The Selfless Act Page 6

  CHAPTER 8

  Charm

  The next Monday, Arlene and her sisters got together in the evening to talk about Joel.

  “I think our bruder was sincere when he gave us those checks,” Arlene said as the three of them sat at the kitchen table in Dad’s old house. “He seemed genuinely repentant for neglecting all of us, too.”

  “I agree. I’ve never seen Joel with such a peaceful expression as he had when he visited us on Saturday.” Elsie went to the refrigerator and took out the Millionaire Pie she’d made. After slicing it and placing the pan on the table, she passed some plates to her sisters.

  Doris smiled and took a piece. “Yum. This is one of my favorite pies.”

  “Mine, too,” Arlene agreed.

  “Getting back to Joel, when he came by to see me and Brian, I noticed right away how different he looked. He even spoke in a softer tone,” Doris said. “I think we should call Aunt Verna and let her know what’s happened. It’s time for us to take a vote.”

  Arlene nodded. “I already know what my vote will be.”

  Elsie pushed her chair aside and stood. “I’ll go out to the phone shack right now and give her a call. The sooner we get this settled, the better it will be for all of us.”

  The following day, Elsie was dusting the living-room furniture when she heard a car pull into the yard. Going to the door, she was surprised to see Aunt Verna getting out of a van. The lady driver got out, opened the back hatch, and lifted out a suitcase, placing it on the ground.

  Aunt Verna reached for the handle and began to tug the suitcase along the ground.

  Elsie wrapped her woolen shawl around her shoulders and rushed outside. Walking carefully around the piles of snow still in the yard, she saw Aunt Verna let go of the handle, then she greeted her with a hug. “I’m surprised to see you so soon. When we spoke yesterday, you said you’d try to be here by the end of the week.”

  The elderly woman tipped her head. “What was that?”

  Speaking louder, Elsie repeated what she’d said.

  Aunt Verna smiled and patted Elsie’s shoulder. “My driver has other plans for the end of the week. Since she was only available today and tomorrow, I decided I’d better come now. I would have called first, but I wasn’t sure when you would check your messages, so I decided to just come ahead.”

  “Well, I’m glad you’re here. I’ll try calling Doris and Arlene, but I don’t know if I can reach them today.”

  “That’s okay. I can stay till tomorrow evening. That’s when my driver will be back to pick me up.”

  While Aunt Verna said goodbye to her driver, Elsie bent down and picked up her small suitcase. No sense trying to pull this travel bag through piles of snow. Out of consideration for her aunt, she would put her things in the downstairs bedroom, and she and John would sleep upstairs. That meant Glen and Blaine would have to share a room again, but it was only for one night, so it shouldn’t be a problem.

  Once inside, Elsie took her aunt’s coat and other outer garments and hung them up. “Have you had lunch yet?”

  “Do I have a hunch about what?”

  “No, I asked if you’ve had lunch yet. I’ve eaten already, but there’s some leftover schplittaerbs supp I can reheat if you want.”

  Aunt Verna’s nose wrinkled. “I’ve never cared much for split-pea soup. Your daed always liked it, but not me.”

  “Oh, I see. Can I fix you a sandwich then?”

  “No, it’s okay. I developed a koppweh on the drive here and would really like to lie down awhile.” She rubbed her temples.

  “I’m sorry you have a headache. I’ll put your things in mine and John’s room, and you can rest there on our bed.” Elsie made sure to speak slowly and loud enough for her aunt to hear.

  “Are you sure? I can take one of the bedrooms upstairs.”

  “The downstairs bedroom will be best. It’ll be easier if you don’t have to climb the stairs.”

  “Okay, if you insist. Elsie, could you please bring me a cold washcloth for my forehead?” Aunt Verna questioned before starting down the hall in the direction of the bedroom.

  “Sure, no problem. I’ll bring you a cup of chamomile tea and some aspirin, too,” Elsie called.

  Apparently her aunt didn’t hear what she said, for she continued down the hall without a response.

