The Hawaiian Quilt

by Brunstetter, Wanda E. ; Brunstetter, Jean;

  Barbara reflected on the last conversation she’d had with Ellen, when she’d mentioned how she and Mandy attended a church on Kauai. No doubt, they would attend services there today and then take part in whatever kind of celebration the Hawaiian couple had in their home.

  I wonder if my friends feel out of place. I sure would. It must be hard for Miriam and Isaac, having their daughter so far away—especially during the holidays. I’m sure Mandy’s brothers miss her, too, since it’s the first Christmas their entire family isn’t together. Same for Ellen’s parents and her siblings. I’m thankful I can be with my family for Christmas. I can’t imagine being stuck on an island, far from home, with people I’d only met a little over a month ago.

  She glanced at the men’s side of the room and spotted Gideon, wearing a grim expression. Barbara’s heart clenched. I wish he didn’t look so sad. He must miss Mandy something awful today.

  Gideon had a hard time concentrating on the bishop’s message. Christmas was supposed to be a joyful occasion, but he wasn’t in the holiday spirit, even with the pleasure of seeing a few snowflakes falling this morning. Going to church and celebrating with his family afterward wasn’t the same without Mandy. He’d called her the night before to wish her a Merry Christmas, but like before, she was busy and couldn’t talk long. She’d been polite, of course, and explained they had company at the B&B, but it almost seemed as if she was looking for an excuse not to talk to him.

  Maybe I’m being paranoid. With Mandy so far away and me not knowing when she’s coming home, it’s easy to conjure things up in my mind that may not even be true. I miss her so much, I can’t think straight anymore.

  The bench Gideon sat upon seemed more uncomfortable than usual. Or was it only because he felt so miserable? Scooching around to find a comfortable position didn’t help, nor did stretching his legs out in front of him.

  He sighed and instinctively reached up to touch the small indentation on his right cheek, caused from scratching an infected pox. This was not going to be one of his better Christmases.

  Kapaa

  “I’m glad we were able to go to church today,” Ellen whispered as she and Mandy took seats in the sanctuary. “But it would have been nice if Luana and Makaio could have come with us.”

  “They wanted to, but Makaio still isn’t doing well with his crutches, so he figured it would be better to stay home.”

  Ellen’s stomach tensed as she heard the word home. Every year she looked forward to spending Christmas with her family. Not being with them today was heartbreaking. She turned to her friend. “Do you think he’s ever going to be well enough to help Luana again so we can go home?”

  “Of course he will. But is going home all you ever think about?” Mandy’s brows furrowed. “Can’t you enjoy our time here on Kauai for as long as it lasts?”

  Ellen bristled. “The things you say shock me sometimes. It’s Christmas, Mandy, and I miss my family. You should miss your family, too.”

  “How can you even suggest such a thing?” A pained expression gathered on Mandy’s face, and then she lowered her head. “I do miss everyone back home, but I’m trying to make the best of our situation.” She slowly lifted her head. “And what about Luana? Would you want to leave her in a bind? I would hope not. It isn’t the way we were taught.”

  “No, of course not. I only meant—”

  “Shh. It’s time to get quiet.” Mandy motioned to the front, where the worship team had assembled.

  The pastor stepped up to the podium and tapped on the microphone. The sound boomed through the speakers. Startled, many people jumped.

  Red-faced, he grinned sheepishly. “Sorry. I didn’t mean for that to happen. Would everyone please stand for a word of prayer?”

  Luana sat on the sofa, gazing at the twinkling lights on their Christmas tree. Makaio was asleep in his recliner, with his Bible in his lap. He’d had a restless night, and soon after they’d read scripture together this morning, his eyelids had grown heavy. It was all right. He needed his rest. Luana’s only regret was they couldn’t go to church with Ellen and Mandy. Makaio was disappointed, too, and had become impatient, complaining about not being able to climb a ladder to decorate the outside of the house with colored lights.

  She understood her husband’s edginess. After six weeks of wearing the cast, he had been excited to get the thing off. But when he’d seen the doctor two days ago, he was told he would need to wear it another two weeks to be sure the leg healed properly. Luana never let on, but she’d been hopeful for Makaio. Eight weeks was a long time to be wearing a cast.

