Saloma quickly found her cousin, but was reluctant to walk up to the group of young ladies. She proceeded with caution.
“Saloma,” Rebecca beckoned, “kumm sit by me.”
Saloma did as bidden.
Rebecca smiled. “We were just talking about you.”
Saloma felt her cheeks darkening.
“Don’t worry; it wasn’t bad. Mary was asking if y’all were gonna come to the singin’ tonight,” the teen girl next to her cousin on the quilt said. “I’m Patricia.”
“Gut to meet you, Patricia.” Saloma smiled. “I haven’t decided whether I’m coming tonight or not.”
Another girl leaned closer, her voice soft. “Well, if ya don’t, my brother will be awfully disappointed.”
Saloma’s eyes widened. “Your brother?”
“Elam. He’s mentioned your name more than once since you arrived.” The girl cast a knowing smile.
“Mary! You shouldn’t tell her that,” Patricia chided the girl.
“I’m not looking for a beau,” Saloma stated. Her heart ached every time she thought of Will. What was he doing now?
“Why ever not? Don’t ya wanna get hitched?” Mary’s jaw dropped.
“Nee. I’m not ready yet.”
The girls looked at each other and suddenly, with understanding eyes, nodded.
“I still think you should come to the singing,” Rebecca said. “You don’t have to ride home with anybody.”
“Yeah, it’ll be a lot more fun than sittin’ at home,” Patricia agreed.
“I’ll think about it.” Saloma took a deep breath and glanced toward the house. Handsome Elam caught her eye and, again, smiled. She smiled back politely.
<><><>
William drove along the dark backroads of the Kentucky countryside. He should have made reservations at a motel, but hadn’t been thinking clearly when he’d left Pennsylvania. He only had one thing on his mind: finding Sally. Now, his cell phone didn’t have reception.
He rounded the corner and noticed a buggy approaching. Sally! He flashed the lights of his Jeep and flipped a U-turn behind them. He flashed his lights again, but the buggy kept moving. Why won’t they stop? He pulled up beside the vehicle, and leaned over and cranked the window open.
“Sally?” he called out.
A teen girl leaned forward and the young man in the buggy shook his head.
“I’m sorry,” William said.
The young man nodded and urged his horse forward.
William turned the Jeep around again and continued the way he was originally headed. I should have asked them where a motel was! he chided himself.
A mile down the road, another buggy approached. He immediately slowed down and flashed his lights again. Hopefully, he could find his way to a motel. There was no telling how far out in the boonies he was.
“Excuse me,” he hollered out the window before the buggy could pass by. The buggy came to an abrupt halt.
“Jah?” a young Amish man answered.
“I’m lost.” William pulled to the road’s shoulder, and quickly crossed over to the buggy on foot. “Do you think you could point me in the direction of the nearest hotel?”
“Ach.”
William heard a woman’s voice and glanced to the passenger’s side. “Sally?”
She looked up and William nearly fell over.
“Will? What are you doing out here?” her voice sounded shaky.
The young Amish man studied Sally. He spoke some words in Pennsylvania Dutch that Will didn’t understand.
Sally nodded.
“Sally, I need to talk to you,” Will pleaded. He wished the two of them had a language only they could understand.
“I told you not to come looking for me,” Sally said.
William glanced again at the young Amish man. “Do you mind if we talk for a minute?”
The young man held up both his hands. “Go ahead, Saloma, if you want to.” He said a few more words in their native tongue, and briefly touched Sally’s hand.
William frowned at the intimate gesture. Who was this guy?
Sally looked to the Amish man, nodded, and exited the buggy.
Will led her across the road, and they stood in front of his Jeep. He wanted to take her in his arms, but refrained from doing so. It seemed the guy in the buggy was watching them like a hawk. “I’ve missed you so much, Sally. Why did you leave?” He couldn’t help the emotion in his voice.
“I had to. We’re not a good match, Will.”
“That’s not true, and you know it! We love each other. We can make it work.” He reached up and rubbed her arms.
“Will, don’t do this! It’s hard enough as it is.” Tears shimmered in her eyes.
“Why? Why is it hard?”
“You can’t understand.”
“I might if you tell me. Did I say something? Did I do something wrong?”
Tears trailed her cheeks and she shook her head. “Nee. You did everything right.”
“Well, then, what’s the problem? You’re not making any sense. At least give me a good reason.”
“You’re Englisch and I’m Amish.”
“That’s not a good reason.”
“I don’t know what else to say.”
“How about the truth?”
Sally glanced at the buggy. “I have to go.”
“No. Sally, please don’t!” He desperately pulled her close and pressed his lips to hers. He tasted the salty tears that made their way to her lips.
She pushed back forcefully. “No, Will! We can’t.”
Will felt a firm hand grasp on his arm and glanced into the young Amish man’s sober face. “Take your hands off my girl,” he demanded.
“Your girl?” Will’s brow lowered in confusion, and he looked at Sally.
Sally nodded. “That’s right. Denki, Elam.”
