Rumspringa

Chapter 1: Party Time

  "Would you like two more hours of overtime?" Terry walked up to me as I was about to leave. I had already been in this ninety degree factory for 8 hours and these steel toes were killing my feet. The sweat was dripping off my face and onto my shirt.  At twenty seven, my body felt like I was sixty. Seven years of working between eight to twelve hours a day, six days a week. It wasn't good for my health. "Rebecca?"

   "Is it mandatory? I've already stayed over three times this week." My voice was a tad raspy. It's not that I was being ungrateful, I just hurt so bad that I'm not sure I could stand another minute. This job was giving everyone back problems, aching feet and what feels like arthritis.

   "No, it's not mandatory, it's just that we are down a few workers and could really use the help." Terry didn't seem to upset that I had politely declined the offer. From what I understood, three employees were let go last week for some unknown reason. That put us short handed, which I was used to. This place went through as more people than a fast food joint. "It's alright. We have a few people that will. I just thought I'd ask you first, since you usually volunteer." He always asked me first because I actually did my job right and didn't complain. I usually only volunteered for overtime because I needed the money. It's hard making it alone.

  "Thank you. I will next time." I punched out as I finished that sentence. He caught me right as I was about to clock out. In all seriousness, I probably would stay over next time.

  "Have a good night and I will see you tomorrow." He smiled as he headed towards his office. I headed towards the door when I realized I forgot my lunchbox. As I headed out the door, I ran into the new guy, Eli. He had on black overalls, a grey button up flannel and a black, round hat. He had only been working here a week and was very quiet. I've only had one conversation with him and it was very brief. I learned that he was from an Amish town about three miles down the road. I don't really talk much as I am usually focusing on work.

   "Do you need a ride?" I offered not knowing how he was going to react. I didn't know much about the Amish, but I did know that they don't believe in cars or electricity. I was just trying to be a kind person, plus he was cute.

   "I'd be forever grateful." Not the response I was expecting. "Becky, right?" In the factory, there were close to two hundred people, so remembering everyone's name was a challenge in itself, especially for the new people.

   "That's my name." I was trying to flirt. I wasn't very good at it. He was cute and I hadn't been on a date in a long time. My last relationship lasted four years and we had been broken up for almost a year now it was finally time for me to move on. I was free and ready to move on. We made our way towards my beat up Chevy Impala. It wasn't great, but it got me where I needed to go. That's all that mattered. "Hop in."

   "I really appreciate this." Eli looked around and seemed to be amazed at everything. It was dark and he shouldn't be walking in the dark. I've been there and it's not a good place.

   "It's no problem at all. Are you ok? You act like you've never been in a car before." I said that not thinking that he was Amish.

   "This is my first time actually." He looked me dead in the eyes. He was being serious. "I mean I've seen them, just never rode in one."

   "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..." I couldn't even get the thought out before I was interrupted.

   "Don't be. People constantly ask questions about our lifestyle. I really don't mind explaining it. I love enlightening others and even trying to get them to convert." He kept on talking as we pulled out of the driveway. "This whole week has been nothing but questions. It's different, but I welcome it."