<><><>
Anna watched out the side buggy flap while Joe continued to shovel snow. What had he been doing out on the highway? Not that she had any inkling what he usually did on a daily basis. Now she was curious, though.
“I found the culprit,” Joe grinned, holding up a large rock. He threw it to the side. “And the snow didn’t help either.”
“Thank you, Joe. I really appreciate your help. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t come along.” She scooted over and patted the seat next to her. “Let me give you a ride back to town.”
Joe nodded in appreciation and stepped into the buggy. The closed flaps blocked out most of the cold around them, but it was still chilly. Anna looked forward to standing in front of the woodstove at home. But what about Joe and Harvey? How did they stay warm – or even alive – on nights like this?
“Where were you going? If you don’t mind my asking.” Anna voiced her thoughts.
“Home. I…uh…had some errands to run,” he said, not bothering to expound.
“Oh.” Anna didn’t feel like she should pry anymore. It wasn’t any of her business what errands Joe was running. “I was going home.”
Joe chuckled. “I kinda figured that.”
“Joe, I…” Anna’s voice trailed off. She wasn’t sure how appropriate it would be to ask about his past.
“Did you want to say something?” He quirked an eyebrow.
“Well, you and Harvey…how did you end up on the streets?” She glanced at Joe, then focused her attention back on the road. It seemed the snow had begun falling a little faster.
“Honestly, I don’t know too much about Harv. He pretty much keeps things to himself. But I know he’s been through a lot.”
“So you are not related to him?”
Joe laughed. “No. I met Harv about two years ago – that’s when I stumbled into town. He had a problem with alcohol. I think he picked up the habit after he returned from Vietnam. He’s a lot different now.”
“I’ve never seen him drink.”
“He doesn’t anymore. I kind of took care of that. Anytime he’d bring home alcohol, I’d dump it out. Boy, did he get upset about that! But he was ruining his life and I couldn’t watch him do that.” Joe rubbed his hands together. “Harv has become a good friend to me.”
Anna smiled. “I can tell.”
“Sure, we tease each other and all, but I kinda feel like were kin now.”
“And what about you? What’s your story?”
“I’d rather not say.”
“Oh, I didn’t mean to pry. I just…” Anna thought a moment. “Would you mind me asking your age?”
“Twenty-five. And you?”
“Twenty-two,” Anna answered, then tried to picture him without his facial hair. “I’d never guess you’re only twenty-five; you look so much older. I’m sorry, that didn’t come out right.”
Joe laughed. “I guess this scraggly beard does make me look old.”
Anna maneuvered the buggy down the street to where the alley was located. “There’s Harvey. It looks like he might be worried.”
“Yeah, he tends to do that.”
She pulled Brazen’s reins, bringing the buggy to a stop. “Thank you for helping me, Joe.”
“No problem.” Joe placed a caring hand over hers. “You’re freezing. Come and warm up a little bit before you head home. I’m sure Harvey has a fire going.”
“A fire?”
“You better believe it!” Harvey bellowed, offering Anna a hand to help her down. “How do you think we folks stay alive out here? Come, fair lady, and warm yourself by the fire for the journey home.”
Anna allowed the older man to assist her, and Joe quickly moved to tether the horse. Harvey led her to a round metal trash receptacle where a small fire blazed. She briefly wondered if they’d ever been given a citation for having a fire in town. Perhaps the law enforcement officers had mercy on the destitute. What else could they have done to keep themselves warm?
Joseph soon joined Anna and Harvey and they each took a turn sharing a happy memory involving wintertime activities. Anna felt their hearts knit together each day she spent time with them; it almost felt as though Harvey and Joe had become her family.
Anna knew she shouldn’t stay long because she didn’t want Mammi to become concerned. She rubbed her hands together, enjoying the fire’s warmth for a few more minutes. “I need to go now. My grandmother will worry if I am not home soon,” Anna said reluctantly. It would’ve been nice to spend more time with Harvey and Joe and get to know them better.
