NO ENGAGEMENT RING

Chapter 12

At precisely seven am, her parents collected her from her cottage and drove to the nearest

restaurant where they were having breakfast. After which, her parents would drive back

home. Right now, Hannah didn't want to think about them leaving.

Having them for the weekend, even for a short while, made her realise how much she

missed her family. And according to her parents, they missed her. But when she would see

them all together again, was not a question she could answer just yet. Even the holidays were

not something she could think about and she had been grateful that she had to work during the

last holidays.

The restaurant was not very busy so they could catch up with each other. With orders out

of the way, they were able to bring each other up to speed with their lives.

"You seem happy here, darling," her father commented as soon as the waiter disappeared

with their order.

"I am, daddy. I feel as if I belong here. And everyone has been so nice to me. I also

believe God wants me here." Hannah sounded content.

"I'm glad honey," her mother's hand covered hers reassuringly. "It's been a rough year for

you."

Hannah nodded a lump in her throat. She never dwelt on what was and neither did her

parents, respecting her wish to not speak about it.

"Your pastor is a very good man," Aaron said steering the conversation away.

"Yes, he is," Hannah agreed readily. "He speaks only the word of God and never attempts

to advise from within himself. He is always aligned with the word of God."

"That is amazing especially for someone so young," Aaron said admiringly.

"I thought so too but I guess we should never judge by the outward appearance. For God

sees the heart of man not our outside," Hannah smiled.

"You have blossomed, darling," her mother said proudly.

"Thank you mum!" Hannah accepted humbly.

"And brave for having handled such a large cast of people in the school annual play," her

father laughed. "Or maybe you were always brave..." he added thoughtfully.

"Oh, dad!" Hannah laughed lightly, her eyes dancing.

They talked about her siblings, and what was going on in the community and time passed

quickly. Soon she had to say goodbye to her parents.

"I wish you could stay," Hannah groaned.

"We too, baby," her mother said sadly. "But you will come visit?"

Hannah didn't reply. She didn't want to think about the holidays and was hoping

something would come up to excuse her from going back home even though she badly

wanted to spend time with her family. They would not be able to come visit her here in the

city, she knew. Maybe she shouldn't be selfish...