Amish Cooking Class--The Celebration Read online

  “Yeah, I remember, but I don’t feel like going anywhere today.”

  Denise grasped the doorknob and stepped into Kassidy’s bedroom. She found her pajama-clad daughter sprawled out on the bed, doing something on her cell phone.

  Denise’s muscles tensed, and her chin jutted out. “I hope you’re not texting anyone. And for heaven’s sake, Kassidy, you’re not even dressed. If you’re not ready in the next fifteen minutes, we are going to be late.”

  Kassidy sat up, swinging her legs over the side of the bed. “Late for what?”

  “I told you, it’s a surprise.”

  “Are you and Dad taking me to get a new smartphone?” Kassidy held up her cell phone. “I hope so, ’cause this one’s having some issues. Besides, it’s outdated, and I’d like a better one. This phone is a piece of junk.”

  “Your dad’s meeting a friend at the golf course this morning, and we’ll talk about your phone later.” Denise gestured to her daughter’s closet. “Now please hurry and get dressed.” She left the room before Kassidy could offer a retort.

  Denise waited a few seconds, then tiptoed quietly back to the entrance of her daughter’s bedroom. Peeking around the doorway, she saw Kassidy throw her cell phone on the bed and stomp her way over to the closet. Then, as she went from hanger to hanger, trying to decide what to wear, Kassidy stiffened her shoulders and repeated her mother’s words. “Now hurry and get dressed.” She pulled one outfit out, throwing it on the bed, then reached for another. Kassidy didn’t realize she had more clothes than some children got in a lifetime.

  I hope I didn’t make a mistake signing her up for cooking classes. Denise leaned away from Kassidy’s door and rubbed her temples. Did I make the right decision by not telling her about the cooking classes? Should I say something on the way to Walnut Creek, or wait until we get there and hope she’s pleasantly surprised?

  Dover

  “How come you don’t have to work today?” Jeremy asked, looking at his dad from across the kitchen table.

  Darren drank some coffee and set his mug on the table. “You’re kidding, right?”

  Jeremy tipped his head. “What do ya mean?”

  “I told you earlier this week that I’d signed you up to take cooking classes. And last night I reminded you. How could you have forgotten so quickly?”

  “I didn’t forget. Just figured you’d probably get Mrs. Larsen to take me ’cause you’d be working today.”

  “No, I made sure today would be free for me. I worked Monday through Friday so I could take today off.” Darren took another swig of coffee. “Thought I’d drop you off at the home where the classes are being taught, then browse around some of the shops in the area until it’s time to pick you up.”

  Jeremy’s brows furrowed. “Sure wish you hadn’t signed me up for this. I’m gonna feel stupid taking cooking classes with a bunch of girls.”

  “You don’t know that. There could be other boys there too.” Darren put his empty mug in the sink, reached into his pocket, and put a piece of chewing gum in his mouth. “You’d better go comb your hair so we can get going.”

  “Aw, Dad,” Jeremy whined, “can’t you at least stay with me during the class?”

  “I’m sure none of the other parents are going to stay with their kids. Wouldn’t you feel funny if I was the only one who did?” Darren tried to sound encouraging.

  “Maybe. If I don’t like the class, can I quit?”

  “We’ll see how it goes.”

  Millersburg

  Ellen stood on the front porch, waiting for Becky to join her. Ever since she’d been reminded about the cooking class this morning, Becky had dragged her feet. It was out of the girl’s comfort zone to interact with strangers. She’d made it clear that she didn’t want to go. Ellen would not give in, however. She felt certain something as fun as taking cooking classes was what her daughter needed. Perhaps Becky would make some new friends there too.

  A warm breeze came up, lifting Ellen’s hair away from her face. The temperature had been rising the last few days. Summer was definitely on its way. She looked forward to taking days off from the hospital and being able to spend time with Becky. She’d arranged her work schedule so she could have every other Saturday off, which would allow her to attend the cooking classes with her daughter. Maybe after each class was over for the day, they could go out to lunch, do some shopping, or visit one of the parks in the area. Walnut Creek wasn’t far from Millersburg and had a nice restaurant, as well as several gift shops to browse in.