“Oh no, it’s snowing way too much. You’ll get stuck in a blizzard,” Harvey protested.
“I’ll drive her home,” Joe volunteered.
“But I –” Anna began to protest.
“That’s an excellent idea, Joe!” Harvey’s face lit up and he turned to Anna. “I wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight if I didn’t know you’d made it home safely. All right you two, hurry and get out of here before this weather gets worse.”
CHAPTER NINE
Joseph had been a little nervous when first driving Anna’s buggy. After all, he hadn’t driven one in years. And the last time he’d ridden with a maedel, the outcome had been disastrous. If he was still a praying man, he’d ask Der Herr to keep him and Anna safe. But he’d since given up on God. Joe was certain the God he believed in as a child didn’t exist.
Anna seemed surprised that Joe knew how to maneuver the rig. He hadn’t admitted to being Amish, but he did tell her that he’d grown up on a farm around horses. Fortunately, she didn’t pry about his past, although he knew she wanted to. Anna was clearly a curious sort and if they ever became close, he’d feel compelled to share his dreadful past with her. If he told her the truth, though, she would no longer be able to fellowship with him. For most Amish sects, a man who’d been shunned in one district would also be shunned in the others.
Joe heard a gasp escape Anna’s lips as they drove into her snow-covered lane. At the end of the drive near a large white barn, an enclosed buggy stood. Joseph guessed the horse belonging to the buggy waited in a warm stable. As they neared the house, a young man – whom Joe assumed was Anna’s beau – stepped out onto the porch. The moment his eyes met Joe’s, he realized his assumption had been correct.
“Ach, what’s Aaron doing here?” Anna mumbled.
“Is that your boyfriend?” Joe’s eyebrows rose.
“No. Used to be,” she said. “I have to warn you, Joe. He may not be very kind to you.”
Joe placed his hand over hers. “Don’t worry about me. I’ve dealt with his kind for a while now.” He carefully guided the horse to the barn’s entrance.
He watched Aaron out of the corner of his eye as he quickly marched to Anna’s side of the buggy. “Your grossmudder was worried about you,” Aaron said, then quickly switched to Pennsylvania Deitsh so Joe couldn’t understand his words. “What is that man doing in your buggy?” he demanded.
Joe pretended not to comprehend as their conversation continued.
Anna responded, also in Deitsh. “It’s none of your concern. I’ll ride with whom I please. He is a kind man.”
Joe squelched an appreciative smile and continued to unhitch the horse.
“He’s not our kind. And he is a stranger – a tramp,” Aaron’s voice rose.
If Joe had correctly interpreted his tone, it sounded as though perhaps Aaron might be a little jealous. He smirked.
“You need to go home, Aaron,” Anna said.
“I will not leave you alone with him!”
Joe now stepped to Anna’s side and surveyed her eyes. “Is there a problem, Anna?”
“No,” Anna said in English. “Aaron was just leaving.” He didn’t miss the pointed look she’d given Aaron or the exasperation in her voice.
Aaron began to speak up. “I said –”
Before he realized what was happening, Anna had stepped close and pressed her soft lips to Joseph’s. Out of all the things he supposed
might happen on this night, this was certainly not one of them! What was she thinking?
Disgusted, Aaron huffed and stomped off - hopefully to retrieve his horse from the barn.
Joe stared into Anna’s eyes and it appeared as though she was just as shocked at her behavior as he was.
“I’m sorry, Joe. I –” She began to blush profusely and Joseph thought it quite becoming.
“No, don’t apologize. I understand.” Joe shrugged. “You wanted to get Aaron off your back. No big deal,” he said nonchalantly, hoping he could actually believe the words he spoke.
Anna seemed to sigh in relief.
Of course she wouldn’t really kiss you, he chided himself. As if he’d ever have a chance with a wonderful girl like Anna.
Joe suggested to Anna that she go inside before she caught a chill. She protested first, but agreed when she spied an elderly woman – whom Joseph suspected to be her grandmother - peek out the door. He assured her that he would take care of Brazen and bring the buggy into the barn.
