Amish Cooking Class--The Celebration

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

  “But Heidi isn’t like that. She’s not a nosy neighbor, and I doubt she will tell anyone what I told her.”

  “Puh! I wouldn’t be so sure about that. The Amish don’t have TVs or run around in motorized vehicles. What else do they have to do all day but spread gossip?”

  Velma’s fingernails bit into her palms as she fought for control. “You are not being fair. Are you prejudiced against the Amish?”

  He shook his head vigorously. “Course not. I just know how people like to talk—not just the Amish, but anyone with a waggin’ tongue.”

  “Well, like I said, I don’t think Heidi would gossip about us. When I talked to her today, she seemed to truly care.” Velma drew in a quick breath. “Heidi mentioned church too.”

  “What about it?”

  “She asked if we attended church or had a minister we could talk to about our problems.”

  “Humph! Church is the last thing we need. Now, if you wanna start goin’, I won’t stop ya, but there’s no way I’ll step inside a church building.” Hank pushed his chair aside and strode across the room. After opening the refrigerator door, he took out a carton of milk and poured himself a glass. “Is this all the milk we have?” He shook the carton.

  “Yes, it is, and I could use some money to go grocery shopping.”

  “Figured you’d be askin’ for money.” He lifted the glass to his lips and took a big drink. “You really oughta find a job.”

  “We’ve been over this before.” She sighed. “If I went to work, I’d need to pay someone to watch the kids—not to mention some form of transportation.”

  “Eddie and Peggy Ann are big enough to stay by themselves.”

  “No they’re not, Hank. They’re just children.”

  He took another drink. “Yeah, well, when I was Eddie’s age, I was helpin’ my pa at the lumber mill.”

  She plopped her hands against her hips. “Just because your dad trusted a boy to do a man’s job doesn’t mean we should leave our kids alone while we’re both off working.” Velma could see by her husband’s placid expression that she wasn’t getting anywhere with him. She was stubborn, but Hank was even more hard-headed. He rarely agreed with her on anything.

  Hank flopped back in his chair. “So, are we gonna eat now, or what?”

  “Yeah, I’ll go get the kids.” Velma clenched her fists as she limped out of the kitchen. No kiss on the cheek today when Hank got home. It seemed they were getting further and further apart. “Guess absence doesn’t make the heart grow fonder, like some people say,” she muttered. Nothing would probably ever change for the better in her life, so she may as well accept it. I bet he didn’t even notice me limping.

  Berlin

  Miranda was getting ready to climb into bed when someone tapped on her door. “Who is it?”

  “It’s me, Mommy. Can I come in?”

  “Of course, sweetie,” Miranda called.

  The door opened, and Debbie stepped into the room. “I have something for you. It’s from Daddy, and I promised to give it to you, but I forgot until now.”

  Miranda’s lips pressed together. Oh, boy, here it comes. “What did your father ask you to give me?”

  “This.” Debbie held out a cream-colored envelope. “I was supposed to give it to you when me and Kevin came in the house after Dad left. But then you told us we should change clothes before lunch, so I put the envelope on my dresser and forgot about it till now.”

  “Okay, thanks.” Miranda took the envelope and hugged her daughter. It wasn’t Debbie’s fault Trent was using her to deliver his gift. “Did your dad visit with you and your brother a little before he left?”

  “No. Daddy said he had to go home and rest. Something about a kidney stone.”

  “Your father had a kidney stone?”

  “Yep, I think he said he passed it, whatever that means.”

  Miranda didn’t ask her daughter any more. “Now off to bed you go.”

  “Night, Mommy. Sweet dreams.”

  Miranda smiled. “Sweet dreams to you too.”

  After Debbie left the room, Miranda took a seat on the bed and opened the envelope. She recognized the card right away. It was one she’d given Trent on their first anniversary, when they were so very much in love. She’d written such lovely things to him—promising, no matter how many struggles they might encounter, or how difficult or challenging situations may get, they’d always work things out together.

