The Hawaiian Discovery

by Brunstetter, Wanda E. ; Brunstetter, Jean;

  “Where’s their mom?” Lenore whispered.

  Glancing around, Ellen shrugged. Then, hearing some giggling in the next aisle, she hurried to see what was so funny. The girls both wore shoes several sizes too big for them and stood posed as their mother snapped a picture.

  The youngest girl pointed to her feet. “I want these shoes.”

  “Me too.” Her sister eyed Lenore, when she stepped up to her.

  Ellen looked at the children’s mother. “Would you like me to measure the girls’ feet? Then I can check and see if we have their sizes in stock.”

  “Yes, please do.”

  “I’ll get the shoes for you, once we know their sizes,” Lenore said.

  Ellen asked the children to take a seat on the bench at the end of the aisle. While she measured the girls’ feet, their mother took a few more pictures. Ellen hoped she wasn’t in any of them. Most people didn’t come into the store with a camera. Why do they feel the need to take pictures? Is our business so different from an English shoe store?

  Ezra had been talking to the English man who’d come into the store with his family, but he didn’t seem interested in buying shoes. The young boy had gone outside a few minutes ago, and the father followed.

  Ezra looked out the window. Father and son sat side-by-side on the bench. He felt a twinge of envy. Sure hope I have a son someday. Of course I’ll first need a fraa.

  Turning, he glanced at Ellen. He’d noticed that she seemed to be avoiding him. She spent most of her time training Lenore to restock when deliveries were made, wait on customers, run the battery-operated cash register, and sort through boxes of shoes. At this rate, he’d never get a relationship started with her. If he could only get up the nerve to ask Ellen out without fear of rejection. And it didn’t help that he kept saying the wrong things whenever he talked with her.

  Ezra returned to his seat behind the counter. I wonder if Ellen is expecting her sister to take over for her when Nathan returns to the store. I haven’t been very pleasant to Ellen since she started helping out while her daed had surgery and recovers. Maybe I’d better change my ways and quit telling her what to do.

  He shifted on the wooden stool. Wish there was something I could say to make things better. Would it help if I told Ellen I was sorry?

  Nora stepped out of the kitchen and stood watching Nathan sitting in his favorite chair, staring out the window with a wistful expression. Her husband was bored, no doubt wishing he could go back to work at the shoe store. It was difficult to hold him down, and she’d be glad when the doctor said Nathan could return to work. All he’d talked about since he got out of the hospital was the store—wondering how things were going, if Ezra and Ellen were managing okay without him, and if Lenore was fitting in well.

  Nora sighed. Having her husband down like this was testing their marriage. He’d become irritable and snapped at her for the littlest things. She had considered talking to their bishop or one of the other ministers about it. Instead, she’d confided in her mother when she came by earlier. Mom was in the kitchen now, fixing coffee.

  Nora stepped forward and placed her hand on her husband’s shoulder. “Do you need anything, Nathan?”

  He shook his head, never taking his gaze off the window.

  “Are you feeling all right?”

  “I’m fine.”

  “If you’re hurting, I’ll bring you one of the pain pills the doctor prescribed.”

  “Said I’m fine. I don’t like taking those pills. And if I need one, I’ll get it myself.”

  Nora stepped back, feeling like she’d been punched. “Okay, I’ll be in the kitchen with Mom if you need me.” She crept down the hall, stopping in the bathroom for a tissue. She blotted her eyes and blew her nose. Nathan doesn’t appreciate anything I do. It’s like he’s become a different person. Doesn’t he realize how much I care about him?

  Nora paused to reflect on what her mother had said earlier this morning. “Be patient, kind, and supportive, for this too shall pass.”

  Mom also explained how some people can change when pain racks their body. She’d said, “Nathan doesn’t intend to be nasty. He’s upset, not only because he hurts, but because his normal routine has been interrupted. Remember, the husband is the head of the household—the main breadwinner for his family. When he can’t do what he normally does, it’s difficult to see his family doing everything for him. I’m sure when he’s feeling himself again, he will most likely apologize and say how grateful he is to have you by his side.”