Aaron led his mare out of the barn and briskly hitched her up. From his buggy, his voice rang loud and clear, “If I were you, I’d watch my step around here. Don’t think you stand a chance with Anna. We Amish marry our own kind.” Aaron looked Joseph over in disgust. “And you definitely are not Anna’s kind, nor will you ever be.”
Who does this guy think he is? Joe certainly couldn’t picture kind Anna marrying a jerk like Aaron. He was tempted to put this windbag in his place, but wouldn’t out of respect for Anna. He knew she wouldn’t approve.
Joe ignored his insults and moved to tend Anna’s horse. Fortunately, he heard the clip-clop of Aaron’s horse travel down the lane and onto the road.
<><><>
Anna stared up at the ceiling although her room was nearly pitch black. She couldn’t sleep. What was I thinking? She couldn’t get over the reality of what she’d done. It had almost seemed surreal.
Did I really kiss Joe? Then she remembered the bewildered look on Joe’s face – and the appalled one on Aaron’s. Of course, I did.
Why had she done it? That’s what she couldn’t fathom. She’d since played the scene in her mind many times and still couldn’t come up with a satisfactory reason. Except maybe that Joe was so kind and caring…or selfless…or because he had nice eyes?
Oh no, this can’t be happening! Joe and I could never work, she reasoned. I am Amish and Joe is…well…homeless. And Englisch. But despite all the chaos of the evening and Anna’s confusing thoughts, she realized one thing. Somehow, kissing Joe felt…right.
CHAPTER TEN
Joe shivered as he stumbled back into town. Not even his all-consuming thoughts of Anna’s kiss could warm his chilled body. The walk had taken him much longer than it would have under pleasant weather conditions. Snow had begun falling fast and hard about halfway to his destination, making for a perilous journey. If he hadn’t been moving, he’d certainly be buried under a foot or two of snow by now.
Thankfully, Anna was most likely tucked into a warm bed, safe from the extreme elements. He wouldn’t want her out in this. How is it that he’d come to care so much for Anna?
He sighed when he finally rounded the corner to the alleyway. Just as he suspected, snow had built up around his and Harvey’s sleeping quarters. He glanced around, but there was no sign of Harvey. Had he gone somewhere to find shelter from the snow? It wouldn’t have been the first time.
“Harv, are ya here?” Joe called out.
No response.
“Harv?” Joe walked near the trash receptacle, then to the wooden crates that they typically used to shield themselves from inclement weather. The crates were completely covered, but he could still identify their form. He picked one up and brushed the snow off, surveying the area again for any trace of Harvey.
Although exhausted, he knew he wouldn’t be able to sleep if he couldn’t find his friend. After checking every place in the alley where he thought Harvey might be, he set off to search on foot. Downtown was quiet, but dimly illuminated by street lights. It reminded him of a painting he’d seen hanging in the dry goods store when he was a child. Fortunately, the snowfall had lessened significantly allowing Joseph to see clearly. He went to each shop in town, surveying the exterior and peeking through the windows to the interior, in hopes of finding his missing friend.
What seemed like hours later, Joe returned to the alley, took the two wooden crates, and set off for Threads of Beauty. Once there, he nearly collapsed from fatigue. The small nook at the store’s entrance was probably the best place he could be. At least he’d stay partially out of the elements, and it was most likely the only place where he wouldn’t be run off. Besides, he hoped that perhaps Anna and Linda would help search if Harvey hadn’t returned by morning.
<><><>
Aaron laid awake the entire night. He could not get the remembrance of Anna kissing that homeless guy out of his head. To think Anna would prefer a dirty, destitute beggar over him was beyond comprehension. What an insult!
What would his father say if he knew Anna had chosen a homeless man over him? No doubt he’d again be reminded that he was a failure – a loser. No, his father never said those words aloud, but it was exactly how Aaron felt when his daed exhibited his disappointment.
He was determined not to let that happen. He had to come up with a plan to get Anna back, but what could he do? He was unsure at the moment, but in time he would come up with some type of strategy. He had to.
