The Hawaiian Discovery

by Brunstetter, Wanda E. ; Brunstetter, Jean;

Mandy lifted Isaac into her arms and kissed his soft cheek. If my folks could come here all the way from Indiana, surely Dan could fly to Kauai from California. She’d been praying since the time Dan and his wife left Kauai that things would work out for the best for all of them. She just never expected Dan would stay away so long.

  As Mandy headed down the hall toward the living room, she spotted Rueben’s baseball hat on the entry table. In addition to taking Mandy’s folks to the ship, Vickie had dropped Rueben off at the airport.

  Ken had told Mandy about his conversation with Rueben last week, and how Rueben had asked God to forgive him. She wondered if Rueben might end up staying in Pennsylvania. Either way, she hoped things worked out well when he met with Arie’s family.

  “Where would you like me to put this vase after I throw out the wilted flowers?” Kamilla, the woman who’d taken Ellen’s place, asked Vickie as they worked together to clean one of the guest rooms.

  “I keep all my vases in the lower cupboard on the right side of the kitchen sink,” Vickie responded. Since Kamilla had only been working here a few weeks, she hadn’t learned where everything should go.

  “Okay, I’ll take care of that now.” Kamilla sent a smile in Vickie’s direction and hurried from the bedroom.

  Vickie hummed to herself as she opened a window to air out the room. She inhaled deeply, watching the sheer curtains blow inward as the breezes filtered through. It had rained yesterday, and the fresh air felt cleansing.

  Things were running smoothly at the B&B, with the new people she’d hired to replace Ellen and fill in for Rueben while he was gone. Even, so, it didn’t feel right without them. Ellen was always so cheerful and didn’t have to be asked to do the chores. Kamilla, on the other hand, sometimes seemed unable to make a decision on her own. Perhaps, being new, she was overly cautious, not wanting to overstep her bounds.

  In some ways, Vickie wished Ellen could have stayed on, but it was unrealistic to expect her to remain when her family was on the mainland. Besides, to stay would have meant Ellen would have to give up her Amish way of life, as Mandy had done. Only Mandy had never joined the church, so that made it easier.

  Pilipo, the man taking Rueben’s place, was a hard worker, but he rarely said anything unless spoken to. The only time she heard him talking was when he had his cell phone up to his ear.

  Rueben, who’d once seemed like an introvert, had become outgoing and made conversation with the B&B guests when they were in the yard.

  Pulling her thoughts in another direction, Vickie picked up the feather duster. She was about to tidy up the top of the dresser, when Kamilla called her from the kitchen. “You’re wanted on the phone, Mrs. Williams.”

  Vickie stuck her head out the open doorway. “Can you take a message?”

  “It’s your son.”

  Vickie pushed an errant piece of hair away from her face. “Did you say someone needs to speak to my son? If so, Ken’s on the lanai with Mandy and the baby.”

  Kamilla stepped into the hall. “The call’s not for Ken. The man on the phone said he’s your son, Dan, and he wants to speak to you.”

  Vickie’s heart raced as she dropped the duster and rushed down the hall. Her hand trembled when she picked up the phone. “Aloha, Dan.”

  “Hi, Mom. How’s it going? Are you, Ken, Mandy, and the new baby doing okay?”

  “We’re fine.” Vickie took a seat at the table. It was good to hear Dan’s voice. “Ken’s getting by with the use of his cane. Mandy and little Isaac are doing well too. How about you and Rita?”

  “We’re both good.” Dan cleared his throat. “Uh, the reason I’m calling is because I owe you a long-overdue apology.”

  “Oh?”

  “I let you down by leaving Kauai soon after Dad died, and I’m sorry. I’ve been afraid to come back and face the loss I felt when he died.” Dan paused, and Vickie heard him blow his nose. “Rita’s settled in here with her family, so it wouldn’t be fair to uproot her. But we’d like to come to Kauai for a visit soon, if that’s okay with you.”

  Joy bubbled in Vickie’s soul. She’d almost given up on her son returning home, even for a visit. His apology moved her to tears. “I forgive you, Son. You and Rita will always be welcome to come and stay for as long as you like. We have a room we don’t rent to our guests. It’s for family and close friends when they visit. Please let us know whenever you’re free to come, and we’ll roll out our Hawaiian welcome mat.”

