A Rose for Joseph

By Debra Napuunoa

Lovely young Rose Harington has moved with her mother after the death of her father to a quaint village where she meets handsome and kind Joseph King. The two form a friendship that eventually leads to their secret wedding, but would they be discovered before Rose becomes of age? Will their love endure their deception? What will happen when Joseph becomes a specially trained navy man and is called away on a deadly, perilous rescue mission? Where will Rose find hope and strength to endure what lies ahead?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 17, 2022
• ISBN: 9781638743125

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A Rose for Joseph

Debra Napuunoa

ISBN 978-1-63874-311-8 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-63874-312-5 (digital)

Copyright © 2021 by Debra Napuunoa

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

This book is dedicated to readers who love to read stories with a few twists in a plot but leave them with a smile.

May this book bring God all the glory, 1 Corinthians 10:31.

Introduction

As a child, I struggled with reading, but in fourth grade, a light bulb seemed to have turned on, and I have enjoyed reading ever since. One of my favorite authors was Grace Livingston Hill. Her writing style was a huge influence on me as I wrote this book. My desire to share the gospel with anyone who would listen is my primary purpose for writing, A Rose for Joseph. Everyone, including those who are moral and upstanding, need to have his/her heart changed before entering heaven. Only perfect people can enter heaven, but no one is perfect. It takes a perfect Saviour to rescue imperfect people. How can a person be made acceptable to God in order to enter heaven? Once a person realizes his/her own sinful condition and desires to turn from it and turn to God, that person must accept the gift of Jesus as their Saviour. He alone is the only way to heaven. I invite you, dear reader, if you have not already done so, put your faith and trust in Jesus today.

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank, above all, my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for placing this story in my heart and opening the way for me to share it. I am also thankful for my husband, children, and their spouses for encouraging me to put this story into print. I would also like to say thank you to my parents, grandparents, siblings for giving me a rich legacy that created a fertile soil to grow this story in.

1

The summer heat was almost unbearable for Rose Harington. She could feel the humidity in the air. Rose, a well-loved and admired seventeen-year-old, searched frantically for items she would need for a week-long secret getaway. She had long, soft brown hair that fell to the middle of her back. Through the years, Rose had developed into a beautiful young woman. The blue-green in her eyes reminded one of a faraway tropical ocean where the hues could change when the weather did. These same eyes were accented by long, dark lashes and carefully groomed brows. Her other facial features were just as attractive as her eyes. Even as a child, people would stop to comment on how adorable she looked. Her cheeks were heightened in color from the throbbing of blood that rushed from her excited heart. This only added to her beauty.

I’ve got to hurry, and just get what I need! she thought. Her heart felt as if it was beating so hard and fast that it was about to jump out of her chest. Oh, how am I ever going to get away with this? her anxious thoughts continued.

Just then, a little bluebird outside her window trilled out a happy song. Rose became distracted, walked over to her window, and peered out. Another song lilted from the singer’s throat. It was as if the tiny creature sensed that her watcher needed some encouragement. Rose suddenly stopped and smiled at the pretty little musician and then quickly turned from the window to face her almost empty closet. Everything she owned was stacked neatly on her closet floor.

Rose peered into the freshly painted closet and studied its contents. She pulled out her lightweight cotton pink suit and nodded in agreement with herself.

Well, I guess this will be as good as any, if not the best, she thought. After buttoning her favorite white blouse, she proceeded to clothe herself with the sensible pink suit. She then slipped on her white pumps and was about to leave.

Wait, I can’t leave yet, she said abruptly. I better bring a couple extra sets of clothes. I’m sure I’ll be needing them, she concluded. So with that, Rose pulled a few more clothes from her closet stash. Now, I am ready! she said with finality.

On her way out of the bedroom door, Rose quickly grabbed her white overcoat and extra clothes but then remembered something and bent down to look under her bed.

Oh, here we go. No one would suspect a simple grocery bag, she thought as she dumped her pile of clothes into it. Now, all I have to do is get through that front door without mother seeing me! said Rose in anticipation. Her heart began to quicken as she finally and quietly moved out of her room and through the front door. Time was fleeting and her new life was calling…

*****

Joseph King, a very handsome young man of twenty, was preparing for this same event.

This heat has got to get better! he reasoned as he searched his room for the last bit of clothing he planned to take.