  I’ll take it to her anyway, Elsie thought as she started for the kitchen. Then I’ll go out to the phone shack and call Doris, Arlene, and Joel. Maybe we can all meet to talk about opening those envelopes before we sit down to a nice meal at the get-together this evening.

  Akron

  As Joel headed down the freeway, he glanced in the rearview mirror and smiled. He didn’t know why Elsie had invited him to join her family for supper this evening, but he’d gladly accepted the invitation. Besides enjoying a delicious home-cooked meal, he looked forward to spending time with her family.

  He glanced at the satchel on the seat beside him, where he’d put his harmonica, then looked quickly back at the road. After they ate, he looked forward to playing a few tunes for the family. Sure wish Arlene and her family could be there. I’ll bet Scott would enjoy playing his harmonica with me. The boy reminded Joel of himself at that age—full of curiosity and eager to try new things. Sure hope he doesn’t rebel like I did when he starts his running-around years. If he does, I’ll speak up and try to guide him in the right direction.

  Joel winced, feeling a stab of regret. His parents and sisters—especially Doris—had tried to make him see the error of his ways, but he’d ignored them and done his own thing.

  I wonder how things would be for me now if I hadn’t rebelled. He gripped the steering wheel as a car passed him, going much too fast. If I’d stayed Amish, I wouldn’t have met Kristi. Maybe I was meant to be with Anna, but of course, I botched that up, too.

  Joel thought about the choices people made and how one simple act or decision could change the course of a person’s life. His decision to go English had certainly set his life on a different path. If he’d remained Amish, he wouldn’t have been so desperate to make money so he could acquire worldly things. It wasn’t that modern things were all bad, but putting material possessions ahead of family and always striving for more made people selfish and greedy. He wondered if his desire to own the Corvette had been purely to make him feel good about himself. When Joel had been out driving the car and people admired it, he’d felt proud of himself for owning something so nice—something the average person couldn’t afford.

  He didn’t care about that anymore. He wanted to live a normal life, make a decent living, and someday find a sweet, Christian wife. I almost did, he reminded himself. But she’s out of my life now, and I need to quit dwelling on it. God’s given me another chance, so I have to keep my focus on living a life pleasing to Him.

  Charm

  Joel stepped onto his dad’s porch and was surprised when Aunt Verna opened the door. “I sure didn’t expect to see you here this evening.” He gave her a hug.

  “I arrived this afternoon.” She opened the door wider and let him in. “After you hang up your jacket, join me in the living room, where your sisters are waiting.” She patted his shoulder.

  Joel was even more surprised. When he’d received Elsie’s invitation for supper, he’d assumed it would only be him and her family. Having the rest of his family together this evening would be even nicer, though. He looked forward to more gatherings like this.

  Coming into his father’s house and looking around, he felt different on the inside—better. I’m sure my daed would be pleased to know that the stipulation he put in his will helped me pull out of a downward spiral.

  Bringing his thoughts to a halt, Joel placed his jacket on a wall peg and entered the living room, where Arlene, Doris, and Elsie sat on the couch. They were talking about Aunt Verna getting some new hearing aids. His sisters sounded thrilled, and his aunt said she couldn’t wait to use them so she could hear like a kid again. There was no sign of his sisters’ hu
sbands, though, or any of their children.

  “I’m glad you could make it, Joel. We’ll eat supper after we’ve had our meeting.” Elsie pointed to the recliner where Dad used to sit. “Please, take a seat.”

  He did as she’d requested, and Aunt Verna took a seat in the rocking chair.

  “Where’s everyone else?” Joel asked, looking around.

  “The kinner are upstairs, and the men, including Glen and Blaine, are in the barn. They’ll come inside as soon as we call them,” Arlene replied.

  Aunt Verna cleared her throat, before looking at Joel. “Your sisters have told me about the money you gave them from the sale of your fancy car.”

  He nodded.

  “They also said you’ve had a change of heart and apologized for all the hurts you have caused your family.” She kept her gaze steadily on him.

