The Crow’s Call: Amish Greenhouse Mystery Book 1
Page 16
“I’ll be there as soon as I can,” Sylvia said, turning toward the front door of the house. She glanced over her shoulder and saw Amy sprinting across the yard toward the greenhouse.
For the umpteenth time, Sylvia wished she could turn back the hands of time and be living at her own home again with Toby and the children.
Clymer
Ezekiel sat beside Michelle on the couch while she fed their precious son. He held Angela Mary on his lap, stroking her soft cheek.
“Your little brother is Vernon Lee and is named after your grandfather,” he said in Pennsylvania Dutch.
“Bruder?” The little girl tipped her head back and looked up at him with wide eyes.
Ezekiel nodded. “Jah. Someday when he’s a little bigger, the two of you can play together.”
Angela Mary reached over and touched Vernon’s arm. “Mei boppli.”
“He is your baby, but he’s also your mama’s and my baby.”
Angela Mary nodded as though she understood and then leaned her head against Ezekiel’s chest and closed her eyes. It was a special moment, the four of them here in the living room, waiting for Ezekiel’s mother to arrive. “It’ll sure be good to see Mom again and introduce her to Dad’s namesake.”
“Yes, it will be very nice.”
When Michelle finished nursing the baby, she put him over her shoulder and patted his back. It wasn’t long before a good burp came forth.
Angela Mary sat up straight and pointed at her brother. “Der boppli waar am uffschtoose.”
Michelle chuckled, and so did Ezekiel. “Jah.” With a gentle touch, he rubbed his daughter’s back. “The baby was belching.” He looked over at Michelle and grinned. “Our daughter is pretty schmaert.”
“Jah, she’s a very smart little girl.”
Ezekiel’s head turned toward the door when he heard a vehicle pull into the yard. “I bet that’s my mamm and her driver right now.”
Belinda had no more than stepped out of the van, when she saw Ezekiel come out of the house and sprint toward the vehicle. She greeted him with open arms. “Ach, it’s so good to see you again.”
“Likewise, Mom.” Ezekiel hugged her tightly. “Michelle’s in the house with Angela Mary and the boppli. They’ll be excited to see you too.”
While Ezekiel opened the back door to retrieve Belinda’s suitcase and tote bag, she paid the driver and reminded her of what day and time she would need to be picked up for the return trip to Strasburg. With Ezekiel carrying the suitcase and Belinda the tote, they hurried toward the house.
Excitement welled in Belinda’s chest when they entered the house.
“Go on into the living room,” Ezekiel said. “I’ll put your things in the guest room while you visit with Michelle and the kinner.”
“Okay.”
Belinda found Michelle sitting on the couch holding the baby, and Angela Mary sat beside her.
Seeing her granddaughter’s eyes light up when she saw her, Belinda bent down, swooped the little girl into her arms, and gave her a kiss.
Angela Mary giggled and touched Belinda’s cheeks. She turned her head and pointed at her baby brother, snuggled in his mama’s arms. “Mei bruder.”
Belinda placed the child on the couch and took a seat between her and Michelle. “Jah, sweet Angela Mary, you have a little brother now.” A lump formed in Belinda’s throat as she gazed for the first time on her newest grandchild. “Er hot en lieblich boppli.”
“We think he’s an adorable baby too.” Michelle reached around Belinda’s shoulders and hugged her. “Danki for coming. It’s so nice to see you again.”
“I am glad Sylvia agreed to help out in the greenhouse, or it would have been hard for me to get away.” Belinda stroked the baby’s soft cheek.
“Would you like to hold little Vernon?”
“I surely would.”
When Michelle placed the baby in her arms, Belinda choked up. “If only his grandpa could be here to see him right now. He would feel honored that you named the boppli after him.”
Ezekiel stepped into the room. “It was my fraa’s idea, Mom, but I was in total agreement.”
Belinda smiled and touched her daughter-in-law’s arm. “It was a sweet thing to do.”
“If our little Vernon turns out to be even half as kind and loving as your husband was, Ezekiel and I will be happy parents.”