  Dan chuckled. “Since we have that settled, I’d like to talk to Ken now, if he’s available.”

  “He’s on the lanai with Mandy and the baby. I’ll take the phone out to him.”

  “Okay. Mahalo, Mom.”

  Vickie stepped onto the lanai and smiled when she saw Ken stretched out on the hammock with the baby across his chest. Mandy sat on the porch swing, reading a book.

  “Your brother’s on the phone. He wants to talk to you, Ken.” Vickie went to the hammock.

  Ken’s eyes widened. “Okay, Mom. Would you mind taking Isaac so I can sit up?”

  She leaned over and swept her precious grandson into her arms. The warmth and sweet scent of the little guy’s baby lotion brought back pleasant memories of when her boys were babies. Oh, how she missed those days when she and Charles raised their children together. But now she had something else to look forward to.

  Ken sat up and swung his legs over the side of the hammock, while Vickie took a seat on the swing next to Mandy. She patted the baby’s back and was rewarded with a burp.

  “Hi, Dan.” Ken held the phone close to his ear. “How are things in California?”

  “Everything’s fine here, but I didn’t call to talk about me. I called to tell you how sorry I am for running out on you and Mom after Dad died. I was selfish and should have had the courage to stay and help out—not leave you stuck with all the responsibility.” Dan paused a few seconds. “I should have been there for you after the shark attack too. Will you forgive me, Brother?”

  Ken swallowed, in an attempt to push down the lump in his throat.

  “ ’Course I forgive you. I just wish you didn’t live so far from us now.”

  “I know, but Rita’s family is here, and …”

  “No need to explain. I understand where you’re comin’ from.” Ken smiled when Mandy came over to stand by his side. He appreciated it even more when she put her hand on his shoulder and gave it a squeeze.

  “We hope to visit Kauai soon,” Dan said. “I’m looking forward to holding that new nephew of mine. Is it him I hear gurgling in the background?”

  “Yeah, that’s my son. I can’t wait for you to meet him.”

  “I’m anxious too. As soon as we get reservations made I’ll let you know.”

  “We’ll look forward to that.”

  “I’ll call again soon. It was great talking to you and Mom.”

  “Same here. Oh, and be sure to say hello to Rita for us.”

  “Will do. Please tell Mandy I said the same.”

  When Ken hung up he took Mandy’s hand. “I think things are gonna be okay with me and Dan. That’s one burden lifted from my shoulders.” She bent down and gave him a kiss. “I’m so glad.”

  Over the Pacific Ocean

  Rueben fidgeted in his seat, trying to find a comfortable position. He’d booked his airline ticket in coach, and there wasn’t much leg room for a man of his stature. Looking beyond the extended seats and into first class ahead of that, he wished he’d spent the extra money for a better seat. He’d only have to put up with the cramped quarters a few more hours. Then he could get off the plane in Seattle and stretch his legs.

  Rueben glanced at his Hawaiian-print shirt. Then he got to thinking about the hat he’d left behind. No problem. I’ll get it when I go back to Kauai. Unless things went better than he hoped, Rueben probably wouldn’t stay in Pennsylvania.

  He had mixed feelings about seeing his family again. While it would be great to visit and catch up on their lives, they might criticize him for runnin
g off to Hawaii instead of staying home and dealing with Arie’s death.

  Rueben dreaded more than anything seeing Arie’s folks and not knowing what their reaction would be. He hoped they’d forgive, but his nerves were on edge. Oh man. Rueben glanced at his cell phone to check the time. After punishing myself since the accident, getting criticized by Arie’s folks can’t make me feel any worse. But thanks to Ken, I decided to go home, and I plan to see it through.

  The man sitting next to Rueben began to snore, so Rueben slipped on his earphones to drown out the aggravating noise. He could have paid to watch a movie, but right now all he wanted to do was close his eyes and try to relax. Rueben had made a mess of things in his young life, and if nothing else, he needed to make things right with Arie’s parents. Unfortunately, it may be too late for him and Ellen.

  CHAPTER 40

  Ronks

  Rueben sat on the edge of the bed in his old room, staring out the window at the dismal winter weather. The backyard, covered with snow, sat in sharp contrast to the murky gray sky. He heard someone downstairs stoking the wood stove, but the heat hadn’t made it to his chilly room.

