When they got out of the woods on the other side, Sarah saw the house again. But this time it didn’t look old and primitive and devoid of luxuries. This time it looked cute and charming and rustic and beautiful. She wondered if this is how the Amish see everything. The grass seemed to tickle her legs as she ran. They got to the house just as breakfast was starting.
“Where were you guys?” Asked Isaiah.
“I was showing Sarah the sunrise. You know at the spot that you used to take me when i was younger,” explained Ezekiel.
Isaiah gave a knowing nod. He looked at Sarah and could see that her temperament had changed. She looked happy, as if there was as glow about her. “And is that the case?” He asked Sarah.
“Why, yes, of course. Your son actually showed me a lot. In a way, he opened my eyes for the first time.” Sarah was emphatic.
Isaiah believed her and looked at her as if to say that he understood exactly what it felt like to have your eyes opened. Sarah looked at her father. He seemed delighted to see her and in a better mood than she was used to out of him.
“Well now that we are all here, let’s dig in,” said Rebekah.
Sarah heartily agreed, as she was very hungry after the long morning. After breakfast, they did their chores just like they had the past two days. The chores seemed easy with her newfound joy and perspective. She talked with Ezekiel and grew closer to him. He was like a best friend to her. But a great looking best friend that she never wanted to be apart from again. When they were finished with everything, they began to head back to the house.
“Ezekiel, I have a question for you,” asked Sarah nervously. “Do the Amish date, and if so how?”
Ezekiel laughed. “How do you think that we get married and have kids. We date, but we don’t do it the exact same way that you are used to.”
“Oh interesting,” said Sarah.
“Why do you ask,” replied Ezekiel.
“Oh no reason,” Sarah felt for sure that she was coming across as ridiculous.
“You are asking because you want to date me, aren’t you Sarah. I can see it on your face. And and I can hear it in the way you talk.” Ezekiel laughed.
“Why do you laugh at that idea. Even if it were true it wouldn’t be funny.”
“You are right,” Ezekiel calmed himself down. “But, to clear up any of the tension, let me ask you Sarah if you would do the honor of allowing me to court you. Not date you. But court you. That is what we Amish call it.”
Sarah looked relieved and thrilled. “Of course. I would love that. But how do we court? I wouldn’t know the first thing to do?”
“We have a way of doing it that you are going to get a kick out of. Most outsiders think it is the strangest practice. But it actually makes a lot of sense. I have never done it myself. But it sounds pretty awesome. Well, awesome if you are with the right person of course.”
“Oh and what is this method for courting?” Asked Sarah.
“Sarah, again, you are going to have to trust me. I will ask father about this.” Ezekiel looked eager. “I will ask now. Let’s go inside. We can start tonight.”
Sarah was confused, but decided to trust Ezekiel. “One thing, before we can court though.”
“Anything,” replied Ezekiel.
“It is not anything that you need to do. It is something that I have to do. There is a lot of enmity between my father and I. I wouldn’t feel right about starting something between us if there is so much negativity in my life. It wouldn’t be fair to you Ezekiel. You deserve the very best from me.”
“I understand,” replied Ezekiel. “And I think that is very noble of you. How about I talk to my father and you talk to yours. You can ask him if he thinks it is alright for us to court as well.”
Sarah went into the house. her father was already finished with his chores for the day and was sitting at the table reading a Bible. She was surprised, but also happy for him. Her father really was a changed man, and that would make it much easier to forgive him.
“Father, can I speak to you really quick about something,” said Sarah.
“Yes, of course honey, you can talk to me about anything, you know that,” he replied. Sarah couldn’t remember the last time that they spoke to each other so respectfully.
“Remember the other night when you asked for my forgiveness. You said that you needed to hear is so that the burden of guilt would be lifted off of you. Well the reason I couldn’t give my forgiveness last night was because of me, not you. Something happened to me today, and I feel changed. I feel that I can forgive you, and I do forgive you.”
“Oh Sarah,” said her father as tears welled up in his eyes. “I have longed to be at peace with you again for a long time. You have no idea how much I love you. You are my daughter and you mean so much to me. I will be a better father. I promise.”