by Leigh Bale
“How about if you and I go see if there’s any apple pie left over from supper?” The elderly man spoke to the boy as he hobbled toward the kitchen.
Sam went with the elderly man. He didn’t speak but his eyes sparkled and he nodded eagerly. Jesse wasn’t surprised. With Alice gone, they rarely enjoyed anything sweet at home. A slice of pie would be a real treat for the child. Even Jesse’s mouth watered at the thought.
Naomi welcomed the boy into her kitchen with a cheery voice. “Hallo, Samuel. There’s plenty of pie to eat. Have you had your supper yet?”
Sam nodded but Jesse knew his son could eat again. The cold beans and burnt corn bread Jesse had prepared earlier hadn’t done much to appease either of their appetites. Their stomachs were full but the meal had left a lot to be desired.
“Ach, and how about if I send an apple pie home with you and your vadder to enjoy tomorrow? You can eat it at your leisure and have some left over for the next day too,” Naomi said.
Jesse almost smiled at that but didn’t want to betray his eagerness. At this point, an apple pie seemed like a feast. This house smelled of pine needles and a delicious supper and his stomach rumbled in spite of having already eaten.
“Won’t you sit down?” Becca invited with a lift of her hand.
He sat opposite her on the sofa, perched there as he set his hat on the coffee table. She folded her hands primly in her lap, her blue eyes unblinking as she gazed at him expectantly.
“Ach, so what did you want to speak with me about?” Her voice sounded calm and soothing, not at all perturbed by his unexpected visit.
Here it was. He didn’t know what to say. He didn’t move or breathe. Afraid to upset her. Afraid she’d say no. After all, he’d been rather rude to her in the past. Maybe he’d already burned his bridges with this woman. Maybe her offer to help him with Sam was gone.
“Ahem, I... I’ve been thinking about what you’ve suggested, with Sam. I mean, I’ve been reading the book you checked out for me and realize his problem isn’t going away anytime soon.”
He paused, taking a deep breath as he tried to gather his thoughts. She inclined her head but waited patiently, her gaze never leaving his face.
“I don’t want Sam to grow up and not be able to speak,” he continued. “I want him to have a gut future. I’m at my wits’ end and don’t know what to do to help him. Please. Will you work with him?”
There. He’d gotten his request out in one long breath. He hated to beg but that’s what he’d do if it meant Sam could talk and be normal again.
“I would love to help,” she said immediately.
It took a moment for his mind to digest what she’d said. And when he did, her words put him instantly at ease.
“You would?” He could hardly believe it. He was beyond relieved.
“Ja, you already know I’m not an expert in this area, so I can’t make any promises. But I’ll do the best I can to help Sam,” she said.
He released a pensive sigh, only just realizing that he’d been holding his breath. A huge weight seemed to fall off his shoulders. Finally. Finally he could stop fighting it and get some help.
“Danke. I’m so grateful,” he said.
“So I can understand what happened, can you give me a little background on Sam’s situation?” she asked.
Memories flooded Jesse’s mind. He didn’t want to talk about this but knew Becca needed to know a few details if she were to help Sam.
“I... I was a certified firefighter where we lived in Pennsylvania,” he said in an aching whisper, the memories making him shake like a newborn colt. “I was called out on another house fire and wasn’t there when my own home caught fire. When I got home in the early morning hours, I tried to save my familye but I was too late.” He looked down and saw the scars on his hands and arms. They were still there, reminding him of his failure. “I found Sam up in the hayloft, curled in a fetal position. When I asked him what happened, he became hysterical. All he would say was that he was sorry and it was his fault. Two days later, we buried my frau and dechder. Sam hasn’t spoken a word since the funeral.”
Becca winced. “I’m so very sorry for your loss.”
Her words made no difference but her soft, compassionate voice seemed to ease the ache just a bit. Even though it had been a year, the tale still rattled Jesse’s nerves. He’d lost almost everything that horrible day. Now, all he had left was Sam. And he knew, no matter what, he had to help his little boy. Alice would expect nothing less.
