Liza's Second Chance

by Molly Jebber

  She nodded.

  Jacob approached them. He tousled Peter’s hair. “Are you all right?”

  “I’m sad and my stomach hurts. Please make it go away.” He leaned against Jacob and sobbed.

  Jacob carried him to the buggy. “You go home and get some rest. It may take a while, but you’ll feel better. I promise.”

  “I also promise in time it will get better. I know that to be true.” Ellie kissed her daed’s cheek, then clasped her hand in Liza’s.

  Liza’s breath caught in her throat. The young woman had sought comfort from her and her gesture sent a river of gratitude to God for another moment of bliss on such a dark and sorrowful day.

  Jacob waved and bid farewell to them.

  Peter fell asleep in Ellie’s lap on the way home. Ellie and Liza kept quiet so as not to disturb him.

  They arrived, and Liza woke him to walk him inside. She took him to his room, removed his shoes, and tucked him in bed. He fell back to sleep.

  She found Ellie in the kitchen, pouring tea into cups. “He’s exhausted. I don’t think he could’ve withstood speaking to people today.”

  Ellie sat down and placed a filled teacup in front of Liza. “I would struggle to make decent conversation today, let alone expecting Peter to respond to them.” She sipped her tea. “I still can’t believe Mae is gone. I didn’t know what to expect from Peter. He handled it better than I anticipated.” She tilted her head. “Do you mind missing the service? I would really appreciate it if you would stay with us instead.” Ellie reached over and covered Liza’s hand for a moment.

  “We’ll fix some ham spread sandwiches for tomorrow and bake oatmeal and butter cookies. Peter can help, and it will help occupy his mind. I’ll deliver the food to Mae’s haus in the morning and then rejoin you and Peter here.”

  “Liza, danki. I appreciate it.”

  “Let’s cook some ham and beans and corn bread for supper. When Peter wakes, we’ll get him involved.”

  Liza and Ellie chatted about the bakery, and Ellie told her stories about her and Jacob building a sled and then taking it to the hill behind their haus year after year until she got older.

  “Daed had more fun than I did. I’m certain of it.” She chuckled. “It felt wonderful to feel happy for a while. Danki, Liza.”

  Liza could get used to cooking with Ellie and having these talks. She would’ve loved having a dochder like Ellie and a son like Peter. She felt needed and loved by both these kinner. What was God’s plan for them and for her?

  *

  Jacob met Liza’s buggy Wednesday morning at the Chupps’. “You’re a ray of sunshine on this sad day.” He tied her buggy to the big oak tree and lifted the pot from the back. “I’ll carry your dish to the food table for you.”

  “Danki. You must be exhausted between working here and your place.”

  Jacob rolled his shoulders back. “My muscles ache from the heavy lifting of benches and tables, but I’m doing all right. I appreciate you closing the bakery and staying with Ellie and Peter. This will be a reminder for Ellie of her mamm’s funeral, and it’s all so fresh for little Peter.”

  “I consider it a privilege. They are both dear to me.”

  “As I am. Right?” He gave her his best pleading eyes.

  Liza stifled her chuckle. “Jah, you’re dear to me too.” And much more. “I’m going to scoot out of here before the crowd arrives. I want to get to Ellie and Peter.”

  “Go ahead. Maybe I’ll see you later, after the viewing.”

  She held his gaze for a long moment. “I hope so.”

  Jacob helped her into the buggy and watched her expertly direct the mare to the main road.

  The bishop gave him a gentle slap on the back. “I believe Peter’s getting a good home with you and Ellie, Jacob.”

  “Danki, Bishop.”

  “I’m glad you moved to Charm, Jacob.”

  “I appreciate your friendship, Bishop. We couldn’t have chosen a better place to move to.”

  The bishop smiled and clutched his Bible to his chest. “I should get inside and receive the guests. Pardon me.”

  “I’ll kumme with you.” Jacob followed him.

  The bishop got pulled aside by Ezra Yoder. Jacob went to the plain pine box. The coffin seemed out of place on the long oak dining room table. Mae’s face wasn’t remarkable. Skin on bones, she appeared older than her age of thirty-five, with deep wrinkles in her too small forehead and under her closed eyelids. It’d been shocking that she died at such a young age. Mae’s passing reminded him that he shouldn’t take each day of life on earth for granted.