Will stumbled back in shock. “Sally?” His eyes searched hers.
“I’m sorry, Will. Please. Just forget about me and move on with your life. Goodbye.”
Just forget? How on earth could he just forget?
He watched in consternation as Sally walked back to the buggy, hand-in-hand with the young Amish man named Elam. How could she just find another boyfriend in the short time they’d been apart? Could this really be happening? Had he really lost Sally?
It’s true. Sally’s not coming back. Ever.
As the buggy wheels turned, Will couldn’t help but cling to his vehicle’s door and wail. He vowed then and there to never trust another woman again.
<><><>
Sally thought that facing Will would be the hardest thing she’d ever have to deal with, but hearing his cry echoing in the darkness would surely follow her for the rest of her life. Would it be any easier if Will knew the truth? She didn’t think so.
No, the truth would only hurt even more.
Chapter 14
Saloma had been quiet for the remainder of their buggy ride. She brushed away the tears, hoping Elam didn’t see them. Pain exploded in her chest, and it felt as though someone had stacked an entire library of books on top of her. Every breath came with effort. She wondered if she and Will would ever be able to love another again. Right now, loving anyone the way she loved Will seemed unfathomable, and the thought of never seeing him again was excruciating. Oh, how she’d miss him!
“So, that was him?” Elam finally spoke, his voice compassionate. He turned the buggy down the country lane where Aunt Fannie lived.
“Jah.”
“I know it’s none of my business, but why did you break up, other than the fact that he’s Englisch?”
“I…I’m not ready to talk about it yet.” She sucked in a sob.
“I understand.” He brought the buggy to a stop. Elam’s hand gently rubbed the top of hers. “Listen, Saloma. Whenever you’re ready to talk, I’m willing to listen. And I won’t tell anyone.”
“Denki, Elam. You’re a kind man.”
His brow lifted slightly, accentuating his azure eyes.
“I hope we can be friends.”
“Jah, I’d like that.” If she were in search of another sweetheart, Elam would surely be a good match. But, at this moment, a romantic relationship with anyone seemed impossible.
“Goodnight, Saloma.”
She exited the buggy then watched until the flashing lights of Elam’s rig were out of sight. Save a few stars in the sky, darkness haunted this wretched night. She lifted her face to the heavens and closed her eyes, a slight breeze caressing her face. Please help us through this, God. This is so, so hard. I don’t know how to move on without him, Lord, but I know I have to. I wish it didn’t have to hurt so much. Please take our pain and help us both to live again.
<><><>
The two hours of fitful sleep he’d received didn’t give Will the rest he desired or needed. He glanced at the alarm clock and determined it would still be a few hours before daylight appeared. He grabbed the extra pillow, and shoved it under his head and stared up at the ceiling in the dark. Echoes down the hallway told him that not everyone in this motel had sleep in mind. If he planned to drive back to Uncle George’s place first thing in the morning, he’d better get some shut eye.
Thoughts of Sally were torture enough, notwithstanding his unsettling dreams. What could they have meant? He cast his anxious thoughts aside, buried his head under the blanket, and determined to find some rest. Tomorrow would be a long, lonely day.
<><><>
The Amish woman in the motel lobby had to be a sign. He had to at least try to talk to Sally one more time before he left town.
“Excuse me, ma’am. Do you know where the nearest Amish schoolhouse is?”
The woman eyed him warily.
“I’m looking for Saloma. She’s the new schoolteacher from Pennsylvania.”
The woman nodded in recognition. She gave Will directions, which he quickly wrote down on the closest thing available – a motel napkin.
“Thank you.” He reached for one of the cinnamon rolls provided as part of the motel’s continental breakfast. He looked at the Amish woman. “Did you make this?”
She nodded demurely.
“It’s the best I’ve ever had.” He quickly grabbed a couple of napkins and a cup of coffee, and hurried out the door.
Twenty minutes later, he arrived at his destination. School children played all around and barely seemed to notice him. He strode into the schoolroom to see Sally hunched over the teacher’s desk.
“Hey, beautiful.”
“Will! Ach, what are you doing here?”
“I had to talk to you before I left.”
“School will start in just a little while. I don’t have a lot of time.”
“Just answer one question for me. Why did you leave?”
“Will, I’m not supposed to say anything.”
“What do you mean, you’re not supposed to say anything? Who told you to keep quiet, and why would you listen to them?”
She shook her head.
“Sally, please. I need some answers.” He raked his hand through his hair. “I cannot just walk away from the woman I love, without a reason!”
Tears shot to Sally’s eyes. “Will, please don’t do this! It’s hard enough.”
“How do you think I feel? At least you have answers. I’m in the dark here. Please, Sally, how do you expect me to leave you forever for no apparent reason?”
“Not forever. We will both be in Heaven, ain’t so?”
“Yes, that’s true. But, who’s to say we can’t work through this? Sally, love and faith can conquer anything.” He took her hands in his.
“I told you. I have Elam now,” her voice shook. She pulled her hands away.
