by Leigh Bale
Her heart pounded in her chest as she considered what it might be. Spiders? Frogs? Something else creepy? She shuddered at the thought.
Using moonlight from the window so she could see, she lit the kerosene lamp and brought it over to the bed. Gathering her courage, she flipped the covers over in one hurried jerk, then jumped back expecting some kind of bugs.
Cracker crumbs!
She peered closer to be sure. Yes! Someone had sprinkled cracker crumbs between her sheets. But who...?
Oh, no. She knew the answer without asking. Reuben must have paid her room a visit. The little rascal. Did he really dislike her so much? And why? She didn’t understand. No, not at all.
Sudden anger billowed up inside her. Just wait until she told Jakob what the boy had done. Reuben would be very sorry.
With stiff, sharp movements, she pulled the sheets off the bed, folding them so no crumbs fell onto the floor. She’d tried to be kind to the little boy. To go out of her way to make friends with him. And look how he repaid her.
Clutching the sheets close to her chest, she picked up the lamp and stepped out on the landing. The stairs creaked beneath her bare feet, and she moved more quietly, trying not to disturb Naomi.
Who did Reuben think he was, being so rude to her all the time? She was his elder and he should treat her with respect. In the morning, she would give him a good piece of her mind. Jakob would find out what his son had done. He would deal with the child...
She paused, standing on the front porch outside. The chilly night air helped to cool her anger, and she shivered in her modest nightgown. Opening the sheets, she shook them out on the front lawn. No doubt the chickens and other birds would eat up the crumbs.
She couldn’t tell Jakob what Reuben had done. If she did, he might spank the boy. She thought about Jesus Christ and what He’d suffered for her sins. He’d harmed no one, yet His own people had demanded His death. A perfect, sinless man, and yet He’d willingly gone through excruciating pain, first in the Garden of Gethsemane when He’d made the atonement, and then upon the cross when He had died. For her. For all mankind.
Gott’s only begotten Son had done that which no one else could do. He’d atoned for her sins so that she might be forgiven if only she would repent. So that she could live with Gott again. In all His words and deeds, Christ had set the perfect example. Then how could she show any less mercy to Reuben?
Taking a deep breath, she exhaled, letting it sweep her anger away. She must follow her Savior’s example and turn the other cheek.
“Abby?”
She jerked around. “Jakob! What are you doing here?”
He stood at the side of the porch, his hair tousled and his shirt disheveled, as though he’d been awakened from sleep and dressed in a hurry. “I heard a noise out here and came to see what it was. What is that you are shaking out of your sheets?”
Peering through the dark, he eyed the lawn where white speckles of cracker crumbs covered the grass.
She quickly wadded the sheets and held them close against her chest. “It’s nothing. My sheets just needed some airing.”
Okay, that was true enough. She didn’t want to get Reuben into any more trouble. That wouldn’t be the Savior’s way.
Jakob tilted his head in confusion. “It’s late. You’re airing your sheets at this time of night?”
“Ja, but I’m finished now. Gutte’ nacht.” Before he could ask any more questions, she whirled around and hurried inside the house, closing the door securely behind her.
Peeking out the window in the living room, she watched as he headed back into the darkness toward the dawdy haus. He raked his fingers through his hair, shaking his head in bewilderment. Good. He had no clue what was going on.
Watching him go, Abby realized how comical the situation must seem. No doubt he thought her a very odd woman indeed. She felt suddenly light of heart and had to stifle a laugh. No harm had been done. Reuben was simply a mischievous boy who had decided he didn’t like her. The poor boy. He was trying so hard to push her away, which told her that he needed a friend badly right now.
One day, she might tell Jakob what had really happened this night. He’d be disappointed in Reuben, of course. But she sensed that he would also find the boy’s actions funny. And she longed to share another laugh with him. To see him smile again. But for now, an idea filled her mind and she knew exactly how she should handle the situation.