He neatly combed his hair as his dark brown eyes carefully scanned the room. His survey was interrupted as he saw a small photograph of one of his favorite teachers standing with him in front of his former high school.

We know you will accomplish great things in life! his hopeful teacher had told him.

Joseph had thus far proved his teacher to be correct. Now, with his jaw set, he showed that he was not a man to have his mind easily changed, but when this same jaw gave way to a smile, it was as if the sun had filtered through the clouds to reveal a beautiful rainbow. Not many people were intimately acquainted with him since he had kept his thoughts to himself. The girls called him the strong, silent type, but only one had been accepted into his inner self. This special one was to meet him secretly in a few moments.

*****

As Joseph recalled the first time he had ever met his lovely Rose, he remembered that it had been almost three years ago. He had been walking on his way home from town after running an errand for his mother and decided to walk through the park that was located near the center of town. What a nice little park it was. It boasted itself of a few trees scattered here and there as well as a couple of historical monuments. The central object of this tranquil park was its lake. The lake contained quite a number of aquatic inhabitants, but these creatures never seemed to bother the swimmers and waders who played on its pebbled beach. This park was always an ideal place to go to when peace was desired for those who wished to sort out their thoughts.

Each time Joseph walked by the park, his breath would come and go in long sighs. It was there that he had made many monumental decisions. On that particular day, he had decided to walk along the shore. He was listening to the noise of his shoes crunching the pebbles under them when he heard the sound of someone crying. He traced the sound and saw sitting on the ground a young girl beneath an old maple tree. She looked so small under the sturdy tree towering over her little frame. She was sobbing as if the end of the world had come. Joseph, not knowing what to say, but his heart filled with compassion, approached the weeping girl.

What’s the matter? Can I help you? he gently asked.

Oh! the girl looked up in shock. I didn’t know anyone was around. I guess I’m feeling sorry for myself, she murmured. Then quickly grabbing her tissue, she attempted to wipe the tears from her eyes. You see, my father died only two months ago. My mother had to sell the house and move to this neighborhood. I don’t know anyone, and tomorrow is my first day of school here. I’m scared—I miss my old house. It’s the only one I’ve ever known. Everything seems so strange and different, she rambled. Then without warning, she broke down and cried again.

All while the distressed girl was talking, Joseph was thinking that he had never met a more lovely and innocent young girl. She seemed so genuine. Her eyes were so large and sad. Her whole being moved him like no one ever did before. Her face was sweet and delicate. Not a hint of haughtiness like so many of the other girls in school.

What a nice change it will be to have someone like her in school, he thought. He was intrigued and wanted to know more about this poor child.

You know, I don’t even know your name, he said.

Oh, it’s Rose—Rose Harrington, she replied.

What a pretty name, Joseph said kindly. My name is Joseph King, and now you know someone, he added cheerfully. May I be bold enough to welcome you and say that I would like to be your first friend in town, and could I show you around school tomorrow? he asked with a smile.

Rose beamed a bright smile to her new found friend and nodded her head in affirmation.

Very well then, friend Rose, where do you live? May I walk you home? he asked expectantly.

She smiled up at him and then proceeded to tell him where her house was. As Joseph helped her to her feet, they walked quietly beside each other until Joseph spoke.

Did you know that we are close neighbors? Your house is in the middle between the corner and my house. I could even walk you to school if you like, he said.

Oh, that would be wonderful! she exclaimed. Then her face suddenly clouded.

What’s the matter? Joseph asked.

Oh, I was just thinking. I don’t want to cause you any problems. I mean you probably have a girlfriend, and she would feel hurt, she said with downcast eyes.

There was nothing coy in her demeanor. Rose had seen how girls could be cruel when they felt threatened, especially if it was something or someone they possessed, and a boy that handsome could never be unattached.

Me? A girlfriend? he laughed. Not me! some of the girls in school may think I belong to them, but believe me, they are greatly mistaken. I haven’t the time, and there isn’t anyone interesting enough to bother with, he stated matter-of-factly.

Presently, they approached her house. It was one of the better homes on the block. A fairly new model. The hedges lining the front walk were evenly trimmed. The flower beds contained the latest in hybrids that the stores had to offer. The brick-lined walk led up to three steps made of the same type of bricks. These, in turn, led to a very impressive front door. The entire structure of the house seemed to have come straight out of a magazine. It was rumored that the family who built the house wanted to move because the area was not stylish enough for them and a bit too quaint for their liking.

