CHAPTER 29
By the middle of March, Thelma had settled into a routine with the twins. It was hard to believe they were five and a half months old already. Time seemed to be slipping by so quickly.
Thelma sat in the rocker, mending a pair of Joseph’s trousers, but glanced up every once in a while to check on the babies. They were both wide awake, rolling and scooching around in their playpen, while making all sorts of unintelligible baby noises.
She chuckled when little Charlie reached for a rattle and Miriam grabbed ahold of it first. It looked like a bit of sibling rivalry had already begun. No doubt, it would get worse as they grew. Of course, she and Joseph, as any good parents, would teach the twins to share and try to work out their problems.
Thelma reflected on her and Elma’s childhood. For the most part, they’d gotten along well, and being identical twins, they usually were treated the same. However, Thelma recalled how one time, when she’d gone shopping with Dad, he’d bought her an ice-cream cone. After returning home, she’d mentioned getting the treat, and Elma became upset. There’d also been a little rivalry whenever Thelma and Elma played games. Most times, though, Thelma let her sister win in order to keep the peace.
She glanced at her babies again and smiled. They’d both fallen asleep, only now Charlie held the favorite rattle. As the children grew, it would be interesting to see who would become the more dominant twin.
A clap of thunder in the distance drove Thelma’s thoughts aside. The howling wind and patter of rain hitting the window indicated a storm was brewing. As the skies darkened, so did the inside of the house. Thelma got up and lit the gas lamp hanging overhead. She went to the kitchen and lit that one, too. Dinner cooked in the oven, and the smell of roasting chicken made her mouth water. The warm glow emanating from the lamp felt soothing.
Thelma got out some carrots and cucumbers to go with the meal. Once she’d finished cutting the veggies, she returned to the other room to check on her little ones. They were both still sleeping, so she quietly took a seat in her rocker.
After mending Joseph’s pants, she reached for one of her knitting projects. She’d started a peach-colored pot holder the other day and couldn’t wait to finish it.
Thelma looked up at the clock on the fireplace mantel. Joseph would be getting off work soon. She hoped the rain would let up before he headed home. Well, at least he’d be driving his closed-in buggy this evening. It was never fun to ride in an open buggy and get caught in the rain. She wondered how the Amish who lived in Grabill managed in their open buggies during rainy and snowy weather.
Thoughts of Grabill made Thelma think about Elma and how she’d told her that she had broken things off with Ben Wagler. In the long run, it was for the best, since they lived so far from each other. Still, it distressed Thelma to see her sister unhappy. But these last few months, Elma seemed more relaxed. Maybe the pain of breaking up with Ben had eased.
“How’s it going today, Lizzie?” Delbert asked as he entered the store and crossed over to the counter where the older woman sat working on a crossword puzzle. At least this time she wasn’t reading a book or munching on candy—although he couldn’t figure out why she was sitting here at all, since there were no customers to wait on at the moment. Shouldn’t she be stocking shelves or something?
Lizzie looked at him and blinked several times. “Well, Delbert. I didn’t realize you’d come into the store.”
“Just got here, and I asked you a question.” He folded his arms. “Apparently you didn’t hear me, though.”
Her cheeks reddened, and she set the crossword puzzle aside. “Sorry about that. Guess I was a little preoccupied.”
His eyebrows pinched together. What else is new?
“What was your question?”
“I asked how it’s going.”
She smiled. “Everything’s fine and dandy here. Oh, and if you’re looking for Elma, she’s in the back room.” Lizzie motioned in that direction with her head.
“I’ll head back there now.” Delbert paused and tapped the countertop lightly with the palm of his hand. “Don’t work too hard, Lizzie.”
Before she could comment, he scurried down the nearest aisle. He was at the door of the back room when Elma stepped out, nearly colliding with him.
“Ach, I didn’t know you were there.” A flush of pink crept across her cheeks as he clasped her arms to keep them from bumping into each other.
