An Amish Schoolroom

by Amy Clipston

  There were two exceptions. The first was Paul, and the second was Marti Petersheim. Maybe it was because they were the two oldest students . . . Or maybe it was because Mrs. Petersheim now visited three afternoons a week and seemed determined to point out every one of Wendy’s faults to the whole class.

  Whatever the reason, they were very difficult and sometimes even acted as if that was their goal all along.

  At first Wendy had felt very discouraged, but both Lewis and her mother had given her the same advice, which was that some children simply weren’t going to try to make Wendy’s day easier. She could either dwell on the two troublesome teens or focus on the eighteen other children in the building who were becoming so dear to her heart.

  “Gut matin, scholars,” she said with a smile. “I’m glad to see all of you. I trust you had a nice weekend?”

  “I did,” Jonas said. “But you know that because I saw you yesterday.”

  “That is true. I saw you as well, Violet,” Wendy said.

  “I wish I saw you at church,” one of her tiny first graders said.

  Her school was made up of children from three church districts. “We are all different. That’s what makes each of us special, ain’t so?” She clapped her hands. “Now, today I am going to work with the older scholars first. Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders, meet me at the circle table in the back. Everyone else may either work on their spelling or read until I get to you.”

  She picked up her math book, pencil, and chalkboard and headed to the back of the room. Three minutes later, six of the oldest students were sitting with her. One was missing: Marti.

  “Marti, please join us now,” she said.

  “I’m looking for something. You go on ahead.”

  Wendy had quickly learned that giving Marti an inch meant giving her a mile. “Nee, that’s not how this works. Please join us now.”

  Marti rolled her eyes but still didn’t seem to be moving any quicker.

  “Marti, quit being such a pain and get over here,” Jack called out. When Marti froze and glared at him, he shook his head. “Come on. Everyone knows you’re just upset that Robbie likes Anna and not you.”

  Inwardly Wendy winced.

  “Shut up, Jack,” Marti spat out. Though Wendy noted she had finally taken her seat and actually had her work out.

  “Marti, don’t say shut up,” Wendy said.

  “That’s all you have to say? What about him embarrassing me in front of the whole classroom?”

  Before Wendy could say a word, Paul groaned. “Oh, stop, Marti. It ain’t like Jack said anything we all didn’t already know. Plus, if you would’ve just come over here, we would’ve probably already gotten our assignment. You might not care about lugging it all home, but I’ve got stuff to do when I get home besides homework.”

  When Marti looked like she was about to start arguing, Wendy opened the math book. “Everyone, let’s review what you remember about fractions from Friday. Who remembers how to get a common denominator?”

  Luckily, Autumn, her star pupil, raised her hand and used the chalkboard to explain the steps.

  “Very good, Autumn. Now, if you all would switch papers, we’ll review your homework, and then I’ll give you your assignment. Paul, it’s a short assignment today.” She smiled. “Hopefully you won’t have too much to take home.”

  For the first time, he smiled right back. “Danke, Miss Wendy.”

  She sailed through the rest of the day. Maybe she’d finally progressed with her class, she thought. That gave her so much hope. She’d learned a lot of things during this first month of teaching. One was that the job was much harder than she’d imagined. She’d been prepared to teach subjects, but she hadn’t counted on the amount of time she’d spent as a counselor, moderator, and part-time enforcer. But she’d done those things, and she was still standing. She’d made so much progress that she felt certain by the time Memorial Day arrived at the end of May she’d be looking forward to returning after Labor Day.

  Deciding to celebrate by not taking twenty pounds of work back to her rooms, Wendy organized her desk. She’d just put her empty lunch pail in her tote bag when Mrs. Petersheim and Mrs. Beachy, the mother of one of her sixth-grade boys, appeared at her door.

  Surprised, she stood up. “Good afternoon. May I help you with something?”

  “I’m sure you’re ready to go home to relax, but we’d like to speak with you for a few moments,” Beth Petersheim said as she walked in. Emma Beachy walked in as well, though she looked a little embarrassed to be there.

