Katie's Forever Promise by Jerry S. Eicher

too. So why was she seized with a great desire for something…someone…who had been banished from her life once and for all? Truth be told, she wanted Ben’s arms wrapped around her shoulders and holding her tight. She wanted them…him…badly. Catching herself, Katie turned her thoughts away as she opened the door. How could her heart so betray her after she’d spent the evening with a decent man like Norman? She must not think of Ben like that again, Katie resolved as she walked up the stairs in the dark with care.

Chapter Eleven
    Katie leaned against the schoolhouse windowsill and watched the buggies discharge their young occupants. As usual, most of them made a dash for the ball field to get in precious playing time before she rang the bell. They were all gut children, and just as energetic with their schoolwork as they were playing softball. Katie knew she should be happy with her lot, and yet she felt dreary for no gut reason.
    On their second date, Norman had seemed a little more confident. The evening spent with him last night had been okay. At least Mabel had the decency to keep herself scarce when they’d arrived home this time. Other than a cheerful smile to Norman, she hadn’t said anything or hung around before dashing up the stairs. And Norman didn’t mention his interest in eating pie and ice cream with Mabel present. Perhaps his interest was now centering totally on Katie like it should be.
    Ben had seemed a distant thought all week. That was after she’d cried herself to sleep thinking about him after Norman left thatfirst Sunday night. She didn’t want Ben back— nee , not after what he’d done. That wasn’t the issue. Her heart hadn’t sunk that low. But the good memories were still painful, even with the healing Da Hah had done. Perhaps dating again was stirring her wounds that needed further healing. She would make it through this with Da Hah ’s help.
    Katie caught sight of Norman’s buggy racing into the schoolyard. His sister usually dropped off their youngest brother, Abram, but this morning it looked like Norman was driving. At least a black hat filled part of the buggy’s windshield. Was Norman going to stop and talk to her? If so, what could he want that would have him driving so much faster than usual? Or maybe he was driving because his sister was busy this morning? In that case, Norman would just give her a quick wave before turning to leave. Katie opened the window and leaned out. A few of the children in the playground turned her way, smiling and waving. She gave them a little wave back, her eyes still watching Norman’s buggy.
    He came to a fast halt as both doors burst open. Little Abram leaped out and tied up Bonnie. Norman marched earnestly toward the schoolhouse. Katie’s smile vanished. The man looked mighty grim. What could be wrong? She’d just seen him last night, and everything had seemed fine.
    Racing to the schoolhouse door, she held it open with a smile on her face. Norman paused a few feet away. “I need to speak with you, Katie. Right now!”
    Never had she seen him so disturbed. Katie stepped back inside, still holding the door open. “It’s almost time to begin school, Norman. What’s wrong?”
    He brushed past her into the schoolroom. She caught her breath and followed. Had she done something wrong? But what? And since last night?
    Norman turned to face her. “Is it true you visited Ben Stoll in the hospital?”
    Katie swallowed. “ Yah , I did. Willis took me.”
    â€œSo it is true!” His eyes were blazing. “Did you expect this to stay a secret? How could you, Katie?”
    â€œI…” She looked away. She hadn’t expected this level of anger from him. “I’m sorry you’re taking this so hard, Norman. But Willis insisted I go. He told me Ben wished to apologize to me face-to-face for what he’d done. Willis thought he