Amish Cooking Class--The Blessing Read online

  Loretta placed her hand on Heidi’s arm, giving it a gentle pat. “How are you dealing with this?”

  Heidi’s posture sagged. “I’m disappointed, of course, but it’s a situation I cannot change, so I am trying to accept it as God’s will.”

  Loretta nodded soberly. “When things are out of our control, acceptance is always the best. God’s way is not always our way.”

  “True. Now how are things with you these days? Are you still making plans to join the Amish church?”

  “Yes, I am, and once I become a member, I suspect Eli will ask me to marry him. He’s hinted at it several times.”

  Heidi gave Loretta a hug. She needed to hear some good news. “That’s wonderful. I’m happy things are going well for you.”

  Loretta’s wide smile reached all the way to her coffee-colored eyes. “Danki.”

  “Where are your children today?”

  “They’re staying with a neighbor. I needed to get some serious shopping done, and it’s hard to do it with Abby and Conner along—especially when they start begging for things they shouldn’t have or don’t need.”

  “Do the children know about your decision to become Amish?” Heidi shifted her weight.

  “Yes, and they’re happy about it. Abby and Conner love Eli, and he’s made it clear that the feeling is mutual. I feel blessed to have met him during your cooking classes. I truly believe God brought us together.”

  “I couldn’t agree more.” Heidi felt blessed, too, knowing she’d had a small part in bringing two of her students together in such a special way. She thought about her current group of students and wondered if anything said or done during the upcoming classes would make a difference in any of their lives.

  Millersburg

  “Mr. Mason, may I speak with you a minute please?”

  Bill set his broom aside and turned to face Debra Shultz, one of the high school English teachers. Debra was in her sixties and had never married. It didn’t take a genius to know why, either. The woman was a complainer, always looking for something to pick about. At least that’s how Bill felt whenever she started in on him. Last week, during a cool morning, it was the vent in her classroom, and how the heat wasn’t coming out of it correctly. The week before that, she complained about her floors—said they hadn’t been cleaned properly. As far as Bill was concerned, Ms. Shultz should have retired years ago.

  “What is it, Ms. Schultz?” He tapped his foot impatiently, as she stood with arms folded, looking at him over the top of her metal-framed glasses with narrowed mousy brown eyes. Bill resisted the urge to add this time. He tried to remain polite and calm.

  “I wanted to remind you to make sure the garbage cans in my classroom get emptied today.” A muscle in her right cheek quivered. “You must have been in a hurry last Friday, because when I entered my classroom this morning, the garbage can by my desk was still full of trash.”

  “Sorry about that. I’ll take care of it now if you like.” Apparently the custodian who emptied the trash had missed one of her cans. Bill would speak to him about it, but for now, it was best to simply do the job himself.

  She shook her head vigorously. “I have one more class yet today, and I don’t want to be disturbed. When you’re finished doing your cleaning at the end of the day, you can empty the garbage.”

  “Sure, no problem.” Bill picked up the broom and began sweeping the hallway again, where several pieces of wadded-up paper lay. She apparently didn’t realize he wasn’t a regular janitor anymore. No question about it—today was definitely Monday. He hoped he didn’t encounter any more picky teachers.

  As Bill moved on, he stepped aside for a group of students coming out of the lunchroom. He recognized one of them right away. It was Nicole Smith, whom he’d met at Heidi Troyer’s cooking class a week ago Saturday. She glanced his way, but when he nodded, smiled, and said “Hello,” she turned her head the other way.

  He frowned. Surely she must recognize me. Maybe Nicole doesn’t want anyone to know she’s acquainted with a lowly janitor and is taking cooking classes with him outside of school.

  Bill reflected on how she’d acted the day of the cooking class. Come to think of it, the girl hadn’t said much, and barely made eye contact—not just with Bill, but with the other students as well.

  She could be a bit snobbish. Bill moved on down the hall. He noticed she wasn’t walking with anyone right now. Nicole Smith might be a loner, or maybe she had trouble making friends.

