Priscilla's Escape

by Diane Craver

  It was Sunday afternoon, and they had attended church at the Pinecraft Amish and Mennonite Church. After the service and light lunch, Priscilla had asked Stephen to drive them to the beach house. She wanted to see Madison and Olivia. She’d received a call from Madison that she was back at the house. “You don’t have to worry. She’s sweet and easy to talk to.”

  “Okay.” Stephen stepped out of the car, then went around to other side to open the door for Priscilla.

  “I’m probably a bit more nervous than you,” Priscilla said as she stood beside Stephen.

  “Why’s that?” Stephen raked his hands through his dark brown hair. “Never mind. I guess because Elmer broke into their house. It might be a blessing that he did it, so they will get better locks or a security camera. It’d be terrible if it happened again and they couldn’t get their stuff back.”

  Priscilla heard Olivia squealing from the pool, so they headed toward the patio. As soon as Priscilla saw Madison sitting under the table umbrella, she smiled at her. “It’s gut to see you. Madison, I want you to meet Stephen.”

  Madison gave Stephen a warm and broad smile. “Hello, Stephen. It’s nice to meet you. I’m glad you came to visit Priscilla.”

  Priscilla noticed how Madison had a folder with loose papers in front of her on the glass table. Her reading glasses rested on the top of her blonde head. “Are you working? Is it okay if we visit with you for a moment?”

  Madison closed the folder. “I’m brainstorming a little for a new chapter, but it’s hard to with my noisy daughter and husband.” She pointed to Jason and Olivia splashing each other. “Look at those two.”

  It was obvious Madison didn’t mind the noise and looked happy. Priscilla didn’t want to ruin her employer’s mood by mentioning anything about Elmer. The break-in had upset Madison, or it seemed that way to Priscilla. She’d called Madison Saturday evening after Sabrina had dropped Stephen and her off at the bed and breakfast. Madison had asked her to call after their visit to Elmer’s house.

  “You two should go swimming. It’s a hot day.” Madison turned away from the pool to look at Priscilla and Stephen.

  Priscilla shook her head. “We’re going to meet Hannah and Tobias a little later and ride bikes.”

  “Or we might rent paddleboats,” Stephen said. “Hannah said that might be something different to do.”

  Olivia climbed out of the pool and grabbed a towel to dry off before giving Priscilla a hug. She wore a black and white swimsuit set, with a sequin heart on the top. “I missed you, Priscilla.”

  Hugging the little girl back, Priscilla said, “I missed you too.”

  Olivia touched one of Priscilla’s kapp strings. “You’re wearing your Amish clothing.”

  “Ya. Stephen and I went to the Amish church in Pinecraft.” Priscilla glanced at Stephen in his Plain clothing and thought how handsome he looked in his blue shirt and dark pants. She wondered if Olivia might ask about Stephen’s suspenders.

  “I like you the best in your prayer thing and dress.” Olivia gave Priscilla a serious gaze. “It’s you.”

  Madison’s eyebrows shot up at Olivia’s comment, but she remained quiet.

  “Hi, Priscilla,” Jason said. “When my little munchkin left, I got lonely in the pool.”

  Olivia giggled. “Oh, Daddy.”

  Jason shook Stephen’s hand. “I’m assuming you’re Stephen. It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Same here. You have a great family,” Stephen said.

  “I’m glad you were here when all the excitement happened. I’m sure it helped Priscilla.” Jason slipped on his flip-flops.

  Priscilla nodded. “I’m glad Stephen was with me. And Hannah and Tobias too.”

  “It’s wonderful how Sabrina handled it.” Madison twisted a lock of her hair around her finger.

  “I’m thirsty,” Olivia said.

  “I was just going to get the pitcher of lemonade.” Jason grabbed his daughter’s hand. “You can be my helper.”

  Jason gave a quick nod to Madison, then he and Olivia left. “That’s my cue to talk to you about what we decided,” Madison said.

  A rush of comprehension went through Priscilla. They must not be pleased with what happened while they were gone, she thought.