Well, I guess I will see you in the morning around seven thirty, or is that too early for you? Joseph asked.

Oh no, that will be wonderful. This way, I’ll have time to get acquainted with the building…and its contents, she giggled.

Okay, great! I’ll see you at seven thirty. Good night! he said as he turned to leave.

Good night, she responded as she slipped through the door.

The next day, two fourteen-year-old girls, named Betty and Sarah, were waiting by the office for Betty’s older sister, Charmaine. Betty and Sarah were best friends since kindergarten. Betty’s short, curly hair gave her a carefree appearance, but she was really a very conscientious girl. She had a caring gentle nature—just the kind of person Sarah needed. Sarah was a very timid girl with long blond hair and bangs, which usually sported a headband. Charmaine was just one year older than her sister but walked with an air of superiority. She would make the two younger girls do her bidding through the use of threats and manipulation. All three of these girls held a high admiration for Joseph, but Charmaine’s admiration went a step further than the younger two. She had claimed him as her boyfriend to her admirers. To make her claims credible, she would invent stories to fit her obsession. The amazing thing was that she could make her stories sound plausible. Joseph had his suspicions about her, but if anyone would repeat one of Charmaine’s stories, he would laugh it off.

Charmaine was the most talked about girl in the school. Conversations about her ranged from very impressed to very annoyed. To her classmates, Charmaine had what they called sophistication. Joseph called it snobbery, and Betty called it an act.

Betty suddenly caught Sarah by the arm and squeezed it.

Ouch! Sarah cried out in pain. What do you think you are doing? she said in surprise.

As she looked at Betty and then followed Betty’s pointing finger, she saw Joseph walking to the school with an unknown girl, and Charmaine was coming quickly around the corner to catch up with them.

This might get rough, Betty mumbled under her breath.

Boy, will your sister be hot! Sarah whispered back to her friend.

Sarah and Betty could not help their giddy smiles as Charmaine arrived in time to catch Joseph walking into the school building with Rose. Charmaine was not pleased and gave the new girl one of her well-known icy stares.

Man, she could freeze the sun with that look, a fellow classmate had commented only a week before.

When Joseph arrived with Rose, he was oblivious of what was about to happen. He was just a young man doing a fellow schoolmate a favor. Suddenly, Charmaine thrust herself in front of Joseph and Rose.

Well, where did you find this poor little child? Why, she looks like she could use a real friend? Oh, Betty, why don’t you take this little girl and show her around. She looks like she is in your grade, Charmaine said condescendingly. You’re in ninth grade, aren’t you? she continued in the same tone. When Rose nodded, Charmaine commented, Yes, I’m pretty good at sizing people up. Well, Betty, Sarah, take her!

Sure, gasped Betty as she realized what her caustic sister was trying to do. Looks like my sister has a new enemy. Boy, she doesn’t give up! all this was whispered to Sarah under Betty’s breath.

Joseph cleared his throat and said, Hi, girls, this is Rose. Rose, this is Betty, Sarah, and Charmaine. The two younger girls greeted Rose warmly, but Charmaine continued her icy stare.

Betty, feeling it her duty to smooth things over, said, You must be the new girl we heard was coming.

Yes, I am, and I’m glad to meet you, Rose responded, smiling.

Then, Betty and Sarah each grabbed an arm and led Rose away to the lockers as Rose waved goodbye to Joseph.

Now that we are free of that Rose girl, how about walking me to class? Charmaine coyly asked.

Since he saw that his help for Rose was no longer needed, he reluctantly agreed.

There were times when Joseph would see Rose in the halls or on her way home from school. When he was not occupied with school duties, he would catch up with her on her way home, and the two would talk about their day, or whatever was on their mind. He enjoyed her ability to share her thoughts without pressing her views upon him. She appreciated his wise advice and perspective on things that confounded her. At school, Charmaine would always seem to be watching with a look of disdain on her face.

One day at lunch, Betty, Sarah, and Rose were eating at the same table in the cafeteria when Joseph came to talk to them. He brought his best friend, Alan, with him.

Alan was a fun-loving guy with carefree blond hair. His light blue eyes twinkled when he smiled. Their conversation