“Those are my thoughts too.” Ezekiel took a seat on the other side of Belinda and pulled Angela Mary onto his lap.
“How are you and the rest of the family doing?” he asked, reaching over to stroke his son’s forehead.
If only I could be forthright, but … “We’re getting along okay.” No way would Belinda say anything to the contrary. The last thing she wanted was for Ezekiel to worry about them or believe things were not going well in the greenhouse or even within their home.
“How’s Henry’s attitude? Has his temperament improved any since I last talked to him?”
“Some. One of our ministers spoke to him, and so did Sara’s husband, Brad.”
“That’s good. The more people who take an interest in him, the better it will be.”
“Jah.” Belinda changed the subject by asking how Michelle was feeling since the birth of her second child.
“I’m doing okay physically but not well enough to be on my own yet, so I’m ever so thankful you’ll be here for a couple of weeks.” Michelle’s eyes glistened with tears. “I have no mother to help out, but I feel blessed to have you.”
Belinda teared up too. Although Michelle wasn’t the woman she would have originally chosen for her son, she’d come to care deeply for her. Michelle had proven her loyalty and love many times since she joined the Amish church and married Ezekiel. Belinda felt bad for the cool way she’d treated her daughter-in-law in the past but was thankful for the opportunity to make it up to her now.
Strasburg
Amy felt concern when she saw her sister’s rigid posture as she clutched a pot of petunias close to her chest as though it were a shield. Sylvia was undeniably filled with unease. She’d made it through the morning but avoided speaking to anyone unless they spoke to her first. When Sylvia had come back to the greenhouse after taking her lunch break, Amy noticed her sister’s glassy stare and trembling hands.
Less than an hour later, Sylvia announced that she wanted to go check on the children. Amy didn’t argue. They didn’t have any customers at the moment.
After Sylvia left, Amy stepped outside in search of Henry. If they did end up with any customers while Sylvia was in the house, she would need her brother’s help.
“Henry! Where are you, Henry?” Amy called.
“I’m right here.”
She glanced toward the barn and spotted him sitting in the wide opening of the hayloft, crossed-legged and looking out as if he didn’t have a care in the world.
“What are you doing up there? Don’t you know there’s work to be done?”
“I like to be up high so I can watch the birds,” he hollered. “I’ve seen a cardinal, a few robins, and look … there’s a big black crow over there.”
Amy turned to look at the roof of the greenhouse where Henry pointed. Caw! Caw! Caw! The bird flapped its wings and swooped to the ground, continuing to make a racket. Amy shuddered. It seemed like every time that annoying bird came around, something bad happened.
Amy’s slender covering ties swished across her face as she shook her head. I need to stop such superstitious thoughts.
She looked up at Henry, sitting in the same spot, and pointed her finger. “You’d better come down here right now, because I need your help in the greenhouse.”
Henry cupped his hands around his mouth. “I thought Sylvia was helpin’ you today.”
“She went in the house a few minutes ago to check on the kinner.”
“Well, you’d better get back to the greenhouse then ’cause I see that new English neighbor lady from across the road walking up our driveway. I forgot her name, but I bet she�
�s needin’ some kind of plants or gardening supplies.”
“Her name is Virginia.”
It wouldn’t be good to have customers walking around the greenhouse without anyone to wait on them, so Amy turned and ran back inside.
I wonder how this is going to play out while Mom’s away. Since she left us, Sylvia’s apprehensive about helping me, and Henry thinks he can sit in the barn during business hours and bird-watch. Amy moaned in despair. I hope these two don’t leave me on my own out here to manage things, because if they do, I’m going to be real upset and disappointed. Why don’t they understand that I am struggling to function too?
A few minutes later, Virginia came in, dressed in a floral print, citron shirt and tight-fitting lime green pants that matched the color of her sandals. The woman’s flashy attire caught Amy off guard, and it was hard not to stare.
Without saying a word, the neighbor headed over to the racks where the seed packets were located. She picked out a few before meandering down the row of vegetable plants.
