Grandma’s nose crinkled as she squinted at Sara over the top of her glasses. “And you know, dear one, we’ve had this discussion before. You should realize by now that your grandpa and I would be disappointed if you moved out of our house anytime soon. We haven’t had a chance to really get to know you.” Grandma took out some flour for making gravy.
It hadn’t taken Sara long to learn that biscuits and gravy were one of Grandpa’s favorite things to have with his scrambled eggs. “I won’t be moving anytime soon. I promise.”
Grandma’s mouth opened like she was about to say more, but Michelle entered the room. Sara’s grandmother placed her hands against her cheeks and made a little gasping noise. “Ach, Michelle—you look so Amish in that dress.” She glanced at Sara, while gesturing to Michelle. “Didn’t she do a nice job making it?”
Without speaking, Sara nodded. It was hard to understand why Grandma and Grandpa got so excited over every little thing Michelle did.
She reached for the egg carton near the stove. I still feel sometimes that they care more about Michelle than they do me. Is it because they’ve known her longer, or is it her personality they enjoy?
When Grandpa came in from outside, Sara put her thoughts to rest until he made a comment about Michelle’s dress. “Well now, don’t you look nice this morning, Michelle. If I was basing it on your appearance only, I’d believe you were already one of us.”
“Danki.” Michelle’s cheeks reddened. “I hope I don’t look too lecherich.”
Grandma shook her head. “Of course you don’t look ridiculous. You look like a pretty young Amish woman.”
Sara resisted the urge to give a negative comment and kept her focus on the eggs she’d begun breaking into the pan. This morning, she would scramble them as they cooked. To her way of thinking, Michelle was looking for a compliment—something to make her feel good about herself. Well, she’s not going to get any compliments from me.
Sara wished she could find something about Michelle that she liked, but the longer they both lived here, the more things the imposter did to irritate her. And the way her grandparents had accepted Michelle without question made it even more difficult for Sara.
Grandpa removed his straw hat and placed it on a wall peg. “Not to change the subject or anything, but I just came from the phone shack, and there was a message from Brad Fuller.”
Michelle turned her head in Grandpa’s direction. “What did he say?”
“Said he’ll be in the area for Christmas and wants to spend some time with us while he’s here.” He looked over at Grandma. “If Brad doesn’t have any other plans, should we invite him to eat with us on Christmas Day?”
“Of course.” Grandma bobbed her head. “It will be nice to see him again and find out how things are going with his ministerial studies.” She turned toward Michelle. “I imagine Brad will be verschtaunt to see that you’re back living with us again and have decided to become Amish.”
Michelle shook her head. “He won’t be surprised that I’m living here, because as far as he knows, I never left.”
“Oh, that’s right.” Grandma gestured to Michelle’s dress. “But he won’t expect to see you wearing that, and Brad will likely be pleased when he learns of your decision to join the Amish church.”
“I hope so.” Michelle moved slowly across the kitchen. “I’m looking forward to seeing Brad again, because I have so much to tell him about how I’ve changed since we last saw each other.”
The discussion going on caused Sara to recall the letter she’d gotten from a man named Brad. She assumed it was the same person they were talking about and couldn’t help wondering what he was like. Sara had made no mention of the letter to Michelle, since she’d thrown it away when she returned to her duplex back in October. And she saw no reason to bring it up now.
“You’re sure in good spirits today, Son,” Ezekiel’s mother commented as she placed a bowl of oatmeal in front of him and took her seat at the table. “What’s that big smile you’re wearing about?”
“Jah,” Dad put in. “For the last couple of weeks I’ve heard you whistling a lot. This morning, during chores, it sounded like you were serenading the horses.” He chuckled.
A wave of heat rushed to Ezekiel’s face. He wished he didn’t blush so easily. “One reason I’m happy is because I’ll be seeing Michelle this evening. We’re going out to supper.” He shifted his position on the chair. “But the main thing that has put me in a good mood is the decision Michelle made two weeks ago.”
