Priscilla's Escape

by Diane Craver

  Priscilla sat on a bench and removed the wrapping paper. It was a book about digital photography. After she leafed through several pages, she looked into Mitch’s intense brown eyes. “Danki, Mitch. This is amazing. How did you know I got a camera for my birthday?”

  He smiled. “I asked Hannah what I should get you. She didn’t say to get you a book but mentioned what Stephen had gotten you.”

  As Heidi stared at Mitch, she bit her lower lip. “If Stephen and you ever break up, Mitch will be there to hold your hand.”

  Stephen appeared by her side, frowning. “What’s this about holding hands?”

  “Heidi was making a joke. It’s nothing,” Priscilla blurted out in one quick breath. “I love all my birthday gifts and my party.”

  “You didn’t have a gift to unwrap from me because my presence is my gift to you,” Tobias said, as he and Hannah joined them.

  At Tobias’ deadpan glance, Priscilla rolled her eyes at him.

  Everyone laughed, releasing the tension.

  * * *

  Once back at the inn, all four of them carried the leftover refreshments to the kitchen. As Hannah made room in the huge stainless-steel refrigerator for the food, she said, “We have plenty of lunchmeat, bread, and cheese for sandwiches tomorrow. We should have a picnic lunch before we go to the beach. I guess I overestimated, but it’s better to have too much food than not enough.”

  “We should get some strawberries and other fruit to take on our picnic,” Priscilla said. “The produce market at Yoder’s is full of fresh fruits and vegetables.”

  “I’m hungry. I’ll make a sandwich now. Anyone else want one? I’ll make them,” Tobias offered.

  “No, thanks, but I’ll grab a few cookies to eat on the patio.” Stephen put several on a paper plate. He turned away from the kitchen counter and winked at Priscilla. “That is, if you aren’t too tired from playing volleyball.”

  Priscilla chuckled. “I’m not too tired. I’d like to go to the patio.”

  Once they were outside, Stephen pulled a chair away from the table for Priscilla. “Danki,” she murmured. “It’s such a lovely night. Look at all the stars.”

  “It is a beautiful night, but not as beautiful as you.” Stephen wouldn’t be surprised if Tobias decided to join them outside when he finished making his sandwich. He better talk fast about what was troubling him. “I notice that I’m not the only one feeling this way about you.”

  She picked up a chocolate chip cookie. “Sadie makes the best cookies. I’ll call her tomorrow to thank her.” After a pause, she continued, “I noticed Mitch bothered you, but I’m not interested in him. I wish he would pay attention to Heidi. She cares about him so much.”

  “Maybe you should go home with me. Mitch seems nice enough, but I still don’t trust him around you.” When he saw a flash of intensity in her blue eyes, Stephen knew she didn’t like his suggestion.

  “I can’t. I need to honor my agreement with Madison. I also should be here for the art exhibit.”

  “I can bring you back for it.”

  “Nothing is going to happen between Mitch and me,” she said firmly. “I wish I could go home with you. I miss everyone, but July should go fast. You’ll be busy with your job and working on your farm. And I’ll be taking care of Olivia and other things.”

  Stephen exhaled a deep breath. “I hope the other things won’t include walks on the beach with Mitch.”

  “He should be leaving soon to work in his father’s law office.”

  “That’s good he has a job to go to.” I hope Priscilla’s right and Mitch will leave Sarasota soon, Stephen thought. Suddenly Tobias stood next to him. “Geez, I didn’t hear you come out.”

  His friend remained standing, holding a platter of several sandwiches. “Is it okay I join you two? I’ll turn my head if you want to kiss.”

  Stephen chuckled. “You can stay if one of those sandwiches is for me.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  “I’m sorry I didn’t call yesterday. I hope you had a wonderful birthday,” Violet said.

  “I did,” Priscilla replied. “The surprise party was so much fun. And Luke called yesterday. He said you were busy delivering babies at the birthing center.” Priscilla slid the last dirty breakfast plate in the dishwasher. She’d offered to clean the kitchen before they went to the beach. Hannah had gone upstairs to clean bedrooms and bathrooms while the guests were out for the morning. Naomi and Lester had left to go to the grocery store.