  As soon as Rueben woke up, he felt an ache above his eyes. Using his fingers to massage the area, Rueben moaned. “I don’t need a koppweh today.”

  Rueben had arrived at his parents’ home late Thursday evening. He’d rented a car after his plane landed in Philadelphia and gone straight to Ronks. He wasn’t surprised that Mom, Dad, and his siblings had greeted him with warm embraces. What had surprised Rueben was they thought he’d come to stay. When he explained his reason for returning home was to make things right with Arie’s folks, Dad had given him a stern look and said, “So you’re not going to take classes and join the Amish church?”

  Rueben said he hadn’t made up his mind, and Mom started to cry.

  “Don’t know why they’re trying to push me to join the Amish church,” Rueben mumbled as he slipped on a pair of jeans. “I just got back and don’t know yet if I’m staying.” He bent to tie his shoes.

  He realized how hurt his family must feel; especially when he’d told them this trip was mainly to see Arie’s parents. He’d need to apologize for that.

  Rueben put on a shirt and made his way downstairs, where he found Mom in the kitchen, fixing breakfast.

  “Guder mariye.” She offered him a pleasant smile. “Did you sleep well, Son?”

  He nodded, choosing not to mention his headache. “Good morning. It felt strange to wake up to a cold room, though. I’m used to the warm, balmy weather in Hawaii and being able to open windows most of the time.”

  Mom pursed her lips, looking at Rueben over the top of her metal-framed glasses. “Why Hawaii, Rueben? If you had to leave home, what made you go so far away?”

  “I’ve always wondered what the Hawaiian Islands were like.” He took a glass down from the cupboard and poured orange juice from the container on the kitchen table. “I was sure nobody would know me there and figured it was a chance to start my life over and leave the past behind. Thought it would be easier to be around strangers.” He laid a hand against his chest. “‘Course, the past has a way of catching up to a person, and when it does, there’s no place one can hide. Miles—and certainly not an ocean—didn’t help me forget.”

  Mom clucked her tongue while shaking her head. “You should have stayed here, Rueben, and let us help you deal with Arie’s death.”

  “I didn’t want anyone’s help. I needed to deal with it my own way.” He sank into a chair at the table. “Thought I was doing a good job of it too. That is, until Ellen came along.”

  Mom quit stirring the pancake ingredients and came to join him at the table. “Who’s Ellen?”

  Rueben drank his juice, and then told his mother all about Ellen.

  Mom pushed her glasses higher on her nose. “Are you in love with her, Son?”

  “Yeah, but I can’t even think about pursuing a relationship with Ellen till I talk with Arie’s parents and seek their forgiveness.”

  Mom gave Rueben’s arm a loving pat. “You need to go talk to Marcus and Susan soon.”

  “You’re right, Mom.” Rueben rose from his seat. “And I’m goin’ over to see them now before I lose my nerve.”

  “What about breakfast?” she called as he grabbed his jacket and headed for the back door.

  “The juice was enough. I’ll see you when I get back. Maybe I’ll be hungry by then.”

  After leaving Arie’s parents’ home, Rueben sat in his car, staring at the dreary landscape before him. He couldn’t believe Susan and Marcus had forgiven him for being the cause of their daughter’s death. Rueben would always remember the way Susan touched his arm and said, “Of course we forgive you. After all, it was not your fault Arie didn’t get out of the car when you warned her that the train was coming.”

  “Maybe she didn’t realize how close it was and thought she had plenty of time,” Marcus had added. “I’m sure Arie wouldn’t have stayed in the car if she’d known what would happen.”

  Rueben rubbed his forehead, where the headache had been earlier. But it was my fault for trying to beat the train. He had told Arie’s parents that, but they’d said they didn’t hold him responsible for their daughter’s death.

  He closed his eyes. They’ve forgiven me, Lord. Now I need to forgive myself and try to get my life back on track. But where do I begin? How do I start over?

