Vickie put her finger against his lips. “That’s enough talk now. You need to rest.” She looked at Mandy. “Would you please call a nurse to give Ken something for pain? It’s clear he’s hurting.”
Mandy’s hand trembled as she pushed the CALL button. It scared her beyond reason, listening to the horrible ordeal her husband had gone through. How the big beautiful ocean could hold so much terror was beyond comprehension.
When the nurse came and gave Ken something for the pain, Mandy sat in silence and watched him drift off. She couldn’t help wondering if he would ever go in the water again. The emotional trauma of what he’d been through would no doubt be with him for a long time.
Kapaa
“I’m glad you suggested we take a break for lunch, ‘cause I’m hungry.” Rob stepped into the kitchen behind Ellen.
She turned to look at him and smiled. “Some people don’t work well on a full stomach, but if I don’t eat regular meals, I tend to get shaky.”
He lifted his hand toward her, then quickly lowered it. “Do you have diabetes?”
“No, it’s nothing like that. I’ve noticed my blood sugar drops if I don’t eat, though I don’t have any other symptoms of diabetes. The last time I had blood work done, the results came back within normal limits.”
“A friend from when I was in school had juvenile diabetes, and he paid close attention to his diet.” Rob opened the refrigerator and took out his and Ellen’s lunch sacks.
When they approached the table, Ellen spotted a note from Vickie. She picked up the paper and read it out loud: “ ‘Ellen and Rob, if you finish your work this afternoon and would like to cool off, feel free to use the pool.’ ”
Rob pulled out a chair and sat down. “A swim sounds great, but I’d have to go back to Taavi’s place and get my swim trunks.” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “What about you, Ellen? Do you have a swimsuit?”
“I do, but it’s at the bed-and-breakfast. Guess I can walk over and get it.”
“Okay!” Rob slapped his palms together. “After we eat, let’s finish up what we were doing, and then we’ll get our suits and meet back here.”
Ellen smiled. The idea of taking a dip in the pool on this hot day sounded great. And although she would never admit it, so did swimming with Rob.
When Rob returned, wearing his swim trunks under a pair of shorts, he was surprised to see Ellen in the pool. He stood on the deck and tried not to stare. Ellen’s backstrokes were graceful, but powerful. She was a strong swimmer, and looked good in her modest, but attractive blue swimsuit.
He removed his shorts and draped them over one of the lounge chairs, then stepped onto the pool ladder. Sure hope I don’t say or do something stupid. Don’t know why, but I feel like a schoolboy right now, with a crush on his teacher.
Once in the water, Rob swam toward the deep end. He’d only made it halfway, when he bumped into Ellen. “Sorry about that. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” Her face turned pink as she treaded water in front of him. “How about you?”
“No injuries here, but I should have been watching where I was going.” Rob figured his face might be red too.
She gave a small laugh and swam in the other direction.
They remained in the pool about an hour, swimming, diving, and splashing each other. Rob couldn’t remember when he’d had such a good time or felt so relaxed. He was disappointed when Ellen got out of the pool.
“If you’re hungry, come join me for some cookies.” Ellen slipped on a terry cloth cover-up, then gestured to a tray sitting on one of the small tables.
Rob hadn’t noticed it until now. Of course, her beauty kept him focused, because he hadn’t taken his eyes off Ellen since he showed up at the pool. Too bad she was Amish.
He got out of the water and wrapped a towel around his waist. “Where’d the cookies come from?”
“Luana sent them when I went for my swimsuit. They’re made with coconut and macadamia nuts.” She pointed to a pitcher of iced tea. “I found that in Vickie’s refrigerator. Since she told us this morning we should help ourselves to any beverages, I figured it would be all right if I brought out the tea.” She poured two glasses and handed one to Rob.
He grinned and took a drink. “Thanks. This hits the spot.”
Rob wished the day didn’t have to end. He could get used to lounging around the pool—especially with such a pretty companion. Ellen might be Amish, but she was anything but plain.