  She leaned her head back and let her mind drift to the many Christmases she’d spent as a young girl on the Big Island. Some years, her parents got together with other family members in one of their homes. Other times, they would gather at one of the beaches for a picnic. Anywhere with her loved ones felt like home.

  She laughed faintly, thinking about her uncle Randy. He always showed up wearing a shell lei around his neck and a Santa hat on his head. Of course, he made sure it was his job to hand out all the Christmas presents to the children who were there. He used to tell them stories about how Santa Claus rode in a red canoe pulled by dolphins, and then they all sang, “Here comes Santa in a Red Canoe.” Songs such as “Christmas in Hawaii” and the Hawaiian version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” were accompanied by ukulele or a guitar.

  As soon as Ailani and Oke came over and Mandy and Ellen returned from church, they would share a meal. Afterward, if Makaio felt up to it, he would play his ukulele while they sang Christmas songs for their holiday gathering.

  Sighing, Luana stood and headed for the kitchen. The tantalizing smell of ham slowly heating in the oven reached her nose and caused her stomach to growl. It was tradition to have coconut pudding for dessert, but instead, she’d made a pineapple upside-down cake.

  I’ll miss those young Amish women when they return to the mainland, Luana thought. Even though she hadn’t known them long, they’d become almost like family to her. Maybe someday, if we can find someone to take over the bed-and-breakfast for a few weeks, we can go to Indiana to meet Mandy and Ellen’s families. Visiting Amish country would be an interesting way to spend a vacation. We’d have to make sure we went during the warm summer months, because I don’t think I could get used to the cold or snow.

  “Who’s ready for dessert?” Luana asked, carrying a pineapple-upside-down cake into the living room shortly after their afternoon meal.

  Oke smacked his lips. “It looks ‘ono,”

  “I agree. It does look delicious.”

  Ellen turned her head and gave Mandy a strange look. “You understood what ‘ono means?”

  Mandy smiled. “In addition to the Hawaiian Makaio’s taught me, Ken’s also shared a few more words and phrases.”

  “I should have guessed.” Ellen got up from her chair. “Would you like some help serving the cake, Luana?”

  “I can manage, but if you’d like to bring in the coffee and hot tea, I’d appreciate it.”

  “I’ll come with you.” Mandy hopped up and followed Ellen into the kitchen. Then she tapped Ellen’s shoulder. “What did you mean in there, when you said you should have guessed Ken taught me some Hawaiian words?”

  Ellen picked up the teapot and turned to face her. “I only meant that since you’ve been seeing him so much lately, I wasn’t surprised he’d taught you to say the Hawaiian word. Why are you so touchy?”

  “It’s the way you sounded, I guess. Ken’s been very helpful, and he’s become a good friend. And may I remind you, he’s been kind to you, too.” She set the coffeepot on a tray and got out the cups. “I never expected when we began our trip to Hawaii that I’d come to understand so many Hawaiian words, much less learn how to swim. I didn’t think I’d ever conquer my fear of the water, but I’m grateful to Ken for making it happen.”

  Ellen gave her a hug. “Believe me, I’m happy for you. Getting over your fear of the water was a huge step. Trusting Ken to teach
you how to swim was even greater. Now when we go on picnics during warmer weather at home, we can swim in the pond near the back of my folks’ property. I’m looking forward to enjoying the summer months next year.”

  “Jah, and I can’t wait to surprise my brothers.”

  A knock sounded on the back door, so Mandy went to answer it. She was surprised to see Ken on the lanai, holding a large paper sack.

  “Mele Kalikimaka.” Grinning, Ken stepped inside. “I come bearing gifts.”

  “Merry Christmas to you, too.” Mandy’s heartbeat picked up speed, as it always did when she was with Ken. “I’ll tell Luana and Makaio you’re here, and that you’ve brought gifts for them.”

  Ken set the sack on the table. “The presents are for you and Ellen. Since this is your first Christmas on Kauai, and you’re no doubt missing home, I wanted to do something special for you.”

