Ken chuckled. “Makaio taught Mandy to play the ukulele. I bet she could teach you. Would ya like me to ask?”
“No, that’s okay. I’ll stick to outdoor sports like kayaking and leave the musical stuff to those who have talent.”
Taavi looked at Ken and rolled his eyes. Rob figured his roommate thought he was ridiculous. But truthfully, he had a good reason for not wanting to learn to play an instrument—a reason that had left a scar on his heart. But he’d never talk about it—not to Ellen or even Taavi. The past was in the past, and it needed to stay buried. It was the only way he could deal with the unpleasant memories.
Rob stood up and moved across the room. What he needed right now was some fresh air, but he’d enjoy it more if Ellen went outside with him. He popped into the kitchen to see what she was doing, and found her putting a stack of clean dishes in the cupboard. “I need some air. Are you free to take a walk with me?” he asked.
“That sounds nice. I have a few more dishes to dry, and then I’ll be ready.”
Rob stood back and watched as she completed her task.
“When you two come back inside we’ll have some pie and coffee,” Mandy said as she put the clean silverware in a drawer.
Rob gave his stomach a thump. “Oh, boy. I’d better take a long walk if I’m gonna make room for any pie. I ate way too much turkey and dressing.”
“I think we all did.” Vickie put the last pot away. “Maybe in another hour or so we’ll all have room for pie.”
“I’m ready to go now.” Ellen smiled up at Rob.
When they stepped outside, Rob reached for Ellen’s hand and led her across the yard and down the street. It was a beautiful evening, with a light breeze to cool the warmth of the day. Several people sat on their lanais, and others were out walking.
Rob glanced at Ellen. He’d miss her when she left Kauai and wished he could ask her to stay. They paused to look at some colorful flowers growing in someone’s yard. Except for the meal they’d eaten and the fall decorations placed throughout the B&B, it didn’t seem much like Thanksgiving.
Ellen had a faraway look in her eyes. “It’s funny to see flowers blooming this time of year. Back home the weather on Thanksgiving tends to be cold, and sometimes it snows. But inside, it’s always warm and toasty, and the smell of turkey roasting goes all through the house. Dad usually has a fire going, and we all gravitate to the living room after the meal is eaten.” Ellen snickered. “Dad and my uncles end up snoozing, while we women visit. In the background, the firewood would be popping and cracking. I can almost hear it.”
Rob tried to visualize what she’d told him. He could only guess how much Ellen must miss her family today.
“About an hour or so after we eat, the desserts are brought out,” she continued. “Along with what Mom bakes, my aunts bring a few desserts.” Ellen sighed. “After indulging in the desserts, we’re all stuffed—and then some. But oh, everything is always so good.”
“What kind of desserts do you have?” Rob couldn’t help it. Memories from past Thanksgivings flooded back to his mind.
“Mom usually makes a pumpkin pie and also mincemeat. My aunts will often bring home-made cookies or cake. A few days before the holiday, Dad freezes home-made vanilla ice cream.” Ellen slowed her pace. “So on top of everything else, we end up having that too. You can only imagine how full we are by the end of the day.”
Oh, I think I can. Rob’s fingers itched to stroke Ellen’s soft check. You’re beautiful, Ellen. I wish I’d met you a few years ago.
Middlebury
When Ezra pedaled his bicycle into the shoe store parking lot the day after Thanksgiving, he saw Nathan putting his buggy horse away in the corral. This was the busiest shopping day in the English world, and shoppers flocked to the shoe store as well.
The front door of the store was ajar, so Ezra figured Lenore must be inside. He parked the bike near the building and hurried into the store, where he found her sitting on a stool behind the counter. “How’d your Thanksgiving go?” Ezra asked.
“It was good. My aunts and uncles came, and all our family was together except for Ellen. It didn’t seem the same without her.” Lenore frowned. “Christmas won’t be the same without her either. But she’s doing a good thing by staying in Hawaii to help Mandy and Ken.”
Ezra leaned on the counter. “Your sister’s been there a long time. Any idea when she might be coming home?”
