Anna's Trials (Living Plain Book 1)

by June Belfie

  Beth had considered taking her English clothing to slip on before arriving at Randy’s apartment, but she settled on her green frack. She felt safer in her Amish attire. After all, she wasn’t going to stay—even if he insisted. Nee, she just wanted to leave off the gloves and head for home. Why it was so important, she didn’t bother to ask herself. For some reason, she just needed to see the handsome English man once more before making a decision about Josiah and the job. As long as she kept thinking about Randy, she couldn’t have an honest relationship with anyone else.

  When she got to the street he lived on, she tethered the buggy to a post designed for that purpose and walked three blocks to his apartment house. He should be home by now, but if not, she could leave the package by his door.

  Even though it was in the twenties, the sidewalks were finally clear of snow and ice. She hummed to herself as she climbed the steps to his apartment building. When she got to his door, she could hear music playing in the background. So he was home. Gut. Would she renege and visit with him for just a few minutes?

  After several rapid knocks, the door opened. Standing before her was a young woman about her own age, dressed in skin-tight jeans and a bright red sweater. Her black hair fell to her shoulders and her blue eyes were startling against her ivory complexion. She was beautiful.

  “Yes? Can I help you?” the girl asked, brows raised.

  “Uh, I just wanted to see Randy.”

  “Oh, he’s out right now. Come on in. You’re Amish, aren’t you?”

  Somehow Beth was able to move her legs without falling as she entered the foyer. “Jah, I’m Amish.”

  “How do you know my fiancé?” asked the girl.

  Goodness! Fiancé? Beth’s heart sank as she attempted to answer. “Uh, we met at the market.” How she wished she’d never come.

  “Oh, when he helped with the coffee. Wait, I hear his footsteps.” The girl went back to the door and opened it as Randy approached. “A friend of yours stopped by, Randy.”

  “Oh yeah? Who?” he asked as he reached the open doorway. When he spotted Beth, his mouth dropped open.

  “I didn’t get your name,” the girl responded as she turned toward Beth.

  “Beth.”

  The girl extended her hand. “I’m Juliet. Nice to meet you.”

  “Um, I guess you’re here for the coffee you ordered,” Randy said pointedly at Beth, his eyes pleading with her to go along with his story.

  “I…I think so,” she said weakly.

  “I’ll get it,” Juliet said. “You take care of the money-end, Randy. What kind and how many pounds?”

  Randy answered quickly. “Two pounds of the Hazelnut regular,” he called after her. As soon as she was out of hearing, he leaned over and whispered to Beth, “Thanks for playing along. Come back tomorrow. She’s going away for two days with her job.”

  Beth stood staring at him, her mouth agape. Everything was happening so quickly. Engaged? He wants me to return? What on earth for?

  When Juliet returned with the coffee, Beth stood unsure of what to do. Did he expect her to pay him? She had only two dollars. Juliet broke the silence. “Maybe you should call before stopping for more coffee. We’ll be going on our honeymoon next month and I wouldn’t want you to make the trip for nothing.”

  Randy started with a coughing fit, Juliet patted him on the back, and Beth scurried out the door. She didn’t stop dashing until she reached her buggy. She leaned against Winnie’s neck, panting from her exertion. Tears fell rapidly onto the horse’s mane and Beth felt her stomach lurch. She was barely able to keep it from emptying right at the curb. She hated to kutz and fought it with all her might.

  An elderly Amish woman stopped to offer aid, but Beth shook her head, still weeping silently as she embraced the horse’s neck. Finally, she drew several deep breaths and untethered her buggy. Taking her place behind the driver’s side she noted her hand shake as she tugged on the reins. Winnie took off slowly for home. At one point the buggy narrowly missed being hit by an automobile as Beth changed directions without signaling. What did it matter?