  “Mahalo. It was a thoughtful gesture.” Mandy looked at Ellen, raising her eyebrows to stress her point of Ken being good to Ellen, too.

  Ellen moved over to the table. “Yes, thank you, Ken, for thinking of us.”

  Mandy felt bad when he pulled two wrapped packages from the bag. “I wish I had something to give you.”

  “Your friendship is the only gift I need.” Ken’s sincere smile nearly melted Mandy’s heart.

  “Go ahead, open it.” He handed her one of the gifts and gave the other one to Ellen.

  Mandy’s fingers trembled as she tore the wrapping paper off and opened the box. Her breath caught in her throat when she discovered a framed photo of a gorgeous sunrise. “Oh, Ken, did you take this picture?”

  “Sure did.” He beamed.

  Mandy wanted to shout at the top of her lungs how much she appreciated the gift, but she spoke softly instead. “It’s wonderful. Thank you so much.”

  “You’re welcome.” Ken pointed to the other present. “Ellen, your gift is almost the same, except it’s a sunset. I took them both the same day.”

  Smiling, Ellen opened her gift. “Thank you, Ken. Now when we go home, we’ll have another slice of Hawaii to take with us, along with the coral you found for us on the beach.”

  I wish I didn’t have to go home, Mandy thought for the umpteenth time. But at least I’ll have the picture the woman at the falls took of Ken and me. I’ll keep it hidden in one of my drawers to remind me of what I’m missing.

  Chapter 24

  I’m glad my husband got his cast off yesterday,” Luana commented as she, Mandy, and Ellen got breakfast ready for their guests the second Saturday of January. “Unfortunately, he’s like a crab with sore pinchers, because now he’s faced with several weeks of physical therapy. He commented right away in the doctor’s office how nice it was to finally have it off.” Her forehead creased. “That man of mine grinned and said, ‘Now I can scratch where I couldn’t before, and it feels so good to have that added weight gone.’”

  “Hopefully, it won’t be long before his leg is good as new.” Ellen placed a pitcher of pineapple juice on the tray, which she set on the table.

  Mandy glanced at the calendar, wondering how much longer it would be before Makaio could resume his duties at the B&B. She wanted his leg to get better, but oh, how she would miss this wonderful place. In all her life she’d never been anywhere like Kauai, where she felt such peace.

  “How are your swimming lessons going?” Luana asked, scattering Mandy’s thoughts.

  “Fairly well.” Mandy smiled. “I’m getting more confident in the water and can even do the sidestroke and tread water a bit. Oh, and I’m getting used to putting my face under water, which is one thing I could never imagine being able to do. My family back home will be surprised at this accomplishment. They’ve tried to coax me to try swimming, but I’ve always refused.”

  Luana stirred the steaming eggs she’d begun cooking in a large frying pan. “If anyone could teach you to swim and feel confident in the water, it would be Ken. Besides being a good swimmer himself, he’s kind and patient.”

  Mandy agreed wholeheartedly. Ken had never once pushed her to do anything she didn’t feel comfortable with. He seemed to spread kindness to everyone he met.

  “Are you two looking forward to the luau Ken is taking you to tonight?” Luana asked as she filled a platter with scrambled eggs.

  “I certainly am.” Excitement bubbled in Mandy’s chest. “It should be quite interesting.”

  Ellen, looking less enthused, placed a pitcher of orange juice on the platter beside the pineapple juice. “I had planned to stay here and write some letters to family back home, but Mandy and Ken talked me into going.”

  “You won’t be sorry.” Luana stepped to the middle of the kitchen and did a little dance. “You’ll see hula dancers, a fire dancer, and lots more great entertainment. And the food at a luau is downright delicious.” Her eyes sparkled.

  Watching Luana, Mandy and Ellen both giggled. “Did you ever hula dance?” Mandy asked.

  “When I was a little girl I used to practice dancing in front of my bedroom mirror; with the door closed, of course. Then, during my teen years I took lessons and got pretty good, if I do say so myself.” Luana chuckled and did a few hand motions to one side and then the other.

  Mandy looked forward to attending the event, but even more, she was eager to spend time with Ken again.