Lenore’s face brightened. “She’ll be back sometime in January, after Mandy has her boppli and Mandy’s folks arrive to help out.”
Ezra smiled. “That’s good to hear.” I wonder if I should write her another letter, and express my feelings for her. Or I could just wait till she gets home. Ezra’s mind worked overtime as he thought about what he ought to do once Ellen returned home. One thing was for sure: he wouldn’t waste any time. He’d already missed too many opportunities to let her know his feelings. This time I’m going to be more direct.
CHAPTER 34
Kapaa
Christmas Day was overcast, with the promise of rain. Ellen stood on the lanai, looking out at the yard, and wondering if her parents had snow at home. More often than not they were blessed with a beautiful dusting of snow on Christmas Day. Sometimes it occurred as soon as Thanksgiving, and by Christmas there would be enough snow for a sleigh ride.
Today, more than ever, Ellen struggled to keep her feeling of homesickness under control. It might be Christmas, but the temperatures on Kauai seemed more like early summer.
Ellen longed to be back in Indiana. She would miss the evening hours, with a glowing fire in the living room and family members gathering around together to sing Christmas carols.
There were so many things she missed about home—starting with her family and friends.
Mom had called Ellen this morning to wish her a Merry Christmas, and she’d been able to talk to Dad, as well as her sisters. Hearing their voices brought tears to her eyes. But I’m needed here right now, she reminded herself.
Taavi planned to spend the day with his parents, so he had dropped by last night to wish them all a Merry Christmas. But Rob would be joining them for Christmas dinner. Ellen looked forward to spending the day with Rob. But each time they were together, her heart longed for more. She hoped someday Rob might come to Middlebury to visit. But seeing him there would only make it more difficult to say goodbye again. Sometimes she wished she’d never met Rob. Other times, Ellen found herself hoping he’d proclaim his love for her, and they could figure out some way to be together.
Ellen stepped into the kitchen to check the time. Rob should be here soon, and since there was nothing else to do at the moment, she decided to wait for him on the lanai.
She’d no more than taken a seat on the swing when Rob pulled his motor scooter into the yard. He looked handsome in his green shirt and dressy dark trousers. Ellen smiled when he got off and walked toward the house, carrying a small paper sack in his hands.
Grinning, Rob joined Ellen on the lanai and handed her the bag. “Merry Christmas! Here’s a little something from me to you.”
A tingling sensation swept up the back of Ellen’s neck and across her face. “Oh, Rob, I appreciate the gift, but I’m sorry to say, I have nothing for you.”
He took a seat beside her on the swing. “I didn’t buy you a gift because I wanted something in return. Besides, being here with you is gift enough for me.”
The homesickness Ellen had felt previously was replaced with goose-bumps stretching from her head down to her toes.
Ellen struggled to find the right words. “Thank you, Rob. I’m glad you could join us today.”
“Me too.” Rob pointed to the paper sack. “Go ahead and open it.”
Ellen reached inside and pulled out a bar of pineapple-fragranced soap, some coconut lip gloss, and a tube of Plumeria-fragranced hand lotion. “These are so nice. Thanks.”
He clasped her hand. “Glad you like them.”
“You look nice today. Is your shir
t new?” The nearness of him caused Ellen to shiver.
“Yeah.” Rob smoothed his shirt collar. “It’s not what you’re used to seeing me in, but I’m glad you like it.”
“Shall we go inside now?” Even though she’d rather stay here with Rob the rest of the day, Ellen rose from the swing. “Dinner should be ready soon.”
As Rob sat at the table, enjoying a tasty meal and pleasant conversation, a sense of homesickness washed over him. I wonder what Mom, Dad, and the rest of my family are doing today. Should I give them a call to say Merry Christmas? Would they be glad to hear from me, or would I be in for a lecture about being gone so long without contacting them?
He shifted on his chair, while glancing at Ellen. Could she sense his unrest? Did she know he struggled with deep emotions today?
From her seat across the table, Ellen gave Rob a smile. Sure wish she wasn’t so sweet.
He looked away, concentrating on finishing what was left on his plate. If Mandy had her baby within the next few weeks, this might be the last meal he’d share with Ellen.