Mom tipped her head. “What was that?”
“To go Amish. She took her first instruction class with me a week ago, Sunday.”
“I didn’t realize she was part of that class,” Ezekiel’s sister Amy interjected.
“Neither did I.” Mom’s fingers moved slowly as she touched the neckline of her dress. “What is her reason for wanting to join our church?”
“She feels it’s the right thing for her—same as me.” Ezekiel touched his chest. “After my encounter with those fellows up in Harrisburg who roughed me up, I realized the English world that I’d thought I wanted to be a part of is not for me.”
“Are you sayin’ that all English people are bad?” Ezekiel’s twelve-year-old brother Henry questioned.
“No, not at all. There are many good people among the English.” Ezekiel reached for the bowl of brown sugar and added some to his oatmeal. “It was when those guys were calling me names and making fun of me being Amish that my eyes were opened. I’m not ashamed of my heritage, and I don’t want to separate myself from the people in my life who are special to me.”
“Since you haven’t joined the church yet you wouldn’t be shunned if you went English,” Abe said.
“I know that. I just wanna be Amish. Is that all right with you?” Ezekiel spoke louder, to make sure he had gotten his point across.
Dad held up his hand. “Okay, boys … Let’s not start a discussion that might end up in an argument this morning.” He looked over at Ezekiel. “Before we pray and start eating, I would like to ask you a question.”
“Sure, Dad.” Ezekiel sat with both hands in his lap.
“Is Michelle hoping you will marry her? Is that why she’s so eager to join our church?”
Feeling like a bird trapped in a cage, Ezekiel’s gaze traveled from his mother, to his three siblings, and then back to his father. “I—I don’t believe that’s the reason she wants to become Amish, since I’ve made no mention of marriage to her.” He reached up and rubbed the back of his ever-warming neck. “But the truth is, I do want to marry her. And someday, when the time is right, I will propose marriage.”
All eyes widened, and his mother’s mouth turned down at the corners. “Oh Son, I hope you’ll give that some serious consideration. Michelle was not raised Amish, and she doesn’t think the way we all do.” Deep wrinkles formed across Mom’s forehead. “But my biggest concern with your interest in her goes well beyond that.”
Ezekiel leaned slightly forward. “What do you mean?” He was glad none of his siblings had joined the conversation. They all sat quietly in their seats.
“That lie she told to the Lapps about being their granddaughter …” Mom blinked her eyes. “If Michelle is capable of hurting two kind and generous people like Willis and Mary Ruth, then there’s no telling what she might say or do to disappoint you or someone else.”
“People can change, you know,” Ezekiel said. “And I firmly believe that Michelle has had a change of heart. She’s apologized to the Lapps, and also confessed her sin to God. So don’t you think you oughta give her a chance, just like the Lapps have done?”
Mom took a drink of water and set her glass back on the table. “Whether she’s changed or not remains to be seen.” She looked over at Dad. “Should we say our prayers?”
“Of course.” Dad bowed his head, and everyone else did the same.
Ezekiel’s silent prayer was only a few words: Lord, I pray that you will help my folks—particularly Mom—s
ee Michelle for the wonderful person she truly is.
Chapter 13
Oh look! It’s snowing!” Michelle pointed out the living-room window. “I hope it sticks and we end up with a white Christmas. Isn’t this exciting?” She glanced in Sara’s direction, but the Lapps’ granddaughter didn’t look up from the book she was reading as she lay stretched out on the couch. Today was Monday—Sara’s day off from working at the flower shop—and she’d acted kind of tired all morning.
Michelle pursed her lips. Didn’t Sara hear what I said, or is she ignoring me on purpose? How much longer will she carry a grudge against me? In Michelle’s eyes, it seemed like nothing she said or did around Sara was right. Guess I should be used to it, but by now, I’d hoped for a different outcome.
Michelle pressed her nose against the window’s cold glass and blew her breath, watching it steam up. I won’t let Sara bring me down. Michelle encouraged herself with the pleasure of watching the lightweight feathery snowflakes float slowly to the ground. Then she drew a smiley face before wiping the glass clean.