“You’ve never said much about your family or mentioned where they live.” Ellen picked up a cookie and took a bite.
“They live on the mainland, in the same old house they’ve lived in for years.” Rob lifted his glass and took a drink. The cold tea felt good as it slid down his parched throat. He was on the verge of asking Ellen about her family, when the outside telephone rang. Ellen rose from her seat to answer it.
When she returned to the table, her wrinkled forehead let him know something was wrong. “What’s up?”
“That was Mandy. Ken woke up and was able to talk.”
“Well, that’s good.”
“Yes, but the doctor came in and gave them some bad news.”
CHAPTER 23
Rob looked at Ellen. “What’s the bad news? Has Ken gotten worse?” With furrowed brows, Ellen nodded. “Even though he’s awake and talking, the infection in Ken’s arm has gone deeper, and if they don’t get it cleared up, he could lose his arm.”
“Aren’t they giving him antibiotics for that?”
“Yes, but they’re going to start him on a stronger one. Also, his leg needs surgery, so Ken’s recuperation is a long way off.”
“Sorry to hear it.” Rob shuffled his bare feet under the table. “I can’t imagine what their hospital bills will be like.”
“It is a concern, but I believe their needs will be met.” She picked up her glass and set it on the tray. “I’d like to go to the hospital to be with Mandy. Would you be able to give me a ride?”
“Sure, if you don’t mind riding on the back of my motor scooter. It’s not as big and intimidating as a motorcycle, but it’ll get us there.”
“I have no problem with that. I’ll go inside, put the snacks away, and change into my dress.”
“Sounds good.” Rob set his glass on the tray. “I’ll use the pool house to change. As soon as we’re ready, we’ll be off.”
“I only have one helmet, but you’re welcome to wear it,” Rob said as they approached his motor scooter.
Ellen shook her head. “That’s okay. I’ll tie my scarf over my white kapp to hold it in place.”
“I’m not as worried about your bonnet as I am your safety.” Rob looked at Ellen as if he were sizing her up and down. “You sure you’re up for this?”
“Of course.”
Rob climbed on his bike and turned to Ellen. “Okay now, you need to approach the bike from the left side. Then place your foot on the foot-peg and swing your body over the seat—sorta like you’re getting on a horse. You can put your hands on my shoulders for balance if you need it.”
Feeling more than a bit awkward, Ellen followed his instructions.
“Now place your other foot on the second foot-peg and sit up straight. Now put your hands around my waist and hang on tight.”
Ellen’s insides quivered as she placed her hands around Rob’s middle. Was the nervousness she felt from anticipation of riding the scooter, or could it be the nearness of him?
Rob looked over his shoulder. “Make sure when I lean that you lean with me. And when I stop for a light, keep your feet on the foot-pegs.”
“Okay.”
“One more thing. Don’t put your head too close to mine or we’ll bump heads when the bike slows down.”
“I’ll do what you said.” Ellen never imagined herself on the back of a motor scooter, and with an English fellow, no less.
Lihue
When they arrived at their destination, Rob told Ellen he’d wait for her in the waiting r
oom, while she went to look for Mandy. “I’ll just hang around in case you need a ride home. I mean, back to the bed-and-breakfast.” He didn’t understand why he felt so rattled all of a sudden. All that time with Ellen in the pool this afternoon, and now he struggled to manage a sensible sentence. Must be the exhilaration of the ride over here. He had to admit, having her arms wrapped around his waist felt pretty nice.
Ellen smiled. “Okay, I’ll be back soon.”
When she headed toward the nurses’ station, Rob picked up a magazine and took a seat. He couldn’t concentrate on the magazine, however. All Rob could think about was Ellen and how much fun he’d had with her today. He hadn’t enjoyed the company of a woman that much since … He closed the magazine and slapped it on the table. I can’t let my mind go there again. I’m glad Ellen won’t be staying on the island indefinitely, so there’s no chance of us developing a permanent relationship.
