Doris smiled, remembering how much she’d enjoyed making Valentine cards for her classmates, as well as family members and friends from their church district. Even many of the boys, including Joel, seemed to like exchanging Valentine’s Day greetings.
Thinking about her brother, Doris remembered to tell Anna that she’d seen Joel earlier today and he’d said to say hello.
“That was nice of him.” Anna cupped her chin in her hands. “I think I’m finally ready to let go of my feelings for Joel.”
Doris blinked a couple of times. “Really? How did that happen?”
Anna’s cheeks reddened. “Well, I’ve met someone.”
“Is it someone I know?” Doris leaned in closer.
“I don’t think so. He’s new to our area. His name is Melvin Mast. I met him a few weeks ago when he came to the school Christmas program with his folks.”
“I’m confused.” Doris glanced down, realizing she was fumbling with her napkin, so she unfolded it and placed it on her lap. “If he’s new to the area, why was he at the program?”
“His younger cousin attends my school.”
“Have you seen Melvin since then?”
Anna nodded. “He’s in our church district, so I’ve seen him at church a few times. He also dropped by the school the other day to pick up his cousin, and…” She paused to drink some water. “He asked if I’d like to go out to supper with him sometime.”
Doris laughed. “My goodness, this new fellow didn’t waste any time, did he?”
“Well, we’re both in our late twenties and not getting any younger.” Anna fiddled with her spoon. “I don’t know yet if Melvin’s the one, but I do think he’s good-looking, and he seems very kind.”
Doris reached across the table and touched her friend’s hand. “I wish you all the best.”
She felt relieved that Anna would no longer be pining for Joel. She’d done it far too long.
CHAPTER 5
North Canton, Ohio
Kristi shivered against the cold as she entered the North Canton Skate Center with Darin and fifteen eager teens from their church youth group. It was the first Saturday of February, and after Darin had practically begged her to accompany him, she’d agreed to act as a chaperone. While Kristi wasn’t by any means a professional on roller skates, it was good exercise and a chance to do something fun for a change. Last week she’d worked several back-to-back shifts at the nursing home and needed a little downtime.
As the teens chatted with each other and their new youth leader, Kristi sat on a bench by herself to put on her skates. She hadn’t gone roller skating since she was a teenager and had forgotten how noisy it could be. Between the hum of voices, and the music blaring overhead, it was hard to think.
“Let’s get something to eat before we start skating.” Irv, a fifteen-year-old freckle-faced boy, pointed to the snack bar. “I need a few hot dogs to get me revved up.”
Darin bobbed his head. “I’m with you on that. Anyone else want to eat now?”
Several hands went up, and then he turned to Kristi. “How about you? Should I order us both a hot dog with fries?”
“No thanks. Think I’ll skate awhile, then see later on if they have anything healthier than hot dogs in the snack area.”
Darin finished lacing up his skates and pushed a chunk of hair out of his face. “Okay, whatever you want to do is fine with me.” He stood, did a few wobbly turns on his skates, and rolled off in the direction of the snack bar. Several of the teens followed, but a few went out on the rink.
Kristi watched the kids start skating. They seemed to get it right, without a problem. They made it look simple, in fact. Hopefully, it would be easy to skate out there, with the amount of bodies already filling up the ever-shrinking skating space.
There are a lot of people here tonight, she mused. We’ll be packed in tightly, like a tin of sardines wearing roller skates.
A bit unsteady at first, Kristi inched her way along, until she, too, was on the rink. She would take it slow and easy until she felt more confident, because the last thing she needed was to fall and make a fool of herself.
She’d only been skating fifteen minutes when Darin, flailing his arms overhead, skated up to her with a big grin. “I’d forgotten how much fun skating could be. Haven’t been at a rink in several years.”
“Me neither. It took a while to get my balance.” She smiled as he nodded and did a few awkward-looking turns.
“You weren’t in the snack bar very long. Did you get anything to eat?”
