they welcomed me and ministered to Teoma, who was a bit apprehensive at first.
Yeshua laughs. Did he try and save you from them? How is my good friend now? He scans Teoma’s hayye then quickly returns to mine. Hmmm, it appears as if the two of you are in a bit of a situation.
Teoma stares at me wide-eyed. “Mary, tell Yeshua to please forgive me, I will escort you safely back.”
Reassure Teoma that I trust him with my life as well as my wife, but he must hurry for the family is nearly ready for you to return. And to you, my sensual wife, look forward to my visit tonight. Teoma presents a physical temptation I wish to help you forget.
Teoma seems relieved when I relay my husband’s message. Taking my hand, he leads me back to the family.
***
“Ima, you be a sheep and we’ll catch you,” Sarah suggests, not satisfied with one human animal. Teoma smiles at me through his bridle, some ribbon she tied about his head. He has a way with wood as well as food. The friendly Trojan horse he carved for her birthday sits alone in the nursery, for today he is her mount.
“All right, Sarah, but as soon as you catch me, it will be time to rest and have a snack.”
She pouts, “But, Ima, I’m not tired.”
Giving her a kiss, I pat her horse on the head. “Your steed is getting tired and needs to be put out to pasture.” Teoma laughs as I assume my position.
Although I am agile, Teoma outcrawls me too quickly for Sarah’s satisfaction. “No, Ima, you have to try and get away.”
“I am trying, Sarah, but your horse is much faster than a sheep.”
Frowning, she ponders the dilemma. “Why don’t you stand up a little bit so you are faster, like this?” She hops off Teoma’s back and demonstrates how to lope away on hands and feet.
I comply and soon there is a bit of a challenge. Sarah spurs her mount on, but when Teoma grasps my fleeing ankle, I trip, landing hard. “Mary, I am so sorry. Are you all right?”
Sarah lifts my sadin to expose a bloody, abraded knee. “Poor, Ima, you’re hurt. Here,” she beckons, “kiss it better, Dod Teo.”
I try to cover my knee, “I’m fine, Sarah.”
“No, Ima, Dod Teo hurt you on accident, but he must kiss it better.” In her two-and-half-year-old mind only kisses will make amends, so I consent, but Teoma is hesitant. “Please, Dod Teo, please, make it better.” He kneels in front of me and tenderly kisses my injured knee, lingering a moment as Sarah hugs us.
A cleared throat draws our attention and we look up to see Saada holding a tray with Sarah’s lunch. Teoma hurriedly stands and helps me to my feet. Sarah runs over to Saada exclaiming, “Dod Teo kissed Ima’s hurt away.” Saada lets out a little huff and sets down the tray before giving me a cold look.
After the evening meal, I am called into the study. Miriam greets me. “Mary, you are aware that Saada was disturbed by what she saw in the courtyard today.”
“Ima, I can explain.”
She shakes her head, “There is no need, but you must understand how the staff feels.” I hold my tongue. “Saada and Leah have been with us since before Yeshua was born. They are very protective and see Teoma as a threat. Now I realize that you and Yeshua have come to an understanding about Teoma and while I can encourage him to make more social visits, you are still left in need.” My tears well as she gets to the heart of the matter.
She kisses the top of my head. Reaching the end of my endurance, I weep in her arms. “I know, dear, how hard this is for you.” She lifts my chin. “Your mother has requested your presence alone tomorrow evening. I believe she wants to speak to you about this very matter.” What, are our staff related? “As I can trust no one else to escort you safely there and back, Teoma will go. He will have some business to attend to in Sepphoris while you are visiting with your family.” I sigh for this does not sound like a social visit.
The next afternoon, Teoma escorts me to my parent’s home in Cana. He is dressed like a Roman soldier with sandals strapped high up to his knees, a short blue tunic, and a gladius secured in his wide leather belt. Both goyim and Romans greet him as we travel north.
“Teoma, how is it that you are so comfortable with the ways of Rome?” He escorts me very formally, only offering his arm so I do not stumble over some obstacle.
“I thought you knew my father is Roman.”
“Yes, and I think you look very handsome with your short hair and clean shaven face. Isn’t it odd that Joseph would be comfortable with your attire?” I smile up at an impassive face.
“Mary, it is best if we save this conversation for the privacy of the house.” He looks straight ahead, chin high. Why all the secrecy? If we cannot talk freely, perhaps I should have journeyed to my parent’s house under kasa. As if reading my mind, he replies, “I considered using kasa as well for your protection, but it seemed unnecessary.”
I remove the lovely shawl Teoma gave me as we enter the outer courtyard of my family home. “Under no circumstances are you to leave this house until I return.” With that warning, he makes sure I am escorted safely inside by a servant before taking his leave. What is the matter with him?
A lovely supper is set for us with three servants attending to our every need. I chat for a bit with my parents before Ima decides to make her point.
“Mary, soon Sarah will be three.” I nod, Yeshua left shortly after her first birthday. “How are you doing?”
“I am fine, Ima. I have much to keep me occupied.” I really do not want to discuss this with her, especially in front of Abba.
Undaunted, she asks, “How wise is it for that young man to stay at the house while Yeshua is away?”
“Teoma has been taking care of us.” Ima raises a brow. I turn to look in my father’s pale eyes, “Abba, perhaps we can go riding together sometime.”
Abba’s balding pate belies his age, his face usually so jovial, but not tonight. “That would be nice, my dear, but I believe your Ima has more to say.” I sigh and turn back to her.
“Mary, our last conversation about this over a year ago has left me with grave concerns as to your chastity.”
“Ima!” Why did I have to come? But my mother is just getting started, so I must sit and listen, forever it seems, to her concerns. She believes that Teoma and I are allowed to spend too much time together without a chaperone, that my behavior is not suited to a faithful wife. They claim Teoma had designs on marrying me himself and feel that he cannot be trusted to just fulfill his duties as the family guardian. She even belabors an offer to have me live here with Sarah until Yeshua returns.
I choose not to argue with her and stay quiet. My lack of excuses further incites her, but at this point, I have broken so many rules, she will find something to scold me about. How is it that even when one has left home, is married and has a child, when with her parents, she still feels like a child herself?
“Well, I will have to talk to Miriam about the situation. She must find
