The Divided Family

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

  “Well, I … uh … was visiting with my nephew Scott outside, and he mentioned the Christmas program tomorrow evening. I told him I’d try to make it to the holiday performance, but I actually came here today to see you.”

  “Oh, what about?” Anna placed her pen beside the papers on her desk.

  Joel leaned on her desk, hoping he wouldn’t lose his nerve and would be able to say the right words. “See … the thing is … I came to apologize.”

  Fingering her paperwork, Anna murmured, “For what, Joel?”

  “For hurting you when I broke things off and left the Amish faith.” There, it was out. If she accepted his apology he’d stop by Dad’s place and tell Aunt Verna what he’d done. Telling Anna he was sorry would surely be considered a selfless act.

  She blinked a couple of times, and the color in her cheeks darkened. “What brought this on all of a sudden? Have you changed your mind about being English?”

  He shook his head. “I’m happy living with modern things. I … I’ve been thinking about us, though, and wanted you to know that I feel bad about the way things ended.” Joel leaned a bit closer. “Will you accept my apology?” Remembering how his dimpled smile used to temper Anna’s mood whenever they got into a disagreement in the past, Joel thought he’d go that route and see if it would work on her now. So he gave Anna his deepest smile, gazing into her eyes. Hoping to ensure success in his endeavor, Joel placed his hand on hers and gave her fingers a tender squeeze.

  Blushing further, Anna gave a slow nod. “I … I appreciate you coming by. It means a lot to me.”

  “Good.” He moved away from her, shuffling his feet and feeling a bit guilty for coming here with an ulterior motive. He hoped she hadn’t gotten the wrong impression.

  Joel hadn’t actually lied to Anna; he did feel bad for hurting her in the past. But if not for the stipulation in Dad’s will, he probably never would have apologized.

  “Guess I’d better go and let you get back to whatever you were doing. See you around, Anna.” Joel turned from the desk.

  “Remember, if you’re not doing anything tomorrow evening, you’re welcome to come to our Christmas program,” Anna called sweetly.

  He lifted his hand in a parting wave. “I will try to be there.” I’ll only be coming for Scott.

  Charm

  Feeling rather pleased with himself, Joel whistled a tune he’d learned as a boy and turned onto the road leading to Dad’s place. He felt good about his visit with Anna and was confident that when he told Aunt Verna, she’d be impressed. If she agreed what he’d done met the condition of the will, then surely his sisters would, too. Since Anna was Doris’s friend, Doris would no doubt be pleased to learn of Joel’s apology.

  As Joel sat in his truck on the hill above Dad’s house, he was tempted to get out and wander around, reflecting on his childhood a bit. He could sit on his old rock-seat and daydream awhile, but it was really too cold for that. Besides, Joel was anxious to speak with his aunt.

  Turning the steering wheel, he drove down the driveway and parked his vehicle near the barn. When he stepped out and heard the horses whinny, he was tempted to lead them into the barn, as he’d done for a good many years while growing up. But it wasn’t his job anymore. Glen was staying here, and he’d take care of the animals when he got home from work, if he wasn’t here already.

  Shaking his thoughts aside, Joel hurried up the front porch and knocked on the door. He waited several seconds, and when no one answered, he knocked again, a little louder this time. If Aunt Verna was here, she may not have heard him.

  A few more seconds passed. Joel was about to try the door when it suddenly swung open. Aunt Verna, wearing a black scarf on her head, looked at him quizzically. “This is an unexpected surprise. Have you been working in the area today?”

  “No, I …” Joel paused and moistened his lips. “Is it all right if I come in?”

  She cupped her hand around one ear. “What was that?”

  Joel repeated himself, a little louder this time.

  “Of course you may.” She opened the door wider, and Joel stepped inside. “Should we go in the kitchen? I was about to fix myself a glass of buttermilk. Would you like some?”

  His lips puckered, thinking about the soured milk his dad used to drink. Apparently Aunt Verna liked it, too. “No thanks. I’ll take a glass of water, though.”

  “No problem.”

