The Crow’s Call: Amish Greenhouse Mystery Book 1
Page 7
“Hey, Daughter, could you please give me a hand? I’m losing my grip here.” Mom nearly dropped the load in her hands.
Amy intercepted her mother carrying two large flowering plants. Then she set them down on a table that was nearby.
“Danki. Guess I shouldn’t have tried to carry both plants at once, but I was too impatient and didn’t want to make two trips.” Mom massaged one arm and then the other before pointing to a large sealed cardboard box setting on the floor.
“What’s in there?” Amy asked.
“You remember I ordered those shallow hanging pots awhile back. Well, they finally showed up, and we’re going to arrange each one with starter plants to sell.”
“Okay, but I’m not the best at arranging different flowers that are intended to go into baskets that hang.”
“I’ll see if I can talk Sylvia into coming out to the greenhouse for a little while and putting some together for us. Of course, it means I will need to go in and watch the kinner while she’s in here.”
“Do you think my sister will be up for it?”
“I’m hoping she might like to get out of the house and do something creative with these baskets.” Mom gestured to the box again.
“Hanging baskets are a nice and easy way to spruce up a spot around the outside of one’s house—maybe hanging from a porch or on a shepherd’s hook in the yard.”
“Jah, and the fuchsia starts are also ready to plant, so those will make a nice addition. We have a few different color variances, and of course some other flowers that can be included in the baskets.” Mom smiled. “You know, Sylvia enjoyed doing this kind of work in the past. I’m hoping this idea might draw her out. It’s not good to stay in the house so much of the time.”
Amy touched one of the lovely plants. “I’ve always thought fuchsias look so pretty in full bloom—especially the red ones.”
“They seem to be a favorite with folks to dress up a front porch or deck. A lot of customers like to give hanging baskets as gifts for different occasions.”
“I agree. As summer continues, we’ll probably sell out our supply like we did last year.”
Mom nodded and stood there quietly for a moment as though in thought. “You know what I’d like to make for supper soon?”
“What?”
“Stuffed cabbage rolls.”
“Those do sound good. We haven’t had them in a while.”
“They were one of your daed’s favorite meals, and he liked creamy mashed potatoes to go with them.” Mom rubbed a spot on her apron where a blob of dirt had attached itself. “Maybe we could invite our bishop and his wife for supper one night.”
“That would be nice but also a lot of work. I’m not sure either of us would have time for that, and it’s doubtful Sylvia would feel up to having company for a meal.” Amy leaned against the stacked bags full of potting soil.
“You’re probably right.” Mom touched Amy’s arm. “You could invite Jared, though. That would be only one extra person at our table.”
Amy remained silent. I was hoping this topic wouldn’t come up so soon. Guess it was only a matter of time until Mom mentioned him.
“It’s strange, you know, but Jared hasn’t been around lately.” Mom reached under her head covering and pushed an errant piece of her mostly brown hair back in place. “I wonder if his workload has him tied down.”
Mom gave Amy’s arm a little nudge. “Daughter, did you hear what I said?”
“Jah.” Amy tilted her head from side to side, weighing her choices. She could either go along with what Mom said about Jared working long hours or tell her the truth. She opted for the latter, figuring she may as well get it over with before someone else came into the greenhouse and blurted it out. No doubt Jared had at least told his parents by now.
“Jared won’t be coming over to see me any longer.” Amy lowered her gaze.
“How come?”
“When he was here for supper the last time, I told him we wouldn’t be courting anymore.” She lifted her head to see Mom’s reaction.
Her mother’s dark brows shot up. “For goodness’ sakes, Amy, why would you do that?”
“Because with all my responsibilities here, I don’t have time to be courted by anyone now.”
“That’s nonsense. You should make time for something as important as spending time with the man you love.”
Amy shook her head determinedly. “Our days are long here in the greenhouse, not to mention all my other chores in the house. If Sylvia was up to helping more it might be different, but under the circumstances … Well, it’s just better this way.”