Ever since Michelle had announced that she wanted to become Amish and had begun wearing plain clothes, Sara’s attitude toward her had become even colder. It didn’t make sense. Why should she care that I’ve decided to join the Amish church? Michelle asked herself.
Sighing, she moved away from the window. “Think I’ll go down to the basement and tell Mary Ruth it’s snowing. I also want to see if she needs my help with the laundry.”
“I already asked, and she said no.” Sara lifted her head from the pillow. “But go ahead if you want to. Maybe she’ll accept your help.”
Ignoring Sara’s sarcastic tone, Michelle left the room and headed for the basement. Whether Mary Ruth allowed her to help with the laundry or not, at least her company would be more pleasant than Sara’s.
Before going downstairs, Michelle stopped in the kitchen to get a drink of water. Leaning against the counter, she took a deep breath. Sometimes I wish I could move out and get a place of my own. It’s hard being in the same house with Sara.
Without coming out and actually saying so, Sara had been relentless in reminding Michelle how she felt. Her actions spoke louder than words. Sara’s grandparents had accepted Michelle’s apology, but it was obvious Sara was not ready to forgive Michelle for what she had done.
I need to get a job before I can move out. But since I have no car or horse and buggy, I’d have to find a place to live in that’s close enough to walk to my job and to wherever church is being held, since I’m now taking classes with Ezekiel. Guess I’ll have to stay put awhile longer and quit feeling sorry for myself.
Michelle’s thoughts went to the first Sunday class she’d taken with Ezekiel. The group consisted of ten young people, made up of mostly young women, but there were four men who were no doubt ready for marriage. One fella seemed older than the others. He was there with a younger woman whose resemblance to him was uncanny. Michelle figured she must be his sister or cousin. She liked how the classes and church were held on Sundays. It wasn’t as bad as she’d thought it would be either. The instructional lessons were based on what the Amish called the Dordrecht Confession of Faith. It was an important statement of the Amish faith that had been written in the Netherlands in 1632. The ministers who were present during the class encouraged the youth and exhorted them to study the complete articles of faith and the scriptures that supported each one. Two articles per Sunday were used, as well as Bible stories of faithful patriarchs. On that first Sunday, those in the class learned about article 1, “Of Faith in God and the Creation,” as well as article 2, “Of the Transgression by Adam of the Divine Command.”
The one thing that stood out the most in Michelle’s mind was that without faith it was impossible to please God, and that those who came to God must believe there is a God and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
Reflecting on her desire to please God, Michelle decided that she needed to pray for her parents, and perhaps even make an effort to contact them. While she had no desire to go back home, letting them know where she was and what her plans were for the future would be the right thing to do. There was also a chance that if she talked to her mom or dad, they might know what happened to Ernie and Jack.
On the second Sunday of classes, they were taught article 3, “Of the Restoration and Reconciliation of the Human Race with God,” and article 4, “Of the Coming of our Redeemer and Savior Jesus Christ.”
It was also a comfort knowing Ezekiel was taking the classes. While Michelle understood most of what had been said, it had been more difficult to deal with some of the curious stares from the others in the class.
I’m not giving up, she told herself. People can stare all they want. Michelle sighed, allowing her thoughts to return to the present. Guess I feel the same about Sara and won’t surrender to her either. Maybe someday she’ll understand the situation I was in that made me do that deceitful thing.
Before heading downstairs, Michelle glanced out the kitchen window and a smile formed on her lips. I hope it keeps snowing. It’s so pretty when everything gets covered in white.
As Brad entered the town of Strasburg, the sight of several horse and buggies heading in the opposite direction brought a smile to his lips. He was definitely back in Amish country, and happy to be on his way to the Lapps’. While Christmas was still a few days away, he’d decided to stop by their place to say hello and deliver a gift before heading over to Ned’s apartment. Willis and Mary Ruth’s home wasn’t too far out of the way, and he was eager to see how they were doing. The couple had always treated Brad with genuine warmth. He couldn’t help being drawn to their open-hearted kindness.
