Ella's Wish by Jerry S. Eicher Read Free Book Online

worse.
    “Sit down,” Mamm said, motioning with her hand. “We have just been brought news—something I never imagined possible. A terrible thing has happened. Eli’s seein’ an Englisha girl.”
    Ella’s mind raced. Obviously Dora did not bring the news, I haven’t yet confessed to prior knowledge, and so who brought the news? Ella imagined her face was a picture of guilt and was thankful her mom’s eyes were occupied.
    “Aunt Sarah stopped by,” Dora volunteered as she set her hand protectively on her mother’s shoulder. Ella wanted to ask Dora the obvious question but didn’t dare. Dora, as if she understood, glanced up and shook her head.
    “I just can’t believe this! My Eli. And the oldest boy. Why would he have done such a thing? Settin’ such an example for the rest of the family. And with no warnin’ at all. It’s like the sky dropped on our heads.”
    “Has Daett been told?” Ella asked, her guilt becoming stronger. Perhaps I should make my confession before Daett arrives .
    “We haven’t sent anyone to call them in,” Mamm said. “Daett’s out in the fields with Eli and Monroe now. The day is completely full of work already with the hay just ready to bale this morning. We are supposed to help load soon—probably starting before lunch. If we say something now, it will end the day’s work.”
    “Mamm, I have something I’d best be tellin’ you first,” Ella said quietly, so softly her mom apparently didn’t hear. Dora looked wildly at her and vigorously shook her head.
    Ella felt she must do what was right. Confession was good for the soul, especially in this situation. She gathered herself to speak louder this time, but Mamm spoke first.
    “This will break Daett’s heart,” her mom said with a trembling voice. “His first born son is visiting an Englisha girl.”
    “He was seen leaving town with her Friday night,” Dora said, clearly hoping Ella had said all she planned to. “He tied his horse at the Quality Market, and they went out somewhere together in her car.”
    “It will be all over the world before long,” Mamm said in despair.
    “Aunt Sarah won’t spread this around,” Dora assured her. “She wouldn’t.”
    “Maybe not,” Mamm agreed, “but someone else will see him. They may have already done so.”
    Ella decided it was confession time, regardless of the consequences. Dora might not feel guilty, but she did. Her dad would have to be told eventually, and things would only go harder for her and Dora if this came out later.
    She cleared her throat, but Dora read her face and spoke first. “No one’s to blame for this. Really, they aren’t. We couldn’t have done anything about it.”
    “It falls on our shoulders. Me and Daett,” Mamm whispered. “If only we’d known earlier. He must have been seeing her for some time, it would seem.”
    “I knew,” Ella said, kneeling down in front of her mom, placing her hands on her knees. “I knew some time ago that Eli was up to something but thought it best to not say anything. I thought Eli might come to his senses.”
    “You knew?” Her mom’s handkerchief fell from her hand, and her eyes searched Ella’s face.
    “I’m so sorry,” Ella whispered. “Eli’s so stubborn about these things.”
    “Did you help him?”
    Ella shook her head.
    “I knew too,” Dora spoke up. “We both thought Eli wouldn’t go this far and that the matter would stay with just talk.”
    “Perhaps you’d best be telling me everything,” their mom said, sitting upright. “Should Clara leave the room?”
    Ella shook her head again. “There’s not much to say. And Clara can stay.”
    “Then tell me quickly and don’t be leavin’ anything out.”
    Ella got up from the floor and stood weakly in front of her mom. Her heart felt heavy with guilt. Her judgment of Eli hadn’t been correct.
    “Perhaps I should speak,” Dora offered.
    Mamm said, “No, I want to hear Ella. The oldest had best tell the story.”
    As always ,