“Are ya lookin’ at the devastation caused from the fire across the road?”
She whirled around. “Earl Martin, do not sneak up on me like that.”
“I wasn’t sneaking. Just wandered into the room to get my empty mug from last night. And big surprise, I found you here snooping again.”
“I wasn’t snooping. Just wanted to get a better look at what we couldn’t see last night when those blaring sirens woke us out of a sound sleep.”
“I’m not sure how sound it was. You were rolling around in that bed like a mouse was crawling up your leg.” Earl took the binoculars from her and set them on the end table by the couch. “If you can tear yourself away from the window long enough, I’d appreciate some breakfast before I leave for work.”
Virginia’s toes curled inside her slippers. “No problem, Earl. I’ll get your breakfast going right now.”
Once in the kitchen, she heated up the skillet. “Are you fine with some hash browns and eggs?” she called.
“Yeah, that sounds good. Do we have any ketchup for the potatoes?”
Virginia opened the refrigerator and grabbed the bottle, along with a carton of eggs. “Yep, there’s plenty of ketchup,” she hollered back.
“Good deal!”
While Earl showered and got dressed for work, Virginia made their breakfast and had it warming in the oven. She then returned to the living room with a hot cup of coffee, to which she’d added her fancy creamer.
As she waited for her husband to come down the hall, her thoughts took her down a negative path. If we’d only gotten an invite to that wedding, Stella would be here with me. She and I would be doing something fun today, like going out to lunch and shopping for clothes.
When Virginia heard Earl coming, she headed back to the kitchen and pulled the food from the oven.
“Breakfast smells good, and I can’t wait to eat.” Earl poured some coffee and took a seat at the table.
She set the skillet and the small casserole dish on potholders. “We’d better get started while the food is hot.”
“I’m ready to eat. I’ll go ahead and dish up.”
Virginia waited for him before helping herself. “Guess I’ll do some bird-watching today.”
Earl chuckled. “I’m sure you will, except I should remind you that birds don’t wear bonnets or straw hats. If you really want to know what happened, go on over there and ask. I’d go myself if I didn’t have to head for work in a few minutes.”
“Very funny. You don’t have to believe me, but I’m gonna look for birds today.” Virginia spooned some eggs and hash browns on her plate.
As Earl ate his food, Virginia nibbled on the hash browns and stared out the window. After her husband left, she’d be bored and lonely. It was too bad they had a fire last night, but she couldn’t help feeling jilted by those Amish folks.
Maybe they think they’re better than me. She grimaced. I can’t believe I fell for Jared’s promise of an invite to their wedding when we met at Diener’s.
“What’s got your smile turned upside-down? You’re not still upset about not going to that wedding, are you?”
“Of course I am. Everything would’ve been perfect if we’d received an invitation and gone across the street for Jared and Amy’s big day. Stella would have loved it. That much I know.” Virginia took a drink of coffee.
“They have a teenage boy over there, you know. I’m sure there’ll be a wedding for him sometime in the future. Maybe we’ll get invited to that.” Earl stood and carried his dishes to the sink.
Virginia wasn’t impressed with that bit of news. Mrs. King’s son might wait years to get hitched, and there was no guarantee that they’d get an invitation to his wedding either.
I should feel bad about those people’s barn burning, but they don’t care a hoot about me, so why should I care about them?
Amy and Jared walked together around the rubble. Her heart sank while looking at the remains of the old barn that once stood large and tall on her parents’ property. Some recognizable things lay among the blackened remains, but none of it looked usable. Amy felt the burden of it all. If she’d been here at the house last night, she could have helped out.
“I’m sorry about what happened to your family’s barn,” Jared said.
“So am I, but I can’t help feeling bad that I wasn’t here instead of—”
“Instead of where? Being with me at our new place?” Jared’s tone had an edge to it.
“Oh, come on now, Jared. That’s not what I meant.”