  Sorrow turned to anger as she realized Randy’s deceit—not only to her, but to his fiancé as well. That poor girl had absolutely no idea of his roving eyes. Mercy, what if they’d been alone? Would she have succumbed to his kisses yet again? She felt dirty. Ugly. That’s what happened when you didn’t use your God-given brains. Of course a worldly handsome English man wouldn’t be interested in an Amish girl, so plain and ignorant, and look at her as anything more than a playmate!

  And Josiah Yoder. What of him? A good, honest, hard-working man, who once showed real interest in her. What a fool she’d been. He was the perfect match for her. He even allowed her to be herself! And what pray tell, was ‘herself’? A head-strong, self-centered woman, who thought she knew the ways of the world—only enough to get herself in trouble! That’s who she was. Not anymore. Her tears had dried up as she hastened the horse’s stride, feeling the breeze through the open sides of her buggy. Jah, this was who she was, but she’d have to seek forgiveness from God for her behavior and thoughts. A gut Amish woman would not have strayed so far. Perhaps there was still hope for a relationship with Josiah. Oh, that he would not have given up hope. But he’d have to make the first move. No more dictating the events. She definitely wouldn’t approach him without encouragement on his part first.

  She patted the wrapped knitted gloves. Perhaps an Amish man would appreciate the time and effort which went into a handmade item. Jah, maybe they’d end up with Josiah. First, she’d see if he had softened—even a wee bit—toward her. He’d been so cold lately. Tomorrow was Christmas Eve day. They’d close early, that was for sure and for certain.

  Hope. That’s a gut feeling. She smiled as she approached their drive. Christmas was a wonderful time of year. To think the Lord sent his only Son to earth to live amongst his created people. Jah, it was no time to be self-centered. It was a time to be joyful, grateful for all the blessings in your life, and to thank God for loving us even though we don’t deserve it. He would work things out. All she needed was patience and trust. Denki, Lord.

  Anna wrapped the last of the presents for her children. She’d purchased a new soft-ball for Luke as well as sewn him a new Sunday outfit. He’d grown at least two inches since Jeremiah passed away. He’d be so proud of his son, the way he’d taken on responsibilities. Too bad his younger brothers caused so much dissension. It made for difficult days. It would be wonderful to get away for a few days without the responsibilities of the children. She hoped her parents wouldn’t find it too exhausting to care for them.

  Rachel was quieter than usual and Anna feared she’d be upset while she was away, but her mother and Beth reassured her that they’d look after her and keep her busy.

  She looked at the small pile of gifts for the children. Good thing her parents had purchased a couple board games for them as well as books, which were usually left unread for a few weeks, but eventually shared. Rachel would be excited to receive a new faceless doll, which Anna had finished making only the day before. That would make two the same and Rachel could pretend they were twins.

  She took the presents downstairs and set them by the side door. Her brother, Zach, planned to take them over to the house later in the afternoon along with his own. He’d already hidden their new sleds in his basement.

  Anna usually cut branches from her hemlock trees for the house, but this year it was too difficult to decorate, even for the sake of the children. They’d enjoy the sweet smell of evergreens at her parents’ house tomorrow. At least she’d baked cookies and lots of them.

  As she made her way back to the kitchen, she stopped at the refrigerator and looked at the article about the widower in Ohio. She said a prayer for him and his three surviving children, Alice, John, and Benny. She had a picture of them in her mind. She imagined Alice, who was only three, or maybe four by now, to look as Rachel did a couple years ago with wavy blonde hair just like her own. It was a shame t
o hide that silky hair under a kapp at such a young age, but that was the way of the plain people. At night, Rachel liked her mother to brush her hair and it had already grown to her waist.

  The boys were playing with marbles on the kitchen floor while Rachel sat and rocked her doll. Anna warned them not to leave any marbles on the floor when they were done playing. “You don’t want your poor mudder to fall flat on her face, do you?” she said as she started heating vegetable soup for supper.

  “Then you’d have to stay home with us,” Rachel said unexpectedly.

  Anna looked over at the pouting child. The boys giggled at her comment.

  “Mamm, I don’t want you to fall, really,” Rachel added quickly, tears filling her soft green eyes.