“Sure did.” He grinned and smacked his lips. “The hot dog was so good I practically inhaled it.”
Kristi resisted the urge to give Darin her thoughts on the importance of a healthy diet. Instead, she gave a small wave and sailed right past him.
Half an hour later, she headed for the snack bar. The line was short, but she stood off to the side to figure out what to order. Her eyebrows drew in as she browsed the menu board. Kristi didn’t care to eat most of the foods listed, since she preferred organic food with less sugar. Finally, she settled on a slice of pizza and a bottle of water. As she sat at one of the tables with her food, watching the skaters on the floor, she spotted a man who reminded her of Joel. He had the same thick, dark hair and short-cropped beard. However, this guy was skating with two small children, each holding his hand. He was obviously not Joel.
I shouldn’t be thinking of Joel right now, Kristi berated herself. What we once had is over, and it’s time to move on. How many times had she thought about him and given herself a mental shake? She picked up her slice of pizza and took a small bite. If only things could have worked out differently between us.
As Kristi got up from her seat to throw away her paper plate and napkin, she thought about Joel’s family and wondered how they were all doing. She’d meant to go back to Der Dutchman Restaurant to see Doris again but hadn’t made it. She’d been busy during the holidays, and now with the unpredictable weather, she didn’t feel like driving down to Holmes County on roads that were often icy or covered in snow. Besides, it was hard to see Doris and not think about Joel.
“You coming back out to skate?” Darin skated up to her. “They just announced the next song is for couples only. Would you like to be my partner?”
Couples only? She nearly jumped. Her face, neck, and ears were impossibly hot. Oh, my. Maybe Darin is interested in me. Kristi hesitated but finally nodded. “Sure.” She tossed the trash from her meal in the garbage, cleaned her hands with a disposable wipe, and followed him out to the skating floor.
Darin took her hand, and they skated easily along. This is actually kind of fun. Even though she doubted Darin would be a potential guy for her to go out with, she began to have second thoughts as she continued to skate with him. He seemed so gentle and kind. And the way his eyes sparkled when he talked to her made it feel almost like they were on a date. That thought was quickly dispelled, however, when two of the teens—Rick and Connie, skated up to them.
Connie’s cheeks flushed pink, while her blue eyes danced merrily. “This is fun, isn’t it, Darin?”
“Sure is.” He grinned at Kristi. “We should do this again sometime.”
Kristi couldn’t believe Darin allowed the teens to call him by his first name. It seemed disrespectful. At the very least, Connie could have called him “Pastor Darin.”
He acts like he’s one of them, instead of their pastor, she thought when Darin let go of her hand and skated in circles around Rick and Connie. He’s just a big kid at heart. Kristi guessed that wasn’t all bad. Some people took life too seriously.
“Wanna see me skate backward?” Darin asked, returning to her side.
“Sure, if you want to.” She looked at him and giggled nervously. I hope neither of us falls.
He turned and got in front of her, then reached out his hands. She was about to take hold of them when the guy who looked like he could be related to Joel came by, hold ing hands with the little girl Kristi had seen him with earlier
. Being this close to the man, she realized he didn’t resemble Joel as much as she’d first thought. His eyes were blue, not brown, and there was a slight hump in the middle of his nose. Guess everyone has someone who resembles them, she thought, clasping Darin’s hands.
They skated for a while, facing each other, until Darin started skating too fast. Suddenly, he stumbled, let go of her hand, and fell.
“Are you okay?” Kristi stopped skating and reached out her hand to help him up.
“I don’t think anything’s broken, but my knees sure hurt.” He gave her a sheepish grin. “Guess that’s what I get for showin’ off.”
Holding tightly to Darin’s hand, Kristi guided him off the floor and over to a bench. “Should I go to the snack bar and get some ice for your knees?”
“Yeah, I’d appreciate it.”
Being careful not to fall herself, she made her way to the snack bar. When she returned with two small bags of ice, she found Darin surrounded by several of the girls from their church, all wearing concerned expressions.