Chapter Five
The following morning, Abby got up early and made breakfast for the familye. The tantalizing aroma of bacon helped diminish the remaining odor of burnt pies. As she set the table, she decided the smell wasn’t so bad anymore.
Naomi wrapped and loaded various baked goods into large boxes for delivery at the bakery. While the muffins baked, Abby helped her.
“I’d like to remain behind today, if that’s all right. I’d like to try once more to bake pies for our supper, just to show you that I can,” Abby said.
“I have no doubt of your ability.” Naomi patted her shoulder. “Jakob will finish the plowing today, then he and Dawdi will be taking the hutch into town to Mr. Crawley. Reuben doesn’t have school today, but I’ll take the children with me. It’ll keep them busy and out of your hair for a while.”
“Danke.” Abby nodded in agreement, thinking this might be wise. She wanted nothing to distract her this time and planned to remain inside the house until she was finished.
“I’ll do the mending while the pies bake and then prepare a stew for supper,” Abby said.
“Oh, would you? That would make my day so much easier. Ach, I’m so glad you’re here.” Naomi gave her a spontaneous hug.
“It’s my pleasure.” Abby blinked her eyes fast to keep tears from falling. The woman’s gesture touched her like nothing else could, and she wrapped her arms around her shoulders.
Ruby and Reuben entered the kitchen fully dressed and ready for their day. When Jakob joined them moments later, Abby forced herself to act casual, but her heart rate tripped into double time.
Tossing her a knowing look, Reuben slid into his chair. He wore a satisfied smirk, as though he were very pleased with himself. Knowing what he’d done, he actually seemed to welcome a fight. He glowered at her, like a cat ready to pounce on a bird.
Flipping two pancakes in the frying pan, Abby pretended not to notice as she set the serving plate in front of the two children. Contention was not of Gott. She was not going to fight with the boy nor say or do anything that might cause friction between him and Jakob. She was the adult here. She could handle this situation well enough. She hoped.
“Guder mariye. Reuben, I hope you’re feeling well today. And you, too, Ruby.” Abby spoke in her most cheerful voice.
“How did you sleep last night?” Reuben asked, his voice low and sly.
“Ach, like a log,” Abby said. “Ja, I had the best night’s sleep in I don’t know how long. Thank you for asking.”
“You did?” Reuben asked, looking slightly taken off guard.
“Ja, I did.” Abby thoroughly enjoyed the look of confusion on his face. She had no doubt he expected her to react to what he had done to her sheets. But she had other plans.
As the men gathered around the table, Abby bided her time. Most of the food was on the table, and she waited for the prayer to end, then cleared her voice to gain everyone’s attention.
“I’d like to thank all of you for your warm hospitality to me,” she said. “You’ve all been so kind. Especially Reuben.”
She gazed at the boy steadily, forcing herself not to flinch as he looked up, his eyes widening. Out of her peripheral vision, she noticed Jakob’s curious glance as he listened to her.
“Knowing how nervous and lonely I must be and trying to adjust to a strange place and fit in with new people, Reuben has been especially gut and generous to me,” she continued. “He has been so consi
derate, going out of his way to welcome me. I especially appreciate the thoughtful gift he left for me last night. It was so hospitable of him.”
Jakob stared at her with puzzlement, but Dawdi Zeke chuckled, seeming to understand what was going on. Surely he didn’t know about the cracker crumbs, but Abby thought the older man was smart enough to figure it out.
Reuben was overly quiet, staring at his plate, his face red with guilt. For a moment, Abby thought he might burst into tears. If nothing else, she’d made him think about what he’d done. If he had a conscience—and Abby believed that he did—then he’d think twice before purposefully trying to hurt her again.
“What gift did you leave for Abby?” Naomi asked.
“Ja, what gift?” Ruby chimed in.
“That’s between Reuben and me. Would you pass the potatoes, please?” Abby smiled sweetly as she looked at Jakob. She was determined to love his children no matter what.
Jakob handed her a bowl. “Does this have anything to do with you shaking out your bedsheets late last night?”