Thinking she might need some assistance, Amy hurried over to her. Virginia’s bangle bracelets rattled together on her wrist as she withdrew a small vegetable plant and looked it over. Amy greeted the woman and asked if she needed help with anything.
Virginia placed the tomato plant down. “Wouldn’t be here if I didn’t need somethin’.” A sheen of sweat covered the woman’s cheeks, nose, and forehead. She took out a handkerchief from her bright yellow cross-body bag and dabbed at the sweat. “Sure is warm in here. If you had electricity, you could cool the place down.”
Amy smiled. “What are you in need of?”
“I’m lookin’ to buy some tomato plants that already have fruit on them and will ripen soon.” Virginia avoided eye contact with Amy. “What other varieties do you have?” She gestured to the smaller tomato plant. “I put that one back since it only has flowers on it.”
“Since it’s the middle of July, most of our vegetable plants are pretty picked over, but I’m sure I can find you a few good ones.” Amy stepped over to another spot and picked up a cherry tomato plant. She also grabbed one of the larger types of tomatoes that would make good slicers. “Will these do?”
“Yeah, sure.” Virginia’s eyelids twitched. “I read in the paper that there will be another greenhouse going in not far from here. Sounds like it’ll be a pretty good size.”
“Yes, I’ve heard about it.”
“Aren’t you worried that it’ll take a lot of your customers away?”
“I’m not bothered.” Amy spoke with assurance, although she did have some concerns. But as a Christian, she needed to have the faith to believe that things would work out according to the Lord’s plan, and she reminded herself that worrying over things wouldn’t help. She figured Virginia wouldn’t be interested in her way of dealing with the knowledge that they would soon have competition.
Amy placed the plants in a wagon. “Is there anything else you would like?”
“Well, I’m not sure. Let me think about it for a sec.” With her backside to the shelf where the vegetable plants sat, Virginia folded her arms and leaned back. She stood that way several seconds, and then, slapping her hands against her reddened cheeks, she jumped away from the shelf as if she’d been stung by a bee. “For goodness’ sakes!”
“What’s wrong?” Amy felt concern, seeing Virginia’s curling lip and wrinkled nose. “The back of my pants is all wet. Someone in here obviously doesn’t know what they’re doing with a hose.”
Before Amy could respond, Sylvia, who only moments ago had returned to the greenhouse, stepped up to Virginia and apologized. “I’m so sorry. I–I must have watered a little too much this morning.”
“Yeah, well, it’s just a good thing it’s only water I backed into and not somethin’ I can’t get out of my pants.” With a huff, Virginia grabbed the wagon’s handle and pulled it up to the front counter.
Amy followed.
After the woman paid for her purchases, Amy put them in a cardboard box. “Would you like me to ask my brother to carry the tomato plants over to your house so you can walk with your hands free?”
Virginia shook her head. “No thanks. I’ll haul it over there myself.” She paid for her items, and carrying the box, she limped out the door.
“I wish she would have let me ask Henry to help her,” Amy said when Sylvia joined her a few minutes later.
Sylvia looked down at the floor. “I can’t deal with this right now, Amy. I wish I’d never agreed to help you in the greenhouse while Mom is gone.” Without waiting for a response, Sylvia flung the door open and dashed out.
Amy sank onto the stool behind the counter with a groan. What if Sylvia won’t come back to help tomorrow? How am I going to manage things for the next two weeks with only a little help from Henry?
Clymer
A multitude of thoughts swirled in Belinda’s head while she stood at the kitchen window and watched her son head to the barn to do his chores. Ezekiel’s mannerisms and the way he carried himself reminded her of Vernon. After not seeing Ezekiel for a while, it caught Belinda off guard when she witnessed her son’s comforting traits.
Through the open window, she heard him whistling a cheery tune; again, something her husband had done now and then. Belinda also noticed the way Ezekiel’s arms swung as he strolled across the grass.
Aside from her own pain of missing Vernon and seeing him in a way through her eldest son, she ached to be close to all four of her children. I won’t be selfish. The Lord has given Ezekiel a new path to follow. I can’t stand in the way and cause him to deviate from it.
