“Don’t fret about it. Come sit for a while. I want to go help them with the wood.” I handed her Daniel’s knapsack. “Watch over that.”
“I can’t believe I’m responsible for our delay. Now we’ll be wet soon.”
Another loud boom echoed over our heads, the storm drawing nearer. Time was of the essence. “I have to get wood. One more night isn’t the end of the world.” I hurried into the brush, scouring the forest floor for fallen limbs. Following Jacob’s voice, I found him with Daniel, who had amassed a stack of branches. “I have a few too.” They had discovered a rock, which Daniel placed sticks against. “Will that work?”
“I need branches with leaves on them,” he said. “Can you and Jacob get some? Rip them from the trees. They need to be fresh.”
“Yes, I will.” Building the shelter before the rain began required everyone’s help. It would be upon us in a moment from the increasing gale, which howled through the trees, whipping branches around violently.
Jacob and I broke limbs free, dragging them back to Daniel, who had stacked them against the rock, creating an inner sanctum, which appeared rather dark. He had used younger ones that bent easily, weaving them around the top of the branches to hold them together. I hoped this inventive idea kept the makeshift wall from falling apart in the wind.
“That’s good,” he said, eyeing the boughs I had brought back. It had begun to rain now, although the drops were few, but more would come. “You get your sister. Bring her here.”
“Do you need more branches?”
“Jacob has more. Just get Anna.”
“Very well.” As I hurried off, my brother approached, dragging an impressive collection of leafy limbs behind him. When I returned with Anna, the shelter had been erected. A wall of green leaned against the rock, while Jacob worked to dig out a space inside. “Will this keep us dry?”
“Mostly,” said Daniel. “The leaves should help with the rain, but we may still be a little wet. Come have a look.” He assisted Anna within. “What do you think?”
“You’ve done a fine job,” she said. The rain had begun in earnest, the temperature dropping dramatically.
“In,” he said, while looking at Jacob, who added a few more branches to the wall. “You too. It’s good enough. We don’t want to get wet.”
Within moments, we huddled together in the damp surrounds, sitting on an earthen floor, while a cold rock felt hard at our back. The wall of leaves kept the rain from us; however, little drops did fall through. Although the wind had brought in the bad weather, it lessened, leaving only a steady deluge of precipitation. We sat with our hands over our knees listening to the storm, no one speaking for a long while.
I sat next to Anna with Daniel by my side, while Jacob remained across from us. He grinned, flashing a missing tooth. “You find disasters amusing, do you?” I asked.
“It’s exciting. Dat would be proud of this shelter. It’s solid.”
I could not help beaming at my brother. “That it is.”
The smell of wet earth lingered, as moisture had seeped into the space. A layer of dirt coated my dress, but little could be done about it. “I hope it doesn’t rain for the rest of the day. That would be unfortunate.”
Daniel shrugged. “It is what it is.” He leaned his chin on his knees, gazing at nothing in particular.
“Your neck must hurt.”
He glanced at me. “What?”
“From Anna. You must be sore.”
He grinned. “I’m fine.”
“You carried her for more than an hour.”
“I’ve been through worse out in the fields at harvest.”
Anna leaned against the rock. “I’m hungry.”
“Me too,” said Jacob.
“We’ll forage for food once the weather improves,” said Daniel. He placed the rifle at the furthest part of the shelter to keep it from getting wet.
Jacob scuttled to where Anna sat, leaning against the rock. Daniel stretched out his legs; revealing the fact that mud covered his boots. He patted his knees, gazing at me. “You may use these as a pillow, if you want.”
We lacked space, especially for four people, and my brother and sister had claimed the rock as a back support. I thought about Daniel’s offer, realizing it would be a relief to lie down for a few minutes; my head against something warm and dry.
“All right,” I murmured, shifting so I lay on his thigh, while positioning myself away from him. I faced the wall of foliage, listening to the sound of rain splashing against the leaves.
