The Lopsided Christmas Cake

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

  Thelma turned from the sink where she’d been washing dishes. “What did he say?”

  “Said he wanted to take you out to supper this evening, and he wondered why you haven’t returned any of his calls this week.” Elma removed her shawl and draped it over the back of a chair. “I’d like to know that, too.”

  Thelma shrugged. “We’ve been busy at the store. With Christmas a couple of weeks away, people have been coming in to buy gifts and other things.”

  “I know we’ve been busy, but not so much that it would keep you from returning Joseph’s calls.”

  Thelma reached for a wet glass to dry.

  “There’s a lot of snow on the ground, and it looks so beautiful. Wouldn’t you enjoy going on a sleigh ride with Joseph?”

  Putting the dried glass away, Thelma merely shrugged.

  Elma moved over to the sink. “Are you avoiding Joseph? Has he said or done something to upset you, Sister?”

  “Not really. I don’t think things are going to work for him and me, though.”

  “Why not?”

  “We’re two very different people. He’s kind of quiet, and I’m always talking.” Thelma grabbed a cup from the dish rack and continued her work.

  “That shouldn’t prevent you from having a relationship. Look at Mom and Dad. Their personalities are different, but they have a good marriage. Haven’t you ever heard the expression ‘Opposites attract’?”

  Thelma set the cup on the counter. “Sure, but it doesn’t work for everybody. Look at you and Delbert.”

  “It was different for us. It wasn’t just our different personalities. We grated on each other’s nerves.” Elma put her hand on Thelma’s arm. “Are you going to return Joseph’s call?”

  Feeling as if she were backed into a corner, Thelma nodded. “I’ll go out to the phone shack and do it now.”

  As Thelma crunched her way through the snow, she tried to figure out what message to leave for Joseph. Should she come right out and say she didn’t want to see him anymore, or would it be best to make up some excuse?

  Thelma stepped into the phone shack. The fluttering in her stomach didn’t help as she dialed Joseph’s number. When his voice mail picked up she said: “Hello, Joseph, this is Thelma. I’m sorry for not returning your calls. We’ve been busy at the store this week.” She paused and moistened her chapped lips with the tip of her tongue, struggling for words that wouldn’t be a lie. “I—I appreciate the invitation to have supper with you, but I won’t be able to go anywhere this evening. I hope you have a blessed Christmas with your family.”

  When Thelma hung up the phone, tears sprang to her eyes. Giving up her relationship with Joseph was one of the hardest things she’d ever done. Sometimes, though, sacrifices needed to be made for the benefit of someone else, and this was one of those times.

  “Are you sure you can manage on your own for a while?” Thelma asked around noon when she and Elma were working in the store.

  Elma nodded. “I’ll be fine. One of us needs to get to the post office and mail Mom and Dad’s Christmas package.”

  Thelma’s shoulders drooped. “I feel bad that they probably aren’t coming here to celebrate with us, after all. It’ll be a lonely day without them.”

  “I agree, and I’ll miss them, too. But this time of the year, the weather can change people’s plans. The area around Sullivan is getting hit with cold weather right now. Mom said in her last message that a lot of snow has fallen there already and more is expected between now and Christmas.” Elma tried to sound cheerful for her sister’s sake, but the thought of spending Christmas without their folks made her feel sad, too. Thanksgiving was bad enough, since it was the first holiday away from their parents, but now she’d have to find a way to get through Christmas, too.

  Thelma sighed. “Snow is pretty, but sometimes I wish our winters were warm like they are in Florida.”

  “Say, I have an idea.” Elma placed her hand on Thelma’s shoulder. “Why don’t you invite Joseph to join us for Christmas dinner?”

  Thelma looked toward the pile of mail that also needed to be taken to the post office. “I’m sure he’s made plans to be with his family that day.”

  “Has he asked you to join them?”

  “No, and even if he had, I wouldn’t go.” She dropped her gaze to the floor.

  “Why not, for goodness’ sake?”