  “Yes, three babies were born on your birthday.” Violet sighed. “I’m glad I have today off. Luke told me to take it easy. He’s such a sweetheart, but enough about us. How’s Stephen?”

  Priscilla glanced out the kitchen window and smiled. Stephen and Tobias were outside on the patio drinking coffee. “He told me on the beach he loves me. I love him too.”

  Violet shrieked. “That is awesome.”

  “I haven’t told anyone else. Well, I did tell Hannah. I know it seems fast, but we have talked on the phone daily and we have a lot in common.” Stephen had written her a couple of romantic letters, too, but she didn’t need to share everything with Violet.

  “Hey, I knew your brother was the one for me quickly. The only problem for me was joining the Amish church.”

  “Do you have any regrets? You had to give up a lot to marry Luke.” Priscilla couldn’t imagine being raised English, and then going without electricity. In a short time, she’d enjoyed being in the beach house with all its electrical appliances and air conditioning. It must’ve been such an adjustment for Violet to leave the world she knew so well. She’d even gone to college, but that had turned out to be a blessing.

  “I don’t regret becoming Amish, except sometimes I wish I could drive a car again. I do miss that at times when I have to go out late at night to deliver a baby. I don’t feel safe in a buggy. Okay, I do miss air conditioning too. But I feel closer to God living a simpler life, so that is important to me. Are you asking because Stephen doesn’t want to take the baptism classes?”

  Priscilla cleared her throat. “Both of us aren’t sure. Before I came here, Daed pressured me to take the classes.”

  “I’m sorry. You should take as much time as you need to decide. You have to be completely sure and can’t be rushed.”

  “Daed called me a few days ago, and I was glad that he said I need to take time to decide. He also told me his secret. I can see why he gave it up, but I hope he’ll start painting again. I think talking to us about the rejection of his painting by his own father might help him heal. All these years, he had to feel something was missing. Unless he doesn’t have a passion for painting like I do. My life is out of whack when I don’t have time to paint.”

  “When Amos told you, I think that released a lot of strong emotions for him. It was helpful he told all of us, but I’m even happier that he called to tell you. It was especially important for both of you.”

  “Just think, if I hadn’t left home, my daed probably would have remained quiet about his painting.”

  “He has to have a lighter spirit now that he’s shared about his talent.”

  “I have one more question. How did you finally know you should join the Amish church? Did you hear a voice that you felt was from God telling you to become Amish? Or was your love so strong for Luke that you joined our church for him?”

  “When I was being held hostage by Eric inside Angela’s Restaurant, I saw that many buggies were lined up in a row right outside. It shocked me to see their support. For all they knew, Eric could’ve started shooting at them. Even though I was English, they were there for me. I felt them praying for my safety. Peace went through my body and I felt a bond with God and all my Amish friends. I’ll pray there will be a sign from God that will help you to decide which path to take in your faith.”

  Priscilla remembered that terrifying time and how Violet had been shot. “I’m thankful our prayers were answered and you survived. That seemed to be a turning point for my parents, too, when you took
the bullet meant for Luke. Daed and Mamm realized how strong your love was for Luke.”

  “Even before that happened, God was preparing me for an Amish life. I grew up visiting my Uncle David and Aunt Irene and cousins. My mom was close to her sister and their parents, and she wanted Adam and me to have a close relationship with our Amish relatives.”

  Carrie Robinson had gone through a lot of sadness when her parents, Esther and Jonas Troyer, had died in a buggy accident. Then, a short time later, Irene had suddenly died from a heart attack. Priscilla knew Violet had been close to her grandparents, which was probably another reason traveling in a buggy was a difficult time for her. “That’s great your mom hadn’t been baptized and wasn’t shunned. I bet your grandparents would have loved that you joined our church.”

  “I miss them, but I felt like they were with me in spirit when Luke and I married.”

