The Mockingbird's Song

by Wanda E. Brunstetter, Kristin Billerbeck, Kristy Dykes, Aisha Ford, Birdie L. Etchison, Pamela Griffin, Joyce Livingston, Tamela Hancock Murray

  “Danki for stopping by.” Belinda got off the stool and approached one of the couples who’d come in. “May I help you with anything?”

  She glanced over her shoulder and saw Monroe head out the door. Hopefully he wouldn’t be back anytime soon, unless it was to buy something. It wasn’t in her nature to feel this way about someone, but Monroe’s behavior got on her nerves.

  Since Virginia’s friend would be arriving today, she had spent the morning making sure the house was picked up and the guest room looked presentable. She figured Stella most likely wouldn’t be here until close to suppertime, so there was time for her to rest awhile.

  She took a seat in her recliner, hit the lever, and lay back with her feet elevated. This position felt good and always made the pain in her leg subside.

  Virginia picked up the remote and turned on the TV. Her favorite game show came on, and it didn’t take long to become absorbed in the questions being asked of the contestants. Of course, Virginia tried to guess the answers along with them.

  Fifteen minutes into the show, her eyes became heavy and her eyelids closed. A little power nap would feel good, and she’d be refreshed by the time Stella got here.

  Virginia was on the verge of nodding off, when a knock sounded on the door.

  I hope it’s not Amy needing to use my phone again.

  Virginia pulled the lever on her chair and when the footrest came down she got up and made her way to the door. When she opened it, she was surprised to see Stella on the front porch.

  “Well, for goodness’ sakes. I didn’t expect you this soon.” Virginia gave her friend a hug and invited her in.

  “I got an earlier start yesterday than I’d planned, stopped early for the night, and left the hotel as soon as I woke up.” Stella pulled her fingers through the ends of her short blond hair and yawned. “I’m pretty tired, but it’s good to be here.”

  “I’m glad you made it okay.” Virginia gestured to the sofa. “Should we sit awhile and visit, or did you want to get your luggage out of the car?”

  “Let’s sit first.” Stella took a seat on one end of the couch.

  “I’ll go get us a cup of coffee. Unless you’d rather have something else.”

  “Coffee’s fine. It’ll keep me from falling asleep.”

  “Maybe you’d like to take a nap.”

  “No, I didn’t come all this way to sleep in the middle of the day. I’d much rather get caught up with you.”

  Virginia smiled. “Same here. Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be right back.”

  When Virginia returned to living room, she found her friend standing in front of the window facing the street.

  “Here’s your coffee.” Virginia placed two mugs on the low table in front of the couch.

  Stella turned to face her. “I was watching a horse and buggy coming down the street. It turned up the driveway by the sign for the greenhouse.”

  Virginia grunted. “Yeah, that’s what I have to put up with all day.” She wrinkled her nose. “Clip-clop. Clip-clop. The noise is so distracting.”

  “You think so?” Stella tipped her head. “I kinda like the sound. It’s relaxing.”

  “You wouldn’t say that if you had to hear it all day. When I sit out on the porch, it’s even louder, not to mention the putrid smell of the droppings those horses leave in the middle of the road.”

  “You’ll get used to it in time.” Stella took a seat, picked up her mug, and took a drink. “Nice… This hits the spot.”

  Virginia joined her. “I have some store-bought cookies, if you’d like some.”

  “No thanks. I don’t want to spoil my appetite for whatever you’re planning for supper.”

  “I have a chicken cooking in the crockpot.”

  “Yum.” Stella glanced toward the window. “I’d sure like to have a look at that greenhouse while I’m here. Could we take a walk over there?”

  “You mean now?”

  “Sure, why not?”

  “Those people who run it are different. I’m sure you wouldn’t like them.”

  “I’m not prejudiced, Virginia.”

  “Maybe we can go over there tomorrow. My leg’s been acting up today, and I don’t feel like goin’ anywhere right now.”

  “I guess tomorrow might be better.” Stella drank more coffee. “We’ll both be rested up in the morning.”