  I wonder if I should call him to see if he’s okay. The last time he had a kidney stone attack, it lasted for two days. No, I better not. Trent would have called if it had been too bad.

  Tears welled in her eyes and dripped onto the card. Miranda couldn’t deny that she still loved Trent. She just wasn’t sure they could be together again.

  Chapter 27

  Charm, Ohio

  I’m glad your son is feeling better.” Ellen smiled at Darren from the passenger seat of his SUV.

  “Me too. He was only sick about twenty-four hours, so I’m pretty sure he had a stomach virus and not the flu.” Darren slowed as they drove through the small village of Charm. “I’m glad neither you nor Becky got sick, and I hope none of the others who were at Heidi’s that day came down with it.”

  “I hope they didn’t, either. So where is Jeremy this evening?” she asked.

  “He’s spending the night with one of his friends. I’ll pick him up in the morning sometime after breakfast. The boys will probably go to bed late and sleep in Saturday morning. I may just catch some extra z’s myself—that is, if Bacon lets me.” Darren glanced over at Ellen. “What’s Becky doing tonight?”

  “A friend of mine from church came over to be with her. Of course, Becky thinks she’s too old for a babysitter, but as far as I’m concerned, she is not old enough to be left alone for any length of time—especially after dark.”

  Darren bobbed his head. “We’re on the same page regarding that. Say, I hope you like the Bavarian-style food they serve here,” he said as he pulled his vehicle into the parking lot of the Chalet in the Valley restaurant. “I should have asked.”

  “Yes, I do, and I’ve actually been here a few times with Becky.” Ellen smiled. “Believe it or not, she likes bratwurst with sauerkraut, which is also one of my favorites.”

  “That’s a dish I enjoy eating too.” Darren chuckled. “Your daughter has good taste. Guess she must take after her mother.”

  “Yes, she does in many ways.” Ellen’s face sobered. “Just not in appearance. But then, that’s because she’s not my biological child.”

  He tipped his head. “Most people would never guess it, though.”

  “Probably not.” Ellen shifted in her seat. “Becky didn’t know she’d been adopted until recently. It came out when she overheard a conversation I had with my brother.”

  “How’d she take it?”

  “Not well. It was quite a shock.”

  “Why did you wait so long to tell her?”

  “I was afraid for her to know the truth.” Ellen explained, “You see, when I was a girl, I had a friend who found out she was adopted, and it ruined the relationship that had been established with her adoptive parents.”

  Ellen’s eyebrows gathered in. “I regret not telling Becky sooner. I’m afraid it’s put some distance between us.”

  “Really? If so, it’s not obvious—at least not to me.”

  Ellen sighed. “Well, things are better, but not quite how it was before Becky found out the truth.”

  “How are things different?”

  “For one thing, Becky’s not as talkative as she was with me before. And she spends more time alone in her room than she used to.”

  Feeling her frustration, Darren reached over and clasped Ellen’s hand. It felt warm to the touch, making him wish he could hold it all night. “I’ll bet things will go back to the way they were once she’s had enough time to work through it.”

  “I hope so. Thanks for listening. It helped to be able to share this with you.”

/>   “That’s what friends are for, Ellen.” Darren’s lips parted slightly as he struggled with the temptation to pull her into his arms and offer a kiss. But it may be too soon for that. Before their first kiss, Darren wanted to be sure about Ellen’s feelings for him.

  The feelings stirring within Darren surprised him. Ellen was so beautiful, and at the same time, looked so vulnerable after revealing her concern over Becky. All he wanted to do was hold her and make everything right.

  Ellen’s stomach rumbled softly, and she quickly placed her hand on it. “My tummy seems to be talking to me. Guess we need to go into the restaurant so I can feed it.”

  Darren gave Ellen a thumbs-up. “I’m all for that.”

  Walnut Creek

  Velma stepped into the bedroom she shared with Hank and stopped. Wearing the most faded, threadbare jeans in their closet, he lounged, shirtless, on the bed.

  “What are you doing? You need to get dressed or we’ll be late for our supper at the Troyers’.” She stood at the foot of the bed, squinting at him.

