The Hawaiian Quilt

by Brunstetter, Wanda E. ; Brunstetter, Jean;

  “It was kind of you to offer, but can’t they find someone else?” Gideon gripped the receiver. This phone call was not going well at all.

  “We’re working for room and board, because they can’t afford to hire anyone right now. Sorry, Gideon, but I need to go. Someone is knocking on the back door, and since I’m the only one in the kitchen, I need to answer it.”

  “Okay. I’ll talk to you again soon, Mandy. Take care.”

  Gideon hung up but remained in the phone shack, rubbing the bridge of his nose as he reflected on their conversation. It was just like sweet Mandy to do a charitable deed, but now he had no idea when she’d be home. How were they supposed to keep their relationship going when she was thousands of miles away?

  Kapaa

  Ken pulled his motorbike up to the B&B, anxious to find out how Makaio was doing. When he stepped onto the lanai, where Mandy and Ellen sat snapping green beans, he smiled. “Looks like Luana put you to work. Is she here?”

  “No. She got up early this morning and went to the hospital to see Makaio.” Mandy motioned to the chair across from them. “You’re welcome to sit and visit while we snap beans.”

  “If you have an extra bowl, I’d be more than happy to help with that.” He seated himself near Mandy and began rocking.

  “I’ll get one.” Ellen rose from her seat and returned with a plastic bowl and more beans, which she handed to Ken. “Here you go.”

  He took the bowl and placed it in his lap. “Thanks, I think.” He chuckled then reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card. “On a more serious note, if you two need anything while you’re here, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. Here’s my phone number in case you need to call.”

  “Actually, there is something,” Ellen said as Mandy took the card. “We’d like to make a trip to a fabric store. Would you be able to give us a ride—maybe later, after Luana gets back?”

  “I’d be glad to take you, but I don’t have time today. Would tomorrow be soon enough? I’ll have the day off.”

  Mandy nodded. “Of course. We can work it in around your schedule.”

  “How long do you plan to be here?” Ken asked as he began snapping the beans in half. He didn’t work as quickly as she or Ellen, but Mandy figured Ken hadn’t had as much practice.

  “We’ll stay for as long as we’re needed,” she replied. “I’m sure we won’t be working all the time, though, so it will give us a chance to see more of this beautiful island during our free time.”

  “I’m glad you’ll be staying longer.” He rocked too far back, and when he let go of the bowl, his hands went for the arms of the chair. The plastic bowl slid off his lap and bounced on the tile floor. “Oh no! I’m sorry.” He jumped up and crouched by the rocking chair, grabbing for the beans. Some had even gone under the rocker.

  “It’s okay.” Ellen dropped down beside him and started picking up beans. Once they had them all, she stood and took the bowl inside to wash them.

  Ken smiled at Mandy. “Well, that was sure an icebreaker. Now we can get better acquainted. As I mentioned yesterday, I’d like to show you some special places. We can go to the beach, and if you like flowers, there are some really nice tropical gardens.”

  “I would enjoy either of those places. This island feels like paradise to me.” Mandy stretched her arms out wide. “I wish there was an Amish community on Kauai. I could get used to living here.”

  Chapter 15

  The following day while Ellen walked through the fabric store to look at material and patterns, Mandy stood near the front door with Ken. “It was nice of you to take time out to bring us here. I’m sure you had other things to do on your day off.”

  “I can’t think of anything I’d rather be doing than helping two friends.” Grinning, he winked at Mandy. “One of these days, I’ll take you and Ellen for a tour of our farm and to meet my folks. Oh, just a second. My phone is buzzing.” Ken pulled it out of his pocket. “Yep. My friend Taavi is trying to call me.” He stepped aside. “Hey, buddy. What’s up? That sounds like fun, but I’m in the middle of something right now. I’ll call ya back later.” He hung up and moved closer to Mandy again. “Sorry for the interruption. Taavi’s one of my friends. He’s a good surfer and was letting me know there’s gonna be some prime wave action today. But I’d rather be here right now, getting to know you better.”