He moved over to the window and looked out at the cars in the parking lot. Coming to this island has been good for me. It’s helped me feel calm and relaxed—at least till Ellen showed up and messed with my head. Bet anything she doesn’t have a clue I’ve been thinking about her. Rob tapped his foot. I wonder what she thinks about me.
Someone tapped Rob’s shoulder, and he whirled around, surprised to see Ellen looking up at him. “You’re back already?”
She nodded. “I spoke to Mandy, and she wants me to stay for a while. So either she or Vickie will take me back to the B&B when one of them is ready to go home.”
He pulled his fingers through the ends of his thick hair. “Okay, then. Guess I’ll see you tomorrow at the farm.”
“Tomorrow’s Sunday, and I’ll be going to church with Luana and Makaio. You’re welcome to join us if you like.”
“No thanks. Those squawking chickens still need to be fed, so I’ll be over at the farm at least part of the day.
“I’ll see you Monday morning then.”
Was that a look of disappointment I saw on her face? Rob wondered as Ellen walked away. Did Ellen invite me to church because she thinks I need religion, or could she want to spend time with me?
Middlebury
“That was one good supper, Nora.” Ezra leaned back in his chair and gave his belly a thump. “Stuffed peppers and mashed potatoes are my favorite meal. Danki for inviting me to join your family tonight.”
Nora smiled from across the table. “It was nice you could come, and I’m glad you enjoyed the meal.” She began collecting the plates. “We could have our desserts outside on the front porch.”
“Maybe in a while, after my supper settles.” Nathan patted his midsection.
“All right, we can hold off for a while.” Nora picked up a few glasses.
“Can I help with the dishes?” Ezra rose from his chair.
She shook her head. “My daughters will take care of that, but it was nice of you to ask.”
“Why don’t the two of us head out to the living room for a friendly game of checkers?” Nathan suggested. “Unless you’re not up to the challenge.”
“Dad’s a hard one to beat,” Lenore spoke up as she cleared a stack of plates from the table.
“I’m pretty good at checkers, so jah, I’ll take you on, Nathan.” Ezra grinned at Lenore and winked. She was a cute girl—full of spunk.
“When you’re done playing, and my daed’s food settles, we’ll have dessert.” Lenore grinned. “We’re having peanut butter cream pie.”
“Well, I’ll be. That’s another one of my favorites.”
“I know.” Lenore’s gaze dropped.
Ezra found the blush of pink that spread across the girl’s cheeks to be kind of cute, but his thoughts went straight to Ellen, since Lenore resembled her.
Ezra rubbed the back of his neck. He’d wanted to ask about Ellen all evening but was too embarrassed to say anything in front of everyone. If he could get Lenore alone for a few minutes, he might have a chance to make an inquiry.
I could ask Nathan about Ellen, Ezra thought as he took a seat at the card table in the living room. Maybe if I mention her in a nonchalant way, he won’t catch on.
“Have you done much fishing this month?” Nathan asked as he got the checker game from the bookcase and set it between them.
Ezra took a seat and began helping Nathan set up the game pieces. “Nah. I’d sure like to, but I don’t seem to have the time.”
“Maybe if we have a slow day at the shoe store, I’ll close up early, and we can go fishing together.” Ellen’s dad placed the empty checker box on the coffee table and took a seat at the card table.
“Sounds good to me.” Ezra enjoyed spending time with Ellen’s family. He wished she could be here too. “Say Nathan, I’ve wondered what you’ve heard from Ellen these days. Is Mandy’s husband doing any better?”
“The last we heard, Ken was still struggling with his injuries.”
“That’s too bad.” Ezra pulled out his hanky to blow his nose. Something in the room must be bothering my allergies. “Guess Ellen won’t be back for a while.”
“She plans to stay in Hawaii for as long as Mandy needs her. Could end up to be several more months.” Nathan pushed Ezra’s checker pieces toward him. “Ready to play?”
“Jah, sure.” Ezra’s hope of seeing Ellen soon had gone out the window. He wondered if he’d ever get the chance to tell her what was in his heart. And when he got the chance, would she be receptive?
