A Cousin's Prayer

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

  “You did it as a favor to me, huh?”

  “That’s right, and I hope you don’t mind.”

  Freeman shrugged and guided the horse and buggy down the driveway. “It’s your birthday, so you can invite whomever you please.”

  As they headed down the road, Freeman told Grandma and Fern about the broken window in the Millers’ stamp shop and the broken pipe in their kitchen.

  “Sounds like you had an interesting, busy day,” Fern said.

  “Guess you could say that.” Freeman grunted. “It was busy, at least.”

  Grandma reached across the seat and patted Freeman’s knee. “It was nice of you to help out at the Millers. You’ve turned into a fine young man.”

  “I sure couldn’t leave ’em with water running all over the kitchen floor.” Freeman flicked the reins to get the horse moving faster. “Katie acted real nervous after the ball sailed through the shop window. If she’d had to deal with the broken pipe on her own, she’d probably have fallen apart.”

  Fern leaned over the seat and poked his shoulder. “Don’t iwwerdreiwe now.”

  “I’m not exaggerating; it’s the truth. Katie was shaking so badly I was afraid she might cave in.”

  “As I recall, Katie took it real hard when her boyfriend died,” Grandma said. “I spoke to Katie’s mamm at Loraine and Wayne’s wedding, and she said Katie’s still having a hard time with it.”

  “That’s too bad, but what I saw today seemed like it was more than just somebody grieving over someone who’d died.”

  “Did you do anything to try and calm Katie?” Fern asked.

  Freeman nodded. “Told her to take a couple of deep breaths, and I got her a glass of water. Guess there might have been more I could have done, but it felt kind of awkward, and I really wasn’t sure what to say or do.”

  “When put in the position of comforting someone in pain, what often needs to be said can best be said with a listening ear or a comforting touch.” Grandma smiled. “It might not seem like much to the person offering comfort, but it can be more effective than you may ever know.”

  “Grandma’s right,” Fern agreed. “When one of my scholars gets hurt on the playground or becomes upset over something, I give them a hug and let them know that I care. It seems to help a lot.”

  Freeman grunted. “Jah, right. Like I was gonna give Katie a hug. She probably would’ve thrown me out of the stamp shop if I’d tried something like that.”

  “I wasn’t suggesting that you hug her,” Fern said. “I was merely saying that a person doesn’t always have to say something to make someone who’s hurting feel better.”

  “That’s right,” Grandma agreed. “But I’m sure you handled it the best way you could.”

  As they approached the driveway leading to Eunice’s house, Freeman’s hands grew sweaty. The way Eunice had looked at him this morning made him wonder if she had more than friendship on her mind.

  CHAPTER 7

  “Everything we ordered sure looks good.” Eunice smiled so sweetly at Freeman that he couldn’t help but be drawn to her luminous blue eyes.

  “You’re right; it does.” He reached for a roll from the bread basket and slathered it with apple butter.

  “Did you get any more bikes in for repair today?” Eunice asked Freeman.

  He nodded and forked some mashed potatoes into his mouth.

  “I’m glad you’re keeping busy with work,” Grandma said. “Some folks in our area aren’t so fortunate right now.”

  Fern nodded. “That’s true. When I was at the hardware store in Shipshe today, Esther mentioned that several of the trailer factories have shut down. That means many of our Amish friends are now out of work.”

  “You’re fortunate to have a business of your own,” Eunice said to Freeman. “Especially one that seems to be doing so well.”

  He nodded. He hoped his business would continue to do well, but with the economic slump, there were no guarantees.

  “After I left the hardware store, I did some shopping in the fabric store,” Fern said. “I found some material for a new dress, and then...”

  Freeman listened halfheartedly as Fern told about the events of her day. He was really more interested in filling his empty stomach than engaging in idle chitchat. As he continued to eat his meal, he glanced at Eunice and noticed that she seemed to be watching him. Was she expecting him to say something to her? Maybe when he was done eating, he could think of something to talk about, but right now he needed to eat.