  Earlier today when Bill had started sweeping the halls because the other custodians were busy with different things, he’d slowed and stopped to listen after hearing a teacher mention Nicole’s name in one of the classrooms. A water fountain was right next to the door, so as not to appear obvious, he’d stepped over to it and taken a long drink. He couldn’t help overhearing the teacher tell Nicole she wasn’t doing well with her grades, and then he’d listened as Nicole tried to explain.

  Wiping his shirtsleeve across his wet mouth, and down on his chin, where water had dripped, he’d watched as Nicole practically flew out of the room. Bill’s quick sidestep had kept the girl from plowing into him, but it appeared she hadn’t even noticed he was there. He’d remembered how Nicole introduced herself at Heidi’s. The poor girl had a lot of responsibility to shoulder.

  Watching as she went down the hall now, Bill continued sweeping. Maybe I ought to make an effort to get to know her better during the cooking classes. He gripped the handle of his broom as the idea set in. Yep. I think that little gal might just need a friend.

  Nicole walked briskly down the hall toward her history class, her mouth twisting grimly. She’d had a lecture from Mrs. Wick, her English teacher, earlier today, about not getting her lessons in on time. Nicole had a feeling this would happen, with her being on overload at home. Now this was on her plate to deal with, on top of everything else. And unless she could talk her teacher out of it, her dad would soon be involved. She couldn’t let that happen. It pained Nicole to have Dad know about her failing grades. He’d not only be upset, but disappointed in her, too. Her teacher didn’t mince any words about the situation, and Nicole felt worse than ever with what she’d said.

  “You have failing grades in this class,” Mrs. Wick warned. “If you don’t bring them up, you won’t pass my class. Perhaps you should stay after school a few days a week, for some private tutoring.”

  After trying to explain her situation at home, Nicole instantly regretted telling her teacher anything. Then Mrs. Wick suggested a conference with Nicole’s father, to see if something could be worked out. The teacher said if Nicole failed one more test, she would contact her dad and suggest a one-on-one conference with him at his earliest convenience. Nicole definitely didn’t want to involve Dad. He had enough to worry about. She’d begged the teacher to give her another chance, saying she’d work extra hard to get her grades up. Mrs. Wick ended the conversation by saying she was concerned for Nicole, and the matter needed to be addressed.

  Nicole didn’t mind English so much. In fact, she liked her teacher. It could have been worse if she’d been stuck with some other English teacher, like stuffy old Ms. Shultz. She’d heard some of the students talking about how Ms. Shultz gave no one any slack. Nicole, no doubt, would have failed the class by now, and she felt thankful for Mrs. Wick’s patience. But Nicole was out of options and didn’t want to fail the class. Her teacher cared; Nicole heard it in the tone of Mrs. Wick’s voice as she’d explained the situation to her. Despite having a nice teacher, Nicole was still in a dilemma. She didn’t have time to get all her homework done. History, English, algebra, and biology—they were all hard subjects, requiring extra study for tests and homework assignments. It seemed so overwhelming.

  I don’t see how Mrs. Wick thinks I’m supposed to keep up with everything she assigns when I have so many things at home to do. She scrubbed a hand over her face. I can’t believe she suggested I stay after school for tutoring lessons and wanted to have a meeting with Dad. He doesn’t get h
ome until six o’clock most evenings, and I need to be there for Tony and Heather, not to mention cooking supper every night. Who knows what kind of mischief those two would get into if I came home even a few minutes late?

  To make matters worse, when Nicole left Mrs. Wick’s classroom, she’d almost bumped into the head janitor. She couldn’t believe he was attending Heidi Troyer’s cooking classes, and she sure hadn’t wanted that guy to know she attended the school where he worked. Worse yet would be if he found out how bad she was doing with her studies and blabbed it around the school. She wondered if janitors were friends with teachers. Did they talk or take lunch together? Nicole didn’t need all these extra things to worry about.

  Her face tightened. Life is not fair. I hardly ever have any time to myself. If I do flunk out, it won’t be my fault. She let out a puff of air. I could use some help right now. Why couldn’t I have had a study hall period, or an elective class like art or music?