  “Won’t you two sit down?” Wendy’s mind started to spin as she watched them each take a chair and bring it to the back table. She couldn’t imagine why they had come. It obviously wasn’t about Marti.

  Then she remembered Emma Beachy was also on the governing council for the school. Her pulse started to race. Maybe they had news about next year?

  Taking a seat across from them, she smiled. “I hope you both had a nice Monday?”

  “I did,” Emma said. “And from what Johnny told me before he ran out to do chores, you had a nice day too.”

  “I did. It’s taken me a little while, but I feel like the children and I have settled into our new routine.”

  Beth, who sat very primly with her hands folded on her lap, cleared her throat. “Yes, well, that is what we came here to speak to you about.”

  “Yes?”

  “As you know, we are nearing the end of the school year. The last day will be the Friday right after Memorial Day.”

  They were here to discuss next year! Wendy sat up straighter too. “Jah. I had planned on that.”

  After sharing a look with Emma, Beth cleared her throat again. “Emma and I were the ones chosen to inform you that you will not be asked to return after Labor Day.”

  Wendy felt like her heart had just free-fallen into her stomach. “Pardon me?”

  “I’m sorry, Wendy, but we—I mean, the majority of the parents—have decided to hire someone else for next year.”

  “Why?” she blurted. “What did I do wrong?”

  Looking even more pained, Emma said, “You didn’t do anything wrong, dear. It’s just . . .” Her voice drifted off.

  “While you have been an acceptable substitute, it’s become obvious that the children need someone older and with more experience.”

  “But things have gotten much better. Why, I believe all of the children would tell you the classroom is running smoothly now. They seem happy too.” Looking at Emma, Wendy added, “I’m surprised Johnny told you differently.”

  “He has not had any complaints, but that isn’t his way either. He’s a good student and gets along well with most people,” Emma said. After a pause, she added quietly, “Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case with all the students.”

  “I see,” she said.

  Beth stood up. “I’m sorry this isn’t the news you had hoped to hear, but I can’t imagine you are surprised, Miss Schwartz. We made it quite clear that you were given this temporary position because we simply couldn’t find anyone else. We’re going to be starting our search for the new teacher very soon. I expect you to help us as much as possible.”

  Everything in Wendy wanted to shake her head. She didn’t want to assist them in their search, and she certainly didn’t like how Beth was giving her directions like she had the right to do so.

  But of course there was only one thing to say. “I’m always happy to do whatever I can to help the children.” She stood up. “Now, if you will excuse me, I’d like to go home.”

  Looking far too satisfied with the conversation’s outcome, Beth inclined her head before walking right out. Emma paused, then put up both her chair and Beth’s. Just as she walked out, she turned to face Wendy. “I regret that we had to tell you this news.”

  “It was hard news to hear. I had hoped things would turn out differently.”

  A faint flush colored Emma’s cheeks before she turned and walked out the door.

 
Wendy felt frozen as the women’s footsteps faded away. She was not going to be asked back. She was so very disappointed, and more than a little surprised. And hurt.

  Nee, she was worse than simply hurt. She felt like all the confidence that had taken a month to build up had vanished in a heartbeat.

  She felt like such a failure!

  Quickly, she gathered her purse and tote bag and rushed out of the room, locking the door behind her as quickly as possible. As she started home, all of the ramifications hit her even harder. She was not only losing her job and dream, she’d have to go back to her family and hear all the reasons why this hadn’t been a good idea in the first place.

  And she’d also have to leave her cute little room at the Weavers’. And the Friday-night community conversations. And Lewis.

  Lewis!

  She was going to have to leave Lewis just as she was sure something wonderful was about to happen between them.

  She was going to have to leave it all.

  Chapter 10

  Lewis was in the living room with his parents about an hour before supper when there came a knock at the door. “I’ll get it,” he said, thinking that maybe it was Marcus calling for Judith Rose. His sister’s beau had taken to stopping by almost every evening since the singing.

  “Tell Marcus I made a roast beef and there’s plenty for him,” Mamm called out.

