Allison wasn’t convinced. She had smacked her ball with a lot of force—enough to knock Aaron down. She pulled her hand free and started to move away, but James grabbed her elbow and said, “Say, Allison, did you know there’s to be another young people’s gathering next Sunday night?”
She shook her head, wondering why he’d brought the gathering up now. Didn’t James care that Aaron had been hurt?
“How would you like to take another ride home in my buggy after the get-together on Sunday night?” James asked.
Allison opened her mouth to respond, but before she could get a word out, Aaron limped through the crowd and announced, “That won’t be possible because Allison’s riding home with me!” Before Allison could respond, he turned and hobbled off toward the house.
“Can I have a word with you?” Allison asked as she stepped onto the porch.
Dropping into a chair near the door, Aaron merely nodded.
“Is your leg okay?”
“It’ll be fine. I think it’s just badly bruised.”
“I’m really sorry. I didn’t realize I had hit the ball so hard or that you were standing in line with where the ball would head.”
“No problem. It’s not like you did it on purpose or anything.” Aaron looked up at her. “If it had been James’s ball that clobbered me, I’d have figured he did it intentionally.”
“Speaking of James, I was wondering why you told him you’d be taking me home from the young people’s gathering next week.” Allison moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue. “I’m curious about whether you meant it or not.”
“Of course I meant it. Wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t.”
“Do you mind if I ask why?”
He shrugged. “Just didn’t want to see you with James. He’s trouble with a capital T.”
“You don’t have to protect me from James,” Allison said. “I’m perfectly capable of making my own decisions and speaking on my own behalf.”
Aaron stared at her. “Are you saying you’d prefer to ride home with James on Sunday night?”
“I–I’m not saying that at all,” she stammered, her face turning a light shade of red.
Aaron rubbed the sore spot on his knee. “So, do you want a ride home after the gathering or not?”
Allison looked a bit hesitant, but finally nodded. “Jah, okay.” She moved toward the door. “I’ll go inside and get you some ice.”
“Danki.”
Allison stepped into the house, and Aaron grimaced, wondering why he felt so befuddled whenever he was in Allison’s presence.
Chapter 14
Even though the barbecue at her aunt and uncle’s had been over a week ago, Allison’s mind was still in a jumble over what had transpired during the game of croquet. Aaron’s announcement that he’d be taking her home after the young people’s gathering had taken her completely by surprise. As she sat in the Kauffmans’ barn during the gathering, she wondered if Aaron had extended the invitation only to irritate James, or if he’d been trying to protect her from James’s flirtatious ways. Aaron obviously didn’t care much for James, but she wasn’t sure why. Was there some kind of a rift going on between them, or maybe a clash of personalities?
“Allison, did you hear what I said?”
Allison jumped at the sound of a woman’s voice. Katie stood beside her holding two glasses of root beer.
“I was deep in thought and didn’t hear you,” Allison said.
“I thought maybe you would have fallen asleep.” Katie handed one of the glasses to Allison. “Here’s some cold root beer for you.”
“Danki.” Allison reached for the glass and took a sip. The frothy soda pop tasted sweet, and the coolness felt good on her parched lips. It was another warm evening, and summer was only beginning. She hated to think what the weather would be like by August.
“I’m surprised you’re not sitting with Joseph,” Allison commented as Katie took a seat beside her.
“Joseph isn’t here yet, but Aaron showed up awhile ago. I figured you might be with him.” Katie gave her a knowing look. “Since he’s taking you home tonight, I thought you would probably spend at least part of the evening together.”
Allison shook her head. “Truth be told, I’m not sure Aaron really wants to take me home.”
“Are you kidding? Last week during our game of croquet he made it clear that was his intention.”
“That’s true, but I’m not convinced he made the announcement because he enjoys being with me.”
“What makes you say that?”
“He acts so moody and sometimes kind of distant whenever I’m around.”
“Aaron does tend to be a bit temperamental, but he has many good qualities, too.”
“Such as?”
“Let’s see. . . He’s kind, dependable, and he works at the harness shop. Aaron’s nothing like my lazy cousin James.” Katie smiled. “I think Aaron will make a good husband and father someday. He just needs to find the right woman.”
Ever since Aaron had arrived at the young people’s gathering, he’d hung around the refreshment table, trying to work up the nerve to take a plate of food over to Allison. A few minutes ago, he’d seen Katie head over to the bale of straw where Allison sat, but he didn’t feel right about interrupting their conversation. Besides, he didn’t want to give anyone the impression that he and Allison were a courting couple. It was bad enough that he’d foolishly announced that he’d be taking her home tonight. He’d already taken too much ribbing about that from Gabe, who seemed to take pleasure in telling Aaron how great life was now that he was married to Melinda and they were expecting a baby.
Aaron glanced across the room and saw James swagger into the barn. His straw hat was tipped way back on his head, he had a red bandanna tied around his neck, and he wore a pair of blue jeans with holes in the knees. Anything to draw attention to himself.
After a quick survey of the room, James headed toward Allison and Katie. Aaron clenched his fists and waited to see what would happen. Sure enough, James marched right up to Allison, bent over, and whispered something in her ear.
