Miriam's Secret by Jerry S. Eicher Page A

break the news of her plans at once. Tonight she would not only ride with Jonas in his fancy convertible, but she would spend significant time with him. It was almost more than her heart could handle. Who would have thought such a thing would ever come to pass? A stab of guilt ran throughher. What about her many resolutions and promises? Had they meant nothing? Shirley slowed down to catch her breath. She had to think of some answer because Daett would ask the same question.
    Shirley pushed open the back barn door to find Lee and Mark just beginning their chores.
    They stopped to stare at her. “So that’s where you vanished to,” Lee said, more statement than question. “Who did you call?”
    Shirley plunged into her explanation. “I’m going out with Jonas Beachy tonight.” She couldn’t keep the chirp out of her voice. “We’re watching a movie at his house.”
    â€œNow I’ve heard everything!” Mark made an exaggerated gesture as he pretended to drop his pitchfork on the concrete floor. “This even tops Miriam’s exploits. Maybe you and I are falling behind, Lee.”
    â€œThat’s what I’m thinking.” Lee glared at Shirley.
    â€œIt’s what I’ve wanted to do for a while.” Shirley met their disapproving looks straight on. “Don’t worry, I’ll behave myself.”
    â€œStill making useless promises to yourself, I see,” Lee told her.
    Shirley lowered her head and fled out the front barn door. Lee spoke the truth. She couldn’t keep her promises. But she would somehow keep this one. She and Jonas wouldn’t do anything wrong. Jonas was a decent man, after all, despite what her family thought. She took a deep breath as she slipped into the house. At the moment she had no desire for another face-down with anyone. If Lee could handle her so effectively, then how would she survive Daett ’s rebuke? Shirley’s heart pounded as she entered the living room. Mamm was still sitting on the couch with Miriam beside her. Daett wasn’t around, and hope rose inside of Shirley. She could tell Mamm without Daett here. But just as Shirley opened her mouth to spill the news, Daett came out of the bedroom.
    He regarded her for a moment. “Where have you been, Shirley?”
    There was only one answer she could give. To lie wasn’t an option. “I called Jonas Beachy. He’s picking me up tonight at seven. We’re going to watch a movie.”
    Mamm let out a little gasp, and Daett seemed to grow a shade paler. He didn’t say anything for a long moment. “Has this anything to do with the news earlier in the day?”
    What was she to say? She didn’t want to blame Miriam or dash cold water on the family’s climb out of poverty.
    Her silence was answer enough, and Daett ’s face grew even more serious. He raised his eyes and sighed before praying, “Dear Lord, help us. These are troubled waters that I can never travel alone.”
    She wanted to throw her arms around Daett and promise she’d never see or speak with Jonas again, but she knew that wouldn’t help because she wouldn’t follow through. She was still going out with Jonas tonight, no matter what. “I’m sorry, Daett ,” she managed.
    He didn’t say anything. He turned and left the house without a backward glance.
    At least the door didn’t slam behind him, Shirley comforted herself. Oh, if this wasn’t the right thing to do, what sorrow she was bringing on her family. While Mamm and Miriam sat in silence, Shirley breathed her own silent prayer. Help me, dear Lord! Please help me.

Chapter Twelve

    A t ten minutes before seven, Shirley slipped out the front door and headed out toward the barn. She would look foolish waiting out by the road, so perhaps the barn was best. She couldn’t stay in the house a moment longer. Mamm ’s sorrowful face was more than she could bear.