NO ENGAGEMENT RING

Chapter 8

By Friday, Hannah was sure that she was doing something wrong! Genevieve was just not

getting one verse of the song she was to sing in the production, correct. Although she was

very tired and looking forward to going home and resting – the next day the singles group was

meeting at Putt Putt for a social – Hannah stayed after all the other children left, practising

Genevieve's solo with her. Luke promised to drop her off afterwards, which was a blessing as

she wasn't sure she could manage a bus ride home in her exhausted state.

Jonathan thinking that everyone was gone made a turn to the hall to see if Hannah needed

help with packing away. She had been working hard and he could see that she was very tired.

As he entered the hall, he was transfixed by the sweet singing he heard. Edging into the hall,

he was surprised to see Genevieve and Hannah at the keyboard.

He was even more surprised when he saw that it was Hannah who was singing as she

trained Genevieve. She would sing a line or two and get Genevieve to repeat then correct the

pitch or whatever was lacking. Then she would play a bit of the piece on the keyboard for

Genevieve to sing to and correct as necessary. It was a beautiful sound and Jonathan had no

idea that Hannah could sing like that. This woman was full of hidden talent, it seemed.

Engrossed in the practise, the two females didn't see Jonathan come all the way to the

front of the hall. They continued to practise until Hannah said, "I think that's enough for now.

You are doing really well." Hannah smiled encouragingly.

"I really don't know why I can't get that piece," Genevieve wailed.

"Maybe you're just a bit shy," Hannah said lightly.

"Or maybe just a bit scared?" Jonathan piped in.

Startled, the two turned their heads in his direction and looked at him nervously.

"You two are beautiful singers," he complimented with a winning smile.

Genevieve acknowledged his compliment with a shy smile. Hannah, on the other hand,

just looked away but not before he caught a look of distress on her face.

"Genevieve, you should pray and ask God what is causing a block in that piece," he

suggested helpfully.

"That is a very good idea, Genevieve," Hannah agreed.

Now it was Jonathan's turn to look startled. He hadn't expected her to agree with him after

she had not been very happy to see him there.

"I will, pastor Chandler, Miss Wilkens," Genevieve said with conviction. "Thanks for the

advice. Goodbye.!"

They greeted her goodbye and Hannah began to pack up, ignoring Jonathan. Uninvited,

he helped her.

"You really do have a beautiful voice," he attempted casually.

"Thank you," she acknowledged disinterestedly.