  Didn’t Liza realize they were wasting time? They didn’t know what lay before them. He stared at Mae, and his mind drifted to Lydia, who lay in a similar casket at her viewing.

  The sorrowful wound left by the death of his fraa tore open and a raging fire shot through his body. He grabbed his middle and bent over. That day came rushing back to him. He’d walked in a fog. Friends’ voices had sounded muddled, and he’d fought to concentrate enough to hold Ellie’s hand. His chest tightened. Lydia’s memory would forever abide in the corner of his heart. He breathed deep and let it out slowly, then took long strides out of the haus. The solitude of the open fields and the birds singing soothed the ragged edges of his emotions. He prayed for peace of mind and stayed all day to help with the guests’ horses. The crowd thinned, and after the last buggy was claimed, he rode home exhausted and pensive.

  He found Ellie curled up in a chair with her eyes closed. She popped her head up and put a finger to her lips. “Liza left and Peter’s asleep. He may not wake until morning.”

  He sat in his favorite chair. “I’m relieved he’s able to sleep.”

  She got up and hugged him. “Danki, Daed, for taking Peter in to live with us. I realize it’s not easy taking in a small child. I’ll do my part.”

  “I know you will. I’m happy to have him with us. I’m as attached to him as you are.”

  She sat back down. “Liza isn’t going to the funeral or burial. She’s closing the bakery and kumming to stay with Peter and me. She’s so good with him, and he loves being with her.”

  “How did Peter do today?”

  Ellie made a steeple of her fingers under her chin. “He’s not eating much, and he cries when we haven’t got him occupied doing games or puzzles. I can’t stand to have him sad. I remember the awful day of Mamm’s services. I didn’t want to do anything.” She cocked her head. “After the funeral and burial are over, I have something I need to talk to you about.”

  “Why not now?”

  “I’d rather wait.”

  His heart plummeted. He never knew what to expect with her. She seemed happy with being home, and now adding Peter to their family. What could she possibly want to talk to him about? He’d be on pins and needles until he found out. Should he push her to tell him? Not a good idea. Better to honor her request.

  *

  Liza handed her food contribution to Mrs. Beachy on Wednesday for the funeral meal and hurried to Ellie and Peter at their haus. She opened the door. “Is it all right if I kumme in?”

  Peter carried a blanket and hugged her legs. “I’m glad you’re here, Liza. Ellie said we’re going to make all kinds of good food today, and I get to help.”

  She sat on the maple rocker with the knitted pillow and lifted him to her lap. He rested his head against her shoulder.

  “She’s right. Do you like mixing the cookie dough and getting flour in your hair?”

  “In my hair?” He combed his hair with his fingers.

  “Getting messy is half the fun.”

  “You’re silly, Liza.” He grinned briefly, then grew quiet.

  Liza stroked his back. She and Ellie could occupy him, but it wouldn’t wash away the thoughts of his mamm on this sad day.

  Ellie had her cooking apron on. “There you are, Peter. I couldn’t find you. Liza, I didn’t hear you kumme in. May I offer you something to eat or drink?”

  She shook
her head. “Danki, but I had a little breakfast before I left home. I dropped off our dish.”

  “I appreciate it. Do you mind sitting with Peter?”

  Liza nodded and held him. She sang a hymn and he kept his head still against her shoulder.

  He surprised her. “Liza, will Mamm be upset if I don’t go to the funeral?”

  “She won’t be upset one bit. She’ll understand.”

  He wept against her. “I miss her so much. My tummy hurts all the time. When will it get better?”

  “It will go away someday. I don’t have an answer as to how long it will take. It’s different for everyone. Let’s ask God to help you get through this day.”

  Peter folded his little hands. “You pray, Liza.”

  “Dear Heavenly Father, Peter and I ask You to mend his broken heart. Wrap Your arms of love and grace around him. Shelter him from the pain of losing his mamm. Give him the strength to get through this. Heavenly Father, please bless him, Jacob, and Ellie. Amen.”

