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Rivkah lit a tapered candle, then holding the first, she lit a second candle before returning the original. After moving her hands over the candles, she raised both hands to cover her eyes.
“Blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light Shabbat candles."
She stood still for a few moments in silence, before lowering her hands. "Shabbat Shalom," she smiled, turning towards her family.
Eating a piece of bread, Rivkah was the first to break the silence. "It is a lot to remember, but you will do well. It comes naturally with practice."
Arlana nodded, sipping the grape juice in her wine glass. She highly doubted any of this would be natural to her no matter how much she practiced, but it meant a lot that her mother-in-law believed in her.
In her spirit, Josiah's people were her people, their ways, her ways and yet, overwhelmed was a fair description of the emotions within her heart.
Celebrating the Sabbath together had been a beautiful experience, but Arlana felt overwhelmed. How would she ever remember everything?
What if she failed?
****
RIVKAH WAS MUCH QUIETER after Josiah left, although she seemed to find comfort in Aziel's company. The two shared a special bond.
Nearly three months had passed since Josiah had driven away. In his absence, Rivkah observed the Sabbath from the quiet confines of her house. Arlana and her son joined in, Aziel's absorbent mind easily memorized the blessings and Shema prayer. No one, observing mother and son, would know they had not been born Jews. Wherever he was, Josiah held her heart and her loyalty.
Rivkah was pleased with Arlana's progression. Within a few short months, Arlana had blended in beautifully, accepting their customs, laws and dress. The transition was going much smoother than she had anticipated. She smiled - they needed to make wedding plans, but first, Josiah needed to come home.
Arlana hadn't heard from her sister in the weeks that followed their visit to the farm. In fact, she hadn't heard from any of her family.
Rivkah interrupted Arlana's thoughts, "You look pale, are you alright? Perhaps you should get some rest. I'll watch Aziel, it is no trouble at all."
Arlana looked away, "I'm okay," she avoided the truth, "I was thinking perhaps Lachlan can take us into town? I'd like to look at some new dresses..."
Her clothes had grown tighter, unable to hide her condition much longer. Without a driver's license, she still hadn't figured out how she would be able to buy a few maternity dresses without Rivkah or Lachlan knowing she was pregnant. Between bouts of morning sickness and too tight clothing, she needed to do something about her wardrobe, deciding to "wing it" when they reached the town.
Rivkah smiled, "I'd love to go as well. There are a few things I have been needing to get."
Lachlan arrived a few hours later to check in on the ladies and stay for dinner as he had done every day for months.
"Would you mind taking us into town?" Arlana looked up when he entered the room. Their eyes met for a brief moment.
"Of course. Are you ready to go? Rivkah, would you like to come?"
"Yes, of course!" Rivkah called out from the kitchen, "Aziel and I will be right there."
Within thirty minutes they had reached the small town, Rivkah squinting to read her tiny cursive writing. "Do you want to meet back here?" she looked up from her list.
"Sounds good," Lachlan answered, stepping closer to Arlana, "I'll come with you. Aziel?"
"I want to go with Savta," Aziel slid his hand into Rivkah's.
Rivkah smiled down at him, "You know I will get you a treat, don't you?"
Aziel rewarded her with a dimpled grin.
"What's on your list?" Lachlan glanced down at Arlana after Rivkah had walked away, "Is there anything I can help you get?"
"I was hoping to look at some dresses," Arlana flushed, suddenly shy, but Lachlan just nodded. "Alright, well then I'll just grab a coffee...."
His phone vibrated in his pocket.
"One sec..." Lachlan held up his finger.
Arlana leaned against the shop's brick wall as Lachlan answered his phone, frowning at the number he didn't recognize.
"Hello?...yes, of course, one moment."
Expression quizzical, he held out his phone to Arlana, "The call's for you."
"Hello?"
Arlana held the phone, cupping her hand over the speaker so she could hear better. Lachlan guided her into the shop by her elbow, the soft music better than traffic.
"Hi Arlana, how are you? Is everything alright? You sound like you are out of breath," Arlana's mother asked in quick succession.
Arlana was shocked to hear from her mother, not to mention the fact she was calling Lachlan's phone, then remembered Adelaide mentioning she would give the family Arlana's contact information.
"My mom," Arlana covered the receiver, whispering to Lachlan who stood so close she could feel his warmth emanating through his shirt, his arm propped on the wall just beside her head. Lachlan's large frame was protective as he leaned over her, shielding her from prying eyes.
Absently, her fingers traced the outline of his shirt button, but Lachlan quickly pulled her hand away. Arlana flushed crimson realizing what it must have looked like, before turning away from Lachlan.
"Oh no, it's okay. I've been feeling under the weather lately but I'm actually just out shopping right now so maybe that is why I sound like this," she paused, "How are things over there?"
"That's why I'm calling," Sheila's voice increased in speed, "I wanted to let you know your grandfather's in the hospital. We only just found out he has cancer and he is actually in his last stages. The doctor is saying he can pass away at any moment. He is on borrowed time. We are going to try to book a flight ourselves for the end of the week."
Sheila's voice came out in short bursts, gasping for air. The news was crushing.
Arlana reached for Lachlan's hand, "I will do my best to get there."
Lachlan raised an eyebrow, but couldn't hear what was being said.
"I've asked your brothers to pick you up. I just need your address."
"Applewood Lane, R. R. 1, but I'm not home Mom. Perhaps they could pick me up here instead. I'm just in town and can meet them just outside Tim Horton's," glancing at the coffee shop directly across the street.
"I know they already left. I'll just text them and let them know where to meet you. I'm guessing they'll be there in twenty minutes or less. Honestly, Arlana, I have a gut feeling that this might be our last chance to see him this side of eternity. You guys need to hurry. Okay, I'll let you get ready."
Sheila wasn't giving her daughter much time.
Her mother hung up, leaving Arlana floored. Of all the grandchildren, Adelaide was the closest to their grandfather. His favourite. It helped that she lived less than ten minutes away. There was no time to let her mind wander. She needed to get Aziel.
Rivkah was just approaching the store when they stepped back out onto the sidewalk, the bright sunshine temporarily blinding, "Is everything okay?" she smoothed back a strand of stray hair, tucking it into her tichel.
"My mother just called. Grandpa is in the hospital. He likely isn't going to make it. My brothers are on their way to pick us up."
"I could have taken you," Lachlan frowned. He needed to be there for Arlana but it was too late, her brothers would be here any moment now.
"Oh you poor child, you've lost all colour!" Rivkah squeezed her hand, "Where are you going? When will you be back?" Questions tumbled over each other.
"Ottawa and I really don't know how long we'll be gone," she kissed her mother-in-law's cheek, "Don't worry, okay? I will try to contact you once we arrive."
This turn of events was unexpected. Rivkah nodded, wishing her son was home.