling into place. Juliane could see that God would really work in her life if she got out of the way and let Him rule her life.

  But getting out of the way wasn’t always easy, especially where Lukas was concerned. She’d survived having him at the party, but each time they were together, she had more and more difficulty holding on to her vow not to let his good looks and kind actions draw her in and make her want more than friendship from him.

  She knew God expected her to befriend Lukas, but surely God’s plan didn’t go beyond friendship, did it?

  Lukas yanked his BlackBerry from the seat of his car as the ringing sounded over the noise coming from the radio. He had just left work, and someone was already calling him. Who? He glanced at the caller ID. Grandpa. Turning off the radio, Lukas
tamped down his spike of fear as he answered the phone. He was usually the one to call, not Grandpa. If Grandpa was calling him, did that mean something was wrong—something so big that even his stubborn grandfather didn’t believe he could handle it himself?

  “Grandpa? What’s wrong?”

  “Are you on your way home?”

  “I was getting ready to drive out of the parking lot at the plant.”

  “Good. Could you stop by my house before you go home?”

  “I’ll be there in five minutes.”

  With a sigh, Lukas ended the call. His grandfather sounded all right, but Lukas couldn’t help but worry. He’d moved to Kellerville to help. Should he be relieved or concerned when the older man asked for it?

  Lukas pulled into the driveway at his grandfather’s house. As he got out of the car, big white snowflakes started falling. Unlike the storm a couple of weeks ago, these flakes fell in a lazy pattern against the darkened sky.

  After taking the front steps in one bound, he let himself into the house. A delicious smell coming from the kitchen greeted him. “Grandpa, I’m here. What do you need?”

  His grandfather came out of the kitchen, a pot holder in one hand. “Oh, good. You got here very quickly.”

  “I know. I was worried.” Clearly, there was no reason to worry. His grandfather seemed fine. So why had he called? “Tell me what you need. I can’t stay long because we’re having the dress rehearsal for the Winter Festival tonight.”

  “You need to slow down and enjoy life a little. You are pushing yourself too hard.”

  Before Lukas could make an argument against the statement, the doorbell rang. His grandfather rushed to the front door. “My company is here.”

  “Grandpa, I don’t have time to visit. Who—” The word stuck in Lukas’s mouth as Juliane and Dot walked into the house.

  “Ladies, thank you so much for coming.” Ferd closed the door and ushered Dot and Juliane farther into the living room.

  “Thank you for inviting us.” Juliane took off her coat and helped Dot out of her coat, then handed them to Ferd.

  Ferd trotted off to put the coats in the bedroom while Lukas stood there wondering what was going on. “So Grandpa invited you over?”