“Sorry about that. Are you okay?”
“Jah. You just surprised me, is all.”
He wiggled his brows. “That’s me—always full of surprises.”
She smiled. “I assume you’re on your way home from somewhere. Did you stop by the store for a reason or to get out of the rain till it passes?”
“The rain doesn’t bother me, but I have another reason for stopping. I’m hungerich and don’t want to wait till I get back to LaGrange to eat supper.” He released his hold on her arms and took a step back. “I was wondering if you’d like to go out to supper with me. We can either go to Tiffany’s or one of the Mexican restaurants in town.”
She looked down, then back up at him again while shuffling her feet. “I don’t have anything definite planned for supper, so jah, I’d be happy to accept your invitation. But what about the nasty weather we’re having?”
Delbert grinned. “Don’t worry about that. See…” He pointed toward the window. “It’s a steady rain now and not blowing like it was before. I’ll hang around here till you’re ready to close the store. Then we can head to the restaurant of your choice. Oh, and you might want to bring an umbrella with you.”
“I’ll need to let Freckles outside for a while before we go. He’s been in the basement most of the day, except when I went home for a short time around noon. I’m sure the thunder has him worked up by now, too.”
“No problem. I can wait. You know what, though, Elma?”
“What?”
“You oughta let me build a doghouse and a chain-link fence around it so the dog can be outside during the day when you’re not home. It’s not good for a hund—especially one his size—to be cooped up in the basement for hours on end.”
Elma nodded. “You’re right. I’d thought about asking but wasn’t sure if you’d have the time.”
“Even if I didn’t, I would make the time.” He brushed his hand lightly over her arm. “That’s what friends are for.” Truth was, Delbert had come to see Elma as a good friend.
“Sure am glad the rain’s stopped. It was comin’ down pretty hard for a while there,” Delbert commented as he and Elma entered El Zorrito’s Mexican Restaurant.
Elma nodded, holding her wet umbrella away from her dress. “The sky still looks a bit ominous.”
He tipped his head. “Ominous?”
“Jah—threatening.”
“Oh, you mean the dark, low-hanging clouds that seem to be moving toward LaGrange?”
“Right. Sure hope we don’t get a really bad storm—or worse yet a tornado.”
“It’s been some time since one touched down around these parts.” Delbert led Elma to a table near the window. “Think the last tornado I heard about here in Indiana happened in Kokomo. There was a bad one in Nappanee several years ago, too. Many of us Amish in the area went there afterward to help repair the damage. That was before you and Thelma moved here, though.”
Leaning toward the window, Elma shivered as she took another look at the sky. She bit her lips when she noticed, off in the distance, how its color had changed to a sickly green. The air had felt strange when they’d gotten out of the buggy and walked through the parking lot—like a quiet calm settling over the area. The eerie silence had been unnerving, as though a prelude of something about to happen.
Elma glanced toward one of the trees near the hitching rail where Delbert’s buggy was parked. Not a single branch moved. Nothing in the air was stirring, not even a bird. Although a few tornadoes had touched down in her home state of Illinois, including Sullivan, none had ever hi
t her parents’ home, for which she felt grateful.
Another shiver went up Elma’s spine as she forced herself to look away.
Delbert reached across the table and patted her outstretched hand. “Don’t look so worried. I’m sure we’ll be fine. Just remember, as long as we don’t hear about any tornado warnings or sirens, there’s nothing to worry about.” He picked up his menu. “Now let’s try to relax and enjoy the evening. Think I’ll have the arroz con pollo. What sounds good to you?”
“I might have the chicken fajitas.” Thinking about how good this restaurant’s food was made Elma’s mouth water. Even the chips they served were good, although the salsa was a bit too hot for her liking.
Her mind went back to an evening a few years ago when she, Thelma, Joseph, and Delbert had shared pizza together. Delbert had added hot sauce to his, and Elma foolishly tried some. She’d never forget the burning sensation. It felt like her whole mouth was on fire.
