The Hawaiian Quilt

by Brunstetter, Wanda E. ; Brunstetter, Jean;

  “It should be fully light out by now, but see how dark it still is. Those clouds look nasty.” Mandy shivered. “You don’t suppose it’s a hurricane?”

  “It could be, I guess. Maybe we should see if Luana and Makaio are up. If so, they may be in the kitchen by now.”

  The girls hurried to get dressed, and by the time they entered the kitchen, the lights in the B&B had gone out.

  “We have no power, and how long it’ll be out, I can only guess,” Makaio grumbled from where he sat at the table. “I can’t watch TV now, either.”

  Luana looked over at the girls and winked. “No television playing in the background most of the day … How sad is that?”

  Mandy stifled a giggle.

  Makaio drummed his fingers on the table. “So much for the Spam-and-egg breakfast I was hoping for this morning. And what are we supposed to serve our guests, who no doubt expect a hearty meal?”

  Luana placed both hands on his shoulders. “It’s not a problem. We’ve been through this before. I have plenty of fresh fruit to offer, as well as cold cereal and bread.”

  “Who wants bread when you can’t toast it?” He glanced at Mandy and Ellen. “We won’t be going to church today, because if the power’s out here, it’s most likely out there, too. Besides, it’s dangerous to go out in weather like this.”

  “My husband’s right. A person could get hit by a falling branch or, worse yet, by a coconut falling from a tree. You certainly don’t want to get clunked in the head by one of those.” Luana moved to the refrigerator and took out a bowl of mixed berries. “We should be thinking positive and hope the electricity will be back on soon.”

  “In the meantime, what can we do to help?” Ellen asked.

  Luana gestured to the pineapple sitting on the counter. “One of you can slice the hala kahiki and arrange it on a platter. The other can get the cereal out, along with a container of milk.”

  As Ellen went to get a knife out of the drawer, Mandy repeated the word for pineapple over and over in her mind. She was happy her vocabulary had grown with the Hawaiian words she’d learned so far.

  “If we’re stuck having cold cereal this morning, let’s have it with coconut milk instead of regular milk,” Makaio suggested.

  “I’ll get it out in case someone wants to try it, but I’m guessing most of our guests will want to stick with cow’s milk.”

  “Coconut milk’s healthier, but I guess not everyone realizes it.” He pushed his chair aside and headed for the refrigerator. “Think I’ll have a glass of it now, in fact.”

  Mandy couldn’t help noticing how Makaio still limped as he walked. His therapy sessions were going well, but sometimes he tried to do too much and it set him back—like yesterday, when he’d tried to move something too heavy. Before she could ask if he would like her to get the coconut milk, he’d already taken it from the refrigerator.

  “Do storms this bad hit Kauai often?” Ellen asked as she began cutting the pineapple.

  “We get a fair amount of wind and rain, but severe storms, strong enough to knock out the power, don’t happen often.” Luana added several slices of papaya to the berries she’d placed on a large platter. “When they do, we’re sometimes left without power for several hours.”

  “Right.” Makaio poured some coconut milk into a glass and took a drink. “Last year, around this time, we lost power during a storm, and it didn’t come back on for two whole days.”

  Luana fanned her face. “The temperatures were in the eighties, and it was impossible to cool the house down without air-conditioning.”

  “We’re used to the heat and humidity during the summer,” Ellen put in. “Since we Amish don’t have electricity in our homes, we’ve never had air-conditioning to cool things down.”

  “Many Hawaiian natives and others who live here don’t have it, either. They rely on the trade winds,” Makaio explained. “The main reason we have AC is for the comfort of our guests, who aren’t used to warmer weather. It would be nice if we could afford a generator for our establishment. Then we’d have some power to run lights and the refrigerator.” He took another sip of coconut milk and set the glass back on the table.

  Mandy stared out the window, watching the rain still falling quite heavily. Puddles quickly formed in the lawn, and pelted flower blossoms were scattered about. “What do you do for lights when the power goes out?” she asked, going to the cupboard to get the boxes of cereal for breakfast.

