Chapter 10 #3
The evening was more than a little enjoyable.
For Max it was a complete contrast to the family life he’d known growing up.
Now with the games over and the younger children bound for baths and bed, Max took the opportunity to stroll the gardens with Evie.
He hoped she would continue their conversation from earlier and explain what was troubling her so much.
Evie gave a heavy sigh, and Max could see the worry in her expression. He found himself wishing he could take her in his arms to offer comfort. He longed to assure her that he was worthy of her trust.
“I really can be trusted to keep my mouth shut,” he said, smiling. “It seems a terrible burden you’re carrying alone.”
“It’s just that everyone has long expected me to be a nurse. It’s my father’s dearest wish that I work at his side, and for most of my life it was my wish too.”
“What happened to change that?”
She glanced around, and this time Max did as well.
When he looked back to her, she was shaking her head.
“I’m not suited to it at all.” Her voice was barely a whisper.
“In fact, I get quite ill in certain situations.” She stopped walking and seemed to collect herself.
“I hate nursing. I forced myself to endure thinking surely God would take away my discomfort. Instead, I continue to get sick when performing surgeries and sometimes faint at the sight of too much blood. It’s horrible.
My dear supervisor did what she could to get me through, but I can’t spend the rest of my life this way. ”
“Why not just tell everyone the truth?”
“I want to, but I know it’s going to hurt them.
Everyone, even complete strangers in town, have expected me to come home to help my father.
Goodness, but a throng of them greeted me at the train station when I returned.
They’ve been so supportive, even giving money to help father build the new hospital.
I keep telling myself I can do this at least for a time.
It’s just a small eight-bed hospital, although Father intends to double it in size within two years. ”
She met Max’s gaze, and he saw that her dark eyes had dampened. “I just don’t think I can do it.”
“I’m so sorry. I can see this is a terrible burden for you.”
“I can’t believe I just told you any of this.
I’ve kept it to myself knowing that I would eventually speak to Evan about it, but I felt I wasn’t ready.
Now here I am rambling on about it with you.
I suppose that’s due to how easy it is to talk to you.
” She smiled. “I’ve felt that way since we first met. ”
“I’ve felt it as well.” He smiled. “You really can trust me to say nothing.”
Family night had gone quite well with everyone having a grand time.
It would be one of the very last with everyone present, since Evie knew Andrew and Jacob would soon leave.
She had overheard her mother telling Father that it was so hard to see her children leave home, but at the same time she was so proud of their accomplishments.
“She won’t be so proud of me when I finally tell the truth.”
Evie didn’t know what had come over her that she should just confess to Max Garrison.
She had done her level best to avoid speaking her heart to anyone, and then without warning she found herself just pouring out everything to Max.
What was wrong with her? Now she would have to speak at least to Evan.
They had always told each other everything, and to keep such a major issue from him would make him feel slighted.
She sighed and looked out into the darkness from her open window. Why couldn’t life be easier? Why couldn’t things just go the way she wanted them to? The restlessness was getting the better of her.
She crossed the room and took up her robe.
If only she were a stronger person, then she could meet the requirements of nursing.
After all, with the help of her supervisor and peppermint oil, she had at least managed to get through her training.
Maybe in time, perseverance and determination would win out. But she doubted it.
Tying the belt on her robe, Evie knew it was time to have a talk with her twin. She couldn’t keep him in the dark forever. It had been hours since they’d all parted for bed, but somehow she knew he was still awake, perhaps even waiting for her to come.
She padded down the hallway as quietly as possible. No sense alerting the family to her inability to sleep. She gave a light knock on Evan’s door and wasn’t surprised at his immediate order to come in.
Evie stepped inside, then closed the door behind her. Evan was in his robe and pajamas, sitting with a book in front of his unlit fireplace. He had the electric light on, leaving her no doubt he was unable to sleep.
“I knew you’d come eventually,” he said, closing the book. “I hope this means you’re ready to talk.”
Evie nodded. “I’m sorry I’ve taken so long to do so. It’s just that I’ve been quite overwhelmed and not at all sure what to do.”
“Well, sit down and tell me all about it.” Evan smiled and eased back in his chair. “Together we shall figure it out.”