Katy didn’t want to sound eager to leave, so she didn’t ask when Aunt Rebecca thought that might be. Instead, she offered a bright smile. “That sounds good, Aunt Rebecca. I’ve missed you.” With a start, she realized how much she had missed her saucy, independent, opinionated aunt. But she also liked the softer, more affectionate side that had been creeping into view. She hoped Aunt Rebecca would hold onto the best of both halves of her when she was finally well again.
Aunt Rebecca sighed. “I’d like to stay today, but the walk to town wore me out. I need to go home. But I plan to come in tomorrow, and I will definitely be at your party Friday night.” She smiled, her eyes glittering. “It’ll be good to be among my friends and family — a part of everyone’s life again.”
Katy dashed across the floor and hugged her aunt. Not hard — she feared she might break something, Aunt Rebecca was so thin — but with heart. Aunt Rebecca returned the hug and then moved to the door. “Good-bye, girls. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She stepped outside.
Shelby clapped and let out a whoop. “Katy! It worked! She’s up! She walked all the way to town on her own!” She laughed. “It’s like a miracle!”
Katy nodded. “I know. It’s amazing.” She stared after Aunt Rebecca, gratitude making her heart pound.
Shelby said, “And just think! If she gets her strength back like she wants, she might very well be ready to take this place over again by the time school starts. Which means —”
Katy held up her hand. “Don’t say it! I don’t want to start wishing, just in case it doesn’t happen.”
Shelby laughed again. “Okay, I guess I understand. But, girlfriend, just so you know — I’m gonna be wishing hard enough for both of us!”
Katy bit down on her lower lip for a moment. How she treasured Shelby’s friendship. Almost holding her breath, she said, “Shelby, if what we want doesn’t happen — if I can’t go back to school for some reason — do you think we’ll still be friends?”
Shelby’s eyes flew wide. “Why wouldn’t we be?”
Katy shrugged. “Well, we see each other at school. And if I’m not there …”
Shelby slipped off the chair, grabbed her crutches, and stumped across the floor to Katy. Flinging one arm around Katy’s neck, she hugged her tight. “Katy, don’t you know by now it isn’t school that makes us friends? You and me — we’re connected! BFF, that’s us.”
Katy, caught in Shelby’s embrace, smiled. Best friends forever. She returned Shelby’s hug and then tugged loose. “But it won’t be easy to stay friends. What with me here, you there, and no telephone or anything so we can communicate.”
“Friends find a way,” Shelby insisted. She limped back behind the counter and climbed onto the stool. “So don’t sweat it. You’re stuck with me, Katy Lambright.”
Katy decided to believe Shelby. It was nice to have one thing in her life that wasn’t changing.
Chapter Twenty
Katy’s congratulatory party turned into a welcome-back party for Aunt Rebecca, but Katy didn’t mind a bit. Although her aunt spent most of the evening sitting in a chair in the shade, allowing people to come to her rather than mingling, she laughed and talked and seemed to enjoy herself. It gave Katy’s heart a lift to see the smiles on Aunt Rebecca’s, Uncle Albert’s, and their children’s faces after the weeks of worry and melancholy. Even though they still had a big battle to fight, they were armed with happiness and hope, and Katy held tight to both.
She tried to talk to everyone in attendance at least once so they would know how much she appreciated them coming and celebrating with her, but she kept finding her way back to Jonathan’s side. She told herself it was because he was leaving and he might not be back. After all, there were no guarantees his parents would approve his return to Schellberg. If she didn’t take time for him now, she might not get another chance. But deep down, she knew the truth. She enjoyed his company, and she wanted to spend time with him.
Jonathan didn’t seem to mind her showing up again and again. He welcomed her with a smile each time, excused himself from conversation with whoever else was nearby, and gave her his full attention. She wondered if he held the same thought as she — grab their moments while they could. Either way, she appreciated the way he made her feel special and wanted.
Midway through the evening, Katy made her way to the cake table for a second slice of strawberry cream cake. Annika had made sure Katy got the first piece as soon as she arrived at the party, and Katy had savored every bite. But that was over an hour ago and she was ready for another piece. To her dismay, the platter only held crumbs. She put her hand on her hip and huffed.
