The Restoration

by Brunstetter, Wanda E. ;

  It was hard to concentrate on the bishop’s sermon, and Jonah knew he shouldn’t, but he glanced at the women’s section. His gaze came to rest on Elaine. Unexpectedly, she made eye contact with him, and he quickly looked away. He hoped no one had noticed.

  Glancing at the bench where Ben sat, Jonah wondered once again what had really happened between Ben and Elaine. Were they still friends? Was there a chance they might get back together?

  Jonah fanned his face with his hand. I need to stop thinking about this and focus on the bishop’s message.

  Elam was pleased to see Priscilla here today. Since he hadn’t seen her yesterday, he looked forward to visiting during the evening meal at her folks’ house. If she felt up to it, maybe they could go for a buggy ride after they ate, which would help them cool off and give them time for visiting privately.

  He pinned his arms against his stomach, troubled by the bishop’s sermon topic on guilt. To make matters worse, the room they were in was so hot Elam could hardly breathe. Beneath his vest, Elam’s shirt clung to him like flypaper on the wall, while rivulets of sweat rolled down his temples. He couldn’t wait until the service was over so he could get outside, where he hoped the air would be less stifling.

  The bishop’s voice grew louder as he expounded on the need to confess one’s sins, using Acts 3:19 as a reference. “‘Repent ye… and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.’” He also quoted John 8:32: “‘Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’”

  When the service was finally over, Elam made a dash for the door. Taking in several deep breaths he headed toward the barn, pausing to lean on the fence.

  “Are you okay?” Adam asked, stepping up to Elam. “You look umgerennt.”

  Elam rubbed the back of his neck. “To tell ya the truth, I am upset.”

  “Do you want to talk about it, or should I mind my own business?”

  Elam scrubbed his sweaty palms on the side of his trousers, struggling with the desire to flee. As much as he wanted to tell someone the way he felt, Elam wasn’t sure he could spit the words out. Yet if he didn’t get this off his chest, he feared it would eat him alive.

  “Promise you won’t say anything to Leah about what I’m going to tell you?”

  Adam frowned. “What’s this got to do with my fraa?”

  “Nothing. It’s just… Well, she’s one of Priscilla’s closest friends, and if Leah finds out what I did, she’ll probably tell Priscilla.”

  “Tell me what?”

  Elam whirled around. “Priscilla! I didn’t know you were there. I thought you were helping the women get lunch on the tables.”

  “I was, and it’s ready. I came to tell you that.” She looked at Elam strangely, her eyes narrowing slightly. “What were you going to tell Adam you don’t want me or Leah knowing about?”

  Elam glanced at Adam then back at Priscilla. As hot as he’d felt inside, it was nothing compared to the way he felt now. If he didn’t get this off his chest, he might never tell Priscilla the truth. He hoped when she found out, she would find it in her heart to forgive him.

  CHAPTER 45

  Think I’d better go and leave you two alone.” Adam gave Elam’s shoulder a squeeze and headed back to the house, where lunch was being served. From Elam’s somber expression, Adam had a hunch whatever he’d been about to tell him was something serious.

  “Where have you been?” Ben asked when Adam entered the house and took a seat beside him at one of the tables. “Thought maybe I was gonna have to eat your share of the food.”

  Adam thumped his stomach. “It wouldn’t be the end of the world. I could probably stand to lose a few pounds.”

  Ben rolled his eyes. “Are you kidding? You’re about as fit and trim as any man I know. Must be all the hard work you do at your store.”

  They bowed their heads for silent prayer. When Adam opened his eyes, he glanced out the window and saw Elam and Priscilla near the barn. Sure hope everything goes okay between them right now.

  “What is it you didn’t want Adam telling Leah because you were afraid she’d tell me?” Priscilla moved closer to Elam.

  As though needing support, he continued to lean on the fence post while clearing his throat. “It’s… umm… about how you got burned.”

  Priscilla’s eyebrows squeezed together. “What do you mean? I know how I got burned. The sleeve of my dress caught on fire when I tried to turn off the stove.”

  Elam shook his head. “I’m talking about how the pan caught fire.”

