Priscilla's Escape

by Diane Craver

  While Olivia gave her mother a searching look, she said in a loud whisper, “Can we tell Priscilla our news?”

  Madison laughed. “I think we better now. We are expecting a baby.”

  “I’m going to be a big sister. Next summer, you’ll have two children to watch.” Olivia clapped her hands. “I can’t wait until the baby is here.”

  “Congratulations. I can’t even tell you’re pregnant.” Priscilla wasn’t sure about being a nanny again because she missed Stephen. When she left Fields Corner, she hadn’t expected to have such strong feelings for him. He must feel the same way, since he was making a long road trip to see her. He’d thought about taking a bus to Pinecraft instead of driving himself. Then he said it’d be nice to have a car, so they could do some sightseeing and drive to restaurants. It would be too hot to walk anywhere during the day. Oh my gosh, she was getting spoiled having air conditioning in the beach house. She remembered Stephen said his car was air conditioned.

  Madison touched her stomach. “I have a little baby bump already.”

  “When is the baby due?”

  “The baby’s due in December. It’s going to be such a marvelous Christmas with a new baby.” Madison gave Olivia a hug. “Our baby will be blessed to have you for a sister.”

  “I don’t care if the baby is a boy, but a sister will be nice too.” Olivia made crunching sounds as she ate her chips. “Hey, maybe you’ll have twins. One boy and one girl.”

  Madison winked at Olivia. “I’m pretty sure there is just one baby.”

  “I talked to my sister Molly last night,” Priscilla said. “She is expecting in December, and my sister-in-law Violet is also pregnant. She’s due in November.”

  “One advantage for all of us pregnant women due in the colder months is the weather will be more comfortable when our bodies have higher temperatures.” Madison pushed her long hair away from her face.

  “I’m happy because I’ll be home for two weeks in December for my school break.” Olivia slurped her lemonade through her straw.

  Priscilla grinned at Olivia. “You’re so smart to think about your break when you haven’t even started school.”

  “I went to preschool and we had a long break for the holidays. Does your school have a long Christmas vacation?” Olivia asked.

  “Nee, we don’t. Amish children never even get a whole week off, but our teachers give a half-day off for Christmas Eve, a full day for Christmas Day and Second Christmas. We spend both days of Christmas with our families and friends.” Priscilla laughed, noticing Oliva’s surprised look at Second Christmas. “We need two days for Christmas because the Amish have large families. Christmas Day is for one side of the family, and the next day is for the other side of the family. It’d be hard to do all the visiting with loved ones on one day.”

  “That’s interesting. I didn’t realize you had something called Second Christmas.” Madison dipped a strawberry into the dip. “It’s a great way to spend time with everyone in your family.”

  “Ya, it is.” Priscilla thought of something Olivia might like to learn about their school during the holiday season. “Our scholars . . .” Her voice trailed off at Olivia’s puzzled glance. “We call the students scholars in our Amish schools. There is a Christmas program each year in our schoolhouse. The program usually includes a play of the Christmas story, and the parents, grandparents, and siblings are invited.”

  Olivia was quiet for a moment as she ate her sandwich. Priscilla wondered if the little girl was interested in learning more about their Plain school.

  “I hope my class will get to sing and have a Christmas program,” Olivia said. “I love to sing.”

  “You have a pretty voice.” A thought popped into Priscilla’s head, that Mitch probably never celebrated Christmas, or at least not with his Jewish parents. She wondered if Heidi was Jewish too. When she heard Madison mention the family picture, Priscilla realized that she’d better focus on listening.

  “Jason and I have talked about not having a family painting done now,” Madison said. “That will save me time, and I can work more on my book. And you’ll have more time to do your own paintings.”

  In a way, Priscilla was relieved, but a little bit of her felt disappointed. She hoped it wasn’t because they didn’t think she could do a good job for them. “Okay, but if you change your mind, I’ll be happy to do it. I need to ask your opinion about something. Mitch suggested to Heidi that my paintings could be included when she has her art show. Heidi wants the gallery owner, Sabrina, to see my paintings. I don’t know if I should, because I think Heidi should have the show for just her artwork.”

