Chapter 3

John, James and Judah were already set and were waiting for their sister. It always took Mary a lot of time to get dressed up for anything. Her brothers always wondered what she was doing in there. The boys were matched in a deep blue suit and had started playing around the house. They had gotten bored from waiting for their sister. Mary was still in the room putting the finishing touches to her look.

'Sister Mary, you look gorgeous!' Judah said with his four years old babyish voice as Mary came out of the room. The two boys who were seated looked up in awe and saw their sister all dressed up in a black empire waist silk dress. The dress brought out her green coloured eyes and brown hair.

'Thank you very much, sweeties. We'd be late for Sunday service if we don't leave now.' She took her parasol and scarf and went out with the boys who were scurrying behind her.

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The Abraham's attended a Baptist Church at the heart of Pennsylvania. They had to take the bus to their church. It was the biggest church in the area. It was a white wood colonial looking structure with a steeple. Their worship music was one of the things that distinguished the church from others. The church to Mary was the people who attended it; the souls of the people who came to worship God. Her church was when her youngest brother out of the blue grabs a hold of her face and stares in her eyes with so much love. Her church was whatever made her grateful. Her church was God.

The worship song was already on when they got there. Mary hurriedly found a space in the middle of the church for the boys and went up the choir stand to worship along with the congregation.

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'Mary, hold up.' Mary turned to see Joseph running towards her. The church service was over and it was a great one. She had greeted some of her friends and some elderly people in the congregation. The senior pastor had asked after her parents and some church members had gifted them with necessities that they would need while her parents were away.

'Hello, Joseph. Sorry I didn't wait up to greet you. My brothers are hungry and I didn't see you at all.'

'I was late. No problem though.' Joseph paused to catch his breath. 'I wanted to walk you and the boys home. Am I permitted?'

'You don't even have to ask. You are welcome anytime.' Mary shifted a bit on the walkway to accommodate him. 'Did you enjoy the service?' The two of them were close to each other and the heat was quite intensive between them.

'Yes, I did. The youth pastor really did a great job breaking down the issues of relationships to us.' Mary nodded in agreement. The boys were singing and running down the road. They had decided to walk to the next bus stop to preserve money. The boys loved the fact that Joseph was escorting them home. Judah came up to him and asked to be carried.

'So how is preparation going for tomorrow.' Joseph said as they stopped walking to enter the bus.

'I don't really have much to prepare for, only to pack my books and iron what I am going to wear to school. Our graduation plans are on the way. You know it's in a month, right?' Mary sat down and she was far away from Joseph and the boys. Joseph looked at her to apologize for not taking the seat next to her. The whole ride was ten minutes and quiet except the few bumps and the cry of the baby at the back seat. For some reasons, she felt that child's pain. They got to their bus stop and Joseph still carried Judah because he had fallen asleep. They got down and held hands. His hands were incredibly soft and small not suitable for a furniture maker. 'When did you get back from Nazareth?'

'I got back early this morning. Father didn't want me to spend much time with him without seeing you. He cherishes his future daughter-in-law very much.' He looked into Mary's eyes with his almond-shaped eyes. 'He asked after you. He said he'd come to visit you when he's opportune.'

'Send my regards when next you see him. I even promised him some of my famous apple pie. Tell me when you are off to Nazareth again.' Mary smiled and flicked her hair. She was proud of her famous apple pie which was always the talk of the community, church and of course Joseph's father; Isaac Perez.

'Hmm, you still haven't given me a taste of your famous apple pie. I would really want some of it.' He licked his lips hungrily and Mary started to laugh. He looked awkwardly cute and she laughed.

'I will give you two of my famous apple pie then. Don't want you stealing your father's own.' Mary smiled feeling achieved. They finally reached her house. The boys ran off into the house while Mary and Joseph waited. Joseph handed over Judah to Mary. She wanted to tell Joseph the dream she had but she couldn't bring herself to do it. She wanted to believe it wasn't going to come to pass. Her relationship with Joseph was something she wanted to have for a long time

'I guess this is goodbye then.' Joseph removed his hat and dusted his Jeans.

'Yes, thank you for escorting us home. The boys really enjoyed your company.' Mary had turned and was already heading towards the house when Joseph spoke.

'Mary,' He paused and looked at the sky as if searching for the right words to say. 'Did you enjoy my company?'

'Kinda but the boys were the ones who enjoyed being with you the most.' Mary didn't want to admit that she loved every moment she spent with Joseph. This wasn't the right time to tell him how much her heart yearned for him.

'You know that I really love you, Mary. Ever since I got to know you my heart has always yearned for you. I always had my eyes on you. The idea of being engaged to you brought me joy that can't be measured. Maybe there's a reason for all these. Maybe God has a reason for doing this. I hope we can build a family together.' Joseph said not expecting a reply. Mary looked at her future husband as he walked away gracefully and content. His words were her hope for what was soon to happen.