Isaac took a deep breath but decided against answering. “C-come on, Snickers.” Isaac headed off after Leanne and Sovilla.
Once Leanne and Isaac had their buggies ready and waiting in the driveway, Andrew headed over to Sovilla.
Isaac tried to tamp down the jealousy flickering inside. If only he could talk as smoothly as his brother. Sovilla would be drawn to Andrew rather than to someone who could barely speak.
“Would you like to ride with us?” Andrew asked her.
Isaac held his breath. Part of him hoped she’d agree, but he worried Andrew wanted to invite her to sit in the back with him, where they’d be crowded together.
Sovilla didn’t look at Andrew. Instead, she turned to Leanne. “There won’t be enough room with you?”
“Of course there is. I’d love to have you ride with me.” She glanced at Isaac and bit her lip. “I mean, you’d probably rather go with my brothers.”
Sovilla’s eyes widened. “Neh, neh. I’ll go with you if that’s all right.”
Leanne shot Isaac a helpless look. He shrugged and turned away so she couldn’t read the hurt in his eyes. Sovilla didn’t want to go with him.
He tried to tell himself she wanted to follow her aenti’s directions about not being around boys, but he’d seen the desperation in her eyes, as if begging Leanne to save her. That cut him deeply.
He wished he could believe she’d been rejecting Andrew, but Sovilla probably assumed Zeke would be polite and sit in the back with Andrew. That would leave Sovilla beside him.
“C-come,” Isaac called to Snickers. His puppy jumped into the passenger side.
“I suppose she’ll be on my feet the whole ride,” Zeke grumped. Then he smiled. “Just kidding. She’s such a good dog.” He let Andrew into the back, then he climbed in. “You’re a good dog, Snickers.”
Isaac hadn’t asked if they could follow Leanne to the singing. They might be late if he took the back roads, so he stayed behind his sister the whole way to the Fishers’.
When they arrived, Ruthie was sitting at a picnic table in the backyard holding a volleyball. A net stretched across the grass. She jumped up and hurried toward them.
“Gut! You’re here. You’ll be on my team, won’t you, Isaac?”
Andrew glowered. “What about me?”
Ruthie blushed. “I planned to ask Leanne too. She’s so good at spiking.”
“I see.” Andrew sounded miffed.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to leave you out.” She looked down and brushed off her apron. “I, um, don’t think it’s fair to take all the best players. Maybe you could play opposite me.” Her tentative smile begged him to understand.
“Jah. I suppose.”
“Will you promise not to spike the ball at me?” Ruthie fluttered her eyelashes at him. “You’re so strong. I don’t want to get hurt.”
Andrew brightened. “I’ll be careful.”
“Danke.” She smiled prettily. “I knew I could count on you.”
“Of course you can.” Andrew’s chest puffed up, and he strode to the opposite side of the net.
Ruthie sat on the bench beside Isaac, who was petting Snickers. “Don’t tell Andrew,” she whispered, “but he’s not as good as you. Or Leanne.”
Isaac bobbed his head. Even if Ruthie hadn’t asked, he had no intention of telling Andrew. “S-stay, S-Snickers.” Isaac signaled to the puppy.
Then he rose and headed to the opposite side of the net from Andrew. Ruthie trailed behind him. Andrew glared at him. What was wrong with his brother now?
Ruthie waved Leanne over. “You’re on my team,” she announced. Then she waved to the opposite side of the net. “You two can be on Andrew’s team.”
Isaac cringed. Surely Ruthie hadn’t meant to sound so unwelcoming. He tried to make up for her tone by giving Sovilla and his younger sister a big smile.
* * *
Ruthie’s tone had been dismissive, but Sovilla tried not to let her hurt show. Isaac’s sixteen-year-old sister, Mary Grace, didn’t hide her feelings. She looked like she was about to cry. Isaac’s special smile and thumbs-up softened the blow.
Ruthie frowned as she studied him.
On the bright side, if Sovilla played opposite Isaac, she’d be able to observe him.
A girl emerged from the house. “Oh, I didn’t know so many people were here already. Sorry.”
“It’s just our family, Katie. We got here a little early. Oh, and Ruthie’s here, and our friend Sovilla. I introduced you to each other this morning after church.”