  Mandy felt the heat of a blush spread like fire across her cheeks. It was nice Ken wanted to know her better. Even though she’d known him less than a week, Mandy felt as though they were kindred spirits. Maybe it’s because he likes gardening and enjoys the beauty of God’s creation, she told herself. Of course, Gideon appreciated many things God created, but he had no interest in flowers, trees, or vegetable gardens. Whenever they were together, he talked more about his horse than anything. She shifted her purse to the other shoulder. I shouldn’t be comparing the two men.

  “Aren’t you going to browse through the material?” Ken asked, pulling out a pack of gum.

  “No, I’m not planning to make a dress.” Mandy looked down at the green muumuu she’d bought with her own money yesterday. “I have two Hawaiian dresses now, and they work fine for me. I only came to the fabric store in case Ellen needs my opinion on anything.”

  Ken stared at her strangely, but made no comment. Several seconds passed before he spoke again. “Would you like a piece of gum?”

  “No, thank you.”

  “Who’s keeping an eye on the B&B this morning?”

  “Ailani is there, but only to answer the phone. She won’t be doing any physical work.”

  “Good to hear. What about Luana? Is she at the hospital with Makaio?”

  “Yes. She left soon after we served our B&B guests their breakfast.”

  With wrinkled brows, Ken folded his arms and leaned against the wall. “Sure hope he won’t have to be in the hospital too long. It will be better for Makaio and Luana once he’s home. He’ll be more comfortable in his own surroundings, and she won’t have to run back and forth to the hospital.”

  Mandy shifted her weight to the other foot. “When my younger brother, Milo, got hit in the head with a baseball last year, he had a pretty severe concussion. Our folks had to hire a driver to take them to and from the hospital every day for a week.”

  “Is your brother okay now?”

  “He’s doing fine. No repercussions from the accident, and I’m grateful.”

  “Accidents happen so quickly.” Ken sighed. “One minute, everything is fine, and the next minute something unexpected occurs. A person can become severely injured. I like to surf, and it can be dangerous, too.”

  Mandy winced, fiddling with the straps on her purse. Why would anyone choose to take part in a dangerous sport?

  “You need to know how to swim if you’re gonna surf—or at least know how to tread water real well. It helps going to a beach that’s patrolled by lifeguards. That’s a stipulation my parents drummed into my brother and me.” His mouth twisted grimly. “Another thing is watching out for other surfers in the water and trying not to get hit by someone or even by your own board. I’ve seen it happen many times.”

  “Surfing sounds exciting but also frightening.”

  Ken shifted his gaze away from her a few seconds, then looked back, clasping his chin with his fingers. “It can be, but the fun outweighs my fears.” He took a step closer. “Say, I have a question.”

  “What is it?”

  “I thought Amish people traveled by horse and buggy.”

  “We do.” Mandy rested her hand on her hip. “Why do you ask?”

  “When your brother got hurt, how come your parents hired a driver to take them to the hospital?”

  “We usually only take the horse and buggies ten miles or so from our home. Farther away, and especially into the bigger cities, means we need to hire a driver.”

  “Interesting.” He rubbed his chin.

  She grew quiet as their conversation came to a lull. Ken kept looking at Mandy thoug
h, causing her face to warm. It was almost as though nothing existed except the two of them standing by the door. Even the sounds inside the store seemed to cease. Her throat constricted. For some reason, she couldn’t look away.

  It appeared as if Ken might be about to say something, but Ellen walked toward them with a bolt of beige material. “I found the color I want, but I need your opinion on a pattern.”

  “Okay.” Mandy wiped moisture from her face.

  “Think I’ll wait outside in my rig while you two finish shopping.” Ken looked toward the parking lot. “Take your time, though. I’m in no rush.”

  Mandy glanced over her shoulder, watching Ken go out the door. He’s such a nice person. I only wish … She turned and followed Ellen to the back of the store, refusing to let her thoughts get carried away. It must be the heat, Mandy told herself. I’m not thinking clearly today.

  “This is a nice enough hospital, but I’m anxious to go home.” Luana’s husband frowned. “I’ll sleep a lot better in our own bed, too.”