“Thanks, Kristi.” He took the ice from her and placed it on his injured knees. “It hurts more now that I’m sitting than it did when I fell.”
Kristi checked his knees to be sure nothing was broken. “I think they’re both just badly bruised, but the ice should help.”
“It’s kinda handy to have a nurse along to take care of me. Maybe we can go out for supper sometime next week, and I’ll reward you for your kindness.”
Kristi’s face heated, and she turned her head away from him, hoping he wouldn’t notice. “There’s no need for that.”
“Are you saying you don’t want to go out for a meal?”
“No, of course not. I only meant—”
“Hey, Darin, my dad just called. He wants to know what time to pick me up at the church.” Rick squatted in front of Darin, holding a cell phone. “What happened to you?”
Darin explained his accident, then told Rick to tell his dad he could pick him up in an hour. He looked up at Kristi. “Would you mind driving the van? I’m not going to do any more skating, and with my knees hurting, the idea of pressing either of my feet on the gas pedal or brake holds no appeal right now.”
“I don’t mind driving,” she replied, relieved that he hadn’t mentioned going out to dinner again. It could be construed as a date, and she wasn’t ready for that.
Akron
When Kristi entered the church sanctuary the following morning, she spotted Darin sitting halfway down at one end of a pew. Several people stood in the aisle talking to him, so Kristi held back until they moved on.
“How are your knees?” she asked.
“Still a little tender this morning, and there’s some swelling, but you were right—they are both bruised.” He placed his hand on each knee and grimaced. “Ice helps some, but I wish there was something else I could put on the bruises.”
“Actually, there is.” Kristi reached into her purse and pulled out a tube of Arnica. “This is a homeopathic remedy available at most health food stores. Why don’t you take it home and try it?” She handed the tube of medicine to him.
“Thanks, Kristi. I’ll buy you a replacement as soon as I can.”
“There’s no need for that. I have another one at home.” She removed her coat, draping it over one arm.
Darin slid over a ways. “Why don’t you sit beside me? The service is about to start.”
Kristi glanced at her parents, sitting in the row behind them, and couldn’t help but notice Mom’s giddy demeanor. She was happy when I told her I’d gone skating with Darin and the teens last night, so she’d probably be thrilled if I sit with him now.
The worship team had already started the first song, but other people were filing in, so Kristi could still take a seat with her parents. But she decided to sit beside Darin, so she slid in next to him.
Kristi set her purse on the floor by her feet and laid her coat over the back of the pew. She opened the bulletin and quickly scanned it to see what was on this week’s agenda. Then she glanced around, feeling a little nervous. Sure hope this doesn’t start any rumors going around the church. The last thing I need is for people to think I’m making a play for our new youth pastor.
Joel hadn’t slept well—mostly because he’d had a dream about Kristi. She was still on his mind after he’d gotten dressed and eaten breakfast, and it bothered him a lot. Why am I thinking about her all of a sudden? I haven’t talked to Kristi for several months. Could the dream I had be a sign that I should contact her again?
He squinted at his reflection in the hall mirror and released an impatient huff. I wonder how she’d respond if I showed up at church today and tried talking to her. Would she listen? Would she consider giving me a second chance?
Joel stepped into his bedroom, opened the closet door, and pulled out his nicest jacket. If I hurry, I can probably make it to church before the service ends. Think I’ll throw caution to the wind and give it a try.
When Joel arrived at the church, his stomach quivered, and he began to have second thoughts. If Kristi was here today, she’d no doubt be sitting with her folks. Since neither of them cared that much for Joel, they might ask him to leave. For that matter, Kristi could just as easily tell him to get lost. But maybe with so many Christians around her, she’d be less apt to make an undesirable scene. This could give me an edge, he thought.
All those weeks after their breakup, Joel had tried to contact Kristi, and she’d never returned any of his calls. How much clearer could she make it?
He stepped into the entryway and hesitated. It’d probably be best if I turn around now and head for home, but since I’m here, I may as well go through with it.
