Chapter 29
E LLIE
I can’t put my finger on what it is, but Henry seems off tonight. And although he has assured me everything is fine, I’m not convinced that is the case.
He’s been unusually quiet since we began our buggy ride and he’s sitting farther away than usual. Like he’s trying not to touch me. I’m a little worried about him. About us .
“How are your sewing projects coming along?” He asks casually, as though he’s not trying to take the focus off himself. There’s something wrong, for sure and certain, that he doesn’t want me to know about.
I sigh. “Fine.”
“I’m sorry the auction and breakfast didn’t bring in as much as your dat had hoped.” I can sense there’s something else behind his words.
I shrug. “It was still a blessing. We can’t make money appear out of thin air.”
“ Nee , I suppose not.” He turns toward my house.
“Is your mamm or Ivy home tonight?” I’m a little surprised he isn’t taking me by his house first.
He shrugs. “Ivy could be.”
“What would you like to do tonight? We could play a game, and I can make some snacks.”
He rubs the back of his neck like he’s uncomfortable. “I, um, I’m a little tired tonight. I probably won’t come in.”
And that’s when I know he’s putting me off. I stare at him. “Henry, what’s wrong?” I hear the small quiver in my voice, but I’m doing my best to keep my emotions in check.
“Nothing.” He doesn’t look at me but works his jaw. “I just have a full week ahead of me. I should probably get some rest.”
He’s making excuses and I know it. Because he’s never chosen sleep or work over me. Has he changed his mind about us? My resolve begins to crumble at the thought.
When we pull up to the house, he doesn’t move to get down but leans over and pecks me on the cheek. “Good night, Ellie.” Then he just sits there like he’s waiting for me to leave.
Tears prick my eyes now. I don’t want a peck on the cheek!
Henry’s going to get a real kiss from me whether he wants one or not.
I take hold of his face and press my lips to his, but the kiss is just not the same. Henry doesn’t move his lips or his head or anything. He’s stiff and rigid.
I push back. “Fine! If that’s what you want then I’m going inside.”
I’m upset because Henry has never rejected me before, and now I just feel like a fool. What happened to the words he uttered just a few days ago about doing anything for me? About being in love with me? Well, there’s none of that now. As a matter of fact, it feels like Henry doesn’t even want to be near me.
Have I done something to make him not love me anymore?
I scramble down from the buggy and hurry toward the house.
“Ellie, wait.” I ignore Henry’s weak halfhearted plea.
As soon as the door closes behind me, I dissolve into a heap of tears. Because, from the way things are looking, Henry and I aren’t courting anymore.
That’s just like Henry Yoder to get me to fall in love with him and then go and pull the rug from under my feet. Is that what he’s been doing the whole time? Just wooing me for no good reason?
Love? I shove away my tears and frown.
Nee , it’s not love. It can’t be.
For sure and certain, I do not love Henry Yoder!