The Hawaiian Discovery

by Brunstetter, Wanda E. ; Brunstetter, Jean;

  “No problem. I’m sure I can handle things on my own.”

  “Maybe, but both Mandy and Ken were working there before, so—”

  “Hey, who’s that?” Rob pointed to a young woman dressed in plain clothes, sitting on the front porch of a stately looking home. A sign above the door read: The Palms Bed-and-Breakfast.

  Taavi leaned against the steering wheel and squinted. “Well, what do you know? I think that’s Ellen Lambright, from Middlebury, Indiana. Sure never expected to see her here again.”

  As Taavi pulled his rig onto the driveway, Rob kept staring at the woman. Even from this distance he could see she was pretty. “Is she Amish?” he asked, turning to face Taavi.

  “Yeah.” Taavi turned off the engine and set the brake. “I’m surprised you knew that, though.”

  Rob gave an undignified huff. “Come on, Taavi. Who doesn’t know about the Amish? I’ve seen some of those Amish reality shows.”

  Taavi tipped his head. “Do you think they’re real? I mean, I doubt they’re portraying the Amish correctly.”

  Rob shrugged his shoulders. “Who knows? Ya can’t believe half of what you see on TV these days.” He hopped out of the Jeep and went around back to grab the cooler. “Guess we’d better take the chicken and eggs inside so we can be on our way. According to the list Vickie gave us, we’ve still got several stops to make.”

  “We can’t just drop them off and leave right away. At least not here; it would be rude,” Taavi explained. “We won’t stay long, but these folks are great people. I’ll introduce you to Ellen too.”

  Rob remained silent. The last thing he needed was any distractions.

  CHAPTER 19

  Carrying a box of chicken, Rob followed Taavi up the back stairs and onto the lanai, where several lounge chairs had been placed. Too bad he didn’t know these people. It would be a nice place to relax and unwind. The house had a small view of the water. Not that the cramped rental he and Taavi shared was unbearable. It just didn’t offer all the pleasing comforts this place had.

  Taavi shifted the box of eggs in his hands and knocked on the door. He seemed to be careful to avoid the elaborate seashell wreathe decorating the door.

  A few seconds later, a tall Hawaiian man appeared. “Aloha, Taavi!” He grinned. “Bet ya brought us some eggs and chicken.”

  “Sure did.” Taavi stepped inside, and Rob followed. After they’d set their boxes on the kitchen table, Taavi turned to Rob. “This is Makaio Palu. He and his wife, Luana, are the owners of the B&B. Makaio, this is my friend and roommate, Rob Smith.”

  Rob shook hands with Makaio. “It’s nice to meet you.” He thought this fellow seemed friendly and engaging right off the bat, in his tropical shirt with his shark tooth necklace.

  Makaio’s handshake was hearty. “Good to meet you too.”

  “Vickie Williams hired Rob to work at the farm, so you’ll probably be seeing a lot of him in the days to come. At least till Ken’s able to work again.” Taavi’s words were optimistic, but not his tone.

  “We’ll look forward to getting acquainted with you.” Makaio glanced toward an open door, leading to a hallway. “My better half is on the phone right now, but she should be coming into the kitchen shortly to do some baking. If you have a few minutes to spare, please wait. I’m sure she’d like to meet you.”

  Rob glanced at Taavi. “What do you say? Do we need to go now or did you want to hang out for a while?”

  “We do have a few more deliveries to make, and I have to be at work soon, so …”

  Taavi’s sentence was cut off when a dark-haired, pleasant-looking woman appeared, along with the fair-skinned Amish woman Rob had seen on the front porch.

  Taavi made the introductions, pointing out that Luana was Makaio’s wife, and Ellen Lambright, a friend of Mandy’s, was staying with them.

  The Amish woman gave Rob a shy smile, then put the eggs and chicken in the refrigerator.

  “Would either of you like a glass of juice?” Luana asked. “I have fresh pineapple and orange this morning.”

  “Orange sounds good to me.” Taavi looked at Rob. “How ‘bout you?”

