From time to time, Elara would think about Magdala, the girl who got away. She imagined what kind of life she could be living.
With Elara's limited knowledge of the world, she imagined Magdala, not married, possibly having someone cook for her. She didn't need to mend clothes or wash all day. She imagined her like the people she mentioned, happy. Smiling and laughing, however, she pleased.
It was one year after she left that Elara made another friend. Or someone she would consider a friend.
There was no one to stop girls from gossiping, even if it was considered a sin. No one would say anything and risk getting punished themselves. So, besides talking about the 'amazing sermons', some girls talk about how joyous it would be to be married to this boy or that boy in the church.
The friend she made was one of those boys all the girls wanted to marry.
This was not normal for her to befriend a boy. Men were to stay with men and women with women. It would be considered a sin and uncomely for a woman to fraternise with men. For a married woman, her husband is the only man she should have contact with.
That is, until they have a son. Then she would take on the role of child bearer. When the boy reached the age of maturity, he learned what he needed from his father.
Meeting him was a coincidence.
She approached her usual spot behind the church. A place people rarely visit because of the high grass. There was a stone hidden there, large enough to sit on, hidden enough that no one would notice.
She usually spent five minutes here, having peace to herself. She would pretend to go to the bathroom when really, she was here.
He appeared out of the thicket, approaching the place she sat. She didn't see him until he was too close, having been lost in her thoughts. He didn't notice her because of her sitting position and her green dress.
It was awkward at first, learning that he also used this place to get away from others. It was because the time they arrived was staggered that they never met each other before; however, this time, he came earlier than usual because he was troubled and needed a place to think.
They both stood there until Elara left awkwardly.
She thought to herself that her hiding place was no longer secure. She waited for the other shoe to drop, for someone to mention it. But no one did. Possibly because he realised he would also be punished.
It was a week later that she decided to go back to the thicket.
She went at her usual time, assuming that since he did not come at this time, he wouldn't be here. However, she was wrong. When she arrived, he was sitting on the stone, his neck craning as if looking for someone.
Elara, standing a few feet away from him, didn't know what to do. She sighed, thinking she really wouldn't be able to come to this place again. As she turned to walk away, she heard him call out behind her.
"Excuse me, miss, I know that this is highly inappropriate, but since the day we met, I have been wanting to see you again. I won't stop you from leaving, but I would like to say, if you think I am suitable, I would like to find some time to ask your parents for your hand in marriage."
Elara whipped around, her eyes big. This man she knew from nowhere, wanted to marry her. Her heart hammered in her chest. She clutched at her skirt and looked at him.
She never thought of getting married; she still had another year. Although she knew it was unlikely she would be able to avoid it, she never put her mind to it. She hoped it would be put off for as long as possible.
She opened her mouth as if to speak, but nothing came out. She could only make a small squeaking sound.
They both stood there for what felt like forever before Elara responded.
"I-I do not wish to be married. Not to you or to anyone."
She knew saying this might get her into trouble, but she could not stop herself from saying it. And once she started, everything poured out. All the ideas she was taught were dangerous, as if, finally finding a place to vent, spilt out.
"I do not want to make man my whole life. I want the freedom afforded to others outside the village. I'm sure you have heard it just as everyone else. The people of the church say the people outside are people who have made deals with the devil, but I do not believe so. I was told that people outside laugh loudly and live happily. I also want to do the same. So I am sorry, sir, but I do not wish to marry."
The boy stood there with his mouth agape. While Elara turned around and ran away. Yet another sin she had committed today. Women should not run around.
As soon as she left the thicket, she stopped running. Breathing in short breaths, she tried to calm herself before walking away. That was the most risky thing she had done in her life.
A thing that would possibly get her punished by being sent to the barn.
People in the barn are almost starved to death before they can leave. They are people who have committed serious offences. They are the people who run, the people who refuse to marry, the nonbelievers.
Elara was ready to go to that place. She went home to wait for her punishment. She did chores that were still waiting for her, hoping to reduce her time in the barn.
She waited until night with her hands shaking, but no one came.
Dinner proceeded as per usual, and everyone went to bed. She woke up and got ready for another day.
This continued for a month, with Elara on edge, waiting for someone to come and punish her. But no one ever did.
She started contemplating going to the thicket again. She didn't know what she was expecting as she made her way there. The revelation that he might not have said anything sent a shock through her system.
She wasn't sure how to perceive this person. Someone who would hear her heretical words and keep them to himself. A spark of hope ignited in her. He might have been like her, not wanting to get married but having to conform to stay alive.
She shook her head, not daring to think too deeply.
When she arrived, she saw him sitting there. He looked up at her and smiled. She folded her lips, unsure of what to say and said the only thing she could.
"Thank you. Thank you for not telling anyone."
"It isn't the first time I've heard those words. You aren't the only person in here who thinks so."
"And you, do you think so?"
She regretted asking as soon as she said it.
"Me? I don't mind either way. You could say I sway with the wind. I know my beliefs, and I know the beliefs of others. "Do not judge, or you too will be judged." I prefer not to be judged."
Elara couldn't help laughing. A deep sound, coming from her belly. A sound she had never made before. She quickly covered her mouth, eyes wide.
She heard him chuckle as he watched her reaction. Her face went from shock to anger. How dare he laugh at her?
Seeing the anger on her face, he stopped laughing, but the smile was not so easy to wipe off his face.
"Alright, I couldn't help myself. I'm not trying to make you angry. I like the way you laugh. It was unrestrained, and it shows you thought what I said was actually funny. Now, let's put aside everything else and start from the beginning."
He straightened his posture and cleared his throat. Bowing slightly as a greeting to her, he said, "Nice to meet you, miss. My name is Joseph Montrose. Would you do me the honour of letting me know your name?"
Elara did a small curtsy in response and said, "It is lovely to make your acquaintance, Joseph Montrose. My name is Elara Whitmore."
"Good, now that we're familiar, would you mind if we talk for a bit?"
"I'd like that."
And thus their friendship began. Although they did not spend long periods of time together, they were still able to exchange ideas.
Six months into getting to know him, she told him about Magdala and what she had confided in her. She told him how she longed to see what she saw. If possible, she would find a way to leave. Since Magdala was able to leave successfully, she should be able to do so.
She was afraid to tell him at first, but knowing they shared similar views, she couldn't help herself. After such a long time, she trusted him.
When he suggested they get married and leave the village together, she didn't hesitate to say yes.
She thought it would be better if they both went. It would be less suspicious if she married because married women were less likely to try and leave.