  Luana pointed to the battery-operated candles sitting on a shelf across the room. “Makaio has a large lantern, also powered by batteries. It’s good for many hours and puts out quite a bit of light. Our biggest challenge is cooking, but with the use of the barbecue grill, we manage to get by.”

  Mandy realized Ellen was right about things not being perfect on Hawaii, but like the Amish, the Hawaiian people knew how to survive without electricity.

  By eight o’clock that evening, the winds had died down, but the power at the B&B had not been restored. They all sat around in the living room with battery-operated candles for light while Makaio gave Mandy another ukulele lesson. After only a month’s worth of practice, she’d gotten quite good at playing the instrument.

  Ellen sat close to one of the larger candles and wrote a few letters to send home. She continued to write until the soothing music caused her eyes to grow heavy. In an effort to keep awake, she sat up straight and arched her back before picking up her pen. By nine o’clock, everyone but Mandy and Ellen had gone to bed.

  “Sure wish we could have gone to church today.” Mandy relaxed against the back of the couch. “I missed the music and looked forward to seeing Ken.”

  Ellen looked up from her letter writing. “Nothing else? What about the pastor’s message?”

  “Of course I missed his sermon. I only meant—”

  “You don’t have to explain, Mandy. If you ask me, you’re getting a little too attached to Ken.”

  “I am not. We’re good friends, and nothing more.” Mandy abruptly stood. “I’m tired and going to bed. Are you coming?”

  “I’ll be there as soon as I finish this letter to Sadie. I’m bringing her up to date on how we’re both doing.”

  “Say hi for me, too, please.” Mandy picked up the flashlight Makaio had given her earlier and hurried from the room.

  Ellen liked how quiet the B&B was right now. Their only two guests were pleasant and had retired to their room a short time ago. Awhile later, a knock sounded on the door. Since Ellen was the only one up, she went to see who it was. Seeing Ken through the peephole, she opened the door.

  “Sorry for coming by so late. I meant to drop by earlier to see how you all were doing after the crazy storm, but I ended up helping my dad and brother pick up tree branches and other debris once the winds died down.”

  “We’re all okay.” She opened the door wider and offered him a seat.

  Ken glanced around the dimly lit room. “Where is everyone?”

  “They went to bed awhile ago.” Ellen kept her voice down so as not to wake anyone.

  “Even Mandy?” His tone revealed disappointment.

  “Yes.” Ellen figured Mandy hadn’t had time to get undressed yet, but she wasn’t about to tell her Ken was here. She’d no doubt come rushing out of their room, and they would sit and visit while Ellen played chaperone.

  Ken stepped back toward the front door. “Well, I guess if everyone’s okay, I’ll head back home. Tell Mandy hi for me, and I’ll talk to her soon.”

  Ellen cleared her throat, gathering up the courage to tell Ken what he needed to know. “Has Mandy told you she has a boyfriend back home?” She looked at him squarely, resting her hand on her hip.

  “No, she’s never mentioned it.” He tipped his head.

  “His name is Gideon, and once Mandy joins the church, they will no doubt get married.”

  “Oh.” Ken shuffled his bare feet across the tile floor a few times. “It makes sense that someone as nice as Mandy would have a boyfriend waiting for he
r back home. I’m sure she will make Gideon a wonderful wife.”

  Before Ellen could form a response, Ken turned and rushed out the door.

  Ellen stared at the candle flame flickering close to her. She felt bad telling Ken about Mandy’s boyfriend, but something needed to be done to discourage him from pursuing a relationship with her. She didn’t want to hurt his feelings and had come close to calling him back. Her resolve won out, though. I did it for Mandy’s sake, as well as Ken’s. Ellen bit her bottom lip. I had to make sure he didn’t have any ideas of trying to sway Mandy to stay in Hawaii. It was time to break them apart, before one or both becomes too serious about the other. When Mandy is happily married to Gideon, she’ll be glad she returned to Indiana and left her Hawaiian fantasy life with Ken behind.

  Middlebury

  “I hate to do this to you,” Sadie whispered to Barbara in the middle of their young people’s singing, “but I’ve developed a koppweh and need to get going. You’ll either have to leave with me or find another way home.”