  “Danki for answering my questions and for your prayers.”

  “Priscilla, one more thing. It has to feel right. I was absolutely sure I should commit, and it was the right decision for me.”

  “It should be easier for me because I grew up within an Amish family.” Priscilla laughed. “And I live in the same house with the bishop.”

  “Whenever you need to talk, I’ll be happy to listen, but I better get off here,” Violet said in a rush. “I hear a buggy in the driveway. It’s probably Rachel and Katie with Irene and Alice. I can’t wait to hold their sweet babies.” Violet’s voice brimmed with laughter. “Since I have the day off, they are visiting me to see if I am relaxing after my busy day yesterday.”

  “That’s nice they are checking up on you. Have a gut day. I love you, Violet.”

  “I love you too. I’m glad we had this chat. Goodbye.”

  After they ended the phone call, Priscilla thought how things fell into place for Violet once she decided to be baptized in their church. When she chose to be a midwife, it worked out so well with her continuing her college education to become a certified nurse-midwife. It was a career she could continue as a wife and mother. Usually, Amish women were expected to quit their jobs in the world once they became wives, or at least by the time the first baby arrived. Violet was an exception because she was the only one allowed to do home deliveries without a doctor present. Amish women liked having that option if they had home births. Violet’s cousin Rachel had opted to have Irene in the birthing center, but Katie had Alice at home.

  I wonder if Violet and Luke will have their baby at home. She’ll have to have a doctor present if she does. Anna can be the midwife for them, but she isn’t a nurse.

  When Stephen entered the kitchen, he said, “You look deep in thought.”

  “I just got off the phone with Violet. She called today since she didn’t get a chance to yesterday. It was good to talking with her.”

  Stephen walked to the sink and rinsed out his cup. Stepping close to her, he said, “Your coffee was appeditlich. I want to see if you taste better than your coffee.”

  Tingles of anticipation went through Priscilla as her eyes met his. Clasping her face between his hands, he pressed a kiss on her lips. His kiss sent her heart into a wild swirl. Butterflies plummeted in her stomach as she leaned in for another kiss.

  * * *

  “I’m glad Naomi didn’t need me this afternoon. This has been fun.” Hannah brushed sand off her legs.

  Priscilla thought how handsome and muscular Stephen looked in his blue swimming trunks. He’d already slipped a T-shirt on because he’d dried off while sunning. She deeply inhaled the salt air and smiled at her friends. The sand was warm against the soles of her feet. Fortunately, there was just enough breeze to offset the sun’s hot rays. “It’s great having you all here on the beach.”

  Stephen said, “It’s been a wonderful day. I loved swimming in the ocean.”

  “I hate to leave the beach, but I’m hungry,” Hannah said.

  Tobias nodded. “Me too.”

  Priscilla laughed. “You’re always hungry.”

  “You wolfed down a lot of our picnic lunch.” Stephen rolled his eyes at Tobias.

  Pulling a T-shirt over his head, Tobias said, “Hey, I carried the beach chairs out here. That took a lot of energy.”

  Hannah smoothed the skirt of her red bathing suit over her thighs. “It’s been perfect. We should come tomorrow afternoon after church.”

  Priscilla nodded. “We should do that.” She removed her white floppy hat, so she could pull her dress over her suit. “I’ve gotten enough sun for the day. I’m ready to go in. We can go eat somewhere. Does that sound okay to everyone?”

  After murmurs of agreement, they gathered up their chairs, small cooler of drinks, and towels. As they walked toward the house, Stephen said, “We could go to an Italian restaurant. There’s one not too far from here.”

  “That sounds yummy,” Priscilla said.

  Hannah said, “Priscilla, you should show Tobias your paintings while we’re here. I was telling him about them last night.”

  Priscilla grinned at Tobias. “There are only three paintings, so it won’t take long. I don’t want you to starve.”

  At the foot of the steps, there were beachside showers. They took turns rinsing the sand off their legs and feet. Then Tobias rinsed off the chairs. Their flip-flops were on the weathered shelf beyond the showers.