  Joel rubbed the bridge of his nose, hoping he wouldn’t break down. He still felt deep remorse for all the things he’d done in the past. “I made my peace with God, Aunt Verna. I’ve committed my life to Him and want to do things better from now on.” He glanced at his sisters, all looking intently at him. “When I gave out those checks, I didn’t expect anything in return. And if I don’t get anything from Dad’s estate, that’s okay, too.”

  “Did I hear you right, Joel?” Aunt Verna tipped her head, peering at him over the top of her glasses. “Did you just say if you didn’t get anything from your daed’s estate, it would be okay?”

  “That’s right.” Joel dropped his gaze to the floor. “I treated Dad badly and don’t deserve a single thing.”

  “But he wanted all of you to have something.” Aunt Verna picked up four envelopes that had been lying on the small table to her left. “Your sisters and I have agreed that by selling your prized car and giving all the money to them, you’ve done a heartfelt, selfless act. Therefore, it’s time for all of you to open your envelopes.” She rose from her chair and handed each of them an envelope.

  Joel looked at the one with his name on it, and his eyes filled with tears. All these months he’d been desperate to receive his inheritance, and now he hesitated to open the envelope. Maybe Dad hadn’t left him anything at all. Or perhaps he’d given him equal shares in the money he’d made from the oil wells on his land. Whatever he got of monetary value, Joel didn’t feel deserving of it.

  With trembling fingers, he opened the envelope and read the note inside: “To my son, Joel, I leave my house, the barn, and the three acres the two buildings sit on.” Joel was fully aware that the rest of Dad’s acreage was where the oil wells sat, so he wouldn’t get any profit from those. And there had been no mention of Joel getting any of the money in Dad’s bank account, which meant, with the exception of the horses in the barn, and the house he’d grown up in, Joel hadn’t been given anything of real value.

  Joel clasped his hands together in his lap. Guess I’m getting exactly what I deserve. Sure don’t know what I’m gonna do with the barn or house.

  CHAPTER 9

  Berlin

  On the first Saturday of April, another day off for Doris, she’d gone to town to run a few errands. It was nice to know their financial burdens would be lifted soon. Now they wouldn’t have to be stressed out, trying to make ends meet. Doris needed to consider whether she wanted to continue working or stay home and keep house.

  Her last stop before heading home was the pharmacy inside the German Village complex. As she approached the cashier with her purchases, she glanced to the left and saw Kristi Palmer heading her way.

  “It’s so nice to see you, Doris.” Kristi smiled, toting some bottles of vitamins. “It’s been awhile since we talked, and I’ve been wondering how you and your family are doing.”

  “A lot has happened since we last spoke. If you have a few minutes, maybe we can sit on a bench outside the store and visit.”

  “I have plenty of time. I just came from the quilt shop where I went to buy material for the queen-sized quilt I’m making.” Kristi set her purchases on the counter and opened the satchel she’d been carrying over her shoulder. “Here, let me show you the color of materials I picked for my quilt.” She opened the bag and pulled up the fabric.

  “Oh, those shades of purple are so pretty.” Doris paused until Kristi put the material back in place. “I didn’t realize you knew how to quilt.”

  “I didn’t—not until I took some classes from the Amish lady at the quilt shop on Main Street.” Kristi picked up her vitamins and got in line behind Doris. “When you gave me that beautiful wall hanging I became inspired.”

  “Do you still have it?” Doris turned and looked at her intently.

  “Definitely. It’s hanging on my bedroom wall. I think it looks great there, and it has a special meaning for me.”

  Doris was pleased to hear this. She half-expected Kristi to get rid of the quilted piece after her breakup with Joel.

  When they’d paid for their purchases, Doris led the way out of the store, where she found an empty bench near the Christian bookstore. After they’d both taken a seat, she filled Kristi in on all that had happened since their last visit, including the fire that destroyed Elsie and John’s house, as well as what Joel had done with the money from the sale of his classic car.

  Kristi looked at Doris in disbelief. “Did he do it so he could get his inheritance?”

  “No. In fact, Joel said he didn’t care about the money anymore. He just wanted—”

  An elderly Amish woman came up to Doris and rested her hand on the back of the bench. “Do you know whether your sister Elsie is home today?”

