“That could be awhile, and besides, with her two little ones to care for, I don’t see how she could work in the greenhouse too.”
“Maybe Henry could watch the kinner. He’ll be out of school soon.”
Amy lifted her gaze toward the sky. “I hardly think my teenage brother would make a good babysitter for any child, Mom. You know how impatient and sometimes forgetful he can be. Henry would probably become preoccupied with something and wander off, leaving little Allen and baby Rachel by themselves.”
Mom’s head moved slowly up and down. “Good point. There are many other chores for Henry to do around here, as well as helping us with some things in the greenhouse. I guess once Sylvia feels up to working, we’ll have to hire someone responsible who can come to our house and take care of the kinner.” As though the matter was settled, Mom turned and headed in the direction of the barn.
“Where are you going?” Amy called to her retreating form.
“To talk to Ezekiel. He went to the barn a while ago to let our horses into the corral. I need to make it clear to him once and for all that we can make it without his help, and he’s staying put at his place in New York.”
“Good luck with that,” Amy whispered as she turned and headed for the house. Her padded steps moved through the grass until she halted in thought. It would be nice if Henry could do more around here, despite his mood. Mom wants to show Ezekiel that he isn’t needed, which I don’t understand. I still feel like he should move back with the family to help out.
Something hit her face, and Amy realized a honeybee had flown into her. It was on the ground now, buzzing and whirling around. “That was weird. I’ve never had that kind of thing happen before.” She rubbed the spot where the flying insect had hit her. “Sure hope there’s not a mark on my face.”
Amy watched the bee right itself and disappear on the breeze, and then she headed inside and looked in the bathroom mirror. Leaning in close, Amy couldn’t see anything but the small, nearly invisible mole on her right cheek. She felt thankful she hadn’t been stung.
After Amy left the bathroom, she found Michelle in the living room, wearing a different dress than she’d seen her in earlier today. “Did you have to change your frack?” Her voice was nearly a whisper.
Michelle nodded as she sat in the rocking chair, holding her little girl, who’d obviously fallen asleep. “I did have to change my dress.” She looked down at Angela Mary. “My messy little girl ate a brownie with chocolate frosting, and she managed to get some on me.”
“Sorry about that.” Amy took a seat on the couch.
“How are you doing?” Michelle turned her head to look at Amy.
“As well as can be expected, I suppose. But I’m kind of in shock right now.”
“Because of the buggy accident, you mean?”
Amy shook her head. “I’m still sad about that, but the shock has worn off, replaced with deep sorrow and concern for all our family members.”
“It’s a rough time for everyone.” Michelle stroked the top of her daughter’s head. “Angela Mary has been kind of fussy today. I’m sure she senses my stress and maybe everyone else’s around her as well.”
“That could be.” Amy sighed. “What shocked me is hearing that Ezekiel is now a minister in your church. Mom told me a few minutes ago that he’d given her the news. Now we are both wondering why he didn’t speak up and say something about it sooner.”
“We were going to tell everyone the night of your mamm’s birthday supper, but after the accident occurred, our thoughts were consumed by what had happened.” Michelle heaved a sigh. “The lot falling on my husband doesn’t seem so important anymore.”
“It is important, Michelle.” Amy crossed her legs. “It’s one of the reasons Mom doesn’t want you and Ezekiel to move back here. You’ve established a new life there, and things are going well. Mom knows how important Ezekiel’s business is too.” She glanced at one of the barn cats that had snuck into the house and sat on the other side of the room, licking its paws. Then she looked back at Michelle. “Can’t you convince your husband to abide by Mom’s wishes and stay put in Clymer?”
When Angela Mary stirred, Michelle got the rocking chair moving at a steady pace. “When we first moved to New York, I didn’t like it at all. It was hard to make new friends, and I struggled with depression because I missed everyone here so much. But now, things are different. Ezekiel and I both have a bond of friendship with several other young couples in our community. It also brings me joy to see how happy he is with his beekeeping supply business.”
