Unbreakable

by Nancy Mehl

  “I thought you’d like to know that Berlene and her husband have arrived at Avery’s house. The funeral will be Monday morning.”

  “Thank you, Lizzie,” Papa said.

  “We’re preparing food for everyone after the service, but if you want to bring a salad, that would be helpful.”

  “We’ll be glad to,” I said. “How did Berlene receive the news?”

  She shook her head. “She hadn’t been back to see Avery for a while. I’m sure she’s regretting it now.”

  “I feel bad for her.”

  Lizzie nodded. “I do too. Father is having a hard time of it. He and Avery were very close. I will always remember his kindness to Charity and me when we first came to Kingdom. He gave us most of our furniture.”

  “Avery was a very giving person,” Papa said sadly. “He will be missed.”

  “Berlene asked me to pass a message to you, Samuel. She would appreciate it if you would come by Avery’s house this afternoon. She has something she wants to talk over with you. I have no idea what it’s about.”

  He looked puzzled. “Of course I will go, but I cannot imagine what she has to say to me.”

  I felt my stomach clench as I looked at Beau. “Maybe she wants Beau back.”

  Papa shrugged. “Perhaps that is it. I should probably take him with me.”

  I put my head down and stared at my quilt, but the tears that filled my eyes made it impossible to see.

  “I’m certain that’s not it,” Lizzie said. “She asked about Beau, and when we told her he was with you, she was pleased.”

  My heart leapt with relief. I quickly wiped my eyes but not before a tear splashed down on the quilt.

  “Then I won’t take him,” Papa said. “I will go to Avery’s house right after lunch.”

  “You must drive on the main road to get to Avery’s house, Papa. I don’t want you out there alone.”

  “Noah and the elders have asked that we let them know if we need to travel out of town,” Lizzie said. “Someone will go with you. I know Noah would be happy to drive you in his truck.”

  “I would appreciate that,” Papa said. “Are you sure it is not too much trouble?”

  “No, not at all.” Lizzie smiled at me. “We haven’t had much time together lately, Hope. Do you think this crotchety father of yours would let you come over and have a piece of pie with me this afternoon while he and Noah are gone?”

  Papa chuckled. “I think that could be arranged.”

  “Thank you, Papa,” I said with a smile. “About two, Lizzie?”

  “That would be perfect. See you then.”

  I waved good-bye to her. My heart soared knowing we would have some time to visit. Lizzie liked to call it “girl time.”

  “I wonder why Berlene would want to see me,” Papa mused, stroking his beard again.

  I shook my head. “I have no idea, but I’m glad we can do something to help her.”

  Papa agreed. A few minutes later Bethany Mendenhall, the pastor’s wife, came in with one of their daughters, and I spent some time helping them pick out fabric for a new quilt they wanted to make together. Bethany wasn’t an experienced seamstress, so teaching her daughter to quilt would be a bit of a challenge. We talked for almost an hour about how to choose the right fabrics and notions, along with what quilt pattern might be the easiest for a beginner. By the time they left, I felt confident they were equipped to create the kind of quilt they would be proud of.

  The rest of the morning passed quickly. We’d just finished lunch when Noah came by to pick up Papa and drive him to Avery’s house. I cautioned them to be careful.

  “I doubt anyone would suspect we were Mennonite by my truck,” Noah said with a grin.

  “Oh, right. And your hats won’t tip them off at all,” I said wryly.

  “Oh, I forgot.” He looked at Papa. “Maybe we should take our hats off and put them in the back seat.”

  My father’s face took on an expression I was familiar with. Steadfast and resolute. “I will not remove my hat for fear of any man.” He peered intently at Noah. “I know it is nothing more than a hat, but for me to take it off would mean I am hiding who I am and what I believe. I will not do that.”

  Noah looked embarrassed. “Of course. You’re right, Samuel. My apologies for suggesting it.”

  Papa patted him on the shoulder, his humor restored. “I am too quick to react sometimes, Noah. You are a good man, and I am happy to call you my friend.”

  “I’m only sorry your response wasn’t mine,” Noah replied. “You always seem to find the right path faster than I can.”