“Baloney! Do you think I believe that for one second? You don’t make a good liar, Sally.”
Her cheeks reddened. “I told you that I cannot say anything. If he finds–” Sally abruptly stopped. “I’ve already said too much.”
“Who’s he? The bishop?” Will searched her eyes to find the answer. “Do you mean my Uncle George?”
She didn’t need to say a word. He had his answer. Yes, this is exactly something that his uncle might do. He’d been against Will and Sally’s union from day one. “What did he do? Did he threaten you?”
“No, Will.”
“What did he say to you?”
Sally frowned.
“Never mind. I’ll make him give me the answers.” He looked out the window at his Jeep and determined his next move. He reached for Sally’s hand. “Please, Sally, wait for me. Don’t give up on us yet. I’m going to do everything in my power to make it work between us. Please don’t give your heart to anyone else.”
She shook her head. “Will–”
He placed his fingers over her lips. “I know you think it’s impossible. God will make a way. I’m sure of it. Our God moves mountains, Sally. He works things out that seem impossible. Have faith, sweetheart.”
“You don’t understand.”
“No. You don’t understand. With God all things are possible.” He leaned across the desk and kissed her cheek. “Next time I come back here, I’m taking you as my bride. Goodbye, my sweet Sally.”
<><><>
Sally wanted to break down in tears. If Will only knew that it really was impossible. She was quite certain that even God would not intervene this time. Could He turn back the hands of time? Will would surely be devastated when he found out the truth – a secret kept for years.
An undeniable secret.
Chapter 15
By the time Will reached his uncle’s estate, he was livid. And determined. And desperate for answers.
He tore in to the circular drive, thrust the gear shift into park, and screeched to a halt. He stormed into the mansion and sought out his uncle. A twist and jerk of the handle on Uncle George’s office door, with no result, reminded him that his uncle’s office was off-limits. He pounded on the door.
“Uncle George, are you in there?” his shout echoed through the house.
The house was quiet. Where was Uncle George?
He moved to check the library, the den, and then scrambled up the spiral staircase in search of his uncle, but he was nowhere to be found.
“William?”
He leaned over the balustrade and frowned at his uncle.
“What is all this ruckus?”
William careened down the staircase, like a bulldozer plunging full-speed into a mound of dirt. “I demand you tell me what happened! Why did Sally leave, and what do you have to do with it?” His temperature escalated with each word.
Uncle George answered calmly, “If I gave you an answer for that, you wouldn’t like it, William. It’s better if you don’t know. You should just move on with your life.”
“No. I’m not stepping aside. I want answers!”
Uncle George expelled a heavy sigh. “I can’t. I promised your parents.”
My parents? “What do my parents have to do with this?”
“I’ve already said too much.” He walked to his office door. “I’m sorry, William. I’m not at liberty to say.”
“Please. I need answers.” Will’s throat became dry, and he felt tears of frustration threatening once again.
“It’s for your own protection. Please, just forget about all this, and move on with your life. It’s for the best.” He shook his head and stared a hole into the floor. “How I wish you’d never met that girl.”
Will’s jaw went slack. He heard the lock turn on his uncle’s office door. Once again, he’d been locked out from the answers he so desperately wanted, so desperately needed.
<><><>
Will attempted to listen to the professor’s words, but he could only hear the thoughts in his head. At this rate, he may as well just quit school. It certainly wasn’t doing him any good.
How would he make a good counselor for someone else if he couldn’t even deal with his own issues? Was this God’s way of letting him experience what his future clients would be going through?
All he knew was
that this was painful. He wanted answers, and it frustrated him to no end that those with the answers wouldn’t share them. What did Uncle George mean by ‘it’s for your own protection’? What did he need to be protected from? Was his life in danger somehow? Were his parents part of the Mafia, or something?
Another thought crossed his mind. Was Sally’s life in danger too? Is that why Uncle George sent her away? Had he led the enemies to her doorstep by showing up in Kentucky? He thought carefully about what she’d said. Did she leave any clues that her life might be in danger? She’d said ‘he’ couldn’t find out, but Will assumed she’d been referring to Uncle George. Maybe someone else had threatened her…the person who was trying to take their house, perhaps?
Will felt like pounding his head into the table in front of him. How could he protect Sally if he had no clue what was going on? Did he even know what was going on?
One thing he did know for sure – he would find the answers.
Chapter 16
Will took in his surroundings as he walked to his Jeep. He hadn’t noticed anyone suspicious. He made sure to check his rearview mirrors to be certain he wasn’t being followed. With his wild imagination, he couldn’t help but be a little paranoid. However, if someone wanted to take him out, wouldn’t they have done it already?
He pulled into the circular drive and jogged to the house. Maybe he should have parked in the garage this time. He hoped Uncle George would be home. He made sure to lock the door behind him, just in case someone had foul play in mind.
“Uncle George, are you here?” He knew the chances of his uncle being home in the middle of the day were slim, but nothing seemed to be normal lately.
An Undeniable Secret (Amish Secrets--Book 4) Page 7