Oh look! It’s snowing!” Michelle pointed out the living-room window. “I hope it sticks and we end up with a white Christmas. Isn’t this exciting?” She glanced in Sara’s direction, but the Lapps’ granddaughter didn’t look up from the book she was reading as she lay stretched out on the couch. Today was Monday—Sara’s day off from working at the flower shop—and she’d acted kind of tired all morning.
Michelle pursed her lips. Didn’t Sara hear what I said, or is she ignoring me on purpose? How much longer will she carry a grudge against me? In Michelle’s eyes, it seemed like nothing she said or did around Sara was right. Guess I should be used to it, but by now, I’d hoped for a different outcome.
Michelle pressed her nose against the window’s cold glass and blew her breath, watching it steam up. I won’t let Sara bring me down. Michelle encouraged herself with the pleasure of watching the lightweight feathery snowflakes float slowly to the ground. Then she drew a smiley face before wiping the glass clean.
Ever since Michelle had announced that she wanted to become Amish and had begun wearing plain clothes, Sara’s attitude toward her had become even colder. It didn’t make sense. Why should she care that I’ve decided to join the Amish church? Michelle asked herself.
Sighing, she moved away from the window. “Think I’ll go down to the basement and tell Mary Ruth it’s snowing. I also want to see if she needs my help with the laundry.”
“I already asked, and she said no.” Sara lifted her head from the pillow. “But go ahead if you want to. Maybe she’ll accept your help.”
Ignoring Sara’s sarcastic tone, Michelle left the room and headed for the basement. Whether Mary Ruth allowed her to help with the laundry or not, at least her company would be more pleasant than Sara’s.
Before going downstairs, Michelle stopped in the kitchen to get a drink of water. Leaning against the counter, she took a deep breath. Sometimes I wish I could move out and get a place of my own. It’s hard being in the same house with Sara.
Without coming out and actually saying so, Sara had been relentless in reminding Michelle how she felt. Her actions spoke louder than words. Sara’s grandparents had accepted Michelle’s apology, but it was obvious Sara was not ready to forgive Michelle for what she had done.
I need to get a job before I can move out. But since I have no car or horse and buggy, I’d have to find a place to live in that’s close enough to walk to my job and to wherever church is being held, since I’m now taking classes with Ezekiel. Guess I’ll have to stay put awhile longer and quit feeling sorry for myself.
Michelle’s thoughts went to the first Sunday class she’d taken with Ezekiel. The group consisted of ten young people, made up of mostly young women, but there were four men who were no doubt ready for marriage. One fella seemed older than the others. He was there with a younger woman whose resemblance to him was uncanny. Michelle figured she must be his sister or cousin. She liked how the classes and church were held on Sundays. It wasn’t as bad as she’d thought it would be either. The instructional lessons were based on what the Amish called the Dordrecht Confession of Faith. It was an important statement of the Amish faith that had been written in the Netherlands in 1632. The ministers who were present during the class encouraged the youth and exhorted them to study the complete articles of faith and the scriptures that supported each one. Two articles per Sunday were used, as well as Bible stories of faithful patriarchs. On that first Sunday, those in the class learned about article 1, “Of Faith in God and the Creation,” as well as article 2, “Of the Transgression by Adam of the Divine Command.”
The one thing that stood out the most in Michelle’s mind was that without faith it was impossible to please God, and that those who came to God must believe there is a God and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
Reflecting on her desire to please God, Michelle decided that she needed to pray for her parents, and perhaps even make an effort to contact them. While she had no desire to go back home, letting them know where she was and what her plans were for the future would be the right thing to do. There was also a chance that if she talked to her mom or dad, they might know what happened to Ernie and Jack.
On the second Sunday of classes, they were taught article 3, “Of the Restoration and Reconciliation of the Human Race with God,” and article 4, “Of the Coming of our Redeemer and Savior Jesus Christ.”
It was also a comfort knowing Ezekiel was taking the classes. While Michelle understood most of what had been said, it had been more difficult to deal with some of the curious stares from the others in the class.