  “No thanks, I’m good.” Rob glanced at Ellen when she joined them again. “Is this your first time to the island?” From what Taavi said earlier, Rob already knew it wasn’t, but he didn’t want Ellen to know they’d been talking about her.

  “Actually, my friend Mandy and I were here a couple of years ago.” She took a seat at the table. “We didn’t make it back to the cruise ship on time, and it left without us. Makaio and Luana graciously took us in. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we ended up staying here a few months.”

  “That must have been kinda scary.”

  “It was at first, seeing the ship leaving without us and not knowing what awaited Mandy and me.” Ellen smiled. “Makaio and Luana were very gracious to help us out in our time of need.”

  Luana stepped up to Ellen and placed a hand on her shoulder. “They were both a big help to us—especially when Makaio fell from a ladder and broke his leg. We thanked God for sending them to us at exactly the right time.”

  These folks must be religious. Rob shifted uneasily. Think it might be time for me to go. He turned to Taavi. “If you’re finished with your juice, I think we ought to hit the road.”

  “You’re right. We should be on our way.” Taavi put his juice glass in the sink. “Thanks for the drink. It was nice seeing all of you.”

  “Yeah, same here.” Rob followed Taavi across the room, but when he reached the door, he looked over his shoulder at Ellen. Her vivid blue eyes matched the color of her plain blue dress. It was hard not to stare. I bet she’s spiritual too.

  With a farewell wave, Rob hurried out the door.

  Lihue

  The minute Ellen saw Mandy in the hallway outside Ken’s room, she knew something was wrong. Mandy’s face looked puffy, and her eyes were wet and dull.

  Ellen clasped Mandy’s hand. “Is Ken worse?”

  Mandy pressed a fist against her chest. “He’s fighting an infection, and when the doctor came in this morning he said Ken may end up losing his arm, despite the surgery.” She blinked, pulling in a quick breath. “They are still dealing with his other wounds. The doctor said the swelling and fever need to go down before they can do more surgery.”

  “Oh, Mandy, I’m so sorry.” Ellen rubbed her friend’s back. “We need to pray harder for Ken.”

  “I’ve been praying.” Mandy’s chin trembled as she looked upward. “I’ve done nothing but pray since I was notified of the shark attack. I don’t understand why God isn’t answering my prayers.”

  As her friend’s shoulders began to shake, Ellen reached out and pulled Mandy into her arms. They stood like that as Mandy released heart-wrenching sobs.

  Ellen waited until the tears subsided. Remembering the hospital’s chapel down the hall, she guided Mandy in that direction.

  When they entered the small room, Ellen was relieved that no one else was there. At the moment, she was at a loss for words. But maybe sitting with Mandy in the chapel would help her find the right words to give Mandy some encouragement and much-needed hope. How can I explain why one person’s prayer is answered and another’s isn’t? But then, she reasoned, all prayers are answered. Some, just not the way we would like.

  After they’d taken a seat on one of the benches, Ellen took Mandy’s hand. “One of our church’s ministers preached an inspiring sermon a few months ago. He said, ‘When we pray, God will answer in one of three ways. Yes. No. Wait.’ Maybe God is asking you to wait. Sometimes when a person has to wait for an answer to prayer, they grow in their faith.”

  Mandy slowly nodded. “Your minister was right, but I’m just struggling right now. Ken and I have only been married a couple of years, and we’ve never faced anything so traumatic.”

  “With God’s help, you’ll get through it.”

  “Thank you, Ellen. I don’t know what I’d do without you right now.” Mandy swiped at the tears o
n her cheeks. “So who brought you to the hospital today?”

  “Luana dropped me off. She has some errands to run but said she’d come up when she’s done.”

  “Vickie’s in with Ken now.” Mandy twisted a piece of her shoulder-length hair around one finger. “I was getting ready to go to the cafeteria for lunch when you arrived. Will you join me?”

  Ellen nodded. “Of course. We can talk more while we eat.”

  Mandy stared at the untouched tuna salad on her plate. When she’d ordered the item for lunch, it had appealed to her, but now, as a wave of nausea hit, she could barely look at the salad.