  “It sounds like Heidi doesn’t mind, since she wants Sabrina to see your work,” Madison said. “It’s nice that Sabrina is interested in representing Heidi. She usually only represents well-established artists.”

  “Heidi did mention having my Amish paintings sent to me. She thought Sabrina should see them too. Stephen is going to bring them when he comes for my birthday.”

  A worried expression crossed Madison’s face. “When is the art show? Is it soon?”

  “I’m not sure,” Priscilla said. “I’m assuming it’s before I leave, since Mitch mentioned it and knows I’m leaving the middle of August.” I should’ve asked Heidi for the date. It won’t make sense to have Molly get the paintings in my bedroom if the event is held after I leave Siesta Key.

  Madison cleared her throat. “I hope it’s before August if you decide to have your work in the art show. There’s something I need to tell you.”

  Oh no, maybe Madison wants me to go home when Stephen comes for my birthday. I’m doing a lot, so she can write, but I did hear Madison talk to another mother about setting up a play date with her daughter for Olivia. That could be a way for her to have time to write without Olivia.

  Madison frowned. “When I hired you, I expected I’d need you for the two months, but with my pregnancy and missing Jason, I’m hoping to get done before the two months. Jason is already getting tired of traveling on weekends. I’m hoping I can shave two weeks off and get it emailed early to Andrea. Once she gets the editing done, I can do the revisions at home. Hopefully, there won’t be many corrections and changes needed. I’ll pay you for the two months if I get done early.”

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  “It’s only right. You have been wonderful, and I’m glad you came.” Madison exhaled a deep breath. “I don’t know if I can do it. The good thing is I’m not getting as exhausted as I did with my first pregnancy.”

  Olivia scooted her chair close to Madison. “Mommy, Priscilla can go with us to our home in Ohio. I want her to see my bedroom.”

  Madison smiled. “I think you have made a friend for life, Priscilla.” She squeezed her daughter’s hand. “That’s a great suggestion, Olivia. Priscilla is always welcome at our house. She can come anytime to visit us.”

  “You should come to see me in Fields Corner too,” Priscilla said. Daed shouldn’t complain. Molly’s English friend Nicole visited her frequently. She’d even been present when Molly had given birth to Grace. Beth enjoyed her friendship with Chloe, another Englisher.

  If Madison and Olivia did visit Priscilla, would her parents mention that they never gave permission for her to be a nanny? Guilt hit her hard at realizing how she’d disobeyed her parents, but also Madison hadn’t suspected that she’d lied by omission. As her employer and friend, Madison had no clue that Priscilla’s parents were not happy she was living with Englishers and working for them. Even if she told her parents that she seldom watched their television in the living room, it wouldn’t make a bit of difference. There were many wonderful conveniences with having electricity in a house. Would the conveniences become too important to her? Using the microwave to save time was nice when preparing certain dishes. Being able to charge her cell phone in the beach house was a definite plus instead of going to the library to charge it. Fields Corner’s library had a charging station, so when she’d worked at the fabric s
tore, she’d taken time to charge it at the library. As much as she’d been talking with Stephen, she couldn’t imagine having to find a spot to charge her phone daily.

  Cell phones were not to be used often. Her daed and the ministers finally approved them for emergencies. Judith Hershberger had called 911 when her twin brothers, Matthew and Noah, had fallen through the ice at Ruth Yoder’s pond. Without her cell phone, Matthew might have died. Jacob Weaver had only been able to get Noah out of the water before the firefighters had arrived. The spiritual leaders emphasized only using cell phones when disasters or accidents occurred. Violet and the other midwife, Ada, had cell phones so expecting mothers could call quickly when they went into labor.

  Phones were also allowed in Amish businesses, but otherwise a Plain family could only have a landline phone in the barn or in a small building called a phone shanty. An answering machine was next to the landline phone so that calls could be returned. That way, family life was not interrupted by a ringing phone in the house.