I’m not giving up, she told herself. People can stare all they want. Michelle sighed, allowing her thoughts to return to the present. Guess I feel the same about Sara and won’t surrender to her either. Maybe someday she’ll understand the situation I was in that made me do that deceitful thing.
Before heading downstairs, Michelle glanced out the kitchen window and a smile formed on her lips. I hope it keeps snowing. It’s so pretty when everything gets covered in white.
As Brad entered the town of Strasburg, the sight of several horse and buggies heading in the opposite direction brought a smile to his lips. He was definitely back in Amish country, and happy to be on his way to the Lapps’. While Christmas was still a few days away, he’d decided to stop by their place to say hello and deliver a gift before heading over to Ned’s apartment. Willis and Mary Ruth’s home wasn’t too far out of the way, and he was eager to see how they were doing. The couple had always treated Brad with genuine warmth. He couldn’t help being drawn to their open-hearted kindness.
“I’d say the world would be a better place if there were more people in it like Willis and Mary Ruth Lapp,” Brad said out loud, before slowing down to avoid hitting a dog. Fortunately, after he honked his horn, the mutt moved out of the way.
“People should keep their dogs in the yard,” he muttered. “It’s not safe for them to get out in the road.”
After driving several more blocks, Brad turned his vehicle off the main road and headed farther out to the country. Snowflakes had begun to fall, and he turned on his windshield wipers to whisk them away. The roads were still bare, and hopefully would remain that way until later when he headed to Ned’s place.
“Snow for Christmas would be kind of nice.” Grinning, he sang “Jingle Bells,” followed by “White Christmas.” By the time Brad reached the Lapps’ driveway, he was definitely in the Christmas spirit.
He parked his van near the barn, got out, and started for the house. Then, remembering the Christmas cactus he’d picked up before leaving Clarks Summit, he ran back to the vehicle. Brad had opened the door on the passenger’s side when Willis stepped out of the barn.
“Howdy, Brad. Sure good to see you.” Willis stepped up to Brad and gave him a hearty handshake. Snowflakes landed on Willis’s hat, turning the brim and top white.
“It’s great to see you too.” Brad looked around. “Are Mary Ruth and Sara inside?”
“Yes, and so is Michelle. I have a few more things to take care of in the barn, but why don’t you go ahead to the house? When I come in we can sit down and talk awhile.”
“Sounds good.” Brad had no idea who Michelle was or why Willis had mentioned her. He assumed she must be a friend or some relative he hadn’t met before. “Before I go in though, do you need some assistance with your chores in the barn? I’d be happy to help with anything.”
Willis shook his head. “Thank you, but it’s nothing I can’t handle myself. Besides, you’ve been driving a few hours and probably should relax awhile. You go on ahead. I’m sure the ladies will be glad to see you.”
“All right then. I’ll see you in a bit.” Carrying the cactus, Brad made his way up to the house. He stepped onto the front porch and knocked on the door. When it opened, a beautiful young woman with long blond hair looked at him with a curious expression. He figured she must be Michelle.
“May I help you?” she asked.
“Yeah, I’m here to see Sara and Mary Ruth. Willis said they were both in the house.”
The young woman tilted her head to the right. “I’m Sara, and Mary Ruth is in the basement with her other houseguest. Would you like me to call her?”
Brad scratched the side of his head. “You said your name is Sara?”
“That’s right.”
“Are there two women named Sara here today?”
“No, just one.” She pointed to herself. “I’m Sara Murray—Willis and Mary Ruth’s granddaughter.”
“Huh?” With a jerk of his head, Brad’s mind raced, searching for answers but finding none. This made no sense. Had Willis set this up to play a trick on him? Mary Ruth’s husband was full of wit, but how could he have known Brad would be stopping by here today? As far as Willis knew, Brad wasn’t coming to their house until Christmas Day.
