NO ENGAGEMENT RING

Chapter 7

Soon came that afternoon when Hannah got home from the academy. So as not to be

labelled a liar, Hannah spent the afternoon tutoring there.

It was five in the afternoon and Emily was in the kitchen. Derrick was out visiting so

Emily took the opportunity to make pies for freezing.

"Hi, Hannah!" Emily called out of the half opened door of the kitchen. "Come and have a

drink with me."

Although Emily's voice was cheery, Hannah had the feeling the older woman had an

hidden agenda. Could she decline the invitation without seeming too rude?

"You look like you could do with a nice apple pie and cocoa," Emily decided for her.

Hannah had no option but to comply. Smiling sweetly, she entered the kitchen and sat at

the table while Emily dished up some apple pie for both of them then set about to make the

cocoa. It was a painstaking wait for Hannah who wanted to know what Emily was really up

to.

Emily, however, was determined to make Hannah wait it seemed as she took her time to

make the cocoa and chatted about menial things. Finally, Emily sat down at the table with

Hannah.

"So how has your music tutoring been going?" she began.

"Very few and far between since I don't have much time to tutor now," Hannah said

politely even though she wanted to get to the point.

"I guess we have to give up some thing if our schedules are too busy. I hope though that

you would be able to get back into it once the production is over." Emily took her time to sip

cocoa, not expecting an answer.

Unable to touch anything at the moment, Hannah just looked on as Emily enjoyed a sip of

cocoa.

"Did you give the subject we spoke about this morning, any more thought?" Emily asked

kindly, after a while.

"Actually, I did think about it but not as much as before. I understand that these things

require a lot of prayer," Hannah said evasively.

"You really should speak to Jonathan," Emily reiterated.

Hannah nodded without verbal commitment to do so. Emily stared at Hannah who

squirmed inwardly at the scrutiny she was undergoing.

Suddenly Emily burst out with, "Why do you always avoid Jonathan?" wearing an

uncomprehending expression.

Taken aback, it took Hannah a few seconds before she could answer. "I don't avoid him,"

Hannah tried to deny fruitlessly.

"Like this morning? He was coming our way and you rushed off. I've noticed that you're

not comfortable around him." Emily was sympathetic rather than judgemental.

Hannah felt ashamed. Nervously, she confessed, "He is an intimidating figure. Don't you

feel that he is?"