Promises

By Susan A. Perkins

Two women promise that no matter where life leads, they will always be friends. But fate has them marrying mortal enemies. Eunice, small and beautiful, marries a Pharisee and Onnua, tall and plain, marries a tax collector for Rome. Their lives take very different paths and their husbands hate keeps them apart. One day Zaccheus, the publican, brings Jesus, a new prophet in Isreal, home for lunch. Is He the long-awaited Messiah? Will His visit change these two men? What about the promise made by Eunice and Onnua?

Promises is filled with delightfully real people, struggles we still share today, and a story of friendship that spans a lifetime.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Sep 7, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452080635

Susan A. Perkins

Dale Herron has been illustrating books for over 20 years. He is a graduate of the Columbus College of Art & Design and lives with his wife and son in Circleville, Ohio. Dale highly enjoys a good tale to illustrate. He is also passionate about the relevance of Biblical truth to contemporary life. Dale continues to provide work for a growing list of independent authors, illustrating adult, teen, and complete children’s books. To see a gallery of his work, please visit www.daleherron.com

Book preview

© 2010 Susan A. Perkins. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 9/2/2010

ISBN: 978-1-4389-4477-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4389-4476-0 (hc)

Printed in the United States of America

Bloomington, Indiana

Contents

Dedication

Appreciation

Introduction

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Epilogue

Dedication

To Robert on his fifty-second birthday. Life is just beginning.

To Jane Lavery who is too young to leave us.

To Chattie Garn’s son, someone should remember him.

Appreciation

Thanks to the people who proofed this novel:

Hazel Zun

Mary Jane Dean

Mary Cichon

Barb Davis

Ginnie Graber

And Praise to God who gives me the inspiration

Introduction

I was in seminary in 1975. For a class project I wrote and performed my first Biblical monologue. Later a Chancel play was written around that character. In the years that followed, I studied more of the women in the Bible and wrote many monologues that were performed as part of special programs and worship services. As the years progressed I found women who suited my age at the time. In the early years I wrote and performed a pregnant Mary asking God to show her who the child she carried would become. In the later years I wrote of the Mary at the cross.

Of all the monologues I wrote and performed, my husband’s favorite was always Onnua (long u and short a). I had named Zaccheus’ wife (he’s the wee little man in Luke who climbs the sycamore tree) Onnua. He often said that he would love to know the rest of her story. He wanted to know how they married, did they have children, what happened next.

As his fifty-second birthday approached, I had no clue what to get him as a gift. He really already had everything he needed and we could never afford what he wanted. (A Mustang. I do not mean a horse or car. I mean the World War II one with wings.)

He and a friend needed to go to Mexico on business for a week. I was home nursing my knee after minor surgery. I decided that for his birthday in two months I would tell him the rest of Onnua and Zaccheus’ story. And so the journey began.

When I gave him the wrapped manuscript, he was amazed. It was over 100 pages and I’d had the local print shop put a plastic binding on it.

I believe his exact words were, You wrote this? The whole thing? Well, it did not jump out of the computer.

After he read it, practically in one sitting, he said, So what happens next? and that is when the real journey began in earnest. I hope that you will enjoy traveling with us on this journey.

Chapter One

O nnua! Onnua, hurry! called Eunice as she approached her friend’s home. She often called for Onnua when she went to draw water for her family and the girls would walk together to the well.

Onnua was helping her mother knead bread when she heard her friend’s voice. Mother, may I go with Eunice for water?

And how long will this take? queried her mother for she knew these two teenagers and that a trip to get water could last hours.

As long as it takes to get the water. Onnua was being evasive. She knew that her mother would let her go but she didn’t want to tell her too much. Or more than she herself knew. But she suspected, from the sound of Eunice’s voice, that there was to be news. Eunice’s father was trying to make a match for her.

Be home in time to help me with the supper preparations!

Thank you, Mother, Onnua kissed her lightly, took up the water jar and hurried to meet her friend. Her mother just shook her head. She did not remember being that young.

