by Amy Clipston
“Really?” Jake raised an eyebrow. “Chocolate chip cookies?”
Katie frowned. “What’s wrong with that?”
“That’s so …” He paused. “Ordinary.”
Her frown deepened. “You haven’t tried my chocolate chip cookies, so how would you know if they’re ordinary?”
He held his hands up as if to surrender. “I guess you got me there, Katie. I’ll have to try them and see if they are truly extraordinary.”
Katie wagged a finger at him. “That’s a deal. I’ll have to make you some and then you can judge.”
“Jake,” Samuel called from the doorway leading to the shop. “Can you help us load some wood into the back of the wagon?”
“Of course,” Jake said, standing and walking toward the work area. “I was asking about your sister’s baking.”
Samuel grinned. “You’d be surprised how gut she is. I like her cooking and baking more than mei mamm’s.”
Surprised by her brother’s compliment, Katie smiled as she followed Samuel and Jake through the shop. She waved as she passed her uncle Luke and other familiar carpenters on her way out the back door. Katie nodded and greeted her grandfather and her uncles, Timothy and Daniel. Together, the men loaded wooden planks and tools into the back of the wagon.
Once they were done, Samuel shook their hands and climbed into the wagon. Katie said good-bye to her uncles and grandfather and climbed up next to Samuel.
“Hey, Katie,” Jake called from the back door of the shop. “Don’t forget my chocolate chip cookies.”
“I won’t, Jake,” Katie said. “I promise.”
Jake waved before heading back into the shop.
“What was he talking about?” Samuel asked as he guided the horse through the parking lot.
“Kichlin,” Katie said with a shrug.
Lindsay stepped into Rebecca’s bedroom Saturday night. “They’re asleep.” She lowered herself onto the hope chest across from where Rebecca sat propped up in bed. “They wore themselves out today running around outside.” She studied her aunt’s pale complexion. “How are you feeling?”
Rebecca frowned. “I feel the same as I do every day. I’m frustrated I can’t get up and take care of mei kinner.” She sighed and placed the Christian novel she’d had in her lap on the night stand. “It’s funny how I miss the little things. For example, it seems like an eternity since I gave the kinner a bath. I would love to hear Emma giggle and splash in the water again.”
“This is temporary,” Lindsay said. “Remember how you said this time would fly by, and before you knew it, you’d be holding your new boppli in your arms?”
Rebecca ran her fingers over her headscarf. “I was wrong.”
“You were wrong about what?” Daniel stood in the doorway.
“Aenti Rebecca is frustrated about being stuck in bed.” Lindsay pushed her prayer covering ribbons behind her shoulders. “She wants to get up and take care of the kinner, but I reminded her she said the time will pass by quickly.”
“And I was wrong,” Rebecca repeated. “Time isn’t passing by quickly. A few days feel more like a few weeks.”
Daniel looked at Rebecca with a tender expression as he touched her shoulder, and Lindsay wondered if she should leave so her aunt and uncle could speak in private.
“It will pass by quick enough, mei liewe,” Daniel said. “Before you know it, you’ll be complaining the newborn boppli isn’t allowing us any sleep.”
“I hope so.” Rebecca touched his hand and then smiled at Lindsay. “Danki to both of you for reminding me this time will pass. The Lord has wunderbaar gut plans for our family in the future.”
“That’s very true.” Lindsay started toward the door. “I’ll go finish cleaning up the kitchen.”
“Wait,” Rebecca called. “You don’t need to leave.”
Lindsay stopped in the doorway while Daniel moved to the other side of the room. “I thought you and Onkel Daniel might want some time together. I just wanted to check on you. Do you need anything?”
Rebecca shook her head. “No. I’m fine, danki.”
Lindsay glanced at her uncle, who was sitting on a chair while pulling off his socks. “Onkel Daniel, would it be okay if I go to the youth gathering tomorrow night?”
“Of course,” Daniel said. “Why wouldn’t it?”
Lindsay’s expression became serious. “That would mean you’ll have to care for the kinner and put them in bed.”