  He yawned, stretching both arms over his head. “Wish you hadn’t told ’em we’d go there tonight. I don’t get much time at home these days, and I’d planned to kick back and relax all evening.”

  Her pulse quickened. “Then ya shoulda told me that before you agreed to go.”

  “Wasn’t thinkin’ much about it at the time. I was probably half asleep when you asked.”

  Velma stared straight at Hank as she pushed her shoulders back. “Well, the invitation was extended, and we accepted, so ya may as well get up and get dressed, ’cause we’re goin’.” Velma wasn’t normally this assertive with her husband, but with the way things were going between them lately, her nerves were on edge. Truth be told, she was looking forward to spending the evening with Heidi and her family—and Eddie and Peggy Ann were excited about going there too.

  “Okay, okay… Don’t get so pushy.” Hank pulled himself off the bed, ambled across the room, and opened a dresser drawer. The T-shirt he pulled out caused Velma to gasp.

  “You’re not gonna wear that old thing, I hope.”

  He shrugged his broad shoulders. “Don’t see why not.”

  She shook her head. “It’s not appropriate.”

  “It is to me.” He slipped the dingy white shirt with a couple of small holes in it over his head.

  She recoiled, wrinkling her nose. “You have better T-shirts to choose from. Please wear one of those colorful ones in your drawer. Or better yet, how about a long-sleeve cotton shirt that will cover up your tattoos?” Velma glanced at the cotton dress she wore, hoping it looked presentable.

  Hank gazed at the tattooed panther on his left arm, then gestured to the eagle on his right arm. “You think your Amish friends will have somethin’ against my tats?”

  “I’m not sure what they’ll think, but whether they do or not, I’d appreciate if you would wear somethin’ decent.”

  He planted his feet in a wide stance. “Either I wear what I’ve got on, or I ain’t goin’.”

  Velma’s posture sagged. “Okay, Hank, wear whatever you want.” She could only imagine what the Troyers would think of her sloppy, boisterous husband.

  “This is some mighty good tater salad.” Hank emitted a loud burp, then reached under his T-shirt and scratched his belly. “Mind if I have some more?”

  “No, not at all.” Heidi handed the bowl to Lyle, who passed it on to Hank. “I’m glad you like my salad. It’s a recipe that’s been in our family for a long while, and it has been handed down to each generation.”

  “Everything is good.” Velma pointed to the barbecued chicken. “You and Lyle outdid yourselves on our account, and we thank you for it.” She glanced over at her husband as if expecting him to agree, but he was silent. Heidi figured Hank’s appreciation was being shown through the manner in which he was eating the food, as he sat there licking barbeque sauce off his fingers.

  “I understand you’re a truck driver.” Lyle looked over at Hank.

  “Yep.” The man bobbed his head and shoveled another spoonful of potato salad into his mouth.

  “That’s why Hank’s away from home so much,” Velma put in. “Sometimes he’s gone for just a few days. Other times it could be a week or longer.”

  “Me and Peggy Ann don’t like it when Papa’s gone,” Eddie spoke up. “It means more work for us to do.” He glanced at his mother, then looked quickly away.

  “Yep, I got word before we came here that I have to leave tonight on a run,” Hank added. “And I probably won’t be back till Monday sometime.”

  Both Eddie and Peggy Ann groaned, while Velma grew silent.

  Heidi wanted so badly to come right out and ask Velma if they could do anything for her family, but she didn’t want to embarrass her in front of everyone. She knew from some of the things Velma had told her that money was tight and they were in need of a car. A vehicle was something she and Lyle couldn’t help with, but maybe they could loan the Kimballs some money. Of course, that might be a touchy subject. Some folks didn’t want to be beholden to anyone, and she had a feeling Hank might be one of those people.

  Heidi touched the base of her neck, where a mosquito had landed moments ago and left its mark. Guess this is one more thing I need to pray about. Hopefully, something will come to me soon about the best way to help the Kimballs.