  He followed her to the kitchen and took two glasses from the cupboard. After handing one to her, he filled his glass with water and took a seat at the table. Once Aunt Verna had her buttermilk, she joined him. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?” she asked.

  Joel took a quick drink and set his glass on the table. “I just came from the schoolhouse in Farmerstown.”

  “Oh? Did you see your nieces and nephews there?”

  “I talked to Scott for a few minutes, but I didn’t see the others. I went there to speak with their teacher, Anna Detweiler.”

  Aunt Verna peered at Joel over the top of her glasses. “Are you two getting back together?”

  Joel shook his head. “I went there to tell Anna I was sorry for the hurt I caused when I broke up with her seven years ago.”

  “Could you repeat that, please?”

  “I went there to tell Anna I was sorry for the hurt I caused when I broke up with her seven years ago.”

  Aunt Verna took a sip of buttermilk. “Has it really been that long?”

  “Yes, but that’s not the point.”

  “What is the point?”

  “I apologized, and she forgave me.”

  “I’m glad to hear that. It’s always good when a person realizes they’ve wronged someone and tries to make amends.”

  Smiling, Joel sagged in his chair with relief. Once Aunt Verna told Doris, Arlene, and Elsie what he’d done, he felt sure he would soon be opening the envelope Dad left for him.

  He took another drink and cleared his throat. “So now that I’ve done my good deed, will you tell my sisters you approve and allow me to receive my inheritance?”

  She pursed her lips, frowning deeply. “Apologizing to Anna was not a selfless act, Joel.”

  Perplexed and feeling a bit miffed, Joel rapped his knuckles on the table. “Then tell me what specifically I need to do.”

  “I can’t. It’s something you must find out for yourself.” Aunt Verna left her seat and stepped up to Joel, placing her hand on his heart. “It must come from within. It needs to be heartfelt, not something you do only in the hope of getting your share of my brother’s money.”

  Joel’s hands curled into a fist as he inhaled a long breath. This was not going the way he’d planned.

  “How is your spiritual life, Joel?” Aunt Verna spoke softly. “Have you prayed about this situation?”

  He snorted. “I don’t pray about anything anymore.”

  “Well, maybe it’s time you start.” She looked at him with squinted eyes.

  Feeling uncomfortable, Joel pushed back his chair. “Sorry I bothered you, Aunt Verna. You obviously don’t understand.”

  “I believe I do.” She pointed a bony finger at him. “It’s you who doesn’t understand. Your daed knew that, and he tried to—”

  Joel whirled around, turning his back on her. “I don’t want to hear anything about my dad. He never treated me well after I left home, and the stupid thing he put in his will only proves he had no love for me!” Without waiting for his aunt’s response, he jerked open the back door and dashed outside into the frigid air. He was not going to knuckle under and do a selfless act simply because his dad wanted him to. He would figure out some other way to make his fortune!

  CHAPTER 9

  Farmerstown

  It was hard to believe Christmas was only two days away, but as Doris sat beside Brian at the back of the schoolhouse, the reality sank in. Four of her nephews and nieces took turns reciting their pieces. The story of Jesus’ birth had been acted out in a Nativity scene, with Doug and Scott both playin
g the parts of shepherds, while Martha and Lillian were angels.

  Doris was glad she’d felt up to coming, for she wouldn’t have wanted to miss it. Her best friend was a talented teacher and had done a good job with the children in preparation for this evening’s program.

  Glancing around the room, she noticed several hand-drawn pictures of winter scenes. In addition to those, the scholars had made cutout snowflakes of various sizes and shapes to decorate the walls. It brought back memories from when she was a girl. But seeing the scholars and listening to their recitations was bittersweet. It was a harsh reminder that she might never have any children of her own.

  She clutched her shawl around her shoulders. I wonder if my sisters know how fortunate they are to have been given the chance to be mothers. Her eyes watered, and she bit the inside of her cheek, hoping the tears wouldn’t fall. There’s no point feeling sorry for myself. It won’t change a thing. I need to accept what’s happened to me and find a new purpose in life.

