Heidi said goodbye to Sally and was getting ready to follow her folks up the sidewalk when she remembered the phone call she needed to make. “I’ll meet you two in the house shortly. First, I want to call and leave a message for Lyle so he knows I made it safely.”
Later in the day, Heidi returned to the phone shack to see if Lyle had left her a message. Sure enough, there was one. She listened to it twice to be sure she heard everything.
“Heidi, thanks for letting me know you made it to Middlefield. I miss you already, but I hope you have a great time with your folks. In response to your question about Ron: No, he has not come back. It would seem as if he’s gone for good. Sure seems strange he’d leave so suddenly, without telling either of us where he was going or if he’d be back.”
After Lyle’s message ended, Heidi remained on the wooden stool, rubbing her chin. Could the motor home I saw earlier have actually been Ron’s? But why would he be parked in such an odd place? Sure wish I’d had the chance to talk to him and find out why he left Walnut Creek so suddenly. Ron had always kept somewhat to himself, but after returning from Columbus, where he’d spent Memorial Day weekend, he’d become even more aloof.
Heidi reflected on the day she’d heard Ron talking to their horse in the barn, and how the poor man’s gut-wrenching sobs pulled at her heartstrings. If only we had been able to help him. Now all we can do is continue to pray for Ron and hope he finds the help he needs.
Dover
In an effort to make peace with Len’s mother, Charlene had invited his folks to her place for dinner this evening. She’d made German pizza and a tossed green salad—a simple yet tasty meal. She felt pleased it had turned out well. Of course, it remained to be seen what Annette would say about it.
“Well, everything’s ready.” Charlene smiled at Len, who sat on the living-room couch. “We can eat as soon as your folks arrive.”
He glanced at his cell phone and frowned. “They should have been here by now. Sure hope they didn’t forget.”
“Maybe you ought to give them a call.”
“If they don’t show up in the next five minutes, I will. Can you hold supper a little longer?”
“Yes. I turned the stove down. It’ll be fine.” She took a seat beside him and smiled when he clasped her hand. Charlene was glad she and Len hadn’t parted ways because of his mother. She doubted she could find another man she loved so much.
They sat quietly together until the doorbell rang. Charlene jumped up. “It must be your folks.”
Len went to the door with her, holding his arm around her waist, as if to offer support. Charlene relaxed a bit. He must sense how nervous I am. She opened the door and, putting on her best smile, greeted Mr. and Mrs. Campbell.
“Sorry we’re a little late.” Annette looked at Len’s dad. “Todd had a phone call to make before we left, and it took a while.”
Todd shrugged his shoulders. “What can I say? Business is business, and it couldn’t wait.”
“Well, everything’s ready, so if you’ll take a seat in the dining room, I’ll bring dinner out.” Charlene headed for the kitchen, and she was surprised when Annette followed.
“Is there anything I can help you with?” she asked sweetly.
“You can get the tossed salad from the refrigerator if you like.”
“Certainly.” Annette took out the salad and started toward the dining room with it but then turned back around. “Len showed us the photography magazine with the picture you took on the cover. You did a great job, Charlene. Congratulations.”
“Thanks. Photography’s only a hobby for me, but I truly enjoy it.”
“Have you considered doing it professionally?”
“No, not really.”
“Perhaps you should. You have an eye for capturing a good photo.” Annette glanced at the stove and sniffed. “And if the delicious aroma in here is any indication of the meal we’re about to eat, I’d say we’re in for a treat.”
Charlene clamped her teeth together to keep her mouth from dropping open. Could this be a sign of things going better between her and Len’s mother? It certainly appeared so this evening.
Mt. Hope
Kendra had been lying around Dorie’s place most of the afternoon, bored and depressed over her situation. After spending the morning searching the Internet, she still had no job prospects. But one problem would soon be solved. She’d decided to call a lawyer to discuss finding adoptive parents for her baby. Between the loss of her job, plus the uncertainty of her baby’s future, worrying had become part of her life.