“It sounded like it to me.” He took off his hat and fanned his face with the brim. “Do you really think you could’ve done something to prevent this from happening or made it better somehow?”
“I could have tried to do something.” Amy’s hand went to her hip.
He frowned. “It still would have turned out like this.”
They stood silently for a few moments. The sunshine felt nice as it shone down upon them. Amy’s family had headed off in the direction of the large tents that needed to be dismantled and ready to be returned to the place where they’d rented them.
Amy’s arm fell to her side as she turned to face Jared. “I just feel bad for not being here to help out is all—not because I was with you.” She looked up at him. “I love you, Jared.”
“I love you too.” He grinned and let out a chuckle.
“What’s so funny?”
“I do believe we’ve just had our first tiff.”
Amy smiled and laughed too. “Jah, I guess we did.”
“We’d better go help the others now, don’t you agree?”
“Most certainly.” Amy walked alongside Jared. I’m sure there will be more misunderstandings in our marriage, but we’ll talk them through, just like we did now. How thankful I am for such a loving husband. I surely hope my sister finds that kind of happiness with the man she loves.
Holding her binoculars in front of her face, Virginia stood poised at the living room window. She shook her head in disgust as the steady clippity-clop, clippity-clop pounded the pavement in front of her house. Every single one of those horses and buggies turned up the Kings’ driveway. Earl had said he’d talked to Belinda’s teenage son yesterday and learned they’d be having a new barn built today. He’d also stated that many from their community would be at the event, so the constant flow of buggy traffic was no surprise. That didn’t make it any easier to deal with.
Virginia’s nerves were on edge, and she couldn’t wait for Earl to leave for work so she could light up a cigarette. Although she’d promised to give up smoking, Virginia couldn’t seem to help herself. Her habit was a strong crutch, and she wasn’t sure she could quit. Her life now was easy compared to how it used to be during her first marriage, but since coming to Amish country, she’d been uptight most of the time. Earl had told her once that her aversion to living here made no sense, yet his statement had done nothing to change the way Virginia felt. If she’d known what it would be like before moving here, she never would have agreed to leave Chicago. At least there, she had Stella to talk to. Now all she had was Goldie, the fluffy orange cat she’d brought home from the animal shelter a week ago.
Virginia continued to watch the activity across the road. I would love to see what’s happening even better over there. It’s too bad the fire didn’t burn some of those trees down, so I could see into their whole yard.
“Ah-hem.” Earl cleared his throat. “Since I don’t detect any pleasant aromas coming from the kitchen, I can only assume that breakfast has not been started.”
She lowered the binoculars and turned to face him. “It’s still early. Figured I had plenty of time to start breakfast.”
“Well, you don’t. I told you last night that the boss called a special meeting at work this morning, and I need to go soon.”
“Sorry. I must’ve forgot. I’ll get something going now. Maybe I’ve got enough pancake mix to make some flapjacks.”
He shook his head. “Don’t bother. I’ll
pick up a doughnut and coffee on the way to Lancaster.” Earl gestured toward the window. “I hope you can find something meaningful to do with your time and don’t spend the whole day staring out the front window. Gazing through those field glasses is not going to change the fact that our neighbors are Amish and they still live across the road.”
She scrunched up her face. “That’s not funny, Earl.”
“It may not be funny, but it’s a fact.” He stepped up to Virginia and kissed her cheek. “Have a nice day, dear, and don’t forget to feed the cat.”
“Yeah, you have a good day too.” She reached down and petted Goldie’s head. Well, at least I’m not alone anymore.
As soon as Virginia heard the back door open and shut, she picked up the binoculars and resumed her snooping. If I keep watching long enough, I might see something that will pique my interest.
Belinda stood on the front porch of her home, watching and listening to the work going on in the yard. The soon-to-be structure was currently just a concrete-block foundation, but it wouldn’t be long before a new barn stood tall. Men had gathered into small groups, and after a few minutes, those who’d come to work broke up and everybody found a job to do. Soon, the air was filled with the pounding of hammers, along with the hum of saws cutting wood.