  Doris glanced at Brian and offered him a brief smile when he clasped her hand. He always seemed to be aware when she needed some reassurance or comfort during times of despair. I feel blessed, she thought, to have found a good husband who loves and cares for me.

  Turning her attention to the front of the room, Doris couldn’t help but smile when one of the smaller students recited a poem while holding his hand against his heart: “Christmas comes just once a year; but the love of God is always here.”

  Another child, holding a wrapped package, added, “Christmas is not about gifts or toys. God sent His Son to earth for moms, dads, girls, and boys.”

  Doris thought about the trials people sometimes faced and how keeping their focus on God helped them get through even the most difficult times. As the children emphasized through their recitations, poems, and skits, the true meaning of Christmas was God’s love for His people.

  She closed her eyes and offered a brief prayer. Thank You, Lord, for the gift of Your Son. Help me love others as You have loved us.

  “The program went well, don’t you think?” Arlene said to Larry as they headed for home in their buggy.

  “It sure did, and I’m glad the snow they’ve been forecasting held off so the roads are clear.”

  Scott groaned from his seat behind them.

  “What’s the matter, Son?” Arlene called. “Are you disappointed because your uncle Joel didn’t come to the program?”

  “It ain’t that. I mean isn’t. I’ve got a bauchweh. Sure hope I don’t throw up.”

  “Hang on, Scott, we’ll be home soon.” Larry bumped Arlene’s arm with his elbow. “It’s no wonder our boy has a stomachache. Did you see all the popcorn he ate after the program?”

  “He had some candy, too,” Martha interjected. “Teacher Anna brought some for each of the scholars tonight.”

  Arlene turned and reached over the seat, patting her son’s knee. “You’ll feel better once we get home and you can go to bed. I have a homeopathic remedy for tummy aches, and that should help, too.”

  Scott’s only response was a deep moan.

  Poor little guy. Everything went so well at the program tonight, Arlene felt bad it had ended on a sour note for Scott.

  “It was good to see Doris out tonight,” Larry commented.

  “Jah. I wasn’t sure she’d be up to it, but I’m glad she came. She’s been cooped up in the house too much since her accident.” Arlene shifted under the blanket covering her lap. “Once she gets her cast off, she should do even better.”

  By the time they arrived home it had begun to snow, and the storm seemed to be getting stronger as the snow stuck to the ground.

  “I’ll get the snow shovel out before I come in for the evening, in case we get a good accumulation of this white stuff during the night.” Larry pulled the buggy up near the house to let everyone out.

  “Yippee! Can we make a big schneeballe?” Lillian asked when she jumped down from the buggy.

  “No snowballs tonight,” Larry said. “It’s late and you kinner need to get ready for bed. School’s out till after Christmas, so if it keeps snowing, you can all play in it tomorrow.”

  “I don’t wanna play in the snow,” Martha said. “It’s too kelt for me.”

  “It won’t be cold if you put on plenty of clothes.” Doug ran ahead of his sisters, while Scott trailed behind.

  Arlene could tell her boy wasn’t feeling well, because normally Scott would have been excited about the snow.

  As Larry helped her out of the buggy, he leaned close and said, “How about making some hot chocolate with marshmallows after the kinner go to bed? We can sit by the fire and enjoy each other’s company for a while.”

  She smiled. “That sounds nice. I’ll take care of making it as soon as the little ones are tucked in.”

  While Arlene and the children headed inside, Larry led the horse to the barn before he put their buggy away for the night.

  After Arlene placed the baby in his crib, she sent Doug, Martha, and Lillian upstairs to wash and get ready for bed. Then she gave Scott a remedy for indigestion and took his temperature. He was running a slight fever, but she didn’t think it was anything to worry about. By tomorrow morning he’d probably be his old self again, ready to romp and play in the snow.