  “Oh, I almost forgot. I have a birthday present for you.” Eunice reached into her purse and handed a small package to Fern.

  Fern smiled. “You didn’t have to get me anything.”

  “I know, but I wanted to.” Eunice motioned to the gift. “I hope you like it.”

  Fern opened the package and removed a leather journal. “Danki, it’s very nice. I’ll use this to record my thoughts about teaching school.”

  “I’m glad you like it.” Eunice looked over at Freeman and smiled. “You mentioned earlier today that you plan to be at the school program next Saturday.”

  Freeman nodded.

  “I wanted you to know that I’ll be there, too. Your sister said she’d like me to be there.”

  “I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.” Freeman grabbed a chicken leg and took a bite. First Fern had invited Eunice to join them for supper, and now the school program. He wondered if she’d decided to play matchmaker all of a sudden. Maybe Fern thought he and Eunice would make a good pair. The question was, did he think that, too?

  ***

  Loraine smiled at Wayne as the two of them sat at the kitchen table drinking coffee. Wayne’s dad had gone to the barn after supper to feed the horses, and his mother was in the living room doing some sewing. It was the first chance Loraine had had to be alone with her husband all day, and she was glad they could spend a few minutes alone.

  “I stopped by the stamp shop today to check on Katie,” Loraine said. “I’m worried about her.”

  “How come?”

  “She seems sad and kind of jittery.”

  He nodded soberly. “I noticed that on our wedding day. Do you think seeing us get married brought back memories of Timothy?”

  “I’m sure it did, but she wasn’t herself at the stamp shop today, either.”

  “Maybe she just needs more time to adjust to being home again. She might miss Florida and those sunny beaches.”

  “I suppose that could be part of it, but I think there might be more going on with Katie than we know.”

  “Like what?”

  “I’m not sure.” Loraine sighed. “I just wish there was something I could do to help her, but if she won’t open up and tell me what’s wrong—”

  “My advice is to give her some time and be as supportive as she’ll let you be.” Wayne took hold of Loraine’s hand. “Remember how things were with me when I first lost my leg?”

  “Jah.”

  “Even though it took me awhile to work through the pain and frustration of it all, with God’s help and the support of my family, I came through it, and I believe my faith was strengthened, too.”

  “I know it was, and so was mine.” Loraine gave his fingers a gentle squeeze. “I’m glad I married such a schmaert man.”

  Wayne chuckled. “I’m smart all right. Smart because I woke up and realized I was going to lose you to Jake Beechy if I didn’t let you know how much I loved you.”

  Loraine leaned her head on his shoulder. “If I’d had my way, we would’ve been married even sooner.” She glanced around their cozy kitchen. “I’m glad you had this house started and that it didn’t take long to finish it after the tornado struck.”

  He nodded. “My folks were glad, too, because if we hadn’t invited them to move here after their place was destroyed, they wouldn’t have had a place to live.”

  “Do you think they’ll be here much longer?”

  Wayne shrugged. “My daed wants to start working on their new house again, but my mamm
says they should wait until they have more money to finish the house. I’ve heard ’em go back and forth about it several times.”

  “Every couple disagrees sometimes, but they need to work things out so no misunderstandings occur.”

  Wayne grunted. “Tell that to my mamm. You know how determined she can be.”

  Loraine wondered if Ada and Crist were having marital problems. She was about to ask when Crist entered the room. “Sorry to bother you, but I could use your help with something in the barn,” he said to Wayne.

  “Okay.” Wayne stood, dumped the rest of his coffee in the sink, and left the room with his dad.

  Loraine closed her eyes. Lord, if Crist and Ada are having marital problems, then please help them work things out on their own or seek help through one of our ministers.

  ***

  “Supper’s going to be awhile yet, so if you want to go out and feed the cats now, go ahead,” Mom said after Katie had finished setting the table.

  “All right, I’ll do it now.” Katie slipped out the door.