“What’s wrong?” Caleb’s familiar voice came from behind Katy.
Without turning around, she pointed to the crumb-scattered platter. “I was hoping for another piece, but I’m too late. It’s all gone.”
Caleb stepped beside her. A self-conscious grin creased his freckled face. “I guess I’m responsible for that.” He held up his plate. A towering slab of strawberry cream cake filled the center of the plate and even hung off on one side.
Katy gawked. “That’s the biggest piece of cake I’ve ever seen!”
Caleb laughed. “Yeah, well, strawberry cake is my favorite.”
Katy sighed, looking with longing at the contents of Caleb’s plate. “Mine too. Annika baked it especially for me.” Not until the words left her lips did she consider how manipulative they sounded. She added quickly, “But it was meant to be shared. You’re welcome to it.”
Caleb looked at the cake and then at Katy. His expression turned contrite. “I don’t really need this much. Here.” He put the plate on the table, picked up a knife, and cut the piece into two slices. He tipped one slice onto a clean plate and held it Katy. “Enjoy.”
Katy shook her head, amazed. Caleb Penner being unselfishly gallant. What would happen next?
Caleb stabbed his fork into the cake and brought up a huge bite. “I guess you’ve heard I asked to go to high school this fall.”
Katy nodded but didn’t reply. She was too busy chewing, and unlike some people, she refused to talk around a bite of food.
“Still haven’t got an answer from the elders,” he said, jabbing his fork into the cake again. “But I think I’ve just about changed my mind anyway.”
Two other boys approached the cake table, so she moved out of the way. Caleb followed. Katy laid her fork on the edge of her plate and tipped her head, giving Caleb a curious look. “Why did you want to go? You never seemed to like school all that much.”
Caleb scowled. “I don’t like school all that much. Not the studying part, anyway. But you know when we all went bowling? I talked with your friend Cora, and she told me about all the stuff that goes on at high school—you know, the sports teams and clubs and stuff. A lot more fun than our little school. And” — he shoved another good-sized bite into his mouth, chomped down a few times, and swallowed — “I guess I kinda hoped it would give you and me something in … I dunno … common.” His freckles disappeared underneath a red blush.
Katy suddenly lost her appetite for the cake. “Caleb …”
He hurried on. “I know we’ve had our disagreements, and I’ve been really stupid sometimes. I don’t know why I tease so much.”
Katy did, but she wouldn’t say it out loud.
“But I kinda hoped you could forget all that and … I dunno … let me come around as more than just your dad’s hired hand?”
Katy looked into his eager face. She could look at Caleb without wanting to sock him on the arm anymore. That was progress. And there were good reasons to say yes to his request. But she couldn’t seem to form the word. She searched her heart, trying to find the reason for her reluctance. Was it because she hoped she might be able to spend time with Jonathan instead, or was it something else? And she finally realized the truth.
“Caleb, I’m glad we’re finally really getting to be friends. I didn’t like feeling mad at you all the time. It’s nice that we can talk
to each other and be relaxed.” His expression didn’t change. Katy drew in a fortifying breath and continued. “But honestly, I don’t think I can look at you as more than a friend. We’ve spent too much time together, I guess. When I look at you, I see a … brother.”
He scowled. “A brother?”
She nodded. Obviously, she’d offended him, but she had to be honest. It was the only fair thing to do. “You know how brothers and sisters squabble when they’re growing up?”
As if to prove her point, two of Annika’s younger brothers dashed by, the one in the lead laughing uproariously and the one following vowing to get even. Caleb watched them go. A funny grin twitched his cheek. “Yeah. I know.”
“Well, that’s been us since we started school. Teasing. Squabbling. Getting mad at each other.” She shrugged. “We’re growing up now, so we’re finally getting past all that” — thank goodness! — “which is nice, but us as something more than friends …?”
Months ago, when Caleb had asked to date her and she’d told him she didn’t want to be his girlfriend, he’d gotten angry and said hurtful things. She didn’t want to face his anger again. It would spoil her special evening. She gathered her courage and finished. “I don’t think so, Caleb.”