  Nicole dabbed on some lip balm from her purse, thinking once again about her mother. Tonya shouldn’t have run out on us. She should have stayed and straightened up so she could take care of her family. If I ever get married, which is doubtful, I’ll never run out on my husband and children.

  Chapter 9

  Canton

  Are you sure you want to go through with this?” Lyle asked, as he and Heidi sat in the back of their driver’s van.

  Heidi gave a slow nod, fidgeting nervously with her fingers against the package she held. “Paying a call on Kendra is the right thing to do.”

  “It might be the right thing for her, but is it for you?”

  “Jah, I believe so.”

  Lyle reached over and clasped Heidi’s hand. “I don’t mean it in a prideful way, but I’m proud of you for this decision you’ve made. You and Kendra became quite close during the time she was living with us, so I’m sure our visit will be meaningful to her. She will hopefully know there are no hard feelings.”

  “I hope so.” Heidi closed her eyes and sent up a silent prayer. Heavenly Father, please help me to get through this without breaking down, and give me the right words to say to Kendra.

  After hearing Lyle draw in a deep breath, Heidi looked over at him. “What is it, Lyle?”

  “Just enjoying this time of the year.” His endearing gaze reached hers. “Can you smell and feel the fresh hay?”

  “Jah.” Heidi looked toward a field where hay had been recently cut and baled. “It’s not October yet, but you can almost smell autumn’s essence. Soon its brilliant colors will be quilting the land.”

  He grinned. “You have such a nice way with words. I could never have put it that way. But you’re absolutely right—it’s God’s perfect balance, don’t you think?”

  Heidi gave a slight nod. The land may be in perfect balance but not our lives. Children would balance hers and Lyle’s lives completely. Even if it only turned out to be one child, the hole in Heidi’s heart would finally close.

  A short time later, their driver, Ida, pulled up to a large, two-story house. “According to my GPS and the numbers on this house, we’re at the right place,” Ida announced. “If you’ll be a while, I can go somewhere for a cup of coffee. Or would you rather I just wait here in the van?”

  “We shouldn’t be more than an hour or so,” Lyle replied. “If you want to go for coffee, that’s fine. No point in you sitting here in the driveway, waiting.”

  “Okay, sounds good. I’ll be back in an hour, but if you’re not done visiting, no problem. Please, take your time.” She reached across the seat and picked up a book. “I brought some entertainment.”

  Grinning, Lyle got out of the van. Heidi did the same, remembering to take the package she’d brought for the baby. As they stepped onto the Perkins’ porch, Heidi blew out a series of short breaths.

  Lyle tipped his head to one side. “You okay?”

  “I’m fine.” Heidi quickly rang the doorbell, before she lost her nerve.

  A few seconds later, a teenage girl with long brown hair answered. “Hi, I’m Chris, and you must be the Troyers.” She smiled, revealing a set of braces on her top and bottom teeth. “I heard you were coming.”

  Heidi smiled, too, feeling a little more relaxed. She reached out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Chris. Kendra has told us a lot about you and your sister, Shelly.”

  Giggling, Chris rolled her eyes. “I can only imagine. You probably heard about all the times we pestered our big sister.”

  Heidi shook her head. “Kendra only shared the good things about growing up with you and Shelly.” She chose not to mention that Kendra had also mentioned how, when her father first asked her to leave his house, he’d instructed her sisters to have nothing to do with Kendra. It had been a difficult time for the young woman.

  “Well, that’s a relief.” Chris spoke in a bubbly tone as she held the door open wider. “Come on in. My folks aren’t here right now, but Kendra is anxiously waiting.” She led the way down the hall. “Shelly’s not here, either. Our church is having a fall craft show today, and she’s helping Mom with one of the tables.”

  Heidi was disappointed she wouldn’t get to meet Kendra’s parents, but maybe it was better this way. It might be easier to visit with Kendra if Mr. and Mrs. Perkins were not present. She wasn’t sure how much Kendra had told her folks about her and Lyle, but they might be a bit standoffish toward them—even wondering why an Amish couple would want to adopt their grandchild.