  As she stepped onto the porch, a gentle breeze caressed her face. She breathed deeply, listening to the sounds of the night: an owl hooting from a nearby tree; their hound dog’s loud snores coming from his pen; and a chorus of sweet music from crickets and frogs settling in for the night.

  Unexpectedly, the breeze turned blustery as it whipped through the trees and under the eaves of the house. Katie hurried across the yard and into the barn. A fluffy gray cat darted out from behind a bale of hay as soon as she poured food into one of the feeding dishes. A few seconds later, two more cats showed up.

  Katie put the food away and took a seat on a bale of hay. A shaft of light filtered through the beams above, but it seemed dark inside the barn.

  She leaned her head back so it touched the wall and closed her eyes. For an unguarded moment, she allowed herself to imagine what it would be like being married to Timothy. She could see herself sitting with him on the sofa, holding a baby boy in her lap. He looked like Timothy.

  Tears pushed against Katie’s eyelids, threatening to spill over, while a surge of frustration washed over her like angry waves on the beach.

  “I still love him,” Katie murmured, “but he’s gone, and wherever he is, he’s not coming back.” She drew in a deep breath and hiccupped on a sob when she released it. What a battle I’m having with bitterness, guilt, and confusion. Katie wished she could share her deepest feelings with someone, but there was no one she felt she could trust.

  The wind howled, and Katie found the drumming of the rain against the roof to be an annoyance.

  She stood. Mom’s probably got supper ready by now, so I’d better get inside.

  She left the barn and headed for the house, stepping carefully around the mud puddles that had already formed. The wind blew against her back like an angry crowd pressing her forward, and her stiff white kapp hung limp against her head from the rain.

  When Katie stepped into the kitchen, the strong smell of onions fastened itself to her face, and she nearly gagged. “What kind of onions are you using? They smell so strong.”

  “They’re yellow onions. The smell lingered even after I added them to the stew.” Mom pointed to Katie’s dress. “From the looks of your clothes, I’m guessing it must be raining pretty hard.”

  Katie nodded. “It came up quick, too.”

  “Supper’s almost ready, but I think you’d better change before we eat.”

  Katie started for the steps but turned back around. “It’s fine if you and Dad want to start without me.”

  “There’s no need for that. Your daed’s still taking a shower.”

  Katie hurried up the stairs, relieved that Mom hadn’t noticed her tears. The last thing she needed was a bunch of questions.

  ***

  As Freeman helped Eunice into the buggy, she shivered with excitement. The tingle she felt when his hand touched hers made her want to be his girlfriend.

  If Fern and Freeman’s grandma weren’t with us tonight, this would seem like a real date, she thought. Freeman acted as if he was having a good time during supper, and he kept looking at me. Maybe he is interested in me.

  Eunice smiled to herself and settled against the seat. If I can get Freeman to ask me out, by this time next year we might be married.

  CHAPTER 8

  The tantalizing aroma of bacon and eggs floated up to Freeman’s nose, and he sniffed appreciatively. He enjoyed having breakfast out with his friends and hoped they could do it on a regular basis.

  Freeman looked across the table at Wayne and Andrew. They seemed as eager to eat their breakfast as he was.

  “Let’s pray so we can eat,” Wayne said. “I’m as hungry as a mule that hasn’t been fed for a week.”

  Freeman chuckled then bowed his head. Dear Lord, bless this food to our bodies, and be with those who are in need.

  An image of Katie Miller popped into his head. And please give Katie a sense of peace today. Amen.

  “How are things going at your place?” Andrew asked Wayne. “Are you happy being married? Is my cousin treating you okay?”

  Wayne nodded and reached for his glass of juice. “Loraine’s a good wife, and I couldn’t be happier.” A smile stretched across his face as he winked at Andrew and then Freeman. “I’d recommend married life to both of you.”

  “Gotta find the right woman first.” Andrew bumped Freeman’s arm. “How about you? Is there anyone special in your life these days?”

  Freeman’s face heated up. “Uh, no, not really.” He wasn’t about to admit that he might be interested in Eunice. There’d be no end to the teasing he’d have to put up with from these two.