Sovilla had met so many people that their faces had all blurred together. She only recalled meeting Ruthie. Perhaps because Ruthie had been so unkind. Still, she wanted to be polite. “Nice to see you again, Katie.”
“I’m glad you came, Sovilla. It’ll be fun getting to know you.”
“Katie,” Ruthie called, “I’ve been dividing up the teams.”
“I see.” Katie glanced from one side to the other and frowned.
Ruthie beckoned her over. “You can be on this side.”
“We should make sure the teams are even.” Katie headed over to Sovilla’s side. She leaned close and whispered, “I hope you know how to play. Leanne and Isaac are the best players. We usually put them on opposite sides.”
“I’ve played back in Ohio, so I hope I can help.” Sovilla had been a good player in Sugarcreek, but she had no idea about Isaac and Leanne’s skill level. Maybe she wouldn’t be close.
“I’ll try to make sure the rest of the players are more evenly matched.” Katie turned her back to the other team and lowered her voice. “Ruthie’s their weakest player, and she jumps back from spikes, so aim them toward her.”
“What are you two whispering about?” Andrew strode over to them.
“Plotting how to win,” Katie said with a smile. “Sovilla needs some tips.” She smiled at Sovilla. “Whatever you do, try not to hit any balls toward Isaac or Leanne.”
Andrew frowned. “I can handle anything they send over the net.”
Katie’s slight eye roll clued Sovilla in that Andrew liked to brag.
Mary Grace spoke, her voice so quiet Sovilla could hardly hear her. “Not always, Andrew.” Ignoring his narrowed eyes, she added, “Besides, they’ll probably return the ball to the weaker players like me.”
As other buggies pulled in and friends exchanged greetings, Sovilla tried not to feel left out. If she’d been back in Sugarcreek, she’d be chatting with everyone and looking to spend time with Henry. She missed her youth group.
Her loneliness increased at the reminder that Henry hadn’t written. Tomorrow, she’d make time to write the letter she kept putting off.
Leanne did her best to include Sovilla and Mary Grace in all her conversations. Sovilla appreciated Leanne’s kindness, even though she remembered few of the names and faces.
When Mary Grace moved out of hearing distance, Leanne confided, “My sister only started coming recently. She’s shy, so I try to stay close. I hope she’ll be more talkative once she gets comfortable.”
Ruthie interrupted them by clapping. “We should get started.”
“Good idea.” Katie took over and directed people to different teams. “We’ll need some stronger players over here if both Isaac and Leanne are on the same side.”
Because they had more players than they needed for each side, Katie asked for volunteers to sit at the picnic table and rotate in as subs. Mary Grace rushed to the bench. Sovilla offered, but Katie took her arm.
“Neh, stay here. I want you to play for my team.”
“I might not be as good as the rest of you.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
But after several exhausting games, Katie smiled at Sovilla. “You were worried about not being good enough?” She wiped her forehead. “I never expected to lose to Leanne and Isaac by only two points. You really know how to spike.”
Sovilla felt a bit guilty, but she’d taken Katie’s advice and spiked the ball to Ruthie, who squealed and jumped ba
ck. Once Andrew and Sovilla had jumped up for the ball at the same time. Andrew glanced down at Ruthie and hesitated. Sovilla reached in and smashed a spike right in front of Ruthie’s feet.
Ruthie leapt away. When Ruthie’s eyes filled with tears, Sovilla wished she hadn’t been so aggressive. She had no right to be jealous of Ruthie’s interest in Isaac.
Chapter Fourteen
Isaac stared at Sovilla in amazement. Her skills matched Leanne’s, and she quickly figured out the weakest players and sent the ball sailing to them. Playing across from her had been a pleasure, and when they went inside for the singing, Leanne snagged two seats across from him, and Isaac rejoiced. Now he could watch her the whole evening.
Before Sovilla could sit, Ruthie nudged Sovilla over one space.
“You don’t mind if I sit beside Leanne, do you?” Ruthie plopped into that place before Sovilla could respond.
Sovilla appeared startled, but she sat beside Ruthie. Leanne sent Isaac an apologetic look, and Mary Grace slid in beside Sovilla.