  “It shouldn’t be too much longer.” Luana placed her hand on Makaio’s arm. “You ought to enjoy all the attention you’re getting here while you can, and don’t forget all the good food they’ve been feeding you.”

  “Your cooking is much better than hospital food. Guess I shouldn’t complain though. I’m happy to be alive.” Makaio closed his eyes a few seconds, before opening them again. “How are we going to manage the B&B with me unable to walk right now?” He winced as he gripped the bedsheets and tried to sit up. “We’re starting into our busiest time of the year. You’ll need my help more than ever.”

  “What’s done is done, so there’s no need to fret.” Luana asked him to lean forward a bit and plumped up his pillows. Then she took a seat in the chair beside his bed and reached out to clasp his hand. “I have some good news.”

  “Please share it with me. I’ve had enough negative news since I fell off the roof.”

  “Mandy and Ellen have agreed to help out in exchange for their room and board.” She gave his fingers a reassuring squeeze. “You need to quit worrying and relax so you can get better. You’re not doing yourself any good by getting upset.”

  “You’re right, and the Amish women’s help is appreciated, but they won’t be here much longer. As soon as they’re able to get tickets, they’ll be on a ship taking them back to the mainland.” He reached for his glass of water and took a drink.

  “No they won’t. Mandy and Ellen have agreed to stay with us for as long as we need them—until your leg has healed and you can take over your responsibilities again.”

  “Why would they do it, Luana? They barely know us.”

  “Because they care and want to help.” She smiled. “They’re putting their Christianity into practice.”

  Makaio fell back against the pillow and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, Luana saw tears. He looked at her and asked, “Remember, when you believed God sent those young women to us for a reason?”

  Her throat constricted, and she could only manage a slow nod.

  “I’m certain now that it was so they could help us during our time of need.”

  Luana squeezed his fingers gently. “You may be right. But whatever the reason, I’m thankful Mandy and Ellen are staying with us.”

  Ensenada, Mexico

  “Do you see the green, white, and red Mexican flag greeting us near the cruise terminal?” Sadie pointed at the huge flag waving in the breeze.

  Barbara lifted her hands over her head to stretch her arms. “I could see it for some distance as we approached the harbor.”

  “I heard someone say Ensenada is a major cruise ship destination and thousands of tourists come here ever year.” Sadie reached into her tote and removed her camera. Then she took a picture of the Mexican flag. “First Street is supposed to be another busy spot for tourists, so we ought to check it out.”

  “I’m glad we’re sticking with a tour group today,” Barbara commented. “I wouldn’t want to be stranded in Mexico. The people speak a language we don’t understand. It could be a little frightening.”

  “That wouldn’t be a problem. Our tour guide mentioned most of the people who live here—especially those selling their wares—understand English.”

  “Even so, I’d be umgerrent if the ship left us behind, like what happened to Mandy and Ellen.”

  Sadie nodded. “You’re right, so we shouldn’t venture too far on our own today.”

  “I’m going to call Mandy when we get back to the ship and see how she and Ellen are doing,” Barbara said as they began walking up Avenida Lopez Mateos, the main tourist street of Ensenada, lined with paved, red brick sidewalks. “I’ll bet they’re as eager to get home as we are.”

  “Jah, but unfortunately their luggage will reach their homes before they ever do.”

  “That’s right. We’re in charge of extra suitcases.” Barbara’s lips compressed. “Seeing that they make it off the ship and then onto the train could be a challenge, since we’ll have our luggage to deal with as well.”

  “I’m sure we can manage.” Sadie pointed to a store up ahead. “Let’s go in there and see what souvenirs we can find.” They paused to look at some colorful Mexican blankets and sombreros. “If nothing else, I’d like to buy a few postcards and maybe a handmade basket. After we finish shopping, I want to try one of those fish tacos I’ve heard others on the ship talking about.”

  Barbara’s nose itched, so she paused to rub it with her finger. She hoped she wasn’t allergic to something in the air. “I’ll pass. Don’t think I’d enjoy eating fish in a soft-rolled taco shell. I may try a regular ground beef taco if we can find any.”

