The Restoration

by Brunstetter, Wanda E. ;

  Everything was going according to plan when the girls got home from school Friday afternoon. Even though this was Linda’s first birthday without her parents, she seemed to be handling it well. Amy and Carrie were excited about their sister’s birthday, too.

  Leah had baked Linda’s birthday cake earlier in the day, while Carrie was napping. Adam was the only one aware of the three-layer chocolate cake with peanut butter icing. Even the corn on the cob, hidden in the lid-covered pot on the stove, would be a surprise for the girls.

  Leah glanced at the clock, noting Adam should be home shortly.

  “Danki for bringing the corn,” she told Mom, who stood at the counter, mashing potatoes.

  Mom smiled. “You’re welcome. We had an abundance of corn in our garden this past summer, so I was able to freeze and can quite a bit.”

  Leah peeked out the window. “I see Dad’s still chopping wood, and Coal’s there to keep him company.”

  “Jah, he likes to keep busy. Bringing in more wood for you is his way of helping out.”

  “It’s appreciated.” Walking back to the stove, Leah double-checked all the food. “Everything should be ready as soon as my husband arrives.” She smiled inwardly, remembering the days when she’d had no interest in Adam. For a time, he’d actually gotten on her nerves. But that was before Amy, Linda, and Carrie came to live with him. After the girls had been in his charge for a while, a change had come over Adam. Leah loved him more than she’d ever thought possible.

  “Those girls are sure focused on the window in there.” Mom gestured to the other room.

  “They love watching the birds eat from the suet cake.” Leah opened the oven door to check on the meat loaf one more time.

  Just then, Adam and Dad walked into the house. Before they could say anything, Linda started crying. “What’s going on?” Adam asked.

  Leah shrugged. “I don’t know.”

  All three girls dashed into the kitchen. Still crying, Linda raced out the back door.

  “What happened?” Leah looked at Amy.

  “A bird flew into the window.” Carrie sniffed.

  Amy’s sober expression let Leah know she, too, was on the verge of tears.

  Leah turned down the stove and oven and followed Adam and her folks out the door. She found Linda on the porch, tears streaming down her face. “Is… is it dead?” She gulped on a sob, lifting her cupped hands out to reveal the still form of a black-and-white bird.

  Time hung suspended as everyone stared at the bird. Adam pointed to Linda’s feathered friend. “Look, its eyes are blinking.”

  “Its little head is moving now, too.” Amy moved in closer to Linda.

  Linda’s eyes widened when the bird hopped to her finger, clutching with its tiny feet. It sat, looking around, as though quite comfortable at being the center of attention.

  Leah’s voice lowered so she wouldn’t startle the bird. “I believe, looking at the markings and color, it’s a male downy woodpecker.”

  “You’re right,” Adam agreed. “You can tell by the little red area on top of its head. The females are black and white.”

  Before anyone spoke again, the little bird flew off and landed in the nearest tree. Everyone clapped, watching it fluff its feathers. Leah was thankful the woodpecker’s adventures hadn’t spoiled Linda’s birthday.

  “Maybe you should hang the suet feeder a little farther from the house,” Leah’s mother suggested.

  Leah nodded. “Good idea. We can hang it from the tree over there, where we can still see from the window.”

  “I’ll bet the bird saw its reflection in the window and thought it was another bird,” Leah’s father interjected.

  “You might be right, Dad,” Leah agreed.

  Adam moved toward the door. “I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m ready to eat and help someone celebrate her birthday.” He winked at Linda.

  “Me, too!” Giggling, she clapped her hands.

  “Okay, girls, after you’ve washed your hands, you may take your seats.” While the girls went to wash up, Leah took the meat loaf from the oven, and Mom put the mashed potatoes and broccoli in serving bowls. Adam set the corn on a plate, and Dad took each item to the table.

  Soon Linda and her sisters joined them at the table. The look on Linda’s face was priceless as she pointed to the steaming corn on the cob. “Yum! Everything looks appeditlich!”

  “It’s time to give thanks for this delicious food.” Adam bowed his head, and everyone else did the same.