Aaron grabbed a handful of pretzels and inched his way closer to the bale of straw Allison and Katie shared.
Suddenly Katie stood, said something to Allison, and headed for the barn door. That’s when Aaron noticed Joseph had arrived. Apparently Katie cared more about being with his brother than she did about protecting Allison from her overconfident cousin.
Katie had been gone only a few seconds when James plunked down next to Allison.
Aaron halted and leaned against the wall. He was close enough now that he could hear what James said to Allison.
“I was wondering if I could give you a ride home again tonight,” James said.
Allison shook her head. “I’m riding home with Aaron.”
“I think you’d enjoy riding home with me more.”
“I really can’t.”
“Come on, Allison; I won’t take no for an answer.”
That did it! With no thought of the consequences, Aaron marched over, seized James by the collar, and pulled him to his feet. “I believe you’re sitting in my seat!”
Aaron didn’t know who was more surprised—James, whose face had turned red as a ripe tomato; Allison, whose eyes were huge as saucers; or himself, because he’d never done anything quite so bold.
“Don’t get yourself in a snit,” James snarled. “I wasn’t sayin’ anything to Allison that she didn’t want to hear.”
Aaron held his arms tightly against his sides. It was all he could do to keep from punching James in the nose. “You’re nothing but trouble, and if I ever catch you bothering Allison again, I’ll—”
“You’ll what? Put my lights out?” James glared at Aaron like he was daring him to land the first punch.
“You know I won’t fight you,” Aaron mumbled. “But I can make trouble in other ways if you don’t back off.”
James stepped forward so that he was nose to nose with A
aron. “What are you gonna do—run to the bishop or one of the other ministers and tell ’em what a bad fellow I am?”
Aaron glanced around the room, feeling as if all eyes were on him. Sure enough, everyone within earshot was watching them.
“Why don’t you leave now, James?” Aaron said through clenched teeth. “Knowing the kind of things you usually do for entertainment, I’m sure an evening of singing and games would only bore you.”
James looked over at Allison. “Do you want me to go?”
She stared at her hands, folded in her lap, and nodded slowly. “Jah, it might be best.”
“Okay, but only for you, Allison.” He threw Aaron an icy stare. “This ain’t the end of it, ya know.”
As James walked away, Allison sat, too numb to say a word. What was wrong with James for talking to Aaron like that? And why had Aaron gotten so defensive? Surely he couldn’t be jealous of James.
“That was some scene you had going on with James there, brother,” Joseph said, stepping up to Aaron. “If I hadn’t known better, I’d have thought you were going to start a fight with him.”
“That fellow can be so cocky sometimes. I wish he would have stayed home tonight.” Aaron’s face had turned cherry red, and his voice quavered.
“James has always been a bit overbearing, but he’s gotten worse in the last few years,” Katie said as she joined the group.
“Why do you think that is?” Joseph questioned.
Katie shrugged. “I’m not sure, but I suppose it might have something to do with the fact that James’s daed turned his wheel shop over to James’s older brother Dennis a few years ago.”
“Why would that make James act so brazen?” Allison asked.
“Because James thought the blacksmith shop should belong to him.” Katie slowly shook her head. “Some folks do strange things out of jealousy.”
Aaron cleared his throat real loud. “Are we just going to stand around here all night talking about James, or should we get something to eat?”
Joseph thumped Aaron on the back. “You’re right; all this speculating about James is getting us nowhere. Let’s head over to the refreshment table.”
Katie smiled at Joseph. “I brought a plate of brownies tonight.”
He licked his lips. “Umm. . .can’t wait.”
The couple hurried off, and Allison and Aaron followed.
“I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for summer to be over,” Peter said to Herman as the two of them strolled toward the barn to begin their nightly milking process.
“What’s the matter? Can’t stand the hot, muggy weather?”
Peter shook his head. “It’s not that. I’m just anxious for Allison to return.”
“I didn’t think you would miss your sister so much—especially since you’ve been spending so much time with Sally lately.” Herman needled Peter in the ribs with his elbow.
“Jah, well, I’m hoping Aunt Catherine will be a little nicer once Allison returns home. I think she misses her, Dad.”
“I’ve noticed that she’s been crankier than normal lately, but I’m not sure it’s because she misses Allison.”
Peter stopped walking and turned to face Herman. “What do you think’s the reason for her sour mood?”
“Even though she tries to hide it, I think that pain in her stomach that she complains about may have gotten worse.”
“Has she seen the doctor yet?”
Herman shook his head. “Stubborn woman still refuses to go.”
“Would it help if I asked Sally’s mamm, Dorothy, to speak to Aunt Catherine? She’s got an easygoing way about her, and maybe she could convince Aunt Catherine to see the doctor.”
Herman smiled and thumped Peter on the back. “That’s the best idea you’ve had in weeks.”
Peter turned on the diesel engine for their milking machine. “I’ll talk to Dorothy about it when I go over to see Sally later this week.”