  Looking at herself in the bathroom mirror, Nora took a deep breath. “Mom is right,” she said to herself quietly. “I must show Nathan how much I love him and, at the same time, try not to overwhelm him with too much attention.”

  Nora pulled out a clean washcloth from storage and dampened it with cool running water. After applying the refreshing cloth to her face, she felt more relaxed.

  Leaning against the bathroom counter, Nora closed her eyes. Lord, help me be an understanding wife. Show me when to speak and when to keep quiet. Please help my husband to heal quickly so he can return to his store and things will be better between us.

  CHAPTER 14

  Kapaa

  By the end of June, Mandy and Ken had established a routine that allowed them to complete things well and in a timely manner. On this beautiful Monday morning, Mandy’s stress seemed to melt away as she sat on the lanai with Ken and Vickie, drinking guava juice and listening to a Hawaiian music CD.

  “You should get out your ukulele and play something for us,” Vickie said.

  Mandy’s toes curled in her flip-flops. “I haven’t practiced in a while, and I’m not that good. Now, Makaio—he’s mastered the art of ukulele playing.”

  “You’re being modest, Mandy.” Ken nudged her arm. “You played a lot when we lived in Indiana, and everyone who heard you enjoyed your playing.”

  Mandy smiled. “Guess I’ll have to get it out again soon.”

  The doorbell rang.

  “I’ll see who it is.” Vickie rose from her chair. A short time later she came back with Taavi and a tall, nice-looking young man with dark brown, cropped hair. Mandy didn’t recognize him and wondered if Ken knew who he was.

  “This is my friend Rob Smith.” Taavi gestured to the young man. “He’s been on the island about a year, and is staying at my place right now.” Taavi introduced Mandy and Ken.

  Ken got up and held out his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Rob.”

  “Same here.” Rob shook Mandy’s hand as well. He looked back at Ken. “Taavi says you two have been friends a long time.”

  Ken nodded. “We struck up a friendship soon after my folks moved to the island.”

  “How long ago was that?”

  “I was ten at the time. Of course, when I met Mandy and we fell in love, I moved to her hometown in Indiana. We lived there a little over two years.” Ken dropped his gaze. “We came here a few months ago when my dad had a heart attack. After his death, Mandy and I decided to stay and help my mom run Dad’s organic chicken farm.”

  “I see.” Rob shifted his weight and looked over at Taavi. “You about ready to go?”

  Taavi shook his head. “We just got here, and we haven’t told Ken what we came for yet.”

  Ken gestured to the vacant chairs on the lanai. “Take a seat, and tell me what’s up.”

  “If either of you would like a glass of juice, please help yourself.” Vickie pointed to paper cups and a pitcher of guava juice on the glass-top table.

  “Thanks, Mrs. Williams.” Taavi took a cup and poured himself some juice, but Rob shook his head.

  Mandy couldn’t help noticing how Taavi’s friend kept rubbing his hand over the top of his pale blue shorts. Was he nervous about something or just anxious to go?

  After Taavi emptied his cup, he leaned closer to Ken and tapped his shoulder. “The reason we stopped by is to invite you to join us on the beach. Because of the offshore winds, the waves are just right for surfing this morning. So ho
w ‘bout? Can’t be a better time for hittin’ the waves.”

  “Sounds like fun, but I shouldn’t be out on the water when there’s work to be done here. In fact, I’ve taken a long enough break.”

  Taavi flapped his hand. “Aw, come on. When was the last time you got out your board and rode a few waves?”

  Ken shrugged. “It’s been a while.”

  “The last time you went surfing was before you moved to Indiana,” Ken’s mother interjected.

  Mandy reached over and clasped Ken’s hand. “We’ve done all our morning chores, so I think you should go. You’ve been working hard and deserve some down time.”

  Vickie’s head moved up and down. “Your wife is right, Son. We can manage for a few hours without you. Please go with Taavi and Rob and have a good time.”

  Ken lifted both hands in defeat. “Okay, I can see I’m outnumbered here.”

