Sister Wife by Shelley Hrdlitschka

Author:Shelley Hrdlitschka
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: JUV000000
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Published: 2008-11-01T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Nanette

“It’s a very sad day, isn’t it, Nanette,” Martin Nielsson says, picking up a glass of juice from my table after Colleen’s funeral.

I nod but can’t make eye contact with him. The dreams I’ve been having about the two of us are fresh in my mind, and to actually speak with him, well, it feels...sinful. Especially today.

“At least the baby has other mothers to care for her.”

I glance around at the women who are clustered in groups. Most of them have red-rimmed eyes or are still mopping at their faces with handkerchiefs. Colleen’s tiny baby is being cradled by Ruth, Uncle Jeremy’s first wife.

“And I hear Taviana has left Unity.”

“Yes, she has.”

“Is your family missing her?”

“No,” I tell him. “We know that it was for the best. Taviana did not belong here.” I’m proud of my mature response.

When I finally get the courage to glance at him, his head is tilted and he’s frowning.

“Don’t you agree?” I ask him.

He doesn’t answer immediately. When he does, he speaks slowly. “I thought Taviana was an asset to our community,” he says. “Through her, we were reminded that this is a preferable place to live.”

“Father and I believe she was putting impure thoughts into Celeste’s head.”

“Oh. Well, that is a problem.”

“And she was prone to telling stories.”

“Stories?”

“Inappropriate stories.”

“I see.”

He stands quietly for a moment. I keep my hands busy by wiping up the spills on the table.

“How is your mother, Nanette? I haven’t seen her in church for a while.”

“She’s...” What do I say? I can’t talk to a man about her health. “She’s not too good.”

“Oh dear. I’m sorry to hear that.”

I nod and feel my eyes filling with tears again.

“Nanette, what is it?” Mr. Nielsson is leaning toward me, concerned.

I try to blink back the tears, but it’s been an emotional day, and they’re so close to the surface. I can feel my lip quivering.

“Nanette?”

I let it spill. “I’m scared that the same thing is going to happen to my mother as happened to Colleen.”

“Oh, Nanette. Your mother has given birth to many children. She will be fine.”

I can only shrug and wipe my eyes. I can’t tell him that she too had bleeding.

He reaches out and touches my arm gently. “It’s in God’s hands, child. He will take care of her.”

“Where was God for Colleen?” I ask, and then, shocked at myself, I drop my face into my hands.

His hand continues to linger on my arm. I pull it away and feel my cheeks burn. He straightens his shoulders and adjusts his shirt collar.

“What has become of your faith, child?” he asks.

I shrug. “Maybe I’ve been spending too much time with Celeste.”

He regards me thoughtfully. “Spend some time with the sacred book, Nanette, and practice purity. You’ll be fine.”

I nod but can no longer look at him. Why did he leave his hand on my arm so long?

“Tragic events like Colleen’s death often make us question our faith, Nanette. It is normal. You’ll feel better in a few days and be as faithful as ever again.

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