CHAPTER 24
Lihue
Mandy was almost sick with worry. It had been two weeks since Ken’s doctor put him on a stronger antibiotic, and today he was scheduled for another surgery. This time it involved his arm and leg.
She glanced out the window, watching the clouds billowing in the blue sky. Oh, how she wished her husband felt better.
Mandy turned away from the window and began to pace the floor of his hospital room. Was there no end in sight for Ken? Maybe I’m not praying hard enough, or in the right way. There must be some reason God’s allowing us to go through this right now.
In addition to her husband being faced with a long recovery, the hospital bills were mounting. She’d called her folks an hour ago and left a message, asking them to return her call. If only they could be here with me right now.
Vickie had stepped out of the room a few minutes ago to call Dan and give him the latest on Ken. Mandy didn’t understand why Ken’s brother hadn’t come back to Kauai, at least to see Ken and offer his mother support. It wasn’t her place to judge, but she thought Dan seemed selfish. Could he have taken his father’s death so hard that he couldn’t deal with coming home?
Mandy looked outside the window again. A few vehicles whizzed by, with colorful surf boards tied to the roof. I wonder if the authorities put signs on the beach, warning people of the recent shark attack. Mandy hated to think of anyone else getting hurt if there were no warning signs posted.
She jumped when her cell phone vibrated. Seeing it was her folk’s number, she stepped outside in the hall to take the call. Ken slept, and she didn’t want to disturb him.
“Hello.”
“Mandy, it’s Dad. I heard your message and wanted to call right away.”
She swallowed hard and choked back tears. “Oh, Dad, it’s so good to hear your voice. Ken will be going in for another surgery soon, so he could use some extra prayer.”
“You’ve got it. I’ll spread the word and get those in our church district praying.”
“Thank you.”
“How are you doing, Mandy? You sound like you’re about to cave in.”
“I–I’ll be all right. I have to be, for my husband’s sake.” Mandy took a deep breath. She needed to get herself together and stay strong. “How’s Mom doing? Is her foot healing okay?”
“Yes, she’s staying off it as much as possible and wearing the boot the doctor ordered.”
“That’s good.” Mandy blew her nose on a tissue she’d pulled from her pocket.
“Have the hospital bills started coming in
yet?” Dad asked.
“Some. But there will be more in the days ahead.”
“Well, try not to fret about it. I’ve talked to a few people in our area, and everyone wants to help. There’s going to be an auction to help raise money for Ken’s medical expenses.”
“That will help so much. Ken and I have some money in the bank from the sale of our bed-and-breakfast in Middlebury, but with his extended hospital stay that money will be gone in no time.”
“Mandy, there’s no reason for you to use all your savings when others can help. With a baby on the way you’re gonna need money for future expenses.”
Mandy’s vision blurred. She wished she could reach through the phone and give her dad a hug. His words were a great comfort to her.
Kapaa
“Sure hope I don’t have to feed and water chickens the rest of my life.” Rob grunted as he filled another container with fresh water. He glanced at Ellen. “Don’t get me wrong—I’m grateful for this job. But it’s not something I want to do forever.”
She set the bag of chicken feed aside and looked up at him. “What would you like to do?”
He shrugged. “I’m not sure. Guess I won’t know till I find the perfect job.”
“I had what I thought was a perfect job once, but I lost it when new owners took over the bed-and-breakfast Mandy and Ken used to own.”
“Did you look for a job at another B&B?” Rob continued to fill the feeders.
“I did, but there weren’t any.” Ellen sighed. “If I’d had the money I would have bought my friends’ business and run the place myself.”
He tipped his head. “You liked it that much, huh?”
“Yes.”
“Sounds like a lot of work to me.” He rinsed off the waterers.
“It is work, but enjoyable—at least it was for me. When I took over for Mandy and Ken after they moved here, I learned firsthand how much responsibility goes with running that type of business.” Ellen’s forehead wrinkled as she swatted a place on her arm.
“What’s wrong? Did you get a mosquito bite?”
The Hawaiian Discovery Page 14