Becca stood abruptly. “Wait here. I’ll be right back.”
The wooden steps creaked as she went up the stairs to the second story. She returned moments later carrying a booklet and several pieces of paper, which she handed to him.
“This is a copy of an intervention plan I’ve already drawn up for Sam,” she said. “Just a few simple steps on how we can offer positive reinforcement, some stimulus fading techniques to desensitize him when he’s around other people, ways to help him build social skills, and tactics so he won’t feel as anxious. If you’ll read through these materials and try to incorporate them at home, I think we can help him overcome this problem. I’ll do the same at school, only much more since he’ll be with his classmates during that time.”
Jesse glanced at the plan of action, surprised at how detailed it was. It was quite thorough and easy to follow with step-by-step instructions dealing with a variety of scenarios. For the first time in a year, a lance of optimism speared his chest with hope. He wasn’t surprised to see that she’d assigned him to read with Sam each night. No matter how busy he was right now, he had no excuses. If nothing else, spending more time with Sam might increase his bond with the boy. And after what they’d been through, they both needed time together more than anything.
“Ja, I will do these things. I’ll read to him each night,” he promised.
Her shoulders relaxed and he realized she’d been tensed, expecting him to refuse again.
“That’s wundervoll,” she exclaimed, her smile so bright that he had to swallow. “And I’d like to suggest one more thing that I hope will help all of us.”
He quirked one eyebrow and waited. It wasn’t until she spoke again that he realized he was holding his breath.
“I think Sam needs extra tutoring, to help with his school studies. Since you live only a short way up the road, I propose that I bring Sam home from school every Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon. Then I can tutor him for an extra hour or so. And the added benefit is that you won’t have to pick him up on those days, which should alleviate your workload too. Since today is Monday, I’d like to start tutoring him tomorrow, even though it’s Tuesday. Does that sound all right?”
Jesse just stared, his mind struggling to absorb what she’d suggested. It was true that the Fisher farm wasn’t far away from his place. In the darkest part of the night, he could even see their lights gleaming across his fields. They were his neighbors, though he hadn’t developed a very close friendship with them yet. He just hadn’t had the time for the niceties. Maybe later in the summer, after his fields were planted, he could do something about that.
“Ja, that would work fine,” he said, suddenly willing to agree to anything she wanted.
Actually, her proposal would be an unexpected blessing. Living so far outside of town provided the quiet and solitude he desired but it also meant he had to take Sam to school early in the mornings and fetch him home in the afternoons. Some days, that posed a great hardship, depending on what he was working on. He did it because he believed an education was so important for Sam and because he loved his son. But it hadn’t been easy.
“Fie. We’ll start with the tutoring tomorrow and go from there.” She smiled and came to her feet, signaling they were finished.
He stood slowly. As she stepped over to the kitchen and invited him in for a huge slice of pie, he felt like he was moving in a fog
. Naomi and Dawdi Zeke welcomed him. They laughed and chatted as though he were a member of their familye. Jesse didn’t say much but nodded and smiled in return. It felt so mundane and normal and he appreciated their kindness more than he could say. His gaze kept roaming over to Becca as she offered Sam a chilled glass of milk. The child smiled and chewed with relish. And that’s when something dawned on Jesse. He hadn’t seen his son look this happy since before the house fire. Already, Becca had made a huge difference in Sam’s life.
By the time Jesse loaded his sleepy son into their buggy for the short drive home, he couldn’t help thinking that his familye used to be fun like this. They used to laugh and talk and eat pie together around the kitchen table. Oh, how he missed them all. How he missed the love and companionship they used to share.
How he missed Alice.
He had Becca to thank for today. She was so dynamic and outspoken, but also kind and generous. Because she was Sam’s teacher, she seemed to think she was entitled to make demands on Jesse and his time. The most irksome part was that she was right. Sam needed help. His father’s help.