  Peter whispered, “And bless Liza too. Amen.” He lifted his brows. “You’ll let me kumme to your haus and you’ll still visit me here, won’t you?”

  “Jah, Peter. I plan to visit you often, and you are wilkom at my haus or the bakery anytime.”

  He snuggled against her as she rocked and sang another hymn. Two songs later, Peter fell asleep and Liza stared lovingly at the peaceful boy.

  Ellie tiptoed in. She made a bed out of blankets on the floor. “Can you lower him to the blankets?”

  “I think so.” She got him to the makeshift bed and stood.

  Ellie pointed to the kitchen.

  Liza followed her. “If you’d like to rest, I’ll watch in case he wakes. You must be tired if he woke you several times last night.”

  “I’m wide awake. I don’t know why.” She reached for a bowl for baking. “I’ve been contemplating working at the bakery. I’ll miss you, Hannah, and the work. Peter will go to school in September. It would leave you short of help the rest of the summer. What do you think?”

  “Esther offered to watch him if you want to keep your job at the bakery. She would keep Peter busy, and she’d love having him. Abe would too. You’d have to drop him off and pick him up each day.”

  Ellie clasped her hands and held them under her chin. “Esther is a sweetheart for offering. The arrangement would work out perfectly.” She pinched her nose, then sneezed. “Excuse me!” She pulled a handkerchief from her waistband and wiped her nose. “I hope Daed doesn’t disagree. My head is starting to ache at the thought of it.”

  Liza put her hands on Ellie’s arms. “I’ve got good news. Your daed was there when Esther offered. He plans to talk to you about her suggestion. I don’t think he’ll mind I spilled the beans to you first.”

  “Oh, Liza, danki. It puts my mind at ease. I didn’t want Peter to think I was abandoning him. He’ll love going to Esther’s. I’m so relieved to have this problem solved.”

  *

  Jacob sat on the bench next to Abe and sang the hymns the bishop directed them to sing out of the Ausbund. His body felt numb. This day was too familiar. His hands folded tight in his lap, he just wanted this over. It had been the right decision for Peter to remain at home and for Ellie to be with him. The overwhelming crowd filled the haus, porch, and yard. The warm weather sent beads of sweat across his brow. Women fanned themselves.

  The bishop put his Ausbund aside. He opened his Bible. “John 3:16, For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” He scanned the sea of black hats and kapps. “Mae believed this verse with all her heart. She is in her new home in Heaven, with no more pain or suffering. We will miss her, but she’s happy and full of joy right now.”

  The bishop finished his message about two and a half hours later and ended the service with a dismissal prayer.

  He went with Abe’s family to the burial, and even though Mae’s meager shell of a body was in the casket, he shed tears as her coffin was lowered in the dark hole that would soon be covered with dirt. This part always unnerved him. He had to remember it didn’t matter. She was with God. He stayed and helped the men fill the large hole, and then he placed the modest wooden marker with her name and the date of her death on the grave. Mr. Beachy had made the marker, along with the coffin. Mae had had a short life, but she’d had a family who loved her, and she’d left him and Ellie a precious gift. Her son, Peter. He vowed to give him a good life.

  The majority of the crowd shook his hand and offered their blessing for taking Peter into his home. They were kind and offered to help with whatever he might need. He thanked them and blinked back tears. Their sincerity gripped his heart. They went to their wagons, took out containers, and insisted he take the remaining food home.

  He hauled enough food home to feed all of Charm. He couldn’t wait to have supper with his new family. After this day, albeit a mixture of sadness and of joy for Mae, he was ready to move forward. Maybe Liza would still be there. Smiling, he urged his mare to a gallop.

  He found Liza, Ellie, and Peter with flour in their hair and on their faces, arms, and hands.

  He laughed. “What have you been up to?”

  Peter chuckled. “We threw flour on one another. Liza said we could make a mess. We had fun.”

  Jacob grinned. “Did you leave enough to make cookies?”

  “Oh, jah. We made butter, oatmeal, and molasses cookies.”

  Ellie washed her hands. “We’ve baked all day. I need to heat leftover beans and ham for supper.”

  Waving his hand, Jacob said, “Don’t bother. The women sent home a load of food for supper. I’ll bring it in.”