Good morrow, Eunice! she called in greeting as she approached her friend. Why the hurry? Have you news?

Maybe! Maybe not! Eunice teased. Let’s go to the brook for water instead of the well. I want some privacy to talk to you and I do not want the ears of every gossip in Jericho to hear. And with these words Eunice turned toward the brook with her jug.

Then it is good news! smiled Onnua hurrying to keep up.

I’ll tell you when we get there! she said and hurried on ahead of Onnua.

They were quite a pair trudging down the street together. Eunice was dark with large sparkling eyes. She was small, slender and delicate boned. Her hair was dark as ebony and hung down her back in a glistening sheen. Although Eunice wore a head covering, her hair was longer than it. She looked younger than her fifteen years. And everything was an excitement to her. She loved a secret and the confidences of youth.

Onnua was almost her opposite. Onnua’s mother Zipporah, named for Moses’ wife, had been a tall woman for her time. She had married Onnua’s father, a tall Greek, and they were constantly amazed by Onnua’s growth. She was a long baby and now at fifteen was taller than all the other girls and most of the young men. She had firm round breasts and a thin waist and hips to her credit. But her eyes were a nondescript gray and her hair was the color of a field mouse. She had long slender fingers, probably her most attractive feature, if you could call anything about her attractive, and a plain face. But Eunice loved the big girl and they were often together.

When they reached the brook, they did not immediately fill their water jars. Instead, they set them down by the stream and waded into the cool water. Eunice kicked up some water and laughed at how the sun made the droplets sparkle. Oh, Onnua, I feel so alive! So beautiful! So loved!

So, the news? It’s good? asked Onnua quietly contemplating the minnows swimming about her toes.

It couldn’t be better.

So, tell me already!

So, tell me already! Eunice mocked. She had every intention of prolonging this announcement as long as she could.

Onnua was used to her friend’s games. She could play too. Then I shall fill my jug and go home, she said walking toward the bank.

Eunice grabbed her arm and pulled her back. You can’t leave yet!

Are you betrothed or are you not? asked Onnua, hands on her hips with impatience.

You take all the fun out of a secret! Eunice pouted.

And you make a secret last a week! Onnua responded starting toward the shore again.

I’ll tell you! Onnua turned and stared at her friend. All this intrigue was maddening but she loved her. And what if most of her life had been lived vicariously through Eunice? She was not jealous of the slender little beauty.

You know how much I have always liked Amos? Yes, Onnua knew, and nodded. How could she help but know. Amos bar Zebulon was all Eunice talked about. And Onnua did not particularly like Amos. Perhaps it was his arrogance and apparent superiority. Amos always seemed to act as though he were better than everyone. It was true that he was about the most handsome of the young men in Jericho. It was true he was better with the bow. It was also true that he considered himself among the most pious of the young students of the law. Onnua thought that with all that to his credit he could have been nicer to others. And yes, he was his father’s apprentice in the jewelry business. He would have money and be a fine catch for all that. Well, his father spoke to my father and they are discussing a dowry. Her voice raised a pitch and she began to dance about splashing water. Mother said that Zebulon said that his son should have the prettiest girl in the village, so that is why they were asking for my hand for Amos. Can you imagine? Being married to Amos? She was still bouncing.

No, I can’t imagine it. Indeed, Onnua was not at all pleased with the idea of Amos marrying her friend. And even less so, if Amos had wanted her, Onnua, instead.

What?

Onnua feared she had said the wrong thing. I mean, no, I can’t imagine it for me! But yes, for you. Yes! Even though she wasn’t sure what kind of a husband Amos would make for her friend, she was very happy for Eunice. Eunice grabbed her and swung her around in the water until both of their tunics were soaked. They laughed and giggled and hugged. Then they threw themselves exhausted onto the grass by the bank.