Becca was pushy, insistent and giving. She was so different from his gentle, quiet, submissive Alice. Jesse just hoped Becca’s plan worked and Sam would soon start talking again. And as he drove them home through the cold night air, all of a sudden the world seemed to be filled with amazing possibilities.
Chapter Five
The following morning, Sam didn’t show up for school. They’d had another bad snowstorm in the night, so Becca thought perhaps Jesse couldn’t get his horse and buggy through the tall drifts that covered the dirt road leading from his farm. Since she lived just one mile away from his place, she knew the plows had been out early that morning to clear the county roads so the school buses with the Englisch kids could get to school safely. And that benefited the Amish too. But each farm had a dirt road that extended quite a way down and no one plowed that for them. Maybe tonight, she’d suggest to Jakob that he take his horses and sleigh over to Jesse’s place to help clear his driveway and road.
Two hours into the school day, she was standing in front of the chalkboard, helping the fourth-graders work through some particularly difficult arithmetic problems. The front door suddenly blasted open with a gust of chilly air. Becca whirled around and saw little Sam standing there with his father. Both of them were bundled up in heavy black coats, boots, knit caps, gloves and scarfs. While Jesse closed the door, the boy hurried over to the coatracks where he doffed his winter wear and hung it up. A quick glance at the other first-graders told him what subject they were working on as he slid into his seat and took out his penmanship book. And that’s when Becca saw his red eyes and tearstained face. The boy had obviously been crying. But why? What was the matter?
“I’m sorry we’re late. It couldn’t be helped.” Jesse lifted a hand as he spoke in Deitsch.
Under normal circumstances, Becca would have just smiled and welcomed Jesse and Sam to school. But the fact that Sam had been crying upset her. Setting the chalk aside, she walked over to Jesse and indicated she’d like him to accompany her outside where they could speak in private.
“Continue with your studies, please,” she called to the scholars before shutting the door against intrusion.
Standing on the front step, she faced Jesse, her emotions a riot of unease. “What has happened? Why is Sam so late?”
It was only when he responded that she realized she had also spoken in Deitsch. His and Sam’s sudden appearance had flustered her more than she liked to admit.
Jesse shrugged, not meeting her gaze. “Sam had a bad morning. He is all right now.”
“Are you sure? He looks distressed.” She spoke in Englisch this time, trying to remain professional.
“Ja, he is fine now.”
Hmm. His comment led her to believe it wasn’t the heavy drifts of snow that had caused Sam to cry. So, what had happened?
“Are you sure you’re up to bringing him home this afternoon after school? We got nine inches out at our place and I don’t want you stranded on the road somewhere,” Jesse said.
He acted like everything was completely normal, which confused her even more. Little six-year-old boys didn’t cry for no reason. Maybe she could find out what was the matter from Sam, although that might prove difficult since the boy didn’t talk.
“Ja, the sky is clear and the snow is melting now,” she said. “We shouldn’t have any more storms for several days. I should be able to bring Sam home and tutor him this afternoon without any problems.”
“Gut, I’ll see you then. I’ll watch for you and komm looking for you if you’re late arriving at my place.”
His words gave her a bit of comfort. It was nice to know someone was looking out for her in case she had trouble with her horse and buggy.
Jesse turned and walked down the steps, his long legs moving fast as he stepped around muddy areas where the snow had melted into puddles.
Rubbing her arms against the frigid air, Becca didn’t call him back or question him further. She had no right to interfere.
She returned to the classroom and discovered that the students hadn’t made much progress without her help. Lenore Schwartz, an eighth-grader, had just stepped in to offer assistance. With Becca’s arrival, Lenore handed over the piece of chalk and returned to her desk.
“Thank you, Lenore,” Becca called after the girl in a pleasant voice.
“You’re willkomm.” The girl nodded and smiled shyly.