  “Will do.” Thinking about how his mother was plying Judith Rose’s suitor with beef, Lewis was grinning when he opened the door.

  But the visitor was a stranger about his age, with brown hair and brown eyes. “Hi, there,” he said, feeling foolish. “I’m sorry. I thought you might be someone else. May I help you?”

  “I hope so. My name is Henry Schwartz. I’m Wendy’s brother. Is she here?”

  Ushering him in, Lewis nodded. “Jah. I mean, she’s in her rooms over by the barn.” He held out his hand. “I’m Lewis Weaver. It’s nice to meet you.”

  Henry’s expression softened slightly, but he still looked a bit formidable. “Ah, yes. She’s mentioned you. Gut to meet you as well,” he replied as they shook hands.

  Lewis led Henry into the living room. “Mamm, Daed, Wendy’s brother Henry is here.”

  Both of Lewis’s parents approached, his father looking concerned, his mother all smiles.

  After introductions, Mamm said, “Henry, I’m mighty pleased to meet you, but I’m afraid you’ve caught me off guard. I guess Wendy forgot to tell me that you were going to be paying her a visit.”

  “I’m sorry I arrived unannounced,” Henry murmured. “I thought I would only bother my sister, not the whole household.” Looking solemn, he added, “Wendy doesn’t know I’m here. I came as a surprise.”

  Mamm smiled graciously. “Well, now, isn’t this the best sort of surprise? I’m sure Wendy will be so happy to see you. Would you like to stay for supper? We eat at five o’clock around here. We’re having roast beef.”

  “Danke.” Henry sighed, as if he was frustrated with himself. “I mean, I think that would be nice, but I should probably see what Wendy wants to do first. Maybe she’ll want me to take her out to supper so we can talk.”

  Henry’s voice was so somber, Lewis couldn’t help but grow concerned. “I’m sorry, but is something the matter? Would you like me to take you to her right away?”

  “You know, if you don’t mind, it might be best if we talk for a minute or two first. I’d like to know how she’s doing.”

  “Please, come sit down,” Mamm said. “May I get you some coffee or a glass of water?”

  “Actually, I’m more worried than anything. Is she doing all right?”

  Henry’s expression was somber, his voice thick with tension. It was becoming more and more apparent that he wasn’t there just to check on his sister. “What is wrong?” Lewis blurted.

  Henry looked from one to the other of them. “Wendy called us on Monday afternoon crying about the news she received at school.”

  “What news?” Daed asked.

  Henry looked taken aback. “Wendy didn’t speak with you about it?”

  “Nee,” Lewis said, getting impatient now. “What news are ya referring to?”

  “That Wendy’s teaching contract wasn’t renewed.” When they all stared at Henry, he added, “It seems that two of her students’ mothers showed up on Monday afternoon and told Wendy that the parents’ board already decided they don’t want her to return next year.”

  “I canna believe they already made a decision,” Daed said. “She’s only been there for a month.”

  Henry looked even more irritated. “One of the mothers has been bothering her a lot, apparently. From what Wendy has been relaying, I wouldn’t put it past this woman to have forced the board to make a decision. But in any case, they told Wendy the news without any warning. She was blindsided.”

  “This is awful. Poor little thing.” Mamm shook her head. “I bet she was heartbroken.”

  Lewis feared she was. He also thought they had gotten close and was surprised Wendy hadn’t confided in him. He wondered why not. Did she not trust him? “I wish she would have shared her news,” he said quietly. “I don’t know why she didn’t.”

  “I do,” Henry responded. “Wendy keeps things to herself. Bad news, anyway. I guess it’s the product of being the youngest in the family. We all gather around her and try to fix things.”

  “Is that why you’re here today?” Daed asked.

  Henry nodded. “All of us have been up in arms from the moment my sister Chrissy heard her crying.” He lowered his voice. “I’m afraid we’re all pretty hopeless around her. We love her dearly.” He sighed. “Since I elected not to join the church, I have a car. So, I volunteered to come check on her.”

  “She’s blessed to have you all,” Daed said.