Isaac inched his chair over a little and angled his body slightly. That way, when he looked up from the Ausbund, he’d see Sovilla rather than Ruthie. Andrew bumped him over a little more so he sat across from Ruthie instead of Isaac. She didn’t look pleased.
After the singing, Isaac tried to keep a surreptitious eye on Leanne as she introduced Sovilla to some of the girls who’d come after the volleyball game ended.
“Isaac, I need a ride home.”
He nodded and Ruthie beamed. He held up a finger to ask her to wait.
Although he suspected Ruthie wanted to go with him, Isaac hurried over to Leanne. “R-Ruthie asked f-for a r-ride.”
With you? Leanne mouthed. When he nodded, she pinched back a grin. “We can take her.”
Isaac gave his sister a relieved smile. “D-danke.”
“Of course. I’ll let her know.”
He trailed behind Leanne as she crossed the room to where Andrew stood joking with a bevy of girls. His brother had edged close to Ruthie.
Leanne tapped Ruthie on the shoulder. “Come on, Ruthie. We’re almost ready to leave.”
A puzzled look crossed Ruthie’s face. “I, um, thought I was going with Isaac.”
“She can go with us, Leanne,” Andrew said. “It doesn’t seem like she’s quite ready to go yet, are you, Ruthie?”
“Neh, I wanted to talk to Katie first.”
Isaac cringed. Leave it to Andrew to mess up the plans.
“That’s all right,” Leanne said. “I don’t mind waiting. Isaac’s ready to leave now. Zeke’s already outside.”
Bless you, Leanne. Zeke had only gone out to talk to two of his friends on the porch, but Isaac didn’t correct her.
Ruthie shifted from one foot to the other. “I could talk to Katie some other time.”
“Neh, neh, go ahead.” Leanne waved her toward the food table, where Katie was clearing dishes. “Maybe we could both help with the cleanup.”
Brilliant. His sister was a genius. Ruthie couldn’t refuse to assist Katie.
“T-time to g-go,” Isaac said to Andrew and nodded toward the door.
His brother didn’t move. “I don’t mind waiting for Ruthie.”
Ruthie flashed him a grateful smile, and he reddened.
Isaac couldn’t believe it. Andrew never blushed. At least, not around girls.
“Don’t be silly,” Leanne said. “Ruthie wouldn’t want to be squashed into the buggy with three boys and Snickers. I have more room.” The challenging look she shot Ruthie dared her to disagree.
Isaac owed his sister a huge danke.
“Let’s go help Katie.” Leanne steered Ruthie toward the other side of the room.
Isaac rushed for the door. He needed to get out of here now while Leanne had Ruthie distracted. Andrew said goodbyes to all the girls gathered around him and stomped after Isaac.
“What’s the hurry?” he griped. “It’s not like we have to rush home for anything. We could have waited for Ruthie.”
Isaac stopped so suddenly, Andrew almost plowed into him. “You w-want to t-take Ruthie?”
“Jah. Neh.” He looked uncertain. “I was only being polite.”
Hmm. Andrew had never seemed too worried about any girl’s feelings or well-being. He loved being the center of attention. Until now, he’d never shown a special interest in anyone. Had Ruthie caught his eye? Or was he intrigued because she didn’t pay as much attention to him as she did to Isaac?
If only Sovilla didn’t have a boyfriend, Isaac could discourage Ruthie. Perhaps if she turned her attention to Andrew, he’d start seeing her as one of the admiring crowd. That might be the fastest way to make him lose interest.
* * *
“You don’t mind waiting, do you, Sovilla?” Leanne asked quietly behind Ruthie’s back.
“Not at all.” Sovilla would be happy to do anything to keep Isaac out of Ruthie’s clutches. “I can help too.”
Mary Grace joined them. With all five of them working, they had the table and kitchen cleaned in no time.
Sovilla, Leanne, and Mary Grace hung back to give Katie and Ruthie private time in the kitchen, but the other two girls talked about the food, the upcoming baseball game the youth group had planned, and the restaurant where Ruthie worked.
When they finished, Leanne looked at Ruthie. “Did you need some time alone to talk to Katie? We can wait for you in the buggy.”
Katie tilted her head, her eyes filled with surprise. “You need to talk to me?”