Belinda was awed by the large number of people from their community who had come to help out. Monroe Esh was among them. Herschel Fisher came even though he was from outside their church district. Jared arrived with his crew of roofers. Dennis was also among the men who were already working up a sweat. Belinda noticed that he would glance back at the house from time to time—no doubt hoping to catch a glimpse of Sylvia. Both of Belinda’s daughters would be inside most of the day, getting a noon meal ready for the workers. Other women from their community had also come here today to help cook and serve the men.
Belinda looked toward the road and heaved a sigh. Too bad Ezekiel couldn’t be here. Michelle had come down with a nasty flu bug, and even though one of his wife’s friends had offered to help out, he didn’t want to leave her when she wasn’t feeling well. Belinda had assured her son that they would have plenty of help today and reminded him that his place was with his family. He’d sounded relieved when she’d assured him that she’d let him know how things went once the new barn was done.
“Sure is a good turnout today, jah?” Jared grinned at Dennis as they worked alongside each other.
Dennis nodded. Sylvia’s mamm is still giving me the cold shoulder, though. I said, “Hello, Mrs. King” to her this morning, and she barely responded to my greeting. He let out a huff. Sure wish I knew how to break the ice with her so we could become friends. Even with Sylvia’s reassurances that eventually her mother will come to like me, I have my doubts.
“You’ve been awfully quiet this morning. Is everything okay?”
“Let’s just say they’re not the way I’d like them to be.” Dennis’s breaths came faster as he continued to hammer.
“Hey, slow down. There’s no need to rush.” Jared put his hand on Dennis’s shoulder. “If there’s something bothering you, it might help if you get it off your chest.”
Dennis glanced at the men working nearby. “I’d rather not talk about it right now.”
“Then let’s take a break. We’ve been working hard, and sitting for a few minutes with some cold water to drink will help.” Jared pointed to the table that had been set up in the yard with cups and glasses for water and coffee.
“Okay, sure.” Dennis set his tools aside and joined Jared at the table. After they’d poured water into their paper cups, they walked around to the side of the house and took a seat on a wooden bench.
“So what’s on your mind?” Jared asked.
Dennis swiped a hand across his sweaty forehead. “I think it would be better if I wasn’t courting Sylvia anymore.”
Jared’s eyes widened. “How come?”
“Her mudder doesn’t like me, and I don’t want to come between Belinda and Sylvia.” Dennis paused and took a drink. “And then there’s my mamm. She keeps saying that she wants me to get married, but I need to make sure Sylvia’s the right woman and that I shouldn’t rush into things.”
“What are you going to do?”
Dennis shrugged. “I don’t know. My head tells me the right thing to do is break things off with Sylvia, and…” His voice trailed off. There was no point in talking about this, because he couldn’t make Belinda like him, no matter how hard he tried. He gulped down the last of his water and stood. “Guess we need to get back to work.”
Jared nodded. “If you need to talk about this again, I’ll listen and offer my advice if needed. I’ll also be praying for your situation. I’m sure this can’t be easy, but take heart—the Lord can work out problems, no matter how big they seem.”
“Danki.” Dennis tossed his paper cup in the trash and hurried back to the construction site. Putting his tool pouch back on, he looked around at the other busy men. I shouldn’t have opened my big mouth and spilled some of my personal business to Jared. And then he goes and brings up the Lord. I’ve felt sometimes like the heavenly Father has forgotten about me since I’ve refused to forgive my uncle for accidently shooting my daed. Thought all I needed was a happy life with the woman I love. I’m beginning to realize I can never find true happiness until I’ve learned to forgive. He closed his eyes briefly. Lord, please help me to do that and give me a sense of peace. I’m sorry for holding a grudge against Uncle Ben. Please forgive me for that. I’ll give my uncle a call as soon as I can and make things right with him.
