“I know what you mean. But at least we still have grad school standing between us and the real world, right?”
Kelly laughed. “Yes. We can still be irresponsible students for a couple more years. Thank goodness for that. And thanks for letting me store the rest of my stuff at the apartment for the summer.”
Michelle smiled and twisted her long dark hair into a bun. “Not a problem. And for the millionth time, are you sure you don’t want to live with me this summer?” The two of them would share an off-campus apartment in the fall while they were in graduate school. But Michelle had been nice enough to let Kelly store her things at the apartment for the summer, even though she wouldn’t actually be paying rent. It had been a relief to find out their friend Maria was planning on taking classes over the summer. Maria had needed a place to stay and had offered to sublet the room from Kelly. That was one less worry, at least.
Kelly nodded. “I’ll be fine. It will do me good to get away. Besides, I’ll be able to save a lot of money, and now that I’ll be paying my own tuition, I’ll need it.”
Michelle sighed. “I’m sorry life has been so hard for you lately. But I’m still not convinced you need to do something drastic. I’m afraid you’re in for a miserable summer.”
When Kelly had told Michelle her plan to go live in Amish Country for the summer, her friend had displayed a rather strong reaction. “Why would you do something like that to yourself? I don’t care if you have had a tough year. You’re going to go crazy out in the middle of nowhere,” Michelle had said, her gorgeous face twisted in horror.
The past year had been one for the record books. Her senior year of college was supposed to have been perfect. But as soon as she’d stepped off of the plane from Europe, things had begun falling apart. First, her parents divorced. Then, she’d had a near-fatal car accident. The toll of those two things combined had contributed to her losing the scholarship to graduate school that had been all but in the bag. The final straw was when her boyfriend of three years, Nick, had dumped her for his ex. Yes, she was certain that if the Guinness Book of World Records had a Worst Year Ever category, she’d win hands down.
So maybe living among the Amish would be good for her. At least for a few months. Plus, her grandmother’s sister could use the help. Aunt Irene ran a bed-and-breakfast, but maintaining the place was starting to be too much for the elderly woman to handle alone. So, when she’d offered for Kelly to come and stay, rent free, in exchange for a few household chores, Kelly had jumped at the chance.
“Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. It will be a growing experience.” She tried to sound sure, but the words sounded hollow even to her own ears.
Michelle clearly wasn’t convinced. “Whatever. But the offer stands. Once you get sick of a simple lifestyle, you can crash on the couch for the rest of the summer.” She brightened. “And then, next fall, we’re going to have the best time ever. Our own place. Hot guys with real jobs. It’s going to be a blast. We’ll make up for your stinky senior year.”
Kelly managed a grin and followed Michelle down the hallway without even a second glance at the room she’d called home for the past year. She was ready to start a new chapter.
Chapter Four
Emma
“Miss Emma, are you sad about somethin’?” Nine-year-old Ike trotted over to Emma’s desk, a thoughtful expression on his freckled face.
“I’m not sad, Ike, but there are a lot of things on my mind.” She straightened the papers in front of her, glad the school day was over.
“What kinds of things?” Ever the questioner, Ike was rarely satisfied with the answers his teacher gave him.
“Well, there are a few things troubling me right now. Grown-up stuff.” Emma had always hated that kind of response when she was young and was ashamed to be using it now, especially on such a sharp kid. She stood up and guided him toward the door, hoping to avoid further questioning.
“Trouble?” Ike waited as she closed the door. “My mamm always says ’don’t trouble trouble till trouble troubles you.’” His mouth turned upward and his gap-toothed smile made her feel better.
“Your mamm is a wise woman.” Emma watched as Ike ran to catch up with his brothers. She started the short walk home, lost in thought. Had she been troubling trouble? Maybe. But not on purpose.
If only Emma could be as lighthearted as a nine-year-old again. And her worries were even worse now that she’d told Abby what was weighing on her mind. In the two weeks since she’d confessed her doubts to Abby, she’d had to put up with non-stop questioning about her decision.
