Desperate Arrangement: Bouncing Back, Book IV

10

Nodding, the man breathed a sigh. "I wasn't sure you would hear me out or not."

"I’m used to getting all sides of the issue before I flip. Besides, my older brother got the disease known as 'Conclusion Jumping,' not me. So, since you’re clearly an honest, upstanding member of society here in Goslar, answer me this: has she been sexually active?" Lukas asked.

His eyes falling to the now-fixed front fence, the man shook his head. He hadn’t known what to expect when it came to following through with Johanna’s plan to expose the truth, but it was nice to know she’d been right. So far, the other man was not as temperamental as most others would be. Opting to continue on the path of honesty, Julian said, "I'm sorry, but yes, she has. You speak German really well for someone who isn't from here."

"My father was born and raised here. He taught me and my brother the customs and language, and we, in turn, taught our friends. We needed to learn how to do things in Germany if we ever wanted to visit Oma," Lukas replied, his voice tinged with pride and nostalgia.

Shaking his head, the other man said, "You seem like a smart man, Lukas. I'm sure you'll find a way to break free of the arranged union. Why aren't you ticked off that I'm with her, though? Are you not… upset about the revelation?"

Lukas met Julian's gaze, his determination unwavering and his expression thoughtful. "It's not the revelation, but how I choose to react to it that matters. My father raised my brother and I to maintain our cool under pressure. Granted, Markus still needs a good kick in the pants half the time, but not me. Besides, how you react to certain things is what distinguishes boys from men. Fighting over a woman, especially under these circumstances, doesn't align with my values. Only a boy would risk the solidarity of brotherhood with others to throw hands over a bitch."

He paused, glancing around at the tranquil village. The golden light of the setting sun bathed the yard in a warm glow, casting long shadows from the now repaired fence and coop. Working with the shed, they quickly used the fading daylight to handle the dip in the roof by tearing out the rotting area and replacing it with new wood. The gentle rustling of leaves and distant chirping of birds added to the serene atmosphere.

"Besides," Lukas continued, his voice steady, "I didn't come here to create more problems. I came to help my Oma and maybe find a genuine connection. If Emilia and I aren't meant to be, it's better to know now than later. After all, the foundation to a good, strong relationship is trust, honesty, and clearly articulated communication along with a healthy dose of mutual respect. It's clear that there's more to Emilia’s story than I initially knew, and you seem like the best possible font of information on the matter."

Julian nodded, seemingly relieved by Lukas’s measured response. "I appreciate your common sense and understanding. It's not easy to have this conversation, and I was initially concerned that I’d have my buttocks gift-wrapped and handed to me, but I'm glad we could talk openly about it."

Laughing, Lukas extended his hand once more. "No hard feelings, man. Allow me to formally introduce myself. I’m Lukas Kristoph Victor Roberts. Named for my father’s favourite brother and his father before him. I don’t often use Victor, though, so not many people know about my second middle name. While I am visiting my German family, I actually reside in Ontario Canada."

Julian shook his hand firmly, a sense of camaraderie forming between them. "Ah, of course! Kristoph once mentioned one of his nephews held his namesake. I forgot to mention my name earlier, but I’m Julian Andrew Schneider. It’s a pleasure to know you, Lukas.”

As they resumed their work, the tension from earlier dissipated, replaced by a mutual respect and understanding. The front yard, now orderly and well-kept, symbolized the clarity and resolution they had achieved in their conversation. Their new approach to working together was now backed by the purity of knowing that the truth was out in the open. With each motion they moved through, the fluidity of their actions as Lukas prepped the roofing materials and handed them over to Julian for installation was clear.

His laughter was infectious as the man shook his head from the rooftop of the shed, "You know, you really do have a good heart, Lukas. While I'm certain Mrs. Roberts appreciates the assistance, you don't need to pay me to help. I'm honoured to assist an Elder of the village."

Shaking his head, the twenty-year-old sighed, "Please, friends and close family call me Luke."

Julian laughed, rich and throaty, "Fine, but only if you call me Jules. That’s how my own family and certain friends refer to me.”