“How do you feel about his new ministerial position?”
“At first I felt nervous, wondering what expectations there might be of me as his fraa. But after I prayed about it, God gave me a sense of peace.” Michelle pushed her shoulders against the back of the chair as she continued to rock. “I miss everyone here, but whether Ezekiel decides our place is in Strasburg or Clymer, I will go along with his decision.”
“I guess we’ll know what he decides soon, because Mom is in the barn talking to him right now.”
Ezekiel grabbed a curry comb and started working on Dad’s buggy horse. His thoughts and emotions had been running amuck ever since the tragic accident. Through all the years of working in the greenhouse, all he’d been able to think about was his desire to do something else. When the opportunity to move to a fairly new Amish community in New York was offered to him, he’d jumped at the chance. He remembered when he told his folks about his plans, Dad had said that Ezekiel had a right to live where he wanted and work at the job of his choosing. He’d reminded Mom that they could not stand in the way of that.
Ezekiel never had been as happy as he had been the last two years, and the idea of leaving the new life they’d established and returning to Strasburg to run the greenhouse held no appeal. Now that he was a minister, he had a new obligation in Clymer, but he had one here too.
He paused from his chore to reflect further on the matter. It would be selfish to stay in Clymer when my family here needs my help right now. Just dealing with the trauma of losing Dad, Abe, and Toby will be difficult enough for Mom and the rest of our family, not to mention trying to run the greenhouse by themselves.
Ezekiel thought about Sylvia and how he’d seen her last night, sitting in the rocking chair holding her baby girl. She hadn’t said a word to anyone else in the room—just sat there, staring off into space. There was no way in her condition that she’d be able to help out in the greenhouse. He shook his head. No way at all. It’ll be all my sister can do to take care of her two kinner. And Mom, well, she’s grieving deeply too, and so are Amy and Henry. They all need my support.
Ezekiel also grieved for his father, brother, and brother-in-law. Who wouldn’t be deeply saddened when they’d lost three family members?
After Ezekiel and Michelle had retired to the guest room last night, she’d mentioned that he should pray about the matter. He’d agreed, but as far as Ezekiel was concerned, there really wasn’t much to pray about. His presence was needed here more than in Clymer; it was just that simple.
When Mom entered the barn and called out to him, Ezekiel pushed his thoughts aside.
“I’m back here in your horse’s stall.”
She walked toward him and leaned on the stall door, looking at him with her chin held high. “I am well aware that you are determined to move back here, but I have a proposition for you.”
He set the curry comb aside. “What proposition did you have in mind?”
“How about giving me, along with your sisters and younger brother, a chance to prove ourselves?”
His brows furrowed. “What do you mean?”
“You and your family can return to Clymer to take care of your job and duties as the new minister.”
“Huh-uh.”
She held up her hand. “Please, hear me out.”
Ezekiel remained silent.
“Give us, say, six months to see if we can make a go of things on our own, and if
we succeed, you remain in New York.” His mother stood tall with her shoulders back. “If we can’t make it, you can choose to move back here if you want.”
Ezekiel rolled his neck from side to side as he contemplated her suggestion. “How ’bout three months instead of six?”
“Let’s make it four. How does that sound?”
The whole thing sounded impossible, and he felt sure they wouldn’t succeed, but Ezekiel nodded slowly. “Agreed.”
For almost two weeks, the greenhouse had been closed for business, and Henry had finished his schooling. Ezekiel and his family had returned to Clymer a week ago. It was time to get things up and running again so they would have some money coming in. The one thing that hadn’t been settled yet was which of them would be in charge of what tasks.
“If we’re opening the greenhouse today, shouldn’t we come up with a plan for who will be responsible for that?” Amy asked her mother as they prepared breakfast on Monday morning.
Mom continued stirring pancake batter, giving Amy a sidelong glance. “I suppose you’re right. You and Henry will need to make sure that the plants are arranged properly and that the watering system is working as it should.” She paused long enough to add a few sprinkles of cinnamon to the batter. “And of course we’ll need to take turns waiting on customers.”