  “I’m sorry you have a headache.” Barbara patted her friend’s arm. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to stay for the rest of the singing. I’m sure someone here will be willing to give me a ride home.”

  “Danki for understanding.” Sadie gathered up her things and headed outside to her horse and buggy.

  Barbara felt a bit selfish for staying instead of accompanying Sadie, but Gideon was here tonight, and she hoped for the chance to speak with him. She enjoyed the opportunity to socialize and sing with Amish friends, too.

  After the singing wound down, most of those who’d attended lingered for a while, visiting and snacking on leftover cake and cookies.

  Gideon surprised Barbara when he sought her out. “Where’s Sadie? I noticed the two of you sitting together earlier.” He flashed her a smile.

  “She came down with a koppweh and went home. Of course, I have no ride now, but I’m sure I’ll find someone heading my way who’ll be willing to give me a lift.”

  “Your house is on my way, so I’d be happy to offer you a ride.”

  Barbara smiled. “Danki, Gideon. I appreciate it so much.” Her cheeks warmed.

  As they headed for home a short time later, Barbara struggled with her feelings. She’d begun to care for Gideon as more than a friend, but she was sure he didn’t feel the same way about her. There’s no hope of us being together, because Mandy will be coming back soon, and he’s in love with her.

  Barbara would never intentionally do anything to come between Mandy and Gideon, but if by some chance, things didn’t work out for them, she might find a way to reveal her feelings to him.

  Chapter 28

  Kapaa Friday, March 25

  Ailani had a baby girl two days ago. They named her Primrose, after Luana’s favorite flower. The birth was not easy, but it was quickly forgotten once the precious baby was born. Because Ailani was still weak from the long labor she endured, she and Oke will be staying at the B&B until she’s strong enough to take care of the infant on her own.

  It was nice to make cookies yesterday for all of us to enjoy. Makaio and Luana left earlier today to run some errands. They also had a doctor’s appointment to see how Makaio’s leg is doing.

  Mandy hoped things would go well for Makaio today. Luana had been so patient throughout his recovery.

  She set her journal aside and smiled at Ellen, who sat beside her at the kitchen table, drinking a cup of lavender tea. “You know what, Ellen?”

  Blowing at the steam swirling up from her cup, Ellen raised her eyebrows. “What, Mandy?”

  “Seeing Ailani’s baby makes me long for a child of my own.” Mandy got out the soft cinnamon cookies and bit into one.

  “I’m sure you’ll have a baby someday—after you and Gideon are married.” Ellen sipped the fragrant tea. “This lavender honey I added is quite good.”

  “I have to agree.” She reverted back to Ellen’s comment about her and Gideon. “What if we don’t end up getting married?”

  Ellen tapped Mandy’s shoulder. “Of course you’ll get married. Why do you think he’s waiting for you to join the church? You have nothing to worry about. Once you get home, things will work out.”

  “But what if I decide not to join the church?”

  “Not join? And do what, Mandy—stay here in Hawaii and marry Ken? Is that what you’re hoping for?”

  Mandy bit her lip so hard she tasted blood. “No, I…” Unbidden tears sprang to her eyes. She’d suppressed her emotions so long she felt as if she could burst. “It’s not like that.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Except for church, I don’t see much of Ken anymore.” Her throat felt sore when she spoke. “Something’s changed. I can’t imagine what I did, but it seems I may have said or done something to offend him. We were getting along so well before, but now I don’t know.”

  “He’s probably busy helping out at his parents’ chicken farm.”

  Mandy drew in a few slow, steady breaths. “How busy could he be? He always had time to come by before. Ken hasn’t even brought any eggs in a while. His brother’s been making the deliveries.” She clenched her fingers. “I feel like he’s avoiding me for some reason.”

  “Maybe you’re overthinking things, Mandy.”

  She tapped Ellen’s arm. “Have you seen Ken recently? And if so, did he say anything to you about me?”

  “Umm … no.” Ellen pushed away from the table and rose. “Think I hear the baby crying. I’m going to see if Ailani needs any help.”

  Before Mandy could comment, her friend made a hasty exit. Strange. Is Ellen trying to avoid talking to me about Ken?