“I’d say the world would be a better place if there were more people in it like Willis and Mary Ruth Lapp,” Brad said out loud, before slowing down to avoid hitting a dog. Fortunately, after he honked his horn, the mutt moved out of the way.
“People should keep their dogs in the yard,” he muttered. “It’s not safe for them to get out in the road.”
After driving several more blocks, Brad turned his vehicle off the main road and headed farther out to the country. Snowflakes had begun to fall, and he turned on his windshield wipers to whisk them away. The roads were still bare, and hopefully would remain that way until later when he headed to Ned’s place.
“Snow for Christmas would be kind of nice.” Grinning, he sang “Jingle Bells,” followed by “White Christmas.” By the time Brad reached the Lapps’ driveway, he was definitely in the Christmas spirit.
He parked his van near the barn, got out, and started for the house. Then, remembering the Christmas cactus he’d picked up before leaving Clarks Summit, he ran back to the vehicle. Brad had opened the door on the passenger’s side when Willis stepped out of the barn.
“Howdy, Brad. Sure good to see you.” Willis stepped up to Brad and gave him a hearty handshake. Snowflakes landed on Willis’s hat, turning the brim and top white.
“It’s great to see you too.” Brad looked around. “Are Mary Ruth and Sara inside?”
“Yes, and so is Michelle. I have a few more things to take care of in the barn, but why don’t you go ahead to the house? When I come in we can sit down and talk awhile.”
“Sounds good.” Brad had no idea who Michelle was or why Willis had mentioned her. He assumed she must be a friend or some relative he hadn’t met before. “Before I go in though, do you need some assistance with your chores in the barn? I’d be happy to help with anything.”
Willis shook his head. “Thank you, but it’s nothing I can’t handle myself. Besides, you’ve been driving a few hours and probably should relax awhile. You go on ahead. I’m sure the ladies will be glad to see you.”
“All right then. I’ll see you in a bit.” Carrying the cactus, Brad made his way up to the house. He stepped onto the front porch and knocked on the door. When it opened, a beautiful young woman with long blond hair looked at him with a curious expression. He figured she must be Michelle.
“May I help you?” she asked.
“Yeah, I’m here to see Sara and Mary Ruth. Willis said they were both in the house.”
The young woman tilted her head to the right. “I’m Sara, and Mary Ruth is in the basement with her other houseguest. Would you like me to call her?”
Brad scratched the side of his head. “You said your name is Sara?”
“That’s right.”
“Are there two women named Sara here today?”
“No, just one.” She pointed to herself. “I’m Sara Murray—Willis and Mary Ruth’s granddaughter.”
“Huh?” With a jerk of his head, Brad’s mind raced, searching for answers but finding none. This made no sense. Had Willis set this up to play a trick on him? Mary Ruth’s husband was full of wit, but how could he have known Brad would be stopping by here today? As far as Willis knew, Brad wasn’t coming to their house until Christmas Day.
The pretty blond’s blue eyes seemed to bore into him. “The Lapps are my grandparents, but since it appears you don’t believe me, I’ll get my grandmother. Please, wait here on the porch.” She closed the door so quickly, Brad felt a whoosh of air.
He shuffled over to the wooden bench on the covered porch, set the plant on the small table next to the bench, and sat down. Wish I would’ve brought a pair of gloves with me.
Pulling his coat collar up closer around his neck, then blowing on his cold hands, Brad felt more confused than ever. How can that woman’s name be Sara Murray? It has to be some kind of a joke.
After a few minutes, the front door opened. This time, he was greeted by Mary Ruth. “Oh dear. I’m sorry you were left out here in the cold. When Sara said someone was waiting on the porch to see me, I had no idea it was you.” She stepped out, and when Brad stood up, Mary Ruth gave him a hug. “We didn’t expect you until next week, on Christmas Day.”
The Forgiving Jar Page 9