Daniel sat with his hands behind him for support. “Is that better?”
“It’s fine, but I won’t burden you for long. You’ll want to change your position soon enough.”
“I’m fine now,” he said.
We listened to the storm, and I thought it might clear, but then another crack of thunder rang out, the lightning having hit somewhere nearby. The ground shook with the force, which made me jerk. Daniel’s hand touched my kapp, comforting me in that moment. Instead of removing it when the danger had passed, he stroked my hair near my ear. This made me shiver with pleasure, while a series of tingles spiraled down my backbone. I closed my eyes, relishing the feel of his fingertips, while every cell in my body responded to where his hand touched me.
He stopped abruptly, shifting position, and I realized he had been sitting forward to touch me, which became comfortable for him. I sat up then, brushing soil from my dress.
“I’m a mess. I don’t think I’ve ever been this dirty.”
Daniel smiled. “You’re fine. We’re all filthy.”
I glanced at Anna, who leaned against Jacob. “We’re a fine sight, aren’t we?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.” She looked tired, her face pale and drained.
“We should try to sleep,” I said. “There’s nothing else we can do.”
“It’s a tight fit,” said Daniel.
“If I lay this way, you can lay that way,” I said.
“All right.”
“You need to rest your back anyhow. I know my sister’s slight, but after an hour, she must’ve been heavy.”
“I’m fine.” He smiled at me, but then lay prone, stretching his feet out.
His boots were near my face, but then I had the idea to rest my head upon his shins. I preferred this to the dirt. “Do you mind?”
“Not at all.”
“Thank you.”
“Think nothing of it.”
The four of us napped then, although I drifted in and out of consciousness, while the storm continued on. By the time the rain had stopped, I shivered from the damp, because the air had cooled considerably. My neck ached from being in one position too long, while my teeth rattled incessantly.
I’d gotten to a sitting position, as arms went around me. “You’re cold,” said a voice near my ear.
“Yes.”
“Take this.” He draped his jacket around my shoulders.
“No, you need it.” I turned to look at him, seeing someone with a streak of dirt across his nose.
“I’m good, Rebekah, but you’re cold.”
“We’ll make a fire soon, and it’ll be better.” Instinct had me reaching out to touch him, wiping away the smudge of dirt from his face.
Something flickered in his eyes, a flash of warmth, perhaps even affection. The air crackled with energy, which vibrated agreeably, swirling around us.
“We can’t. The wood’s all wet. I’m sorry, but there won’t be a fire. We’ll be in this shelter all night.”
We were in such close quarters … the effects of which I already felt, and it had nothing to do with the storm or being lost. I had to gather my wits! I had to fight this attraction, which I could not rationalize in the least. Why had I touched his face?
“Take your jacket.”
He shook his head. “No, I don’t need it.” His arms went around me, as he pulled me close, holding me to his chest.
I faced away from him, knowing I shouldn’t allow
this closeness, but being far too cold to stop it. “You’re without a jacket.”
“I’m fine.” His lips grazed my ear. “We’ll keep each other warm.”
“Only until I feel better. Then you can have your coat back.”
“Let’s not argue.”
“I’m not.”
“But you are.”
“What else is there to do?” I giggled, finding this humorous.
“Just waiting until it stops raining, but, I find, I don’t mind the rain so much.”
I wouldn’t argue anymore, relaxing against his chest, while we sat on the earthen floor. My brother and sister slept against the rock. Shivering, I grasped his arms, bringing them into me. He sighed against my ear, leaning in fractionally. We were cold and tired, yet it was comforting being able to obtain a little warmth this way. As my body ceased its violent shivers, I closed my eyes, and we managed to sleep, on and off, until Anna stirred.
“Is the infernal rain done yet?” she asked, rousing me from a light sleep.
“I don’t know.” I shifted, moving from Daniel, who had woken too. I glanced at him. “You may have your jacket back.”
He smiled tiredly. “Thank you.”
