Love Beyond The Rite

Chapter 6

JACOB

Last nights snow storm brought down about 6 inches of snow. It wasn’t a lot but it meant we had to remove snow before starting our other chores and farm work.

Thankfully my elder brother Elijah has moved back home a few months back. He had lost his wife a couple years ago during the birth of his youngest daughter Lydia.

Elijah hasn’t remarried and his daughters need the guidance of our mother to help them with their skills and chores. Having him here has helped us get things done.

We started doing our neighbor Janice’s snow removal and lawn thatching since she had gotten sick and her husband passed a few years ago.

My brother Elijah insisted on it but it is the neighborly thing to do so we all agreed to help out.

We grew up with the Becketts daughter Ember. She was the same age as Eli and close to Mary, my sisters age. I was about 8 years younger so I knew her but wasn’t old enough to join in. Elijah and Ember were inseparable.

Our parents allowed them to be friends because Ember was interested in our world and respected our ways. Mom also liked the extra help.

Ember seemed like another sibling to us but she was English and sometimes we had to remind her that her behavior or views weren’t aligned with our way of living.

I think Elijah secretly broke a lot of rules when he was in her company. None of us dared to challenge him on it though.

Elijah informed me he had to go check on his daughters as we were almost done shoveling Janice’s driveway.

As he walked away, I noticed a door open, and an English girl with chestnut-colored hair and an oversized “hoodie“ I believe they are called, approached me. Her thin frame and visible cheekbones concerned me. Was she ill? I couldn't recall knowing her, but she seemed familiar.

"Hello," she said softly. "Thanks for the help. I was preparing for a solo snow-shoveling session today."

"I'm just ensuring Mrs. Beckett is taken care of," I replied, tipping my hat and bowing my head. "No need to thank us. My brother Elijah had to return home, but I'm almost finished."

The girl's gaze met mine, and she bit her lip, lost in thought. I noticed the bruises on her face and clenched my jaw. We don't typically converse with women outside our close relationships, but this situation seemed unusual.

"Miss, are you alright? Those bruises appear painful," I asked calmly.

She covered the bruises with her hand and looked away. "Oh, I'm fine... I fell the other day. I didn't realize how hard."

Her hesitation indicated she wasn't being truthful. I chose not to pry, as it wasn't my business.

"Alright, I just wanted to ensure your well-being. What was your name?" I asked.

"I'm Ember Beckett, Janice's daughter. I returned yesterday. I used to know your family; I grew up with your siblings. You were probably too young to remember me."

I tried to conceal my shock, but my jaw dropped involuntarily. This was _the_ Ember, the girl we once knew. Her appearance had changed drastically, and I couldn't help but wonder what had happened to her.

"Yes, I remember you now," I said, trying to compose myself. "It's been a while since we've seen you. If you need anything or need help with anything, please let us know. We try to support Janice in any way we can. We're a community."

I spoke sincerely, hoping to convey our families willingness to help. Ember's eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, I saw a glimmer of the girl she once was. But it was quickly replaced by a look of wariness, and she looked away.

“Jacob, I appreciate your family’s help during this time. Please give my thanks to everyone. I look forward to seeing you again. I have to run an errand so I better go get ready.” She gave a little wave and walked back inside.

I made a mental note to pray for her.

I finished the last two rows of snow and walked back to the house where I saw Elijah putting more wood into the stove.

“You’re not going to believe who you just missed seeing again.” I said while grinning.

Elijah looked at me confused. Waiting for me to respond.

“Emmy is home.” I chirped at him.

His face went white and he cleared his throat. Trying to hide his interest he finally responded “she was bound to come home eventually.”

“Who was bound to come home?” Mother asked as she entered the room.

Elijah looked away.

“Emmy Beckett. I just saw her while I was shoveling the drive way. She uh…didn’t look herself.” I mentioned.

That got Elijah’s attention, I could see the wonder in his eyes.

“poor girl, I’ve prayed for her since we’ve forbade her from coming around. I hope the world had treated her kindly.” She said

“Well it’s been years and she won’t have any influence on you all now. What’s done is in the past. If you see her again please invite her over for evening meal. I would love to see her again.”

I watched Elijah’s mouth drop and his face turn red after hearing what mother said.

“I’m not sure what happened but her face is bruised. It looked like someone had hit her. It’s not our way to get involved but it looked serious so I asked her about it. She said she fell. I don’t know if I believe her. I hope god is with her.”

I probably over spoke.

Elijah’s jaw tensed up and shook his head. “I’m going to the barn to turn out the horses” he got up and walked out.