  Pulling his cell phone from his pocket, Rueben opened his eyes. It was ten o’clock, which meant in Kauai, it was the wee hours of the morning, so he couldn’t call Mandy. He would go back to his parents’ house and wait till everyone at the B&B would likely be up before calling to ask for Ellen’s address. Tomorrow after breakfast, Rueben would tell his folks goodbye and head for Indiana. According to his GPS, Middlebury was an eight-or nine-hour drive from here. But if the weather didn’t cause a delay, he should make it by Saturday evening.

  Middlebury

  “I don’t know about you, but I’m sure looking forward to the young people’s gathering at Sadie’s.” Holding the horse’s reins with one hand, Darla reached across the buggy seat and tapped Ellen’s arm. “Did you hear what I said?”

  “Jah, I’m sure it will be fun.” Truthfully, Ellen would prefer to stay home this chilly Saturday evening, but Sadie had mentioned her dad planned to build a bonfire in their yard. As long as she stayed close to its warmth, she probably wouldn’t be cold.

  This was Ellen’s first young people’s outing since she’d gotten home, and she looked forward to a time of singing, eating, and socializing. Hopefully, it would help take her mind off Rueben and wondering what he was doing in Hawaii. She’d also been thinking about Mandy, hoping things were going okay at the bed-and-breakfast now that she and Mandy’s parents weren’t there to help out. Vickie had hired a native woman to take over her position. No doubt, things were working out.

  “Too bad Ruby has to work at the restaurant until eight.” Darla broke into Ellen’s musings. “Yesterday she thought she’d be able to join us tonight, but then the manager asked if Ruby could work someone else’s shift who’d called in sick.”

  “There will be other gatherings.” Ellen pulled her cape a little tighter around her neck. During the holidays on Kauai, she’d missed seeing snow. Now, as a chilly breeze blew in through the cracks around the buggy door, she longed for warmer weather.

  Ellen saw the glow from the bonfire and smelled the scent of wood smoke as they approached the large white farmhouse where Sadie lived.

  “Here we are.” Darla led their horse and buggy down the lane and up to the barn, where several other buggies were parked. They both got out, and Ellen helped her sister unhitch the horse.

  While Darla led him to the barn, Ellen took the container of brownies she’d brought along into the house. She found Sadie in the kitchen, getting paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils from the cupboard.

  Sadie smiled when Ellen set the brownies on the table. “Willkumm! I’m so glad you came.” Sh
e placed the items she held on the counter and gave Ellen a hug.

  “I’m glad I did too. The big bonfire looks inviting.”

  “Dad was having fun getting it built.” Sadie glanced past Ellen. “Did Darla and Ruby come with you?”

  “Just Darla. Ruby had to work.” Ellen looked out the window, where the yard was aglow from the fire. “Who all is here?”

  “Let’s see … Mary Ruth Zimmerman and her boyfriend, Andrew; the Lehman sisters, Sharon and Debra. Ezra Bontrager is here too, and so is …”

  Ellen’s thoughts drew inward. It was a silly notion, but she wished Rueben could be with her tonight. How nice it would be to sit around the bonfire with him and roast marshmallows.

  As Ezra sat close to the fire, roasting a hot dog, he watched Ellen sitting between Darla and Sadie.

  Ellen’s sure pretty. I’m glad she’s back from Hawaii and came here tonight. I wonder what she’d say if I asked if I could take her home? Think I might muster the courage to ask.

  Ezra let go of his roasting stick with one hand to scratch an itch on his nose. In the process, he almost lost his hot dog. He grabbed the meat in time, and finished roasting it just the way he liked—not too blackened, but heated all the way through.

  After placing the meat in a bun, Ezra got up from his folding chair and walked over to the picnic table where the condiments, chips, and baked beans had been set. His stomach growled, thinking how good this meal would taste. He was glad everyone had prayed silently before the food was set out. That meant he could dive right in.

  While Ezra squirted ketchup on his hot dog, he overheard Ellen talking to Sadie.

  “Have you heard anything from Rueben since you left Kauai?” Sadie leaned close to her friend.

  Ellen shook her head. “I’ve thought about sending him a letter, or even calling the B&B. But I’m not sure if …”

  Ezra’s jaw clenched as Ellen moved to the back of the line, where others waited to get their food. His frustration mounted, unable to hear the rest of her sentence. He wanted to know what else she’d said to Sadie about this fellow Rueben. Who was he anyway, and why would Ellen want to call or write to him?