  “I’m sure they’re available.” Sadie’s next step caused her to stumble on the slippery brick. Suddenly, she was flat on her back.

  Chapter 16

  Albuquerque, New Mexico

  How nice it is to finally be heading home.” Sadie shifted in her seat, trying to find a comfortable position. “I only wish we could get there sooner.” Normally, the clickety-clack of the train’s wheels against the tracks would lull her to sleep, but not today. They’d only been riding the train since yesterday, and already she was tired of sitting. Her biggest problem was her bruised tailbone from the fall she’d taken in Ensenada. Fortunately, the only thing that had been seriously hurt was her pride. If she’d broken a bone, she may have ended up in the hospital and missed the ship when it left Mexico. Then she’d have been in the same predicament as her friends who were stuck on Kauai.

  “Are you doing okay?” Barbara’s anxious expression showed the extent of her concern. “You took a pretty hard fall on that brick sidewalk the other day. You must still be quite sore.”

  “I am, but I can deal with the pain. I’m having a hard time sitting, though.”

  “Should we go up to the café car and get a snack to eat? It might do you some good to walk awhile.”

  “Maybe in a little bit. Right now I’m trying to enjoy the scenery, even though my body is screaming to get up.” Sadie pointed out the window. “I’m watching for some wildlife, like we saw on the train as we were heading to California near the beginning of our trip.”

  “We did see a lot of deer, as well as some turkeys, antelope, and coyote. I hope we spot some elk this time.” Barbara leaned against the window and released a sigh. “I wonder what Mandy and Ellen are doing right now. Sure wish I could have talked to Mandy longer the other evening, but she said they were busy so she couldn’t talk long. I’m still surprised they’ll be staying longer than planned. I wonder how their families are dealing with this.”

  Kapaa

  Ellen and Mandy had been working hard, keeping things at the B&B well organized and running smoothly. Makaio had come home from the hospital, but since he couldn’t be on his feet, he’d been watching a lot of TV. It bothered Ellen because she wasn’t used to having a television in the house, much less dealing with the blaring noise. Luana kept after Makaio to keep the volume down—especially w
hen they had B&B guests. But the sound crept up as soon as she left the room, like it had this afternoon.

  Ellen peeked into the living room and saw Makaio sleeping with the remote in his hands. She wouldn’t dare take it from him, as she’d seen Luana do last night when Makaio fell asleep in his chair. He wasn’t too thrilled when his wife woke him, either, and Ellen didn’t want to upset him.

  Since all their guests had gone out for the day and wouldn’t be bothered by the noise, Ellen closed the living-room door and went to the kitchen, where Luana was showing Mandy how to make Hawaiian teriyaki burgers.

  “Yum. It smells good in here.” Ellen moved close to the counter, watching as Luana mixed soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and several other ingredients into the ground beef.

  Luana looked at Ellen and smiled. “My husband loves this kind of burger.”

  “Speaking of Makaio, he’s asleep right now.”

  “With the TV on, no doubt.”

  Ellen nodded, and Mandy, who stood nearby, winked at her.

  “I’m not surprised.” Luana lifted her gaze to the ceiling, while making a little clucking sound. “Normally he doesn’t watch much TV. But now he has nothing else to do but sit, and I fear he will become addicted to it.”

  Mandy leaned toward the bowl and sniffed. “If these burgers taste half as good as they smell, then I may end up with an addiction.”

  They sat down to eat lunch a short time later and enjoyed pleasant conversation during the meal. Luana seemed a bit more relaxed since Makaio was now home. She even told them about some silly things he’d done years ago. “My husband can be a character at times.” Luana laughed.

  They had no sooner finished the meal than Ken showed up. Grinning from ear to ear, he asked if Mandy and Ellen would like to go watch the surfers with him.

  “I would,” Mandy responded with an eager expression. “It sounds like fun.”

  “How about you, Ellen?” Ken asked.

  “Actually, if Luana doesn’t need me for anything, I’d planned to get started on making my new dress this afternoon.”