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Josiah held back while Arlana made the introductions, then stepped forward when she finally gestured toward him, "Jaira, I'd like you to meet Josiah."
Unlike Lachlan, he didn't hold out his hand, keeping a modest distance between himself and the opposite sex, sister-in-law or not. Physical contact was inappropriate.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," he smiled warmly, making up for what appeared as cool disdain. He immediately picked up her bulky suitcase, "I am sorry to have learned of your grandfather's passing. I pray your heart will be at peace," he adjusted the weight of the suitcase in his hand, "You must be starving after your journey. My mother has dinner prepared."
Jaira raised an eyebrow but nodded.
"They are my neighbours," Arlana explained as they followed Josiah to the waiting car.
"Actually," Jaira paused, nibbling on her bottom lip, "I was wondering if you would mind if we go to Grampie's grave. I don't know if I will ever be allowed back and well, with Grandpa gone too..."
"Of course," Lachlan answered. "We can pick up some flowers from here then head straight to the cemetery on the way home...."
Jaira smiled, suddenly shy then dipped into the back seat beside Aziel, "Thanks."
The sisters sat on either side of Aziel in the backseat. Josiah didn't say a word, turning into town.
The men waited in the car while the sisters entered the florist shop, picking out three roses - one for each of them - Arlana, Jaira and Aziel to place on his grave.
"I cannot go anywhere near the cemetery," Josiah stated as Lachlan turned onto the street where the cemetery was located.
Lachlan raised an eyebrow but parked at the end of the street.
"We'll wait for you here," he turned around in the front seat, "The cemetery is just down the road before you get to the hill."
Arlana nodded, she had been there once before and had a general idea where she was going.
The men waited in the car, watching as the sisters disappeared from view, Aziel holding his mother's hand.
Arlana and Jaira picked their way through the military section of the graveyard, the only other visitors, gigantic mosquitoes. The grave wasn't easy to find.
Long abandoned.
Life has a way of leaving the past behind in the rat race of life.
****
THEY DIDN'T SPEAK OF their experience at the grave once they returned to the car and truly, it wasn't necessary.
Within the hour, the tires crunched on gravel as Lachlan turned down Apple Lane, pulling up into the driveway a few minutes later. The porch lights were on, soft light welcoming the visitors.
"Wow," Jaira breathed, unfastening her seat belt, "This is a big change for you eh? It reminds me of home."
"Yes, it is wonderful."
Josiah brought in Jaira's suitcase from the trunk, pausing to speak over his shoulder, his voice soft, "Please wash your hands before we enter. Cemeteries are unclean," indicating the wash basin on a stand outside the entrance with his free hand.
Arlana flushed, embarrassed. What had she seen in him? She avoided looking at her sister, knowing Jaira probably thought he was a jerk too.
The sisters dipped their hands in the evening cooled water, Rivkah's lemon scented handmade soap lathering beautifully. Josiah watched in silence, the tantalizing scent of the evening meal wafting through the door he held open for them.
Hands were still damp when Jaira found herself embraced, "You look so much like your sister!" Rivkah stepped back, "Welcome my dear. I hope your journey wasn't difficult."
"My mother," Josiah explained with a smile, "Rivkah."
Rivkah exudes warmth even in the sparkle of her eyes, undimmed with age. Holding Jaira's hands, she drew the youngest sister into the warmth of her home, "Come in!" Turning to introduce her eldest son to the newcomer, "My firstborn, Shaul. You've already met Josiah."
Shaul nodded, his eyes fixed on Jaira. Her sadness could be read like pages in a book.
Jaira bit her lip, looking away.
"Welcome home," Shaul smiled.
The conversation was light as they partook of the festive meal Rivkah had spent the day preparing, the mood joyful as they closed the first day of the New Year's celebration. Throughout the evening, the family was more than hospitable, making their guests feel at home.
"Thank you for dinner, Rivkah," Arlana hugged the older woman after they had helped her with the dishes, "We really should be going though, we have to leave early for the funeral."
"Of course Dear," Rivkah turned to embrace Jaira, "My heart will be with you tomorrow."
Looking into her soft eyes, it was clear she meant every word.
"I'll get your suitcase," Lachlan offered, bidding goodnight to the men.
Shaul bid his guests farewell, wishing them travelling mercies in the morning. They stood still as he prayed a blessing over them, pausing for Josiah to join him, saying the daily blessing over Aziel. Josiah kissed the boy's head, then Shaul finished his prayer.
"I would go with you if I could," Josiah spoke, his voice low as he walked them to the door.
Arlana nodded, their eyes meeting, but his words hadn't reached her heart. He would make a way if she was really important to him.
Their steps echoed down the front stairs as they disappeared into the night.
****
"HERE, LET ME HELP YOU with your suitcase," Lachlan brought the luggage just inside the door before turning away from the house, "I'll be here by 7:30. We'll pick up a bite to eat on the road."
With a glance over his shoulder, he was gone, leaving the siblings to catch up.
"I can see why you are so happy here," Jaira pulled a couch throw over her shoulders as the sisters sat together on the couch, "I'm sure it makes a big difference in comparison to my life. I barely see my neighbours or in-laws and as for William, he barely acknowledges me."
Arlana twisted her fingers in her lap. Her life was far from perfect, but how much could she share?
"You know...I haven't even cried over Grandpa yet. The tears just won't come. Maybe if I had some time alone, some silence, I could grieve." Yet even as she said those words, she knew that wasn't the source of her dry eyes.
"Don't feel bad. I haven't cried either. I don't know what's wrong with me. I guess I'm just too stressed out about what is going to happen tomorrow. What do you think they are going to say?" Jaira's face blanched.
"I'm dreading it too. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad you are here. I'm just afraid of what their reaction will be. It'll be too late though, so they are just going to have to deal with it."
"Arlana, I really think I shouldn't have come. This feels like a big mistake."
"Let's just hope we get there early tomorrow."
Jaira nodded, looking away.
"So, have you seen Jorken since you left? I can't get over the fact you actually left Jorken. Are you and Lachlan together?" She didn't beat around the bush.
"No, I haven't seen Jorken," Arlana adjusted her oversized sweater, thankful for the soft light, "Lachlan and I aren't together. He's just a really good friend."
Jaira raised an eyebrow, looking at her sister. Arlana wasn't telling the entire truth. Jaira knew her sister well enough to see the chemistry between her and Lachlan all evening.
"I wish I could leave too. Find happiness - real love. I can't tell you how many times I've dreamed of leaving William and never coming back."
"Maybe this is your opportunity," Arlana leaned forward, "What if you don't come back? I'm serious Jaira! Maybe God has opened this door for you...."
"This is crazy..."
"Or a miracle," Arlana pointed out.
She didn't have any great fondness for William either. The feeling was mutual.
Lachlan had been easy on the eyes, Jaira had to admit, and if Arlana was being honest... Ontario wasn't isolated like her neck of the woods. She had been wrong to marry an unbeliever. Surely God would show her some mercy. This just might be it.
For the first time in a long time, Jaira's eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope.
"We have a big day tomorrow," Arlana smiled, her words heavy with meaning. What if she was right? It would be wonderful to have her sister live closer, even if they weren't neighbours. Just to have her in the same province would be incredible. If she fell in love with someone here....just not Lachlan though.
Arlana led the way to the guest room. "Goodnight Jaira. I'm really glad you came."