When a waiter came to take their orders, Elma asked for a side order of mild salsa to go with the chips he’d placed on the table. The lights flickered overhead, and a murmur went through the restaurant.
“Sure hope we don’t lose power.” Their dark-haired waiter frowned. “We don’t have a generator, so when the power goes out we can’t cook. Hopefully it won’t happen tonight.” He turned to put in their orders and returned a few minutes later with their beverages.
There weren’t any more disturbances with the lights, and everything seemed to be fine. Elma and Delbert bowed their heads for silent prayer, and then, while they munched on the chips, Delbert brought up the topic of Elma’s dog again.
“Sure am glad you were willing to take Freckles. When he showed up at my house, I didn’t know what to do with him.”
She leaned both elbows on the table, gazing across at him. “I’m curious about something, Delbert.”
“What’s that?”
“You seem to like the dog. How come you didn’t want to keep him?”
He shifted in his chair, looking down at the table. “Other than Joe, I’ve never told anyone this before, but I used to have a good hunting dog when I was a teenager.” His voice faltered. “After she got hit by a car and died in my arms, I swore I’d never own another hund. Es hot arig wehgeduh, and I never want to get attached to another pet and put myself through something like that.”
Her heart went out to him. “I understand that it was very painful. Loss is always hard, but life goes on. As Christians, we need to enjoy each new day and thank the Lord for all He’s given us.”
“I do thank Him. Just don’t want to put myself in the position to lose another hund.”
Elma was about to respond when their waiter, wearing a grim expression, returned to the table with two glasses of iced tea. “Just heard on the radio that a tornado struck some area in LaGrange. Doesn’t sound like it’s heading this way, though. But I’d keep an eye on the weather out there.”
Delbert’s eyes widened. “LaGrange? Ach, I hope my house is still standing.”
Elma’s heart pounded, and she squeezed her eyes shut. Heavenly Father, please let everyone there be okay.
CHAPTER 30
Grabill
Did ya hear the news about the tornado that hit LaGrange last night?” Dave asked when he picked Ben up to take him to a chiropractic appointment the following morning.
Eyes widening, Ben shook his head. “How bad was it? Did anyone get hurt?” He thought about the woman he’d delivered Mom’s flowers to a few months back.
“There were several injuries, but I don’t think any lives were lost.” Dave’s forehead creased. “Lots of destruction to some homes and barns in that area, though. I can only imagine what those poor families are going through today. They’re gonna need help rebuilding.”
Ben drew in a deep breath and blew it out quickly. “A group of Amish men from our area will likely go, and I plan to be with them.”
Dave turned his head, looking at Ben through half-closed eyelids. “You sure your back’s up to it? The pain you’ve been dealing with is the reason you’re going to the chiropractor’s, isn’t it?”
Ben nodded. “I’m certain after Dr. Stevens works me over, I’ll be good as new. Sure can’t sit around here when there’s work to be done and people are in need of our help. I’m gonna get there as quickly as possible.”
LaGrange
Delbert rubbed a fist against his aching chest as he stared at the area where his house used to be. What had once been a cozy abode for him to live in was now nothing but a pile of rubble. Winds that had blown up to 180 miles per hour had wreaked havoc throughout several parts of his town.
“Thank the Lord you weren’t at home when the tornado struck.” Joseph draped his arm across Delbert’s shoulder. “Most likely you would have been killed.”
“It’s strange to look at that heap of rubble and know it was once my house. I’d like to sift through it to see if there’s anything worth salvaging.” Delbert reached in his pocket for a hankie and wiped his nose. “The Lord giveth and He taketh away. It’s all according to His plans, and maybe I’ll have something better when it’s all said and done. Jah, it could have been worse.” He spread his arms open wide. “This can all be replaced. Guess my time here on earth isn’t meant to be over just yet.”