When everyone finished eating, the women cleared the table. Ken said he was tired and wanted to lie down for a while, so Rob decided this would be a good time to call home. He excused himself and went out to sit on the lanai. If he was going to do this, he didn’t want anyone to hear his conversation.
“Rob left his cup of coffee sitting on the table,” Mandy mentioned as she put some of the leftovers in the refrigerator. “I wonder if he wants it.”
“I’ll go see.” Ellen went to the dining room and picked up Rob’s cup. It was still warm, so she opened the door to the lanai, and was about to step out, when she saw Rob sitting in a chair with his cell phone up to his ear.
A rush of adrenaline shot through her body when she heard his spoken words.
“En hallicher Grischtdaag.”
Ellen gasped. Rob had just wished someone a Merry Christmas in Pennsylvania Dutch. But how could it be? Rob wasn’t Amish. He was English.
She stood quietly behind him and listened as he continued to speak in the Amish dialect. By now she could tell he was talking to his family since she heard him say mamm and daed. When Rob put his cell phone away, she cleared her throat.
He whirled around. “Ellen! How long have you been standing there?”
“Long enough to hear you speaking Pennsylvania Dutch.” Ellen set Rob’s coffee down on the table by his chair. “What’s going on, Rob? Who were you talking to?”
“No one.” His face flamed. “I mean, I left a message for my folks.”
“Are—are you Amish?”
He nodded slowly. “I was raised Amish but never joined the church.”
Ellen blinked rapidly, her body heat rising. “Why have you been lying to me about this?”
“I didn’t lie—just didn’t give you any details of my previous life. No one else on the island knows either.”
Barely able to stand, she lowered herself into the chair beside him. “What are the details, Rob? Why did you keep the truth of your heritage from me? And what is the reason you are here on Kauai?”
He drew in some air and released it with a huff. “First of all, my name’s not Rob Smith. I took that name on after I left my parents’ home.”
“What is your real name?”
“Rueben Zook. I was raised in an Amish home in Ronks, Pennsylvania.” His face sagged. “Up until now, I’ve never told anyone about my Amish heritage, or that I changed my name after I ran away and came here with a new identity.”
Ellen’s fingers tightened around the band of her apron. “Why were you running from your past? Are you ashamed of the Amish way of life?”
Shoulders hunched, Rueben shook his head. “It’s not that. I left because I killed my girlfriend, Arie Stoltzfus.”
“What are you saying?” Ellen felt as if all the color had drained from her face.
“Arie and I were in the car I’d bought during my running-around years.” He paused and rubbed his eyes. “As we approached the train crossing, I heard a whistle blow. She pleaded with me not to cross over, but I was sure I could make it.” Rueben’s hand shook. “The car stalled on the tracks. I got out and hollered at Arie to slide across the seat, but before she could make a move, the train slammed into my vehicle. I saw the whole thing happen, and I will never forget the sound of the crash. Somehow, I made myself walk toward the mangled car.” Rueben’s voice lowered to a whisper, and his breathing seemed erratic. “Arie would never laugh, sing, or play the guitar again. She was killed outright, and it was my fault.”
Ellen sat in stunned silence as Rueben rocked back and forth, as though reliving the tragic event. “I’ve been angry at God ever since and vowed never to fall in love again.” His eyes watered as he looked at Ellen and shook his head. “I’m sorry for letting you believe something might be happening between us. I can never return to my Amish heritage, and I can’t commit to a relationship with you because you’re committed to the Amish faith.”
A sob rose in Ellen’s throat and she leaped out of her chair. His confession only added to her confusion. She couldn’t wait to go home and put this nightmare behind, but she had an impulse to take Reuben in her arms and comfort him for what he’d been through.
Ronks, Pennsylvania
Elsie Zook sat in the phone shack, shaking her head tearfully as she replayed Rueben’s message. After his sudden disappearance, nearly two years ago, this was the first time she’d heard from her son. He’d made no contact with anyone else in the family either. The joy of hearing his message was almost her undoing. Rueben had called to wish them a Merry Christmas, but said nothing about where he was or if he might be coming home.