  I sighed heavily. “If you two are finished congratulating each other on your finer qualities, perhaps you could get going? I need to get ready for some serious girl time with Lizzie.”

  Papa looked stunned for a moment, but then both men began to laugh. I couldn’t help but join in.

  “My daughter has a way of making me look ridiculous sometimes,” Papa said, still chuckling. “I must agree with her. We can express our admiration for each other later. Let’s get over to Avery’s and see what Berlene needs.”

  “I have several casseroles from some of the women in town as well as a basket of Lizzie’s fried chicken and a bowl of potato salad in the truck,” Noah said. “I’m sure Berlene and her husband have been visited by other residents delivering food and assistance.”

  “Oh my,” I said. “I almost forgot. I have a loaf of bread for them. Let me get it.” I hurried to the back room, where I removed the bread from our propane icebox. I wrote a quick note of condolence and slid it between the layers of cloth I’d used to cover the loaf. “Here it is,” I said as I came back into the main shop room. Taking a sack from under the counter I slid the loaf inside so it would be easier to carry.

  “Thank you for thinking of this, Daughter,” Papa said. He leaned over and kissed my forehead. “We will be back later this afternoon. Have a pleasant visit with Lizzie.”

  “I will, Papa. Please be careful.” I smiled at Noah. “Hats or no hats, don’t take any chances, okay?”

  “I won’t, Hope. We’ll be fine.” Noah picked his hat up from the counter where he’d put it when he came in and planted it firmly on his head. I saw him cast a quick glance toward Papa, and I found it touching that he cared so much what my father thought.

  After they left, I put all the supplies away that were lying on the counter and prepared for my appointment with Lizzie. It had been too long since our last visit, and I needed to unburden myself to her about my broken engagement to Ebbie. Leaning down to put some thread on the bottom shelf of the front counter, I heard the front door open. I hoped desperately it wasn’t Maybelle Crabb. She was a nice woman who lost her husband several years ago and craved company. Her visits could go on and on, and I wanted to get to the restaurant.

  I straightened up, praying I’d see anyone but Maybelle. My prayer was answered. Instead, I found myself looking up into the intense eyes of Jonathon Wiese.

  CHAPTER / 6

  “Oh my, Jonathon,” I said, my voice a little too squeaky. “Wh-what are you doing here?”

  He gave me a quick smile. “That’s a good question, Hope. You’ve probably guessed I don’t quilt much.”

  I laughed, but his humorous statement did nothing to quell the nervous butterflies in my stomach. We’d had many conversations, but they usually occurred in the presence of other people. Except for our time out on the road, which didn’t really count, we’d spoken alone only a few times. All of those instances had happened in public places, like in the restaurant or on the street. Once we’d talked after church while Papa was having a long conversation with Pastor Mendenhall in his office.

  “Are you busy?” he asked.

  “No. I mean, yes. I mean . . .” I cleared my throat and tried to get control of myself. It wasn’t easy with his eyes fastened on me. He’d removed his hat, and his dark, longish hair framed his face, making him look so handsome I found it hard to catch my breath. Of course, Mennonites were
n’t supposed to care about worldly things like outward adornment, but somehow Jonathon always managed to look perfect no matter the circumstance.

  “If I’m interrupting something—”

  “No. No, not at all. I’m supposed to meet Lizzie for pie and coffee this afternoon, but I still have a little time.”

  “I wanted to see how you’re doing after yesterday’s scare.”

  “Much better, thank you. After what happened to Avery, I feel very fortunate.” I sighed. “And a little guilty.”

  Jonathon’s eyebrows shot up. “Guilty? Why? You had nothing to do with Avery’s death.”

  “I keep wondering if he was killed because I got away.”

  “Oh, Hope. You can’t let thoughts like that into your head. They will only torture you.”

  “I-I know. It’s just . . .”

  He walked over to where I stood and took my hands in his. “You have the best heart of anyone I’ve ever known. What happened to Avery had nothing to do with you. It had to do with malicious men who are spurred on by hate.” He turned my right hand over and stared at my open palm. My heart fluttered inside my chest like a frightened moth trying to escape a trap.