  Anna went and put her arms around her daughter. “I know you don’t, honey. It’s okay. I know you feel sad about me leaving, but it’s only for a few days and think of the fun you’ll have at grossmammi’s.”

  “But I’ll miss you a whole bunch.”

  “Jah, me, too.”

  “I bet you won’t miss us,” Matthew said, looking over.

  “Oh, but I will, Sohn. All of you. I won’t miss your arguing though, I can tell you that.”

  “Maybe we’ll be better,” Mark said, his brows nearly touching. He took a boulder marble and set it up to shoot.

  “Says who?” Matthew said, grinning.

  “Now buwe. Remember, it’s Christmas tomorrow. Let’s try to be nice to each other. I don’t want any scenes.”

  “Are we going to grossmammi’s soon?”

  “As soon as supper’s done. We’ll stay until about nine.”

  “I want to stay later,” Luke stated. “I’m old enough to stay up late.”

  “You’re only ten,” Matthew reminded him. “That’s not old.”

  “Older than you,” he said.

  “That’s enough. You two could argue about one and one being two.” Anna shook her head.

  “I hope I have all girls, Mamm,” Rachel said, scowling over at her brothers.

  “You’ll be lucky if a guy marries you,” Mark said laying back on the floor as he stared over at his sister.

  “She’ll have lots of boys fighting for her hand,” Anna said. She put the ladle down on a plate and reached for a loaf of fresh bread to cut. “Now, Matthew, you set the table.”

  “It’s Mark’s turn,” he said loudly.

  “I did it last night.”

  “No, you didn’t. Luke did.”

  “Buwe! What’s the difference? Do it together.”

  This continued until Rachel stood up and went to the silverware drawer. “It’s easier to do it myself,” she said in an adult manner.

  With this, the boys laughed heartily and returned to their game of marbles.

  Anna counted the days.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  As Beth prepared to leave around four, Josiah came into the showroom and suggested they relax for a few minutes before closing the shop. She was pleased. He had seemed more like himself all day and she wondered if it was because it was Christmas Eve.

  “Are you excited to be going to the Cook’s tomorrow?” she asked as she sat down on a swivel chair by her desk. He sat on the edge of the desk and folded his arms.

  “I think I’d rather spend my time with the Beachy’s.”

  “Jah, my family has fun on holidays. We can get a bit noisy.”

  He laughed. “Can I be totally honest with you about something?”

  “Of course. I wouldn’t want it any other way.” She almost feared he was about to ask her to quit her job.

  “I thought… after the other day that you might want to leave your position here.”

  “I considered it.”

  “And?”

  “And I decided I liked it here. I hope I’ve been a gut employee.”

  “The best. Of course, I don’t have anyone much to compare you to, but you’re very conscientious.”

  “More than Lydia?”

  He shook his head as he fought back a smile. “She was gut, too. Just not as much fun.”

  “Josiah, I’m sorry I was so forward the other day. I should have behaved better.”

  “Nee, I’m the one who’s sorry. I don’t know what got into me. Shock, I guess. I wish we could live it over.”

  “Well, maybe we could. If that’s really what you’d like.”

  He reached over and patted her arm and then rose and walked over to a shelf against the wall. There was a small box she hadn’t noticed lying next to wood samples. He brought it over and handed it to her. “I’m sorry it’s not wrapped. I didn’t have any special paper.”

  “It’s for me?” she asked, reaching for it.

  “Jah, it’s not much. Just a way to thank you for all you do.”

  She removed the layers of tissue paper and lifted the glossy heart above her head, letting it twist to catch the light. “It’s beautiful!”

  “Jah? You mean it?”

  “Oh, I do! The grain of the wood is ever so nice. You made it, too. That makes it special.”

  His grin said it all. “With the new year starting soon, I’m thinking we should start over. What do you think?”

  “I think it would be very wise to do just that. Maybe we won’t make so many mistakes this time.”

  “Do you think it would be okay if we started going out together alone?” he asked.

