The article also indicated the judges would pick a winner from each of the categories mentioned. The winners would receive a year’s subscription to the sponsoring magazine. What made Charlene sit up and take notice was the last part of the rules. “A Grand Prize will also be selected from all the photos received. The winning photo will appear on the cover of the magazine, and the photographer shall receive a two-year subscription to the publication.”
Charlene saw no reason this picture would not qualify. I’m going to submit it and see what happens. How nice it would be to have a photo I took on the cover of a magazine. Leaning back in her chair, she heaved a sigh. Maybe it’s wishful thinking.
Mt. Hope
Kendra stared out the kitchen window as she sat at the table, eating supper alone. Dorie went out with her boyfriend again, leaving Kendra to fend for herself. “This is becoming a habit,” Kendra muttered, picking at her salad. “But then, I can’t expect my friend to stay home all the time just to keep me company.”
Dorie had a life of her own before Kendra showed up, and she’d already been more than hospitable. She was Kendra’s only friend who had responded to her frantic call the day Dad kicked her out of the house.
Kendra wondered if Dorie and Gene’s relationship was getting serious. They’d been seeing a lot of each other lately. Dorie was lucky to have a boyfriend who, from what Kendra could tell, practically idolized her. Gene always seemed willing to do whatever Dorie wanted, and he was good about bringing her little gifts, not to mention complimenting Dorie on her looks.
The skin under Kendra’s eyes tightened as her lips parted slightly. It wasn’t right to envy her friend, but she couldn’t help it. Dorie had a job, a boyfriend, and a place to call home. Her parents were still speaking to her, too. Kendra had nothing but an unborn baby she had no idea what to do with, plus a lot of unpleasant memories from her relationship with Max. It hadn’t always been that way. Things were good with them in the beginning, but everything went sour when Kendra got pregnant. Max turned on her like a badger going after its prey. He’d accused her of having been with someone else. Heaping coals on the fire, he’d eventually admitted having a relationship with another woman the whole time he’d been seeing Kendra.
I wonder if his new girlfriend is pregnant, too. Bitterness welled in Kendra’s soul, and she covered her face with her hands, trying to get the image out of her mind of Max pointing his finger and accusing her of having cheated on him.
Kendra pounded the table and gritted her teeth. “Yeah, right. How dare he accuse me, when he was the one cheating? I must have been blind not to have seen it.”
Max had rejected Kendra and wanted nothing to do with their baby. He’d even suggested she get an abortion. Although Kendra had drifted from her Christian beliefs, she could never end her child’s life. The baby deserved a chance to live and grow up in a healthy, stable environment.
Tears stung her eyes as she pressed her hand against her baby bump. Short of a miracle, I can never offer you a good home or stable environment, little one. It would be you and me against the world, always needing a handout from a friend like Dorie. She swallowed hard, nearly choking on the sob rising in her throat. If things got really bad, we might end up on the street, begging for money.
Kendra’s head jerked when her cell phone rang. She’d barely managed to pay the phone bill for April, and if she didn’t find a job soon, she’d have to cancel the service, which would mean no more calls or text messages.
She picked up the phone and looked at the caller ID. Oh, great, it’s Shelly again. I may as well answer or she’ll keep calling.
Kendra swiped her thumb across the screen. “Hi, Shelly. What’s up?”
“That’s what I’m hoping you’ll tell me. I’ve tried calling several times but you never answer or respond to my messages. Are you avoiding me, Kendra?”
“Not avoiding exactly.” Kendra switched the phone to her other ear. “Just don’t have anything to say.”
“How about telling me why you left home without letting me know where you were going?” Kendra heard the irritation in her sister’s voice.
“Did you ask Mom or Dad?”
“Yes, and they said they didn’t know where you were.”
“What else did they tell you?”
“Dad said you’re pregnant. It is true, Kendra? He kicked you out?”
“Yeah, I’m expecting a baby, and Dad sent me packing when I told him.”
Kendra half expected her sister to hang up, or at least make some negative comment.
