“Mistakes happen, Aaron.”
“Yes, but I really wanted to prove myself to you.” Then, because he couldn’t seem to stop himself, he added, “For the last six or seven months, I’ve had a new goal, and that was to make a good impression so I can one day be assistant manager or manager for you. I’ve even been trying to study for the GED. But now I feel like I’ve been a fool.”
“Why the GED?”
“Well, I figure you need someone with more education than I’ve got.”
“You’ve been working for me since you were fourteen, Aaron. You’ve gotten a lot of education here over the last seven years.”
“Obviously not enough.”
“Aaron, I can’t tell you if getting your GED will help you or not. Maybe that’s something you feel you need to pursue, but I will tell you that I don’t think knowing more math or science or whatever would have helped you today. Only experience can do that.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I should also remind you that I already believe in you. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have put you in charge.”
“Yes, sir. Thank you.”
Mr. Zeiset chuckled. “No reason to thank me. You’re a good employee, son. But I feel like I should remind you that as bad as this mistake might seem, you are going to make a worse one, one day. That’s not the issue. What does matter is how you handle the mistake.”
“I’ll remember that. Danke.”
“I hope you will, son. Now, go home, but check your shanty’s phone for messages later, okay? I’ll be calling you with some answers.”
“I’ll pick up. I promise I will.”
“Good,” Mr. Zeiset blurted before he hung up, leaving Aaron holding the phone and realizing that today’s roller-coaster ride might have ended up being one of the best days in a very long time. It had certainly given him a lot to think about.
twenty-five
• RULE #25 •
Keep in constant communication with the main district office. You’ll never know when you’re going to need their help immediately.
Kayla didn’t know where her father was. He hadn’t come back on his scheduled Pioneer Trails bus and he hadn’t been on today’s bus, either. The only thing that kept her from worrying herself sick was the fact that she’d talked to several people who’d recently returned from Pinecraft. They’d relayed that her father had seemed just fine. One had even mentioned that he had said he wasn’t sure when he would return.
So, he was fine. He just hadn’t elected to contact her.
Her heart was sick. She hated that he didn’t think of her in times like this. She knew him well enough to realize that he wasn’t trying to be difficult, it just hadn’t occurred to him to let her know about his change of plans.
But honestly, she would have been more hurt if she wasn’t so mad. They had bills to pay and little to no money in savings. To make matters worse, she’d run into his boss while she’d been out walking yesterday, and he’d given her a mouthful. It had been awful, getting berated for her father’s problems in the middle of the street.
Now, here she was again, walking home while stewing about her father’s faults. She was so tired, tired of worrying, tired of working, tired of complaining about things that didn’t change.
When she saw the bookmobile in the distance, her heart lifted. She didn’t really need a new book, but seeing Sarah Anne’s kind face and being surrounded by some of her favorite things could surely lift her spirits.
There were two buggies parked nearby and a bicycle, too. Pushing aside her disappointment that she wouldn’t be the only patron today, she pinned a smile to her face and headed inside.
Only to be surrounded by chaos.
There were at least four children chattering, arguing, and crying. It created a terrible din. There was a woman yelling at Sarah Anne and a young English man standing in front of the lone computer terminal, moving the mouse around and clicking it over and over and muttering under his breath.
She would have turned back around if it hadn’t been for the pleading look on Sarah Anne’s face. It was obvious the woman was silently begging Kayla to stay.
She couldn’t say no to that.
After wondering what to do for a moment, she came to the conclusion that the only thing to do was to help all these people so they’d leave as soon as possible. Even though it was selfish, it was a nice thought.
With that in mind, she marched up to the mother of at least some of the kinner. “I noticed your kinner might need some help. Since Sarah Anne is busy, can I help?”
The lady nodded wearily. “If you could, I’d be very grateful. I promised each of them they could have one book, but they’re arguing over them all.”
Noticing the pile of books and an assortment of gum wrappers, Kayla inwardly grimaced. They were also making a mess.
Concerned that the mother wasn’t being more involved, Kayla looked at her more closely and noticed she had dark circles under her eyes.
“I have the flu,” she said. “I think I’m over the worst of it, but I’m so tired.”
And… the situation had just become worse. The mother had the flu and was in the bookmobile, touching everything. Kayla swallowed hard. “I’d be happy to help your children.”
“Danke.” The woman sat right down with a sigh.
Before she could back out on her promise, Kayla picked up the books from the pile the small hooligans had tossed on the floor. “These are wonderful books,” she exclaimed. “Why, they’re some of my favorites.”
As she’d hoped, the children turned to see what books she was talking about.
“Which one?” the oldest boy asked.
“I think you will like Hero’s story.” She handed him a short storybook about a boy exploring the woods.
“What about me?” his sister asked.
“You need this little book about Hans the polar bear, I think.” The little girl smiled as she held it to her chest.
And so it continued. Kayla passed over two more books to the siblings, then, after obtaining their mother’s library card, she helped each child scan their book and get a receipt.
By the time the last child was done, their mother had all of them lined up with their coats and cloaks securely buttoned. “Danke,” she said.