Daniel grinned. “I believe I can handle mei kinner, but I can always ask Rebecca for advice if I get confused.”
“I think you can figure it out, Daniel,” Rebecca said, readjusting the pillow behind her head. “You’re a smart man.”
He chuckled. “I’m glad you still believe that, Becky.”
Lindsay fiddled with the seam on her bib apron. “Do you think I could visit the bishop tomorrow? Maybe I could go see him before the youth gathering?”
“That would be fine. I’m froh you’ve decided to do it.” Daniel smiled at her.
“What are you two talking about?” Rebecca looked confused. “Why do you need to see the bishop?”
“Tell Rebecca what you shared with me at breakfast a couple of days ago, Lindsay,” Daniel said.
“I want to ask the bishop if he’ll allow me to be baptized with mei freinden this fall,” Lindsay said, leaning on the doorframe. “I’m going to go meet with him and see if he’ll let me make up the lessons I’ve missed like he did for Aenti Miriam when she was baptized.”
Rebecca’s expression brightened. “That’s wunderbaar.”
“I think it’s a gut idea to visit him Sunday afternoon,” Daniel said. “I’ll take you over to his house on the way to the youth gathering. I can get mei mamm to come and watch the kinner while I’m gone. I’m certain she’d love to visit with the kinner and Rebecca.”
“That sounds perfect.” Lindsay’s stomach fluttered at the thought of speaking to the bishop, but in her heart, she knew she had to do it. It felt right. All of her doubts about joining the church had dissolved after her visit to Virginia Beach. This was the path God was leading her down.
“I’m so very froh to hear the news, Lindsay,” Rebecca said, reaching for her hand. “Your freinden will also be excited.”
“Danki.” Lindsay held Rebecca’s hand for a moment and then gestured toward the doorway. “I’m going to go check the messages. I was thinking of mei schweschder today. If she hasn’t called me, I’d like to call her and see how she’s doing.”
“Be certain to tell her hello for us,” Rebecca said. “And come back to say gut nacht before you head to bed.”
“I will.” Lindsay padded down the hallway, descended the stairs, and grabbed a flashlight by the back door before heading out across the rock driveway to the small shed. She stepped into the shanty, which contained a phone, stool, and counter. She lifted the receiver and dialed the voice mail. After entering the code, a recorded voice told her she had one message. She punched the button to retrieve her message, and her older sister’s voice rang through the receiver.
“Hey, Linds,” Jessica said. “I got your voice mail explaining you were back in Pennsylvania. I’ve been trying to call your cell phone but it goes straight to voice mail. I guess the battery’s dead, huh? I just wanted to check and see how Aunt Rebecca’s doing. Give me a call. Bye!”
Lindsay deleted the message and then dialed her sister’s cell phone.
Jessica answered on the second ring. “Hey, Linds! How are you? How’s Aunt Rebecca? I’ve been waiting to hear from you.”
“We’re doing okay,” Lindsay said, noticing it was quiet on the other end. “You aren’t out tonight?”
“No.” Jessica sniffed. “I think I’m coming down with a cold. I’m really beat.”
“I bet it’s those long hours you’re working,” Lindsay said, lowering herself onto the stool in front of the counter. “You said this was supposed to be an internship, but you’ve been working fifty hours a week, right?”
Jessica sighed. “I know. I’m working too hard and now I’m getting sick. You sound like Mom.”
Lindsay grinned. “Thank you. I take that as a compliment.”
“Fill me in on the news,” Jessica said. “You said Aunt Rebecca is okay? You scared me with the message you left when you said you rushed home.”
“I’m sorry I scared you. I was scared myself. Aenti Rebecca is on strict bed rest, so she’s really frustrated about not being able to do things around the house. She looks tired and a little pale, but she’s okay. I’m keeping an eye on her.”
“Good,” Jessica said, sniffling again. “Where’s your cell phone? Is the battery dead?”
“It’s turned off,” Lindsay said. “I put it in my dresser drawer. I decided not to use it.”