  Wayne dipped the end of his toast into the egg on his plate. “From the looks of your red face, I’m guessing there’s someone special in your life. Come on now, raus mitt!”

  “Jah, out with it now.” Andrew bumped Freeman’s arm again. “Don’t keep us in suspense. Who is she?”

  Freeman took a bite of his toast and washed it down with a drink of juice. “I don’t have an aldi, but I probably could have if I wanted one.”

  Andrew leaned his elbows on the table and looked at Freeman with interest. “Who is she—this aldi you don’t have but could?”

  “Eunice Byler.” Freeman reached for the jar of apple butter and slathered some on his toast, thinking he ought to come up with something else to talk about real quick.

  “So tell us, what’s going on with you and Eunice?” Wayne chuckled.

  “Nothing’s going on. I just have a feeling that she likes me.”

  “How do you know?” Andrew asked.

  Freeman told them how Eunice had come by his shop a couple of times, and how she’d joined them for supper on Saturday evening.

  “Maybe she likes bikes,” Andrew mumbled around a mouthful of bacon.

  “That could be, but why’d she accept Fern’s invitation to join us for supper?”

  “Maybe she enjoys your sister’s company.” Andrew added some salt and pepper to his eggs. “Just because she’s been to your shop a few times and went out to supper with you doesn’t mean she wants to be your aldi.”

  “Well, she invited me to her house for supper, too.” Freeman rubbed the bridge of his nose. “And you should have seen the way she looked at me when we were at the restaurant.”

  “How was that?” Wayne asked.

  “Like she wanted to be my aldi.” Freeman groaned. “Eunice seems nice enough, and she looks pretty good, but I’m not sure if I’m interested.”

  Wayne chuckled again, a little louder this time. “I’ll just bet you’re not sure.”

  Freeman shook his head. “I really don’t have time to be courting anyone right now. I’ve got a business that needs my attention, not to mention a little thing named Penny.”

  “Who’s Penny?” Andrew asked.

  Glad for the change of subject, Freeman explained how the cocker spaniel pup had come to live at their house. “She spent the last two nights in an
empty stall in our barn, but I’ll have to make the hundli a pen pretty soon, I expect.”

  “That’s probably a good idea,” Wayne agreed. “A horse stall’s really not the place for a growing puppy.”

  “Fern expects me to babysit the dog while she’s teaching school, but I’m not sure I want a lively little mutt underfoot in the bike shop.” Freeman shook his head. “My customers might not like it, either.”

  “You never know,” Wayne said. “It might bring in more customers if you have a cute little pup for folks to pet.”

  A shrill horn honking, followed by screeching brakes, drew Freeman’s attention to the window.

  “Looks like someone riding a bike got hit!” Wayne pushed back his chair and stood. Freeman and Andrew did the same.

  They and several others in the restaurant hurried outside to see what had happened.

  A young English man lay in the middle of the road, his mangled bike nearby. Several people were gathered around, and the English driver stood beside his car with a cell phone up to his ear.

  “Can you tell what’s going on?”

  “Is he hurt bad?”

  “Did you see how it happened?”

  Everyone spoke at once, until a middle-aged man who said he was a doctor pushed his way through the crowd.

  Freeman stood on the sidewalk with the others, watching as the doctor checked the injured biker. “Has someone called 911?” the doctor asked.

  “I just did,” the English driver said. “An ambulance is on its way.” He slowly shook his head. “That fellow was weaving in and out of traffic. He obviously doesn’t know a thing about bicycle safety.”

  Freeman thought about how Wayne’s mother had been riding her bike a few months ago and had skidded in some gravel. She’d fallen and broken her leg. Then a few weeks ago, a young Amish girl had lost control of her bike and run into a tree. She’d been lucky to have endured only a mild concussion.

  As Freeman heard the wail of sirens in the distance, he made a decision. If Fern was agreeable, he planned to give her scholars a lesson on bicycle safety.