  Ellen watched the billowy white clouds overhead. Ever since she was a child she’d enjoyed studying the different shapes of the clouds, trying to imagine what her future held and always hoping she could someday be a nurse.

  The screen door squeaked open and slammed shut, halting Ellen’s musings. She turned and smiled at her daughter. “You ready to go, sweetie?”

  Becky shrugged, dropping her gaze.

  Ellen clasped her daughter’s hand. “It’ll be fun. You’ll see.”

  Berlin

  “Are you two ready? It’s almost time to go,” Miranda called to Debbie and Kevin as she stood in the hallway beneath the stairs.

  “I’m coming, Mom.” Debbie’s ponytail bounced as she bounded down the stairs. “I can’t wait to go to the cooking class.”

  Miranda smiled. At least one of her children looked forward to attending the class. In fact Debbie hadn’t stopped talking about the class since Miranda signed her children up for it.

  She wasn’t sure about Kevin, though. But at least he hadn’t said he didn’t want to go. Debbie was always willing and eager to help Miranda in the kitchen, which was no doubt the reason she was excited to learn how to make some kid-friendly dishes.

  Kevin plodded down the steps, wearing his favorite baseball hat—a gift from his dad last Christmas. Too bad Trent doesn’t spend more time with the kids instead of getting them gifts, Miranda fumed. Even before they separated, he hadn’t given Debbie and Kevin enough attention. But what was the use in thinking about that now? They needed to get going. It wouldn’t be good to be late for the first class.

  “Let’s go, kids.” Miranda grabbed her purse and car keys and herded the children out the door.

  After everyone buckled in, Miranda started the car. She’d no more than pulled out of the driveway when Debbie called from the back seat, “What do you think the teacher will show us how to make, Mom?”

  “I don’t know, honey, but I’m sure it’ll be easy for you to make.”

  “How many other kids will be there?”

  “I’m not sure about that either. You’ll have to wait and see.”

  “I can’t wait to tell my friend, Linda, about the cooking class.” Debbie’s tone bubbled with enthusiasm. “She’ll probably wish she could take the class too.”

  “I hope there’ll be some other boys there,” Kevin said, sitting beside his sister.

  Miranda nodded. She was glad her kids were open to the idea of taking the class, and hoped, for Kevin’s sake, that he wasn’t the only boy.

  Chapter 5

  Walnut Creek

  As Darren drove his four-wheel drive SUV down the road, following the directions on his GPS, he couldn’t help wondering what it would be like to live out here in the country. He spotted several Amish men working their fields and saw children running barefoot through the grass in their yards. Everything seemed peaceful here, at a much slower pace.

  He rolled down his window and drew a deep breath. Too bad Jeremy and I can’t live in a place like this, instead of in town. Bet we’d both be a lot happier. I know I would. With the stress of Darren’s demanding job as a fireman, he was always eager to get home and unwind. Of course, he reasoned, having a big yard and acreage to take care of might add more stress than relaxation.

  Darren glanced in the rearview mirror at Jeremy, sitting in the back seat with a scowl. He’d hoped by the time they got to Walnut Creek his son would have mellowed out a bit. So much for wishful thinking.
r />   Darren still didn’t plan to stay with his son for the whole time today. Instead of browsing some of the shops, he might stop in at the fire station in Berlin, since it was less than ten minutes from Walnut Creek. Darren had gotten to know a few fellow fire fighters from outside his station, both in Berlin and in Sugarcreek, since a lot of times several stations responded to the same fire. That was one of the things Darren enjoyed about being a fireman—the comradery between fellow fighters. The only time there might be a little competition was when they played a game of baseball. Even then, it was friendly competition, and afterward, they’d all meet at a restaurant to eat. Of course, the losing team had to pay for the winners’ meals.

  When Darren’s vehicle approached a mailbox by the side of the road, showing the address he’d been looking for, he turned his vehicle up the driveway. Another car was parked near the house, and Darren watched as an attractive woman with blond hair got out, along with a young brunette girl who looked to be about Jeremy’s age. The woman walked up the porch steps with an air of confidence and knocked on the door, while the girl stood beside her, head down and shoulders slumped. A few seconds later, the door opened, and mother and daughter, both wearing blue jeans and a T-shirt, stepped inside. Darren wondered if the woman planned to stay with her daughter. He hadn’t given it much thought until now, but maybe all the parents who brought their kids for the cooking class would stay—at least for today.