Something had changed between us in those few hours, while we waited for the rain to stop. The forced closeness had driven away whatever resistance I’d had to him, my doubts over his character suddenly not being as important as before. I wanted to believe he had changed and that he was someone who was kind and trustworthy.
If you courted him … you’d know him better.
A typical courtship lasted more than a year, which would be ample time to watch and listen and gain knowledge about a person, before plunging into marriage, which was forever. No woman made this decision lightly. The ‘English’ might seek divorce, but it never happened within our community.
He seemed to sense my change of heart, his look inquisitive. “You’re thinking about something very hard, Rebekah. What is it?”
“N-nothing.”
“That’s not true at all.” He took my hand, which must have felt cold to the touch, bringing it to his cheek. “Meine Liebe.”
“You shouldn’t say such things.” He had said my love, which had the most disconcerting effect, my belly suddenly awash with tingles. “You know that.”
He shook his head. “No.” He’d yet to let go of my hand, holding it to his cheek. “You’re still so cold.”
“My teeth aren’t chattering anymore. There’s something.”
“I’ll keep you warm all night,” he said huskily.
This finally roused my resistance, as I snatched my hand from his grip. “Behave yourself, Daniel.”
“This certainly is a situation I could take advantage of.” He grinned teasingly.
“Can I go out?” asked Anna, shattering the moment.
“Of course. I’ll help you,” said Daniel. He glanced at me. “We have a great deal to talk about.”
I sucked in a long breath. “We do?”
“Yes. I’m going to court you, Rebekah Glick, whether you like it or not, but I suspect you like it.”
A sharp retort had been on my tongue, but it vanished instantly. I stared at him, marveling at how different he seemed now. His features appealed to me as never before, the way his eyes were contoured, the curve of his chin and the stubble on his face. The warmth of his look drew me in. Once he married, the beard would grow, although there would be no mustache.
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, you love birds. Stop making googly eyes.” Anna scrambled for the exit, muttering as she went.
Daniel patted my shoulder. “Let’s see if the rain’s stopped.” He gave no indication of what he thought about that remark, his expression tempered.
“I’m gonna look for food,” said Jacob. “I’m glad the storm’s over. Are you courting now?”
Embarrassed, I glanced at my hands, noting how filthy the fingernails were. In the space of two hours, my entire world had changed, and my feelings for Daniel Stoltzfus had shifted … dramatically, although I hadn’t agreed to court him … yet.
Being just outside the shelter, Daniel must have heard that. “We’ll see, Jacob. I’m praying she’ll say yes.”
I glanced at my brother. “Don’t make more out of things than need be. The space is rather confined in here, and … we’re making due the best we can.”
Raucous laughter resounded. “I’ll believe that when cows talk.” He scrambled after Daniel, while I followed, frowning.
The rain had stopped, but a thin layer of mist remained, which kept the temperature cooler than it should be for late August. I shivered, not having a jacket or a shawl. We would not be able to have a fire, which would make sleeping a challenge.
But you can use Daniel for warmth.
Shush! That’s shocking.
It’s the wilderness, and you have to survive.
“I’ll sleep with Anna, and Jacob can sleep with Daniel,” I murmured.
“What?” asked Jacob. “You say somethin’?”
“No. Never mind me.” Anna held onto a tree, testing her foot. “How is it?”
“Better … maybe.”
I craned my neck, spying Daniel in the distance, stooping over a bush. “It’s so cold.”
“I feel dreadful for slowing us. We should’ve been home already.”
“Don’t worry about it. Another night won’t kill us.” I glanced at my dress, noting it hung looser than before. “I’m going to eat so much when I get home. I’ve never gone this long without food.” The handful of fruits and nuts we had eaten were hardly sufficient, especially with miles and miles of walking. Water collected on the leaves, and I tipped a few into my mouth, drinking. “This tastes better than the creek.”
“I’m going to do that.” Anna hobbled along, grimacing. “If I had the sticks, I could manage.”