Abby had been quick to let her know that she hadn’t once doubted their life. She trusted their parents, trusted God, and had never felt the least bit tempted to see what else was out there. This knowledge only made Emma feel worse. What was wrong with her?
She and Abby had always been different, even as children. When Emma was ten and Abby a year younger, they’d entered a baking contest. Abby’s cake had been made from scratch, just as the rules stated. It was a beautiful cake, even their mamm had said so, and she was known for her baked goods. Emma’s was a disaster from the beginning. In desperation, she’d finally gone over to her grandparents’ house, snuck into the kitchen, and snatched one of the lemon meringue pies her mammi had baked. She’d tried to pass it off as her own, but one look and no one believed she’d baked it. Abby’s cake won. And Emma was in heaps of trouble when their mamm found out what she’d done. Dat, on the other hand, had chuckled when he thought no one was looking. Emma had seen his broad shoulders shaking, though, and it had taken some of the sting out of her punishment to know that he at least found her antics laugh worthy.
As she got closer to home, she passed a vivid display of spring flowers blooming. There may not be any place more beautiful than Shipshewana in the spring. Not that I have anywhere to compare it to. Emma tried to push the negative thought away as she reached the house.
“Good afternoon, Emma.” Mamm was bustling about the kitchen, cleaning the spots that only she could see. “You got some mail today.” She motioned toward the counter.
Emma spotted the envelope. She’d know that loopy script anywhere. “It’s from Lydia Ann.” She eagerly ripped it open.
Mamm looked up with curiosity. “I hope she’s doing well.” She grabbed a broom and began to sweep the kitchen floor. She hovered near the counter, though, and Emma knew she was waiting to hear the contents of the letter. Lydia Ann didn’t write often, so there must be news.
Lydia Ann was four years older than Emma, and even though they didn’t see each other often anymore, Emma had fond memories of her from childhood. Lydia Ann, Emma, and Abby used to spend a couple of weeks each summer with their grandparents and always had such fun. When Emma returned home, it felt like she’d been on a real adventure.
Dear Emma,
Greetings from Charm, Ohio! We’re already starting to be bombarded by tourists, and I’m trying to get the quilt shop ready for the rush. I hope you’re doing well. I’ll bet you’re glad school is about to be out for the summer. By the time you receive this letter, you should have only a few days left.
The girls and I are still coping with Levi’s death, but we’re finally starting to adjust. Having two small children and a store to run is tough, but it keeps me too busy to dwell on how much I miss him.
Do you know of anyone who might be interested in coming to Charm for the summer? I could really use the help, both with the girls and the store. I can’t pay too much, but I can provide free room and board. Ask Abby and your mamm if they know of anyone. Tell everyone I said “hello” and that I miss them. You are always in my prayers.
Love,
Lydia Ann
“It sounds like Lydia Ann is having a tough time.” Emma laid the letter down. “It must be hard to lose a husband at such a young age.” Levi had died last year after losing a battle with cancer. Now Lydia Ann was raising their four-year-old twin girls alone. Emma’s own problems seemed small in comparison.
Mamm leaned the broom against the wall and sat down. “She’s known a lot of sadness in her young life.” The little lines around her blue eyes were more prominent than normal as she squinted to read Lydia Ann’s print.
“Do you know of anyone who could go help her out?” Emma asked once Mamm was through reading.
Her mother looked thoughtful. “I’m not sure. Abby already has a job. And Sarah isn’t old enough to be of much help.”
That was true. At only eight years old, Emma’s youngest sibling would likely be more of a hindrance than a help.
“But you…” Mamm trailed off and looked at Emma expectantly.
“Me?” Emma’s voice squeaked. “You think I should go?”
“Go where?” Abby entered the kitchen and grabbed an apple from the bowl. She eyed her older sister curiously.
“Lydia Ann needs some help in Charm. The summer will be busy and she’s got those two little ones.” Mamm stood and handed the letter to Abby. “I think Emma should go help her out. It’s only for a few weeks.” She resumed her sweeping as if it were a done deal.