Naomi jerked her head up. “What? Why were you shaking out your sheets? I washed them the day before you arrived. They should have been clean.”
“They just needed a little airing,” Abby said. She ducked her head and began to eat, but she caught Naomi’s look of puzzlement. Thankfully, she didn’t push the issue.
Everyone became overly quiet and subdued, except for Dawdi Zeke. The elderly man grinned from ear to ear as he filled his plate and ate with relish.
“Ach, I’m delighted to have you here in our home, Abby,” Zeke said. “We’ve been in mourning too long. You’re a surprising and pleasant change. You’ll keep us on our toes and do us all a lot of good.”
“Danke. I hope so,” she said, trying not to blush with pleasure.
A happy, buoyant feeling settled over her. She liked how she had handled the situation with Reuben, and it gave her a small bit of confidence. But she sure wished she could somehow get the boy to stop glaring and smile for once.
After they finished their meal and dispersed to their various activities, Abby rolled out dough and baked her cherry pies. The lattice top was a pretty golden brown.
Setting the pies aside to cool, she then prepared the noon meal. She chopped up meat and vegetables, then let them simmer in a pot. As she sat at the kitchen table, she mended a variety of socks, aprons, shirts and trousers. The rest of the day went by without incident, and at supper, everyone exclaimed over her pie. Everyone except Reuben, of course. Like always, he was sullen and quiet.
“This pie is delicious, Abby. Some of the best I’ve ever eaten.” Zeke glanced at Reuben. “Are you sure you don’t want some?”
The boy looked at the pie and fresh whipped cream with such longing that Abby thought his mouth must be watering. Maybe he would change his mind. But no. He shook his head, being stubborn.
“Ne. I don’t like cherry pie. It’s too tart.”
Naomi snorted. “Since when do you not like cherry pie? And this pie is as sweet as can be. Just right.”
The boy jerked his shoulders in a shrug, but Abby knew the answer. He didn’t like that Abby had made the pie.
Zeke grinned. “More for us, then. But just remember, mein sohn, it’s not wise to cut off your nose to spite your face.”
Reuben’s eyebrows drew together in a questioning glance. “What does that mean, Dawdi?”
Zeke nodded. “You just think about it for a while. I’m sure its meaning will dawn on you sooner or later.”
“Ja, this pie is delicious. The crust is so light and flaky. Don’t you think so, Jakob?” Naomi prodded.
At that moment, the man was helping himself to a second slice, so he obviously liked it. He lifted his head, seeming startled by the question. When he looked at Abby, his features softened, but he hesitated for a moment.
“Ja, it’s very gut. You did well,” he finally said.
She smiled, feeling enormously relieved by his praise. Throughout her life, no one had ever thanked her or told her she’d done a nice job. Not ever. More than anything, she wanted this man’s approval, and she wasn’t sure why.
* * *
Jakob knew he shouldn’t stay after supper. He should have gone to the dawdy haus instead. But honestly, he was in a good mood. He and Dawdi Zeke had safely delivered the hutch to Jason Crawley in town, and the payment eased some of his worries.
He sat on the couch in the living room, trying to read The Budget newspaper. They’d lit the kerosene lamps, and their glow provided a warm, comfy environment. Since the paper came from Ohio, it was packed with stories and news of their familye members and old life there. He usually enjoyed reading it to everyone, but not tonight.
His gaze kept wandering over to where Abby was laughing and chatting with his daughter. With church Sunday tomorrow, Abby had overseen Ruby’s bath and was now sitting with the girl on the large rag rug in the middle of the room. She picked up a brush, preparing to comb out Ruby’s long hair. Reuben now occupied the only bathroom in the house. Dawdi Zeke was slouched in a soft, old recliner. Naomi sat nearby, the click of her knitting needles accompanying Dawdi’s soft snores and the ticks from the simple wooden clock on the wall. The sounds were quiet and comforting, yet Jakob felt distracted.
Sitting behind Ruby, Abby parted the girl’s damp hair down the middle, then painstakingly worked each section to free the multitude of snarls.