  Shipshewana, Indiana

  Saturday was Gideon’s day off, and he’d been running errands for his mother all morning. It was twelve o’clock and time to stop for lunch.

  After entering the café inside Yoder’s Complex and placing his order at the counter, he spotted Barbara sitting by herself. Stepping up to her table, he placed his hand gently on her shoulder. “Mind if I join ya, or is this seat taken?”

  Turning her head quickly, Barbara gasped. “Ach, Gideon, I hadn’t realized you were here.”

  “I’ve been running errands for my mamm this morning and decided to stop for something to eat. Sorry if I startled you.” He gestured to the empty chair. “Is it okay if I sit at your table?”

  She smiled. “I’d be pleased if you joined me.”

  Gideon took a seat. “Have you eaten already?” He noted she only had a glass of iced tea in front of her.

  “No, I’m waiting for my order.” She rested her hands on the table.

  “Same here. I just put mine in.” Gideon leaned forward. “Were you shopping, too?”

  “Jah. I was looking for a birthday present for my sister Fern.”

  “Any luck?”

  Barbara nodded before taking a sip of her drink. “I found a puzzle for her, featuring a beautiful black horse. All she talks about is raising horses when she grows up.”

  “It’s good Fern knows what she wants, especially at her young age.”

  “I like horses, too, but not enough to raise them.”

  “Same here, although I’ve never considered giving up my job to do something like that. It would be an adventure.”

  “It certainly would.” Barbara smiled.

  Gideon sat quietly, suddenly at a loss for words.

  “Have you heard anything from Mandy lately?” Barbara asked.

  “I had a conversation with her on Christmas Eve. She was busy, though, so we didn’t talk long.” Gideon’s posture sagged. “I can’t help wondering if she’s forgotten what we had. If a girl cares for a guy, she should be eager to talk to him.” Frowning, he placed his straw hat on the table.

  “Mandy may have been busy. There’s a lot involved in running a bed-and-breakfast. No doubt she and Ellen have plenty of work to do.” Barbara reached over and touched Gideon’s arm.

  “I suppose, but she can’t be working all the time. You’d think on Christmas Eve…” Gideon’s voice trailed off when both his and Barbara’s meals were brought to the table. Was there any point in talking about this right now? It wouldn’t change the facts. He appreciated Barbara’s sympathy, but he wasn’t sure she fully understand how badly he felt.

  “Why don’t we stop for a bite to eat?” S
adie suggested when she and her mother finished shopping at Yoder’s Hardware.

  “Good idea,” Mom responded warmly. “I’m hungerich.”

  When they entered the restaurant, they placed their orders, then moved into the room where all the tables were set up. Sadie glanced at a table on the other side of the room and drew in a sharp breath. Gideon and Barbara sat together, and Barbara’s hand was on his arm. What? Why are they here together? Her skin tingled as she wondered how Mandy would feel about this.

  “Go ahead and find a table, Mom. Anywhere is fine with me. I’m going over to say hello to Gideon and Barbara, but I’ll join you soon.”

  “Oh, okay. Don’t be too long, though. I’m sure our food will be here shortly.”

  Sadie hurried across the room and stopped in front of her friend’s table. When she said hello, Barbara pulled her hand away from Gideon’s arm and stared at her with a wide-eyed expression.

  “I’m surprised to see you,” Sadie said. “Don’t you usually work at the quilt-and-fabric shop most Saturdays?”

  Barbara nodded. “I worked this morning, but surprisingly, things were slow, so Peggy said I could take the afternoon off.”

  Sadie glanced at Gideon. “Have you heard anything from Mandy recently?”

  “Talked with her briefly on Christmas Eve but haven’t heard from her since. How about you?”

  “No. My plan was to call her on Christmas Day, but we had a big family gathering and time got away from me.”

  “The last time I spoke with Mandy was yesterday.” Barbara spoke up. “She told me she’s been learning to swim. She also mentioned that she and Ellen would be attending a luau this evening.”

  Gideon looked at Barbara and frowned. “Guess you were wrong about her workin’ all the time.” He leaned his elbows on the table. “I’m happy she’s learned to swim, but Mandy seems like she has plenty of time for all kinds of things—except talking to me.”