Chapter 15
Allison climbed into Aaron’s buggy and settled herself on the passenger’s side. Even though she’d been with Aaron a few times, she’d never felt as nervous as she did right now. She glanced at him as he stepped in and took the seat beside her. Their gazes met, and the moment seemed awkward. Was Aaron nervous, too? Would this be the only time he would offer her a ride home, or might he repeat the invitation?
Aaron gave Allison a brief smile and picked up the reins. “Mind if I trot the horse once we get on the main road?”
She shook her head. “I don’t mind at all. The breezy air might help cool us off.”
“It has been a hot day,” Aaron agreed. “We could use a good rain to lower the temperature some.”
They pulled onto Highway C, and the buggy picked up speed when Aaron gave his horse the signal to trot.
“Ah, that feels better,” Allison said as the air lifted the strings of her kapp.
Aaron pointed to his trotting horse. “I think he’s enjoying it, too.”
Allison smiled. “How’s your sister Emma doing since she came home from the hospital?”
“She’s doing real well. We’re all thankful they got her to the hospital before her appendix burst.”
“That was a good thing. My youngest brother’s appendix burst when he was a teenager. He was pretty sick for a spell.”
“I guess the infection spreads quickly when someone’s appendix bursts.”
“That’s what I understand.”
“Do you miss Pennsylvania much?” Aaron asked, changing the subject.
“I miss Papa and my brothers.” Allison figured it would be best not to mention that she didn’t miss Aunt Catherine. Aaron might think she didn’t appreciate her aunt stepping in to help after her mother had died.
“It won’t be long before summer will be over, and then you’ll be on your way home,” Aaron said.
“I hope I’m ready to go by August.”
Aaron tipped his head and quirked an eyebrow.
“If I can’t sew or cook well enough, it’ll be hard to go home and face my daed. The only reason he sent me here was so Aunt Mary could teach me how to be a woman.”
Aaron’s cheeks turned red and he looked away. “I’d say you’re already a woman.”
Allison felt the heat of a blush stain her cheeks as well. She might look like a woman on the outside, but she had a long way to go before she would be ready to take on the responsibility of becoming a wife. Even if she did manage to accomplish that task, she would need to find a man who’d be willing to marry her.
“Why would you have to come all this way so you could learn to cook and sew?” he asked. “Isn’t there someone in your family who could have taught you the necessary skills?”
“My aunt Catherine, but she hasn’t taught me much.”
“How come?”
“I’m not really sure, but she acts like she doesn’t want me in her kitchen.”
“I guess some women are territorial when it comes to their kitchen.”
Allison nodded. “Only thing is, it’s not really her kitchen. She wouldn’t even be living with us if my mamm hadn’t died.”
Aaron’s forehead wrinkled. “I’ve been wondering something.”
“What’s that?”
“It’s about James Esh.”
“What about him?”
“As I’m sure you know, James hasn’t been baptized or joined the church. Even though he’s in his twenties, he’s still running wild like some kid who’s ab im kopp.”
Allison felt a surge of guilt. She hadn’t been baptized or joined the church yet, either. Did that mean she, too, was crazy? Her reluctance to join the church, however, wasn’t because she was going through rumschpringe and wanted to experience things the modern world had to offer. It had more to do with her lack of faith in God. The truth was Allison didn’t think it would be right for anyone to join the church when they felt so empty and faceless inside. Maybe James felt as faceless as she did and had acted wild and arrogant in order to hide behind his feelings.<
br />
They rode in silence the rest of the way home, and Allison was glad Aaron had dropped the subject of James. It made her uncomfortable to think about the way James had carried on at the gathering tonight. It had also convinced her that James wouldn’t be a good choice for a boyfriend, even if there was a certain charm about him.
When they pulled into Uncle Ben’s driveway, Aaron stopped the buggy and came around to help Allison down. She had planned to step out on her own, but before she could make a move, he put his hands around her waist and lifted her out of the buggy as if she weighed no more than a feather. He held her like that for several seconds, and Allison’s heart pounded so hard it echoed in her ears.
“I heard that your uncle’s going to rebuild his barn soon,” Aaron said as he set Allison on the ground and took a step back.
Allison nodded. “I believe Uncle Ben plans to start sometime in the next few weeks.”
“I imagine there’ll be a work frolic then.”
“Probably so.”
“Most of the men in our community will be there to help.” Aaron removed his straw hat and fanned his face with the brim. “Whew! Sure can’t believe how hot it still is, even with the sun almost down.”
“It will be hard to sleep tonight,” she said, turning toward the house. “Maybe I’ll sleep outside on the porch where it’s not so stifling.”
“You like sleeping outdoors?” Aaron asked as he strode up the path beside her.
“I do. My friend Sally and I used to sleep on her front porch when we were younger. It was great fun to listen to the music of the crickets while we lay awake visiting and watching for shooting stars.”
Aaron leaned on the porch railing as Allison moved toward the door.
Should I invite him in for a glass of cold milk and some cookies? No, he might think I’m being too forward. Allison reached for the doorknob. “I appreciate the ride home, Aaron. Danki.”
“You’re welcome. Maybe we can do it again sometime.”
“I’d like that.”
Aaron shuffled his feet across the wooden planks. “Well, gut nacht then.”
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