Joel opened the door to the sanctuary and stepped inside, careful to shut it quietly. The worship team was on the platform, and some woman Joel had never met was reading scripture from the front of the room.
He stood there a few minutes, scanning the pews, hoping Kristi would be somewhere near the back. About halfway down, he spotted her, sitting beside a man with blond hair. He wasn’t her dad.
Joel’s heart started to pound, and his nerves wavered. Kristi’s folks sat in the pew behind them, and the blond-headed guy was leaning close to Kristi, as though he was whispering something in her ear.
I’m too late. Joel’s jaw clenched so hard his teeth clicked together. She’s already found someone else. He felt heat behind his eyes, and his shoulders slumped in defeat. Kristi. Clutching his arm toward his chest, Joel turned and hurried out the door. This would be the last time he’d ever set foot in this church. It would also be the final time he’d try to make contact with her. He definitely needed to move on.
CHAPTER 6
Farmerstown
It was nice having you and your family visit our church today,” Arlene said as she and Elsie sat in the kitchen together, drinking tea. “And I’m glad you came here afterward so we’d have more time to chat.” She reached down and patted Bristleface’s head. He leaned against her chair, seeming to absorb the sweet attention.
“It’s always good to visit with family.” Elsie smiled, although there was no sparkle in her eyes. “I see Scott’s new pet has taken a liking to you.”
“Jah, this little terrier knows when he’s got it made.” Arlene wondered if her sister was trying to put on a brave front by talking about things other than what was actually on her mind. Elsie hadn’t been the same since their house burned down. Arlene certainly understood how hard it could be to remain cheerful when tragedies occurred. Adding more tea to her near-empty cup, she said, “I wish Doris and Brian could have joined us, too.”
“It would have been nice, but since Brian is down with the flu, I’m sure Doris didn’t even go to their own church service today.”
“It’s understandable. She needs to take care of him. I hope for her sake she doesn’t get sick, too.” Arlene tapped the side of her mug.
Elsie added half a spoonful of sugar to her tea and stirred it around. “I’m glad her
leg has finally healed and she’s able to work at the restaurant again. I think she missed it, and with hospital and doctor bills to pay, they need the extra money coming in.”
“How well I know.” Arlene sighed. “I think we’ll be paying on Scott’s hospital bill till the end of this year.”
“We all need money right now.” Elsie bit her bottom lip. “I don’t mean to sound greedy, but it would sure be nice if we could all open our envelopes to see how much Dad left us.” She looked out the window, watching the birds eating from one of the feeders.
Arlene cleared her throat. “I’m sure he gave us equal shares of whatever his assets are, but if Joel doesn’t do something we can all agree is a heartfelt, selfless act, we may never get whatever Dad wanted us to have.”
Elsie drank some tea, then added a bit more sugar. “Have you heard anything from Joel lately?” she asked, looking back at her sister.
“No. Have you?”
“Huh-uh. Not since he came by a few weeks ago to see if we all liked our Christmas presents. I think he was hoping we’d say his gift-giving was a selfless act.” Elsie pushed her chair back a ways to cross her legs.
Arlene folded her arms. “Same thing for when he gave Scott the dog. I heard from Aunt Verna a few weeks after that, and she said Joel had called and told her what he’d done.”
“What’d she say in response?”
“Not a lot. Just said she told Joel she thought Scott would enjoy having the dog, but it wasn’t a selfless act.”
“Maybe our bruder isn’t capable of doing something completely selfless. Whatever he’s done so far has been with an ulterior motive.” Elsie blew out a breath, rattling her lips. “He’s trying too hard, and it’s not heartfelt.”
“What’s not heartfelt?” Scott asked when he entered the room and squatted beside his dog.
“Nothing, Son.” Arlene pointed at the terrier, still lying beside her feet. “I don’t really like having your dog in the kitchen, but he has a persuasive way about him.”
The Selfless Act Page 4