Sighing, she repositioned herself on the couch. I can’t rely on Dorie indefinitely. Sure wish I could get a place of my own. But without a steady income, there’s no way that’s gonna happen. Why can’t anything be easy? Things seem to go well for other people. I must be jinxed.
Hearing a vehicle pull into the yard, Kendra got up and looked out the window. When she saw Dorie get out of her car, she sat back down.
A few minutes later, Dorie entered the house. “I’m home,” she called from the hallway. “Did you have a nice supper?”
Kendra waited until her friend joined her in the living room before responding. “No, I haven’t eaten. Thought I’d wait for you.”
Dorie blinked rapidly. “You’re kidding, right?”
“What do you mean?”
“I told you before I left this morning I’d be having dinner with Gene after I got off work.” Dorie took a seat in the rocker across from Kendra.
Kendra folded her arms across her stomach. “Guess I forgot.”
“You seem to be forgetting a lot of things lately,” Dorie muttered. “I asked you to take the garbage out yesterday, but there it still sat, under the kitchen sink this morning.”
“Sorry.” Kendra leaned her head against the back of the couch and groaned. “My brain isn’t functioning well these days.”
“Kendra, I understand you’re dealing with a lot of stress, with a baby coming and no job.” Dorie rubbed her fingers across her forehead. “I hate to dump one more thing on you right now, but Gene and I plan to get married next month. So you’ll need to find another place to stay as soon as possible.” Dorie offered Kendra a too-quick smile. “I’m sure you realize how awkward it would be with you, me, and Gene living here in the same house.”
Kendra stiffened. “Yeah, I agree, but this is all kinda sudden, don’t ya think?”
“Not really. I told you last month Gene and I were talking marriage. Guess you weren’t listening then, either.”
Kendra had no recollection of Dorie mentioning plans to be married. She wondered how much worse her life could get. If only she could convince her folks to take her back. But it seemed highly doubtful. She may as well try to move a mountain with her pinkie finger. Kendra had no idea where else she could go. Maybe some women’s shelter in one of the larger towns in the area would take her in.
“Will you have a big wedding, Dorie?” she asked. “If so, you don’t have much time to plan.”
“No, Gene and I are going to save the money we’d spend on a wedding and put it in the bank to someday buy a house. We don’t want to live in this rental too long. Our folks are all for it and agree with our plans.”
“Sounds nice.” So much for learning to be content, like that Bible verse Heidi wrote on the back of the recipe card for German potato salad.
Kendra swallowed hard, struggling not to break down. “I’ll be moved out before the month is over.” She clenched her teeth. Oh man, where do I go from here?
Chapter 38
Middlefield
What a beautiful Saturday it’s turned out to be.” Heidi’s mother pointed to the cloudless sky. “This is certainly good gardening weather.”
Heidi pulled another handful of weeds then paused to wipe the perspiration from her forehead. “It certainly is. I only wish it were a little cooler. This heat is getting to me, and my clothes are sticking to my skin.”
“Let’s finish weeding this row of peas, and th
en we can stop for a glass of iced tea and some of those delicious ginger kichlin you made yesterday.” Mom’s voice sounded light and bubbly. “I appreciate you chipping in the way you have, but these last few days have not been restful. You should relax while you’re here visiting.”
“It’s okay, Mom. I didn’t come here to rest. I came to spend quality time with you and Dad. I’m still not one to sit around, and I am more than happy to help out. Besides, how could I do nothing while you and Dad are doing chores?”
“You’ve always been a hard worker. Even as a little girl, barely able to walk and talk, you were eager to help.” Mom chuckled. “I remember one time when I cleared the breakfast table, and you pointed to the silverware and declared, “Wesch’s gschaar.”
Heidi laughed. “Wash dishes, huh? Guess I didn’t see it as a chore, but something fun to do.”
“More than likely you simply wanted to help.” Mom shook her head. “Never had much luck getting your brothers to do the dishes.”
