The Mockingbird's Song

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  Right now, though, she wanted to take a look at the sign she’d made and make sure it looked okay.

  When Henry came in for a drink of water, Sylvia asked him to stay with the children while she went outside.

  “Okay,” he responded. “There ain’t much happening in the greenhouse right now anyway, so I probably won’t even be missed.”

  Sylvia resisted the urge to correct his English. She left the house and trotted down the driveway until she reached the sign.

  It looks good, even if I do say so myself She hoped this new sign, which she’d painted with a brighter color than the old one, would bring in some new customers.

  Sylvia was about to leave, when she noticed Maude across the road, loitering near the neighbors’ place. She wondered if the strange little woman would come by soon for more goodies from Mom, or if some other item might vanish from their property again.

  Sylvia heard some birds overhead, squawking to each other. A few black crows, like the one Henry had taken an interest in last year, sounded off, which she found to be annoying. She started to turn back toward the house when Maude approached.

  “I reckon you’re open for business again?”

  Sylvia’s brows knit together. “Excuse me?”

  “Your sign was gone yesterday, so I thought you may have closed down the greenhouse.”

  “No, we’re still open, and we don’t know what happened to the sign. But as you can see, a new one is up now.”

  The old woman snickered behind her weathered-looking hand. “I wonder how long till the new sign disappears.”

  Before Sylvia could comment, Maude hurried ahead to the greenhouse. She couldn’t tell if the elderly woman was kidding or not, but Sylvia chose not to let it bother her long, because she spotted a pair of cardinals on one of their hanging feeders. They were gorgeous in their red attire, as one chirped a pleasant song.

  Sylvia planted her feet and watched intently as the pair took turns eating from the feeder. I wish Dennis could see this with me. What a pretty sight.

  She remained fixated on the cardinals for several more minutes, until the birds flew away. Sylvia couldn’t help smiling. Watching the cardinals reminded her of the fun she’d had on Sunday with Dennis.

  He appears to be such a kind man, and he’s quite nice looking. It seems odd that Dennis isn’t married, Sylvia mused as she returned to the house to relieve Henry of his duty. Maybe Dennis hasn’t found the right woman yet. Or, he could be so focused on trying to get his new business going that he has no time for love and romance.

  Sylvia paused on the porch and tapped her chin. I don’t know why I’m thinking about this. It’s none of my business what Dennis does or why he’s not married. My concentration needs to be on raising my children and trying to help Mom come up with new ways to keep people coming to the greenhouse and buying the items she has for sale. Hopefully the money I’m now earning because of renting out my home will help compensate for any loss of business.

  About an hour after Earl left for work, Virginia got dressed, climbed in her car, and went shopping. Her friend Stella had worn some nice outfits during her visit, and Virginia had been inspired to buy something. I hope there’s enough room on the credit card I’ll be using today. Earl says we need to budget our finances, so I’ll try not to get carried away.

  Virginia found a dress shop a few doors down from Miller’s Smorgasbord and parked her car. It had been too long since she’d bought herself new clothes, and she was determined not to go home empty-handed. She’d finally cleaned out her closet of several outdated outfits and donated them to a thrift store.

  Virginia spent the next hour trying on outfits and jewelry. So far everything either didn’t fit, wasn’t in a color she liked, or cost too much money. She scrutinized the sale rack and found a pair of black knit leggings, as well as a floral print tunic. Seeing that the size and price were right, she carried the clothes to the dressing room. After trying them on, and turning different ways in front of the fitting room mirror, Virginia convinced herself that the tunic and leggings were made for her. She put her old clothes on and took the new ones up to the register, where she discovered a velvet-beaded double-strand necklace highlighted with crystals and gold links on display. It was the most unusual necklace she’d ever seen. The piece of jewelry cost almost as much as the tunic and legging, but Virginia knew she couldn’t leave the store without it.

