Chapter 1
E LLIE
There’s no one I can’t stand more than Henry Yoder.
I know. It’s not very Amish of me to say that because everyone and their grossmammi knows that Amish have to forgive everything. It’s not even an option. It’s built into our DNA. But, with Henry, I just can’t make myself.
I don’t even want to look his way. And I won’t.
Because if I do, I’ll get trapped in his dumm mesmerizing sea-green eyes.
Then he’ll lift his dumm cocky brow and wink at me.
And then his dumm kissable lips will twitch at the corners.
No.
Not kissable.
Disgusting.
Jah .
Because Henry Yoder does not have kissable lips. Nor does he deserve a second glance.
Not since he stole my lunchbox in fourth grade. And smirked as he ate my peanut butter and jelly sandwich right in front of me. Then he proceeded to consume my entire bag of barbeque chips. Barbeque, y’all! Then my fuji apple. Then, last but not least, he devoured my beloved whoopie pie.
Jah , the whoopie pie was an unforgivable offense for sure and certain. And he had the audacity to lick his fingers right in front of me!
And has he ever apologized? No. No, he has not. Not even once.
Like he’s proud about what he did. And everyone knows pride is a sin. One of the worst, actually. After all, it is the sin that made the devil fall. Not to mention, it goes against the Ordnung too. Jah , Henry Yoder is definitely full of pride.
Just one more reason not to like him.
No apology. No forgiveness.
Upset couldn’t begin to describe how I felt that day. I was humiliated in front of my friends, but I never told the teacher about Henry’s antics. The truth is our substitute teacher that day was kind of mean. And as angry as I was at Henry, I didn’t want him to get a switching. But I am determined to pay him back. Someday.
“Ellie, Henry Yoder asked if you’d ride home with him tonight. Again.” My brother Elijah pulls me into the hallway of the Grabers’ home, a scowl on his face. “One of these days, you should just go with him.”
“Not on his life.” I move to the side, but Elijah blocks my way. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, Mary and Lizzie need me on the team.”
He stops me with a hand on my shoulder. “What should I tell him?”
“Same as the last seven times he asked. No.”
“ Kumm on, Ellie. Won’t you give him just one chance? One. That’s it. He’s going to keep asking until you say yes.”
That is just dumm . Like he will still be asking when I’m thirty-two and happily married.
“Nope.” I move past my brother and hurry to the back door toward the volleyball game that has surely begun without me by now.
Would Henry ever leave me alone? One would think he would’ve gotten the hint by now. But no. He keeps asking. Like he’s trying to wear me down. Well, I’ve got news for him. He’s not going to win at this game.
Of course, Henry Yoder would have to be at the net opposite me. And, of course, that attractive dark lock of hair would have to fall over his forehead. And, of course, that cocky grin displayed a row of perfectly straight white teeth.
No, the dark lock of hair is not attractive. Henry Yoder is not attractive. Even if half the single women in the g’may swoon over him every time his buggy rolls up to one of the young folks’ gatherings.
Besides, I’m beginning to acquire a certain fondness for crooked teeth. Crooked teeth have more character. And white teeth? So overrated. That only means the guy doesn’t drink coffee. Who could live with someone who couldn’t appreciate a decent cup of coffee? And who is looking for perfectly straight white teeth anyway? Not me. No, siree.