  “What’s wrong?” Ellen pushed her chair in closer to the table. “Aren’t you hungry?” Mandy placed both hands on her stomach. “I’ve been feeling queasy for several days, and I missed my monthly.” Her voice lowered. “I think I might be pregnant.”

  “Have you seen a doctor or done a home-pregnancy test?” Ellen spoke in a tone of concern.

  Mandy shook her head.

  “Does Ken know what you suspect?”

  “No. I wasn’t going to say anything till I knew for sure.” Mandy groaned. “Now, with his accident, I can’t say anything until he’s better.”

  “I understand, but …”

  “You’re the only person I’ve told, so please don’t mention it to Vickie, or anyone else.”

  “Of course not. It’s your place to share the news.”

  “If there is any news. It might be all the stress I’m under playing havoc with my hormones.”

  “Could be, but you won’t know unless you take a pregnancy test.” Ellen flicked back her narrow head covering ties.

  “You’re right. I’ll pick one up soon.” Mandy took a sip of water. After she set the glass down, she breathed deeply through her nose. It seemed to help some.

  “What can I do to help out while I’m here?” Ellen asked. “Coming up to the hospital isn’t enough.”

  Mandy took a small bite of salad. “It is enough, and I appreciate the support, but if you’d like to do more, we could use some help at the farm with the chickens.”

  Ellen’s brows lowered a bit. “Didn’t Vickie hire someone to help out? I met him at Luana and Makaio’s this morning when he and Taavi delivered eggs and chicken.”

  “Yes, Rob is working there, but he’s taking Ken’s place. Before the accident, both Ken and I were caring for the chickens.” Mandy dropped her gaze. “Now that I’m at the hospital most of the time and not feeling well, I can’t do much at the farm.”

  Ellen leaned closer. “Would you like me to take over for you? Since my folks have raised chickens—although on a smaller scale—I can probably figure out what to do.”

  Tears welled behind Mandy’s eyes. “You wouldn’t mind?”

  “Not at all. I can start by helping with this evening’s chores. After Luana gets here and has visited with you and Vickie for a while, I’ll ask her to take me back to the B&B so I can change into my everyday dress, and then I’ll head over to the organic farm.”

  Kapaa

  Rob heard the gate to the chicken enclosure open, and he turned to see who’d come in. He was surprised to see the Amish woman he’d met at the bed-and-breakfast. “Can I help you with something?”

  “I’m here to help.”

  “Huh?” Rob rubbed one side of his temple.

  “I saw Mandy earlier, and when I asked if there was something I could do to help, she mentioned taking her place out here.”

  Rob’s eyes narrowed. “You mean working with the chickens?”

  “Yes.”

  “In those clothes?” He pointed to her brown dress, and then the matching scarf on her head.

  “These are not my good clothes. It’s what I would wear if I were at home doing chores.”

  Rob’s forehead wrinkled. “This is a dirty job. You should wear a pair of jeans and some work boots, not a dress.”

  “I’d never put jeans on, but I’d wear boots if I had some.” Ellen pursed her lips. “I’ll bet there’s a pair of Mandy’s in the chicken house I can borrow.”

  Rob lifted his hands in defeat. This woman clearly had a mind of her own.

  “Come on, then—follow me and I’ll show you where the chickens go during the night.”

  “I know where it is, because I’ve been here before.” Ellen folded her arms. “Ken gave Mandy and me a tour of the place when we were staying with Luana and Makaio a few years ago.”

  Rob tapped his foot impatiently. “But have you ever worked here?”

  “No, but then you haven’t worked here very long, either.”

  “True, but I’ve had a little experience with chickens.”

  “Oh? Where did you learn about raising chickens?”

  “From my grandparents.”

  “Oh. Do they live here on the island?”

  “Nope. I’ve only lived here a short time myself.” Rob started walking. “Now let’s get busy and get the chicken house cleaned.”

  Coming up to the chicken house, Ellen spotted a pair of rubber boots. “Those are Mandy’s work shoes. I’ll use them.”

  Rob paused to watch Ellen switch from her shoes to Mandy’s boots.

  “There, that’s better, don’t you think?” She looked up at him and smiled.

