Rena's Promise Read Online Free PDF Page B

would meet and talk about forming a new state of Israel, and held dances. Gizzy and Cili dragged Rena to these soirees. "We're going to find you a nice Jewish boy!" they teased her gently .
Uncle Jacob approved of her socializing and informed her that he would like her to go out with Schani Gottlobb, a tailor. "I want to be able to tell your father that you've found a suitable escort." He gave her a little extra for a new outfit. Obediently, Rena bought just enough fabric for one dress, then went straight to the market

     

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with the rest of the money to send home more flour, sugar, and cheese .
Schani was mad about me. He flattered me, thinking me both daring and smart for escaping from Poland, and didn't mind that I spent money on my parents rather than clothes. We went to socials together, and a few movies; I put a good face on for everyone, but inside I was not happy. There was nothing to be happy about.
After we'd been dating for about two months, Schani got it into his head that I was the one for him and proposed.
"Schani, you're crazy . . . I can't marry you!" I didn't know how to get out of this mess.
"Why not? Your uncle approves of me and he's your guardian while you're away from home."
"Schani, you're real nice . . . I like you very much . . . " I tried to be as kind and honest as possible without hurting his feelings. "I like your company very much, but my heart isn't with you."
"There's someone else, isn't there?"
I nodded, biting my lip for admitting even that much. "I didn't mean to lead you on. Anyway, it doesn't matter because nothing can come of it, but I'm not over him yet, so I cannot love you. I'm sorry."
"I can wait. You'll see. I'm going to love you so much that I will have enough love for both of us. And to prove it, I'm going to make you a beautiful coat for an engagement gift, so when you're over him in your heart I can step into his place."
That week Rena received a letter from her parents saying they were very happy about her relationship with Schani and she knew Uncle Jacob had informed them of their courtship. "Schani will make a good husband," Gizzy told her, "and he cares for you very much." In a state of confusion, Rena accepted the beautiful gray coat which Schani made for her and they were officially engaged .

It was a lovely Saturday morning in early spring. The air was still crisp and snow clung to the ground, unwilling to release its winter

     

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hold on the land. Schani and Rena were walking to the marketplace when she saw Andrzej heading toward them on the opposite side of the street .
''Hi, Rena." He tipped his hat, his eyes latching onto her soul. Her heart began predictably pounding and her face turned red .
I wanted to do something to show him how I really felt, but I couldn't acknowledge him without embarrassing Schani, my future husband. There was nothing in the Orthodox rules or traditions about proper conduct in this kind of situation. I knew what I wanted to doI wanted to go over and hug him and tell him how much I missed him, I wanted to tell him all that was in my heartbut I heard mY father's voice forbidding me to speak to "that boy." My desires were against my parents and my faith, and for all my courage I did not have enough to say, Hi, Andrzej. I never said a word. He passed us unacknowledged but not ignored.
"Isn't that the Gentile who risked his life to bring you here?" Schani interrupted my thoughts.
"Yes." I turned away.
"That's the boy you love, isn't it?"
"Why do you say that?" I said angrily.
"Rena, look at yourself. You're flushed." He defended himself.
Suddenly I realized that this man bore me no malice. "I'm sorry, Schani . . . Yes, that is Andrzej." My eyes fell to the ground. Normally I would have stood up proudly and spoken those words, but I was embarrassed by my own inaction.
"Why didn't you go over to him? Why didn't you greet him? He saved your life."
"I didn't know how you were going to take it!" I snapped.
"What do you