“Jah, I think that’s a wonderful idea.” Abby glanced at Emma, her blue eyes wide. “You’d have a great time with Lydia Ann, and I’m sure Jacob would understand. Especially since you’d be coming back to him soon.” She smiled sweetly.
Something in Abby’s voice made Emma peer at her sister a little closer. She seemed very satisfied with herself.
The two of them locked eyes and Abby looked away first. She’s guilty of something. Emma was sure of it. What had her sister done?
Abby backed out of the room and sped down the hall toward her room.
Emma watched her sister’s departing figure. She noticed Mamm watching their interaction with interest. “I’d promised I’d help out in the quilt store here this summer. I’d better make sure Abby really doesn’t mind if I’m away for a while.” She hurried toward Abby’s room.
“Abby,” she hissed, “did you somehow set this up?”
Little Miss Innocent perched on her bed and crossed her legs. “If I did, it was only for your own good.” She pushed away a blonde tendril that had escaped from her kapp. “Besides, Lydia Ann does need the help, and you need to come to terms with things. Staying in Charm for the summer and sorting everything out is much better than running away from your family and the man who loves you.” Her round eyes narrowed. “—And who you love.”
Maybe she underestimated Abby. All these years, Emma had been pegged as the rebel, but apparently, Abby could cook up schemes of her own. “Did you tell mamm about my doubts?” Emma crossed her arms and tried to read Abby’s face.
“Of course not. No need to worry her. I used the quilt shop phone to call Lydia Ann and fill her in, though. We both thought Mamm would immediately think of you as the best candidate to go help out.”
Emma sputtered, trying to form words. Sometimes her little sister was just too much.
“You’ve only got cold feet. Nothing a little time away won’t cure.” Abby smoothed the pink Dahlia quilt on her bed. “I guarantee, by the end of the summer, you’ll be missing your life here so bad, you’ll never give leaving another thought.”
Emma sank down into the rocking chair beside the bed. Unless she was prepared to leave town under the cover of night and run away, it looked like a trip to Charm was in her future. And as much as she’d been weighing her options lately, she wasn’t ready to run away just yet. She studied her hands in her lap as if they contained the answer to life’s problems.
“It’s more than just cold feet. Sometimes I feel trapped here, and I’m dying to see more of what else is out there.” She looked at Abby intently. “Charm for the summer does give me a temporary way out, though.” Temporary being the key. Maybe it would buy her some time to figure things out. And she might meet some interesting people. “If I decide to go, I’m only going because Lydia Ann can truly use the help. I’ll still feel the same way about things when I get back.”
Abby reached over and patted her on the arm. A very patronizing little pat. “That’s fine. If you still feel the same way when you get back, maybe then you should rethink some things.” She stood. “Come on. There are more chores to do before supper.” She turned to walk off.
Emma stuck her tongue out at Abby’s retreating figure. Maybe not the most mature thing she’d ever done, but Abby sure had a way of getting underneath her skin.
Chapter Five
Emma
Ever since she was a small girl, there had always been one place she could go to think. And after the surprising invitation from Lydia Ann, she needed to get away from the prying eyes of her sister and the constant chatter of Sarah and Thomas. So after the supper dishes were cleaned, Emma darted out of the house and into the barn.
Once inside, the sharp scent of hay filled her nose. She quietly closed the door behind her, trying not to disturb the animals that were in for the night. She went into an empty stall and sat down on a hay bale. Her trusty flashlight was hidden in a nook along the wall. Over the years, she’d spent countless years hiding out in the barn, praying, reading, or just thinking.
Tonight, she needed to make a decision about Charm. Even though Abby was behind the scheme, there was no doubt that Lydia Ann could use the help. Plus, Emma had to admit that a change of scenery might do her some good.
The barn door creaked as it swung open. Emma froze. Just a few minutes alone were all she wanted. Was that too much to ask for?