“It was my pleasure,” Kayla replied.
As she watched them leave, she realized it actually had been her pleasure to give a helping hand. Seeing that mother who had clearly needed a tiny break had been a good reminder to her. Everyone had problems. Kayla might have a wayward father, but she wasn’t sick with four children in need of her help.
She noticed then that the bookmobile had cleared out and it was only her and Sarah Anne there.
“Boy, that was fast! I can’t believe how quickly everyone cleared out.”
Sarah Anne opened a drawer and pulled out a can of Lysol. “Well, my dear, you took care of five of the people in here, and I took care of everyone else.”
There was something in Sarah Anne’s tone that was worrisome. As she watched the librarian spray practically every surface, Kayla said, “I hope you’re not upset with me for stepping in.”
“Not at all, dear. Believe me, I’m grateful.” She picked up a stack of books and set them on a counter. “I was getting a little harried, for sure.”
“Is it like this often?”
“Not at all. Usually everything goes as well as I could expect it to.” Picking up a scrap of paper, she added, “But there are times when I wish I had an assistant, and you were an answer to a prayer!”
Kayla picked up the gum wrappers and tossed them in a trash can. “If I was an answer for you, I feel like that woman and her kids were an answer to mine.”
“How so?”
“I was feeling a little overwhelmed before I came in, and if I’m being honest, I was feeling a little bit sorry for myself as well. Being around that poor mom reminded me that I’m not the only person who is having a difficult day.”
“Would you like t
o talk about what’s been troubling you?”
Kayla actually had come for just that reason, but now she realized that wasn’t what she wanted to do. “I’ll be okay,” she said simply. “It’s nothing I can’t handle.”
Sarah Anne looked at her for a long moment, then nodded. “I understand.”
“Danke.”
“Did you come for books?”
“Kind of. I wanted to see what was on the shelves, though I still have two books at home to read.”
Sarah Anne snapped her fingers. “Oh! I almost forgot. Look what I have for you.” Bending down, she opened a cabinet and pulled out a new romance. “Look what just arrived, hot off the press.”
It was the newest book by her favorite author, and it looked brand-new. “Am I going to be the first person to check it out?”
“You are.” She smiled brightly. “I thought it might be fitting, since you like her books so much.”
“Danke.” This book did make her happy. She would probably read it in one sitting. But there was a part of her that wondered if maybe she was too old for such novels.
“What’s wrong?”
“Oh, I’m just wondering if I need to graduate to different types of books.”
Sarah Anne frowned. “What do you mean? They aren’t for teenagers, they’re adult romances.”
“Yes, but everything in their lives works out so perfectly. That’s not really how life works, is it?”
To Kayla’s surprise, Sarah Anne didn’t reply immediately. Instead, she seemed to ponder that question for a moment before finally replying.
“I’m sorry, but I have to say that is exactly how life works. Oh, we don’t all eventually experience perfect romances.” She chuckled softly. “Honestly, I don’t know too many people who would say they do. Even good marriages aren’t always perfect every minute of every day.” She inhaled. “But, dear, I feel I must remind you that we’re not in charge. Our Lord makes sure everything does work out well. Sometimes it’s just on His timing, not ours.”
“I guess you’re right.” She still wasn’t sure, though. She believed in God and knew He looked out for her, but she thought He was pretty busy. Surely He wasn’t going to worry about all of her problems.
In any case, the Lord’s concern didn’t always translate into novels. In all of her favorite books love conquered all. But how could love conquer her father not coming home to do his job or help her pay the bills?
“Kayla, it’s okay if you don’t want to read this book. It’s even okay if you don’t agree with me. You’re entitled to your own opinion. I promise, I am not trying to make you believe something you don’t.”
“You’re not being pushy. I guess you’re just giving me a lot to think about.”
“If that’s the case, I’m glad about that.” Sarah Anne sat back down and picked up her glasses. “Now, I guess I better organize these books before I get on my way back to the district parking lot.”
Kayla realized then that she was still holding the book—and that her views on romance and falling in love had recently started to change. Maybe she didn’t just believe in romance novels; maybe she believed in real-life romance, too. “Wait. I… Well, I’d like to check this out.”
Sarah Anne smiled and held out her hand. “Hand me your library card, and we’ll get you taken care of, dear.”
Twenty minutes later, as she neared her house, Kayla realized her spirits were lifted. Yes, it was cold and she probably had a mailbox full of bills and she was going to have to eat canned soup for supper, but that was going to be just fine. No matter what else was waiting for her at home, she had a new book to read.
Giving in to temptation, she sat down on her front stoop and opened the novel Sarah Anne had saved for her. She flipped to the first page and skimmed the first three paragraphs. It seemed an Amish girl named Lucy in Missouri had not one but two beaus courting her. Kayla laughed when Lucy’s mother proclaimed that her social life was wearing the whole family out.
Minutes later, she’d reached the end of the chapter. Suddenly, she was aware of a pair of cardinals in a nearby tree and the way the sun was glinting on the roof of the house across the street. When she walked inside her house, it was obvious nothing was any different… but her world did seem a little brighter. She was grateful for that.
twenty-six
• RULE #26 •
Don’t be afraid to recommend something new from time to time.