“Better for who?”
“For Jared. He deserves the chance to be happy. He’s a wonderful man, and I’m sure it won’t take him long to find a more suitable wife.”
“But Jared loves you. I’ve seen his expression when the two of you are together, and I’ve heard the tender words he’s spoken to you.” Mom clasped Amy’s arm. “Don’t throw your chance at happiness away because of your duties here. Things won’t always be so hectic, and there has to be a way for you and Jared to work things out.”
“There isn’t, and my mind’s made up.” Amy pushed up her dress sleeves. “Now, please, let’s not talk about this anymore. There’s work to be done.”
Sylvia’s head throbbed as she struggled to diaper the baby. Allen sat on the floor not far away, beating on a kettle he’d found in one of the kitchen’s lower cupboards and dragged into the living room, where a portable crib had been set up.
The baby howled and kicked her chubby feet, making Sylvia’s chore even more difficult while increasing the pain in her head. Every chore, no matter how simple, seemed insurmountable. She couldn’t fathom how Mom and Amy managed to work in the greenhouse six days a week, dealing with customers and making sure everything from the watering system to proper ventilation worked as it should.
Don’t think I could last even an hour out there, she told herself. I’d cave in if one person even looked at me and asked how I was doing.
Sylvia set the baby lotion back on the stand with the diaper wipes. She wanted to lie down on the bed and close her eyes. If I could only get in a nap somehow, maybe that would lessen the pain in my head.
Now that the diapering was done, Sylvia picked her daughter up and carried her to the rocking chair. She paused and looked back at her bedroom door. Why does my head have to hurt like this? I’ve got household chores as well as my kinner to take care of, and I’m barely able to cope.
Taking a seat, she got it moving at a steady pace. The only time she felt a moment’s peace was when she sat here with her eyes closed, holding her precious child. Rachel burrowed her head against Sylvia’s shoulder, as if trying to get comfortable. Sylvia patted the baby’s back. Too bad your daadi will never hold you again.
Thoughts of Toby were never far from Sylvia’s mind, which only added to her depression. She had a recurring dream about him that happened again last night. Toby was home with her and the children like he’d never left. It had seemed so real until she’d awakened to Rachel’s crying. Sylvia wished she could simply will herself to stop hurting, but it was impossible.
She’d gone back to her own home only once since Toby’s death and then only to get more clothes for her and the children as well as some of Allen’s favorite toys. When she’d entered the bedroom she used to share with her husband, Sylvia had thrown herself on the bed and sobbed for hours. She didn’t think she’d ever be able to move back there, but she didn’t have the energy to begin thinking about all that was necessary to sell the house. How thankful she was that Mom didn’t mind having her and the little ones living here. At this point, Sylvia didn’t think she’d ever be able to leave.
She opened her eyes and glanced across the room. Her gaze came to rest on the coffee table, where her father’s Bible lay. Dad was a good Christian man, and so were Toby and Abe. Why would God take them from us when we needed them so?
Allen began pounding on the kettle even hard
er, until she thought she would scream. How was she supposed to be a kind, patient mother when she needed mothering of her own? Sylvia wished she was a little girl again, cradled in the safety of her mother’s arms.
Rachel squirmed as the noise continued. I can’t let Allen keep making that racket. His sister will never be able to sleep, and my nerves need a break.
Sylvia rose with the baby and placed her in the crib, and then she sauntered into the kitchen to get her son something to drink. She returned shortly and removed the noisemakers, replacing them with a sippy cup full of diluted grape juice. The room fell silent while Allen sipped his beverage and his baby sister’s eyelids closed in slumber.
Sylvia felt like she’d won this battle as she took a seat in the chair again. Releasing a lingering breath, she felt the same awful feeling creep back into her soul. Toby … Toby … I miss you more than I ever thought possible. It grieves me to know that our sweet children will grow up without you.