  “David forgot to turn off the burner before he went outside to check on his horse. Why are we talking about this again, Elam?” Shooing a pesky fly off her arm, Priscilla felt more confused than ever.

  Elam shifted from one foot to the other. Priscilla couldn’t figure out why he was acting so strange. Then she remembered during the service how fidgety and nervous he’d seemed. “What’s wrong, Elam? How come you seem so naerfich today?”

  Elam blew out his breath. “The fire didn’t happen the way you think, Priscilla.”

  She tipped her head. “How did it happen?”

  “The truth is, I’m the one who left the stove on.” Elam dropped his gaze to the ground.

  Stunned, Priscilla backed up to the nearest tree. “Wh–what do you mean? I don’t understand.”

  “When David went outside to check on his horse, he turned off the stove. Thinking it would be good to get the popcorn done, I turned the stove back on. Then I went to the bathroom, but before I was able to return to the kitchen, the pan must have gotten too hot, and it caught fire.”

  Priscilla’s eyes narrowed. “This whole time you knew David had turned it off, but you let him take the blame? How could you, Elam?”

  He lifted his face to look at her. “I was ashamed to admit I had done it, and I was angry at David, because—”

  “So you let David and me think he was the one responsible?” Priscilla’s finger shook as she pointed at Elam. “You’re not the man I thought you were.”

  Elam reached his hand out to her, but she pulled back. “I know what I did was wrong, Priscilla, and I’m begging you to forgive me. My only excuse is I love you so much and was afraid if you knew I was the one who caused the fire, you would choose David instead of me.”

  Priscilla’s voice trembled. “Oh, really? Is that how you show your love for me—by lying?” She turned away. “Well, Elam, know this. It’s over between us.”

  “Oh, please, Priscilla, you can’t mean it. We’ve been a couple for a long time, and I want to marry you.”

  “I’m sorry, Elam, but it’s over.” Trembling, Priscilla dashed back to Elaine’s house, where the others were eating. Struggling to hold back tears, she sought her mother and said she needed to go home.

  Mom looked at her with concern. “Are you grank?”

  “I’m not sick. I just need to go home.”

  “Maybe today has been too much for you.” Mom slipped her arm around Priscilla’s waist. “We’ll go as soon as your daed finishes eating. Why don’t you come over and try to eat something, too? You might feel better once you have some food in your stomach.”

  Priscilla shook her head. “If you and Dad want to finish your meals, that’s fine, but I’m not hungry. I’ll wait for you in the buggy.”

  Mom looked hesitant but finally nodded. “Okay, I’ll get your daed.”

  Choking on sobs rising in her throat, Priscilla sprinted for the buggy. She needed to be alone to think things through. She was still in shock over Elam’s confession. Did he expect her to accept this news and go on as though nothing had happened?

  “How are things with you, Ben?” Adam asked as he enjoyed vanilla ice cream and the brownies Leah had made for dessert.

  “Guess you heard Elaine and I broke up.” Ben took the last bite of his apple pie.

  Adam’s brows furrowed. “I didn’t know. Sorry to hear that, Ben.” Adam wondered if Leah knew this and just hadn’t said anything. “Since we’re done eating, would you like to
take a walk?”

  “Sure. It’ll give us a chance to talk in private.”

  Adam and Ben got more coffee then ventured outdoors. No one else was around the corner of the yard they’d chosen.

  “When did this happen with you and Elaine?” Adam blew on his coffee, waiting for Ben to respond.

  “Around the end of May. It was the same night Priscilla got burned,” Ben answered. “With everything else going on, maybe Elaine forgot to say anything to Leah.”

  “Could be.” Adam paused, searching for the right words. “Are you okay with all of this?”

  “I’m good now, since I’ve had time to think about everything.” Ben took a deep breath. “I realize I was just fooling myself, thinking Elaine would marry me. When we talked that Saturday night, she said I could never be more than her friend. I pretended it didn’t matter, but truthfully, while we were courting, I’d hoped her feelings for me would turn into love. Guess it wasn’t supposed to be.”

  “I’m sorry it didn’t work out.” Adam placed his hand on Ben’s shoulder. “Are you and Elaine still on good terms?”