  “I wouldn’t think of leaving you home by yourself on Christmas Day.” Thelma slipped into her coat, gathered up the mail, and started for the door.

  “Wait a minute,” Elma called. “You forgot something.” She held up her sister’s black outer bonnet.

  Thelma came back and got it. “Danki. I’ll try not to be gone too long.”

  “Hold on. Don’t forget this.” Elma held up the package they were mailing to Mom and Dad.

  “Oops. Not sure where my mind is today. Guess I left it in the bed this morning.” Thelma shrugged her shoulders as she tucked the package under her arm.

  “Be careful out there. The roads may be icy,” Elma called, watching Thelma go out the door.

  Something is not right with my sister, Elma thought as she grabbed the bottle of spray cleaner and a towel to wipe down the front counter.

  No one else was in the store. The only noise Elma heard was the crackling of wood from the small woodstove. Elma relished this time of solitude when she could be by herself to reflect on all the good things the Lord had done for her and Thelma. I’m beginning to see why Grandma and Grandpa left us their home and store. They wanted to teach us to be responsible and make it on our own. Of course someday, if Thelma marries Joseph, I will be living by myself, and I’ll have more solitude than I know what to do with.

  The thought of living alone frightened her a bit, since she’d always had Thelma with her, but Elma had always known that someday one of them would fall in love, get married, and move away. She wasn’t totally prepared for that yet. In her heart she’d always hoped that she and her twin would find their one true love at the same time. She knew it was a silly dream. Simply because she and Thelma were twins didn’t mean they had to do everything exactly alike or at the same time. God had created them to be two individuals, and if they didn’t begin a life of their own with a man they loved, they’d stay like they were now—two old-maid sisters always hoping for the love of a man. Or worse yet, blaming one or the other, years down the road, because it had never happened.

  Elma’s musings were interrupted when she heard the front door open, followed by the sound of heavy footsteps. She looked up and was surprised to see Joseph wearing the stocking cap Thelma had made him.

  “I got your message, and I’d like to know what’s going on,” he said, stepping up to the counter.

  Elma’s forehead wrinkled. “What message?”

  “Are you really too busy to go out with me, or have I done something wrong?” Joseph put both hands on the counter.

  Elma’s eyes widened. “Oh, Joseph, you’ve got the wrong twin. I’m Elma.”

  A red blotch erupted on Joseph’s cheeks. “Oh, great. I’ve done it again.” He glanced around. “Is Thelma here? I need to talk to her.”

  Elma shook her head. “She went to the post office awhile ago.”

  “When will she be back?” He sounded desperate.

  “I’m not sure. But would you mind telling me what my sister’s message said?”

  “She said she’s been too busy to call me all week and that she’s not able to go out to supper with me tonight.” He paused and pulled his cap down over his ears. “Have I done something to offend her? Has she said anything to you?”

  “No, not really, but I have my suspicions.”

  “What does that mean?”

  Elma leaned forward. “Listen, Joe, my sister and I will be hosting a Christmas caroling party with some of the young people in our district next Friday evening. I’d like you to be there.”

  “Are—are you sure?” Joseph stammered. “What if my being there upsets Thelma?”
/>   “It won’t. Trust me.” Elma gave him what she hoped was a reassuring smile. “Everything is going to work out for the best.”

  Chapter 29

  LaGrange

  More snow had fallen in the area, and Joseph wondered if the caroling party was still on. He assumed it was, because he’d checked his messages before hitching his horse to the buggy, and the only one was from a customer, asking if his harness was done.

  Joseph looked forward to this evening and being with Thelma. It would be the first time he’d been with her when Delbert wasn’t around. He still felt bad that things hadn’t worked out between Delbert and Elma. He’d really hoped his friend would find a wife and settle down, but maybe Delbert was too set in his ways.

  As Joseph’s rig drew closer to Topeka, his hands began to sweat. What if Thelma isn’t happy to see me? I hope Elma told her I was coming.

  Topeka

  “Herschel Miller is here with his large open wagon and two draft horses,” Thelma announced when she looked out the kitchen window and saw him coming up the driveway.

