The Lopsided Christmas Cake

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

  “Are you sure? Maybe we should close the store.”

  Thelma shook her head. “As you have said many times, we need the money. Besides, if we close, any people coming in today will be disappointed.”

  “You’re right. I feel bad about leaving you all alone to run the store, but I don’t have it in me this morning to work.”

  Thelma patted Elma’s arm gently. “I’ll be fine, and if things get too crazy, I’ll close up early.”

  “If I feel better before the day is out, I’ll come out to the store.” Elma gave her sister a hug.

  Thelma had only been at the store fifteen minutes when Mary came by with little Richard and Philip. Thelma smiled when the boys plopped down on the braided rug near the children’s books. Each of them picked out a book while their mother did her shopping. She was glad to see that Richard’s arm had healed and he was no longer wearing a cast. “Would you like a piece of candy?” she asked, holding out a small chocolate bar for each of them. The brothers nodded and eagerly took the candy. “Danki,” they said.

  Once more, Thelma found herself longing to be a mother. If Joseph and I got married, I wonder what our children would look like. Would they have his red hair and freckles, or would they resemble me? She shook her head. I need to get back to work and quit daydreaming about Joe. He may not even be entertaining the idea of marriage. The words of Proverbs 16:20 that she’d read in Grandma’s Bible and committed to memory came to mind. “I need to trust You, Lord,” she whispered.

  All morning Thelma was busy at the store, but by noon things had slowed down. Without customers for the moment, she decided to put the CLOSED sign in the window and go check on Elma. She was just getting ready to do that, when Elma showed up.

  “How’s it going?” they asked in unison.

  Thelma laughed. “A few minutes ago it was real busy in here. How are you feeling right now?”

  “Much better.” Elma lifted the basket she held. “I brought lunch out for us, and I’m ready to help you here for the rest of the day.”

  “Danki for that. I’ve been having hunger pangs for the last hour or so.”

  “Why don’t we go to the back room to eat, since there’s a table and chairs in there. If someone comes into the store, I’m sure we’ll hear them.”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  Elma moved toward the counter and pointed to a stack of material. “Is this here for a reason?”

  “It was left from the fabric I cut for Mary Lambright. I got too busy to put it away.”

  “What about these?” Elma picked up a stack of books that were hidden under the material.

  “Another woman, whom I’ve never met, was going to buy some books but changed her mind.”

  Elma handed the basket to Thelma. “Why don’t you take this to the back room? After I put the fabric and books away, I’ll meet you there.”

  Thelma was on the verge of telling her sister that putting those items away could wait until after they’d eaten, but Elma, being such a tidy person, would never rest until the counter was clean. “Okay,” she responded. “I’ll take everything out of the basket and set it on the table. We’ll eat as soon as you get there.”

  LaGrange

  “The weather isn’t as warm as the last time we were here.” Joseph grimaced as a chill ran down his back.

  “It’s a lot colder,” Delbert agreed. “Glad it wasn’t like this when we brought Elma and Thelma here. I’m sure Elma would have complained.” He looked out over the pond. “I’m not even sure if the fish will bite today. They probably won’t be hungry.”

  “Speaking of food, have you made any plans for Thanksgiving?” Joseph asked as he sat on a rock near the edge of the pond.

  “Not yet, but that’s still a few weeks away.”

  “True, but there’s nothing like planning ahead.”

  Delbert chuckled. “So now you’re into planning ahead, huh? Used to be that you just did things as they came along.”

  “People change.” Joseph reached over and patted his dog’s head. Ginger grunted and looked up at him with soulful brown eyes.

  “What are your plans for Thanksgiving?” Delbert re-baited his hook.

  “Mom’s planning a dinner, and she said I could invite Thelma.” Joseph grinned. When he’d told his parents about meeting Thelma and going out with her a few times, Mom had eagerly suggested he invite his new girlfriend to dinner, saying she and Dad would be anxious to meet her.

  “What about Elma?” Delbert asked. “I doubt that Thelma would come without her twin sister.”