  Although she’d tried to keep her cell phone a secret from her family, Priscilla’s father had probably suspected she had one before she’d left home. Maybe that was another reason he’d told Sarah she could no longer work at the fabric store. Someone might have seen her charging her phone at the library, but if that was the case, it seemed like he would’ve told her that she didn’t need a cell phone.

  I haven’t been truthful about several things, but apparently Daed keeps things to himself and has a secret. I wish Molly had told me what it is. He must have told her, and maybe everyone else in our family. If I call home, will I learn what Daed’s secret is? Will he tell me?

  Sadness filled her heart. It was doubtful he would. He loved her siblings more than he did her, especially Sadie. Priscilla had noticed how he looked at her paintings like it pained him. If her talent had been sewing like Molly, or another talent more suited to their way of life, would he love her as much as he did the others?

  No, I won’t call him. It hurts he hasn’t taken time to write to me.

  Isn’t a father’s love supposed to be unconditional?

  Chapter Seventeen

  The next day, Priscilla had second thoughts about asking Molly to pick up a few of her Amish paintings. How would her daed react when he heard she might have her work displayed in an English art studio? It would not be a good reaction, she thought. Sure, her work was purchased frequently by non-Amish who visited their small town and attended their fundraisers, but it wasn’t on display with an English artist. When Mitch had told her about the possibility, she had dismissed it as never happening. It would seem she was being prideful to have her paintings displayed in an art gallery. Pride was a sin.

  I need to call Molly and tell her to forget about getting my paintings. I’ll tell Heidi that I’m not interested in having Sabrina look at my work. It’s early in the morning, but Jonathan might be in the barn.

  After the phone in their barn rang a few times, Jonathan answered.

  “Hi, Jonathan. How are you doing?”

  “I’m doing okay. I’m leaving soon for work. Is everything okay with you?”

  “Ya, it is. I’m calling because I asked Molly last night to get my paintings to send with Stephen.” Priscilla figured Jonathan knew that Stephen planned to drive to Florida to see her, so she didn’t need to waste time mentioning that. “Could you tell Molly not to get my paintings? I changed my mind.”

  “I’ll tell her. Ach, wait. My schee wife just entered the barn. She must miss me already. Hold on.”

  Priscilla could hear Jonathan tell Molly that she was on the phone. Then there was a long enough silence that she wondered if Molly would come to the phone anytime soon. She needed to start breakfast and make the coffee. Madison liked to drink another cup of coffee after she wrote for a couple of hours early in the morning. Her first cup was quickly made in the Keurig, but Madison liked her other coffeemaker the best with the bean grinder. She said that the coffee made in it tasted better to her.

  “Hi, Priscilla,” Molly said. “I timed this right coming to the barn now. Jonathan forgot his lunch, so I was glad to see he hadn’t left for work.”

  Priscilla chuckled. “I suppose you two were smooching while I waited for you to come to the phone.” When she heard Molly’s laughter, Priscilla knew she’d been right about the kissing.

  “You know us too well.” Molly’s voice became serious as she continued, “I am blessed to have such a wunderbaar-gut husband and kinner. It’s too bad Jonathan doesn’t have a single, younger bruder for you. Ach, what am I thinking. Stephen is certainly smitten with you. He seems nice, but I hope he joins our church.”

  Should I mention that neither of us is sure about joining? No, not a great time to get into it. “Hey, I better get to why I called.”

  “Here, I thought you were calling to talk to your favorite sister.”

  “Of course, that’s one reason, but I changed my mind about you picking up my pictures. I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to participate in the art show. There’s always a chance the gallery owner won’t be interested, but I know for me to agree to it would seem prideful.”

  “I don’t think it will seem that way. You never brag about your talent, and you always share some of the money you make with your family and the church fund.”

  “I’ve already disappointed Daed. Getting my paintings will not help our relationship.”

  “If you change your mind, I’ll be happy to get them for Stephen. You have a little time to think about it some more.”

