“Could be,” Hazel replied. “Wavy hair looks so nice, I think.”

“But you know it’s nothin’ like anyone else’s round here. More red.”

“Why’s that matter?” Hazel smiled and motioned for her to come along. “You are who God meant ya to be.”

Britta followed, surprised at herself, since she’d never shared any of her private thoughts about her birth parents, whoever they might be. But hearing Hazel say this made Britta realize again what good friends they were becoming, and why. If only my own shyness hadn’t held me back for so long.

Just then, Britta spotted a large collection of kitchenware and went to take a look. Hazel seemed equally excited, saying she’d also like to stock up for her hope chest, which her father had built and given to her on her twelfth birthday to store household items till she was married.

A while later, as Britta and Hazel waited in line to pay for the items they’d bid on, Britta noticed Susie strolling around with Delmar Petersheim. They were talking and smiling at each other, and it made her wonder how Obie Yoder might feel about that if he knew.

A few minutes later, Obie himself came over with red licorice for Britta and Hazel

“Denki, Bruder! You know what we like,” Hazel said.

Britta nodded her thanks, as well.

“Have ya seen Susie?” Hazel asked. “She’s round here somewhere.”

“Jah, with Del Petersheim,” Obie said, answering Hazel but giving Britta a little look of disappointment. “Have they been goin’ out?”

Britta wished the ground could open up and swallow her. Truth was, she didn’t know, but then again, it wasn’t her place to. So she said the only thing she could think of. “I can’t say, really.”

Obie nodded graciously. “Well, from what I’ve heard, he’s a fine fella. I shouldn’t have put ya on the spot.” He seemed to force a smile before heading on his way.

Britta glanced at Hazel and shrugged. This is Susie’s doing, not mine! she thought, feeling a little sorry for Obie, even though he’d clearly tried to take it in stride.

Some time later, Britta spotted neighbors Josh Miller and his wife, Becky, with four of their children. The youngest had been adopted at birth and given the name Martha. Seeing the petite brunette girl who resembled neither her blond parents nor her siblings made Britta curious about her. Did the little girl know how she stood out?

With her own auburn waves and her fancy, English-sounding name, Britta never could quite forget how she must stand out to the Amish families around her. Her name particularly made her wonder. No one else among the People had the name Britta. She wondered if her first mother had named her before she was adopted. And if so, why had Mamma Aquilla chosen to keep it?