Belinda lowered her head. Staring at the floor, she pondered the happenings of the day before. He’s happy here, she noted. She’d heard it in his voice and seen the sparkle in his eyes last evening during supper when he talked about his role as a minister. Ezekiel read his Bible in the evenings and said he wanted to walk close to the Lord. He’d also mentioned the satisfaction of owning his own business, saying he was glad he had the chance to do something for a living that he truly enjoyed. He downplayed his disinterest in the work he used to do back home but said if the need arose, he would go back to it. Although it was kind of Ezekiel to offer, Belinda wouldn’t hear of her son leaving his new life here in Clymer.
She filled the coffeepot with water and put the right amount of coffee in the filter then set it on the stove and turned on the gas burner. Her thoughts went back home for a spell. I wish Henry took some pleasure in helping us in the greenhouse and taking care of the bees.
Belinda watched the bluish flame heating the pot. My youngest son needs support, and I pray he’ll wake up and feel the love and encouragement from his family as well as those in our church district.
Belinda was well aware of Henry’s frustration and dissatisfaction with his new tasks, but she saw no alternative to his situation—at least not until he was a few years older and she felt sure they could run the greenhouse without him.
I wonder what kind of work Henry would like to do. He’s never really said. It might be good for me to ask and let him know that eventually he will be able to branch out on his own if he still wants to by then. Belinda moved away from the stove and opened the refrigerator to take out a carton of eggs. At least it would give Henry a ray of hope, which might help to improve his negative attitude.
Their lives had changed so much after the accident. The light at the end of the tunnel wasn’t there yet. They all seemed caught in a perpetual unrest, trying to balance their everyday tasks around home and keeping the business running.
Belinda realized that most of Henry’s problem was due to the anguish of missing his father and brother. She wished there was some way to help him rise above it and see that his life must go on. Maybe if Henry found some things to do that he enjoyed, it would give him something positive to focus on. Perhaps a new hobby or time spent with his friends would be helpful. I dare say he could probably use a good role model in his life. But it won’t be with a stepfather. Belinda
shuddered. I can’t see anyone in the future for me. Oh Lord, I miss my Vernon so very much.
She drew in her bottom lip. I might be expecting too much of Henry. He’s not a man yet—still a teenage boy. It could help if I give him a bit more freedom to do some things on his own—things that don’t involve working all the time.
Belinda resolved that when she returned home, she would have a talk with Henry and express some of the things she’d been mulling over this morning. Perhaps this time away from me telling him what to do will help too, she reasoned.
Belinda glanced at the battery-operated clock above the refrigerator and noted the time. It was 6:30 a.m. No doubt her daughters would be up by now, preparing breakfast, and would soon be getting ready for another day in the greenhouse. Should I call and leave a message for them today? I really need to check and see how things are going. I hope everything is fine and that Sylvia doesn’t feel too overwhelmed working in the greenhouse while I’m gone.
Belinda sniffed the air. The brewing coffee filled the kitchen with a wonderful rich aroma. Thoughts of home still drifted into her mind though, and it was difficult not to rethink things. Belinda needed to know she’d made the right choice in coming here and wasn’t being selfish somehow. Sylvia might have only been trying to please me by agreeing to help while I’m gone even if she didn’t feel ready. I certainly hope that’s not the case.
Belinda’s eldest daughter had begun working in the greenhouse as soon as she graduated from the eighth grade, so she knew what needed to be done. Hopefully, her nerves had calmed down and her reluctance to talk to customers was a thing of the past.
A shrill baby’s cry halted Belinda’s thoughts. She needed to get breakfast made so that all Michelle had to do was take care of little Vernon. Belinda couldn’t wait to see the grandkids this morning. Their pure hearts and sweet faces were a joyful tonic. She’d brought along her journal to write down all the things that were taking place. Belinda wanted to remember as much as she could about this special visit. It would be fun someday to read to her grandchildren what she’d written about them. She could also share the notes with her family back home. Every person in Belinda’s family was special, and she felt blessed to have each of them in her life.