He sucked in his lips and stared off to the side. Katy tipped her head, trying to catch his eye. “Are you mad?”
Seconds passed. The mingled voices of her friends and family carried across the yard and covered the sound of her pounding heart. When he still didn’t say anything, she repeated, “Caleb, are you mad?”
He finally sighed and looked at her. “Not mad, Katydid. Just kind of … I dunno … sad.”
Katy nodded. It hurt to let someone go when you cared about them. She’d had a hard time telling Bryce she couldn’t be more than friends with him — it felt like a good-bye to possibilities. And saying good-bye to Jonathan tonight would be even harder. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to hurt you.”
“Hey, you were honest.” He used a glib tone, but Katy saw hurt lingering in his eyes. “Can’t blame a guy for trying, right?” He shrugged and dropped his plate, still holding a few bites of cake, onto the end of the table. He snorted out a brief laugh. “But dating a sister is just plain gross. So I’m outta here. See you, Katy.” He ambled off toward a cluster of boys at the edge of the yard. As soon as he reached them, he punched the closest one on the arm and joined their conversation as if nothing was wrong.
Katy smiled. Caleb would be all right. She reached for her cake again.
“Katy! Katy!” Annika’s voice captured her attention.
She turned and spotted her friend waving for Katy to join her, Shelby, and a few other girls at a picnic table near the porch. She hesitated — where was Jonathan right now? — but then she remembered how much it had bothered her when Shelby ignored Katy to spend all her time with her boyfriend last year. Cake plate in hand, she moved to the table.
“Guess what?” Yvonne said as soon as Katy joined the group. “Annika’s going to start working at the café.”
Katy gawked at the girl. “What!” She spun to face Annika. “Your folks are letting you take a job?”
“Just part-time,” Annika said. “I’m going to go in early in the mornings and bake cakes. Isn’t it great?” She looked like she might burst from happiness. “I get to do what I love to do and even get paid for it!”
Katy understood Annika’s excitement. She gave her friend a huge hug. “Annika, that’s great! I’m so happy for you!” And she was, even though she realized it meant Annika wouldn’t be available to work at Aunt Rebecca’s shop. Oddly, worry didn’t strike. Rosemary and Dad had assured her things would work out. She and Shelby were praying. Maybe the fact that she was able to trust God with her desire to attend school meant she was growing up. She liked the idea.
Annika wriggled loose from Katy’s grasp, and her eyes twinkled with fun. “Sit down and listen. We’ve got some ideas for your future articles.”
Katy laughed until her stomach hurt as the girls tossed out various topics, mostly ludicrous. From a nearby table, more laughter rolled — Aunt Rebecca, Uncle Albert, and Annika’s mother. A verse from Proverbs, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine,” flitted through Katy’s mind, and she realized how true it was. The worry of the past weeks melted away on a flood of happiness.
At nine o’clock, people began loading into their vehicles to leave. Katy stood near the driveway to say good-bye to everyone and thank them again for coming. Yvonne and Jonathan were among the last to leave. Yvonne bid Katy farewell and best wishes on her new job then said, “Let’s go, Jonathan.”
But Jonathan held back. “Go ahead — I’ll be there in a minute.”
Yvonne opened her mouth as if she wanted to argue but then she shrugged. “All right.”
Jonathan waited until she moved out of earshot. “Katy, when I get home, is it okay if I send you letters?” He released a self-conscious laugh, running his hand through his hair. “I’m not much of a writer — not like you — but I’d like to keep in touch, if you don’t mind.”
Did he suspect he wouldn’t be back? Katy wished she had the courage to ask the question. She pasted on a bright smile and nodded. “I’d like that. We can be pen pals.”
“At least for a while,” he said, and then she knew he hoped for more too. He shoved his hands into his trouser pockets and rocked on his heels a couple of times. A sweet smile tipped up his lips. “‘Bye, Katy.”
The last week of July flew by. Katy and Shelby continued to work all day in the fabric shop, but Aunt Rebecca came in every day except her chemotherapy days and spent the afternoon with them. Although she lacked her previous energy, she regained enough strength to get bossy. But Katy wasn’t insulted. It was good to see glimpses of the old Aunt Rebecca.