  It’s not like I’m spending a king’s ransom in here. Virginia watched the sales gal finish with the lady ahead of her. I bet when Earl sees me in this new outfit, he’ll think I look so nice he will want to take me out for supper this evening. And if he asks which restaurant I would like to eat at, I’ll say, “Miller’s Smorgy.”

  After a clerk came to wait on Virginia, she plunked down a credit card. “You sure have some nice stuff in here. The next time my husband gets paid, think I’ll come back and look around.”

  The middle-age woman gave Virginia a wide smile. “You’d be welcomed.”

  When Virginia left the store, she chose to ignore the pain in her leg as she headed for her car. She clung tightly to the fancy gift bag the clerk had put her purchases in. Wow, if I’d known I was gonna feel this good about myself, I’d have bought some new clothes a lot sooner. Too bad my one true friend isn’t here to go shopping with me.

  Virginia got in her car and looked at herself in the rearview mirror. If I had a friend here with me right now, I’d find some place to change into my new clothes and invite her to go out to lunch.

  Her shoulders slumped. But I guess makin’ a new friend is never gonna happen. Even if I did meet someone, who’d want to hang out with a woman who has a gimpy leg and doesn’t have anything interesting to talk about?

  “You look real nice this evening, hon.” Earl grinned at Virginia when he stepped in the door. “Did you go shopping today?”

  “I sure did, and I found these clothes on a sales rack.” Making no mention of the necklace she’d bought at full price, Virginia turned all the way around so he could see the front and back of her new outfit.

  “You real did well.” Earl stepped forward and gave her a kiss. “I’m glad you tried them on for me, but you might want to change clothes before you start cooking supper.”

  Virginia put on her best smile. “I was hoping we could go out for supper tonight.”

  Earl tipped his head from side to side, as though weighing his choices. “Well now…let me think…”

  She puckered her lips. “Come on, Earl, pretty please.”

  “Didn’t you have something already planned for supper?”

  She shook her head.

  He jiggled his brows then pulled Virginia into his arms for a hug. “Okay, sweetie, it’s a date. Just give me a few minutes to clean up and change my clothes. Then we can go to the restaurant of my choice.”

  “Your choice, huh?” She poked his stomach.

  “Well, sure. Since it was your idea to go out to eat, don’t you think it’s only fair that I should get to choose which restaurant we go to?”

  “I suppose.” Virginia smiled. What a thoughtful husband I have. I can’t believe I was lucky enough to find him. I still have to wonder what Earl ever saw in someone like me.

  “Where are you and Jared going for supper this evening?” Sylvia asked her sister.

  Amy turned away from the living room window, where she’d been standing for the last five minutes. “I’m not sure yet. Maybe Diener’s in Ronks, or we might eat someplace here in Strasburg. When Jared stopped by the greenhouse today and invited me to go with him this evening, I said he could choose the restaurant.”

  “That was gracious of you. I hope it’s a place you like.”

  Amy smiled. “I’m sure it will be. There aren’t many restaurants in our area that don’t serve good food.”

  “You’re right. Toby’s and my favorite place to eat was the Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant.” A pang of regret shot through Sylvia as she thought of her dear husband, remembering more of the good
times they’d spent together. She couldn’t help feeling a bit envious of her sister. At the same time, Sylvia was happy for Amy. She deserved the chance to build a life with the man she loved. Someday Amy and Jared would have children and Mom would have more grandchildren to love and dote over.

  Sylvia sighed inwardly. Sure wish I could give Mom another grandchild or two, but I guess it’s not meant to be. If Toby hadn’t died, we’d surely have had more kinner.

  Ronks

  “What made you choose this restaurant, Earl?” Virginia asked after they were seated at a table at Diener’s Country Restaurant.

  “I heard they have good food. In fact, I was told that it’s a favorite of the Amish in the area.”

  “I can tell.” She looked around the room where several Amish people sat at tables and rolled her eyes. “Don’t we get enough Amish exposure at home? I mean, almost every time I look out the window, a horse and buggy is going by or turning up the Kings’ driveway.”