  Rob nodded and followed her into the chicken house. Sure hope she doesn’t talk my ear off while we’re cleaning the place. The last thing I need is to listen to a bunch of idle chatter or be asked a bunch of questions I’d rather not answer.

  CHAPTER 20

  Two days had passed since Mandy mentioned to Ellen that she might be pregnant. As she drove home from the hospital to get some rest, she decided to find out. Mandy couldn’t even think how she would be able to take care of a baby too. Her mind swirled with continuous questions, but she needed to keep her focus on the road.

  Mandy slipped on her sunglasses. The stress had brought on a headache.

  As she drove on, Mandy barely noticed the fresh smell of salty air reaching her nostrils. Even the fragrant flowers blooming along the way didn’t faze her. Her senses were on hold. All focus was on Ken and finding out if they were in the family way.

  At the light, Mandy had time to take a refreshing drink from the water she’d purchased in the vending machine on her way out of the hospital. Her heart clenched. Will he be happy if I am pregnant? What if he can’t hold the baby because of his arm? What if he doesn’t get better and the Lord chooses to take him from me?

  “Please, Lord, don’t take my husband. If I’m carrying our child, this baby needs his daddy,” Mandy whimpered out loud.

  When the light turned green, she focused on the road. I’m giving in to negative thoughts again. Why can’t I pray, believing? So much for the pep talk Ellen had given her two days ago. Mandy’s thoughts bounced like a rubber ball, and her emotions were all over the place. I should think positive thoughts. Mandy willed herself to seek them out—something as simple as being thankful it was Ken’s left arm that was injured, and not his right. At least my husband won’t have to learn to write with his other hand. And Ken is still here. He’s a fighter. He just has to make it. Mandy swiped at tears running down her cheeks.

  Except for the chapel in the hospital, Mandy hadn’t been to church since Ken’s accident. Could that be why she felt so disconnected from God? It took all her energy to go to the hospital each day, sometimes spending the night. Surely the Lord, as well as everyone at church, understood her reasons for not being in church these days.

  Mandy was glad when the pharmacy came into view. At least now she had something else to think about. She pulled Ken’s rig into a parking space, shut the engine off, and got out.

  Unfamiliar with where the pregnancy tests were located, once inside, Mandy sought a clerk for directions.

  In addition to the test kit, she purchased a few items they were running low on. These days Mandy spent most of her time at the hospital, so there wasn’t much time for running errands.

  Moving down the last aisle, she grab
bed a travel-size toothpaste and brush kit. She could easily store it in her purse, which made it convenient for the overnight stays at the hospital.

  Mandy paid for her items and hurried from the store. She was eager to get home and take the test. One way or the other, she needed to know.

  Middlebury

  Nora pulled back on her horse’s reins and guided the mare up to the Freys’ hitching rail. She’d come to pay a call on Mandy’s mother, Miriam. I wonder how my friend is coping with her daughter being so far away and needing support.

  Nora set the brake and sat for a moment. It’s one thing to send my daughter to help out, but at least she’ll be coming home. Don’t know what I’d do if Ellen ever decided to move away—or worse yet, leave the Amish faith.

  Nora got out of the buggy and secured her horse. Then she reached into the buggy to make sure things were secure in the box of food she’d brought from home. Since Miriam was still recuperating from foot surgery, friends and neighbors had been bringing in meals to help out. Today was Nora’s turn. In addition to preparing supper for Miriam, Isaac, and their three boys who still lived at home, Nora was eager to find out how Mandy’s husband was doing.

  Walking up to the house, she noticed the pristine flowerbeds. Despite Miriam being laid up for a while, her family had been pitching in to keep things watered and weeded. Of course, most Amish helped one another when there was a need. Nora liked the ways of their church, and how their ministers fed them spiritually. She was happy to be a part of it.

  When Nora stepped onto the porch, the front door opened, and fourteen-year-old Melvin greeted her. “Come in. My mamm said you’d be comin’ today.”

  Nora smiled in response. “Are you taking good care of her?”

  “Jah, she’s resting inside.”

  “That’s good. Lots of rest is good for her right now.” Nora took a step, then stopped. “Oh, there’s a cardboard box in my buggy. Would you mind taking it into the kitchen?”