  Mandy smiled. She was glad he’d given in and agreed to go. Maybe tomorrow, or some other day soon, she’d take time off and go looking for shells, the way she and Ellen used to do during their time together on Kauai.

  Middlebury

  “It’s good to have you back in the store.” Ellen stood behind the stool where her father sat at the counter and placed her hands on his shoulders.

  He reached back and patted one of her hands. “It’s good to be back, but are you sure you don’t want to keep working here? We’re busy enough for three workers, and I can let Lenore go.”

  Ellen stepped around so she could see his face. “Lenore enjoys helping in the store, and there’s no need for both of us to continue working here. Besides, I heard a job might be opening at one of the hotels nearby, so I’d like to apply for that.”

  “No problem.” Dad smiled. “You should be happy doin’ whatever you want.” He glanced at Ezra, as he fitted one of their church members for new shoes. “Don’t know what I would have done during my recuperation if you and Ezra hadn’t taken over here. That young man is a hard worker. He seems to enjoy working with shoes.”

  Ellen nodded. He also enjoyed telling me what to do. She glanced at the clock. “It’s almost closing time. Would you mind if I leave a little early? I have a few errands to run and want to get to the stores before they close.”

  Dad shook his head. “No problem, Daughter. Go on ahead. Lenore can ride home with me.”

  “Danki, Dad. I’ll see you both at supper.”

  Ezra finished helping his customer about the same time Ellen left the store. He had heard most of the conversation she’d shared with her dad about quitting the store and finding another job. Shoulda figured it was coming, he told himself. It didn’t take a genius to see Ellen wasn’t happy working here. No doubt she’d been happier at Mandy and Ken’s bed-and-breakfast. He remembered Ellen saying how she enjoyed managing the B&B and that there was no other place she’d rather work.

  Ezra reached around and rubbed a knot in his lower back. It’s probably my fault she’s leaving. No doubt I drove her away.

  He felt like giving himself a swift kick in the pants. Guess I have no idea how to win a young woman’s heart—especially Ellen’s. Maybe I’ll never establish a relationship with her or any other woman. I could end up being a lonely bachelor all my life.

  Ezra glanced at Lenore as she swept past him with a broom. She’ll probably be married and starting a family before I find a woman who’s interested in me.

  Ezra knew he was giving in to self-pity, but he couldn’t help it. He’d botched things up with Ellen and might never get another chance.

  Of course, Ezra reasoned as he headed down the men’s aisle to put a pair of shoes back on the shelf, I might see Ellen at the next young people’s singing. Maybe I’ll get up the nerve to offer her a ride home afterward. Other times when the chance came, he chickened out. At the last singing a few weeks ago, he’d tried to approach Ellen, but her friend, Sadie, came along and invited Ellen to ride home with her and her brother, Saul.

  “Maybe it was for the best,” Ezra muttered under his breath. “She might have said no, anyways.”

  Kapaa

  Ken enjoyed the gentle rolling of the ocean waves. It felt good to be back on his board. He’d almost forgotten the pleasure he felt when the only thing between him and the powerful ocean was the board beneath his feet. Ken lay on his stomach and paddled with his hands. I’ve sure missed this. Wish I had more free days to be on the water.

  He and Taavi had taken some waves together, while Rob stuck to himself. Ken didn’t ask why Taavi’s friend seemed so standoffish. He figured either Rob was aloof, or took some time to warm up to someone new. Besides, for the moment Ken felt an overwhelming sense of freedom. Surfing gave him a few hours away from never-ending chores, as well as the stress of missing Dad.

  Ken felt one with nature as he cut through the water, gliding with no effort on his board with each wave. With the wind and spray on his face, he had a sense of flying.

  After a few practice runs on smaller waves, it didn’t take Ken long to regain his balance. Feeling more confident, he watched in anticipation, hoping some bigger waves would form.

  Taavi had chosen a wave to take. Ken watched as his friend stood up, then disappeared on the other side of the wave. A few seconds later, Taavi reappeared, the power of the wave surging him forward until it took him a few feet from shore. Taavi then stood in waist-deep water, holding his board and waving at Ken.