Mother says they still have to work out the bride price, what an archaic concept! Then we can set a date. Eunice raised her arm and began to contemplate the imaginary shiny gold band that she knew would soon be on her right hand. It would only need to be a small band to compliment her tiny, delicate fingers. Suddenly she became serious. Years of fellowship had helped Onnua keep up with Eunice’s mood swings. Have you ever wondered… have you ever thought about… well, you know… what it would be like to … lay with a man?

Yes, I wonder. And I dream about it. Only I’m not sure what I am longing for… exactly.

Have you ever seen a man… you know…?

Have you?

No.

I’ve only seen little boys being bathed by their mothers. I don’t think that’s the same thing, do you? suggested Onnua curling her lip.

Eunice began to giggle again. She wrapped her arms about herself, running her fingers on her bare arms. It has to be wonderful! She closed her eyes and sighed.

How do you know? Have you and Amos….? Oh, tell me you haven’t!

Well, actually, I….

Onnua wailed, You did!

No! I handed him a basket one day and our fingers touched and it was like that feeling you get when lightening strikes too close. It was warm, but more than that. And goose bumps rose on my skin but I was hot too. And I got this warm shudder down deep inside me. All these feelings all at once. It was almost too much to bear and not throw myself on him to… to feel more of that delicious, wonderful moment. Eunice stopped to catch her breath. So, being married has just got to be incredible!

Onnua sat there quietly trying to take in all that Eunice had said. Onnua was so very tall and so unremarkable to look on that she was sure she would never know the feelings that Eunice was describing. But then, she had experienced so much through her friend, why not the joys of first love, marriage and maybe even childbirth. Onnua knew that Eunice would talk about them all with her sooner or later! But what would she do with that stirring of need she already had? A need she did not even understand.

Onnua rolled over onto her side and propped her head on her hand. She looked long into the beautiful, dark face of her friend. Eunice, do you ever feel that way when Amos is not around? Do you ever feel that you need to be hugged or kissed or held or something or you will go mad?

Eunice answered only with a deep sigh, closing her eyes half way as if dreaming.

Onnua continued, I asked Mother one day why I felt like that. Why I had these strong needs. Why it was that my body almost ached from desire for something I did not understand.

Suddenly Eunice was very interested. What did she say? I couldn’t ask my mother a thing like that for anything in the world.

She said a woman shouldn’t feel like that until she was married. She said those were feelings only women who were married should have. But I’ve had them ever since the time of my curse. Is there some magic that the marriage vows have that suddenly turn you from a girl to a woman with feelings… with needs for a man? And why do I feel this way already and I don’t even have a suitor?

I feel it already too, interjected Eunice half dreamily.

But you have a suitor and almost a promise for marriage and your parents can afford a dowry. Mine, well… She didn’t finish that thought. Ever since the accident things had been hard for her and her family. And what if I never marry? Am I not ever supposed to feel that way? And if I’m not supposed to feel that way until I’m married, why do I already feel that way? It’s all very confusing.

Eunice grabbed up Onnua’s hand impulsively and kissed it. You’ll marry someday. You must. You are such a dear person. Surely there is someone special for you just like I have Amos. Surely the Lord will not leave you barren.

But you are so beautiful and I’m so….

Tall, stated her friend before Onnua could say the word plain.

Yes, that too.

Stately. You remind me of the love poems of Solomon like the cedars of Lebanon, your stature like a palm tree, and your breasts like its clusters.

Oh, please.

Well, at least you have breasts. I got rose buds at twelve and they haven’t bloomed yet.

Onnua began to laugh at Eunice’s frankness. She knew Eunice would never speak like that to anyone but her.

