by Jordan Shay
After our ice cream we finally headed back home. I felt myself dozing off as we rode in the van. The hum of the wheels on the pavement provided a soft melody. At some point I must have fallen asleep, because I woke up to an abrupt male voice saying, “Here we are ladies. Have a good day.” It was the driver. I had fallen asleep on Mama and her head was lying on top of mine.
Nearly simultaneously, Mama and I blurt out, “Thank you, sir.” We both laughed at ourselves.
When we arrived home, it looked like Papa was gone. The buggy and horses were not there. I was thankful. After all, how would we explain all these extra bags? What if he questioned us? Mama and I took the bags inside, and she started the stove. Then she told me, “Get your bags upstairs, put your belongings in duffle bags under your bed. Then come down to help with the pies.”
I did as I was told. When I got to my room, I closed my door so nobody else would know what I was up to. Quickly, I went to my closet and grabbed two old duffle bags. The thought of Caleb and his uncle’s passing weighed heavily on my mind. I continued to pack, and managed to get all my new items into the bags. I even had some space to put some last minute items. But I would wait on that, until the day of my departure.
I went back downstairs to help Mama make the pies. Papa came back home as we were putting the fruit into the shells.
“Sad day when one of ours dies. But we will honor him, at his home, and bury him Thursday,” said Papa.
I thought about Caleb, and having to deal with the last details of his uncle’s life. Caleb would receive his uncle’s body early Thursday morning, just before the community shows up to pay their last respects. How painful. But Caleb was strong. And he knew it was his uncle’s time. Then I thought about the farm. Caleb would now inherit his uncle’s farm. My mind wandered, just as it always did. And for a slight minute, I wondered what if I would have ended up with Caleb. Would we be getting married after the funeral? Would I have moved into his uncle’s house with him, as his wife. After those thoughts raced through my head, I knew I was making the right choice to leave. I wasn’t ready to be a wife in anyone’s house.
Mama and I finished the pies and let them cool. Then we put them in the pie chest. They would be perfect for eating on Thursday.
Chapter Fourteen
Thursday morning came fast. We were all up early. It was the day we would pay our last respects to Caleb’s uncle. The day I would see Caleb, and maybe even Derek too. I had been so busy yesterday, I didn’t think about either one of them much. Getting food ready for the funeral with my mama helped to keep my mind off my life.
Papa hitched the horses to the buggy while Abe danced around chatting. Mama and I loaded all the food and pies. Other ladies would be bringing food and pies too. It wasn’t uncommon for hundreds of people to come to a funeral, so more food was better than not enough.
The ride to Caleb’s reminded me how close winter was. Mama threw a blanket over mine and Abe’s laps.
“Anna! Look! I can see my breath!” Abe laughed as he breathed heavily to prove his point. Mama and I laughed at his youthfulness.
When we arrived at Caleb’s a short time later, there were some folks already there. Everyone was hustling around, some were setting up a tent with chairs, ladies were going in and out of the house, and buggies were arriving one by one. There was not much talk, from anyone. Just busyness.
I didn’t see Caleb anywhere, but not from lack of looking. I was worried about him. I also kept looking for Derek. Nothing. My head was constantly on a swivel. I just continued to help where needed.
Finally, Caleb and I ran into each other in the yard.
I reached up to hug him, and he whispered, “I checked on him last night. He is well. He misses you,” said Caleb. Here we were, at his Uncle’s funeral, and he was still putting my first.
“Thanks, Caleb. But let’s not talk about Derek right now. How are you? Are you okay?” I asked.
“Ya, I’m fine. It was to be expected. He came back this morning from the morgue. He was embalmed. Laid out in the living room now. He looks good. Peaceful.”
I smiled and said, “Good to hear. Please...let me know if there is anything else you need.”
Caleb hugged me, and I embraced it. There was something that felt special about hugging that man. I felt so protected with him.
Time passed, and hundreds of people arrived to pay their respects. Folks gathered and made light talk. After everyone said goodbye and a prayer, and several of the men were ready to carry Caleb’s uncle out to his final resting place. Anna’s papa, Caleb, and some other men brought the simple wooden casket out of the house. They led the way to the family cemetery on the farm, about 500 yards away from the house. The community followed. When they arrived at the cemetery, the Bishop said some final words, and the men lowered the uncle into the hole in the ground. Each man then grabbed a shovel, and by hand, shoveled dirt to cover him. It didn’t take long. That many hands shoveling, it went pretty fast.
After the burial, folks shared in a meal and in family memories. This would probably be my last Amish funeral. After eating, I just sat there, watching my community interact. It was hard to believe that this would be a distant memory in a few short days. People started to leave, and I decided to go for a walk. I’d never really walked around this farm. I had only been here late in the night, and not much could be seen.
I walked past the dried up gardens and down the gravel drive. There was a small old milk house, not far from the entrance to the woods. I walked toward the woods, reminiscing about the events that happened in that cabin in the woods. I had no idea where life would be taking me in the next few weeks. Would I be on a farm? A big city? The beach? The mountains? The woods?