  “We’re living in Amish country, so we’re bound to see Amish people.” Earl leaned closer to Virginia. “And please keep your voice down. Someone might hear what you’re saying and think you’re prejudiced.”

  She shrugged her shoulders. “So what if I am?”

  Earl had no chance to respond, because a middle-aged waitress came and asked what they would like to drink.

  “I’ll have a glass of water and a cup of coffee,” Virginia replied.

  “Make that two,” Earl chimed in.

  The waitress smiled. “Is this your first time visiting our restaurant?”

  “Yes, it is. I heard about this place from my coworkers,” Earl spoke up.

  “That’s good. I hope you both enjoy your meal.”

  He gave a nod. “I’m sure we will.”

  Virginia looked around and overheard a man at a nearby table say, “This restaurant is a bit of a landmark.”

  Virginia took in the minimal decor, as well as all the homey-looking wooden tables and chairs. The place grew busier, with more and more people being seated. The room soon became abuzz with constant conversations all happening at once.

  Their friendly waitress went over the way things worked with where the different food counters were located as she held out menus. “Would you like to order off the menu or choose the items you want from the buffet?”

  “I’ll go with the buffet.” Earl looked at Virginia. “How about you, dear?”

  “Guess I will too.”

  “Feel free to help yourself whenever you’re ready. I’ll get your beverages and be back with them soon.” The woman turned and walked away.

  Earl pushed his chair aside and stood. “Okay, Virginia, let’s go after some food.”

  As they joined a few others in line at the buffet bar, Virginia noticed an Amish couple at one of the tables across the room. Oh great. It’s Amy King and Jared, the roofer. I hope they don’t see us.

  Once their plates were full, Virginia followed Earl back to their table.

  “Say, isn’t that the guy who did our garage roof?” Earl gestured in that direction. “And I think he’s with one of the young Amish women who lives across the road from us.”

  “I believe you’re right.” Virginia picked up the chicken leg she’d placed on top of her buttered noodles, because her plate was so full.

  “Oh, look, they must have seen us, ’cause they’re coming this way.”

  Virginia put the chicken down and held her elbows tightly against her sides, wishing there was someplace she could hide. The last thing she needed was feeling forced to carry on a conversation with someone she didn’t care about.

  “It’s nice to see you folks,” Jared said as he and Amy stood beside Earl and Virginia’s table. “Is this your first time eating here?”

  “Yes, it is, and I’ve heard they have good food.”

  “We like it.” Amy looked at Virginia and smiled. “I’m sure you will too.”

  “Maybe, if our food doesn’t get cold before we have a chance to eat it,” Virginia mumbled, barely glancing at Amy.

  Amy nudged Jared’s arm. “We need to get our dessert from the buffet and let my neighbors eat their meal in peace.”

  “You’re right, Amy.” Jared clasped Earl’s shoulder. “Sorry for the intrusion.”

  “Not a problem.” Earl reached out and shook Jared’s hand. “Your stopping by has given me a chance to tell you once more what a good job you and your crew did when you replaced my garage roof. I’ve been telling some of the fellows I work with about you. So don’t be surprised if you get a few phone calls from some of the people I told about you.”

  “Thanks, I appreciate that.” Jared’s cheeks turned a light shade of pink.

  Amy gave Jared’s shirtsleeve a little tug. “Let’s get some dessert before it’s all gone.”

  “Okay, okay.” He looked at Amy and chuckled, then turned back to face Earl and Virginia. “I think my future wife is eager to satisfy her sweet tooth.”

  “Future wife?” Virginia repeated. “I didn’t know you and Amy were engaged to be married. When’s the big day?”

  “The first Thursday of October.” Jared spoke before Amy could form any words.

  “Yes, and there’s still much to be done before the wedding,” she interjected.

  “Thursday seems like an odd day to get married. Why not a Saturday?” Virginia asked.