“I didn’t know you turned it off. I assumed the battery had died when I kept getting your voice mail.” Jessica sounded surprised. “I’ve been thinking of you all and praying for you. I talked to Aunt Trisha and Uncle Frank. They’re doing well. Aunt Trisha is very happy with her walking cast.”
Lindsay smiled while wrapping the phone cord around her finger. “That’s good. She was doing the dishes and telling me to get out of the kitchen when I was there.”
Jessica laughed. “I can see her saying that. How are you doing?”
“Fine.” Lindsay bit her lip and debated telling Jessica her news about meeting with the bishop. In the past, she’d endured Jessica’s constant negative comments about Lindsay’s desire to be Amish. However, a surge of confidence in her decision flowed through her. She wanted her sister to know about her choice. “I’m going to see the bishop on my way to the youth gathering at Lizzie Anne’s tomorrow night.”
“Really?” Jessica sounded curious. “Why? Did you get in trouble for something? Is it like being called to the principal’s office?”
Lindsay rolled her eyes. When would her sister take the time to learn more about the Amish lifestyle?” No. It’s not like that at all. I’m going to ask him if I can be baptized in the fall with my friends. I’ve missed some discussions, so I want to try to make up the lessons. If I miss this opportunity, I’ll have to be baptized next year with another church district. The baptism discussions are only held every other year.”
“Oh,” Jessica said. “You’re serious about this?”
“Yes, I am,” Lindsay said. “I’m comfortable with my decision, and I wanted you to know about it.”
“Let me know how it goes,” Jessica said.
“I will.” Lindsay continued to wind the cord around her finger. She couldn’t help but smile. She was certain her sister would lecture her on how she shouldn’t join the church without going to college. However, to her surprise, Jessica had accepted her choice.
“Other than your cold,” Lindsay began, “how are things?”
“They’re okay,” Jessica said. “I’d love to see you, but I need to pack and get back to Richmond. Classes start soon.”
“Are you stopping by here on your way back to school?” Lindsay asked.
“I don’t think I’m going to have time,” Jessica said. “I need to finish up a few projects at work, but I’ll see.”
“It would be great to see you, and maybe you could see Jake. You didn’t leave things on a good note with him, and I imagine you never called him. Am I right?” Lindsay fiddled with the phone cord while she waited for her sister’s response.
Jessica sighed again. “You’re right. I haven’t called him, and he hasn’t called me either.”
“Have you thought about calling him?”
“I’ve thought about it.” Jessica sneezed and then coughed.
“Jess,” Lindsay said with a frown, “you sound terrible. Have you been to the doctor?”
“No.” Jessica moaned. “I need some of Mom’s homemade soup.”
Lindsay’s mouth formed a sad smile. “I wish I could whip some up and bring it to you.”
“I do too.” Jessica coughed again. “I guess I better go. I feel like crashing on the couch with a good movie.”
“I think you need sleep more than you need to watch a movie,” Lindsay said.
“Yes, Mom,” Jessica responded with a weak laugh. “I’ll talk to you soon. Give my love to Rebecca, Daniel, and the kids.”
“I will. They send their love to you too. Bye, Jess.”
“Bye,” Jessica said.
Lindsay hung up the phone, grabbed the flashlight from the counter, and headed back to the house. While stepping into the kitchen, Lindsay smiled. She’d finally gotten Jessica to accept the fact that she was going to be Amish. Bridging that gap of understanding between her and her sister was a weight off her shoulders. Perhaps Jessica would finally respect Lindsay’s decisions. It’s about time.
Katie smiled while walking between Lindsay and Lizzie Anne through the streets of Bird-in-Hand Saturday afternoon. “I’m so glad Mammi could come over today and take care of Aenti Rebecca so the three of us could go out.”
“I agree,” Lizzie Anne said. “It’s been too long since we’ve all been.”
Lindsay pointed to a bookstore. “Can we stop in here? I wanted to get something for Aenti Rebecca since I didn’t bring her a gift from Virginia.”
“That’s a great idea,” Katie said. “I know she loves to read to pass the time. I’ll get her a book too.”