  Jeremy groaned. “See, I told you, Dad. I’m the only boy signed up for the cooking class. Can’t we forget about this and find something else to do today? I’m gonna feel stupid if I’m the only guy here today.”

  “You won’t be the only guy.” Darren thought things through a bit and changed his mind about leaving. It might be good to get to know some of the other kids’ parents. “I’ll be right here with you—at least for today’s class, so let’s get out of the car and head on in.”

  Jeremy opened the back door and got out, but he remained unmoving next to the SUV. Darren nudged his son and started walking across the grass toward the house. Dragging his feet, Jeremy trudged along beside him. Well, at least he hadn’t gotten back in the car.

  “Look Mommy, there’s a horse over there in the field,” Kevin pointed as they pulled into the driveway.

  “Yes, honey, the Amish don’t drive cars. They use a horse and buggy as their transportation.” Miranda stopped the car midway up the driveway, putting the windows down so her kids could take a better look.

  “They have cows too.” Debbie’s tone was as enthusiastic as her brother’s, and they both looked toward the barn where several cows milled around. “Do you think we can go see the animals after the class is done?”

  “We’ll see.” Miranda took a whiff of the country air. While some people might find it offensive, to her it was calming.

  “I didn’t know there’d be animals here.” Kevin giggled when a cat ran in front of their car. “I wonder what else they have in the barn.”

  “I don’t know, but I hope we find out,” Debbie responded. “Wouldn’t it be fun if the Amish family took us for a ride with the horse and buggy sometime?”

  Miranda smiled as her children laughed, watching one cat chase another into the barn. “Okay, you two. Let me find a place to park, and then we’ll head inside.” Maybe this will be a positive experience for my Kevin and Debbie.

  “What are we doing out here in the middle of nowhere?” From the back seat, Kassidy tapped Denise’s shoulder. “I don’t see much of anything but farms and a bunch of horses and cows.”

  “Just relax and enjoy the ride. We’re almost there.”

  “Almost where?”

  “Here.” Denise turned her car up a graveled driveway and parked it near two other vehicles. Then she turned in her seat to face Kassidy.

  Kassidy huffed out a long breath. “What is this place? Looks like an old farmhouse to me.”

  “It is a farmhouse, and the Amish woman who lives here teaches cooking classes.”

  “If you’re taking some cooking classes I don’t see why you brought me along. I’m old enough to stay home for a few hours by myself, you know.”

  Denise clenched her jaw as she glanced back at Kassidy. Creases had formed across her daughter’s forehead, and her eyebrows squished together.

  “The classes aren’t for me, Kassidy. Heidi Troyer will be teaching children how to cook, every other Saturday for six weeks.”

  “Huh?”

  Denise pursed her lips. “I believe you heard what I said.”

  “So you signed me up to take cooking classes? Is that your big surprise?”

  “Yes. It should be fun. I think you’ll enjoy learning how to make some easy dishes.”

  “I’m not a child. I am almost twelve years old, so I don’t need to know how to make easy dishes.” Kassidy’s lips moved rapidly. “And when will I be old enough to sit up front with you or just use a regular seatbelt? I’m tired of sitting in this safety seat.”

  Denise drew in some air and blew out a quick breath. “Just get out of the car, please.”

  Kassidy sat with her arms folded, unmoving.

  That’s just great. What am I going to do if I can’t get her to go inside? Denise opened her door, then looked back at her daughter. “Please get out so we can go inside and meet Mrs. Troyer.” She stepped out, went around to the other side of the vehicle, and stood by the back door. When the girl made no move to get out, Denise opened the door. “Kassidy, if you don’t get out right now I’ll take your cell phone.”

  Kassidy’s eyes narrowed. “That’s not fair.”

  “Neither is your stubborn refusal to get out of the car.”

