Unbreakable by Nancy Mehl

caterpillar. “You are betrothed to Elder Miller. I am concerned that you may be developing inappropriate feelings for Brother Wiese.”
    â€œPapa!” My shock at his charge was matched only by my dismay at the truth behind his words. “Is that why you were so rude to Jonathon? Because you think I have feelings for him? I’m completely aware of my betrothal, and I look forward to becoming Ebbie’s wife.”
    Papa stroked his beard, a sure sign he was worried. I wanted to say something to make him feel better, but my heart betrayed me. My attraction to Jonathon was much stronger than was proper, and try as I might, I couldn’t seem to control it. Before I could speak again, Callie brought coffee to our table. We thanked her, and Papa asked about her father.
    â€œSome days he does quite well, Brother Kauffman,” she replied, “but other days he is barely able to get out of bed.” I could see the sadness in her huge blue eyes.
    â€œI am so sorry to hear that,” Papa said gently. “It has been too long since I have been to visit. May I come by sometime in the next few days?”
    Callie’s expression immediately brightened. “Oh yes. Please do. Seeing you would make him so happy.”
    Papa nodded. “I will stop by one afternoon this week.”
    â€œThat would be wonderful,” she said with a smile. “When I get home tonight, I’ll tell him you’re coming. Thank you so much.”
    â€œI look forward to talking with him. James has been alongtime friend. Forgive me for not calling on him sooner. I will do much better in the future.”
    â€œI understand that you’re busy, and Father understands it too.” She glanced toward the kitchen. “Your meals should be ready shortly. I’ll keep an eye open for them.” She patted me lightly on the shoulder and left to check on a nearby table.
    I saw Levi Housler, Noah’s brother, sitting alone. I waved to him, and he nodded toward me. Levi looked a lot like Noah, but he was taller and his hair was blonder. They weren’t much alike in personality though. Noah was extremely social and made friends easily, while most of the time Levi was very quiet and thoughtful. Callie shared with me once that she had set her cap for the gentle, reverential man. I’d been watching them for months, but Levi didn’t seem to notice Callie except as the woman who waited on him whenever he came into the restaurant.
    I focused my attention back to Papa and started to make a comment about Callie’s father when Papa suddenly interrupted.
    â€œI have not forgotten our topic of conversation, Daughter. I must insist that you stop spending time with Jonathon Weise. He is stirring up division in the church with his ideas. His beliefs about meeting violence with violence are against our core Mennonite doctrine. I have brought his actions to the attention of our elder board.”
    My mouth dropped open. “But you haven’t even heard his suggestions. How can you judge what you don’t know? And approaching the elders about him will surely cause dissension, Papa. How can you accuse Jonathon of divisive behavior and then turn around and do the same thing? I don’t understand—”
    â€œHope,” Papa said sharply, “we will not have this discussion. You obviously care about this young man, and I believe he also has an unhealthy interest in you. Even though I am in his debt for aiding you this afternoon, I want this relationship nipped in the bud. Now. I will not allow it to continue.”
    I felt tears spring to my eyes. Although Papa could be a very severe man, he was usually gentle with me. I felt scolded, yet I hadn’t done anything wrong. Or had I? Indignation rose within me, along with a feeling of shame. Together they made me feel sick inside.
    Without warning, Jonathon’s face drifted into my mind. Thick dark hair, blue eyes the color of a cloudless