A few seconds ticked by before Shelly spoke. “So where are you staying?” No caustic comments or accusations. Only a simple question.
“I’m in Mt. Hope, at my friend Dorie’s.”
“Well, you need to come home so we can help you. You can’t take care of a baby alone.”
Neck bent slightly forward, Kendra folded her arms over her stomach. “Didn’t you hear what I said? I’m an embarrassment to our parents—especially Dad. He doesn’t want me there anymore, and he made it clear that I should keep my mouth shut about the pregnancy. I’m sure he’s worried someone at church will find out.” She sucked in a breath. “And of course, that would be terrible. Someone might frown on a board member who couldn’t keep his daughter from messing up.”
“That’s ridiculous. We’re family, and family needs to stick together during good times and bad. I don’t care about Dad’s threats or what he’s worried about, either.”
“What do you mean? What else did he say?”
“Dad told me not to contact you. No text messages or phone calls.” Shelly laughed. “But you see where that got him. Even though he’s our father, I don’t agree with what he said, because it’s just not right.”
“You’d better do as he said, Shelly. Same goes for Chris. Don’t make things worse for yourself.”
“I don’t care. He can’t keep me from talking to my sister.”
“It’s a tough time for me, and it hurts to know Mom and Dad don’t care about anyone but themselves.” Kendra flexed her fingers. “Don’t worry about me, sis. I’ll manage somehow. Just keep your grades up in school and stay away from untrustworthy guys like Max. Oh, and make sure you don’t do anything wrong, or you’re likely to get kicked out of the house.”
“Kendra, I …”
“Can’t talk any longer. Dorie’s car pulled in.” Kendra muttered a quick goodbye and clicked off the phone. In some ways she felt better for having talked with Shelly. In another way she felt like pond scum because, by succumbing to Max’s charms, she’d let her whole family down.
Kendra cleared her dishes and had begun putting them in the sink when Dorie came in. Thankfully, Gene wasn’t with her. The last thing Kendra needed right now was to watch those two hanging all over each other.
“Guess what?” Dorie’s face broke into a wide smile. “Gene and I ate at Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen tonight, and I found out they are looking for a part-time dishwasher.”
Kendra bit the inside of her cheek. “I need more than a part-time job. Besides, washing dishes isn’t the kind of work I want to do.”
“Beggars can’t be choosy.” Dorie draped her sweater over the back of a chair. “It could work into a full-time job, or maybe a waitressing position will open up.” She moved closer to Kendra. “I’d apply for the job if I were you.”
“Okay, I’ll go to the restaurant tomorrow and put in my application. Since it’s within walking distance, I won’t need to borrow your car.” Kendra gave a halfhearted shrug. “But then since you’ll be working tomorrow, I wouldn’t be able to borrow it anyway.”
Dorie slipped her around Kendra’s waist. “Try not to worry. Things will get better soon; you’ll see.”
“Yeah, right.” Kendra turned away from the sink, pressing her hands to her temples. “Nothing ever works out for me.”
Walnut Creek
Ron watched out the side window of his motor home as Heidi and Lyle got into their buggy and rode out of the yard. Earlier,
Lyle had mentioned joining some of their friends for supper this evening and said they wouldn’t be home for a few hours.
This is the perfect opportunity to sneak into their house. Ron rubbed his hands briskly together. Providing the doors aren’t locked, that is.
He waited until the horse and buggy were out of sight then stepped out of his rig and glanced around. Good thing they don’t have close neighbors.
When he got to the front porch and tried the door, he discovered it was locked. Drat!
Hoping the back door might be unlocked, Ron hurried around the side of the house. There, he spotted the Troyers’ dog, lying on the porch with his nose between his paws.
Ron stepped cautiously onto the porch, but the dog didn’t budge. Stupid mutt. Some watchdog you are. But then Rusty was used to him by now. Ron shook his head when the dog lifted his head, tail thumping against the wooden floor. “Go back to sleep, Rusty.”