  “This is the last dinner I’ll be hosting this month.” Elaine removed a pumpkin pie from the oven and smiled at Priscilla. “I could never have done all these dinners so close to Christmas without your help.”

  Priscilla took the second pie from the oven. “I’d have been happy to do it even if you weren’t paying me. It’s given us a chance to visit more than usual, and I’ve certainly met a lot of new, fascinating people.”

  Elaine laughed. “Some of them have been rather unusual—like the man with the musical tie who came to the dinner last night.”

  Priscilla snickered. “Don’t forget the woman with little silver bells. Every time she moved, they jingled.”

  “Thursday night’s dinner guests were quite the musical group. It’ll be interesting to see what tonight’s group brings.” Elaine got down the teapot. “Let’s take a break before we start setting the tables.”

  “Sounds good.” Priscilla got the cups, while Elaine brewed the tea; then they both took a seat at the kitchen table.

  “Other than helping me here, how’s your week gone?” Elaine questioned. “We were so busy with the dinner last night, I didn’t get a chance to ask.”

  “I helped my mamm do some cleaning, and I visited David.” Priscilla blew on her tea before taking a tentative sip.

  “How’s David doing?”

  “A little better; although he’s still having some pain.” Priscilla smiled. “David was getting tired of being cooped up, so I took him for a buggy ride.”

  “Was Elam there, too?”

  “No, just me and David.”

  Elaine quirked an eyebrow. “I don’t like to be so direct, but is it good for you to spend so much time with David? Won’t Elam be vergunne?”

  Priscilla shook her head. “There’s nothing for him to be envious about. David and I are just good friends. David is Elam’s friend, too.” Why was Elaine giving her a hard time about this? Had she talked to Mom?

  “True, but some folks, and maybe Elam, might get the wrong idea if you spend too much time with David.”

  “Now you sound like my mamm. She’s worried for the same reason.” Priscilla frowned. “I just learned that David wrote to me several times during his first year of college, but Mom intercepted his letters.”

  “What?”

  “She threw the letters away and never told me about them. The other day, the truth came out.”

  “Why would she do something like that?”

  “Said she was worried David might influence me to leave the Amish faith.” Priscilla clenched her fingers tightly, causing some tea to spill out of the cup.

  “Be careful you don’t burn yourself.” Elaine grabbed a napkin and wiped up the spill.

  “I’m okay. Talking about those letters I never got to read upsets me.”

  “I’m sure it does.”

  “Mom apologized, of course, but it hurt to know she would do such a thing.”

  Elaine drank more tea, and sat several seconds before responding. “What your mamm did was wrong, but I suppose she was only trying to protect you.”

  “I didn’t need it then, and I don’t need it now. David has never tried to influence me to go English.”

  “You wouldn’t consider leaving, would you?”

  Priscilla shook her head. “I have no desire to give up my Plain life.”

  “Whew! Good to hear. I can’t imagine going English, either. Our Amish values and the support we get from one another are important to me.”

&
nbsp; “Speaking of support, my daed mentioned this morning he’d seen Jonah Miller yesterday.”

  “Oh?”

  “He said Jonah’s not doing well.”

  “Physically or emotionally?”

  “Emotionally. Losing Sara has been hard on him. Not only does he have the responsibility of raising his stepson and daughter, but he has his buggy shop to run as well. Poor little Mark has lost both of his birth parents. Fortunately, he’s truly taken to Jonah, and in every respect has become his son.”

  “Losing a loved one is never easy, even for someone so young. At least Jonah’s folks live nearby and are available to help out and offer their support.” Elaine took her cup to the sink.

  “Do you still have feelings for Jonah?” Priscilla dared to ask.

  “Ben’s asked me to marry him,” Elaine stood at the sink, staring out the window.

  “But you haven’t given Ben your answer, right?”

  “No, I haven’t.”

  “If you still care for Jonah, maybe you two will end up together.”