Becca could tell some of the scholars were becoming more relaxed around her. After all, this was only her sixth day of teaching these kids. She was delighted to know they were starting to feel comfortable enough to step in and help the younger children.
“Let’s see, where are we?” Pressing a finger to her lips, Becca stepped up to the chalkboard and studied the problem once more.
She glanced at Susan Hostetler, one of the fourth-graders who was working this particular problem. Becca pointed at a specific area of the addition. “I think you’re getting hung up right here.”
“Ach, I told you so. You’re adding it wrong.” Caleb Yoder spoke with impatience.
Since Caleb was her only fifth-grader, she had brought him in to work with the fourth-graders. He brushed past Susan, picked up a piece of chalk and started to work her problem. Becca intervened, quickly erasing what he had written on the board.
“Caleb, this is Susan’s problem to work out. Please wait patiently for your turn,” she said.
The other children frowned with disapproval at Caleb’s rude behavior and he stepped back with a huff. Becca was glad. Maybe peer pressure would help keep Caleb in line.
Becca faced Susan again. “Did you remember to carry the nine?”
For several moments, Susan stared at the chalkboard, her forehead knitted in a deep frown of concentration. Then, the light clicked on inside her brain and she gasped in comprehension. “Ach, it’s right here!”
The girl quickly worked the problem, wrote the answer below, then turned to face Becca with an expectant smile. “Is it right this time? Is it?”
Becca nodded, showing a wide smile of approval. “You are absolutely correct. Well done!”
“Yay!” the girl cried, her face wide with a happy smile.
A laugh broke from Becca’s throat. She loved this part of teaching. When she saw the light of knowledge glimmer in one of her student’s eyes, it made her happy too. Yesterday, she’d doubted herself so much. But maybe she could do this after all. Once again, a part of her couldn’t help wishing she could marry and have a familye of her own. Since Vernon had broken her heart, it wasn’t to be. After the way he’d treated her, she didn’t think she could trust another man ever again. And moping about her shattered dreams wouldn’t do her any good. She had better get on with her life and make the best of it. But successes like this brought her a great deal of satisfaction and
joy.
“Very well done,” she praised Susan again, then glanced at Caleb. “I think you’re a bit too advanced for these problems. You’ll need a more difficult fraction to add.”
She could tell her words pleased him. Praise usually brought on Hochmut, the pride of the world, so it wasn’t encouraged among the Amish. But Becca thought a small compliment might help Caleb in this situation. While he watched her quizzically, she quickly wrote out a more strenuous problem with multiple fractions. Then, she handed her piece of chalk to him and stepped back to give him room to work.
He pressed his tongue to his upper lip while he studied the equation. Within moments, he had solved the problem with very little hesitation. He was definitely a bright scholar. Maybe that was the reason he kept getting into trouble. He was bored.
Well, she would just have to give him more work to do.
“Yay!” the other children called, quick to forgive him for being discourteous and quick to offer encouragement.
Becca laid a hand on Caleb’s shoulder and met his eyes. “Very well done, Caleb. In fact, I think you are advanced enough that you should start helping one of the younger children with their arithmetic. How would you like to become Sam’s math partner?”
Caleb glanced at the little boy, who sat quietly studying at his desk. A frown curved Caleb’s mouth downward and Becca feared he might refuse.
“You know he doesn’t speak, but you’re such a gut student that I know you can explain things to him.” Becca whispered the words for Caleb’s ears alone. After all, she didn’t want to hurt Sam’s feelings. “You’re quite a bit older and Sam really looks up to you. I’m sure he’d appreciate your help. And I’d love to tell your vadder that you’re one of our school tutors.”
A flicker of delight blazed in Caleb’s eyes. He liked that. A lot.
“But you mustn’t do Sam’s work for him,” she cautioned, still speaking softly so the other kids wouldn’t overhear. “Just help show him where he might be getting the problems wrong and let him figure things out himself. Then we’ll tell everyone what a gut tutor he has.”