He turned the doorknob and felt relief when it opened. Upon entering the kitchen, Ron grabbed a few cookies from the plastic container he spotted on the counter. He ate one and stuffed two more in his shirt pocket. Then he made his way to the dining room, opened the hutch, and lifted out the vase he’d seen Lyle put money in on Saturday. Ron whistled when he saw the bills were still there. Placing the money on the table, he counted ten twenty-dollar bills.
Ron chewed on his lower lip. How many should I take? He knew better than to take all the money. A few missing bills may not raise any suspicion. Lyle might think he’d miscounted when he’d put the money in the vase. Ron put seven twenties back and kept three. Given the opportunity, he’d check the vase again in a few days and see if any additional money had been added. If so, he’d take a few more.
“Easy-peasy.” Ron made his way back to the kitchen. He’d stayed at many places during his time on the road, but none quite as easy as this. By the time he left here at the end of June, he’d have quite a haul. People who left their doors open when they weren’t home were just asking to be ripped off.
Ron looked up at the oil lamps above one of the cupboards. Since he was here, he might as well take a few of those, too.
Chapter 17
Sugarcreek
Loretta stoked the logs in the fireplace and took a seat on the couch. While the afternoon had been warm, the evening grew chilly. She tried to relax, watching the flames rekindle as the wood popped and sparks disappeared up the chimney. Today seemed long, and it had been difficult getting the children settled in their beds. “It’s my fault,” she murmured. “I shouldn’t have let them eat candy so close to bedtime.”
Recently, Loretta had tried to practice better eating habits—for herself, as well as the children. But when they whined, she sometimes gave in to their requests for sugary treats, which made them hyper.
Since Rick’s death, it had been difficult to keep from giving in to their whims. They needed their father, especially as they were growing up. A parent’s “tough love” approach was never easy, but even more of a challenge for a single parent. Loretta reminded herself it was how a child learned—even if it meant refusing them something they enjoyed.
From where she sat in the living room, looking out the side window, Loretta enjoyed watching a few birds flitting around to find a roosting spot for the night. She glanced toward Sam’s place and thought about his raspberry patch, which was slowly coming to life. He’d mentioned how he’d planted the bushes a number of years ago when his wife was still living, and each year the mass seemed to get thicker. The long stems leafed out, and tiny white flowers became visible. Loretta could almost taste the sweetness of the juicy red berry and how they melted in her mouth. Sam was good about sharing his bounty with her and other neighbors. This year it might be fun to make raspberry jam. I wonder if Heidi makes jelly. Bet she does.
When Loretta closed her eyes, a memory, which seemed like yesterday, popped into her head. It had been a quiet, warm summer evening. After she and Rick took turns reading a bedtime story and had watched their daughter fall asleep, they’d tiptoed out to the front porch for some alone time. They’d visited awhile, and when Loretta surprised Rick with the news he’d be a daddy again, he’d pulled her into his arms. “I’m so glad. Do I dare hope it’s a boy this time?”
Loretta had smiled and gently pinched his cheek. “Whatever God chooses to give us will be a blessing.”
Shortly after, Sam ventured over and joined them on the porch. He’d brought a bucket of raspberries he’d picked that afternoon.
“If you’ve got some ice cream, I’ve got the topping,” Sam announced.
After Rick shared their good news with Sam, he suggested they make it a celebration. The three of them enjoyed vanilla bean ice cream, topped with Sam’s luscious ripe berries. Sam had seemed as excited for them as they were with the blessing and promise of another child.
Loretta opened her eyes and picked up the cup of hot chocolate she’d fixed herself after tucking the children in bed. How many nights had she and Rick sat here, enjoying each other’s company and the warmth of the fire? How lonely she felt without him.
Sighing, Loretta reached for comfort by lifting her Bible from the coffee table and opening it to her favorite passage—Psalm 23:1–3: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” She closed her eyes. Thank You, Lord, for leading and guiding me. Help me become a blessing to all those I meet. Give me wisdom in raising my children, and keep us safe throughout this night. Thank You for every blessing in my life. Amen.