  As Ellen stepped into the living room, where Ailani sat rocking her baby, a feeling of guilt weighed heavily on her.

  “Is everything okay?” Ailani asked. “It sounded like you two were having a disagreement.”

  “Oh, that. Mandy’s a little worried about why Ken hasn’t been around much lately.”

  “He’s probably busy helping at his parents’ farm right now.”

  “Yes. I told her the same thing.” Ellen took a seat. She wasn’t about to reveal to anyone, especially Mandy, what she’d told Ken the other evening.

  She wondered how her best friend could be thrown off her normal path. Mandy had a nice boyfriend back home, waiting for her return. Ellen figured it was up to her to help Mandy see the light, but maybe she’d been wrong. Perhaps she should have kept her nose out of things.

  Mandy is hurt because Ken hasn’t been in touch with her lately, and it’s my fault. If I hadn’t told him about Gideon, he’d still be coming around. Her jaw clenched. But Ken needed to know he has no future with Mandy, so I did it for both their sakes.

  Ellen felt sure things would be as they once were after they returned home. Her friend might miss Ken and everything she liked about Hawaii, but in time it would seem like a distant memory. In some ways, it was good Mandy had dropped her digital camera in the ocean during their whale-watching cruise. Having the pictures she’d taken would only have served as a reminder of what she’d left behind on Kauai. I don’t like admitting this, but I’m glad her camera is at the bottom of the ocean, never to be seen again. Those pictures would only keep her memory of Ken alive.

  Pushing these thoughts to the back of her mind, Ellen moved across the room to offer her assistance to Luana’s daughter. “You look tired. Would you like me to hold Primrose for a bit?”

  Ailani nodded. “I’d appreciate it. Since Mama took Dad to physical therapy, and Oke’s at work, I’ve had full responsibility for the baby, and no matter what I do, she won’t stop fussing.” She appeared to be overwhelmed as she looked at Ellen with quivering lips.

  Ellen’s heart went out to the young woman. “Why don’t you go lie down awhile? I’ll take care of Primrose till your folks get back.”

  “Mahalo.” Ailani rose from her chair and handed the precious bundle to Ellen.

  After Ailani left the room, Ellen walked out to the lanai,
while gently patting the baby’s back. She heard water running in the sink and knew Mandy must be washing dishes in the kitchen.

  It was a breezy afternoon, with comfortable temperatures—the kind of day one enjoyed being outside. After several minutes, Primrose stopped crying, so Ellen took a seat on the glider, softly humming as she rocked. The warmth of the baby and the infant’s gentle breathing as she was lulled to sleep stirred something in Ellen’s heart.

  I understand why Mandy would want a baby of her own. I’d like one, too, but if it’s meant to be, it’ll happen in God’s time. Mandy has a better chance at having a boppli than I do. She swallowed against the lump in her throat. At least she has a boyfriend back home, eager to marry her. I don’t even have a suitor. Maybe someday God will send the right man into my life.

  Middlebury

  Sadie’s stomach churned as she stepped into the phone shack to call Mandy. She hoped to unburden her worries, and the sooner the better. In the last few weeks she’d seen Gideon with Barbara a couple of times, not to mention hearing he’d taken her home from the singing a few Sundays ago. If Mandy didn’t get home soon, Gideon might start courting Barbara or someone else.

  Sadie wanted to speak with Barbara about this, too, but every time she started to bring up the subject, she lost her nerve. One time, she’d casually mentioned to Barbara about seeing Gideon a lot, but her friend made light of it, saying they were only good friends and he needed a sympathetic ear. Barbara said she was concerned, because with Mandy having been gone so long, Gideon was beginning to lose hope.

  To make matters worse, the last time Sadie had spoken to Ellen on the phone, she’d learned Mandy had been seeing a lot of a young man named Ken. Ellen didn’t say whether Mandy had fallen in love with this fellow, but she sounded concerned because Mandy was gone from the B&B so much.

  “None of this would be a problem if they’d stuck with me and Barbara instead of heading out on their own when the ship docked at Kauai. We should have insisted they join our tour group that day,” Sadie mumbled as she punched in the number for the bed-and-breakfast.