“Your hair is very fine like mine. I want to be careful so I don’t cause any breakage,” Abby said.
Ruby held up a spray bottle. “My mamm used this for the tangles.”
Abby took the bottle and kissed the girl’s forehead. “Your mamm was very wise. Even I use detangler on my hair.”
“You do?” Ruby asked, sitting perfectly still, her chin held high.
“Of course. Long hair tends to knot easily when you wash it.”
Abby spritzed the child’s hair, holding up one hand to shield Ruby’s eyes from the spray.
“Jakob?”
He looked at his mother, who had paused in her knitting. She inclined her head toward the paper he held with both hands. “Aren’t you going to read some more?”
“Oh. Sorry.” He returned to reading out loud so Naomi could hear. An article about a new schoolhouse they were building in Holmes County.
Naomi paused in her knitting and raised a finger, interrupting him. “Another school? You see how crowded they’re getting back east? It was wise of your vadder to bring us here to Colorado. Now, we have lots of room for our familye to grow.”
Jakob nodded, having heard this statement numerous times before. Although his mother missed her own brothers, sisters and numerous other familye members, he knew this was her way of justifying her husband’s decision to move them west.
He finished the article, then searched for another story of interest. Ruby’s laugh drew his gaze again.
“Would you like it braided this time, or just pulled back in a bun?” Abby asked Ruby.
“Braided, please,” the girl responded with a decisive nod of her head.
Abby picked up the long strands and began to plait the hair, her dexterous fingers moving quickly from front to back. Finally, she tied off the end with a small rubber band.
“Jakob!”
He jerked, glancing over at Naomi. Seeing her slight frown, he began to read again. In all honesty, he had no idea what he was saying. He couldn’t seem to focus tonight and decided he was overly tired.
“Almost finished,” Abby said.
Jakob looked up as she twisted the braids onto Ruby’s head. She held bobby pins between her lips. When she was ready, she took the pins to secure the hair, then patted the finished product with her palms. Last, but not least, she reached for Ruby’s kapp. Abby caught his gaze and immediately ducked her head in a shy but endearing glance.
“Ach! I can s
ee that if I want to know what’s in The Budget, I’ll have to read the paper myself.” Naomi shook her head, her lips pursed together in disgust.
Awakened by her exclamation, Dawdi Zeke jerked and gave a loud snort. They all laughed as he blinked his eyes open and gave a deep, yawning sigh. He had no idea that he’d been snoring and they found him so amusing.
“Daedi, I’m worried about Amber. She hasn’t come to the house for her bowl of cream in months,” Ruby said.
Jakob chuckled. “It’s only been a week or two since she came around the house, not months.”
“Ach, it seems like months. I’m worried about her.”
“Who is Amber?” Abby asked.
“Our barn cat. She’s expecting babies, so I’ve been giving her cream to help keep her healthy. But she’s stopped coming around,” Ruby said.
“Perhaps she had her babies,” Naomi said.
Ruby gasped in alarm and looked at her father. “But who will help her if she’s all alone? What will she eat?”
“Don’t worry. She knows what to do and catches lots of mice to eat. She’ll show up when she’s good and ready. And then we’ll start seeing more cats in the barn,” Jakob said.
The girl showed a doubtful frown.
“It’s late. I think I’ll turn in.” Zeke gripped the arms of his chair and stood stiffly before shuffling slowly toward the door.
“Gutte’ nacht,” Abby said.
“I’ll be along in a few minutes,” Jakob called to his grandfather’s retreating back.
Dawdi waved his acknowledgment, then closed the door behind him.
“There. Vas denkscht?” Abby held up a small hand mirror for Ruby to view her hair.
The girl peered at herself and smiled. “I think it’s wundervoll.”
Abby hugged the child, then gathered up the hair implements. “Gut. Now, it’s off to bed with you.”
“Ahem!”
Jakob turned and saw that Naomi had put her knitting away, having given up on his reading any more. He stood quickly.