  “I think we’re both old enough to date. That’s what you mean, right?” Was she getting ahead of herself by using the ‘date’ word?

  “Jah, that’s the word in my mind. And just so you know there are no hard feelings, I’d like to seal it with a kiss.”

  “That would probably be appropriate, as long as it is not too long a kiss.”

  He slid off the desk and reached for her hands. She stood up beside him and felt his arms drop her hands and surround her in an embrace. Her heart began to pound. This was special. It felt right. She closed her eyes as he bent his head down to press his lips against hers. It was a tender kiss, sweet and meaningful. She allowed it to continue for several more moments before stepping back.

  “You’re such a lovely person, Beth. As beautiful inside as out.”

  “No one has ever said I was beautiful.”

  “Well you are. Take my word for it.”

  She giggled. “Jah, I will.” Remembering she had left the handmade gloves in her apron pocket from the day before, she reached in and handed the wrapped gift over. His brows rose.

  “Were you planning to give me this, even if I didn’t have anything for you?”

  “Probably not.” She grinned as he took it and sat back on the desk to open it.

  As he prepared to remove the tissue paper, the front door opened and a couple came in to discuss a new kitchen. Beth rose and straightened her apron before waiting on the customers. Josiah nodded and then retreated to the back, the gift in hand.

  After the couple left, Beth had a horrible thought. She had not removed the note to Randy. Maybe there was still time to… Nee. She glanced through the door between the workshop and the showroom. Josiah was leaning against the far wall, the note in his hands. He looked over at Beth. His scowl said it all.

  Before she could explain the note, he turned abruptly and went out the back door, throwing the note on the workbench first. Beth felt her stomach knot up.

  She reached for her cape and somehow made her way to the buggy. This was not the way she had dreamed it would turn out. It was over. She knew it in her heart.

  Holmes County, Ohio

  Naomi tucked the children down for the night, knowing they’d remain awake for some time. Christmas Eve was an exciting time. As she listened to the individual prayers of her two oldest children, Emmy, who was eight, and Liz, who just turned seven, she thought about her two nephews and niece who were in heaven. She swallowed hard to prevent her tears from forming. Her poor bruder was going to have a difficult Christmas without his wife and children. She looked over at little Alice, his youngest. She was sucking
on the edge of her blanket, staring at her cousins with her huge mahogany-colored eyes, as they continued blessing everyone they knew.

  Naomi reached across the span between the two beds to pat her niece on the cheek. Poor boppli. She’d never remember Mary—her mudder. At least she had her daed, though the child was not yet prepared to return to her home to be with her father and siblings. Naomi knew how painful it was for Abe; yet it seemed better for Alice to remain with her for now. She needed mothering. Poor dear was only three.

  After kissing each of the girls, including baby Becky, already asleep in her crib by the window, she went into the boys’ room. Noah, who was six and Tommy, two years younger were giggling under the covers and bouncing around, imitating broncos. It would take hours for them to settle down.

  “Now buwe, stop playing or I’ll have to separate you.”

  Two little heads popped up from their quilt. “We’ll be gut, Mamm,” Noah said quickly.

  “Jah, we’ll go to sleep,” Tommy added.

  “First I want to hear your prayers…”

  “Daed already did. He just left.”

  “All right then. Kiss me good night and close your eyes. The sooner you sleep, the sooner it will be morning.”

  “We’ll try, Mamm,” Noah said, his mouth drooping. “It’s going to be a long, long night, I’m thinking.”

  She smiled as she lowered her head to kiss her sons.

  “I’m glad everyone’s coming here tomorrow,” Noah added. “We’re gonna have a real fun time, aren’t we?”

  “Oh, jah.”

  “Onkel Abe never smiles, Mamm. Why?” Noah asked, unexpectedly.

  “Honey, you know about the accident. It’s still very sad for him. It always will be.”

  “But they’re in heaven. He should be glad.”

  She sighed as she tucked in the quilt. “Jah, that’s true, but he still misses seeing them.”