“But Lester and Richard have always helped Dad a lot.”
“True, and those young men still do whenever they come over from their homes in Burton.”
“How are they both doing?” Heidi grabbed another clump of weeds. “I’d hoped to see them and their families while I’m here.”
“They’re good, and so is their masonry business. Richard and Lester, as well as their wives and kinner, will join us for church tomorrow, since it’s an off Sunday for them in their church district.” Mom stood and arched her back. “Whew! I’ve had enough weeding for now. Let’s rest awhile and enjoy some refreshments.”
“Sounds good.” Heidi stood, too, and followed her mother into the house.
After they were seated at the table with cookies and iced tea, Heidi felt it the perfect time to bring up the topic of adoption. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about.”
Mom tipped her head to one side. “I’m all ears.”
“There’s a young woman who’s been attending my cooking classes, and she’s expecting a boppli.”
“Oh?” Mom reached for a cookie.
“Kendra Perkins is her name, and she’s not married.”
“I see.”
Heidi took a drink of iced tea before she continued. “Kendra’s been coming over to visit me between classes. Recently, she asked if Lyle and I would be willing to adopt her baby when it’s born.”
Mom’s eyebrows lifted. “Is this something you and Lyle are agreeable with?”
“I would be, but Lyle won’t agree to it. He believes if God wanted us to have kinner, I’d be able to conceive. Since my husband is the head of our house, I need to abide by his decision.” Heidi sighed deeply, touching her chest. “It hurts right here, and my arms ache more than you can imagine to hold a child of my own.”
Mom leaned closer and put her arm around Heidi’s shoulders. “Can’t say as I fully understand, since I’ve given birth to three kinner of my own, but as your mudder, I feel your pain, dear one.”
Heidi was sure her mother probably would have liked to have had even more children, but getting married later in life and having her first baby when she was forty-two didn’t give her too many childbearing years.
Tears sprang to Heidi’s eyes, blurring her vision. “I’m trying to accept Lyle’s decision, but still praying he will change his mind. Is it wrong for me to hold out hope?”
Gently, Mom stroked Heidi’s cheek. “It’s not wrong, but if he doesn’t change his mind, then you should accept it and look for the good things in your marriage.”
Heidi sniffed. “I’m trying to remain positive and content. With God’s help, I hope to become stronger and able to accept things as they are.”
Dover
Charlene pulled into the Campbells’ driveway and turned off the ignition. She’d baked an apple cream pie and felt somewhat proud of herself. The pie turned out like the one Heidi taught them to bake last month at one of the classes. “If this tastes as good as it looks, I have half the battle won.”
Last Wednesday, when Len’s parents came over for dinner, the evening had gone better than Charlene hoped. But the urge to make sure things continued in the right direction with Len’s mother had prompted Charlene to pay this unexpected visit.
With one last look in the visor mirror, Charlene was glad she’d taken extra time to fix her hair. She wore it pulled back away from her ears and secured with a pretty ribbon. “Here we go.” She glanced at the pie container sitting next to her on the seat.
When Charlene got out of the car, she gripped the dessert carefully and walked slowly toward the house. The last thing she needed was to drop the pie.
“Hello, Charlene.” Annette greeted her, coming from the other side of the house, holding a box of flowers. “What brings you by today?”
Charlene smiled. “This morning I was in a baking mood, so I made a pie. Since I can’t eat the whole thing by myself, I wanted to share it with you and your husband.”
“That’s so nice of you. After I’m done, we’ll go inside, and I’ll put the coffee on. I have one more batch of flowers to transplant and water.” Annette walked to the flower bed near the house. “Why don’t you put the pie on the kitchen table? Then come back out and join me.”
“Okay, I’ll return in a jiffy.” Charlene stepped inside. The house felt cool and comfortable, since the air conditioner was running, so she saw no point in putting the dessert in the fridge. They’d be cutting into it soon.
When Charlene returned to the yard, Annette finished putting extra dirt around the flowers she had just planted.