“Emma?” Dat’s deep voice broke the silence in the barn, and the horses stirred. “Are you in here?” His lantern cast weird shadows on the wall.
She poked her head around the stall. “Here I am.”
He stepped in front of where she sat and smiled down at her. Mose Miller was tall and broad shouldered. His sharp, angled face probably looked severe to some, but his brown eyes were kind. Emma had her father’s eyes, the color of chocolate and shaped like almonds. Each of her siblings had her mother’s blue eyes, and she’d always been secretly happy to be the lone brown-eyed one in the bunch.
“I figured you’d be here. Doin’ some thinkin’?”
She gave a tiny smile and nodded. “Wonderin’ if I should spend the summer in Charm, that’s all.” At least thinking about summer plans allowed her to stop fretting over what to do about Jacob.
“Mind if I give you some advice?”
As far as Emma could remember, her father had never offered up any advice to her. Sure, he made rules for the family. But he’d never really shared his opinion with her before. Not even when she’d decided between teaching and working in a store.
She nodded. “I’d love to hear what you think.”
Mose hung the lantern on the wall and sat down on a haybale opposite her. He let out a deep sigh and pulled his hat off of his head. “Emma, you’ve always been a little different than your siblings.” His smile reached his eyes. “And different’s not always a bad thing. It’s just different. I know that you probably question a lot of things here.” He turned his hat around and around in his big hands. “I’ve watched you grow from a funny little girl into a thoughtful young woman. I remember all those nights when you’d sneak out here to read your library books by flashlight. I knew then that we were in for some trouble.”
She smiled sheepishly. “You knew what I was doing?”
He chuckled. “Let’s just say that I always have a pretty good idea what you’re up to.” His eyes clouded over. “You remind me so much of Clara.” He stopped twirling the hat and shook his head.
Clara was her father’s younger sister. Lydia Ann’s mother. She’d been killed a few years ago in a fire, and Emma had watched her father’s private grief. He’d never told her that she reminded him of Aunt Clara, though. “I do? I don’t think we look that much alike.”
“It’s not your looks that remind me of her, although you did get your coloring from my side of the family. It’s your spark. You have a zest for life that Clara always had. She used to test our parents something fie
rce.” He rubbed his beard. “I always promised myself that if I ever had a child like her, I’d try to be more understanding.” He raised a thick eyebrow. “Would you say I’ve succeeded?”
Emma smiled. “I know I’ve been a bit of a rebel at times. I guess I’ll never be as perfect as Abby.” Her smile was gone. She’d always been afraid she was a disappointment compared to her sister. Was that what her dat was trying to say?
The big man shook his head. “You can’t compare your children. You’ll see that someday. Each child is their own person. Life would sure be boring if we were all exactly the same, wouldn’t it?”
She nodded. “I guess. I just seem to struggle a little more than some.”
“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. I know that you’ve been spending some time with Jacob Yoder.” He looked intently at her and she felt the heat in her face. “Your mamm and his mamm have been wanting to see the two of you make a match practically since you were born.”
She was surprised at his knowledge. It went to show that even though someone may be quiet, he could still be keenly observant.
“I know that Jacob is getting ready to join the church. Which tells me that he’s probably getting near to being ready to ask someone to be his wife.” He peered at her. “And you haven’t joined the church yet, although I hope that is the decision you will make. But I also know that just like Clara, you’re going to have to make those decisions on your own.” He sighed and plopped his hat back on his head. “So my advice to you is that I think you should go to Charm. Spend some time with Lydia Ann. Make some new friends.” He stood up. “Emma, I have faith in you. I believe you’ll come to the right conclusions.” He put a hand on her shoulder. “But I also know that you have to figure it all out for yourself.”
He lifted up the lantern and turned to go.
“Dat?”
He paused. “Yes, Emma?”
“I’m glad you gave me your advice. I’ve decided to go to Charm. But I sure will miss you.”
Love Finds You in Charm, Ohio Page 2