  “Of course Elma will be included. My invitation will be to her, and you, too.”

  Delbert popped a piece of gum in his mouth and starting chomping. “Am I supposed to be Elma’s date?”

  Joseph shrugged. “Only if you wanna be. It will be another opportunity for you to get to know her better.”

  “I guess you’re right, but the way things have gone so far between us, I don’t think there’s much hope of us having a permanent relationship.”

  Joseph felt bad hearing that. Even though he hadn’t known Thelma very long, he was convinced that he’d found the woman God intended him to have. He wished that was the case for his friend Delbert, too.

  Chapter 25

  Topeka

  Sister, I don’t feel so well.” Clutching her stomach, Thelma sank to the couch.

  Elma did the same. “I don’t feel well, either. I think we may be coming down with the flu that’s been going around.”

  Thelma nodded slowly. “Given all the people we come in contact with at the store, we could have easily picked up the bug.”

  “What are your symptoms?” Elma asked.

  “Besides my stomach doing flip-flops, my body aches, and I feel hot and sweaty.”

  “Same here. Unless we feel better than this in the morning, I don’t see any way we can go to Mr. and Mrs. Beechy’s house for the Thanksgiving meal.”

  Thelma leaned her head against the sofa and moaned. “As much as I was looking forward to going, we can’t take the chance of exposing the others to whatever is plaguing us right now.”

  “Maybe you should let Joseph know we won’t be there. Then we need to go to bed.”

  “You’re right. If we don’t show up, he’s bound to be worried.” Thelma forced herself to stand up then shuffled across the room. “I’ll grab a flashlight and go out to the phone shack to make the call. I hope Joseph checks his messages in the morning.”

  Elma hated being sick, but she was actually glad they wouldn’t be going to the Beechys’ tomorrow for Thanksgiving. Truthfully, she would rather make dinner here, for just her and Thelma. As it was, it looked like the only thing they’d be eating was some hot chicken noodle soup—and that was only if they could keep it down.

  As Elma pulled back the covers and crawled into bed, a shiver went through her. If she and Thelma were at home right now, Mom would be fussing over them, making sure they had plenty of liquids to keep them hydrated.

  I wonder what Mom and Dad will be doing tomorrow. I’ll bet they’ll have a big Thanksgiving meal at one of Mom’s sisters’. Or maybe Mom is cooking and some of the family will come to their house to eat.

  Huddling under the blankets, tears moistened Elma’s cheeks as she thought about all the delicious food she and Thelma had helped Mom prepare for past Thanksgiving meals. In addition to the turkey, there had been plenty of buttery mashed potatoes, tart cranberry sauce, and moist stuffing. She could almost see the steam rising from the brown glazed turkey as Dad carved thick slices for each of their plates.

  As she drifted off to sleep, Elma said a silent prayer: Heavenly Father, please bless Mom and Dad and those who will share a meal at their table tomorrow. Help Thelma and me to feel better. Guide and direct our lives, and give us wisdom in all matters.

  LaGrange

  As Joseph left for his folks’ the following morning, he thought about checking phone messages but decided it could wait until he got home. Since this was Thanksgiving it
was doubtful that anyone would call him, anyway. He sure looked forward to eating dinner at his folks’, but the best part was being able to introduce them to Thelma and her twin sister. He knew they would like her, and Elma, too. Sure wish Delbert had strong feelings for Elma, the way I do for Thelma, he thought.

  Over the last couple of weeks, he and Delbert had gone several more places with the girls, including a day of shopping that included lunch at the Blue Gate Restaurant. Each time they were together, Joseph felt a stronger connection to Thelma. He was almost sure that if things kept going this way, he would eventually ask her to marry him—if he could get up the nerve. He’d been doing better about not stuttering when he spoke to Thelma, but when it came to offering a marriage proposal, he would trip over his words so badly that she wouldn’t even know what he said.