  “Jah. Since Elaine was the first person I developed a friendship with after my family and I moved to Arthur, it would be hard to turn off our friendship, just like that.” Ben snapped his fingers. “I really have to wonder, though, if Elaine might still be in love with Jonah.”

  Adam shrugged. From what Leah had told him, before Elaine’s grandmother became ill, she and Jonah almost got married. He wondered if Elaine had ever stopped loving Jonah.

  “It’s good you can remain friends with Elaine.” Adam took a seat in one of the chairs on the lawn. Ben did the same. “It would be difficult any other way. Like today, for instance, seeing her here at church.”

  “I’ll admit it was kind of hard seeing her this morning, knowing we’re no longer courting. Guess I’ll get used to the idea, though.”

  Adam felt bad for his friend. He hoped someday Ben would find someone special who’d love him the way he deserved.

  Ben extended his hand to shake Adam’s. “I’m glad we talked, but now I think I’d better head home.”

  “I need to go, too, so I’ll round up my girls. See you at work tomorrow.” As Ben headed for his horse, Adam walked to the back of the house, where several people mingled. He spotted Carrie, Linda, and Amy playing with a group of children, and waved them over.

  “Are you about ready to head home?” Leah asked, joining Adam and the girls.

  “I am if you are.” Adam smiled. “How about you girls? Are you ready to go home?”

  Amy bobbed her head. “We’ve gotta fill the hummingbird feeders. They were almost empty when we left this morning.”

  “I wanna check on Chippy.” Linda hopped up and down, and Carrie joined in, squealing, “Chippy! Chippy! Chippy!”

  Leah laughed as the girls raced to the buggy. “I helped Elaine clear the tables, and a few other women said they would stay to help her finish.”

  Adam looked toward the girls to make sure they were out of earshot. “Did Elaine say anything to you about Ben?”

  “She said he won’t be courting her anymore, but they’ll remain friends.”

  Adam nodded. “That’s what Ben told me. It’s too bad, but hopefully things will work out for both of them.”

  “I hope so.” Leah’s eyes glistened. “Oh, Adam, feel this.” She took his hand and placed it against her stomach. “The boppli’s been kicking up a storm since I ate. Maybe he likes those brownies I made.”

  Adam chuckled. “You seem so sure it’s a boy.”

  She smiled. “I have a feeling it might be, but either way is fine with me.”

  “Same here.” Grinning, Adam’s heart overflowed with joy.

  As they walked hand in hand, he reflected on the reasons he and Leah had gotten married and how their relationship had blossomed. Helping his wife climb into the buggy, where Amy, Linda, and Carrie were waiting, Adam couldn’t imagine life without Leah and those precious girls. God had surely blessed him.

  Elam’s legs trembled so bad, he could barely remain standing. He’d struggled with the need to tell Priscilla what he’d done ever since she’d gotten burned, but he hadn’t been able to work up the nerve until today. Even then, he’d felt he had no other choice. This morning when the bishop preached on guilt and the need to confess one’s sins, Elam had fallen under conviction and had to tell someone. He’d chosen Adam, hoping for advice, but ended up confessing to Priscilla instead. If he’d been able to discuss it with Adam and there’d been more time before she’d shown up, things may have gone better. Since Iva had invited Elam over this evening, it would have given him an opportunity to be alone with Priscilla so they could talk privately. Now he wouldn’t be going to dinner at the Hershbergers’. Elam reminded himself that he’d had plenty of time since Priscilla’s accident to confess, but unfortunately, he’d blown it.

  Elam started walking, kicking up gravel as he headed for his horse. I should have told Priscilla right away. If I’d explained as soon as it happened, maybe she would have forgiven me, like she did when she thought it was David.

  Tears blurred Elam’s vision so he could hardly see to hitch his horse to the buggy. If he could only go back and do things over again, he would never have turned the stove burner back on after David went outside. He’d have used the bathroom and waited for Priscilla to come back downstairs. He’d hoped to have the popcorn made so she’d be impressed that he’d done it for her. It may have given him an edge over David, who seemed to always be trying to win Priscilla’s favor.

  If the accident hadn’t occurred, and Priscilla was given the chance to choose between me and David, I wonder who she would pick. Would she choose David or agree to become my wife? Elam drew in a sharp breath as a new realization hit him: Priscilla will never marry me now that she knows what I did. There’s nothing I can do to repair the damage.