  “Papa went over to Avery’s house to talk to his daughter,” I said, not knowing why I said it.

  “I know.” His blue eyes bored into mine. “I heard you’re no longer engaged to Ebbie Miller.”

  My heart must have moved from my chest to my throat because I didn’t seem capable of speech. I couldn’t even swallow. All I could do was nod.

  “You must know how I feel about you, Hope. I’m not very good at hiding it.”

  I shook my head and struggled to find my voice. “No . . . I mean, I have no idea—”

  Before I could get another word out, he leaned over and kissed me. It was the first time I’d ever been kissed on the mouth by a man. Ebbie and Papa had kissed me on the forehead and on the cheek, but this felt totally different.

  “I hope you’re not offended,” Jonathon said softly, just inches from my face, “but I’m in love with you. I have been for a long time. I’ve wanted to tell you how I felt, but I couldn’t because you were engaged to Ebbie.” He let go of my hands and turned away. “Maybe it’s too soon after breaking your engagement to think about another man.” He swung back toward me, his expression taut and serious. “But I couldn’t take the chance of not speaking to you now. Before you become engaged again. Do you understand?”

  I nodded dumbly. “Please . . . I need time to think.”

  “I understand.” He cleared his throat and leaned against the side counter. “I’m getting some people together to see if there’s something more we can do to keep our citizens out of harm’s way. If you’d like to join us—”

  “I know I told you I wanted to help,” I said, interrupting him, “but are you sure other people will want me involved? I mean, because I’m a woman.”

  “Hope,” he said sharply, a frown darkening his handsome features, “you’re one of the smartest people in this town. Why wouldn’t we need you? You’re just as talented and gifted as any man in Kingdom. Besides, there are already three other women who have asked to be at our first meeting.”

  His words gave me an odd sense of strength. Father had never tried to make me feel inferior as a woman, but he strongly believed women were the weaker sex and needed to be treated as such. However, it seemed to me that protecting Kingdom was the job of all our residents.

  “When are you meeting?”

  “Around three o’clock. At Noah’s.”

  “Papa is with Noah,” I said slowly. “If he’ll be back for the meeting, Papa will be with him. I can’t—”

  “It’s all right, Hope,” he said with a smile. “I don’t want to cause trouble with your father. I know he doesn’t like me.”

  “He doesn’t dislike you, Jonathon. He dislikes some of your beliefs. He’s very old-fashioned when it comes to our Mennonite traditions.”

  Jonathon was silent for a moment. Then he gazed into my eyes. “And you? What do you believe, Hope?”

  His question flustered me. What did I believe? I shook my head. “I wish I could tell you, but I can’t. I don’t condone violence, yet I also believe we should take care of the people we love. It’s confusing. Ebbie says . . .”

  I caught myself before I went any further, but it wasn’t soon enough. Jonathon scowled at the mention of Ebbie’s name.

  “Ebenezer Miller thinks we should lie down and let our enemies slaughter us with smiles on our faces,” he said in a subdued voice. “He believes there is some kind of honor in giving our lives for an ideal that has been passed down through our traditions. But traditions can be wrong.”

  I thought over his words. “Ebbie says we should pray for our enemies and let God defend us.”

  “Then why did God tell the children of Israel to fight and kill their enemies? Does that make any sense?”

  I sighed. “Ebbie says Christ brought a different covenant. That we no longer are under a covenant of judgment, but instead we’re under a covenant of grace. And that means we must extend grace toward those who would try to hurt us. Just like Jesus.”

  Jonathon grunted. “Ebbie says. Ebbie says. You’ve been brainwashed by Ebbie Miller.”

  “No I haven’t.” My denial came out with more force than I’d meant to use, but his statement angered me. “I have my own mind, thank you. It just isn’t as made up as yours.”

  He reached over and put his hands on my shoulders. “I’m sorry, Hope. You’re right. It isn’t easy for me either. I want to please God and handle this the way He wants me to, but I can’t believe He intends for us to do nothing while we watch our brothers and sisters being murdered.” He shook his head. “Seeing you in danger made me absolutely certain of my convictions. Maybe Ebbie could have watched you die, but I couldn’t.” He leaned down and kissed me again. This time his lips lingered a little longer.