  “Jonah loved Sara, and it’s too soon for him to even consider getting married again. Besides, what Jonah and I once had is in the past. There’s no point talking about this.” Elaine moved toward the room where they’d be hosting their meal. “Let’s go in now and get the tables set. There’s still much to be done before the dinner guests arrive.”

  Priscilla pushed away from the table. From the way her friend had quickly changed the subject, she had a hunch Elaine still had feelings for Jonah. I hope she doesn’t end up marrying Ben. I’ve never told Elaine this, but they’re not suited to each other.

  “I’m surprised you’re eating supper with us tonight.” Elam’s mother passed him the basket of rolls and some butter. “Don’t you and Priscilla usually have something planned on Friday evenings?”

  “She’s helping Elaine host another dinner,” Elam mumbled.

  Mom’s eyebrows rose. “Again? Didn’t Priscilla help Elaine with a dinner last night?”

  Elam nodded, spooning some mashed potatoes onto his plate. “I have a feeling Priscilla’s been avoiding me lately.”

  “Why would she do that?” Dad asked. He took a piece of chicken and handed the platter to Elam.

  Elam shrugged. “She didn’t even tell me she was doing the dinners till the night we went to Yoder’s Kitchen. Then it was only brought up because Elaine, who was there with Ben Otto, mentioned it.”

  “I’m sure Priscilla wasn’t keeping it from you on purpose, son.” Mom took a piece of chicken. “She probably got busy and forgot to mention it. Besides, Elaine’s helper left town suddenly, so Priscilla had to fill in rather quickly.”

  Dad nudged Elam’s arm. “If you’d marry the girl, you wouldn’t have to worry about her not telling you things. You and Priscilla have been courting awhile now. Maybe she feels you’re not interested since you haven’t asked her to marry you.”

  Elam grunted. “I’m not ready for marriage yet, Dad. Even if we were married, there’s no guarantee Priscilla would tell me everything.”

  Dad chuckled, looking at Mom. “Some women like to keep their men guessing. Right, Virginia?”

  Mom rolled her eyes. “Now, Marcus, you know I’d never do that. Let’s talk about something else while we eat supper, okay?”

  Elam and Dad both nodded.

  As Elam’s parents discussed the weather, Elam tuned them out. The only thought on his mind was Priscilla. How he wished he felt free to ask her to marry him now.

  CHAPTER 11

  Monday morning, Cora headed toward the Amish schoolhouse on her way to the clinic. She’d gone to and from work this way since she’d first spotted her granddaughters walking on the shoulder of the road.

  So many thoughts went through her head as she drove along the winding country road. Too bad Jared didn’t grow up around here instead of the big city. Maybe he would have a different attitude about things.

  Lately it seemed he’d been trying, but a friend’s influence could change it all. In the Arthur area, life seemed so much simpler, although not immune from normal life experiences. The tragic accident that took her granddaughters’ parents was a prime example.

  Tears welled in Cora’s eyes, thinking of those poor little girls. They’re so young to have gone through such a tragedy. Wiping a tear that had fallen to her cheek, she felt consoled knowing the girls had Adam and Leah now and were being brought up in a good home. Being as young as they were had its good points, though. Children were more resilient than adults and, in some cases, accepted things quicker. Other situations could mess up a person’s life forever. Cora would never know how her deceased daughter, Mary, felt about her, but unfortunately, Adam had made his feelings quite clear.

  “I wish I could talk to my granddaughters,” she murmured. “I wouldn’t have to tell them who I am. Just say a few words.”

  Cora clenched the steering wheel until her fingers ached. But would talking to them be enough? She really wanted to be part of their lives—to spend time with them and get to know them.

  Some days, Cora thought she deserved a second chance. Other times, she berated herself for running out on Adam and Mary and figured she was getting what she deserved for being a terrible mother. She’d asked God’s forgiveness; now if she could only forgive herself. If she had the chance to be the girls’ grandmother in every sense of the word, maybe it would help make up for the past. Cora was well aware that the only chance she had of making up for her past would be if she could work her way back into Adam’s life. She would not force herself on Adam, though; doing such a thing would only push him further away.