The evening sun beat down on his back as Lukas prepped another sheaf of roof tiles, his shirt sticking to his body like a second skin. Removing the cloth, he used it to wipe away the sweat that trickled down over his body. The air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers and fresh-cut grass, adding to the sense of a hardworking day drawing to a close.

Glancing over at the front gate, Lukas took keen notice of a young girl walking up the path with a basket in her hands. Her movements were deliberate and graceful, and the basket looked like it was filled with freshly picked produce. The soft murmur of feminine humming reached his ears, causing a flicker of curiosity and warmth within him. Looking at Julian, he said, "Who's that?"

Julian frowned slightly, "That's Emilia's younger sister, Johanna. She's a quiet girl that knows the meaning of and values hard work, family unity, and honesty. She's the one who informed me of what was going on with Emilia."

Lukas observed Johanna for a moment longer, appreciating her quiet demeanor and the way she carried herself with a sense of purpose. The calmness she projected and the way her steps were light and sure gave him an idea of her self-assured nature. Her presence added a serene and almost ethereal quality to the already peaceful setting.

As Johanna approached, the sun's golden rays seemed to halo around her. Lukas couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for the young girl who had played a crucial role in bringing the truth to light. The shared understanding between him and Julian solidified their newfound camaraderie, with each motion and glance reinforcing the bond they were forming. If the man had allowed him to make the ultimate mistake, he wouldn’t have thought twice about shooting him in the head. However, it appeared that Julian was actively showing him others in the community who could be trusted.

Specifically speaking, the sister of the tramp who was trying to trick him.

"I'm going for a drink. Can I get you one?" Julian asked, breaking the silence. He’d seen the girl coming a ways off but kept silent to see what the other man’s reaction would be. Sure enough, as if the invisible hand of fate had brought them together, he watched Lukas’s features change gradually from indifference to interest.

Smirking at the suggestion, Lukas nodded. Turning his gaze to the bright horizon, he breathed a laugh. "Yeah, a nice cold Pilsner sounds like a treat right now."

“I’ll see what Inspektor Kris got in his stash for you. I’m sure your beloved uncle won’t mind sharing,” Julian laughed and headed towards the house, leaving Lukas to continue watching Johanna as she approached. He couldn't help but feel a sense of intrigue and concern as the door shut behind him.

Looking back at the girl, he noticed that her dirndl was slightly longer than the ones girls usually wore. While many came to the calf, her light blue dirndl stopped inches above a pair of calf-high boots. His mouth went dry as his gaze travelled the length of her body, taking in the long brown hair that was pulled back into a braided crown on top of her head.

Shaking his head clear of the naughty thoughts he was having, he walked over to the girl. "Can I help you, Miss?"

Startled, Johanna froze in place to stare at the man, "Um.. my… my mother sent me to bring Elder Roberts the flour she requested. I, um, was stopped along the way by others who wished to pass on some goods to her as well. There’s some fruit from Mrs. Olmstead, lamb from Mr. Cartwell, and some pickled vegetables along with fresh carrots and potatoes from the Flintshire farm, too."

"Well, that’s sweet of you to bring that here all by your lonesome. I'm Lukas Roberts,” he stated calmly. It wasn’t on purpose, but on instinct that he was testing the waters with the young woman in front of him. “I’m Marie's apparently infamous grandson."

Tears gathered in teal eyes as she gasped. Looking more panicked than happy to meet someone new, her eyes fell to the ground at her feet. “Yes, I know. My sister is to be your wife.”

Each movement a testament to his curious nature as he got closer to her, he used his body to block her from the prying eyes inside the house. Hooking his finger under her chin, he tilted her face to his as he whispered: "What did they tell you about me, Johanna? Why are you so scared of being in my presence?"

She stumbled backward, slapping his hand away as she swallowed the tightness in her throat. The tears were threatening to fall as her father’s warning rang clear in her ears. Stepping out of her way, he watched with a mix of amusement and pride as she ran into the house. She’d hit him, proving that she was not as weak as she looked. Her integrity showed in her need to expose the truth, according to Julian. So far, she was checking all the boxes, and she didn’t even know it.