  Elma joined her at the window. “It was nice of him to do that, because there wouldn’t have been room for all of us to go caroling in Grandpa’s sleigh.”

  “You’re right about that. Guess we ought to take the sleigh out by ourselves sometime this winter, though.” Thelma sighed. She’d been looking forward to doing that with Joseph. Stop thinking about him, she chided herself. Focus on the fun we’re going to have this evening. She drew a sad face on the moisture collected on the pane of glass then quickly wiped it off, drying the rest of the window with a piece of cloth.

  Thelma looked at Elma, hoping she hadn’t noticed, and at the same time they said, “We’d best get ready.”

  Elma laughed. “We still need to get our coats, outer bonnets, gloves, and boots.”

  “Let’s do that right now.” Thelma followed Elma into the utility room, and once they’d gotten their things, they returned to the kitchen to make sure everything was ready.

  “I think we have everything ready for our refreshment time after we get back from caroling.” Cookies, pretzels, and popcorn were set out on the table. They would also build a bonfire and roast hot dogs.

  “Do you know how many are coming?” Thelma asked.

  “I think there will be twenty of us.”

  Thelma smiled. “A nice big group to sing the Christmas songs we all know and love. I hope the places we stop by will enjoy hearing the music.”

  “I’m sure they will, Sister. Whenever we went caroling back home, everyone we sang to seemed to appreciate it.”

  A knock sounded on the door, and Thelma went to open it. Herschel greeted her with a friendly smile. “I’m glad you two are doing this for our younga,” he said. “It’s a perfect night for a caroling party.”

  “We’re happy to do it.” Thelma opened the door wider. “Why don’t you come inside until everyone gets here? There’s hot coffee on the stove.”

  “That sounds nice.” Herschel sat down after she handed him a cup of coffee. “Danki.”

  The three of them visited around the kitchen table until the young people showed up. Then Thelma and Elma put on their outer garments and followed Herschel outside.

  Soon everyone climbed onto the back of the wagon and took seats on bales of straw. Thelma was about to get on when she spotted another horse and buggy pulling in. “I thought everyone was here,” she said, looking at Elma.

  A few seconds later, Joseph got out and tied his horse to the hitching rail. “What’s he doing here, Sister? Did you know he was coming?”

  Elma nodded and lowered her voice. “He stopped by the store last week, and I invited him to join us this evening.”

  “Don’t you think you should have said something to me about that?” Thelma couldn’t imagine why Elma would invite Joseph to the caroling party and not tell her.

  Elma slipped her arm around Thelma’s waist and gave her a squeeze. “Relax, and enjoy the evening.”

  Thelma shivered and pulled her coat tighter around her neck. How can I relax with Joseph heading toward me?

  “Thelma?” Joseph asked, stepping up to the woman he believed was his girlfriend.

  “Jah, it’s me. Did you think I was Elma?”

  “No. Yes.” He pulled his knitted cap over his ears, knowing they must be pink. “Well, I wasn’t sure. When I came by the store last week I—I thought she was you.” Don’t start stuttering now, Joseph. He reached out and touched her arm. “It’s good to see you, Thelma. I’ve been looking forward to tonight ever since Elma invited me to go caroling with you.”

  “Speaking of caroling, we’d better get on the wagon before they take off without us.”

  Joseph grinned. “Let’s go!” He hopped up and reached his hand out to Thelma, helping her onto the wagon as well. He patted the seat beside him. When she joined him on the bale of straw, he noticed that she didn’t seem like her usual cheerful self. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but thinking it would be best not to say anything in front of everyone, he let it go. “Here, you may need this as we begin moving down the road.” Joseph placed a blanket across Thelma’s lap.

  She offered him a smile and seemed to relax a bit. “You’re welcome to share it with me.”

  Joseph pulled part of the blanket over his knees, and a few minutes later they were on their way.