  Virginia nodded. By tomorrow, she would make up some other excuse. The last thing she wanted to do was to take her friend over to that greenhouse and expose her to those strange people.

  When Henry guided the horse and buggy up to the rail, Sylvia saw Dennis waiting on the porch for them in the same place he’d been when they’d met him here last week.

  She stepped out of the carriage, and held her horse until Henry got down. Once he took over, she headed for the house and joined Dennis on the porch.

  “Good evening, Sylvia. It’s nice to see you again.” Dennis’s smile seemed so genuine—nothing like the fake-looking ones Monroe offered Mom and the rest of the family.

  “Good evening.” Sylvia took the key from her handbag and opened the front door. “The house has been thoroughly cleaned and everything is out of it that I won’t need. If you’d like to walk around and inspect each of the rooms before you sign the rental contract, it’s fine with me.”

  He shook his head. “No need for me to look around. I’m sure the rooms are okay.”

  Sylvia went in first, and Dennis followed. She led the way to the kitchen, and placed the written agreement on the table, along with a pen. “There’s a carbon paper under the first page,” she explained. “That way, we’ll both have a copy.”

  “Makes sense to me.” Dennis took a seat at the table and read the agreement. “Everything looks good. I have no problem with any of it and will gladly sign the papers.” He reached for his wallet and handed her the first month’s rent. “Since your address is on the invoice I’ll know where to send the check each month. And if it’s okay, I may drop by some time to check out the greenhouse.”

  “I may not be there when you come over, but either my mother or sister can show you around and offer any help you may need if you decide to purchase anything.”

  He gave a nod. “Do you and your brother have plans to do more birding anytime soon?”

  Sylvia shrugged. “I don’t know. We haven’t talked about it.”

  “Let me know if you do. If it works into my schedule, maybe I can join you.”

  “Umm…maybe. We’ll have to see how it goes.”

  Although the idea appealed to Sylvia, she wasn’t sure going bird-watching with Dennis was a good idea. She didn’t want to start any gossip or speculation going around that either of them might have some interest in each other, for that was certainly not the case—at least not on her part. Furthermore, Dennis had given no indication that he might be interested in her. With him being new to the area, he was probably looking for companionship and someone to share his interest in birds. Since Dennis was older and more mature than Henry, he could also be a good role model for her brother. If Sylvia went along, it would only be if Henry wanted her to join them. It would also depend on whether either Mom or Amy was free to watch Rachel and Allen.

  After Dennis signed the rental agreement, he asked a few questions, and she agreed to his requests regarding the use of the property. When he handed Sylvia the papers, she put her copy in her purse, along with Dennis’s check and left his copy on the table. “My brother and I should get going, but don’t hesitate to call if you have any questions about anything here in the house or other parts of the property.”

  “I appreciate that.” Dennis shook her hand. “Danki for your willingness to rent this place to me. I’ll do my best to keep everything nice and in good working order.”

  Sylvia said goodbye and returned to her horse and buggy, where Henry waited.

  When they pulled out of the yard, a strange feeling came over her. Getting the first month’s rent and giving Dennis a key to the home she used to sha
re with Toby made his death seem so final—like coming to the end of a novel. Only, Sylvia didn’t feel the satisfaction that came from reaching the end of a book. Her heart ached more than ever.

  Dennis awakened the following morning, feeling a bit disoriented. The mattress he’d slept upon was not the unyielding cot he’d used at James’s place. This bed was comfortable, making it hard to come fully awake.

  He rubbed his eyes and sat up. Looking around the cozy room, Dennis appreciated that, unlike the drab accommodations he’d had before, this room looked freshly painted in a warm tan. It also came furnished with an oak dresser, bedframe, coat rack, and cedar-lined storage chest at the foot of the bed. The room, along with the others in the house, had oak-trimmed mopboards and window and door frames. Even the floors were finished in oak throughout most of the rooms, except the bathroom and kitchen. Dennis liked the place so far. It was more than adequate for his needs and quite comfortable.