  Delbert and I have been doing things together for a long time. It won’t be the same if I get married and he doesn’t. Joseph thumped his head. Why am I even thinking such thoughts? I haven’t been courting Thelma that long and don’t really know how she feels about me.

  As Joseph’s horse and buggy rounded the next bend, he made a decision. If he got the chance to speak with Thelma alone today, he would gather his courage and express how he felt about her. “Sure hope I don’t lose my nerve.”

  “I’m glad you joined us today,” Joseph’s mother, Dora, said when Delbert entered their home.

  He smiled, sniffing the air appreciatively. “I’m glad you invited me. Since I have no family living close by, I’d have probably been at home, eating alone. And I sure wouldn’t have fixed a big Thanksgiving dinner.”

  She gave his arm a gentle squeeze. “You’ve been a good friend to Joseph, and we think of you as family.”

  “Speaking of Joseph, is he here yet? I didn’t see his rig parked outside.”

  Dora motioned to the door leading to the living room. “He’s in there with his daed. The reason you didn’t see his buggy is because it’s in the shed. Since my son will be spending the night, he figured he’d get the buggy out of the weather.”

  “That’s a good idea,” Delbert said. “I hear it’s supposed to snow either tonight or tomorrow.”

  “You’re welcome to spend the night, too.”

  “That’s nice of you, but I’ll probably head for home sometime later this evening.” Delbert moved across the room. “Guess I’ll head into the other room and see what Joe’s up to.”

  “Would you tell him and his daed that the turkey is almost done? We’ll eat as soon as Elma and Thelma get here. I’m so glad you and Joseph have both found girlfriends. I’m looking forward to meeting them.” A wide smile spread over Dora’s freckled face. There was no doubt about it—Joseph had inherited his mother’s red hair and fair complexion.

  Delbert was tempted to tell Joseph’s mother that Elma wasn’t his girlfriend but saw no point in going into that right now. Instead, he excused himself and left the kitchen.

  When Delbert entered the living room, he found Joseph and his father, Vern, visiting on the sofa. “Oh, good, you’re here.” Joseph stood. “Did you see any sign of Elma and Thelma on the road?”

  Delbert shook his head, taking a seat in the recliner across from them. “I’m surprised they aren’t here already.”

  “Me, too,” Joseph agreed. “Sure hope they were able to follow my directions to Mom and Dad’s house. It’s not that hard to find, but if they took a wrong turn, they may be lost.”

  “You worry too much, son.” Vern looked at Delbert and grinned. “It’s good to see you.”

  Delbert smiled. “Same here.”

  Joseph pulled out his pocket watch to check the time. “I’m wondering what we should do about dinner if the twins don’t get here soon.”

  “Your mamm hasn’t said it’s time to eat yet, so I wouldn’t worry about that.” Delbert smiled. “Speaking of the twins, I’m glad we got their barn stained last week. With the snow that’s predicted, if we hadn’t done it then, it may have had to wait till spring.”

  “That’s true,” Joseph agreed. “But come spring, I think we ought to see about painting the house for them, don’t you?” He stretched his legs.

  Delbert nodded. “Their place is looking better and better.”

  “I was talking to Joe before you got here about those young women you two have been courting,” Vern spoke up. “Told him I think it’s nice that you both have girlfriends now.” He scratched his balding head. “Makes me wonder which of you will get married first.”

  Joseph’s ears turned pink. Delbert jumped up and moved closer to the fireplace. The last thing he wanted was to talk about marriage.

  “All I’ve got to say,” Vern continued, “is that it’s about time.”

  Dora stepped into the room then and announced that the turkey was done. “Since your lady friends aren’t here yet, I’ll try to keep everything warm. But at some point we may have to eat without them.” She brushed her hands on her apron. “If they arrive after we’ve already started eating, or even have finished the meal, there will be plenty of food left over to feed them.”

  Joseph stood and began to pace. “Thelma and Elma should have been here long before this. There’s no way I can eat till they get here.”

  “Maybe they’re not coming,” Delbert said. “Could be that something came up to keep them at home.”