  Once by the door, Priscilla removed the house key from her tote bag. After entering the house, she said over her shoulder, “I have the paintings in Madison’s study. She told me I could keep the finished ones in there since she’s in Ohio.”

  They deposited the beach gear in the sunroom before continuing to the study.

  “I don’t see them. I don’t understand.” Panic rose inside her. She glanced around the room again, not believing her eyes. Why weren’t her paintings where she had left them? “They were in here on Thursday night when I showed them to Stephen.” Priscilla gave a quick glance at Hannah and the guys. “No one should have been here to move them.”

  Stephen put his hand on her shoulder. “Do you think Mitch has a key and he moved them? Or maybe he let Sabrina in to pick them up. She mentioned getting them soon.”

  She shook her head. “I don’t think Mitch has a key. And Sabrina would’ve told me if she got them.”

  Hannah gave her a reassuring look. “They have to be somewhere. I’ll go next door and talk to Mitch. I’ll check with him anyhow to see if he has a key.”

  “We should check the other rooms to see if they were moved,” Stephen said.

  Priscilla exhaled a deep breath. “Okay, I hope they are in another room, but I don’t see how that is even possible. I’ll go upstairs and look in my bedroom first.”

  Stephen followed her up the stairs while Tobias decided to look on the first floor.

  “Look carefully to see if anything else is missing.” Worry was etched on Stephen’s face. “Someone might have broken in here when they realized no one was here last night.”

  Priscilla opened the door to her bedroom’s walk-in closet. Although she knew her paintings would not be there, it wouldn’t hurt to look. It was easy to look because she didn’t have many clothes in the closet. All the oxygen left her body in a huge hissing sound, leaving her faint. Panic laced her words as she said, “They aren’t in here, and I doubt they are anywhere in the house. Ach, Stephen, someone must have stolen my paintings, but why would they do that? I’m not a well-known artist.”

  With a thoughtful expression, Stephen said, “I can think of one person, but I can’t imagine why she’d do that. If she did take them, it wasn’t smart of her. Do you think Heidi was unhappy that your paintings would be included in her art show?”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  “I’m sure I locked the door when we were here on Thursday night,” Priscilla said. “How could this happen?” She rubbed her forehead.

  Stephen saw the whiteness of her face and knew they had to figure out soon what happened to her paintings. “I remember you locking the door.” He wondered what w
as taking Hannah so long to come back from Mitch’s place. After they’d checked the rooms upstairs and Priscilla saw nothing else missing, they’d gone back to the first floor.

  Tobias said, “Maybe we should go to Mitch’s.”

  “Not necessary,” Hannah said, as she and Mitch entered the house. “Mitch doesn’t have a key.”

  Mitch said to Priscilla, “I’m so sorry about your paintings. I hate to accuse Grayson, but I wonder if he had something to do with them missing. He was hanging around here on Thursday night and gave me a lame excuse why he was. I watched him until he left. Grayson said he was going back to his girlfriend’s place on the beach. He lied. I called Heidi, and she said Grayson broke up with his girlfriend a few months ago.”

  Priscilla frowned. “I don’t see why he would because Sabrina has my Amish paintings. They will still be in the art show. He talked to me once when I was painting on the beach. I told him I thought the exhibit should only be for Heidi and her paintings. I guess he could be unhappy that I changed my mind.”

  “Grayson and Heidi have a close sibling relationship.” Uneasiness crossed Mitch’s face. “If he did take your paintings, he must have done it last night when we were all at your party.”

  Hannah said, “Maybe you should call Madison and tell her what happened.”

  Priscilla cringed. “I hate to call her that the house was broken into when I should’ve been here. She told me I could stay here. I should’ve listened to her. And Sabrina isn’t going to be happy.”

  “You should call the police about the robbery,” Mitch said.

  “Let’s wait and see if Grayson did take them,” Priscilla said. “If I can get them back, I won’t need to bother the police.”

  Tobias looked at Mitch. “It’s not our way to contact the police unless it’s for a serious crime.”