Sparks flared upward from the burning log in the fireplace, fizzling out as they rose higher. Her husband’s life had vanished like the fire’s sparks—here one second, gone the next. Will my life ever feel complete again? Loretta hoped so, for her sake as well as the children’s. Difficult as it was to remember those days, Loretta wanted—no, needed—to keep the memories alive. When the children grew older, they’d no doubt have many questions about their father. There were so many good memories she could share with Abby and Conner.
Loretta lifted her cup and was about to take a drink when the telephone rang. She set the cup down and hurried to the kitchen to answer it. Sure hope I remembered to turn the ringer off the extension upstairs so it doesn’t wake Conner and Abby.
As soon as Loretta entered the kitchen, she grabbed the receiver. “Hello.”
“Hi Loretta, it’s Becky from church.”
“It’s nice hearing from you. How have you been?”
“Super busy right now. I’m on the planning committee, and I wondered if you’d be able to help with our church yard sale, which is a week from this Saturday.”
Loretta’s face tightened, feeling a twinge of irritation. Becky hadn’t even bothered to ask how she and the children were doing. Didn’t she care?
“I’m sorry, Becky, but I won’t be able to help with the yard sale. I have another commitment that day.” Loretta looked at the calendar, where she’d circled the date of the next cooking class. No point telling Becky what I’ll be doing that Saturday. She’d probably think it wasn’t as important as the church function. She stared at the floor. When did I become so cynical? Who am I to say what her response would have been?
“It’s fine. I understand,” Becky replied sweetly. “I hope you have a nice evening, and I’ll see you at church this Sunday.”
“Okay. Bye, Becky.” Loretta hung up and returned to the living room to finish her drink, which was now lukewarm. Looking upward, she prayed, Lord, help me avoid being judgmental.
Walnut Creek
“You’re awfully quiet,” Lyle commented as he and Heidi headed for home. “Didn’t you have a good time at the Rabers’ tonight?”
“Jah, I did. It was a pleasant evening, and I enjoyed holding their new boppli.” She pulled her shawl tighter around her neck to ward off the chill permeating the buggy. It was hard to believe the weather had been so ni
ce earlier today.
Lyle nodded. “He’s a cute little guy.”
“Holding him made me long for a child of our own even more.” Heidi released a lingering sigh. She could almost smell the baby lotion reaching her nostrils when she’d held the precious bundle an hour ago. “We’re missing out on so much not having children of our own. If only God would give us a miracle.”
Lyle let go of the reins with one hand and took hold of Heidi’s hand. “We agreed to accept our situation as God’s will.”
“No, it’s what you decided. This is easier for you than me.” She inhaled sharply, hoping to hold back forthcoming tears. Every time the topic of her inability to conceive came up, an unseen barrier wedged between them. If only Lyle would change his mind about adoption. Tonight had been such a pleasant evening, and Heidi didn’t want it to end on a sour note. Whenever she was around children, her longings sprang to the surface, even though she tried hard to keep them buried.
“Let’s talk about something else.” She squeezed his fingers. “You never did say what you found out about getting another open buggy.”
His teeth clicked together. “Don’t think it’s gonna happen this year, Heidi. The price I was quoted is more than I care to spend right now.”
“It’s okay. Our old buggy is fine.”
“Jah, it’s probably good for another year or so.”
“Say, when we get home, would you like a few of the molasses kichlin I made earlier today?”
“Normally I’d go right for ’em, but I ate too much supper tonight, so I’m still pretty full.” He let go of her hand and thumped his stomach.
“You gobbled down your fair share of fried chicken, all right.” Heidi chuckled. “I’ll make sure to put several cookies in your lunch bucket tomorrow.”
“Sounds good.”
They rode in silence the rest of the way. While being lulled by the buggy’s gentle sway, Heidi almost fell asleep listening to the steady clip-clop, clip-clop of the horse’s hooves against the pavement.
Amish Cooking Class - The Seekers Page 12