  Liza rinsed her hands. “I’ll kumme outside with you to help carry dishes.”

  “I’d love the company.” He ushered her outside. On impulse, he kissed her cheek. “I’ve been wanting to kiss you all day.”

  “Jacob Graber! The children could’ve caught us. They might be peeking out the window.”

  “I don’t care, Liza. I’d shout to the world that I love you. You’re the stubborn one.” He hurried inside before she could protest again.

  Jacob set the containers on the counter. He walked Peter to the basin of clean water. “Wash your hands and kumme with me to check on the animals.”

  Peter rinsed his hands. “May I have a towel, please?”

  Jacob couldn’t believe how well Peter was doing. He’d heard him get up last night and wake Ellie. He’d heard them talking and Peter’s whimpering. Ellie and Liza must’ve done a miraculous job keeping him occupied. He held Peter’s hand as they crossed the yard to the barn.

  He lifted Peter to pet the mare’s nose. “Want to feed her an apple?”

  Peter nodded. He held the apple on his open palm to the horse’s lips. The mare grabbed it with her teeth.

  “She tickled me.” He jerked his hand back and rubbed it against his pant leg. He grew silent, picked up a piece of straw, and ran his fingers the length of it. “Will you tell me about the funeral?”

  Jacob dragged over an old weathered maple chair and sat. He patted his legs. “Kumme sit on my lap.” He wrapped an arm around the boy’s waist. “The bishop talked about how beautiful Heaven is and the joy we’ll experience beholding God and His Son, Jesus Christ. We sang songs, and he told everyone you were living with Ellie and me. They were happy and shook my hand. They wish you the very best and want you to know they’re thinking of you.”

  Peter let tears fall on his cheeks. He made no attempt to wipe them. He buried his face in Jacob’s shoulder and wet his shirt with his crying. Jacob held him until he fell asleep. The child brought back memories of all the times he was helpless to take away Ellie’s hurt when she suffered over her mamm’s passing. He took him inside to bed and covered him.

  Liza found him in the hallway. “Is he all right?”

  “He asked me to tell him about the service. I elaborated on the joy of Heaven. He’s a smart lad. It helped, bu
t it did nothing to diminish his anguish over losing his mamm.”

  She swept her hand against his. “We had a good day. He mentioned Mae now and then, but he managed to laugh and enjoy baking with Ellie and me. I have no doubt this is where he belongs. Mae would be thrilled to know you took him in. I’m sure of it.”

  He gazed deep into her eyes. “Your support and encouragement through all my trials since I met you have given me the added strength I’ve needed to cope.”

  Ellie called out to them, “Supper is ready.”

  Liza hurried to the kitchen and put a finger to her lips. “Peter is asleep.”

  Ellie covered her mouth. “I’ll be quieter. I’m glad he’s at peace. I’ll feed him when he wakes. I probably let him eat too many cookies. He won’t want supper.”

  Liza squeezed her shoulder. “It won’t hurt him. Anything to make him happy today.”

  “Jah, it was worth it to see him giggle.” Hands on hips, she pointed to the floor dusted with flour. “After I’ve cleaned this mess, I’m not sure I’ll have the same opinion.”

  “I’ll help you clean it up. It won’t take long.”

  “I won’t turn you down. I’d be up all night doing it myself.” She chuckled.

  Jacob watched them. It was as if Liza was already his fraa and a part of this family, the way Ellie and Liza were acting.

  “Daed, Liza told me about Esther’s offer to watch Peter. I’d like to accept.”

  “You should.” He’d never thought his dochder would be excited to work for Liza after the way she treated her the day they’d first met. The two women had plowed through some difficult circumstances and become closer. He loved that Liza was a good influence on Ellie; his dochder listened to her.

  “Take the rest of the week off and observe Peter. If you’re comfortable with how he’s doing, kumme back to work Monday. I’m sure Esther doesn’t mind which day you choose to drop him off at her haus.”

  “He’s sad today, but he’s doing better than I would’ve anticipated. I believe a week will be plenty of time for us to establish a good routine to assist his adjustment to his new life.” She stood and twirled. “I believe we’ll have an exciting year.” She kissed Liza’s cheek, rushed to the door, and left.