“I’ve been anxious to transplant this clump of mums so they can spread in this area of the flower bed. It’ll look nice this fall when they bloom.” Annette adjusted the triangle-shaped scarf covering her hair. “Now all I have to do is water them.” She pointed toward the hose. “I already unraveled the hose, but could you please turn the water on at the spigot? It’s over there on the other side of the porch.”
“Sure, I’d be glad to.” Charlene walked past the porch and clasped her hands together near her chest. Thank You, Lord, for things going better between Len’s mom and me. Annette was acting like a totally different person toward Charlene.
When Charlene turned the spigot handle to open the water line, Annette let out an ear-piercing scream. Charlene didn’t know what had happened. Did Len’s mother get stung by a bee?
Charlene ran back around and couldn’t believe what she saw. The water came out full force, aimed right at Annette. The poor woman held out her hands as if to shield her face, but it was no use.
“Oh, no!” Charlene bolted to get to the end of the hose, which spewed water like a dancing snake. In the process of turning the nozzle off, she also got wet. Afterward, she looked at Annette, now soaked to the bone, and watched as Len’s mother flailed her arms in an attempt to get some of the water off. Charlene couldn’t speak. What would she say? Why now, when things seemed to be going so well between them? Would this incident ruin it all?
Annette looked at Charlene, while Charlene looked back in disbelief, wishing she could disappear. It did not look good. Just when things couldn’t get any worse, Len’s mother started laughing hysterically. In fact so hard, she doubled over, holding her stomach. “Look at me! I must look like a drowned cat.” She twisted the bottom of her blouse and wrung water out. “Guess I forgot to turn the nozzle off last time I used the hose.”
“Oh goodness, should I go get you a towel?”
Nodding, Annette pointed at Charlene. “From the looks of your wet clothes, I think you’ll need one, too. Come on. Let’s go in the house so I can find us both something dry to wear.”
When she approached, Len’s mother draped her cold, wet arm around Charlene’s shoulders. “Too bad you didn’t have your camera with you. What a great picture I would make.”
As they giggled and stepped onto the porch, Charlene said, “I think it’s time for some of that pie.” Who knew a mistake with the hose could end on a
positive note?
Walnut Creek
As Kendra headed down the road in Dorie’s car to visit Heidi, she struggled to keep from breaking down. She’d promised her friend she would move out by the end of the month but had no idea where to start looking.
“I thought our friendship meant more to Dorie,” she mumbled. “How could she do this to me? Doesn’t she care that I have no place to go? I won’t even have a car to drive once I move out.”
Kendra closed the car windows and switched on the AC. All that blew out was hot air, worse than what was outside. After a few minutes, hoping it would eventually cool the car inside, she opened the windows again. “Oh, come on! What else is gonna go wrong? Dorie didn’t tell me the air-conditioning broke in her car. Or did she?” Kendra hit the steering wheel and accidently blew the horn. The driver in front of her flung his arm out the window and made a fist. She could see him yelling something in the rearview mirror.
“Sorry mister,” Kendra mumbled. “It was a slipup, for goodness’ sake.” Seems like my whole life lately is one big mistake.
Kendra hoped Heidi might be able to help or at least offer some advice. She might know of someone in the area who needed a live-in housekeeper or babysitter. Kendra felt desperate.
When she arrived at the Troyers’ a short time later, Kendra spotted Heidi’s husband in the yard, filling one of the bird feeders. She parked the car near the barn, got out, and headed across the yard. “Is Heidi here, Mr. Troyer?” Since Lyle hadn’t agreed to her adoption request, she could barely make eye contact with him.
He shook his head.
“When will she be back?”
“Not till Monday. She’s up in Geauga County right now, visiting her folks.”
“Oh, I see.” Kendra turned to go but stopped in her tracks when Lyle called out to her.
“Wait, Kendra! If you have a few minutes, I’d like to talk to you.”
Amish Cooking Class - The Seekers Page 27