“Wunderbaar,” Lizzie Anne said. “Let’s shop!”
For the next thirty minutes, Katie, Lindsay, and Lizzie Anne browsed the store, holding up Christian novels and comparing the covers.
Katie perused the bookshelves, glancing at the non-fiction books beside the rows of novels. When she found a baby name book, she lifted it and grinned. “Lizzie Anne and Lindsay,” she called. “Look at this. Should we get it for Aenti Rebecca?”
Lizzie Anne took the book. “Oh ya,” she said, playing along with Katie’s joke. Let’s look at the girls’ names.” She flipped through the pages. “How about Tiffany? What do you think of Tiffany Kauffman? Isn’t that Amish?”
“My turn,” Lindsay said, grabbing the book. “I found a boy name. How does Colby Cody Kauffman sound?”
Lizzie Anne and Katie laughed so loud that other bookstore customers turned to study them.
“Let me look,” Katie said, and Lindsay handed her the book. “I’ll see if there’s a better girl’s name since I have a hunch Aenti Rebecca is going to have a girl.” She turned back to the section of girls’ names. “I got it. Paris Brittany Ashley Kauffman.” She and her friends had to wipe tears from their eyes after their laughter ended.
“That is the best Amish name yet,” Lindsay said.
“I agree,” Lizzie Anne said.
Katie noticed other customers were still watching them while they made their way back to the inspirational novel section. “We better pick out a few books before we’re asked to leave for being too rowdy,” she whispered.
“Ya, but it was fun,” Lindsay said. “I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time.”
Lizzie Anne nodded in agreement. “That’s why I love our shopping trips the best.”
“I do too,” Katie said.
They studied the shelves of Christian novels, comparing covers and titles. When they narrowed their search to three books, they made their way to the cashier. Each of them bought one book as a surprise gift for Rebecca.
“Aenti Rebecca is going to be so excited when she sees these books,” Lindsay said as they headed down the sidewalk.
Katie pointed toward a restaurant. “Can we grab a quick lunch before heading back to Aenti Rebecca’s?”
“That would make this day absolutely perfect,” Lindsay said.
They sat at a small booth and glanced at the menus. After ordering their food, they each sipped from their cups of ice water.
“I think we should’ve bought that baby name book as a joke,” Lizzie Anne said. “That could’ve been fun.”
“But a waste of money, ya?” Katie said. “But fun all the same.”
Lindsay shook her hea
d. “I guess I shouldn’t be laughing since I have the most un-Amish name here.”
“Maybe your name will become Amish because of you,” Lizzie Anne said with a shrug. “You’ll start a new trend.”
“Ya,” Katie said. “I’ll name my future dochdern Mary, Rachel, Anna, Fannie, and Lindsay.”
The three girls laughed, and Katie noticed they were yet again drawing attention.
“I fear we may be asked to leave the restaurant now because we’re having too much fun,” Katie said.
“There’s no such thing as having too much fun,” Lizzie Anne said. “That’s what friendship is all about.”
“That’s so true,” Lindsay said.
Leaning across the table, Katie touched her friends’ hands. “It’s so gut to spend time together like this. We need to do this more often.”
“Ya,” Lindsay and Lizzie Anne said in unison before laughing some more.
Katie smiled. This was the best afternoon she’d enjoyed in a long time.
Strawberry Shortcake
½ cup butter or margarine
1½ cups flour
1 cup sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
2 eggs
2 ¾ teaspoons baking powder
½ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
Cream butter and sugar, then add one egg at a time. Beat well. Add sifted dry ingredients alternately with milk. Add vanilla. Pour in greased pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
Let shortcakes cool and then top with strawberries and whipped cream.
4
Sunday afternoon, Katie followed Lizzie Anne and Lindsay out to the pasture at her aunt Kathryn’s house after the service and noon meal. The warm sun kissed her cheeks and caused her to squint.
“It’s lovely out today,” Lindsay said, smiling.
“Ya,” Katie agreed.
“Ach!” Lizzie Anne exclaimed, pointing across the pasture. “They’re picking teams for volleyball. Let’s go play!”