  The joyful group laughed, visited, and sang as they traveled the roads, taking them through downtown Topeka and onto several of the back roads. They stopped by some church members’ homes, serenading them with Christmas songs. Joseph was having a good time, and Thelma seemed to be as well. At one point, she’d even leaned close to him and said, “You have a nice singing voice, Joe.”

  He smiled. “I enjoy singing Christmas songs.” Especially when I’m with you, he added silently. Joseph thought the chilly winter’s night was perfect weather for Christmas caroling.

  “Look over there.” Joseph pointed at a curious raccoon watching them pass before disappearing behind some bushes.

  Thelma sighed. “It’s a beautiful night.”

  Nothing is as beautiful as you, Joseph thought, wishing he could say it out loud. Right now, he would give anything to be alone with Thelma.

  When their driver announced that the next place would be their last stop, Joseph felt disappointed. He didn’t want the evening to end. He hoped before he left that he could talk privately with Thelma.

  Elma asked if everyone was hungry and said when they returned to her and Thelma’s house, they’d build a bonfire and roast hot dogs. Joseph was happy about that. Not because he was hungry, but because it would give him more time with Thelma. It was strange how she was acting tonight—one minute quiet and aloof—the next minute laughing.

  “It doesn’t look like anyone is home here,” one of the young men shouted. “See, there’s no light in any of the windows.”

  “Look, there’s a katz!” Thelma pointed to the cat sitting on the front porch. The feline’s gray coat was illuminated by the light of the silvery moon.

  “Should we sing to the katz?” someone shouted.

  “Why not?” another person responded.

  Everyone began singing, “We wish you a blessed Christmas… We wish you a blessed Christmas… We wish you a blessed Christmas and a joyous New Year!”

  The front door opened, and an elderly Amish man with a cane stepped out, holding a flashlight. Joseph didn’t recognize him, but then he didn’t know that many people living in Topeka.

  To Joseph’s surprise, the man stepped off his porch and started singing to the carolers. His cat came over to him and rubbed against his leg. Thelma laughed and joined him in song. Soon, the others accompanied them as well. Joseph could hardly wait to see what the rest of the night would bring.

  Chapter 30

  Although Thelma enjoyed being with Joseph, she knew she couldn’t count on more evenings like this. Before the night was over, she would have to tell Joseph that she couldn’t see him again. He may not
understand if she tried to explain that unless her sister was being courted by a man, there was no way she could keep seeing him. Most people did not understand the bond identical twins had.

  Thelma tried not to think about it as the lively group sang their way back to her and Elma’s house. But the closer they got, the more apprehensive she felt. By the time Herschel guided his team up their driveway, Thelma had broken out in a cold sweat. Clutching the scarf around her neck didn’t seem to help the chill that went straight to her bones. I should have told Joseph that I couldn’t see him anymore when I left him a message last week. That would have been easier than saying it to his face.

  She thought once again about the kiss they’d shared after Joseph’s birthday party, and wished now she hadn’t let it happen. If she’d only known then that Elma wouldn’t be seeing Delbert anymore, she would have ended it with Joseph that night. There was no point in thinking about that now. She needed to get through this evening without breaking down.

  When the wagon came to a stop, Joseph hopped down and extended his hand to Thelma. Once she was on the ground, he put his hand gently behind her back as they walked through the yard.

  “Would you like me to get a fire started?” Joseph asked Thelma.

  She nodded. “That would be nice.”

  “Would you like to help me with that?” he questioned.

  She swallowed hard, barely able to look at him. “I need to go inside and help Elma get the hot dogs and other things out. I’m sure some of the young men will help you gather wood for the fire.”

  Joseph gave her a heart-melting smile and headed across the yard to a group of young men who had starting making snowballs. “No snowball games tonight,” he called. “We need to get a fire going so we can eat.”

  As the evening wore on, Thelma grew quieter. She could barely eat her hot dog, much less enjoy any of the cookies. All she could think about was how attentive Joseph was being and how much she dreaded telling him good-bye. At least he wasn’t part of their church district and she wouldn’t have to see him every other Sunday. That would have made things even more difficult.