  Akron

  Joel entered his mobile home, slung his jacket over a chair, and glanced at the cell phone, noting it was nine o’clock—too late to head for Farmerstown. The school program had probably been over awhile already. He’d planned on going, but his day had been busy, and he’d worked longer than he expected. To make matters worse, it had started snowing about an hour ago, and the vehicles ahead of him had been crawling along. It didn’t help that the snow was coming down heavier and sticking to everything. The temperature had dropped suddenly, and the roads could get slick.

  Joel’s thoughts went to Kristi. He hoped if she was coming home from work, or was on the road for any other reason, that she’d be careful out there. As Christmas drew near, he found himself missing her more than ever. Sure wish she would have forgiven me and agreed to start over.

  He reached for the TV remote and found the local weather report to see what the forecast was for their area. Turning up the volume so he could hear it from the kitchen, he made himself a sandwich.

  Maybe it’s for the best I didn’t go to the program, Joel thought when he returned to the living room with a ham-and-cheese sandwich. With the tension between me and my sisters, I may have said or done the wrong thing. Sometimes Joel felt as if his family looked for things they didn’t like about him. If his sisters cared about his financial situation, they would have spoken up when John had read the will and admitted that Dad’s demands were ridiculous. If they’d all stuck together on this, they could have opened their envelopes by now. But of course, they’d have to get Aunt Verna to agree to it, as well. Joel had always liked and respected his aunt, but sometimes she could be downright stubborn, like his dad.

  “She should have accepted my apology to Anna as a selfless act,” he mumbled, leaning his head against the back of the couch. “Now I’m stuck trying to figure out what my next move should be.”

  When Joel had left his dad’s place after his conversation with Aunt Verna, he’d decided to stop trying to come up with something everyone would see as heartfelt. But after he’d cooled down, and taken another look at his bank account, along with the few jobs he had lined up for the rest of the month, Joel realized he needed to keep trying to meet the stipulations of the will. There had to be something he could do that wouldn’t be a big sacrifice for him but would still satisfy his sisters and Aunt Verna. He needed to figure out what it was.

  “I see you’re working the evening shift again,” Yvonne Patterson, one of the other nurses, said when she passed Kristi in the hall. “Are you filling in for Barbara?”

  Kristi turned to face Yvonne. “Yes. Shortly before I was supposed to get off work, our supervisor let me know Barbara had called in sick. I volunteered to take her plac
e.”

  “How come? I would think you’d be exhausted after working all day.”

  “I’ll admit it’s not easy working back-to-back shifts, but as the week’s progressed, Audrey’s gotten worse, and I wanted to be with her tonight.” Kristi sighed. “She hardly recognizes me anymore, but I keep hoping she’ll rally a bit.”

  Yvonne gave Kristi’s arm a gentle pat. “You have a genuine heart for your patients, and everyone here speaks highly of you. I’ve heard some folks call you a saint.”

  Kristi felt the heat of a blush erupt on her cheeks. “I’m definitely not that. I just try to treat everyone kindly and do what the Bible says.”

  “Your Christianity shows. You don’t talk about it all over the place. You live it.”

  Kristi and Yvonne visited a few more minutes, then moved down the hall to check on patients. Unexpectedly, an image of Joel flashed across Kristi’s mind. I think I may have failed at being a Christian example to him, she thought with regret. If I’d been more Christ-like, maybe he would have turned his life over to the Lord instead of putting himself first.

  I shouldn’t be thinking about this right now, she told herself. I can’t undo the past, nor can I, or anyone else, make Joel become a Christian if he doesn’t want to. He was raised in a Christian home and exposed to Bible teaching from the time he was a boy. Joel became selfish and self-centered of his own accord. All I can do is pray for him—pray that he will see the truth before it’s too late.

  Pushing her thoughts aside, Kristi stepped into Audrey’s room. The light beside her bed was still on, and Audrey’s eyes were open. For a minute, Kristi thought the dear woman was staring at the ceiling, but taking a closer look, she realized Audrey wasn’t moving.

  Kristi’s heart pounded as she checked for a pulse. Nothing. And no breath came from Audrey’s slightly open mouth.

  “You’ve gone home,” Kristi murmured tearfully. “Your body is healed, and now you are in the presence of the Lord.”