<><><>
Linda frowned when she pulled up to the curb. Apparently, Joe had found shelter in the alcove of her storefront. She wished there were a place these homeless men could go to find shelter, but the nearest place she knew of was many miles away. She couldn’t blame them for preferring the small-town atmosphere over a larger city. But Linda wondered how they survived. Did they live solely on the good graces of others?
She thought for a moment about Joe’s proposition a few days before. If his idea worked, she wouldn’t mind paying him some. It would be great to be able to help someone get back on their feet again. She just hoped she wasn’t making a mistake in allowing him to try out his idea. Only time would tell, she supposed.
“Joe?” she said cautiously as she neared the store’s entrance. She watched as the wooden crates moved and then winced when one tumbled to the ground.
“What is it?” Joseph shot up. Apparently, she’d startled him.
“Joe, it’s me. Linda.”
Joe rubbed his eyes, then squinted. “Oh, sorry, Linda. I didn’t sleep too well. I couldn’t find Harv last night.” He picked up the crates and moved them out of her way. “Have you seen him?”
“No, I haven’t. Do you think he might have taken shelter somewhere?”
Joe glanced up and down the street as though hoping to spot his friend. “That’s what I was thinkin’. But he usually leaves a note to let me know. I don’t know where he could be. I’m kinda worried about him, ya know?”
“When did you see him last?”
“Last night before I took Anna home,” he said.
Linda’s eyes widened. “You took Anna home? Anna Smucker that works here – the Amish girl?” She was unaware Joe and Anna knew each other.
Joe nodded. “I found her stuck in the snow on the side of the road. I helped her get the buggy unstuck, then we came back here to warm up by the fire. I didn’t want her driving home alone in that blizzard, so I went with her. That was when I last saw Harv. He stayed back.”
“Should we call the police?”
“Oh no, Harvey wouldn’t like that. Now that the sun’s coming up, I hope I’ll have a better chance locating him.” He rubbed his bearded chin as though pondering. “Would you help me look for him? I think we might have a better chance finding him if there were two of us looking.”
Linda was already chilled just being out of her car for a few moments. She certainly didn’t want to go traipsing around town in this weather. But she didn’t have it in her heart to say no to Joe. “
I’ll tell you what. Let me put some coffee on for us, then we can go out searching for your friend.”
Joe agreed. “That sounds good. I could use something warm. I’ll take these crates back while you’re making coffee, it’ll help me get the blood flowing. Who knows? Maybe Harv’s back already.”
Linda watched as Joe picked up the crates and made his way down the street. She sent up a silent prayer that they’d be able to find Harvey and that he’d be okay.
<><><>
Where could she be? Anna peeked through the window of Threads of Beauty. It appeared the lights were on, but the doors were locked and Linda was nowhere in sight. Linda had always opened thirty minutes before Anna arrived to turn the heater on and start a pot of coffee. She usually had coffee and cookies on hand throughout the day for the customers to enjoy while they browsed. Perhaps she’d gone out to the store to purchase more cookies?
Anna glanced down the street toward the alley where Joe and Harvey lived. She hated the fact that they had to be out in the snow all hours of the night. If only she could do something for them. Maybe they could live in the barn? At least during the freezing temperatures in winter. It wouldn’t be much, but at least then they’d be out of the harsh weather. She knew Mammi would never approve if she brought them home. But what if Mammi didn’t know?
And Aaron. He’d no doubt have a conniption if Joe and Harv moved into the barn. A wry smile formed on Anna’s lips. She was almost determined to bring them home for that reason alone. But of course Aaron would report her to the bishop for sure and for certain.
Anna sent up a silent prayer for wisdom. She didn’t know what she could do, but she knew what she couldn’t do. She couldn’t sleep peacefully every night knowing that Joe and Harvey were outside sleeping in an alley with no shelter at all while she was tucked into a warm bed.
A Secret Encounter (Amish Secrets--Book 2) Page 6