“Who will be responsible for placing orders and tallying up the expenses as well as the items sold each day?” Amy placed silverware on the table. “Since Dad used to do that, and now he’s not here …”
“I didn’t need that reminder, Daughter.” Mom’s jaw clenched as she tapped her foot, the way she often did when she was annoyed.
“Sorry, Mom. I just meant …”
“I know what you meant, and I apologize for overreacting. The agony of losing three members of our family is still raw, and it’s hard to control my emotions.” Mom teared up. “We’re taking on a daunting job, especially without Sylvia’s help.”
“Maybe you should have accepted Ezekiel’s offer to move back here.”
“No! I will not ask him to make that sacrifice.”
Amy could see by the stubborn set of her mother’s jaw that she was not going to change her mind, so she decided to drop the subject, at least for now. Perhaps once they got the greenhouse going and Mom saw what a chore it was, she would come to her senses and call for Ezekiel. In the meantime, Amy would do all she could to keep the greenhouse open for business, because they certainly needed some money coming in.
“Sylvia could do the books and place orders if she were feeling better,” Mom said. “But right now, she’s barely able to take care of herself and the kinner. Losing Toby has been the most difficult thing she’s ever faced, not to mention losing her father and brother in the same accident.” She moved over to the stove with the pancake batter. “Your sister has always been the sensitive type and doesn’t adjust to change easily. And losing one’s mate is a terrible thing for anyone. I had no idea how difficult it would be until it happened to me.” Her voice faltered. “I am still struggling to comprehend how I could have lost my husband and son the same day. Abe was in the prime of his young adult life, and so was Sylvia’s husband.”
“It was a terrible tragedy, and I doubt any of us will ever fully recover.” Amy’s lips trembled, and she pressed them together.
Mom turned and placed one hand against her chest. “We will always miss them, but we must find the strength to go on. As our bishop said when he and his wife stopped by the other day: ‘In time, the pain will lessen.’”
Amy wasn’t sure that was true, but it was obvious that Mom was trying to set an example for the rest of the family. She would persevere despite her grief and their current situation.
Amy went to the cupboard and took out the glasses. If only there was something I could do to lighten Mom’s load.
In frustration, Amy marched toward the outbuilding where her brother had gone. It was time to eat, and she’d been asked to go get him. She and Henry weren’t getting along these days.
I sure miss the old Henry. Before the accident, her little brother had usually been in good spirits and often told goofy stories or jokes that made others laughed. Now all he did was sulk, complain, or say curt things that hurt Amy’s feelings. She wished there was a way to reach him, but she had no idea what to do.
Amy opened the barn door and poked her head inside. Looking around the dimly lit area, she spotted Henry seated on a bale of straw with his head down. Amy understood they were all trying to get through their grief, but Henry dealt with it in such a negative way. At least Sylvia, who was almost drowning in sorrow, didn’t say snappish things or gripe about every little thing.
How can I talk to my brother without him getting temperamental or defensive? Amy collected herself the best she could. Okay, here goes.
“Mom sent me out here to tell you that breakfast is ready.” Amy moved closer to him. “I assume your chores in here are done, or you wouldn’t be sitting there doing nothing.”
“I ain’t doin’ nothin’.” He lifted his head and crossed his arms.
“Looks like it to me.”
Henry’s eyes narrowed as he stared at her with a look of defiance. “I’m thinkin’ on things—trying to figure out what all’s expected of me now that Dad and Abe are gone.”
“I thought Mom made it clear what chores she’d like you to do around here this summer.”
“She did, but I’m wondering how I’m gonna get ’em all done with no help from anyone. Mom will probably come up with some other things she wants me to do—stuff in the greenhouse.”
“We will need help in there because Mom and I can’t do it alone.”
“If Sylvia helped out, I’d be free to look for some other kind of work—something I’d like to do rather than a job that’s expected of me.” He looked at Amy with a glassy stare. “Ezekiel oughta be here doin’ his fair share, even if he doesn’t like working in the greenhouse. He may be livin’ someplace else, but he’s still part of this family, ya know.”