  “My parents want me to get a security camera and new locks installed. Jason’s going to call someone tomorrow.” Madison’s eyes finally met Priscilla’s. “I have what I hope is good news for you. Jason is staying here for a week, so he can watch Olivia while I write. You can go home with Stephen and—”

  “You want me to leave already?” Priscilla interrupted, shocked at Madison’s decision.

  Madison nodded. “I’ll give you an advance of two weeks’ pay. I’m sorry, I really had planned on staying here for two months to write when I hired you. I did mention to you recently that I wasn’t going to stay the full two months, but I’m sorry to spring this change on you. I want to be home with Jason.”

  What about the art show? She had already signed a contract with Sabrina. Priscilla cleared her throat. “I wasn’t expecting this. I should call Sabrina. I won’t be here for the art show.”

  “If Sabrina wants you in attendance, maybe you could fly here for it.”

  “We can only fly for medical emergencies,” Stephen said.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  “I can’t believe this,” Priscilla said as she and Stephen walked toward the beach. “I don’t understand. I never expected to be told that my job is done here already. Before Madison mentioned I wouldn’t be needed in August, and now suddenly my job ends.”

  “I’m sorry. I saw the hurt in your eyes. I know it isn’t the way you wanted it to end, but I’m glad you’re going home with us. I’ve missed you these past weeks.”

  After they placed their flip-flops on the shelf, and their feet touched the white sand, she grabbed Stephen’s hand. “The sand is so hot. Let’s run to the edge of the water.”

  After their feet hit the wet sand, Priscilla said, “Would it bother you if we leave Tuesday morning instead? I know you and Tobias have paid through Wednesday morning, but it seems like there isn’t any point in waiting to leave on the fourth. You and Tobias weren’t planning on staying for the fireworks anyhow. If we leave Tuesday morning, we can celebrate the fourth with our families.”

  “I’ll have to check with Tobias, but I’d rather leave on Tuesday. That’ll give me a full day at home before I go back to work.”

  “I’ll call my family tomorrow to let them know I’m going to be home soon.”

  “I’m sure they will be happy to have you back.”

  She stopped in her tracks. “I’m sorry you had to drive this far. I never had any suspicion that Madison planned to end her time here so soon.”

  Stephen drew her in his arms. “Don’t be sorry. I’ve loved being here with you . . . well, the paintings being stolen was awful. I still can’t believe Elmer took them.”

  “When you were talking with Jason, Madison told me that Elmer stopped in to apologize for breaking into her home.” Priscilla looked up at Stephen. “I wonder if the stolen paintings were too much drama for Madison.”

  “Jason said he was tired of flying back and forth. That probably had something to do with Madison’s decision. Enough talk.”

  Stephen kissed her lips with tenderness. Shivering from the sensations that flowed through her, Priscilla received the love and comfort she needed from him. After the kiss ended, she whispered, “I don’t want to stay at Madison’s any longer. It’ll be awkward. I’ll see if I can room with Hannah tonight and tomorrow.”

  He grinned. “I like how you think. It’ll be sweet to have you at the inn again.”

  “Let’s head back and call Hannah and Tobias. I’ll race you.”

  “I’ll give you a head start because that’s only fair.”

  She took off racing along the beach and beat Stephen to the steps.

  He was right behind her and spun her around to face him. “I let you win.”

 
; “You did not. You don’t want to admit losing to a girl.”

  He laughed. “Whatever you say.”

  * * *

  Mitch saw Stephen on his cell phone, standing under a palm tree. This might be my only chance to talk to Priscilla before I leave . . . without her boyfriend hanging around her. It’s been hard realizing she’s in love with Stephen. I should’ve realized from the beginning that she wasn’t going to fall in love with me. He’d never had this challenge before with girls. He wanted to return the house key to Madison, so he could ask where Priscilla was.

  When he opened the gate to the patio area, Mitch saw Priscilla standing by the pool. She looked beautiful in her lavender dress and a white hair covering. He knew Priscilla had probably gone to church in the morning, so must be why she and Stephen were dressed in their Amish clothes. “Hi. I’m glad you’re alone. I wanted to tell you goodbye. I’m leaving today.”

  “I thought you were leaving tomorrow,” Priscilla said.