She reached under her glasses and wiped away tears as they trickled down her cheeks. I wish Rueben had left a phone number so I could return his call, but thank You, Lord, for nudging my boy to call home. I praise You, Jesus, for keeping my son safe and for letting me hear his greatly missed voice.
She rested her forehead on the bench in front of her. Oh, Rueben, why did you have to run off? Why couldn’t you have stayed and let us help you deal with your grief over losing Arie? Don’t you know how much we miss you? Doesn’t it bother you that Arie’s parents are grieving too?
Elsie stood. I must get in and share this with the rest of the family, who have gathered at home for the holiday. She took a step toward the door of the phone shack, then paused to send up a silent prayer. Dear Lord, please bring our son back where he belongs.
CHAPTER 35
Lihue
Between my job and yours, we haven’t seen much of each other lately.” Taavi reached for the loaf of bread Rueben set on the counter. “Christmas has come and gone, and I still haven’t heard how your day went. Did you have a good one?”
Rueben’s jaw clenched. This wasn’t a conversation he wanted to have. Christmas was ten days ago, and he figured by now Taavi wouldn’t bring the subject up.
He undid the top button on his Hawaiian-print shirt and rubbed the lower part of his neck. “It did not go well.”
“How come? Didn’t Ellen like the gift you got her?” Taavi popped a piece of bread into the toaster.
“She said she liked it. What she didn’t like was finding out that I’m not who she thought I was.”
“Huh?” Taavi tipped his head. “What are you talking about?”
Rueben recounted the whole thing—beginning with when Ellen overheard him speaking Pennsylvania Dutch while leaving a message on his folks’ answering machine and ending with how upset she was because he hadn’t told her the truth about his heritage right away.
Taavi’s head jerked back, and he gave Rueben an incredulous stare. “All this time you’ve let all of us believe you were just some guy who’d come to the island to get a little sun and have some fun, when you were running from your past?”
Rueben nodded.
Taavi broke eye contact with Rueben. “I’m disappointed in you, man.
It hurts to know you’ve been feeding me a
line and all the people close to you here. That’s not cool.”
“I’m sorry I deceived you. It was wrong, but I was ashamed to admit who I was and that I’m responsible for the death of the woman I loved.”
“Carrying a burden like that is unhealthy. You’ve gotta forgive yourself and have faith that the Lord will help you through all this.” Taavi looked at Rueben again and shook his head. “Without the Lord’s help, you’ll never put this behind.”
“That’s easy for you to say. You’re not the one it happened to.”
“Oh my dear hoapili.” Taavi placed his hand on Rueben’s shoulder. “I wish there was something I could do for you.”
“Well, there isn’t, and I guess I’m not much of a friend.” Rueben tossed a cluster of grapes in his lunch pail, along with the sandwich he’d made. The last thing he wanted was pity. “I’ve gotta go. I can’t be late for work.” Before Taavi could respond, Rueben grabbed his lunch and dashed out the door.
Kapaa
Ellen fumbled with the fruit she’d finished cutting for their B&B guests. Ever since she’d learned the truth about the man she thought was English, she’d been a ball of nerves. Her emotions were so mixed, she could hardly think straight. And today, with Mandy going into labor, she was even more apprehensive. Mandy, Ken, and Vickie went to the hospital around three in the morning, but so far Ellen hadn’t heard a word. Ellen wanted to be at the hospital when the baby was born, but someone had to be here to take care of their B&B guests.
She placed the kiwi, papaya, and pineapple slices on a platter and went to the refrigerator to get a carton of eggs supplied by the new owners of the organic farm. Ellen was about to crack the first egg into a bowl, when Rueben entered the kitchen. He moved past her to get a bottle of water, but didn’t say a word. He didn’t even look at her.
Ellen flinched. If only he’d been honest with me from the beginning. “Mer sedde immer ehrlich sei,” she mumbled.
Rueben stepped in front of her and tilted his head. “We should always be honest, huh? Have you forgotten that I speak Pennsylvania Dutch and knew exactly what you were saying?”
The Hawaiian Discovery Page 20