The pretty blond’s blue eyes seemed to bore into him. “The Lapps are my grandparents, but since it appears you don’t believe me, I’ll get my grandmother. Please, wait here on the porch.” She closed the door so quickly, Brad felt a whoosh of air.
He shuffled over to the wooden bench on the covered porch, set the plant on the small table next to the bench, and sat down. Wish I would’ve brought a pair of gloves with me.
Pulling his coat collar up closer around his neck, then blowing on his cold hands, Brad felt more confused than ever. How can that woman’s name be Sara Murray? It has to be some kind of a joke.
After a few minutes, the front door opened. This time, he was greeted by Mary Ruth. “Oh dear. I’m sorry you were left out here in the cold. When Sara said someone was waiting on the porch to see me, I had no idea it was you.” She stepped out, and when Brad stood up, Mary Ruth gave him a hug. “We didn’t expect you until next week, on Christmas Day.”
“Right.” Brad bent down and picked up the cactus. “I came into town a few days early, and since I’d bought this for you, I decided to drop by before going to my friend Ned’s place.”
She looked up, offering him one of her sweet smiles. “I’m glad you did. Now please come inside out of the cold. The way it’s snowing right now, the flakes are beginning to blow in on the porch.”
“Yeah, you’re right.” Brad followed Mary Ruth into the house and handed her the plant. The house was pleasantly warm and just as inviting as he remembered. It made him wish the snow would fall a little harder so he could stay.
“Thank you, Brad. This is a lovely cactus, and it was so thoughtful of you.” She placed it on the table in the entryway. “Come into the living room now. Sara is waiting there, and I’d like to introduce her to you.”
Brad raised his eyebrows but remained silent. Why would Mary Ruth need to introduce me to Sara? After all the time I spent with her this summer, I should know Sara pretty well by now. Could Mary Ruth be in on the little charade Willis set up?
When Brad entered the living room, he was surprised to see the blond-haired woman who had claimed to be Sara sitting on the couch.
“Brad, this is our granddaughter Sara.” Mary Ruth gestured to the young woman, then motioned to him. “Sara, this is Brad Fuller. As we mentioned before, he will be our guest for Christmas dinner.”
“But I thought …” He quickly ended his comment. Holding his earlobe between his thumb and index finger, Brad gave it a tug. He was about to ask if Mary Ruth was teasing him, when a woman with auburn hair, wearing an Amish dress and a white kapp on her head, entered the room.
“Oh Brad, you came early.” She came slowly toward him.
He stared at her in disbelief. It was Sara—the one he’d gotten to know this past summer.
“I need to confess something. My name isn’t Sara Murray—it’s Michelle Taylor.” Her eyes glistened with tears as she pointed to the blond-haired woman. “She’s the real Sara, and I–I’m an imposter. At least, I was when you thought I was her.”
Brad’s muscles tightened and his head jerked back. He was speechless. Apparently this was no joke. He, however, felt like a fool. How could this woman who’d pretended to be the Lapps’ granddaughter have pulled the wool over his eyes? I’m a smart man, Brad told himself. I should have sensed she was lying to me. And what about the Lapps? How did they feel when they found out the truth?
From the affection Brad saw on Mary Ruth’s face as she looked at Michelle, he realized there was no displeasure. If he were being honest with himself, Brad had to admit there had always been this feeling about the young woman named Michelle that hadn’t seemed right. It was as though she’d been hiding something, yet he couldn’t discern what it was. He’d let his guard down and had foolishly been taken in by her. He should have gone with his gut instinct and asked the right questions or probed deeper into her personal life.
Brad pressed his lips tightly together, lest he say the wrong thing. Now it all made sense. He felt a mixture of betrayal and anger. And on top of his frustration with Michelle, here sat the real Sara Murray, and he had no idea what to say to either of them. The way Sara sat with her arms folded, he doubted she wanted to talk at all. But Brad couldn’t leave until he had some answers. Not only about the reason Michelle had lied to him, but he wanted to know why she was dressed in Amish clothes.