  He shrugged. “I decided to leave today. Do you think you’ll be back next year to be a nanny for Olivia and the new baby?”

  Priscilla frowned. “No, I won’t be. Madison told me today that she doesn’t need me any longer. She’s returning to Ohio in a week. I’m leaving with Stephen when he goes home.”

  “The other day, Madison did complain it was getting too hot on the beach for her. It isn’t fair to you, though, when you expected to have a job here longer.”

  “Jason’s tired of traveling here on weekends. It’ll be nice for them to be together.”

  “What are you going to do about the art show?” Mitch asked.

  “I need to contact Sabrina. She might not want to include my paintings if I can’t be here to attend the exhibit.”

  “I’m sorry. I hope it all works out for you. I’d thought about coming back here for it.”

  “You should. Heidi will like to have you there to support her. I’m going to stick my feet in the water. It’s hot today.” She hiked her dress up a little, so it wouldn’t get wet. “Thanks for the pizza evenings, walks, and your help with locating my painting thief.”

  “You’re welcome. I enjoyed spending time with you.” He kicked off his sandals and sat beside her. After he stuck his feet in the water, he took her hand in his. Mitch wanted to kiss her but knew he shouldn’t. “At your party, I had hoped to give you a birthday kiss.”

  “It’s gut you didn’t. It wouldn’t have been right. I love Stephen, but I’m glad I met you . . . my Jewish New Yorker.”

  He had to ask: “If I wasn’t Jewish, would you have considered me as more than a friend?”

  “No, because of Stephen. We love each other.” She sighed. “I wish you’d give Heidi a chance. She’s crazy about you.”

  “She’s not Jewish either.”

  Priscilla grinned at him. “That’s true. She’s a Christian. Maybe you should consider becoming a Jewish Christian.”

  He laughed. “I guess that’s always possible if I don’t become a rabbi.”

  “Are you going to law school?”

  “Yes. I told my dad I’d go for a year, but that I haven’t ruled out becoming a rabbi.” Mitch suspected Priscilla planned on joining her church. “What about you? Are you going to join your Amish faith?”

  “Ya, I am. It’s funny how a little girl made me accept who I am and who I want to be.” She pulled her hand away from his and touched her dress. “Olivia said to me today how she liked me in my dress and prayer thing. Then she said, ‘It’s you.’ I feel it in my heart that I want to join our Amish church. Maybe not this year, but next year, for sure and certain.”

  Although he felt sadness at Priscilla’s choices in a man and her faith, he wasn’t surprised at all. “You’ll be a wonderful Amish wife and mother. Stephen is blessed.”

  “Geez, I leave my girl for a few minutes, and she’s sitting next to you, Mitch,” Stephen joked.

  Mitch looked up at Stephen. “She was trying to convert me.”

  Stephen chuckled. “To become Amish? I can’t see you driving a buggy.”

  “Not Amish exactly, but a Christian.” Mitch stood. “I better get the house key to Madison. I want to leave soon to go to Hilton Head. I’m looking forward to being with my family.”

  “I understand,” Priscilla said. “I’m anxious to see mine too.”

  After Mitch left the pool area, Priscilla stood. “You want to help me pack?” she asked Stephen. “Hannah said it’s fine if I stay with her again. I’m going to tell Madison not to pay me for two weeks. I can’t take that when I’m not working for her. Hopefully, I’ll still have my paintings for sale at Sabrina’s gallery.”

  Stephen kissed her on the forehead. “I’m glad I came here. It’s been great spending time on the beach with you. Your birthday party was fun.”

  “It was fun.”

  “Tobias told me there’s a movie theatre in Sarasota. We should all go to a movie tomorrow. I want to experience going to a movie with you and put my arm around you in a theatre.”

  “I haven’t gone to a movie theatre here. Madison invited me, but I wanted to use that time to paint.” Her spirit sank for a moment at realizing she wouldn’t have time now to paint a picture to take home with her. Maybe she could go to the Outer Banks sometime with Violet and paint the ocean there.

  Her eyes met his. “I’d like to go to a movie with you. Let’s buy popcorn.”