  As Elam climbed in his buggy and backed the horse from the hitching rack, he made a decision. Priscilla deserved to be happy, and he would make sure it happened.

  CHAPTER 46

  Shelly Howe will be coming by to pick me up soon,” Priscilla announced during breakfast Monday morning. “I arranged it with her last night.”

  “Oh? Where are you going?” Mom asked.

  “To Chicago, to see David.”

  “Priscilla, you can’t go running off to Chicago by yourself to see a man who doesn’t want to be here anymore.”

  Priscilla thrust out her chin. “David didn’t want to go, Mom. He left because he believed he was responsible for my burns. He needs to know the truth.”

  “What truth?” Mom glanced at Dad, as if looking to him for an answer, but he merely shrugged in response.

  “What truth?” Mom repeated, this time looking at Priscilla.

  “Elam left the stove on, not David.”

  Mom’s fingers touched her parted lips as she let out a gasp.

  Dad looked at Priscilla with a dazed expression. “Come again?”

  “After church yesterday, Elam confessed that he’d left the stove on.” Priscilla paused to collect her thoughts and take a drink of water. “I’m not upset because he went to the bathroom and left the stove unattended. I’m disappointed that he didn’t admit it right away. Instead, he allowed David to take the blame.”

  “I—I don’t know what to say,” Mom stammered. “I never would have expected Elam to do something like that.”

  “Nor I,” Dad spoke up. “What in the world was he thinking?”

  Priscilla stared at her plate of untouched pancakes. “He’s jealous of David and wanted to drive him away.”

  Mom let out a little gasp. “Oh my!”

  “Now do you see why I need to speak with David?” Priscilla lifted her hand. “I can’t let him go on thinking he did this to me.”

  “You’re right. He does need to know,” Dad interjected. “You have my blessing to go.”

  Mom pursed her lips. “What Elam did was wrong, but I still believe he loves you, P
riscilla. If you choose David instead of Elam, I know he will be crushed.”

  Priscilla shook her head. “This isn’t about choosing anyone, Mom. I’m just going to tell David the truth. If he does come back to Arthur, it’ll be his decision. Whatever happens after that will be in God’s hands.”

  Dad gave a decisive nod. “That’s absolutely right.”

  Priscilla glanced at the kitchen clock. “Shelly will be here for me soon, so I need to finish breakfast and be ready when she arrives. I have his parents’ address, and hopefully we’ll find him there.”

  Mom looked at Dad. “Can’t you persuade her not to go?”

  He shook his head. “Priscilla is not a little girl anymore, Iva. She’s a grown woman and can make her own decisions. If Priscilla thinks it’s important to visit David, then we should support her decision.”

  “I suppose you’re right.” Mom reached over and gently touched Priscilla’s arm. “Are you sure you’re up to the trip?”

  Priscilla nodded. “And even if I’m not, I feel it’s important for me to go.”

  A short time later, a horn honked outside. Priscilla rose from her chair. “That must be my driver, Mom. Should I run out and tell her to come in while I help you do the dishes?”

  Mom shook her head. “No, that’s okay. I’ll do them myself this morning.”

  “Danki, Mom.” Priscilla gave both parents a hug.

  “Have a safe trip,” Dad said as Priscilla grabbed her purse and moved toward the door. “We’ll be praying everything goes well when you see David today.”

  As Iva washed the breakfast dishes, she couldn’t stop thinking about the things Priscilla had told them. What will happen when our daughter gets to Chicago and sees David? Iva wondered. Will she convince him to come back to Arthur and join the Amish church? Could David try to persuade Priscilla to leave her family and faith and become part of his English world?

  Iva continued to fret as she sloshed the soapy sponge over Daniel’s favorite coffee mug. I wish Elam would have been up-front with Priscilla and told her right away that he was the one who’d left the stove on. Even though what Elam did was wrong, I hope he and Priscilla will get back together. She’d known for some time that they cared for each other. It would be a shame if their relationship ended now. Iva felt sure Elam loved Priscilla and probably felt guilty for what he’d done. Surely, Priscilla knew that, too.