AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Can I take you on a date?”
My mouth actually drops open a little.
Did he just—he did. He asked me out on a date. I’m actually stunned into silence. I don’t know what to say. Even if I want to say yes–which I don’t, because I’m supposed to be utterly annoyed by him. I pull my hand from the door handle and twist my hands together in my lap.
Staring at my fingers that are turning red as I methodically squeeze each one, I say, “I’m not allowed to date—at least, not anyone who isn’t chosen for me by my parents and the church.”
I turn my head enough to catch Emmett’s eyes widen and then narrow, a scowl on his face.
“Wait. Like–some kind of arranged marriage thing?” he says, not at all trying to disguise his shock.
“Something like that,” I say. “I’ve got to go, really. Thanks for the ride.”
I hurry out of the car before he can say anything else or try to stop me again. I run from the car and into the treeline toward my house.
Luckily, Mom and Dad still weren’t back yet when I made it in the house a few hours ago. When they did get home, they checked in on me quickly before heading to bed.
I’ve been laying in bed ever since, just staring up at the ceiling. Thoughts of Emmett’s hand wrapped in mine, his touch on my thigh, the scent of his cologne–all invade my mind and keep me from falling asleep.
I can’t have feelings for someone like Emmett. Even if my plan to get away from the church succeeds, he’s everything I shouldn’t like. And, he’s certainly more experienced with relationships and these types of feelings than I am. I doubt he even has any ofthosekinds of feelings for me–he holds lots of girls' hands, I’m sure.
I toss and turn all night and before I know it, my alarm is going off. The thought of going to church today sours my stomach, which gives me an idea.
I drag myself out of bed, still in my pajamas. Mom and Dad are in the kitchen, just sitting down for breakfast.
“I’m not feeling well. I don’t think I should go to church today. I wouldn’t want to get anyone else sick,” I say.
“Nonsense. Today is a special day. Sit, so we can pray and eat. Then you can get dressed,” Mom says, not meeting my eyes as she places a napkin in her lap.
I sit, reluctantly, and take each of their outstretched hands. When Dad’s done praying and they both start on their breakfast, I push the food around on my own plate with my fork. I have no appetite.
“Why is today special?” I ask.
Mom and Dad look up at each other and Dad gives Mom a short nod before his attention reverts back to the plate in front of him.
Without meeting my eyes still, Mom says, “As you know, we had dinner with the Hill family last night and Pastor Johnson joined us. He had a revelation, and well, you know the Hill’s boy, Thomas. Pastor Johnson shared with us all that you and Thomas will begin courting today. He’s hoping for the wedding to be in eight weeks.”
I drop my fork, and it makes a loudclinkas it hits my plate.
Chapter thirteen
Emmett
AfterAubreyboltedfrommy car, I’m kind of dreading heading back to the barn where I know everyone is waiting for me. I need time to think and figure out what the hell I’m doing and what the hell it is I want. I’m still trying to decide if she was telling the truth about not being allowed to date–and the bizarre forced dating thing. I’ve heard vague rumors about the church, cult, whatever it is–but never paid attention enough to know too much.
Is Aubrey in danger?
I find myself getting angry as I think about it–sweet, innocent Aubrey being forced to date and maybe even marry someone she doesn’t care about. I consider calling Mom and asking her what she knows about the church, but she’s probably asleep. Lord knows she deserves to rest after what I’ve put her through the past few months. I pull into the open barn doors and cut the engine on my car.
Ender, Madison, Taylor, and Jesse are all here already. Madison and Ender are curled up on a loveseat, Taylor in her usual spot in the oversized chair and Jesse’s on the couch playing video games.
“Tell. Me. Everything.”
I groan out loud.
“Taylor, don’t you start,” I say, flopping down on the couch next to Jesse.
“There’s no way you’re getting out of explaining this one,” Ender says. “Just indulge her.”