  “I can’t imagine what it would be.” Joseph moved over to stand beside Delbert. “If they weren’t coming, I’m sure Thelma would have called.”

  “Does she have our phone number?” Dora asked.

  “No, but she has mine, and—” Joseph stopped talking and grabbed his jacket and hat.

  “Where are you going?” Dora called when Joseph was almost to the door.

  “I didn’t check my phone messages last night or this morning. I’m heading back to my house right now to see if there’s any word from Thelma or her sister.”

  “Hold up,” Delbert said, “I’ll go with you. We can take my rig.”

  When Delbert pulled his horse and buggy next to Joseph’s phone shack, Joseph hopped out and hurried inside. He flipped on the battery-operated light and took a seat. He was relieved when he found a message from Thelma but concerned when she said in a weak voice that she and her sister had come down with the flu and wouldn’t be able to join them for Thanksgiving. He’d so wanted her to meet Mom and Dad.

  Joseph picked up the receiver and dialed her number. When her answering machine came on, he left a message, saying if she needed anything to let him know and that he’d come by sometime tomorrow to check on them. Then he got back in Delbert’s buggy. “The twins are grank. They have the flu and won’t be coming to dinner. I’m really disappointed.”

  “Sorry to hear they’re sick,” Delbert said, “but there will be other times when you and Thelma can get together.”

  “I hope so.” Joseph folded his arms and stared straight ahead, barely aware that a few snowflakes had begun falling. He had no appetite for food, but Mom had worked hard fixing the meal. So he’d force himself to eat a decent-sized portion and try not to worry about the twins.

  As he and Delbert headed back to his parents’ home, the road was quickly covered with a white film of crystals. What a beautiful night this would have been to go on a buggy ride with Thelma.

  Chapter 26

  Topeka

  By Monday morning, the twins felt well enough to work in the store, although they were both still a little weak. Joseph had come by on Friday. He’d been nice enough to drop off a basket with leftovers from their Thanksgiving meal. After eating soup for three days, the leftovers she and Elma had heated for Sunday’s meal tasted so good. Thelma had called and left a message for Joseph this morning, letting him know that she and Elma were fully recovered, and saying how much they’d enjoyed the food. She had been so disappointed that they’d missed Thanksgiving and the opportunity to meet Joseph’s parents.

  Pulling her thoughts back to the task at hand, Thelma glanced in the box she held and smiled as she
waited for her sister to unlock the store. She and Elma had decided to bring the kittens to the store, hoping to give them away. It was getting to be a challenge going down to the basement with a basket of laundry and trying not to step on a kitten.

  Thelma placed the box near the front door and went to straighten some bolts of material. As she worked, she reflected on her relationship with Joseph. The more time they spent together, the more she found herself falling in love with him. She continued to fantasize about what it would be like to be his wife and knew that should he ever ask her to marry him, her answer would be yes. Of course, that would depend on how things progressed with Elma and Delbert. So far, their relationship didn’t seem to be going anywhere, but Thelma continued to hope things would get better.

  They must feel something for each other, Thelma thought, or they wouldn’t keep double-dating with us.

  “Two of the busslin are gone.”

  Thelma jumped at the sound of her sister’s voice. The last time she’d seen Elma, she’d been at the front counter, waiting on a customer. “Really? Who took them?”

  “Mary Lambright. She wanted the kittens for Richard and Philip.”

  “I’m sure the boys will be happy about that.” Thelma smiled. “Danki for letting me keep the little white bussli I named Snowball.”

  “I didn’t let you, Sister. You made that decision yourself. I just went along with it.” Elma reached for the same bolt of material Thelma had straightened.

  “What are you going to do with that?” Thelma questioned, waiting for her sister to redo the roll of cloth.

  “I’m taking it up front. Doris Miller is here, and she asked if we had any fabric this color.”

  “Okay. I’m almost done here, so if you need any help, let me know.”

  “I will.”

  When Elma walked away, Thelma went back to straightening the bolts. She’d finished the last one when Delbert showed up.