She swallowed hard, trying to push down the lump that had formed in her throat. It’s best that none of us can look into the future and see what’s coming. If I’d known that after only a few years of marriage, I would lose my husband, I’d never have gotten married at all.
Monday morning, Belinda had begun drying the breakfast dishes when she saw Amy sprinting across the yard. A few minutes later, she dashed into the kitchen with a reddened face and eyes wide. “What’s wrong, Daughter? You look umgerennt.”
“I am quite upset, and you will be too when you hear what I found.”
“What was it?” Belinda placed the dish towel on the counter.
“I went out to the barn to remind Henry about the deliveries he has to make to Sara’s flower shop today.” Amy paused and wiped a trickle of sweat off her forehead. “On my way back to the house, I noticed water seeping out of the potting shed. So, I went inside to see where it was coming from and discovered a broken pipe. Water was leaking out everywhere.”
Belinda put a hand to her mouth. “Oh dear. Were you able to get the valve turned off that supplies water to the shed and greenhouse?”
Amy shook her head. “Not by myself. I ran back to the barn to get Henry. He’s out there now, looking for one of Dad’s wrenches.”
“They’re in the toolshed.” Belinda frowned. “He ought to know that.”
“I’ll run out and tell him.” Amy turned and rushed out the door.
Belinda stood at the window, watching her daughter enter the barn. A few minutes later, Amy and Henry emerged and headed for the toolshed.
Belinda drew a deep breath to calm herself. They couldn’t be without water in either the greenhouse or the potting shed, and she didn’t like the idea of spending money to have the pipe repaired or replaced, but there was no other choice. They had to take care of the problem, no matter what it cost.
Belinda put her head down. “I’m trying the best I can to hold things together, but it’s ever so hard.”
“What was that, Mom?” Sylvia spoke quietly as she came into the room.
“Oh, I’m just fretting out loud. We have a water leak in the potting shed that needs to be dealt with right away. Your brother went out to the toolshed for a wrench so he can shut off the water. Amy is with him.”
“That’s sure not what we need.” Sylvia sucked in her bottom lip. “I don’t know how you three manage to endure all of this.”
“When problems arise it’s not fun, but we have to expect that things don’t always go as we would like them to.” Belinda looked toward the doorway. “I assume my sweet grandchildren are resting?”
“Jah.” Sylvia yawned. “Is there anything you need me to do right now?”
“I’ll need the phone book to find a number to call a plumber.”
“No problem. I’ll get the spare one sitting on Dad’s desk.” Sylvia left the kitchen and returned almost immediately with the phone book.
“Danki.” Belinda began turning the pages. “Here we go. I’ve found the page I need, and it looks like your daed circled the one he liked to use. What a blessing this is. I wouldn’t have known who to call.”
“Sure hope you can get someone out here soon. You need water for all the plants that are for sale in the greenhouse.”
“How well I know. We sure don’t want to lose any of our flowers and other items in stock.” Belinda reached for a pen and paper then jotted down the phone number. She hoped they would get prompt service so things could move forward.
“I’ll be back soon.” Setting the pen down and getting up from the kitchen chair, she went outside and began the trek to the phone shed. Plodding along, her mind drifted to her dear husband. Oh Vernon, I never had to worry about such things when you were here. You always kept our business running so smoothly. I’m juggling what I used to do with all of the new responsibilities you cared for in the past. Her vision blurred. If you were here right now, you’d tell me: “Belinda, I’ve got this covered. I’ll have it fixed in no time at all.” She wiped at the tears dribbling down her cheeks.
When Belinda reached the phone shed, she opened the door and stepped inside. The blinking light on the answering machine flashed, but she had something more important to do before she would check messages. Belinda wiped her eyes and tried to calm down. She grabbed the slip of paper with the number on it and dialed the plumber. The phone rang a few times until a man answered: “Hello. Bailey’s Plumbing. How can I help you?”
Once Belinda explained what had happened, the man said he could be out in an hour or so. She hung up, relieved that they’d soon have the problem fixed.