  “Danki, Molly. I’ll pray about it. I better go. I need to get breakfast started and I know you’re busy too.” As much as Priscilla wanted to ask Molly more about their father’s secret, she couldn’t spare the time. Madison and Olivia would be coming soon to eat breakfast.

  “One more thing before we hang up,” Molly said. “Please pray that Jonathan will quit being a firefighter. I hoped he would quit after falling through a burning roof, but he hasn’t. If he doesn’t, I’m thinking of starting a prayer group with the other spouses, so that we can pray for the firefighters.”

  “I hope he quits. I’ll be sure to pray about it. Stephen isn’t sure he wants to join, but I have heard a few other Amish men are considering it. Maybe if others join, Jonathan will quit. He won’t feel he’s needed as much.”

  After they ended their conversation, Priscilla quickly returned the phone to its holder. She was glad Madison also had a landline phone. She liked saving her minutes when she talked to Stephen each night. As she poured water into the coffeemaker, Priscilla wondered if Stephen would decide to become a firefighter. The last time they’d talked about it, he’d seemed a little interested, but was unsure.

  The morning hours flew by with doing several loads of laundry. Priscilla was glad she got the washing done. After she threw the clothes in the dryer, Olivia asked if she had time to read a book to her. If Priscilla had been at home doing laundry, she would’ve hung the laundry on their clothesline, and wouldn’t have time to read to a child. Line drying gave clothes a summer-fresh smell, but it was nice to have an electric dryer to use.

  In the afternoon, Madison decided to take Olivia to the beach because she needed a break from writing. She said to Priscilla, “It’s too pretty a day to write. I want to spend time with my favorite munchkin. And I feel like I accomplished a lot this morning.” Madison squeezed Priscilla’s shoulder. “It helps that I have a wonderful nanny. I know Olivia is in good hands while I’m working.”

  “I love being here with you and Olivia.”

  Madison took two bottles of water out of the refrigerator. “We will order take-out this evening, or if you want to see Hannah, I can pay for a driver. I want you to enjoy the rest of the day.”

  “Danki. You’re the greatest boss ever.” Priscilla grinned at Madison first, then Olivia. “I might see if Hannah wants to do something this evening, but I’m sure you know what I want to do this afternoon.”

  Olivia looked adorable wearing purple sho
rts with a lavender T-shirt. Earlier in the day, Priscilla had fixed Olivia’s hair in a French braid.

  Olivia rolled her eyes. “You want to paint. I bet you’d paint in your sleep if you could.”

  Raising her hand, Priscilla touched her chin. “That’s a great idea. I wonder if I could paint while I sleep.”

  The little girl shook her head. “I was kidding. Hey, Mommy, let’s take snacks with us to the beach. The water makes me hungry.”

  While they discussed which snacks would taste good, Priscilla ran up the stairs to her bedroom. She wouldn’t change the jean capris and T-shirt she wore. Recently, Hannah had told Priscilla she had a dream job. Her employer loaned her clothes and gave her time off to paint, and she had a gorgeous view of the beach from her bedroom window. After she grabbed her paint supplies and easel, she left her room. When she saw Madison and Olivia appearing on the bottom steps, she waited before starting down.

  “We’re going to put swimsuits on,” Olivia said, as she continued climbing the stairs.

  “Sounds like a good plan. Which suit are you going to wear today?” Priscilla asked.

  “I think my Elsa one.”

  “That’s a gut choice.” Priscilla moved so they could walk pass her. That reminded her how Olivia had an Elsa doll because she loved the movie Frozen, but she’d been thinking about buying her an Amish doll before she left Siesta Key to go back home. She should be able to buy one in one of the stores in Sarasota or Pinecraft. Hopefully, they would have dolls with faces. Although faceless Amish dolls were popular with tourists, she and her sisters grew up having dolls with faces.

  Olivia put her small hands on her hips. “Could you paint me sometime while I’m playing on the beach?”

  “Ya, I will.” Priscilla remembered how disappointed Olivia had looked when her mother said they’d changed their minds about having her paint a family portrait. “We can get started next week. I want to finish a scene I just began painting.”