“Neh, it’s all right.” Pink spots appeared on Ruthie’s cheeks. “I didn’t have a chance to talk to you much today. I’m glad we chatted now.”
Her awkward excuse made it clear she’d been angling to ride with Isaac. Leanne turned away to hide her smile, but Sovilla caught it.
When they got in the buggy, Sovilla climbed into the back with Mary Grace. Ruthie glanced around as if to see whether Isaac had left yet. Then she got into the passenger seat, a glum expression on her face.
Leanne attempted to start a conversation several times before Ruthie responded. Although Leanne tried to include everyone, Sovilla didn’t remember most of the people they mentioned. She soon subsided into silence.
With each mile closer to home they got, the more Sovilla’s dread increased. She’d managed to put Wilma out of her mind and enjoy youth group. But she’d pay for her disobedience. Nausea rose in her. What would her aenti do?
After they pulled over at Ruthie’s house, Leanne invited Sovilla to sit in the front seat. “I hope you enjoyed the singing.”
“I did. Everyone’s so nice.”
“Even Ruthie?”
When Sovilla didn’t respond, Leanne laughed. “You don’t have to answer that.”
“Sorry I haven’t been talking much. I’m anxious about going home.”
“You think Wilma will be upset?”
“Jah. She’ll be furious. I slipped out while she napped. I didn’t ask her permission. I left a note.”
Leanne sucked in a breath. “Ach, Sovilla. Can we do anything to help?”
Sovilla had only one answer. “Pray.”
* * *
As soon as he arrived home after the singing, Isaac headed out to the kennel with Snickers. He checked all his pups, made sure they had fresh water, and then pulled out his Bible.
Sitting across from Sovilla tonight made him determined to conquer his stuttering. Actually, Ruthie had also encouraged him. He needed to be able to say neh forcefully or to suggest she ride with someone else.
Isaac removed the gravel from the container and shoved it into his mouth. He almost gagged. But he had to do this.
Sometimes he could only manage a few verses, but tonight he read a complete chapter. He’d started on the next chapter when, behind him, the door creaked.
Not Andrew again. Isaac spit the gravel into his hand and slid it into his pocket.
“What are you doing?” Leanne asked.
Still holding the Bible, he turned to face h
er.
She stared at the book in his hands. “You’re reading the Bible out here?” Leanne sounded curious but not judgmental.
Isaac could trust her with his secrets. Trying to explain Demosthenes would be a challenge. He motioned for her to follow him to the closet, where he took out the library article and pointed to the underlined parts.
His sister bent her head to read. Her puzzled frown changed to a look of delight. “Oh, Isaac, you’re doing this?”
He nodded and pulled the damp gravel from his pocket.
“I’m so proud of you. I hope this works.”
“Me t-too.”
“I’ll let you get back to practicing, but first I wanted to talk about Sovilla.”
Isaac worried his face might reveal his eagerness. He struggled to act casual, but Leanne would never tease him. She’d saved him from taking Ruthie home.
He grimaced. “D-danke.”
Once again, his sister read his mind. “You mean about Ruthie? No problem. I couldn’t believe she asked you for a ride home.”
Neither could Isaac. A smile tugged at his lips at the way Leanne had outfoxed Ruthie.
She guessed what he was thinking and burst into laughter. He joined her.
Then he sobered. “And-drew?”
“I wondered about that.” Leanne raised an eyebrow. “Do you think he likes her?”
Isaac nodded. He was pretty sure Andrew did. He’d tried to work out a way for Ruthie to ride home with them. And he seemed annoyed at Isaac.
“Do you think he really cares about her? Or does it bother him that she doesn’t pay attention to him?”
The same thing had occurred to Isaac. His brother’s recent barbs might be a sign of his interest. “An-d-drew’s mad at me.”
“Then maybe he’d like to date her.” Leanne tapped her lip. “We need to find a way to get her interested in Andrew instead of you.”
Isaac mimed wiping his forehead. That would be a major relief.
Leanne laughed. “You could get rid of her by asking Sovilla to ride home after a singing.”
“Sh-she has a b-boyfriend.”
“Ach, Isaac. I’m so sorry.”
He’d rather not think of that. Leanne had come to tell him something about Sovilla. He needed to get her back on track. “S-Sovilla?”
An Unexpected Amish Courtship Page 13