Belinda listened to the messages then. The first one turned out to be from Jared. “Hi, Amy, it’s me.” His voice sounded strained. “I wanted to let you know that I’d still like to remain friends. And if there’s anything I can do for you or your family, don’t hesitate to let me know.” There was a pause, and then he hung up. By the tone of his voice, Belinda knew the man had been terribly hurt by Amy’s rejection. She rubbed her temples. “Oh Amy, I wish you’d reconsider your decision to cut Jared out of your life. You’re being so foolish, Daughter. Can’t you see that?” She closed her eyes as more tears came. Heavenly Father, my family is in need of Your help. I’m struggling to hold things together, and I need Your wisdom and guidance with everything.
“You do realize this is only the beginning of our problems, don’t ya?” From his kneeling position in the potting shed, Henry looked up at Amy and scowled.
“You’re being negative, little brother. Something like this may never happen again.”
“Yeah, right.” He cranked on the wrench until the water shut off. “These old buildings have been around for a while, and there’s no telling what else might go wrong.”
“Well, if it does, we’ll take care of it. Also, with your negative attitude, you’re not helping things around here. Our mamm doesn’t need this extra stress right now.”
Henry stood. “Well, I’ve got the perfect solution to that.”
“Oh? And what would that be?”
“Mom oughta close the greenhouse, and we can all get other jobs doing something we like.”
“Mom enjoys working here, and so do I.”
“Are you sure about that, Sister?”
She nodded.
“Yeah, well, Sylvia doesn’t want to work here, and neither do I.”
Her brother’s caustic tone caused Amy to bristle. “You know perfectly well why Sylvia isn’t helping in the greenhouse right now, and it has nothing to do with whether she likes it or not.”
“I bet she feels guilty ’cause the three of us are doin’ all the work.”
“I can’t say for sure if she does or not, but emotionally and physically, our sister is not up to helping, so we need to do the best that we can.”
Henry glared at Amy as he stood with folded arms. “I hate working here—hate everything about my life right now.”
The anger he obviously felt lingered in his eyes as he stared hard at her. That look frightened Amy, and she clenched
her fingers. It was all she could do to keep from giving her brother a strong lecture. But what good would it do? She’d already tried to talk to him about his attitude, and according to Mom, so had Ezekiel. If Henry wouldn’t listen to their big brother, he sure wouldn’t listen to her. Even so, she felt compelled to say one more thing.
Her brother crouched again, putting a hand at the area where the pipe leaked. With his less defensive form, it gave Amy the opportunity she needed to say what else was on her mind.
“Hate is a strong word, Henry, and whether you like working here or not, you are able-bodied and part of this family.” She pointed at him. “Your duty is to help out, so please, stop complaining.” Amy swung her body around and tromped out of the potting shed. Doesn’t my brother realize his uncooperative, angry attitude is only making things worse?
A plumber came shortly after noon and replaced the broken pipe. The man showed Henry another pipe that could likely give them issues in the future and said they should keep an eye on it.
Amy’s brother seemed disinterested in what the repairman had to say, which to Amy was not a surprise. She watched in irritation as Henry rolled his eyes after the plumber turned his back and picked up his tools. My brother sure is disapproving. Why can’t he snap out of this?
Amy chose to step outside for some cooler air, putting some space between herself and Henry. If Dad could see this side of Henry, he’d give him a stern lecture. She picked at a hangnail on her thumb. Henry is so off-putting these days. If he doesn’t shape up, he will never find a girlfriend when he reaches courting age. Of course, like me, he probably won’t have time for courting.
Amy looked up when the potting shed door opened. “I’ll send you a bill,” the plumber said before getting into his work van.
He’d just pulled out when Amy’s friend Lydia showed up. The cheerful smile on her pretty face as she came toward Amy was a welcome contrast to Henry’s unpleasant frown. I wish it were possible to trade Lydia for Henry right now.