Joel and Tiny had come to an agreement of sorts. She was no longer going to question his work at Jane’s, and he was going to limit his hours at her house. Tiny hadn’t asked him to do that, but he didn’t want to push his luck. He knew that she might understand his efforts, but she wasn’t exactly comfortable with him spending so much time with Jane. He also knew that she wasn’t in any hurry to have to discuss it with her brothers.
Joel didn’t blame her about that. Though he couldn’t fault Jack and Aaron’s need to protect their sister, it was obvious that they were overreacting. Plus, as far as he was concerned, his actions had nothing to do with Jack and Aaron Coblentz. They should be worried about themselves and not what he was doing.
Especially since he was doing nothing wrong.
After more than a bit of struggle and prayer, Joel knew it was time to stop worrying about himself and Tiny. The fact of the matter was that Jane needed the help, and he needed the money.
After all, he’d started it all with one goal in mind, and that was to buy a house for him and Tiny. Though his parents had hinted that he and Tiny could live with them for a year or two after they married, Joel didn’t want to start his marriage in his parents’ house. And his parents were young, too young, he thought, to be delegated to a dawdi haus.
Besides, they already lived next to both of their families. As far as he was concerned, couples needed a place of their own, and he aimed to give them just that.
All that was going through his mind as he finished his work for Jane. He was pretty proud of himself, too. Today he had attached rails in her main bathroom as well as the hallway powder room. All were sturdy and straight. More importantly, they would give her peace of mind.
He’d just swept the floor and thrown the trash in the garbage can in the back when she came out of the living room.
“You’re done already? I tell you, Joel, you’re a wonder.”
“Hardly that. You know I’m always glad to help ya.” That was the truth, too.
She studied him for a long moment before walking forward on her braces. Though he sometimes wanted to simply go to her so she wouldn’t have to exert so much energy, Joel was beginning to learn that Miss Jane needed her independence. Well, as much as she could have, considering she was having such a hard time with her MS these days.
He kept his expression calm and steady as she approached. “Looks like your new braces are working out.”
“The doktah told me the same thing.” She rolled her eyes. “I can’t say I feel the same way.”
“Oh?”
“They’ve been a challenge, for sure and for certain.” She held up a wrist. “I even got some good bruises from them.”
“Is that normal?”
“I don’t know. Maybe. The doctor and nurses didn’t seem too concerned about them. Actually, all they keep saying was that using them won’t get easier if I don’t use them at all.”
“Sorry, but that does sound like pretty good advice.”
“I can’t disagree.” She let go of one of her braces, reached in the pocket of her apron, and pulled out a check. “Here’s today’s payment. Thank you again.”
“I’ll be back in a couple of days.”
“Oh. Not tomorrow?”
He was too afraid to be seen coming out of her house so often. “I’m sorry. I, uh, can’t come over every day. I’ve got some other work to do.” He inwardly winced. Even to his ears, his excuse didn’t sound believable.
“Oh. Of course.” She smiled. “Plus, I’m sure you want to see Tiny.”
“I do. M
y daed always says courting a woman is a commitment, and I reckon he’s right.”
“My husband used to tell me that it wasn’t time wasted, though.”
“I agree.” He smiled, hoping he looked more carefree than he felt.
He wasn’t sure why everything was so complicated. He didn’t want to have so many secrets between him and Tiny. He didn’t want to have to explain his schedule Jane. He didn’t want to have to defend himself to Tiny’s brothers. But if he had learned anything in his life, it was that not everyone thought like he did or wanted to always hear the truth. He’d learned that some people simply liked to pretend everything was just fine and that nothing ever changed, even when change was likely the only thing one could count on.
“Well, I’ll be seeing ya, Jane. I wish you a good evening.”
“For you as well. Danke for all of your help. I don’t know what I’d do if you weren’t here.”
“I can’t help but believe that you’d get on just fine. You’re a strong person, Jane.”
“I don’t know if that’s true, but thank you for saying it.”
“Don’t forget to lock up.”
He heard her laugh as he closed the door and made himself keep walking instead of lingering to hear the bolt set in place. He needed to make sure no one thought he was doing anything other than simply a job, if they thought anything about him being there at all.
twenty-seven
• RULE #27 •
Once a year, take inventory. It’s amazing the things you’ll find that have suddenly appeared. Or have suddenly gone missing.
Tiny realized her decision to visit Joel on the spur of the moment wasn’t like her. Not at all. Honestly, she wasn’t sure what had instigated the idea in the first place. One minute, she’d been staring out the window, looking for signs of Joel and Yellow. And the next? The next, she was slipping on her cloak, putting three of her prettiest jam jars in a basket, and heading over to Joel’s house.
But later, when she found herself standing in the parlor of the Lapp house, holding a basket of jam with no Joel or Yellow in sight, she felt impulsive, awkward, and more than a little foolish. It really was time she started thinking about the consequences of her actions more often.
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