NO ENGAGEMENT RING

Chapter 23

That night she slept fitfully. Why had she voiced something she should have discussed

with Deb first? And how could she make it right? When Deb returned maybe she could shed

some light on it. Prayer did not bring an answer or perhaps her mind was too restless to hear

it. But she knew God had her back and He definitely wanted her to get married to Jonathan.

But she had just cast doubts in Jonathan's mind.

It was a bleak morning when she got up. School was a blur. Reports completed for the

pupils to be handed out the next day, the teachers had not much more to do except prepare for

the holidays. They still had to keep the pupils occupied though and that was easier said than

done. They were glad when the school day was over. There was, however, a staff meeting

after school.

Sarah discussed next year's planning and informed the staff that Hannah would be

teaching music next year. Everyone was very enthusiastic and encouraging. Hannah felt

overwhelmed. She had not expected to receive such positive, encouraging feedback.

A new grade R teacher had already been identified whom they would only meet in the

new year as she was currently serving out her notice.

Results for the matriculants would only be coming out in the second week of December

but Sarah was positive that there would be a hundred percent pass rate and she believed every

pupil did very well. The teachers were glad when the meeting was over and they could get

home. When Hannah walked out of the school grounds, her parents and brother were waiting for

her. "Mum, dad, Ben!" she squealed with delight, hugging them in turn with a tight squeeze.

"I thought you guys were only coming tomorrow."

"Your mother twisted our arm," Aaron teased.

Elizabeth gave him a playful punch on the arm. "I was done sooner with what I needed to

get done so we came a day earlier. Fortunately, the guest house was able to put us up for the

extra night."

"And off course since I was done with my exams, they insisted there was no point in

waiting until tomorrow," Ben interjected with mock regret.

"It's so good to see you, brother," Hannah gave him another squeeze.

"Deb said that we could meet her at Kate's Kitchen," Aaron said. "Are you okay to go

straight there or do you need to go home first?"

"Straight there is fine," Hannah acquiesced.

"Let's go then. Ben can drive," Aaron ordered. Unlike Hannah, Ben was eager to drive.

Half an hour later, Deb arrived while Hannah was catching up on Ben's studies. Her

parents and brother were ecstatic when they saw Deb. They could not get enough of her.

Hannah suddenly realised how tough it must be on her parents having both daughters away

from home; one extremely far away. But they never showed it.