Eunice, I am so very happy that you are happy. I remember back on all our days together and you were always there. You never cared that I was taller than you, and not as pretty as you. You liked my anyway. I shall never forget the day that that boy followed me home teasing me all the way. He said the most awful things to me. It made me wonder where that kind of language comes from. I am sure I have never heard my father say any of those words out loud, let alone say them to another. And I remember that you heard him when we met up at our special place – the sycamore tree — and heard the words he was saying. You walked right up to him and slapped him hard, right on the face. I think he was as stunned as I was. He stopped and ran away crying just like that. I had no idea you had that in you. I’m sure he didn’t either. It seemed to prove a point about bullies and people like him. They don’t mind doing and saying the things they do, but they don’t like the tables turned on them. You were so brave that day. All I did was keep walking and keep my head down and hope he would get tired of his insults and leave. You were a good friend that day to me. I wondered later why I had not thought of that. Slapping him I mean.

Because, Onnua, you are not the type of person who would slap anyone. Oh, Onnua, promise me that we will always be friends. No matter who we marry or where we live, promise we will be friends.

Eunice was always so flighty, so this plea seemed almost foreign on her lips. But Onnua looked deeply into her beautiful brown eyes and realized how serious she was. I do promise. We shall always be friends. No matter what happens. We shall always be friends.

They both rose then, as if by mutual consent, filled their water jugs, balanced them on their shoulders and began the journey home.

Chapter Two

Zebulon led the way while his son, Amos, walked a pace behind. They were going to synagogue to prepare for the Sabbath. They had both tied their phylacteries to their foreheads and at each street corner Zebulon would pray aloud. This custom had bothered Amos when he was ten. But now he was seventeen and a student of the law under his father’s guidance. And this show of prayer was one way they had of setting themselves apart from the rest of humanity.

But today Amos had graver thoughts on his mind. He was, after all, seventeen and the time was nearly past for him to be taking a wife. He had long had his eye on Eunice for she was the fairest creature in all Jericho. He had chastened himself more than once for the thoughts he had concerning her. He was a student of the law he kept reminding himself. Thoughts like those were too worldly. He needed a wife to keep his home, present him with a substantial number of children as befitted his station and she must be able to entertain his important guests. In short he needed a woman like his mother. Only he wanted her to be pretty. And Eunice was from a nice family, had learned the ways of keeping a home from her mother and she was pretty!

Unfortunately there was a problem. Although his father and her father had agreed that the children would make a good match, they were stuck on the dowry amount. Amos wanted to discuss this problem with his father. But when would be a good time? He was never certain when to approach the man.

They were just leaving the last corner before the synagogue so there would be no more prayers on this walk. Father, I’d like to discuss…

It is almost Sabbath.

But, it isn’t Sabbath yet. We need to talk about…

Shush, Shush. Any discussion can happen after the Sabbath.

But this is important, pleaded Amos. This whole dowry thing is the only problem. Surely you and Rathan can come to an agreement.

An important issue if you two are to begin your lives as you should on the right foot, insisted his father.

She has a dowry, pleaded Amos.

It is not the right amount. And here we are at synagogue and we will not discuss this again until after Sabbath.

And they entered the cool interior of their place of worship to prepare for the services. Amos went immediately to a stance of prayer. Even though his body was in the correct posture and even though he tried to get his mind in the right frame, he could not. What if he lost Eunice because his father was holding out for so large an amount? What if he had to settle for another girl whose family would be able to supply the desired dowry? That was unacceptable. Eunice was the girl that he woke nights thinking about. She was the one that caused him to get up and wash his face in cold water. Eunice was the one who would produce beautiful children who would look like him. Well, the girls could look like her, if there were any girls, but he wanted all male children. Having all male children would be another statement to the community about him and again show his worth. And how could he explain all this to his

Reviews for Promises

[kybunnies · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book was a goodreads.com first read contest win.

What a touching and inspirational story. This book is more than just about some of the many people in the bible. This book is about loving, family, turning the other check, and remembering that we are all just human.

While I will admit that the cover makes me think that is will be something for a child or teenager (this book would be great for a teenager) I found it perfect for me. The author took characters out of the bible and made a wonderful fictional story of out them.

I truly enjoyed reading this wonderful book and look forward to more in the series.