Nearing the milk house, I heard a sexy low voice whisper, “Get in here you sexy woman.” I looked to my left through the half-open door on the milk house. What the fuck was that? I heard a man laugh. My stomach lurched in fear for a minute, but then Derek’s handsome face peeked around the corner.
Thank God.
He made me smile from ear to ear. I ran toward him and jumped into Derek’s arms as he embraced me with passion. His arms were tight around me. My heart was pounding at his touch, and I immediately felt my body respond sexually. My nipples started to tingle, and I felt the familiar ache in my clit. I wanted to this man so badly. Derek kicked the door closed with the heel of his boot, and began kissing me, first on my cheek, working down to my neck, then back to my lips. He pressed down hard and nibbled. A bolt of pain shot through my lips, and I started to pull away. His strong arms pulled me back and I laughed. It hurt, but I kind of liked it.
After a minute, I pulled back and said, “How are you? You look great! Your arm? Is it healing? Oh my God Derek. I’ve missed you so much”
Derek smiled, “Good, I’m great. Arm is great. So fucking happy to see you. You’ve been constantly on my mind.”
“Ya, it’s been a crazy few days. I’ve thought about you so much.” In the back of my mind I wondered if I had thought about Caleb more than Derek. Maybe that was because of his uncle’s passing. Maybe.
Derek leaned in again and began kissing me again, this time more gently. I pulled him near and kissed him back. Our hands began to wander to what was now familiar territory. In sync, he undressed me, unhooking my pins like a pro. Soon my dress was undone. He ran his hand over the top of my white bra. I shivered at this touch, and the coolness of the air. Derek reached one hand behind my back, and unhooked my bra. He gently pulled my bra upwards and leaned into suckle on my breasts, swirling his tongue around my firm and perky nipples. I pulled his head closer to my tits, letting him engulf them. He continued kissing his way down my belly.
His arms reached for mine, and he pulled me down to the ground. I obliged. He opened up my dress, and slid off my white panties. Damn. I need to get some sexier underwear. He lowered his face down to lick my pussy and I moaned.
“Anna. You taste so good. I could stay here all day.”
That made me gig
gle, but as his tongue hit my clit, I was engorged with pleasure.
Derek continued nibbling on my pussy, pushing the tongue in and out as he did His fingers wandered around my pussy, and I loved it. My excitement grew, and so did his.
“I’ve gotta have you, Anna.”
I put my hands on his shoulders and pushed him back from me.
“My turn,” I said.
I got on my knees and started licking Derek’s balls. Teasing him. He moaned, and said, “Take it in, girl. Suck me.”
I didn’t obey. I wanted to be in charge, so I continued to tease him. Licking the sides of his shaft, swirling my tongue around the head, and then back down to his balls. His dick veins were bulging. Finally, I took it in. Derek let out a long moan and brought my head closer to him, guiding me fast, then slow.
“Fuck, that feels amazing,” he whispered.
He lifted me up from under my arms, and led me to the west wall, bending me over an old oil barrel. I spread my legs and lifted my ass toward him. Derek guided his bulging, throbbing, dick into my slippery pussy. I thrust back and he thrust forward; we were in perfect rhythm. I took my hands and placed them on the opposite side of the barrel, holding the barrel rim for balance. Derek fucked me slow, then hard, then slow again. I mimicked his movements in pure enjoyment. He grabbed my hips with more pressure and started to pick up the pace. Slamming my g-spot I groaned in enjoyment and slammed my ass back towards him. I couldn’t stay quiet as the moans escaped my lips. I was almost there. He found my spot and he found the perfect pace. Derek didn’t stop, not yet. I let out another moan, a louder one, a longer one. Derek fucked me hard, his now sweaty hands slipping down my hips as he held onto me. His balls slapping against my ass, and my juices running down his dick shaft, he was there too…pure orgasm. We both let out a few more moans, then he leaned over onto my back, completely exhausted. His heavy and quick breathing burning into my back.
“That was good baby. So hot. Maybe the best yet,” Derek said, still trying to catch his breath.
Also breathless, I replied, “Fuck yeah, it was. That’s what I’ve been missing this week.”
After catching our breath for a few minutes, we managed to get ourselves dressed and put back together.
“Anna, when do you think you will be ready to leave? I have a place we can go.” Derek pushed some loose blonde strands of hair back up under my bonnet.
“I’m ready, Derek. I’m completely ready. Caleb might need some time though and we will need his help. I guess, whenever he is ready. Oh Derek, I’m so excited to be with you everyday!”
“Me too, baby. Me too.” He put one arm around me and walked me over to the milk house doorway.
I was able to exit the milk house without anyone noticing. At first, I walked towards the house and the gathering of people. My insides were exploding with happiness. One quick look behind me, but I didn’t see Derek anywhere. I turned around and ran for the house, anxious for my future and impatient for what lie before me.