  “And we have to buy candy too.”

  She wanted to see Stephen’s reaction when she told him what was in her heart. Gazing at his gorgeous brown eyes and handsome face, she said, “I want to join the church. It doesn’t have to be this summer, but I don’t want to wait longer than a year. We both grew up in wunderbaar-gut and caring Amish families. I’m not saying the English don’t focus on family, but I think we are better at it. I like, too, how we treat our entire community as family. Do you think, in a year, you might be ready to take the baptism instructions?”

  “Maybe we can take them this summer. Your daed hasn’t started the classes yet. I’d like to take them with you instead of in my church district.”

  She rolled her eyes and decided to tease him. “What? I didn’t expect you to be ready this summer. I know how much you love to drive your car. Has my father promised you a new horse and buggy . . . if you join the church and marry me?”

  “I should’ve held out for that.”

  * * *

  On Monday morning, Stephen and Priscilla went to the beach. He wanted her to see what he’d done early in the morning before it was destroyed. In the sand, Priscilla saw a huge heart etched with their initials. S H + P K.

  She kissed his cheek. “I love it. You are so romantic and sweet to think of doing this. I should take a picture with my camera. I’m glad I brought it with me.”

  After snapping the photo, Priscilla took another long moment to stare at the heart. “I’m thankful to God that we’re a couple.”

  “I feel the same way.” At times, it was hard to believe that Priscilla loved him. There wasn’t anything special about him, but she was so beautiful, sweet, and talented.

  She grabbed his hand as they started walking. “Coming here has turned into a blessing, even though it has ended earlier than I expected. If I hadn’t decided to come here, I don’t think I’d have learned how my daed used to paint. When he opened up to me on the phone, it helped my relationship with him. I understand now why he seemed distant at times with me.”

  “I’m happy for you that he called and was able to share with you.”

  “And God brought a blessing out of my stay here with my paintings. It’s hard to believe mine are going to be in an art gallery.”

  “It’s wunderbaar-gut, for sure and certain.” Stephen realized Priscilla hadn’t mentioned if she had called her parents about her job ending. “Did you call your folks that you’ll be home tomorrow?”

  “I called and left a message. No one must’ve been in the barn when I called.”

  “Tobias went to the store to buy some soft
drinks, bottled water, and snacks for the trip home,” Stephen said, looking at her.

  “I’ll make some sandwiches, so we won’t have to stop too much.”

  “Tobias said that Hannah wants to fix us breakfast before we leave.”

  “I wish she could go home with us.”

  Silence existed between them for a few moments as they enjoyed walking on the soft sand, gazing at the incredible turquoise ocean.

  Excitement edged Priscilla’s tone when she said, “I have gut news. I talked to Sabrina this morning. She’ll still include my paintings in the show. If you don’t mind, she asked if we could stop in and see the gallery. I thought we could go after the movie. Unless you think that’s a bad time.”

  “I’d forgotten you were going to see it after I went home. I’m glad Sabrina suggested we go to the gallery. I’ll get to see it now too.” Stephen realized how much easier life was with a car. They could easily catch a movie, then drive to the gallery. Was he ready to sell his car and return to a Plain life? He’d mentioned to Priscilla they could start their instruction classes this summer.

  Maybe they should wait a year.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Fields Corner, Ohio

  Weeks passed, and July and August turned into September. A lot of milestones occurred during the hot summer days. As she continued down another row of flowers, Priscilla dipped the watering can, wetting the dry dirt around the plants. While in the midst of her beautiful flower garden, she reflected on many of the wonderful highpoints. For one thing, all her paintings had sold at the art show, so she was thankful for that. Priscilla gave a portion of her money to help out their medical fund. Heidi told her that Mitch hadn’t been able to attend the art show, but he’d ordered a bouquet of roses for her.

  Priscilla hoped Mitch might become interested in dating Heidi, but it would be difficult with them attending different colleges. While Heidi was a college senior at her New York school, Mitch was at Harvard. Heidi worried he might fall in love with a law student. Although it seemed unreal at times that Heidi and Priscilla kept in touch, their passion for art was fun to share with each other.