  “My turn now.” Ken watched as the ocean swelled. He lowered himself on the board, then paddled as the swell grew bigger. Finally, he stood to ride the wave that had formed. It was his biggest one yet today.

  “This is great!” he shouted, feeling weightless as the energy beneath his board moved him forward.

  Skimming along the surface, Ken felt like he was part of the ocean. After riding the wave out the whole way, he waded over to Taavi, who stood waiting for him on the beach.

  “Good one, Ken! Looks like ya got your surfing legs back.”

  “Man that felt great.” Ken couldn’t help smiling. “The waves are getting bigger. Are you ready to tackle another one?”

  “Naw. Think I’ll sit this one out.” Taavi looked toward Rob, sitting on a towel. “I need to hydrate. After I get some liquid in me, I’ll join you.”

  “Sounds good.” Ken didn’t waste any time returning to the deeper depths. He paddled out past where the waves were breaking and sat on his board. It was peaceful out here where the water bobbed his board up and down. Ken shielded his eyes and looked toward the beach. Taavi sat beside Rob.

  Swaying and rocking with the motion of the sea, he remained seated on his board, glancing back and waiting for the next wave to form.

  It feels so right, being out here again. The one thing missing is Mandy, waving to me from the beach.

  Seagulls flew overhead squawking, and farther out in the ocean, Ken saw a cruise liner slowly meandering along the horizon. A ship is what first brought Mandy over the Pacific to this island, and then eventually to me.

  Looking over his shoulder, Ken saw the formation of another wave. As the ocean stirred, he took one more glance toward the beach. He couldn’t hear them, but Rob and Taavi were waving their arms and pointing at something.

  They’re right! This is gonna be a big wave.

  He lay down on his board and waited. Sure wish Mandy was here to see this.

  Mandy groaned and clutched her stomach. She hadn’t felt well all morning. She’d had some mint tea earlier, but it did nothing to settle her stomach. She’d gone to her room to lie down, while Vickie did some business paperwork.

  Mandy lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling and listening to the zebra dove’s distinctive sound through the open window. The soft breeze moved the curtains, as the gentle smell of plumeria drifted through the room. In some ways she wished she’d gone to the beach to watch Ken and the others surf. But then, feeling this nauseous, it wouldn’t have been much fun.

  Mandy’s thoughts turned toward home. Mom had called yesterday, telling Mandy she’d be
having surgery on her heel, due to plantar fasciitis that hadn’t responded to more conservative treatment. She wouldn’t be able to walk for a while, allowing time for healing. Mandy wished she could be there to help out, but Mom said she’d have plenty of help from other family members and friends like Ellen’s mother, Nora.

  Mandy thought of Ellen and wondered what she was doing right now. It would be late afternoon in Middlebury. Her friend might be helping her mother with supper or doing some chores.

  Mandy remembered the first time she and Ken had been on the beach together, watching Taavi surf. It was thrilling yet frightening to observe the way Taavi kept his balance on the board and rode the high waves. Ken liked to surf too, and she’d been equally enthralled watching him. Surfing in the ocean, where danger could lurk, was not for the faint of heart. Even though Mandy had learned to swim, she’d never wanted to surf. She couldn’t imagine being out where your feet didn’t touch the bottom.

  Another wave of nausea coursed through Mandy’s stomach. She drew in a slow, deep breath and let it out, hoping to squelch the unpleasant feeling.

  She placed both hands on her stomach and closed her eyes. I wonder if I could be pregnant. Wouldn’t it be something if I was carrying Ken’s child? The only problem was Ken needed her to help with the chickens, and if she were expecting a baby and continued to feel ill, she might not be up to helping. Perhaps Vickie would hire someone to assist Ken.

  As the nausea settled down, Mandy relaxed. Maybe if I sleep awhile, I’ll feel better when I wake up.

  Mandy was close to drifting off when her cell phone rang. She reached over to the nightstand to pick it up. “Hello.”

  “Mandy, it’s Taavi. Something horrible has happened.”

  “What’s wrong, Taavi? You sound really upset.”