Sylvia’s hand felt tired from cutting so many sliced cucumbers, carrots, and celery sticks to go with the ranch dip one of the ladies had brought this morning. Hearing voices outside the house, she dried her hands and stepped up near the open doorway, where she caught sight of Jared and Dennis engaged in conversation.
Her ears perked up when she heard her name mentioned and listened to what else was said. Sylvia stood frozen, with her hands clenched at her sides. She had lost interest in going outside to see if more water and coffee was needed. Dennis was going to break up with her, and there was nothing she could do about it.
It’s Mom’s fault, she fumed inwardly. If she’d only accept the fact that I’m in love with Dennis and welcomed him as she did Jared, he would not be having second thoughts about us.
The more Sylvia thought about it, the more frustrated she became. I need to talk to Mom about this when there’s no one else around and make her see how miserable I’d be if Dennis broke things off with me. She wouldn’t have liked it if her mother had tried to come between her and Dad when they were courting. Surely she must remember what it was like to fall in love and look forward to a promise of marriage. As much as she loved Dad, she couldn’t have forgotten it by now.
Fighting tears that threatened to spill over, Sylvia turned and went to the living room to check on Allen and Rachel. She found Allen playing with some toys by himself.
“Where’s your sister?” Sylvia asked in Pennsylvania Dutch.
Allen shook his head. “Don’t know.”
Thinking her daughter may have gone to her room, Sylvia headed up the stairs. The door to Rachel’s bedroom was open, and when Sylvia walked in, she found the room empty. That’s strange. I wonder where the little rascal could be.
Sylvia went quickly to each room on the upper level and checked all of them thoroughly, calling her daughter’s name. At the end of her search on the second floor, it was apparent that her daughter wasn’t there.
She went back downstairs and searched every room in the house, calling Rachel’s name. When she entered the kitchen and asked her mother if she’d seen Rachel, Mom shook her head. “I thought she was playing with Allen in the other room.”
“No, she’s not, and I can’t find her anywhere in the house.”
“We’d better check outside.” Mom dried her hands on a towel, told the other women she’d be back soon, and followed Sylvia out the back door.
They both ran around the yard calling Rachel’s name. It was hard to hear if she’d answered them or not, because of the amount of noise coming from the workers. They also checked the greenhouse to see if she might have found an open door and gone inside. But there was no sign of the little girl there either.
“I’m really worried.” Sylvia clutched the hem of her apron. “What if we can’t find her? What if she left the yard and is walking down the road somewhere all alone?”
Mom caught hold of Sylvia’s hand. “Let’s go up to the worksite and see if any of the men have seen Rachel.”
“Jah. That’s what we should do all right.”
When they approached the new barn that was taking shape, Sylvia asked every person she met if they’d seen her daughter.
One of the English men, whom Sylvia didn’t recognize, said he’d seen a young girl who fit Rachel’s description talking with a ragged-looking English woman.
“Where are they now?” Sylvia questioned.
The man shrugged, then pointed toward the driveway entrance. “They walked out of the yard about an hour ago. The woman she was with had gray hair, walked stooped over, and wore tattered-looking, baggy clothes.”
“Why, that sounds like Maude.” Mom’s brows drew together. “Oh my! Do you think she kidnapped Rachel?”
Sylvia covered her mouth, trying to gain control of her swirling emotions. No, no, no…this can’t be happening! That woman has taken other things from our yard. Could she possibly have stolen my precious little girl?
“What’s going on?” Amy asked, rushing up to Sylvia and their mother. “I heard you calling for Rachel.”
Sylvia’s voice cracked. “She’s missing, and a man over there said he saw her heading out of the yard with Maude.” She shivered. “At least we think it was her. I’m so afraid for my daughter. I just want her back in my arms.”
Sylvia’s mother stepped right over and put an arm around her. “It’ll be okay. We’ll get her back. You’ll see.”
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