His good friend nodded. “The community will help you rebuild, as well as assist others in the area who lost their property. I have it on good authority that a crew from Topeka will be coming here later today to get started. And I’m sure other communities in the state, and perhaps beyond, will send workers, too.”
Delbert’s vision blurred as he held his arms close to his body. “I’ll appreciate all the help I can get.” He turned to face Joseph. “Danki for letting me stay at your house last night after I learned that my home was gone. Don’t know what I’d do without a good friend like you.”
Joseph’s eyes welled with tears. “You’d do the same for me if the boot was on the other foot.”
Delbert stared at the ground. Joe was right—there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do to help his best friend.
Topeka
“With everything there is to do at the store, are you sure you want to go to LaGrange to help out?”
Thelma’s question drove Elma’s thoughts aside, and she set her paper and pen on the coffee table. “I am absolutely certain. Joseph and many other men from our area have gone there to help out, and they’ll need to be fed. I’m sure there are other chores I can do there, too.” She clasped her hands together. “Remember, Galatians 6:9 says: ‘And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.’”
“You’re right. But what about the store? Who’s going to take care of things there?” Thelma gestured to her little ones, sleeping peacefully in their playpen across the room. “I’d work in the store while you’re gone, but I wouldn’t get anything done if I took the bopplin along.”
Elma smiled. “No, but they’d sure get a lot of attention from customers.”
“True. So what are you going to do?”
Elma lifted her hands. “It’s all taken care of. I asked Doris Miller if she’d help Lizzie while I’m gone, and she agreed. In fact, she’s probably on her way now, since I’ll be leaving soon.”
“Will you be coming home each day?” Thelma asked.
“Most likely I’ll stay. I can get more things done that way. Many people will open their homes for the workers, so I’m sure I’ll find a place to stay at night.”
“How many days will be you be there?”
Elma shrugged. “I don’t know. As long as they need cooks, I’ll stay—at least till someone comes along to replace me.” Elma paused. “There is something you can do to help me, though. Will you watch my dog while I’m gone?”
“Of course. You can bring him over here when you’re done packing.”
“Danki. Between Doris and Lizzie, the cat will be taken care of, and they’ll also feed and water my horse and the chickens. I made
sure to warn the ladies about Hector, the feisty rooster. He can be a little schtinker. Hector almost got me the other day with his long spurs.” Elma grimaced. “As usual, it gave me a scare, so I let Doris and Lizzie know to keep the broom handy.”
Thelma smiled. “Good thinking. You wouldn’t feel right if that naughty chicken hurt either of those nice women.” She rolled her eyes. “Why don’t you get rid of that despicable old chicken?”
“I’ll admit, he’s a handful, but the other chickens—especially the hens, get along fine with him.”
“Well, it’s nice of Lizzie and Doris to take care of the critters. And please don’t worry about Freckles. He can hang out here with Ginger for a few days.”
“I bet he will enjoy having another dog to play with.”
“It’s a shame about Delbert’s house.” Thelma slumped in her chair. “I can’t imagine how he must feel right now.”
About an hour after Elma left, Freckles started to whine.
“It’s okay, boy, she’ll be back.” Thelma felt sorry for the dog. He’d grown quite attached to Elma.
Freckles pawed at her leg, and she reached down to pat his head.
Ginger, who lay under the kitchen table, got up and drank some water from her dish. Thelma figured Freckles might follow suit, but he continued to sit at her feet and whine.
After a while, it got on her nerves. She went to the cupboard and got him a dog bone. Of course, Ginger’s ears perked up and she had to have one, too. Their bodies poised, both dogs sat waiting for their tasty treat.
Thelma smiled while watching the dogs crunch on their bones. She enjoyed Joseph’s dog, but since the twins were born, poor Ginger had taken a backseat. Maybe Ginger would gain more attention as Charles and Miriam grew.
After the dogs were through with their treats, Thelma heard the babies crying from the other room. It probably wouldn’t be long before her sister’s dog started whining again.
The Farmers' Market Mishap Page 19