  Cora had started attending a local church and had tried getting Jared involved with the youth group so he would have some new friends, but so far he hadn’t shown much interest.

  Worshipping helped to strengthen her faith, but she hadn’t made any new friends there.

  As she rounded the next bend, Cora noticed a lone tree in the middle of a field. From its size, she figured the tree must have been there for years, but she’d never noticed it before. Barren of leaves and silhouetted against the sky, it stood in stark contrast against the snow-covered landscape.

  Cora sighed. I feel like that tree: all alone with no one surrounding me.

  Up ahead, Cora spotted a group of children on their way to school. It didn’t take long to realize two of them were Adam’s nieces, especially since one looked so much like her daughter, Mary, when she was around the same age.

  Heart thumping in her chest, Cora pulled her car to the side of the road and got out. “Good morning. Can any of you tell me where I might be able to buy some fresh eggs?” To hide her swirling emotions, Cora took slow deep breaths. Her nerves were at the breaking point from being this close to Mary’s girls.

  “Don’t know of anyone sellin’ eggs on this road,” the younger girl said. “But on the next road over, there’s a place where you can buy ’em.”

  “Good to know. I’ll check on it soon.” Cora smiled. “You must be heading to school.”

  The girls nodded. “We can’t be late, neither, ’cause tonight’s our Christmas program and we’ve gotta practice,” the younger one said.

  The older girl spoke up. “Come on, Linda, we don’t have time to talk or we’re gonna be late. Besides, you know what Uncle Adam’s told us about talking to strangers.”

  I’m not a stranger. Cora rubbed her arms where the cold seeped in under her coat. I’m your grandmother. Oh, how Cora wished she could utter those words. But she didn’t want to alarm the children. “I’ll let you go. Danki for telling me where I might find some fresh eggs.”

  The girls looked at her strangely then hurried along. Were they wondering why she’d said the Pennsylvania Dutch word for thank you?

  I’ve made a decision. I am going to that Christmas program. Cora returned to her car. I’ll sit at the back of the room so I won’t be noticed.

  “Are you two excited?” Leah asked, helping the girls into Adam’s buggy that evening
.

  “I’m naerfich.” Linda climbed into the backseat next to Carrie.

  “There’s no reason to be nervous.” Leah stepped aside so Amy could get in. “I’m sure you and your sister will do fine.”

  “Leah’s right,” Adam chimed in as he settled in the driver’s seat. “And I’ll tell ya a little secret. She and I have been looking forward to this all week.”

  Leah smiled at Adam’s sincerity as he talked to Linda and Amy. He had come a long way in his relationship with his nieces.

  As they approached the end of their driveway, preparing to enter the road, Adam reached across the seat and clasped Leah’s hand. “Tonight’s gonna be a good night.”

  Leah squeezed his fingers gently and smiled. “Jah.”

  Carrie, Linda, and Amy chatted as they traveled while Leah sat quietly, listening to the clip-clop of the horse’s hooves, and watching the gentle snowflakes starting to fall. It was pretty to see how the little flecks of white clung to the horse’s mane and tail.

  In no time, they pulled into the school yard where many other buggies were already parked. The program they’d soon be watching brought Leah fond memories of when she was a girl. One year in particular, she, Priscilla, and Elaine had taken part in a play depicting the birth of Jesus. Leah and Elaine had been angels, while Priscilla played the role of Mary.

  “You and the girls can go inside while I tie my horse to the hitching rail.” Adam touched Leah’s arm, pulling Leah out of her musings.

  “Okay.” She got out of the buggy and helped the girls down. Then they all tromped through the snow to the schoolhouse.

  Cora paused at the door of the schoolhouse, hoping she could sneak in the back, unnoticed. She’d seen other cars parked outside, which meant she wasn’t the only Englisher who’d come tonight. Since Jared was doing homework at Scott’s this evening, it gave Cora the chance to attend the program without him knowing where she was. He’d probably wonder why his mother wanted to attend an Amish school program, and she wasn’t ready to explain. How would Jared respond if he knew she had grandchildren? All his life she’d let Jared assume he was an only child.