  “Okay, okay.” The girl’s cheeks reddened as she unbuckled and slid out of the safety seat, then shut the car door. “I don’t want to take a cooking class, Mom.” She glanced around. “Especially not here in the middle of cow country.”

  “Don’t be so melodramatic.” Denise motioned to the two-story house. “Let’s go knock on the door. I’m sure once you meet the Amish woman and some of the other students, you’ll find you like it.”

  “I don’t want to! This is stupid!”

  Denise put her finger to her lips. “Keep your voice down. I will not stand for you throwing a temper tantrum out here in the yard.”

  “Fine, then let’s go home.” Kassidy’s arms flailed in the open air. “You didn’t even ask if I wanted to take these stupid classes.”

  Denise stood her ground. “We are not going home, and you’re not going to get your way this time. If you don’t go inside with me, I’m taking your phone.”

  Another vehicle pulled in and parked. Denise watched as a woman with shoulder-length auburn hair got out, along with a young boy and a girl. She turned to face her daughter again. “See, Kassidy, there are other children here today, and they’re both smiling. Let’s go inside and see who else will be taking the class with you.”

  Kassidy took a few steps through the grass, then stopped, wrinkling her nose. “Oh, yuck! I stepped in doggie doo-doo, and now my one shoe is ruined!”

  Denise glanced at the woman and her two children, all heading in their direction. “Kassidy, please keep your voice down. People are staring.”

  “I don’t care.” Kassidy lifted her foot, then hopped over to the porch stairs on the other foot. “How am I gonna get this horrible smell off my shoe?”

  By this time, the woman and her children had also reached the porch. The boy pointed at Kassidy’s foot and plugged his nose. “Phew! That sure stinks!”

  Kassidy’s nostrils flared, like a bull ready to charge. “Well, your ears stick out like bat wings.” She put her thumbs in her ears and wiggled her fingers.

  Horrified, Denise pointed at her daughter. “Apologize to the little boy this instant.”

  Kassidy shook her head, pulling off her sneaker. “He’s the one who should apologize; he said I stink.”

  “Did not. Said that stinks.” The boy pointed at Kassidy’s shoe.

  Denise gri
maced. So much for hoping her surprise would be welcome. Not only did her daughter not want to take the cooking classes, but now she had a shoe covered in doggie-doo and she’d made an enemy out of one of the other students. How much worse can it get?

  Just as the question entered her mind, Denise couldn’t believe what her daughter was about to do. Still holding the shoe, Kassidy began scraping the bottom of it on the edge of the porch.

  Mortified, Denise’s mouth opened. “Kassidy McGuire—stop!”

  Chapter 6

  Denise held her throbbing temples. She could hardly believe what her daughter had done. Now, in addition to the telltale smelly smudges on Kassidy’s shoe, a blob of doo-doo clung to the edge of the Amish woman’s front porch.

  Standing behind her son, and urging him forward, the boy’s mother stepped up to Denise. “I’m sorry about Kevin’s rude behavior.” She nudged the boy’s arm. “Tell the girl you’re sorry for what you said.”

  He pushed his shoulders forward and mumbled, “Sorry.”

  Denise placed her hands on Kassidy’s shoulders. “Now it’s your turn to apologize for the hurtful remark you made about his ears.”

  “I don’t want to.” Kassidy folded her arms.

  Denise’s lips pressed together as she whispered, “Guess you’re ready to give up your cell phone.”

  “No, I’m not.” Kassidy’s hands and arms went limp, as though in defeat. “Sorry for what I said.” Her unconvincing tone sounded like a half-hearted apology, but at least it had been said.

  Denise glanced at her watch. “It’s time for the class to start and we are holding things up.” She gestured to her daughter’s shoe. “Leave it on the grass beneath the porch, and we’ll deal with it, as well as the mess you made on the porch, after class. I’m sure Mrs. Troyer has something you can use to clean it all up.”

  Kassidy’s face reddened as she flapped her hands. “Don’t see why I have to do it. It’s not my fault some stupid pooch made a mess in the grass. People ought to either keep their mutts locked up or at least, clean up after their dogs when they’ve done their business.” She pointed to her other shoe. “And what should I do with this? I can’t go inside with only one shoe on.”