  “Danke, Frank, but at the moment it’s all I can do not to march over to those women’s doors and give them a piece of my mind. Wendy really loves being a teacher, and this news has crushed her heart.”

  “She works hard too,” said Lewis.

  At that moment they all heard footsteps. Familiar footsteps. Getting to his feet, Lewis walked into the hall to meet Wendy. “Hiya. You’re early today.”

  She smiled. “I know! Are you surprised to see me?” she asked. “I decided to get here fifteen minutes early today.”

  “I have a surprise for you too,” Lewis said. “Your brother is here.”

  “Mei bruder? You mean . . .” She moved past Lewis. “Henry?”

  Henry was standing tall and still, almost as if he had every right to show up unannounced. But then, as he met Wendy’s bewildered expression, he smiled slowly. “Hiya, Wendy.”

  Wendy looked nervously over at Lewis and his parents before facing her brother again. “Why have you come?”

  “Why do you think? You know not a one of us can ever handle you crying. Plus, what happened to you just ain’t right. We feel terrible for you. I had to come. Now, get over here and give your big brother a hug.”

  And just like that, Wendy ran into his awaiting arms. “Oh, Henry, it’s been so horrible,” she moaned as tears filled her eyes.

  He pulled her into another hug and looked at Lewis, who stood helplessly watching them. Lewis wasn’t sure if he and his parents should give them some privacy and go to another room or simply stand there in case Wendy finally decided to speak to them.

  The decision was made when both Fern and Mervin walked in.

  “What on earth has happened?” Fern asked.

  Wendy broke apart from her brother. “Mervin and Fern, this is my brother Henry. He came to visit.”

  “Is he staying for supper?” Mervin asked. “Because it’s almost five, you know.”

  And just like that, they all started laughing. Wendy looked up at Henry. “Would you like to stay for supper or no? Bonnie is a great cook.”

  “That depends,” Henry said. “Is it community conversation night?”

  “It’s not,” Mamm answered. “But for you we might make an
exception.”

  “I’ll stay, then, but I’ll need to clean up first.”

  “I’ll show you where the washroom is,” said Judith Rose, who had just walked out of the kitchen.

  “Danke.” Henry smiled.

  While his mother rushed off to fix another place setting and his father walked into the dining room with Mervin and Fern, Lewis stood by Wendy’s side.

  “Did Henry already tell you why he came?” Wendy asked.

  “He did. I’m pretty shocked.”

  “I’ve been shocked too.”

  “I hate the thought of you bearing this burden on your own, Wendy.”

  “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,” she said softly. “But . . . Well, I wasn’t ready to talk about it.”

  “It’s okay. Henry relayed that you tend to keep bad news to yourself.”

  “That’s true. I do have that tendency. However, in this case, I think it’s simply been that I haven’t known what to say. Realizing that everything I’ve been hoping and praying for is about to slip from my grasp? Well, it’s been really hard. I still can’t believe it.” She straightened her shoulders. “But I’m going to be okay. At the end of the day, I know the Lord will show me the right path. I just have to believe that and be patient.”

  Lewis was proud of her strength—and felt that her words had a lot of truth to them too. The Lord really was in charge and knew best. Wendy coming into his life was proof of that.

  When Wendy noticed Henry walking down the hall, she reached for her brother’s hand and escorted him into the dining room. Watching the way she smiled up at her brother, Lewis felt his admiration for Wendy grow. She might be young, but she was as bright as a penny and strong beyond those years. He knew he’d be lost if she wasn’t in his life anymore.

  Caught up in that thought, Lewis was the last person to the table, but no one appeared to mind. It seemed everyone had something to think about.

  Chapter 11

  As much as Henry’s visit brightened her spirits, the next two days were difficult for Wendy. She felt as if a dark cloud was now hanging over her, and she was besieged by regrets and worries. She found herself doubting everything she did and wished she could go back in time and start over. If such a thing were possible, why, she’d be more confident with her lessons, firmer with the students who didn’t mind her, and try harder to win over all the parents.