  He sat up and put his feet on the soft area rug next to the bed. This is what I envisioned for myself—ssa nice house with homey comforts. Dennis smiled. I wonder if Sylvia would mind if I got a hund and brought it into the house at night.

  He shook his head. Guess that’s not the best idea, since I’ll be working most days and don’t really have time to care for a dog. She may be opposed to having an animal in the house too.

  As Dennis made his way to the window and lifted the shade, he felt a sense of exhilaration. Last evening, after he’d signed the rental agreement, Sylvia had given him permission to mow down the field and create a track where he could train horses to pull a carriage. He would get started on that as soon as he’d eaten breakfast.

  His stomach growled at the thought of food, but then he remembered there was nothing in the refrigerator yet. He would need to eat breakfast at one of the local restaurants and do some grocery shopping this morning.

  Dennis looked for his wallet on the dresser but realized it wasn’t there. I seem to have misplaced it. I’d better keep looking.

  Dennis hurried to get dressed and went out to the kitchen for a glass of water. As he sipped it, he noticed his wallet sitting near the coffee pot on the counter. He groaned. I remember now—I set it there last night to remind myself to buy some coffee. He grabbed the wallet and put it in his pocket. It was nice that Sylvia had left plenty of dishes, as well as pots and pans in the cupboards for his use. He sure hadn’t expected her to leave him coffee or other food staples.

  Dennis had thought he would make out a grocery list but figured there was no use in doing that. He needed pretty much everything to start out with, so he’d just wander through the store and put whatever items he wanted into the cart as he went along.

  Guess I’d better comb my hair and brush my teeth before hitching my horse to the buggy and heading for town. He pushed his chair back and stood. Think I might pick up some birdseed today too. May as well see if I can lure some interesting birds into the yard. Then I can record them in my birding journal, along with the others I’ve seen while out bird-watching.

  Dennis hoped Sylvia had no regrets about renting her place to him, because he had a good feeling about living here. Sylvia had said she had no plans of moving back here, so someday, if things worked out, maybe she would agree to sell him the house and property. In the meantime, Dennis would make the most out of living here.

  For the first time since moving to Lancaster County, Virginia found herself feeling less anxious and able to relax. She figured it was because Stella was here and her loneliness, if only for a short time, had gone away. Virginia wished her friend could live in Pennsylvania too. They could do many things together, like they did when she and Earl lived in Chicago. Now she and Stella only had a short time to squeeze in some fun and make a few memories.

  Sure wish I could convince her to move here, but since Stella’s husband has a good job in Chicago, it probably won’t happen.

  “Would you like more toast or another boiled egg?” Virginia offered as she and Stella lingered at the table over a cup of coffee. Earl had left for work half an hour ago. She reached for the creamer, added some to her coffee, and gave it a gentle stir. My husband has been getting along well with our guest. He seemed to enjoy chatting with Stella last evening.

  “No more toast for me. I’m plenty full from what I already ate.” Stella lifted her mug and took a drink. “As soon as we finish our coffee, let’s put our dishes in the dishwasher and head across the street to your neighbor’s greenhouse.”

  Virginia groaned inwardly. She’d hoped her friend would have forgotten about the silly notion of seeing the greenhouse and meeting the Amish family who ran it. Stella acts like a full-blown tourist, wanting to see the Plain people. I hope she doesn’t expect me to drive her all over the place in order to see more of them.

  “Virginia, did you hear what I said?”

  Virginia blinked. “Umm…yeah, I heard you. Just not sure going over there’s a good idea.”

  “Why not?”

  “I told you yesterday—those people are strange. I have nothing in common with them, and neither will you.”

  “You never know. We might hit it off famously and discover we have some things in common.” Stella winked.

  Virginia lifted her gaze to the ceiling. “Right.”

  “So can we go?”

  “Why don’t you head over there while I take care of the dishes? The place is open now. I can tell by all the horse and buggy traffic.”