  “I’m not sure,” Doris replied. “Is there something you need to ask her?”

  The woman smiled. “I wanted to let her know that my son Harold is available to help when they’re ready to move into their new house.”

  “It’s nice of him to offer, Ada. They’ll be moving out of Dad’s old place the last Saturday of this month, so I’m sure they’ll appreciate all the help they can get.”

  “I’ll let Harold know.” Ada said goodbye and headed into the market across the way.

  Doris turned to face Kristi. “I’m sorry. I should have introduced you. Ada’s been a friend of our family for years. In fact, she used to go to school with my dad.”

  “It’s all right. I wasn’t offended.” Kristi held her purse in her lap, twisting the strap around her fingers. “I’m really sorry to hear about Elsie losing her house. Is there anything they need?”

  “Furniture, mostly, but now that my sisters and I will get our share of Dad’s estate, Elsie will be able to afford whatever she needs.”

  “That’s wonderful news.” Kristi stood. “I need to get going. It was nice seeing you, Doris. Please tell your sisters I said hello.”

  Doris rose from the bench and gave Kristi a hug. Then she picked up her things and headed toward her horse and buggy, which were secured at one of the hitching rails in the parking lot. She’d hoped Kristi might ask her to say hello to Joel, too. Apparently she didn’t care about him anymore.

  How sad, she thought when she turned and saw Kristi walk away. She didn’t even seem that interested when I tried to tell her Joel has changed. Maybe the relationship between Kristi and my brother was never meant to be.

  When Kristi entered the Farmstead Restaurant and saw the long line that went almost out the door, she realized she’d probably have to wait awhile before being seated at a table. Since she wasn’t in a hurry to get home, she didn’t really mind the wait. Besides, it would give her a chance to digest all that Doris had told her. Was it possible Joel had actually changed? Could he really have sold his Corvette and given his sisters the money? For his family’s sake, she hoped it was true.

  It’s a shame he couldn’t have changed when we were still dating, Kristi thought. It’s been quite a while since I last heard from Joel. If he loved me, the way he said he did, I would think he’d have let me know he’d made things right with his family. She shifted her purse to the other shoulder. But then, I chose not to resp
ond to any of the messages he did leave, so I guess it makes sense that he didn’t call later.

  Kristi assumed that, more than six months after their breakup, Joel had moved on with his life. For her, though, it had been hard to move on—at least when it came to dating. She was actually thankful Darin hadn’t pursued a relationship with her. She was content to be his friend.

  It’s still hard for me to fathom that Joel could have changed. I wonder what all he said to make Doris believe him. Could he have only said it to get his inheritance, or is it possible that—Kristi’s thoughts halted when the person behind her nudged her arm gently. “Excuse me, Miss, but the people ahead of you have moved to the front of the line.”

  “Oh, sorry.” Kristi’s cheeks warmed as she quickly stepped forward. She was almost to the hostess’s desk and could see into part of the restaurant, including the all-you-can-eat buffet. She watched the young Amish waitress clear a table, wiping the area clean as soon as the customers rose and headed for the desk to pay for their meal. Several other workers moved quickly about, trying to cater to many hungry patrons.

  Her mouth watered, smelling the delicious aromas. She could hardly wait until it was her turn to be seated at a table. Kristi had eaten at this restaurant before and remembered how good the baked chicken on the buffet had tasted. Another thing Kristi had enjoyed were the pickled red beets. After I’m seated and it’s time to place my order, I’m definitely going to do the buffet.

  Kristi didn’t normally eat much for lunch, but today she’d make an exception and would probably be full the rest of the day. I may not have to eat any supper tonight, but if I get hungry later, I’ll fix a light snack. I probably should go for a run as soon as I get home, to burn off all the calories I’ll be eating today.

  The man and woman in front of Kristi were being seated, so it was her turn next. Her stomach growled, and she placed her hand over it, hoping no one had heard. In a short while she’d be choosing whatever she wanted from the delicious array of foods on the buffet.