  Hearing the front door open, I quickly twisted away from him. Was Papa back already? Sophie stood in the doorway, a look on her face I couldn’t interpret.

  “Here you are,” she said, looking at Jonathon. “Is the meeting still scheduled for three?”

  Jonathon frowned at her. “Yes. I told you that a little while ago, Sophie. Don’t you remember?”

  She shrugged and stared at me the way a bird might look at a bug right before it becomes lunch. “I forgot. How long you gonna hang around here?”

  “Actually, I do need to get going. I want to invite Aaron to our discussion.” He smiled at me. “I hope to see you at three, Hope, but if you don’t come, it’s okay. I’ll understand.”

  As he headed toward the door, Sophie shot me one last dirty look before she flounced out after him. It was obvious she had feelings for Jonathon. Feelings he didn’t return. She was such a lost soul. Unrequited love certainly wasn’t going to help her self-confidence. When I had a chance, I’d talk to Jonathon. He probably had no idea she cared for him. As irritating as she could be, I didn’t want to see her hurt.

  After checking the clock, I realized I was running late. Lizzie was probably wondering where I was. I hurried to the back room, cleaned up a bit, and then headed for the restaurant. I’d planned to leave Beau in the shop, but he got up and followed me out the door. Even though Lizzie had said Beau was always welcome in the restaurant, I was happy to find the dining room almost empty. I didn’t want his presence to bother any of Lizzie’s customers. Tonight was her busiest night. Most folks were waiting to come for the Friday night dinner specials, so finding only a couple of diners wasn’t really a surprise. Lizzie was pouring iced tea for Harold Eberly when I entered. She motioned for me to take a seat at a table in the corner. I’d only been sitting a few minutes when she brought over a coffeepot and two plates with Dutch apple pie and ice cream.

  I glanced at the clock on the wall. A little after two thirty. Jonathon’s meeting would start in about thirty minutes. There was no way I could go. I couldn’t lie to Papa. Even though he’d grudgingly agreed
that I should have the right to make some choices of my own, his reaction to finding me with Jonathon and those who seemingly opposed our nonviolent beliefs would push him too far.

  “Are you going to talk to me or stare into space?”

  Lizzie’s words made me jump. “I-I’m sorry. I was thinking about something else.” I pointed at Beau, who had curled up next to my feet. “I can take him back to the shop if you’d like.”

  She grinned. “I told your father Beau could come in here anytime, and I meant it. We’ll just make him our mascot.” She leaned down to scratch Beau behind the ears and was rewarded with a big sloppy smile from the contented dog.

  “Thanks, Lizzie. I’ll stop worrying about it.” I jammed my fork into the warm pie, vanilla ice cream dripping down the sides. Then I stuck it into my mouth. “Mmm. This is so good. You’ve outdone yourself this time.”

  “I added caramel and pecans to it,” she said quietly. “Cora’s recipe was great, but I wanted to add my own touch. Don’t tell anyone, Hope. I don’t want folks to think I’m saying I’m a better cook than Cora.”

  She actually was better than Cora, but I understood her loyalty to the woman who had given her a home in Kingdom. “Well, it’s incredible.” I sighed. “If you keep cooking this way, I’ll end up as big as a barn.”

  She laughed. “I don’t think there’s any danger of that.”

  I nodded but didn’t say anything.

  “Is something wrong, Hope?” she asked. “You seem preoccupied.”

  “Ebbie and I are no longer engaged.”

  “I heard about the breakup. Word spreads through town pretty quick. Ebbie’s parents are rather distressed.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I like them.”

  “Well, they’re not upset with you. Ebbie took full responsibility for the whole thing.”

  “He did?” I wasn’t surprised. He’d said he planned to take the blame. He could have easily held me at fault. Told everyone I cared for someone else. But he didn’t. It was just like him.

  Lizzie reached over and put her hand on mine. “Hope, you’re my very best friend. Anything you tell me will stay between us. You know that, right?”