  When they entered the house, Heidi noticed a few pictures hanging on the wall in the entry. The frames were antique gold and held what appeared to be oil paintings of scenic views. It surprised her not to see any family pictures on display. Many other English homes she’d visited had photo albums sitting out and often had several family pictures on the walls.

  Heidi glanced down, noticing how the hardwood floors gleamed—especially here in the hall. The scent of baby powder filled Heidi’s nostrils as they walked behind Chris. Moisture gathered in the corners of her eyes when they entered the living room and she saw Kendra sitting in an upholstered rocking chair, holding her baby.

  “Oh, Heidi, I’m so glad you’re here. You, too Lyle.” Kendra’s eyes were wide and glowing as she nuzzled her tiny daughter.

  That could be me, holding my child. Heidi remembered how she’d had a vision of holding a baby while stirring food in a bowl on the table. Her chin trembled slightly as she tried to regain her composure. “Hello, Kendra. It’s good to see you. How are you and the baby?”

  “We’re both doing great. Come see for yourself.” Kendra motioned for Heidi to move closer.

  As Kendra’s sister left the room, Heidi placed the gift on the coffee table and made her way over to the bold flower-patterned chair. Lyle held back, taking a seat on the leather sofa. Heidi figured her husband wanted her to have the opportunity to speak with Kendra first.

  She couldn’t help noticing how Lyle leaned forward, looking intently at the large black piano sitting in the far side of the room. Kendra’s parents had a lovely home, but Heidi was more interested in seeing the precious baby than studying this house’s interior.

  Heidi’s lips parted slightly as she gazed at the tiny bundle of sweetness in Kendra’s arms. The little girl’s skin was pale and dewy, and her baby-fine hair was an auburn color, just like her mother’s. The infant’s wee eyes were closed in slumber, and her tiny, rose-colored lips made little sucking noises. She looked so sweet in her defenseless sleep.

  “She’s beautiful,” Heidi murmured. “I’m happy for you, Kendra.”

  “Thanks.” Kendra looked down at her baby and sniffed. “I never dreamed it would feel so wonderful to hold my own child. Little Heidi is my whole world, and I love her more than I ever thought possible.”

  Heidi tipped her head. “Her name is Heidi?”

  “Yeah.” Kendra looked up and smiled. “I hope you’re okay with that.”

  Heidi nearly choked on the sob rising in her throat. All she could do was nod. When she looked over at Lyle
, he gave her a reassuring smile.

  “Wanna hold her?” Kendra asked.

  Fearful she might break down if she held her namesake, Heidi replied, “Well, I—I don’t want to wake her.”

  “It’s okay. She’s been sleeping awhile. If she wakes up, she’ll go right back to sleep. My sweet little Heidi is such a good baby. Did you know, she almost came three weeks early?”

  “Yes, your mother mentioned that in the message she left us.”

  Kendra went on to explain how she’d had contractions in the grocery store, but after getting checked out at the hospital, the doctor confirmed it was only false labor, but then a few days later the real thing happened.

  Struggling against tears threatening to spill over and trying to absorb all that Kendra had said, Heidi leaned down and took the baby from her. As she stood holding the precious little girl, an image of the dream she’d had popped into her head again. Why do I keep visualizing myself holding this boppli? It was wrong to wish Kendra might change her mind and let Lyle and Heidi adopt her daughter, after all, but Heidi couldn’t seem to control her thoughts.

  Walnut Creek

  Lance had barely gotten home from delivering the mail, when the phone rang. He hurried to the kitchen and grabbed his cell phone from its charger. “Hello.”

  “Oh, good. I’m glad you’re home, Dad. Uncle Dan’s been trying to get a hold of you most of the day, and he called me in desperation.”

  Lance shifted the phone to his other ear and took a seat at the table. “Desperation? What’s that brother of mine want, Sharon? Is Dan hurt or having some kind of trouble?”

  “He didn’t say, but I don’t think it was an emergency. Uncle Dan just said he needed to talk to you right away and wished you’d answer your cell phone once in a while.”

  “I left it home this morning. The battery was almost dead and it needed to charge.”

  “Don’t you have a charger to use in your car?”