Amy placed both hands behind her back, gripping one wrist with the other hand. “Our brother has responsibilities in his church district now that he’s a minister. He also has a business to run.”
“I don’t care. If I have to do a bunch of things I’d rather not do, then he should too.”
Amy realized she wasn’t going to get through to Henry—at least not today. He needed time to mature and come to grips with the way things were. “Let’s go inside. Breakfast is ready.”
“You go ahead. I ain’t hungry.”
This isn’t good. Now look what I’ve done. I don’t want to be the reason my brother isn’t cooperating again. Amy drew a quick breath and released it before speaking. “You’ll have more energy to get your work done today if you eat, but it’s your choice.” She whirled around and tromped out the door. Things were bad enough with everyone attempting to deal with their loss. Did her little brother have to make it worse by being so uncooperative and martyring himself?
Sylvia sat at the breakfast table, forcing herself to eat one of her mother’s banana-flavored pancakes. Allen sat in his highchair beside her, enjoying the breakfast treat with his sticky fingers full of maple syrup. He’s lucky to be young and carefree—barely noticing that his daadi is missing.
Sylvia wondered what the future held for her and the children. It would be difficult for them to grow up without a father. Some widows her age might hope for remarriage but not Sylvia. She could never love another man the way she loved Toby. She would not get married again for the sake of providing Allen and Rachel with a father either. The children’s uncles would have to be their father figures. Of course, with Ezekiel living several hundred miles away and Henry taking no interest in the children whatsoever, it wasn’t likely they would have much “uncle time” either. They still had one grandfather left. It was too bad Toby’s parents didn’t live closer.
“Would you like a cup of tea, Sylvia?”
Mom’s question pulled Sylvia out of her mu
sings.
“Uh, no thanks. I’m fine with my glass of millich.”
“Okay.” Mom looked over at Amy. “I wish you could have talked your brother into eating breakfast. He’s gonna turn into a twig if he doesn’t eat more.”
“His appetite will come back in time. And if I know Henry, he probably has a stash of candy bars to snack on.”
“Puh!” Mom wrinkled her nose. “I taught all my kinner that too much zucker isn’t good for them.”
“Right now, I’m afraid my little brother doesn’t know what is good for him.”
Sylvia tuned out their conversation as she put all her energies into finishing the pancake that seemed to have no flavor at all. Nothing tasted good to her these days, but at least she was forcing herself to eat.
About the time they finished eating, Sylvia heard the baby crying. “I’d better feed Rachel and change her windel. I’ll wash the dishes after I’m done.”
“If you’re not up to it, I can do them,” Amy said.
“No, you and Mom need to get the greenhouse opened.”
Sylvia pushed back her chair and was about to take Allen from the highchair when Mom said, “I’ll take care of getting the boy cleaned up. You go ahead and tend to the baby’s needs.”
Sylvia gave a quick nod and hurried from the room. This was only the beginning of another long day—a day when she would only be going through the motions of trying to take care of her children’s needs. Truthfully, she wished there was someone who could provide for her needs right now. She blinked back tears of frustration. It would help if I had someone to watch Allen and Rachel for a while so I could lie on my bed and let the tears flow all day.
When Belinda stepped into the greenhouse and saw all the plants waiting to be sold, a flood of emotions threatened to overpower her. Oh Vernon, how can I do this without you by my side? If only you were still alive and could be here right now. Nothing about the greenhouse held any appeal for Belinda anymore. Yet this was their livelihood and the only way she knew of to make a living for her family. Even if they closed the doors on the business permanently and she and Amy found other jobs, they would never make enough money between the two of them to equal what they could make here in the greenhouse. In addition to their returning customers, as well as new ones, they earned a decent amount selling flowers to some of the florists in the area. Those businesses counted on them.
The Crow’s Call: Amish Greenhouse Mystery Book 1 Page 3