  Stella shook her head. “No way. I want you to introduce me to your neighbors.”

  “Can’t you make your own introductions? I mean, you’re not a shy person.”

  “True, but I’d rather you went along.”

  Virginia wasn’t sure what else she could say to dissuade her friend from going over there. If I said I have a headache, would that help? No, Stella would probably see right through the fib. I could tell her my leg hurts this morning and I don’t want to do much walking. Yeah, that’s the best approach.

  Virginia finished the last of her coffee and reached down to rub her knee. “I’m in quite a bit of pain this morning. Don’t think my leg can handle walking that far.”

  “Not a problem. We can drive over there in my car.” Stella finished her coffee and pushed back her chair. “You sit there and relax while I put the dishes in the dishwasher. Then we’ll be on our way.”

  This is getting me nowhere. Stella is determined to follow through on this silly endeavor, and now I feel like I have no choice. Virginia’s shoulders curled forward as she cringed internally. She figured short of passing out cold, there was no way she could get out of going.

  When Virginia entered the greenhouse with Stella, her palms became sweaty. Several Amish people wandered up and down the aisles, and she caught sight of Belinda talking to one of them. This was definitely not Virginia’s favorite place to be.

  “Aren’t you gonna introduce me to the young lady behind the counter?” Stella whispered close to Virginia’s ear.

  “Uh…yeah…sure.” Virginia approached the counter, with Stella at her side. “This is my friend, Stella,” she said, barely looking at Amy.

  Amy stretched out her arm to shake hands with Stella. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Amy.”

  Stella smiled. “This is a really nice place you have here. I’ve always been fascinated with greenhouses.”

  Seriously? Virginia pursed her lips in an attempt to maintain a neutral expression. This was news to her. In all the time she’d known Stella, she’d never once heard her mention going to a greenhouse, much less having a fascination with them.

  “I’m glad you like it.” Amy smiled. “But the greenhouse isn’t mine. It belongs to my mother. I just work here, along with my younger brother. Sometimes, in a pinch, our older sister helps out too.”

  “So it’s a family affair?”

  Amy nodded just before a customer approached the counter with a wagonload of plants.

  “We’d better get going.” Virginia nudged her friend’s arm. “Thi
ngs are getting busy here, and we don’t want to get in the way.”

  Stella’s gaze flicked upward. “I’m not ready to go yet. We just got here. I’d like to have a look around.” She touched Virginia’s arm. “If your leg’s bothering you too much to walk with me, why don’t you go out and wait in the car?”

  Virginia’s toes curled inside her sneakers. If she sat in the car, Stella would probably take longer to look around. But if she walked with her, Stella might hurry things along. “I’ll be fine. I’m not waiting in the car,” she responded.

  “Okay then, we can walk slowly, so it doesn’t put so much pressure on your leg,” Stella slowed her pace.

  Oh great. At this rate we’ll be here all day.

  By the time they’d made their rounds and seen all of the greenhouse, Stella had picked out several packets of seeds, plus some gardening utensils. She mentioned the idea of buying a few plants but decided not to since she wouldn’t be going back to Chicago for a few more days, and was worried that they might not survive the trip home.

  When they went to the counter to check out, Amy and Belinda were both there. Amy introduced Stella to her mother, and the two women shook hands.

  “It’s nice to see you again, Virginia.” Belinda offered her a pleasant smile.

  Virginia managed to smile in return, while mumbling, “Uh, same here.”

  Several more minutes went by as Stella conversed with the Amish women. Virginia was relieved when her friend gathered up her purchases and moved toward the door with a cheerful, “Goodbye.” Of course, Virginia felt forced to say goodbye to Amy and Belinda, before following Stella out the door.

  Virginia wasn’t sure what hurt the most—her pounding head or the throbbing in her leg.

  As they drove the short distance back to her house, Stella chattered on about the lovely greenhouse.

  When Stella pulled her vehicle onto the driveway and set the brake, she turned to face Virginia. “I can’t understand why you don’t like those people. Both women seemed very nice to me.”