On Friday, Aunt Rebecca released the girls early with instructions not to come in at all on Saturday.
“Are you sure?” Katy asked.
“I’m sure. Aren’t Shelby’s parents coming for her tomorrow?” Aunt Rebecca asked.
Both girls affected a pout and then laughed. Shelby answered, “Yes. They texted me this morning that they’re back in the United States. They’re exhausted from the travel, so I told them to sleep as long as they wanted to and come get me when they felt rested.”
“Which will be tomorrow afternoon sometime,” Katy said. It would be hard to let Shelby leave. She’d enjoyed having a sister. But she knew Shelby was eager to see her family again. Katy couldn’t imagine being apart from Dad for six whole weeks.
“Then just enjoy your morning together,” Aunt Rebecca said.
Katy hesitated. It didn’t seem responsible to leave Aunt Rebecca all alone in the shop, even if it was just for a Saturday morning. “But won’t you need some extra hands?”
Aunt Rebecca sent Katy a firm look. “Katy, if you must know, I’ll have some extra hands tomorrow. Joanne Krehbiel is coming in.”
Katy drew back in surprise. “Joanne? But she works at the grocery store in Salina.”
“She does,” Aunt Rebecca said, “but she’s tired of the drive and is thinking about making a change. So I told her she could come spend a few hours with me and see if she’d like working here instead.” A funny little smile teased the corners of Aunt Rebecca’s mouth. “If I hire her, it’ll mean you’re out of a job. Would that disappoint you?”
Katy clasped her hands to keep from socking the air in excitement. “I think I could live with it.”
Aunt Rebecca laughed then sobered. “I don’t know for sure it will work out, but if it does …”
Katy didn’t need to hear anymore. She sucked in a long breath and held it. Please, God?
Aunt Rebecca wrapped Shelby in a hug. “Thank you for your help this summer, Shelby. You have been a blessing to both Katy and me.”
Shelby couldn’t hug back with her hands on her crutches, but she leaned into the embrace. “You’re welcome. I’ve had fun!”
The girls headed to Caleb’s cart. Neither spoke u
ntil Katy guided Rocky out of town. Then Shelby sighed. “Can you believe summer’s almost over?”
“It sure went fast,” Katy said. “Too fast,” Shelby added.
Katy sent a sidelong, apologetic glance at Shelby. “We didn’t get to do most of what we wanted to do.”
Shelby shrugged. “Not a big deal. I know where you live — and once I get rid of my cast and can drive again, I can come out some Saturday.” She grinned. “We’ll pester Annika to teach me to write my name in calligraphy or spend the afternoon with your grandma. I can’t do a whole quilt in an afternoon, but at least I’d get a lesson, right?”
“Right,” Katy said. Even though she wasn’t certain she’d get to return to school, she still clung to the hope that she’d be able to go. But if she didn’t, Shelby would still come out and see her. She wouldn’t lose the precious friendship.
“You know, Katy, I was thinking about something.” Shelby’s tone turned musing. “Your purpose in finishing high school was so you could go to college and become a journalist, right?”
Katy nodded, giving the reins a pull to guide Rocky around the corner. “Right.”
“Well, it occurs to me you’ve already accomplished the goal. I mean, by writing for the Free Bee. So, if something should happen — not that I want something to happen, but just ‘if,’ okay? — you can still tell people, ‘I’m a journalist.’ Because you are.” Shelby sat forward and pinned Katy with a serious look. “Do you see what I’m saying?”
Katy understood. She gave Shelby a big smile. “I see. Thanks.”
Shelby settled back in the seat. “Good. Now, can we go by the pasture and see the horses one more time? I just love stroking the white spot on Saydee’s sweet nose.”
Katy laughed. “Sure! C’mon, Rocky, let’s go visit Shadow and Saydee.”
While Shelby petted Saydee, Katy caught herself looking for Jonathan to show up. Somehow the pasture seemed empty without him. The thought made her sad, and she didn’t want to be sad on Shelby’s last day in Schellberg.
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