  “We Amish always choose a weekday for our weddings because the following day we need to clean up after the event,” Jared explained. “A Saturday wedding would mean cleanup on Sunday, and since we don’t work on Sundays…”

  Virginia held up her hand. “Okay, I get it.”

  “Maybe you should save yourself the time and energy of all the fuss and preparations, and just elope.” Earl snickered.

  Jared shook his head. “Young couples who’ve joined the Amish church would never elope.”

  Amy nodded in agreement. “It’s just not done.”

  “Perhaps you folks would like to come to the wedding service, or at least join us for one of the meals that will be served throughout the day.”

  “You serve more than one post-wedding meal?” Virginia thought this was a strange custom too.

  “Yes,” Jared replied. “We don’t normally have enough room to accommodate everyone in the building where the wedding takes place, and having more than one meal afterward allows people who didn’t come to the wedding to join the bride and groom, as well as their witnesses, in a meal. Of course,” he added, “those who do attend the wedding are usually served directly after the service. Then later in the day, many people who did not attend the wedding come to the second meal.”

  Earl nodded, but Virginia merely looked down at her plate piled high with food. Amy figured her neighbor wasn’t that interested in what had been said.

  “So we’ll make sure you receive an invitation in the mail—if not for the wedding itself, then for one of the meals.” Jared looked at Earl, who bobbed his head once more.

  Seeing her future husband’s eager expression caused Amy to cringe internally. What is he thinking? I’m not sure about Earl, but I seriously doubt that Virginia’s interested in being a friendly neighbor, much less attending our wedding. I bet Jared was only being polite by bringing up the topic.

  “I hope you two will enjoy your meal.” Amy inched her way farther from the table.

  “Thanks, I’m sure we will.” Earl picked up his knife and fork and cut into his piece of chicken breast.

  Amy managed a smile before she and Jared walked away. “I don’t think Virginia likes me,” she whispered at the dessert bar as she took a piece of cherry pie with whipped cream on top.

  “What makes you think that?”

  “Really, Jared, couldn’t you tell how disinterested she was when the topic of our wedding came up?”

  He shook his head. “You might be a little overly sensitive when it comes to your English neighbor.”

  “I don’t think so. Ever since our first meeting, Virginia has been standoffish.


  “She might be one of those people who needs a little time to get acquainted with someone.”

  “Jah, especially someone like me and my family who live a completely different lifestyle than her.”

  “Just give her the chance to get to know you better.” Jared put a large scoop of bread pudding on his plate and covered it with warm maple sauce. “Ready to go back to our table now?”

  “Sure.” Amy followed him across the room. She would need to check with her mother and see how many people they planned to invite to her wedding. Maybe the list would be too long and there wouldn’t be enough room to include Virginia and her husband.

  Virginia watched the young couple get some dessert and head back to their table. She looked at her plate and tried the noodles, followed by a bite of chicken. “Yum…this isn’t bad at all. In fact the food here’s pretty tasty.”

  Earl nodded as he shoveled in a mouthful of potatoes with gravy.

  “You must like the food here too, ’cause you’re taking big bites like there’s no tomorrow.” She snickered. “You’d better take it easy, Earl. There’s still plenty up there for you to have seconds.”

  He thumped his belly. “Yep, and I’m gonna take advantage of that very thing.”

  Virginia took a drink of water. “This place would have been fun to bring Stella during the time she was here. What a bummer she couldn’t be with us right now. Sure wish there was a way to lure my friend back here for another visit.”

  “She did seem to be taken in by the Plain people in the area. And there’s plenty of ’em here in this restaurant this evening.” He picked up his roll and buttered it. “Stella asked me some questions about the Amish, but I don’t know them that well, so I had no concrete answers for her.”

  “Same here. I don’t know much except what I’ve seen of our Amish neighbors.” Virginia picked up her fork again. “But I did see Stella purchase a book about the Amish from one of the shops we stopped at during the time she was here.”

 

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