  Chapter 28

  Between Berlin and Charm

  By the time Heidi and the children arrived at the Doughty Run School Auction on Saturday, things were in full swing. Lyle had gone early, since he was the head auctioneer, but Randy and Marsha didn’t get up in time for them all to go with him. So right after breakfast Heidi hitched her horse to their open buggy, and she headed to the auction with the children.

  They arrived at eight thirty, in time for the auction to begin, but missed the breakfast that had been served at seven. School auctions were important to the Amish community, and Heidi was glad she could bring Randy and Marsha here today. Randy would attend the Amish schoolhouse near their home toward the end of August, and she and Lyle would be involved in many functions centered on the school. Parental involvement was important to the children, teachers, and Amish school board.

  After guiding her horse and buggy into the area reserved for parking, Heidi climbed down and secured Bobbins to the hitching rail provided. She felt thankful the mare’s leg was now better. Then she clasped the children’s hands and headed to where the action was. In addition to all the activity in the auction tent, vendors were selling barbecued chicken, root beer floats, ice cream, and lots of baked goods.

  “I smell somethin’ good.” Randy pointed to a booth selling kettle popcorn. “Can we go get some?”

  “We will a little later.” Heidi smiled. “I thought we would go into the auction tent for a bit and see how things are going. You’ll get to see Lyle there too.”

  “Can we talk to him?” Marsha asked.

  “Probably not. He will be busy auctioning items and making sure everything is running smoothly.” Heidi led the way to some benches, where they all took a seat. She enjoyed watching as several handmade quilts were auctioned, as well as some nice pieces of furniture made by one of the local Amish men. She caught a glimpse of Loretta and Eli across the way and waved.

  Randy and Marsha both giggled.

  “What are you two laughing about?” Heidi smiled as they pointed at Lyle.

  “He’s talkin’ funny.” Randy smirked. “And really fast.” Heidi explained about how auctioneers talked when they were bid calling.

  Hearing her name called, Heidi glanced to the right. She was surprised to see Allie Garrett in the row directly across from them.

  Heidi smiled and waved. Allie waved back, and then she left her seat and came over to where Heidi sat. “It’s good to see you,” Allie whispered. “Can we find a place to talk for a few minutes? It’d be nice to get caught up.”

  Heidi glanced at Randy and Marsha. They both seemed intent on watching as Lyle got the crowd bi
dding on a beautiful oak desk. She leaned close to Randy. “Will you two be okay if I go outside the tent for a few minutes to talk to my friend?”

  Randy moved his head up and down.

  “Okay. Just stay right there on the bench. I’ll be back soon.” Heidi stood and followed Allie out of the tent.

  “I have some good news.” Allie spoke excitedly. “Steve’s taken a desk job, so he won’t be patrolling or out on the streets where his life has been in constant danger.” She leaned closer to Heidi. “He’s spending more time with me and the kids now, and it was his idea to bring me and the kids here today.”

  Heidi tenderly squeezed Allie’s shoulder. “I’m glad things are working out.”

  “So how are things going? I saw your foster children sitting on the bench with you.”

  Heidi nodded. “Marsha and Randy are adjusting pretty well.”

  “That’s wonderful, Heidi. Did the officials ever find out if the children have any living relatives who might want to raise them?”

  “No, and because we love Randy and Marsha so much, Lyle and I have decided to adopt the children. It’s a process, and we’re waiting until things are closer to being finalized before we tell the kids.”

  “I’m sure everything will move forward without a problem. After all this time, any relatives would have come forward.” Allie hugged Heidi. “You and your husband will be good parents for those children.”

  “We will do our best, and we’re looking forward to the days ahead—watching Randy and Marsha grow up, and hopefully both of them someday joining the Amish church.”

  “That time we stopped by your place, we felt bad after we left, seeing how upset the children were—especially little Marsha.”

  “Apparently your husband reminded the children of their father until he spoke,” Heidi explained. “It was his uniform. Apparently their dad was a security guard at the mall.”

  “Oh, my. How traumatic for them to see someone who resembled their dad.”