“Just rest until tomorrow morning. Then we’ll be home.” The afternoon had drifted away, as a misty dimness encroached, bit-by-bit.
“I found berries,” said Daniel, who had returned. “I know we can’t make a fire, but at least these will do.” He gave them to me. “I’m getting more.” Pointing at Anna, he said, “Please be careful. Don’t put your full weight on that foot.”
“I won’t.” She hopped towards me, keeping her left leg up. “I want some.”
“Here, you are. I’m going to help pick berries.”
“All right.”
I joined Daniel and Jacob in the search for food, finding more berries, which I held in my apron, while wandering around and gathering more. I had amassed an impressive collection, as had Daniel and Jacob. The berries were on the tart side, but edible all the same. It was enough to keep us alive. The fruit coupled with the water from the leaves, helped to satisfy my belly, although I yearned for meat and bread, my mouth watering at the thought of mashed potatoes smothered in a hearty sauce … but it was not meant to be, at least not tonight.
When we had finished foraging, we settled into the shelter, finding it slightly warmer than the elements, but still damp and rank, as the earth smelled pungently from wetness. Anna and Jacob had taken the rock wall again, leaving Daniel and I near the leafy branches. I sat with my arms over my knees, staring at nothing in particular, while Daniel picked at the dirt with his knife in an aimless fashion. There was no cure for the utter boredom—the tedium of having to wait for nightfall and evening prayers.
I felt his eyes on me, casting him a sideways glance. He grinned, his gaze lowering to my mouth. My sister and brother had their eyes closed, while resting against the rock. They leaned together, their shoulders touching. When I stared at my feet again, Daniel had carved a picture into the dirt. Something flipped over in my chest; the shock of seeing his drawing and its impact were immediate. He had made a large heart, and within the outline were our initials.
I gathered the courage to look at him again, finding his smile mischievous. I reached for his hand, taking the knife, which he gave over freely. An eyebrow shot up, as if asking s
ilently if I intended to harm him. Knowing what I planned to do set my heart racing, and a playful grin tugged at the edges of my mouth. I dragged the shiny blade on either side of the heart, making what looked like an arrow. Satisfied with my handiwork, I gave him the knife, placing it in his hand.
He stared at the addition, saying nothing, but the message had been clear. I would seriously consider courting him. Shifting, he gently knocked my knee with his own, while smiling infectiously. Not being able to resist, I returned the favor. We continued this playful behavior for quite some time, staring at each other, yet not saying a thing, while my brother and sister rested. This exchange had lightened my mood, lifting my spirits higher than I ever thought possible, leaving me with the feeling of walking upon clouds. Despite the cold and dreary day, the rain pouring down around us, I had found an unexpected heaven, and I never wanted it to end.
Chapter Thirteen
We slept that night in the tiny shelter, with Anna and Jacob on either side of me, while Daniel sat near the rock, his long legs stretched out nearly to the other end of the enclosure. Because of the packed dirt floor, there wasn’t a part of me that did not feel filthy. My skin itched up and down my back and legs, and I longed to change clothes and have a bath. It felt as if grime was trapped beneath my stockings, and I was certain I would find it there once I was home.
Despite being damp and uncomfortable, I did manage to sleep, although I woke on and off, listening to the sounds of animals howling in the distance, knowing the wolves made the noise. An owl was nearby too, hooting repetitively for hours.
In the morning, Anna and I found a source of water, although it was hardly a creek, more like a puddle. “I’m so filthy,” she muttered. “I’ve never been this dirty in my life.”
She had walked freely today, which added to my feeling of gladness. We would be home in a few hours. “This shall all pass soon enough. Your foot seems better.”
“It is, but it’s sore. I don’t care. I’m walking today, and no one can stop me. I feel awful enough we had to spend another night here.” She tossed water on her face. “I’m starving.”
Thrown to the Wolves (The Faith in Peril Trilogy) Page 13