Chapter Fifteen
I spent every waking moment since the funeral wrestling with my decision to leave. I found myself lingering around in the barn, spending as much time as I could with Abe, and even Jeb when he wasn’t working. Heather came over once and we sat out on the porch, laughing and drinking lemonade like we used to.
I tried to remember everything as it happened. It would be all I’d had after I leave. Memories. My ears hung on the voices of those around me, my father’s deep gravely voice, the soft, yet stern voice of my mother and of course Abe’s playful, innocent, happy voice.
I tried to memorize the smells from Mama’s kitchen. The fresh baked bread, the homemade apple pies. The smell of fresh air.
I wonder what the air will smell like, where we are going?
Caleb was coming over that evening, and I was excited. I was anxious for news about Derek and our plan. And, truth be told, I was thrilled to see Caleb too. I definitely considered him my best friend. If only I could get rid of those lingering feelings that kept popping up…
Just as Mama and I finished cleaning up, Caleb knocked on the screen door. He didn’t wait for an answer and before I knew it he was standing in the doorway. He definitely was like family here.
Mama told me she’d finish up, so Caleb and I walked outside.
“Do you want to walk again?” I figured he would want to get away from the house and find some privacy.
“Let’s go to the buggy instead. It’s cold out here, and we can wrap up in a blanket.” My shoulders were already trembling from the cool night air, so I agreed.
I hope Derek and I go somewhere warm. I’m tired of the cold.
Caleb reached for my hand and pulled me up to the buggy. We sat in a comfortable silence for a minute, huddled under a warm blanket.
“I saw Derek today.” My heart leapt at the mention of Derek’s name. Caleb went on, “He’s doing good. And we have a plan.” I waited for more details, my future lay in the words he was going to speak next. I couldn’t breathe. Caleb’s eyes met mine, and he looked a little sad. I waited for him to go on, but he just kept staring at me.
“Goddamn Caleb, don’t keep me in suspense!” I was on the edge of the buggy seat, facing Caleb. He gently took both of my hands into his.
“Before I go into the details, Anna, I want to be absolute sure this is what you want.” He paused. His hands were sweaty, despite the cold, and he could barely sit still. His eyes met mine once again and stayed there. He voice was determined, “Anna, there’s still time to change your mind. Stay here. Stay with me! You can stay with your family, with your community, your friends. Anna, please reconsider.” His eyes were pleading with me. I could feel it in his whole body. “I will make you a great husband, We can live on the farm. We can make it our home.” I was dumbfounded that he was throwing this at me now. I wasn’t expecting this, and I wasn’t quite sure how to respond. At times, I thought about doing just what he described. But I was always pulled back to Derek.
“Caleb, you know I can’t do that. I have to leave here.” I didn’t say anymore, partly because I wasn’t sure what to say and partly because I didn’t want to have this discussion. I wanted to know the plan.
A long period of silence followed, except this one wasn’t as comfortable as before. This one was awkward. And slightly painful.
“Sure. Anna. I understand.” He let go of my hands and rubbed his forehead. “I just hope you know that once you leave the community, there is no going back. No changing your mind later. It doesn’t work that way.”
I nodded. “I know Caleb. I know.” I gave him some time to regain his thoughts.
Why does this have to hurt people I love so much?
“So the plan is...” My breath caught in my throat, as Caleb went on, “I will pick you up late Saturday. Be ready. I will pull in quietly at the end of your drive, and you will run out. I’ll take you over to Derek’s. It’s a long ride, remember? Dress warm. From there...” he hesitated.
“From there, what? Fuck! Caleb, talk to me!”
“Well, from there...you’re all his.” He looked straight ahead at the fields in front of us, the moonlight shedding just enough light on his face to see the frown crease across his handsome face. I thought to myself, some Amish girl is going to be very lucky someday...to be with this amazing man. I was thankful to have a part of him...that night in the buggy, I will never forget.
Then my mind turned back toward the plan and I asked, “Do you know what Derek’s plans are from there, though? We still have to leave town, people will look for us.”
“Yep. He will be ready and waiting for us, truck packed. As soon as we arrive, the two of you will head south. Derek has family in Sea Pines, North Carolina. He said his family will rent their beach house to you guys. Derek will work for his uncle after you both get settled in.”
“Beach house? Like on the beach?” I had never seen the beach. My excitement started to build and I couldn’t sit still. Images flooded my brain of sunshine, sand and the
ocean. Keeping in mind that Caleb wasn’t exactly 100% for this, I tried to keep my excitement in check. No reason to be disrespectful.
“Yes, Anna. On the beach.” He reached over and put his hand on top of mind. “You will love it.” He said it, but I wasn’t sure if he meant it. I looked at the moon.
I wonder what the moon will look like on the ocean?
Thoughts were swarming in my head. I wanted to go back inside. I wanted to crawl into my warm, cozy bed, and dream about my future life on the beach.
“I better go in, Caleb. It’s getting cold.” He nodded his head. I leaned over to kiss him on the cheek, but he pulled away. I felt a tug at my heartstring when he did that, but I understood. I had hurt him, and he was hopeful that I would choose to stay and be with him.
